Predicted class-I aminoacyl tRNA synthetase-like proteins in non-ribosomal peptide synthesis

Background  

Recent studies point to a great diversity of non-ribosomal peptide synthesis systems with major roles in amino acid and co-factor biosynthesis, secondary metabolism, and post-translational modifications of proteins by peptide tags. The least studied of these systems are those utilizing tRNAs or aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AAtRS) in non-ribosomal peptide ligation.     

A process optimization for bio-catalytic production of substituted catechols (3-nitrocatechol and 3-methylcatechol

Background  

Substituted catechols are important precursors for large-scale synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other industrial products. Most of the reported chemical synthesis methods are expensive and insufficient at industrial level. However, biological processes for production of substituted catechols could be highly selective and suitable for industrial purposes.     

Scanning electron microscopic studies of the vasa vasorum of thoracic aortas

Using hot alkaline solution, the elastic laminae were extracted from aortas and observed with scanning electron microscopy. Vascular structures were found in the elastin layers of the tunica media in descending thoracic aortas of sheep, dogs, and pigs, and these tube-like structures were filled with elastomer which was injected through the heart of the animal in vivo. Sub-intimal microvessels were also found to be filled with the elastomer and it is concluded that vasa vasorum can exist close to the internal elastic lamina in these animals.     

Winter food availability limits winter survival of Mongolian gerbils (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Meriones unguiculatus</Emphasis>)

Food availability is important to the dynamics of animal social organizations or populations. However, the role of winter food availability in animal population dynamics is still controversial. We carried out an experimental study to test Lack’s hypothesis that reduced food in winter limits survival and spring numbers of breeding individuals of social groups, using the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) as model species. We established 24 gerbil social groups in 24, 10 × 10 m, pens in September 2008. We provided wheat seeds as supplemental food in 12 enclosures from September 2008 to March 2009; the other 12 enclosures, not provided with supplemental food, served as controls. We live-trapped gerbils at a 2-week interval from September to April. Supplemental food during winter increased biweekly survival by 10% relative to that in control groups. Only four control social groups survived to the end of our study whereas all 12 food-supplemented social groups survived through our study period. Supplemental food also increased cumulative numbers of recruits and group sizes of gerbils. We conclude that winter food availability limits winter survival and spring social groups or population sizes of Mongolian gerbils.