A major isoform of the maize plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase: characterization and induction by auxin in coleoptiles

The plasma membrane (PM) H(+)-ATPase has been proposed to play important transport and regulatory roles in plant physiology, including its participation in auxin-induced acidification in coleoptile segments. This enzyme is encoded by a family of genes differing in tissue distribution, regulation, and expression level. A major expressed isoform of the maize PM H(+)-ATPase (MHA2) has been characterized. RNA gel blot analysis indicated that MHA2 is expressed in all maize organs, with highest levels being in the roots. In situ hybridization of sections from maize seedlings indicated enriched expression of MHA2 in stomatal guard cells, phloem cells, and root epidermal cells. MHA2 mRNA was induced threefold when nonvascular parts of the coleoptile segments were treated with auxin. This induction correlates with auxin-triggered proton extrusion by the same part of the segments. The PM H(+)-ATPase in the vascular bundies does not contribute significantly to auxin-induced acidification, is not regulated by auxin, and masks the auxin effect in extracts of whole coleoptile segments. We conclude that auxin-induced acidification in coleoptile segments most often occurs in the nonvascular tissue and is mediated, at least in part, by increased levels of MHA2.     

Expression of a mannose/fucose membrane lectin on human dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (CD) are the most efficient antigen presenting cells for T lymphocytes. CD1a+ CD14- CD with high antigen-presenting capacities can now be obtained easily from adherent peripheral blood monocytes by culture in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4 (Sallusto et al., J. Exp. Med. 1994. 179: 1109). Human macrophages express a membrane lectin, or sugar-specific receptor, which specifically mediates the binding and endocytosis of mannose- and fucose-terminated glycoproteins and is involved in the phagocytosis of pathogens. A similar lectin activity was sought on cultured human DC using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to detect binding and internalization of fluoresceinated neoglycoproteins [bovine serum albumin (BSA) substituted with sugar residues]. Several neoglycoproteins, especially alpha-L-fucosyl-, alpha-D-mannosyl-, N,N'-di-acetyl-beta-chitobiosyl- and beta-D-glucosyl-BSA, were endocytosed by cultured human CD1a+ DC as well as by CD1a- CD14- cells which were also obtained in the culture. Fuc-BSA and Man-BSA had the same number of binding sites (1.7 x 10(6)/cell) on CD1a+ DC, and bound with an affinity constant close to 10(7) 1/mol. Inhibition experiments indicated that these two neoglycoproteins bound to the same membrane lectin. CD1a+ and CD1a- cells were both labeled by an antiserum specific for the human macrophage mannose receptor. The membrane lectin specific for mannose and fucose that is evidenced in these experiments on cultured DC may be similar to the macrophage membrane lectin or may share functional and structural properties with it.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(N-propionyl)iminoethylene

Summary The cationic polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline using CH₃I as initiator at different monomer/initiator ratios, temperatures, solvents and times of polymerization was carried out. The effect of these variables on the polymerization yield and viscosity of the polymers was studied. The poly(N-propionyl)iminoethylene was hydrolyzed in acid medium obtaining a linear poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI). All the polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, IR,¹H NMR, and¹³C NMR spectroscopy.     

Long-term energy scenarios for Mexico: Policy options for carbon savings and main barriers

This paper shows that possibilities exist for maintaining current energy-related carbon emissions per capita in Mexico at almost constant levels in the long term. It is argued, however, that the identified carbon emissions reductions will not be achieved easily or rapidly, as they require a restructuring of Mexico's current technological base and an unusual degree of coordination among the government, lending institutions, equipment manufacturers, and final users. Such changes also will entail surmounting major institutional and financial barriers and creating a better international environment for technology transfer and capital lending.     

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among food handlers from a metropolitan university in Chile

BACKGROUND: An important agent of food intoxication is Staphylococcus aureus, that is able to produce enterotoxins. AIM: To detect Staphylococcus aureus contamination in cafeteria food handlers of a Chilean University. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nose, throat, hands and nail samples from 87 food handlers were obtained for microbiological examination. RESULTS: Fifty seven subjects (65.5%) were carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus was found in 36 subjects (41%). The most frequently found enterotoxin was type B (18 samples) followed by type D (12 samples). Men bad a higher frequency of contamination than women (83 and 57% of positive samples respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of Staphylococcus aureus contamination among food handlers is high and should prompt personal and environmental hygienic measures.     

UPGRADING OF SUGAR CANE BAGASSE BY THERMAL PROCESSES. 4. COAL CO-PROCESSING USING SUGAR CANE BAGASSE OIL AS SOLVENT

In the present work, coal co-processing with sugar cane bagasse oil was studied for the first time. Sugar cane bagasse was chosen due to its great offer, since it is a residue in the process of a large project named PROALCOOL aiming the producing ethanolfrom sugarcane. In addition, the liquefaction of sugar cane bagasse with monoethanolamine was already developed in our laboratory showing good results. Four coal samples were studied. The yields of the total conversion and the oil productions were obtained in order to evaluate the efficiency of the liquefaction process studied.     

Optimal Control for Irreversible Processes in Thermodynamics and Microeconomics

Publications on optimal control of irreversible thermodynamic processes are reviewed. Analogies between irreversible processes in thermodynamics and microeconomics are stated.     

Surface chemistry of tribochemical reactions explored in ultrahigh vacuum conditions

The thermal decomposition of model extreme-pressure lubricant additives on clean iron was studied in ultrahigh vacuum conditions using molecular beam strategies. Methylene chloride and chloroform react to deposit a solid film consisting of FeCl₂ and carbon, and evolve only hydrogen into the gas phase. No gas-phase products and less carbon on the surface are detected in the case of carbon tetrachloride. Dimethyl and diethyl disulfide react on clean iron to deposit a saturated sulfur plus carbon layer at low temperatures (∼600 K) and an iron sulfide film onto a Fe + C underlayer at higher temperatures (∼950 K). Methane is the only gas-phase product when dimethyl disulfide reacts with iron. Ethylene and hydrogen are detected when diethyl disulfide is used.     

Speciation of the semivolatile hydrocarbon engine emissions from sunflower biodiesel

Biodiesel fuel is a very attractive alternative to conventional fuel and its effects in the engine performance and regulated emissions have been widely studied. However, the impact on unregulated individual compounds or chemical characteristics of exhaust emissions is not fully characterized. In this paper, the semivolatile fractions of the exhaust emissions of biodiesel blends and conventional fuel have been speciated. The results show great differences between the compounds emitted, especially regarding oxygenated and aromatic species. Likewise, there is a clear relationship between speciated hydrocarbons and other important emissions such as total hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic fraction (VOF) and mean particle diameter (Dm) of PM.