Characterization of active recombinant 2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl dehydrogenase from Comamonas testosteroni B-356 and sequence of the encoding gene (bphB).

2,3-Dihydro-2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl-2,3-dehydrogenase (B2,3D) catalyzes the second step in the biphenyl degradation pathway. The nucleotide sequence of Comamonas testosteroni B-356 bphB, which encodes B2,3D, was determined. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases involved in the bacterial degradation of aromatic compounds are related to each other and that their phylogenetic relationships are very similar to the relationships observed for dioxygenases that catalyze the initial reaction in the degradation pathway. The bphB sequence was used to produce recombinant active His-tagged B2,3D, which allowed us to describe for the first time some of the main features of a B2,3D. This enzyme requires NAD+, its optimal pH is 9.5, and its native M(r) was found to be 123,000, which makes it a tetramer. These characteristics are very similar to those reported for the related enzyme cis-toluene dihydrodiol dehydrogenase. The Km value and maximum rate of metabolism for 2,3-dihydro-2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl were 73 +/- 16 microM and 46 +/- 4 nmol min-1 microgram-1, respectively. Compared with the cis-toluene dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, B2,3D appeared to be more substrate specific since it was unable to attack cis-1,2-dihydroxy-cyclohexa-3,5-diene.     

Descriptions of Two New Species of Chronogaster Cobb, 1913 from India

Two new species of Chronogaster in India were described and illustrated, based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Chronogaster neotypica n. sp. collected from a sewage slurry was characterized by a medium-sized body, a ventral tail mucro without additional spines, absence of longitudinal incisures in lateral fields, and by the presence of crystalloids in the body. Diagnostic for C. spinicauda n. sp. collected from soil around roots of mango were a medium-sized body, a tail mucro with 10 spines, and absence of lateral lines and crystalloids. Males were not found.     

Damage and mutagenesis of E. coli and bacteriophage λ induced by oxathiolane and aziridinyl steroids

λ-Escherichia coli complexes exhibited remarkable sensitivity to the treatment with test steroidal derivatives in the presence of Cu(II). The decline in plaque-forming units after steroid treatment was more pronounced in complexes with some of the irradiation repair-defective mutants of E. coli K-12, i.e., recA, lexA and polA, as compared to uvrA and wild-type strains. The red gene of λ phage and recA gene of E. coli seem to have a complementary effect on the steroid-induced lesions. An enhanced level of mutagenesis was observed when steroid-treated E. coli cells were transformed with steroid-treated pBR322 plasmid DNA. A remarkable degree of c mutation was also observed when steroid I-treated phage particles were allowed to adsorb on steroid-treated wild-type bacteria. Moreover, the oxathione steroid treatment of λcI857-E. coli lysogen resulted in prophage induction in nutrient broth even at 32°C. Thus on the basis of these results, the role of SOS repair system in steroid-induced mutagenesis and repair of DNA lesions in E. coli and bacteriophage λ has been suggested.     

A simple and efficient method for DNA extraction from grapevine cultivars andVitis species

A quick, simple, and reliable method for the extraction of DNA from grapevine species, hybrids, andAmpelopsis brevipedunculata (Vitaceae) has been developed. This method, based on that of Doyle and Doyle (1990), is a CTBA-based extraction procedure modified by the use of NaCl to remove polysaccharides and PVP to eliminate polyphenols during DNA purification. The method has also been used successfully for extraction of total DNA from other fruit species such as apple (Malus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), cherry (Prunus avium), peach (Prunus persica), plum (Prunus domestica), and raspberry (Rubus idaeus). DNA yield from this procedure is high (up to 1 mg/g of leaf tissue). DNA is completely digestible with restriction endonucleases and amplifiable in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indicating freedom from common contaminating compounds.     

Evidence for the role of glycoprotein G of respiratory syncytial virus in binding of Neisseria meningitidis to HEp-2 cells

Abstract Viral glycoproteins G and F are expressed on the surface of cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We investigated the role of these proteins in the previously reported enhanced binding of Neisseria meningitidis to RSV-infected HEp-2 cells. Virus particles attached to bacteria were detected by immunofluorescence with flow cytometry. Binding of FITC-labelled bacteria to RSV-infected cells was significantly inhibited by monoclonal antibody against glycoprotein G. Unlabelled bacteria interfered with binding of the anti-G monoclonal antibody to these cells. These interactions were not found with a monoclonal antibody against glycoprotein F. We propose that glycoprotein G of RSV expressed on the surface of infected cells might act as an additional receptor for meningococci.     

Selection of buffalo bulls: Sexual behavior and its relationship to semen production and fertility

Forty-four buffalo bulls, used for artificial insemination, were studied to develop libido, mating ability and sexual behavior indices for selection purposes. For each index, 5 categories (i.e., excellent, very good, good, fair and poor) were established. The sexual behavior index was found to be more reliable than the libido and mating ability indices. Buffalo bulls in good to excellent categories were considered acceptable sires.

Reaction time, sexual aggressiveness, and scores of libido, mating ability and sexual behavior differed significantly among the various categories of the 3 indices. Libido significantly correlated with mating ability (r=0.89; P<0.001). Sexual behavior expressed significant relationship with age (r=0.41; P<0.01) and body weight (r=0.48; P<0.01), but was nonsignificant with the scrotal circumference (r=0.28; P>0.05) of buffalo bulls. However, these relationships were absent (P>0.05) in the acceptable sires. Semen production was correlated with sexual behavior in only the fair and poor categories of buffalo bulls (r=0.84; P<0.005). Sexual behavior had no relationship with the fertility rate of buffalo bulls (r=0.44; P>0.05). It is concluded that the sexual behavior index can be used successfully for the selection of buffalo bulls. Excellent- to good bulls should be used in an artificial breeding program if they qualify in the other selection indices.     

Three research priorities for just and sustainable urban systems: Now is the time to refocus

Now is the time to refocus efforts in urban research and design. A changing climate and extreme weather events are presenting unique challenges to urban systems around the world. These challenges illuminate the social barriers that accompany disruptive events such as resource inequities and injustices. In this perspective, we provide three research priorities for just and sustainable urban systems that help to address these matters. The three research priorities are: (1) social equity and justice, (2) circularity, and (3) digital twins. Conceptual context and future research directions are provided for each. For social equity and justice, the future directions are mandatory equity analysis and inclusionary practices, understanding and reconciling historical injustices, and intentional integration with diverse community stakeholders. For circularity applications, they are better metrics for integration, more robust evaluation frameworks, and dynamic modeling at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Future directions for digital twins include developing principles to reduce complexity, integrating model and system components, and reducing barriers to data access. These research priorities are core to meeting several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (i.e., 1—No Poverty, 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10—Reduced Inequalities, and 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities). Useful social and technical matters are discussed throughout, where we highlight the importance of prioritizing localized research efforts, provide guidance for community-engaged research and co-development practices, and explain how these priorities interact to align with the evolving field of industrial ecology.     

High-temperature stress in crops: male sterility,yield loss and potential remedy approaches

Global food security is one of the utmost essential challenges in the 21st century in providing enough food for the growing population while coping with the already stressed environment. High temperature (HT) is one of the main factors affecting plant growth, development and reproduction and causes male sterility in plants. In male reproductive tissues, metabolic changes induced by HT involve carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, epigenetics and reactive oxygen species, leading to male sterility and ultimately reducing yield. Understanding the mechanism and genes involved in these pathways during the HT stress response will provide a new path to improve crops by using molecular breeding and biotechnological approaches. Moreover, this review provides insight into male sterility and integrates this with suggested strategies to enhance crop tolerance under HT stress conditions at the reproductive stage.