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Aim: To ameliorate the inland saline water through biochar for enhancing the pond water productivity and utilize the vast resources of salt affteced land and ground saline water efficiently for aquaculture. Methodology: A 50 days incubation study was conducted to understand the ameliorating effects of sugarcane bagasse biochar on the inland saline sediment and water. Biochar was applied at the rate of 100 g and 200 g in both sediment and water, respectively. Results: Significant (P≤ 0.05) increase in pH, available-N, potassium, available-Pand decrease in total alkalinity was observed in all the treatments. The primary productivity significantly increased (P≤ 0.05) in all the treatments, and the maximum was observed in T4 treatment (0.173 mg m-3). Interpretation: The sediment mixing and water application differ in their effect on the primary productivity and physico-chemical properties of inland saline pond water. The study will help in developing protocol for the application of agro-waste-derived biochar in the inland saline pond aquaculture system.

Terpene synthases are biotechnologically-relevant enzymes with a variety of applications. However, they are typically poor catalysts and have been difficult to engineer. Structurally, most terpene synthases share two conserved domains (α- and β-domains). Some also contain a third domain containing a second active site (γ-domain). Based on the three-domain architecture, we hypothesized that αβ terpene synthases could be engineered by insertion of a heterologous domain at the site of the γ-domain (an approach we term "Insertion-engineering terpene synthase"; Ie-TS). We demonstrate that by mimicking the domain architecture of αβγ terpene synthases, we can redesign isoprene synthase (ISPS), an αβ terpene synthase, while preserving enzymatic activity. Insertion of GFP or a SpyCatcher domain within ISPS introduced new functionality while maintaining or increasing catalytic turnover. This insertion-engineering approach establishes that the γ-domain position is accessible for incorporation of additional sequence features and enables the rational engineering of terpene synthases for biotechnology.

Terpene synthases are biotechnologically-relevant enzymes with a variety of applications. However, they are typically poor catalysts and have been difficult to engineer. Structurally, most terpene synthases share two conserved domains (α- and β-domains). Some also contain a third domain containing a second active site (γ-domain). Based on the three-domain architecture, we hypothesized that αβ terpene synthases could be engineered by insertion of a heterologous domain at the site of the γ-domain (an approach we term "Insertion-engineering terpene synthase"; Ie-TS). We demonstrate that by mimicking the domain architecture of αβγ terpene synthases, we can redesign isoprene synthase (ISPS), an αβ terpene synthase, while preserving enzymatic activity. Insertion of GFP or a SpyCatcher domain within ISPS introduced new functionality while maintaining or increasing catalytic turnover. This insertion-engineering approach establishes that the γ-domain position is accessible for incorporation of additional sequence features and enables the rational engineering of terpene synthases for biotechnology.

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are megadalton-sized protein assemblies that enclose segments of metabolic pathways within cells. They increase the catalytic efficiency of the encapsulated enzymes while sequestering volatile or toxic intermediates from the bulk cytosol. The first BMCs discovered were the carboxysomes of cyanobacteria. Carboxysomes compartmentalize the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) with carbonic anhydrase. They enhance the carboxylase activity of RuBisCO by increasing the local concentration of CO2 in the vicinity of the enzyme's active site. As a metabolic module for carbon fixation, carboxysomes could be transferred to eukaryotic organisms (e.g. plants) to increase photosynthetic efficiency. Within the scope of synthetic biology, carboxysomes and other BMCs hold even greater potential when considered a source of building blocks for the development of nanoreactors or three-dimensional scaffolds to increase the efficiency of either native or heterologously expressed enzymes. The carboxysome serves as an ideal model system for testing approaches to engineering BMCs because their expression in cyanobacteria provides a sensitive screen for form (appearance of polyhedral bodies) and function (ability to grow on air). We recount recent progress in the re-engineering of the carboxysome shell and core to offer a conceptual framework for the development of BMC-based architectures for applications in plant synthetic biology.

