Iron Box Research Articles

Effect of different irrigation systems on root growth of maize and cowpea plants in sandy soil

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University to study the influence of different irrigation systems on root length density and specific root length of maize and cowpea plants cultivated in sandy soil. Three irrigation systems (Surface, drip and sprinkler irrigation) were used in this study. The NPK fertilizers were applied as recommended doses for maize and cowpea. Root samples were collected from the soil profile below one plant (maize and cowpea) which was irrigated by the three irrigation systems by using an iron box (30 cm × 20 cm) which is divided into 24 small boxes each box is (5 × 5 × 5 cm) . At surface irrigation, root length density of cowpea reached to soil depth 30-40cm with lateral distances 5-10 cm and 15-20 cm. Vertical distribution of root length density of maize was increased with soil depth till 20-25 cm, and then it decreased till soil depth 35-40cm. Under drip irrigation, root length density of cowpea increased horizontally from 0-5cm to 10-15cm then it decreased till soil depth 25-30 cm and below this depth root length density disappeared. For the root length density and specific root length of maize under drip irrigation, the data showed that root length density and specific root length decreased with increasing in soil depth. The root length density of cowpea under sprinkler irrigation at 0-5cm disappeared from horizontal distance at 25-30 cm. The data showed that root length density of maize under sprinkler irrigation was higher at the soil top layers 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm than other layers from 10-40 cm.

RANCANG BANGUN TURBIN ANGIN SAVONIUS 200 WATT

This study aimed to establish the type of Savonius wind turbines that capable of generating electric power of 200 Watts. This objective relates to Bantul District Government program which plans to build wind turbin generating electrical power (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Bayu, PLTB) 200 Watt as a backup power source for powering cooling fish caught by fishermen in the southern coast. Savonius Turbine chosen with consideration that it has simple construction so that the cost is not expensive, not depending on the direction of the wind, and is suitable for small power plants.Design of Savonius turbine blade has been completed, the turbine blade height 168 cm and a diameter of 55 cm. Blade turbine mounted on an arm along 55 cm from the turbine shaft and separate 120º. The turbine is supported by a 3-foot-tall turbines framework 2,5 m iron box 4 cm x 4 cm. The test simulated to determine the turbine rotation has been performed at varying wind speeds, i.e. 2 m /s, 4 m /s and 6 m /s.Based on test results, the turbine is capable of rotating an average of 54,2 rpm at a wind speed of 2 m /s; 86,8 rpm at a wind speed of 4 m /s; and 124,2 rpm at a wind speed of 6 m /s. These test results indicate that the Savonius turbines can be used to drive a generator producing the need of electrical energy

Numerical prediction of system round-trip efficiency and feasible operating conditions of small-scale solid oxide iron–air battery

A simulation model of a small-scale solid oxide iron–air battery system was developed to clarify its fundamental characteristics and feasibility from the view point of energy efficiency. The energy flow in one cycle of charge/discharge operations was evaluated under a quasi-state assumption with 0-dimensional models of the system components, i.e., a solid oxide electrochemical cell, an iron (Fe) box and heat exchangers. Special care was taken when considering thermal aspects; not only a simple system but also a more complicated system with thermal recirculation by three heat exchangers was investigated. It was found that the system round-trip efficiency reaches 61% under the base conditions in this study. The results also show that several limitations exist for the operation parameters and conditions in view of practical applications. In particular, higher and lower limits exist for the fuel and air utilization factors under which the system operates effectively because of constraints such as the maximum allowable fuel-blower temperature and no heat input during the discharge operation.

Ferric Uptake Regulator (FUR) protein: properties and implications in cyanobacteria

The Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) protein is a global iron regulator found in most prokaryotes. Although the Fur protein is involved in a variety of metabolic pathways, it is specifically known for the regulation of several iron responsive genes. It binds to the highly conserved sequences located in the upstream promoter region known as iron boxes, using ferrous ion as a co-repressor. Apart from that, the Fur protein is also directly/indirectly involved in a variety of other crucial physiological pathways. Hence, understanding the mechanism of action and the mechanistic pathways of iron regulation by Fur is necessary and important. The basic understanding of the functioning and properties of Fur protein along with its role, interaction and regulation at various levels in cyanobacteria has been discussed in detail.

