Activity of novel protein kinase C and distribution of protein kinase C theta in subcellular fractions of normal and Duchenne muscular dystrophic muscle.

Phospholipid-dependent, Ca(2+)-independent isoenzymes termed novel protein kinase C or nPKC, include PKC delta, epsilon, eta, theta and mu. Status and role of nPKC and PKC theta in Duchenne muscular dystrophic (DMD) condition is unknown. In the present study, we have shown that most of the nPKC isoforms are translocated to the membrane fraction of DMD tissue specimen. It is well established that translocation plays a key role in signal transduction by individual PKC isoforms. In our experiment, the increased association of nPKC isoform PKC theta to membrane was further confirmed by Western blot. Increased expression of PKC theta mRNA was identified by dot blot analysis. The above results suggest that, the alterations in nPKC location and increased expression of PKC theta observed is a result of modification of PKC-mediated signal transduction and cell function.

Behaviour of buildings to withstand cyclonic winds : An experience of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh

India due to its geographical location, has 5,700 kms long coastal line in the southern hemisphere of the earth. It faces four to five cyclones every year. Out of which one or two are very severe. Cyclones impact 50 per cent of population of the country. Due to complexities of cyclonic winds and their dynamic nature, behavior of buildings and their response can not be predicted on theoretical analysis only. In fact, this needs to be studied historically to improve design of buildings. SERC, Chennai has pioneered in the same and have arrived at specific guidelines and findings for structural improvements in residential as well as other buildings preventing devastating impacts. Some extracts of such findings and guidelines have been brought out on this paper. (AU)