Picochlorum soloecismus is a halotolerant, fast-growing, and moderate-lipid-producing microalga that is being evaluated as a renewable feedstock for biofuel production. Herein, we report on an improved high-quality draft assembly and annotation for the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes of P. soloecismus DOE 101.

The carboxysome is a bacterial microcompartment encapsulating the enzymes carbonic anhydrase and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. As the site of CO2 fixation, it serves an essential role in the carbon dioxide concentrating mechanism of many chemoautotrophs and all cyanobacteria. Carboxysomes and other bacterial microcompartments self-assemble through specific protein-protein interactions that are typically mediated by conserved protein domains. In this review, we frame our current understanding of carboxysomes in the context of their component protein domains with their inherent function as the 'building blocks' of carboxysomes. These building blocks are organized in genetic modules (conserved chromosomal loci) that encode for carboxysomes and ancillary proteins essential for the integration of the organelle with the rest of cellular metabolism. This conceptual framework provides the foundation for 'plug-and-play' engineering of carboxysomes as CO2 fixation modules in a variety of biotechnological applications.

Photosynthetic microbes are considered promising biofactories for transforming inorganic carbon from the atmosphere into a renewable source of chemicals and precursors of industrial interest; however, there continues to be a need for strains that demonstrate high productivity, environmental robustness, and the potential to be genetically manipulated. Genome sequencing and biochemical characterization of promising culture collection microalgae strains, as well as the isolation of previously unidentified strains from the environment or mixed cultures, bring us closer to the goal of decreasing the cost-per-gallon of algal biofuels by identifying new and promising potential production strains. The halotolerant alga Picochlorum soloecismus was isolated from the culture collection strain, Nannochloropsis salina CCMP 1776. Here, we show that P. soloecismus accumulates moderate levels of fatty acids and high levels of total carbohydrates and that it can effectively grow in a range of salinities. In addition, we make use of its sequenced genome to compare it to other biofuel production platforms and to validate the capacity for engineering this strain's genome. Our work shows that Picochlorum soloecismus is a candidate production strain for the generation of renewable bioproducts.

Pulsed radiofrequency energy (PRFE) has long been reported to have a therapeutic effect on postoperative pain. In this study, a portable, wearable, low-energy-emitting PRFE therapy device was used to determine the control of postoperative pain after breast augmentation surgery. The study enrolled 18 healthy women who underwent breast augmentation purely for aesthetic considerations. Postoperative pain after surgery was assessed with a 0- to 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Baseline pain scores were taken at completion of the operation, and the patients were randomly assigned coded PRFE devices that were either active or placebo devices. For 7 days, VAS scores were recorded twice daily (a.m. and p.m.). Medication use also was logged for 7 days. The PRFE devices were left in place and in continuous operation for the 7 days of the study. All the patients tolerated the PRFE therapy well, and no side effects were reported. The VAS scores for the active group were significantly lower on postoperative day 1. By day 7, the baseline VAS remaining in the active group was 7.9% versus 38% in the placebo group. Together with lower VAS scores, narcotic pain medication use was lower in the patient group that received PRFE therapy. Postoperative pain is significantly lower with PRFE therapy. According to the findings, PRFE therapy in this form is an excellent, safe, drug-free method of postoperative pain control.

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are self-assembling organelles that sequester segments of biochemical pathways within a protein shell. Given their functional diversity, BMCs constitute a rich source of metabolic modules for applications in synthetic biology. The carboxysome, the cyanobacterial BMC for CO(2) fixation, has attracted significant attention as a target for installation into chloroplasts and serves as the foundation for introducing other types of BMCs into plants. Carboxysome assembly involves a series of protein-protein interactions among at least six gene products to form a metabolic core, around which the shell assembles. This complexity creates significant challenges for the transfer, regulation, and assembly of carboxysomes, or any of the myriad of functionally distinct BMCs, into heterologous systems. To overcome this bottleneck, we constructed a chimeric protein in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus that structurally and functionally replaces four gene products required for carboxysome formation. The protein was designed based on protein domain interactions in the carboxysome core. The resulting streamlined carboxysomes support photosynthesis. This strategy obviates the need to regulate multiple genes and decreases the genetic load required for carboxysome assembly in heterologous systems. More broadly, the reengineered carboxysomes represent a proof of concept for a domain fusion approach to building multifunctional enzymatic cores that should be generally applicable to the engineering of BMCs for new functions and cellular contexts.