Conceptual Design of Iron Box Handles with Ergonomic Aspects

There is always a need for hand tools and hand operated products that are well designed. Designing a good handle is critical at work, especially when the product is operated for an extended period of time. This paper deals with the iron box used in the garment industry. Prolonged use of this product that is un ergonomically designed would create muscular pain in the wrist and shoulders. Here the handle of this conventional iron box is redesigned with a tilting angle that would minimize stress in the human wrist. Finally this is analysed using RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) tool in CATIA V5.

Mystery of Double Murder Unraveled by Forensic Clues a Case Report

A mother and her teenage son living in a house in remote area were not seen around for a week. The father of the lady living in adjoining area became suspicious and visited her house. He smelled stench emanating from the locked house and immediately informed the police. On reaching the spot, the police opened the locked door by taking out conventional metallic loop from the wooden door plank and found dead body of lady in a pool of blood on the floor while that of her son on the double bed. The scene of occurrence was examined for vital clues by the forensic experts after a week. The forensic investigators tried to establish linkages between the victim, suspect, crime scene and individual items as with any form of evidence. The presence of palm prints on the wall, blood streaks and spatters on the wall and blood droplets/drip pattern on the iron box (trunk) lying adjacent to the wall helped in knowing etiology of crime and led to conclude that the assailant had suffered an injury on his/her hand. On the basis of evidences, the forensic team advised the police to make search for suspect (s) and the police succeeded in arresting stepdaughter of the deceased who had suffered an injury on the thumb of left hand.

Sequential binding of FurA from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 to iron boxes: Exploring regulation at the nanoscale

Fur (ferric uptake regulator) proteins are involved in the control of a variety of processes in most prokaryotes. Although it is assumed that this regulator binds its DNA targets as a dimer, the way in which this interaction occurs remains unknown. We have focused on FurA from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. To assess the molecular mechanism by which FurA specifically binds to “iron boxes” in PfurA, we examined the topology arrangement of FurA–DNA complexes by atomic force microscopy. Interestingly, FurA–PfurA complexes exhibit several populations, in which one is the predominant and depends clearly on the regulator/promoter ratio on the environment. Those results together with EMSA and other techniques suggest that FurA binds PfurA using a sequential mechanism: (i) a monomer specifically binds to an “iron box” and bends PfurA; (ii) two situations may occur, that a second FurA monomer covers the free “iron box" or that joins to the previously used forming a dimer which would maintain the DNA kinked; (iii) trimerization in which the DNA is unbent; and (iv) finally undergoes a tetramerization; the next coming molecules cover the DNA strands unspecifically. In summary, the bending appears when an “iron box” is bound to one or two molecules and decreases when both “iron boxes” are covered. These results suggest that DNA bending contributes at the first steps of FurA repression promoting the recruitment of new molecules resulting in a fine regulation in the Fur-dependent cluster associated genes.

The Design of Simulating Different Altitudes Ionic Mobility Measuring Device

Altitude rise result in air pressure reduces. Mason-Schamp ionic mobility equation shows that air pressure change can lead to the ionic mobility change. So a set of simple and economical ionic mobility measurement device system was designed which can simulate different altitudes. The device can measure ionic mobility of single gas or mixed gases at different altitudes. It includes that drift tube, ion source, ion gate, ion current detection system, migration gas preparation system, pressure regulating system and shield iron boxes.

Nondestructive identification of isotopes using nuclear resonance fluorescence

Nondestructive identification of heavy isotopes concealed in a thick iron box has been demonstrated by using nuclear resonance fluorescence. A quasi-monochromatic photon beam produced by the collision of laser quanta with high energy electrons was used for resonant excitation of nuclear levels in (206)Pb and (208)Pb. By measuring the resonant γ rays emitted from (206)Pb and (208)Pb, each of these isotopes were clearly identified. The ratio of the effective thickness, i.e., concentration distribution, of these isotopes was deduced from the relative intensities of the measured nuclear resonance fluorescence strengths.

