Isolation of xylose reductase gene ofPichia stipitis and its expression inSaccharomyces cerevisiae

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - A NADPH/NADH-dependent xylose reductase gene was isolated from the xylose-assimilating yeast,Pichia stipitis. DNA sequence analysis showed that the gene...     

One-step polymerization of polytrithiocarbonate using phase-transfer catalyst

A series of aliphatic and aromatic polytrithiocarbonates was prepared using a novel “one-pot” synthesis procedure employing a phase-transfer catalyst. The starting reagents were either an aliphatic or an aromatic dihalide and an excessive amount of carbon disulfide. The effects of the phase-transfer catalyst and reaction conditions on yield were studied. The structure and composition of the polymers and reaction side-products were determined from infrared, ultraviolet, ¹H-NMR spectra, and elemental analyses. The polymers were further characterized by viscosity measurement and thermal analysis. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Development and validation of an ELISA kit for the detection of ricin toxins from biological specimens and environmental samples

Ricin is a toxin that can be easily extracted from seeds of Ricinus communis plants. Ricin is considered to be a major bio-threat as it can be freely and easily acquired in large quantities. A deliberate release of such toxin in civilian populations would very likely overwhelm existing public health systems, resulting in public fear and social unrest. There is currently no commercially available or FDA-approved prophylaxis such as vaccines, or therapeutic antitoxins or antidotes, available for ricin intoxication. Patient treatment is typically supportive care based on symptoms, often designed to reinforce the body’s natural response. This paper describes the development and validation of a robust ELISA test kit, which can be used to screen for ricin in biological specimens such as whole blood and faeces. Faecal specimens are shown in this study to have better diagnostic sensitivity and a wider diagnostic window compared to whole blood. From these results, it is concluded that faeces is the most suitable clinical specimen for diagnosis of ricin poisoning via the oral route. The ELISA test kit can also detect ricin in environmental samples. An advantage of this ELISA kit over other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) detection kits currently on the market that are developed to screen environmental samples only is its ability to diagnose ricin poisoning from clinical specimens as well as detect ricin from environmental samples.     

Simulation Modelling Using an Interactive Simulation Program Generator

The development of an interactive simulation program generator which is available on micro and mainframe computers is outlined. The generator forms part of a simulation environment being researched into and constructed by a group of researchers at the London School of Economics. The generated programs are written in Pascal, using a suite of routines which assume a three-phase structure for simulation programs. Experiences of modelling using such a simulation modelling environment are outlined, as well as details of related research and future research plans.     

Fuzzy综合评判在评价教师教学质量工作中的应用

本文应用Ｆｕｚｚｙ综合评判方法及教育测量学知识综合评价教师的教学质量．此法较其它评价方法更客观、细腻、可靠，对教学管理工作具有参考价值．     

Identification of a eukaryotic reductive dechlorinase and characterization of its mechanism of action on its natural substrate

Chlorinated compounds are important environmental pollutants whose biodegradation may be limited by inefficient dechlorinating enzymes. Dictyostelium amoebae produce a chlorinated alkyl phenone called DIF which induces stalk cell differentiation during their multicellular development. Here we describe the identification of DIF dechlorinase. DIF dechlorinase is active when expressed in bacteria, and activity is lost from Dictyostelium cells when its gene, drcA, is knocked out. It has a K(m) for DIF of 88 nM and K(cat) of 6.7 s(-1). DrcA is related to glutathione S-transferases, but with a key asparagine-to-cysteine substitution in the catalytic pocket. When this change is reversed, the enzyme reverts to a glutathione S-transferase, thus suggesting a catalytic mechanism. DrcA offers new possibilities for the rational design of bioremediation strategies.     

A Three-Phase Simulation System Written in Pascal

A three-phase simulation system written in Pascal for use on microcomputers, minis and mainframes is presented. The advantages of the three-phase method are discussed, and the basis of the system explained. Although a traditional, textbook example is used to aid explanation and discussion, the system described in this paper has been used in real applications and in the teaching of simulation at Lancaster University and the London School of Economics. It also provides a basis for further research in simulation within both institutions.