El N es un componente fundamental de los organismos vivos y juega un papel crítico en el control de la productividad primaria de los ecosistemas siendo incluso limitante en algunos sistemas como los mediterráneos. En los últimos años diversas actividades humanas han incrementado la liberación a la atmósfera de N a nivel global y su deposición en el suelo en diferentes formas. La deposición de N en ecosistemas templados aumenta su disponibilidad en el suelo, la productividad de los organismos y la incorporación de carbono al suelo y vegetación pero también acidifica el suelo y disminuye la diversidad vegetal. Sin embargo los estudios en ecosistemas mediterráneos sobre los efectos del aumento de la disponibilidad de N son escasos por lo que es comprometido hacer predicciones de la respuesta de los ecosistemas mediterráneos en escenarios donde el N aumente. El objetivo del trabajo es conocer los efectos de diferentes niveles de fertilización nitrogenada así como de diferentes fuentes de N en la germinación de especies herbáceas características de un coscojar mediterráneo del centro de la Península Ibérica para evaluar la evolución futura de estos sistemas en el escenario de un incremento acusado de N.

The electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded from free-moving Anolis lizards once per hour for 5 days. As in our previous work, the b-wave, but not the a-wave, showed a reliable circadian rhythm (CR) in amplitude, with an acrophase near projected noon. Both the a- and b-waves showed a CR in peak time (implicit time, or IT), with the a-wave IT being longest near midnight, and the b-wave IT at midday. Acrophases were shifted when animals were housed on a phase-shifted light-dark cycle. The ERG CR was unaffected by removal of the parietal organ, but it was virtually abolished by removal of the pineal gland, thus suggesting that pineal output (probably melatonin) modulates retinal responses. In addition to the ERG, the tectal light-evoked potential exhibited a CR—a finding compatible with a circadian variation in retinal output. Lastly, the amplitude of the ERG component waveforms showed a seasonal variation, but the ERG CR was constant across the year.

In this paper we introduce segmentation approach which uses fast codebook generation algorithm based on energy ordering concept. It is specifically designed to segment low-altitude aerial images which can be used as a preprocessing step to 3D reconstruction. This approach uses color similarity and volume difference criteria to merge adjacent regions. Experiments performed with real aerial images of varied nature demonstrate that this approach does not result in over segmentation or under segmentation allowing large-scale urban scenes to be segmented in an accurate, reliable and fully automatic way. The vector quantization seems to give far better results as compared to conventional on-the-fly watershed algorithm.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the optimal combination of known osteogenic biomaterials with shape conforming struts to achieve calvarial vault reconstruction, using a canine model. Methods: Eighteen adolescent beagles were divided equally into 6 groups. A critical size defect of 6 x 2 cm traversed the sagittal suture. The biomaterials used for calvarial reconstruction were demineralised perforated bone matrix (DBM), recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP2) and autogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The struts used were cobalt chrome (metal) or resorbable plate. The groupings were as follows: 1) DBM + metal, 2) DBM + PRP + metal, 3) DBM + PRP + resorbable plate, 4) DBM + rhBMP2 + metal, 5) DBM + rhBMP2 + PRP + metal, and 6) DBM + rhBMP2 + resorbable plate. Animals were euthanised at 3 months post-surgery. There was no mortality or major complications. Analysis was performed macroscopically, histologically, and with computed tomography (CT). Results: There was complete bony regeneration in the rhBMP2 groups only. Non-rhBMP2 groups had minimal bony ingrowth from the defect edges and on the dural surface, a finding confirmed by CT scan and histology. PRP did not enhance bone regeneration. Shape conformation was good with both metal and resorbable plate. Conclusion: rhBMP2 but not PRP accelerated calvarial regeneration in 3 months. The DBM in the rhBMP2 groups were substituted by new trabecular bone. Shape molding was good with both metal and resorbable plate. Key words: Critical size calvarial defect, Cranial vault reconstruction, Metal struts, Resorbable plates, rhBMP2