Indoor Atmospheric Degradation of Historical Metal Objects Studied by Spectroscopic Techniques

The surface layers resulting from prolonged exposure to the indoor environment and the bulk material of metal artifacts from the collection of National Museum in Gdansk are studied by means of spectroscopic techniques. The composition of the surface layers of the forged iron box lid covered with polychrome (XVI c.), and of the bronze female nude sculpture (antiquity) is obtained from the XRF and µ-Raman spectra. The elemental composition is confirmed by the LIP (Laser Induced Plasma) spectroscopic measurements. The quasi-nondestructive LIP technique applied for stratigraphic sampling performed with an accuracy of ca 2 µm across the multilayer surface coverage reveals such elements as C, Ba and Na in the uppermost layer. From coincidence of the XRF, Raman and LIP data the presence of surface contaminant CaCO3, the corrosion product FeO(OH) and patina Cu2 (OH)3Cl are concluded. It is shown that the complementary spectroscopic analysis allows for the in-depth study of the environmental impact on historical objects and delivers indications for the appropriate strategy of the planned conservation activities. Moreover, from the data collected from the technologies applied in the past, origin, provenance and routing of the artifacts can be concluded.

Identification and functional characterization of the iron-dependent regulator (IdeR) of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne's disease in cattle and sheep, has unique iron requirements in that it is mycobactin-dependent for cultivation in vitro. The iron-dependent regulator (IdeR) is a well-characterized global regulator responsible for maintaining iron homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). We identified an orthologous segment in the MAP genome, MAP2827, with >93 % amino acid identity to MTB IdeR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase protection assays confirmed that MAP2827 binds the 19 bp consensus motif (iron box) on the MAP genome. Sequencing of MAP2827 from multiple isolates revealed a non-synonymous change (R91G) exclusive to sheep strains. Reporter gene assays and quantitative real-time RT-PCR assays in two diverse MAP strains and in an ideR deletion mutant of M. smegmatis (mc(2)155) suggested that both sheep MAP IdeR (sIdeR) and cattle MAP IdeR (cIdeR) repress mbtB transcription at high iron concentrations and relieve repression at low iron concentrations. On the other hand, bfrA (an iron storage gene) was upregulated by cIdeR when presented with MTB or the cattle MAP bfrA promoter, and was downregulated by sIdeR in the presence of MTB, or sheep or cattle MAP bfrA promoters, at high iron concentrations. The differential iron regulatory mechanisms between IdeR-regulated genes across strains may contribute to the differential growth or pathogenic characteristics of sheep and cattle MAP strains. Taken together, our study provides a possible reason for mycobactin dependency and suggests strong implications in the differential iron acquisition and storage mechanisms in MAP.

Characteristics of soil water consumption of typical shrubs (Caragana microphylla) and trees (Pinus sylvestris) in the Horqin Sandy Land area, China

Reforestation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impacts of desertification. Caragana microphylla Lam. and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litrin have been widely used to stabilize shifting sands in the Horqin sandy land area since the 1980s. However, soil water depletion has been of major concern in C. microphylla and P. ongolica plantations and in many places current soil moisture cannot meet the demand of growing plants. To determine the water budget of C. microphylla and P. mongolica plantations, we studied the effect of plantations on soil moisture and assessed the evapotranspiration in plantations of both species. Investigations were conducted at a fenced plot at Wulanaodu (42°29′N, 119°30′E, 479 m a. s. l), located at the western edge of the Horqin Sandy Land area in Inner Mongolia, northern China. Five year old C. microphylla and seven year old P. mongolica plants were selected from the plantations and transplanted to iron boxes (400 cm×200 cm×120 cm) which can drain extra water. Plant spacing of 1 m×1 m was applied to P. mongolica, and two plant spacings of 1 m×1 m and 1 m×2 m to C. microphylla. The transplanted plants grew for two years in the boxes. Soil moisture from soil surface to a depth 80 cm were measured at 20 cm intervals in boxes every 10 d (2004) or 3 d (2005) during the growing season with a TDR water meter. The evapotranspiration was estimated from a mathematical formula and the characteristics of soil water consumption and evapotranspiration of these two plantations were analyzed. The soil water of P. mongolica was more than that of C. microphylla at the same 1 m×1m spacing. The soil water of C. microphylla with the 1 m×2 m spacing was more than that of the 1 m×1 m spacing. The evapotranspiration ranged from high to low as follows: C. microphylla (1 m×1 m), C. microphylla (1 m×2 m) and P. mongolica (1 m×1 m) during the growing seasons. The evapotranspiration of individual plants ranging from high to low was C. microphylla (1 m×2 m), C. microphylla (1 m×1 m), and P. mongolica (1 m×1 m) during the growing season. C. microphylla grown for five year consumed more water than P. mongolica grown for seven years at the same spacing.

