Colicin V38 and microcin C38 produced by Escherichia coli strain 38

DSC measurements have been performed on the monomeric form of yeast hexokinase B in the absence and presence of increasing concentrations of D-glucose. The hexokinase, in the absence of D-glucose, at both pH 8.0 and 8.5, shows reproducible calorimetric profiles characterized by the presence of two partially overlapped peaks. These can be ascribed to the presence of two structural domains in the native conformation of the enzyme, that possess different thermal stabilities and are denatured more or less independently. In the presence of saturating and increasing concentrations of D-glucose, the shape of the DSC profiles dramatically changes, since a single well-shaped peak is present. The binding of D-glucose enhances the interaction between the two lobes, as evidenced by the shrinking of the protein in overall dimensions, and gives rise to DSC profiles resembling those of a single domain protein. To deconvolve the DSC curves we considered a denaturation model consisting of two sequential steps with three macroscopic states of the protein and the binding of D-glucose only to the native state. We carried out two-dimensional nonlinear regression of the excess heat capacity surface constructed with the experimental DSC curves. This approach allows the calculation of a unique set of thermodynamic parameters characterizing both the thermal denaturation of hexokinase, and the binding equilibrium between D-glucose and the enzyme. It was found that the association constant is 9,800+/-1,500 M(-1) at pH 8.0. The binding of D-glucose is entropy-driven, since the binding enthalpy is zero. This finding is rationalized by a thermodynamic cycle for the association of two molecules in aqueous solution.     

Spatial disorientation in U.S. Army rotary-wing operations

A 3.6-kbp DNA fragment was cloned from the extrachromosomal DNA of a pathogenic plant mollicute, onion yellows phytoplasma (OY-W). Sequence analysis of the fragment revealed an open reading frame (ORF) encoding the replication (Rep) protein of rolling-circle replication (RCR)-type plasmids. This result suggests the existence of a plasmid (pOYW1) in OY-W that uses the RCR mechanism. This assumption was confirmed by detecting the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) of a replication intermediate that is specifically produced by the RCR mechanism. This is the first report on the identification of the replication system of this plasmid and the genes encoded in it. With a DNA fragment including the Rep gene region of pOYW1 used as a probe, Southern and Northern (RNA) blot hybridizations were employed to examine the heterogeneity between the plasmids found in OY-W and a pathogenic mutant (OY-M) isolated from OY-W. Multiple bands were detected in the DNA and RNA extracted from both OY-W and OY-M infected plants, although the banding patterns were different. Moreover, the copy number of plasmids from OY-W was about 4.2 times greater than that from OY-M. These results indicate constructive heterogeneity between OY-W and OY-M plasmids, and the possibility of a relationship between the plasmid-encoded genes and the pathogenicity of the phytoplasma was suggested.     

Processing aspects of production of partially acidulated phosphate rock fertilisers using phosphoric acid

Several factors which could affect the rate of reaction between phosphate rock and phosphoric acid in the production of partially acidulated phosphate rock fertilisers (20 to 50% of stoichiometric) were examined. Fineness of the phosphate rock had predictably the largest effect, with rates increasing markedly with increasing fineness. Quality of the phosphoric acid also had a noticeable effect, especially in the acidulation of unground phosphate rock, where use of poorer quality acids caused reductions in reaction rate and consequent detrimental effects on the physical condition of products. Acid concentration was an important factor in determining the physical condition of the product but had only a small influence on reaction rate.None of the above factors had a major influence on the total or percentages of soluble phosphorus in matured products. Slightly higher phosphorus percentages at the same level of acidulation were obtained with the finer phosphate rock and better quality phosphoric acids, but overall any variations in the phosphorus analyses attained at any specific acidulation level were considered of minor importance in comparison to processing and agronomic limitations of partially acidulated phosphate rock fertilisers in the New Zealand agricultural situation.     

Chemical effects in the assessment of phosphate rock residues extracted from multicomponent fertilisers

Methods of obtaining reactive phosphate rock residues from multicomponent phosphate fertilisers which contain soluble phosphorus components have been examined. Extraction using cold neutral ammonium citrate has been found to be more suitable than water, as chemical reactions appear to occur in water extraction solutions to modify the residue, and more impurity species such as calcium sulphate and iron and aluminium phosphates remain in the residues to complicate the process of obtaining reliable solubility figures.Deactivation of the phosphate rock residues (as measured by decreased 2% formic acid solubilities) was found to be due to reactions occurring during the maturing process, and was dependent on the phosphate rock used, with North Carolina phosphate rock-based residues significantly affected, but Arad-based residues almost unaffected. However, for neutral ammonium citrate extractions, only North Carolina-based residues produced solubility figures lower than the original phosphate rock. Some selectivity of reaction in single superphosphate-reactive phosphate rock mixtures was indicated which further complicated assessment of the deactivation effect; however such an effect appeared to be much less significant than previously suggested.     