Background Choice of bone replacement materials is important when reconstructing large craniofacial defects. Hydroxyapatite cements are often used for such reconstructions. Recent advances in the development of these cements have produced locally applied, in situ hardening materials excellent for use in craniofacial defects. To date, there has been a paucity of data comparing the use of calcium phosphate cements in combination with titanium or resorbable plating systems and their combined biocompatibility. An experimental dog model was used to compare these systems. Methods Two 4 x 4-cm calvarial defects were created in each of 18 mongrel dogs, and defects were reconstructed with calcium phosphate cement with either titanium or resorbable mesh sheets to evaluate their interaction. Specimens were harvested and evaluated histologically for the development of new bone formation at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results At 3 months, no differences were noted in the amount of bone formed between titanium and resorbable plating. By 6 months, the resorbable mesh sheet showed delayed bone formation compared with the titanium mesh. At 12 months, bone formation over the resorbable mesh accelerated to be no different from the titanium mesh. Importantly, new bone formation was seen within the monocalcium phosphate cement Norian Craniofacial Repair System on a reliable basis, regardless of mesh plate used. Conclusions There are no long-term adverse effects with the use of Norian cement with either titanium or resorbable mesh. However, further studies need to be conducted to determine why there is an arrested healing phase between 3 and 6 months with the Norian cement and resorbable plating materials.

Digital image watermarking has been proposed as a method to enhance medical data security, confidentiality and integrity. Medical image watermarking requires extreme care when embedding additional data within the medical images because the additional information must not affect the image quality. Many of the exploration systems used for medical diagnosis are based on the medical study images. CR, MR and CT, obtain images that can be stored in digital formats such as (DICOM files) which are related with data of patients and information about the study. In this paper we present a watermarking scheme that combines data compression, encryption and watermarking techniques and image moment theory applied to radiological medical images. In this work we use DICOM data as a watermark to embed in medical images. Image quality is measured with metrics which are used in image processing such as PSNR and MSE. Our results show good accuracy in the watermark extraction process

To assess whether Opuntia ficus indica stems, or their crude preparations have hypoglycemic effects, 8 patients with non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were studied. Four different tests were carried out on each patient following the oral intake of 500 g of O. ficus indica. These were either: entire broiled; blended broiled; blended crude or blended crude and heated at 60°C. A control test was performed in each patient as well. Serum glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min. Glycemia decreased in all the patients following ingestion of O. ficus indica, and reached statistically significant levels after 120 and 180 min (p < 0.01). The major hypoglycemic effect shown after O. ficus indica administration ranged from 23.3 ± 4.4 to 25.4 ± 14.3 mg/dL (mean ± SD) below the glucose levels at 0 min. No statistical differences in the hypoglycemic effects were observed between the Opuntia ficus indica preparations. Opuntia ficus indica exerts hypoglycemic effects in NIDDM patients independent of its heating or blending during preparation.

To analyze the role and the results achieved with the Lithoclast in the treatment of distal ureteral calculi in the era of ESWL.From March, 1994 to April, 1995, 41 patients with ureteral calculi were treated by ureteroscopy and direct stone fragmentation with the Lithoclast.90% of the patients were stone-free one month after treatment; 3 patients in whom stone fragmentation could not be achieved required ESWL; one patient required open surgery for ureteral detachment.Ureteroscopy and stone fragmentation with the Lithoclast is a good, inexpensive mode of treatment of ureteral stones and is particularly indicated as the first mode of treatment in those centers, like ours, where ESWL is unavailable.