Residual magnetic stray field in ITER building and field perturbation on the plasma due to ferromagnetic iron components outside the vessel

The present work evaluates, using 3D finite element (FE) electromagnetic (EM) analyses, the poloidal field coil (PFC) stray field reduction inside and outside the main ITER building due to the presence of ferromagnetic content in the concrete and other iron components outside the vessel (mainly the huge iron boxes of the NBI – neutral beam injector – and the iron doors at the end of the port corridors). To perform these analyses a 360° 3D EM model of the ITER building has been developed, named electromagnetic model of the building complex (EMMOBC), which includes the poloidal field coils, the plasma, a coarse model of the two heating & current drive (H&CD) NBIs, the coils of the NBI active magnetic field reduction system, and all the main building components that could include ferromagnetic materials. The plasma scenarios at the start of flat-top (SOF) and at the end of burning (EOB) have been considered. The effect on the stray field on the NBI due to the presence of the active (AMFRS) and passive (PMFRS) magnetic field reduction system of the near NBI and of the others iron component in the building has been evaluated, using EMMOBC that include the coarse model of the two NBIs. The coil currents of the AMFRS in the H&CD NBI have been optimized for the stray field coming from the SOF and EOB plasma scenarios at plasma current of 15 MA. The stray field at SOF and EOB, including the effects of the ferromagnetic iron content (outside the vessel), has been evaluated inside and outside the main ITER building using the EMMOBC. Finally the field perturbation produced on the plasma q = 2 surface has been evaluated.

Binding of the Zn2+ ion to ferric uptake regulation protein from E. coli and the competition with Fe2+ binding: a molecular modeling study of the effect on DNA binding and conformational changes of Fur

The three dimensional structure of Ferric uptake regulation protein dimer from E. coli, determined by molecular modeling, was docked on a DNA fragment (iron box) and Zn(2+) ions were added in two steps. The first step involved the binding of one Zn2+ ion to what is known as the zinc site which consists of the residues Cys 92, Cys 95, Asp 137, Asp141, Arg139, Glu 140, His 145 and His 143 with an average metal-Nitrogen distance of 2.5 A and metal-oxygen distance of 3.1-3.2 A. The second Zn2+ ion is bound to the iron activating site formed from the residues Ile 50, His 71, Asn 72, Gly 97, Asp 105 and Ala 109. The binding of the second Zn2+ ion strengthened the binding of the first ion as indicated by the shortening of the zinc-residue distances. Fe2+, when added to the complex consisting of 2Zn2+/Fur dimer/DNA, replaced the Zn2+ ion in the zinc site and when a second Fe2+ was added, it replaced the second zinc ion in the iron activating site. The binding of both zinc and iron ions induced a similar change in Fur conformations, but shifted residues closer to DNA in a different manner. This is discussed along with a possible role for the Zn2+ ion in the Fur dimer binding of DNA in its repressor activity.