Explosive decomposition of ethylene oxide at elevated condition: effect of ignition energy, nitrogen dilution, and turbulence

Experimental and theoretical investigation of explosive decomposition of ethylene oxide (EO) at fixed initial experimental parameters (T=100 degrees C, P=4 bar) in a 20-l sphere was conducted. Safety-related parameters, namely the maximum explosion pressure, the maximum rate of pressure rise, and the Kd values, were experimentally determined for pure ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide diluted with nitrogen. The influence of the ignition energy on the explosion parameters was also studied. All these dependencies are quantified in empirical formulas. Additionally, the effect of turbulence on explosive decomposition of ethylene oxide was investigated. In contrast to previous studies, it is found that turbulence significantly influences the explosion severity parameters, mostly the rate of pressure rise. Thermodynamic models are used to calculate the maximum explosion pressure of pure and of nitrogen-diluted ethylene oxide, at different initial temperatures. Soot formation was experimentally observed. Relation between the amounts of soot formed and the explosion pressure was experimentally observed and was calculated.     

Human performance assessment of a single air traffic controller conducting multiple remote tower operations

The innovative concept of multiple remote tower operations (MRTO) can maximize cost savings by applying video panorama‐based remote tower working positions, which can facilitate fewer air traffic controllers (ATCO) to provide the air traffic services (ATS) function for more airports. Five subject‐matter experts, qualified remote tower ATCOs, participated in this research work by applying the human error template (HET) and comparing workload between physical tower operations and MRTO using NASA‐TLX (Task Load Index). The results demonstrate that augmented visualization provided sufficient technical support for a single ATCO to perform tasks originally designed to be performed by four ATCOs, however, the demands of the associated multiple tasks induced significant workload. There were significant differences in ATCOs’ mental demand, temporal demand, effort, and frustration between MRTO and physical tower operations. This innovative technology may induce human–computer interaction (HCI) issues that impact ATCO's perceived workload. This creates a need for further research on how to manage ATCO's workload in a multiple remote tower environment. This research work provided scientific evidence that MRTO can achieve the objectives of Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research program. The findings can be applied to both ATCO training design and remote tower system design.     

Evaluation of double extraction techniques as solubility tests for fertiliser products containing phosphate rock components

Alternative extraction techniques for assessing the available P content in multi-component fertilisers such as partially acidulated phosphate rocks have been examined. Two types of double extraction method have been investigated, one involving sequential extraction procedures, and a second examining both the initial fertiliser and its residue independently, using either water or cold neutral ammonium citrate as the first extractant, and either 2% citric or 2% formic acid as the second solvent. The latter method, which used cold neutral ammonium citrate as the initial extractant, produced the most consistent results and provided a reproducible assessment of the solubility of the phosphate rock residue; it was not obvious which second solvent was preferable. Comparisons between the original phosphate rocks and their extracted residues indicated that there were many subtle influences which affected the solubility of the phosphate rock components, but a general deactivation of phosphate rock residues on acidulation as previously suggested was not apparent. Before any particular method can be recommended as an alternative to existing one step extraction techniques it is necessary to confirm its validity through agronomic trials.     

The effects of different manufacturing techniques on the availability of sulfate to pasture from mixtures of elemental sulfur with either triple superphosphate or partially acidulated reactive phosphate rock

Six different preparations of elemental sulfur incorporated into triple superphosphate and a single mixture of elemental sulfur with partially acidulated reactive phosphate rock were evaluated for the rate of release of sulfatesulfur to pasture at two sites.The method of preparing the mixtures affected the size of sulfur particles released on dispersion of fertilizer granules. The rates of release of sulfate from oxidation of the elemental sulfur was controlled by the fineness of the particles of elemental sulfur. For rapid release of sulfate by oxidation a mixture prepared by sintering elemental sulfur with mature triple superphosphate was the most effective. It contained sulfur particles of diameter less than 75 m. The mixtures which comprised synthetic blends of elemental sulfur of particle size less than 150 m or 150–250 m, each with mature triple superphosphate, released sulfate at a progressively slower rate than that with particles less than 75 m. However, both proved effective sulfur fertilizers releasing sulfate over a 1–2 year period. In contrast, mixtures prepared by adding molten elemental sulfur during the process of manufacturing triple superphosphate resulted in a coarser distribution of sulfur particles and a slow release of sulfate to plants.The incorporation of sulfur into a mixture with partially acidulated reactive phosphate rock was made via the dispersion of molten sulfur into phosphoric acid which was then used to partially acidulate phosphate rock. The resultant sulfur particles ranged from finely divided (e.g. 38% < 150 m) to moderately fine (81% < 500 m), and the release of sulfate was predictable based on the particle size distribution.Differences between the two experimental sites in uptake of plant sulphate reflected the different pastures grown. At the cool temperate coastal site a ryegrass/clover pasture rapidly took up sulfate as it was released into the topsoil. Inland, in the summer-dry environment, the uptake of released sulfate by the deep-rooted lucerne pasture was delayed for 12–18 months, indicating that the sulfate uptake increased after the nutrient had leached beyond the surface soil layer.