Vague and conflicting suggestions currently exist within the literature regarding the appropriate level of ambient illumination to use while conducting the clinical duochrome (bichrome) test. One proposal is that reduced illumination should be adopted since this allows the pupils to dilate, thereby increasing the chromatic interval and resultant test sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to determine whether changes in pupil size and ambient illumination do indeed alter the subjective duochrome response. Accordingly, eight young, visually normal subjects were dilated with 2.5 percent phenylephrine and tested while monocularly viewing the duochrome chart through 1, 3, 5 and 7mm artificial pupils. Additionally, the effects of performing the test through a 1.0 log unit neutral density filter and varying the overall room illumination were examined. There were no significant differences between the mean responses under all test conditions. The variability of individual responses decreased with increasing pupil size; however, a 4mm change in pupil diameter was required to alter the response variability significantly. Therefore it is recommended that the test be performed under the minimum practical ambient illumination conditions in order to minimize this variability.

An observer viewing a pictorial representation of a three-dimensional (3-D) scene can attend either to the represented scene or to the flat surface of the picture itself. Although these two modes of perception are conceptually independent, we have shown that in practice there is substantial cross-talk between them (Sedgwick and Nicholls, 1993 Perception22 Supplement, 109). We have also shown that the strength of this cross-talk can be affected by the balance between the visual information specifying the 3-D scene and the visual information specifying the picture surface. In the present research we dissected surface information into several components and attempted to determine their relative effectiveness in decreasing cross-talk from the depicted 3-D scene. We used computer-generated displays both to create the depicted 3-D scene and to simulate the picture surface. Observers made magnitude estimates of the projected size on the picture surface of rectangular objects depicted as standing on a receding platform. We examined four components of surface information: (1) a realistic-looking frame surrounding the picture; (2) a visible surface texture (resembling woven fabric); (3) the pixel resolution of the image (512 versus 2048); (4) a background colour linking the frame to the image. We found that adding texture and adding framing each decreased cross-talk by about the same amount, but that the framing effect interacted with image resolution. Neither image resolution nor background, taken individually, significantly affected the strength of the cross-talk.

As the third occasion of our biostratigraphic study in the Andean region, the field work was undertaken during middle July to late August, 1984. It was financially suported by the Overseas Scientific Research Fund in 1984 of the Ministry of Education, Japanese Government.The journeys in Bolivia and Peru are shown in Figs.1 and 2.In Bolivia, the columnar sections were made along some routes around Lago Titicaca, namely, Yaurichambi (the original locality by D'ORBIGNY, 1842), Cuyavi, Chirapaca, Yampupata, Ancoraimes and Matilde, where the Copacabana Group is well developed. Abundant fossils such as fusulines, bryozoans, brachiopods, corals and molluscs, were collected from these routes.In Peru, we had the field surveys to Mina Atacocha and Mi na San Vicente. In the Atacocha area, one route along slope at Machcan village was sel ected for measuring the lower part of the Pucara Group corresponding to the upper Triassi c Chambara Formation and 58 rock samples for conodont analysis were collected at intervals of about 5m. In San Vicente, some Jurassic ammonites were collected.These faunas have yet to be studied, but the paleontological and sedimentological studies will be made by each partakers.

To the Editor.— We describe herein a case of cholestasis probably caused by hypothyroidism. We are unaware of similar previous reports. Report of a Case.— A 54-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of eight months of lethargy, constipation, cold intolerance, weight gain, and slowing of intellectual and motor activity, plus jaundice for the last two months. She was previously healthy and had not received any medication. Physical examination disclosed a jaundiced and obese woman with dry hair that fell out easily, macroglossia, cool skin, generalized myxedema, and absent tendon reflexes. The thyroid was not palpable, and there was neither hepatosplenomegaly nor signs of hepatic failure. Laboratory studies disclosed the following values: total serum cholesterol, 335 mg/dL; triglycerides, 337 mg/dL; direct bilirubin, 5.25 mg/dL; indirect bilirubin, 0.75 mg/dL; SGOT, 72 units/dL (reference range, 8 to 40 units/dL); SGPT, 25 units/ dL (range, 5 to 35 units/dL); and alkaline phosphatase