Cross-talk Between Iron and Nitrogen Regulatory Networks in Anabaena ( Nostoc) sp. PCC 7120: Identification of Overlapping Genes in FurA and NtcA Regulons

Nitrogen signalling in cyanobacteria involves a complex network in which the availability of iron plays an important role. In the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, iron uptake is controlled by FurA, while NtcA is the master regulator of nitrogen metabolism and shows a mutual dependence with HetR in the first steps of heterocyst development. Expression of FurA is modulated by NtcA and it is enhanced in a hetR − background. Iron starvation in cells grown in the presence of combined nitrogen causes a moderate increase in the transcription of glnA that is more evident in a ntcA − background. Those results evidence a tight link between the reserves of iron and nitrogen metabolism that leads us to search for target genes potentially co-regulated by FurA and NtcA. Using a bioinformatic approach we have found a significant number of NtcA-regulated genes exhibiting iron boxes in their upstream regions. Our computational predictions have been validated using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis. These candidates for dual regulation are involved in different functions such as photosynthesis (i.e. psaL, petH, rbcL, isiA), heterocyst differentiation (i.e. xisA, hanA, prpJ, nifH), transcriptional regulation (several alternative sigma factors) or redox balance (i.e. trxA, ftrC, gor). The identification of common elements overlapping the NtcA and FurA regulons allows us to establish a previously unrecognized transcriptional regulatory connection between iron homeostasis, redox control and nitrogen metabolism.

Transcriptional regulation of the desferrioxamine gene cluster of Streptomyces coelicolor is mediated by binding of DmdR1 to an iron box in the promoter of the desA gene

Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces pilosus produce desferrioxamine siderophores which are encoded by the desABCD gene cluster. S. pilosus is used for the production of desferrioxamine B which is utilized in human medicine. We report the deletion of the desA gene encoding a lysine decarboxylase in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). The DeltadesA mutant was able to grow on lysine as the only carbon and nitrogen source but its desferrioxamine production was blocked, confirming that the L-lysine decarboxylase encoded by desA is a dedicated enzyme committing L-lysine to desferrioxamine biosynthesis. Production of desferrioxamine was restored by complementation with the whole wild-type desABCD cluster, but not by desA alone, because of a polar effect of the desA gene replacement on expression of the downstream des genes. The transcription pattern of the desABCD cluster in S. coelicolor showed that all four genes were coordinately induced under conditions of iron deprivation. The transcription start point of the desA gene was identified by primer extension analysis at a thymine located 62 nucleotides upstream of the translation start codon. The -10 region of the desA promoter overlaps the 19-nucleotide palindromic iron box sequence known to be involved in iron regulation in Streptomyces. Binding of DmdR1 divalent metal-dependent regulatory protein to the desA promoter region of both S. coelicolor and S. pilosus was shown using electrophoretic mobility-shift assays, validating the conclusion that iron regulation of the desABCD cluster is mediated by the regulatory protein DmdR1. We conclude that the genes involved in desferrioxamine production are under transcriptional control exerted by the DmdR1 regulator in the presence of iron and are expressed under conditions of iron limitation.

Interaction of FurA from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 with DNA: A Reducing Environment and the Presence of Mn2+ are Positive Effectors in the Binding to isiB and furA Promoters

The Fur (ferric uptake regulator) protein is a global regulator in most prokaryotes that controls a large number of genes. Fur is a classical repressor that uses ferrous iron as co-repressor and binds to specific DNA sequences (iron boxes) as a dimer. Three different genes coding for Fur homologues have been identified in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. FurA controls the transcription of flavodoxin, the product of the isiB gene, and is moderately autoregulated. In this work, the promoter of the furA gene was defined and the FurA protected regions in the furA and isiB promoters were identified, showing that the binding sites for Anabaena FurA contain A/T-rich sequences with a variable arrangement compared to the conventional 19-base pair Fur consensus. The influence of different factors on the interaction between FurA and the promoters was evaluated in vitro. The affinity of FurA for the DNA targets was significantly affected by the redox status of this regulator and the presence of Mn(2+). The optimal binding conditions were observed in the presence of both Mn(2+) and DTT. Those results suggest that, in addition to iron availability, FurA-DNA interaction is modulated by redox conditions.

Iron(II) triggered conformational changes in Escherichia coli fur upon DNA binding: a study using molecular modeling

In order to identify the Fur dimerization domain, a three-dimensional structure of the ferric uptake regulation protein from Escherichia coli (Fur EC) was determined using homology modeling and energy minimization. The Fur monomer consists of turn- helix -turn motif on the N-terminal domain, followed by another helix–turn–helix–turn motif, and two β-strands separated by a turn which forms the wing. The C-terminal domain, separated by a long coil from the N-terminal, and consisting of two anti parallel β strands, and a turn–helix–turn–helix–turn motif. Residues in central domain were found to aid the dimer formation, residues 45–70 as evident in the calculated distances; this region is rich in hydrophobic residues. Most interactions occur between residues Val55, Leu53, Gln52, Glu49 and Tyr56 with closest contacts occurring at residues 49–56. These residues are part of an α-helix (α 4) near the N-terminal. Upon raising the Fe 2+ concentration the binding of Fur dimer to DNA was enhanced, this was evident when, the Fur EC dimer was docked onto DNA “iron box” (it was found to bind the AT-rich region) and upon addition of Fe 2+ the helices near the N-terminal bound to the major groove of the DNA. Addition of high Fe 2+ concentration triggered further conformational changes in the Fur dimer as was measured by distances between the two subunits, Fe 2+ mediated the Fur binding to DNA by attaching itself to the DNA. At the same time DNA changed conformation as was evident in the distortion in the backbone and the shrinking of major groove distance from 11.4 to 9.3 Å. Two major Fe 2+ sites were observed on the C-terminal domain: site 1, the traditional Zn site, the cavity contains the residues Cys92, Cys95, Asp137, Asp141, Arg139, Glu 140, His 145 and His 143 at distances range from 1.3 to 2.2 Å. Site 2 enclave consists of His71, Ile50, Asn72, Gly97, Asp105 and Ala109 at very close proximity to Fe 2+. The closest contacts between Fur dimer and DNA at the AT-rich region were at residues Ala11, Gly12, Leu13, Pro18 and Arg19 mostly hydrophobic residues near the N-terminal domain. Close contacts repeated at His87, His88 and Arg112, and a third region near the C-terminal at Asn137, Arg 139, Glu140, Asn141, His143, Asn141 and His145. Fur dimer has three major contact regions with DNA, the first on the N-terminal domain, a second smaller region at His87, His88 and Arg112 mediated by Fe 2+ ions, and a third region on the C-terminal domain consisting mainly of hydrophobic contacts and mediated by Fe 2+ ions at high concentration.

Iron-regulatory proteins DmdR1 and DmdR2 of Streptomyces coelicolor form two different DNA-protein complexes with iron boxes.

In high G+C Gram-positive bacteria, the control of expression of genes involved in iron metabolism is exerted by a DmdR [divalent (bivalent) metal-dependent regulatory protein] in the presence of Fe2+ or other bivalent ions. The dmdR1 and dmdR2 genes of Streptomyces coelicolor were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and the DmdR1 and DmdR2 proteins were purified to homogeneity. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays showed that both DmdR1 and DmdR2 bind to the 19-nt tox and desA iron boxes forming two different complexes in each case. Increasing the concentrations of DmdR1 or DmdR2 protein shifted these complexes from their low-molecular-mass form to the high-molecular-mass complexes. Formation of the DNA-protein complexes was prevented by the bivalent metal chelating agent 2,2'-dipyridyl and by antibodies specific against the DmdR proteins. Cross-linking with glutaraldehyde of pure DmdR1 or DmdR2 proteins showed that DmdR1 forms dimers, whereas DmdR2 is capable of forming dimers and probably tetramers. Ten different iron boxes were found in a search for iron boxes in the genome of S. coelicolor. Most of them correspond to putative genes involved in siderophore biosynthesis. Since the nucleotide sequence of these ten boxes is identical (or slightly different) with the synthetic DNA fragment containing the desA box used in the present study, it is proposed that DmdR1 and DmdR2 bind to the iron boxes upstream of at least ten different genes in S. coelicolor.

Large quasi-sheet dipole magnets

We have constructed a pair of Quasi-Sheet dipole magnets, each an iron box enclosing Nd–Fe–B blocks that produce a 0.486 T field adjustable to ±2% and uniform to better than ± 0.05% in a 500×250×20 mm 3 working region. Here we describe the magnet design and construction and compare the calculated and measured fields.