Revealing the synergetic effects in Ni nanoparticle-carbon nanotube hybrids by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and their application in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guanqi; Zhong, Jun; Wang, Jian; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Sun, Xuhui; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2015-05-01

The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications.The hybrids of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the supported Ni nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and tested by the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3). Data clearly showed the existence of a strong interaction between Ni NPs and thin CNTs (C-O-Ni bonds), which favored the tunable (buffer) electronic structure of Ni NPs facilitating the catalytic process. The hydrolysis process of AB confirmed the hypothesis that the hybrids with a strong interfacial interaction would show superior catalytic performance, while the hybrids with a weak interfacial interaction show poor performance. Our results provide a wealth of detailed information regarding the electronic structure of the NP-CNT hybrids and provide guidance towards the rational design of high-performance catalysts for energy applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Magnified TEM images, high resolution TEM images and the particle size distributions of the samples, the STXM results of a thick tube at different positions, XPS results, stability test. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01168j

Trimethylaluminum and borane complexes of primary amines.

PubMed

Németh, Balázs; Guégan, Jean-Paul; Veszprémi, Tamás; Guillemin, Jean-Claude

2013-01-07

Trimethylaluminum (TMA) complexes of methyl-, n-propyl-, cyclopropyl-, allyl-, and propargylamine were synthesized and their experimental properties and theoretical characteristics were compared with the respective amine-borane analogues. The amine ligand of an amine-TMA Lewis acid-base complex can be easily changed by another amine through a 2:1 amine-TMA intermediate in pentane at room temperature. The exchange of the same ligands in the case of amine-boranes requires remarkably more time in line with the calculated relative energy of the respective transition state. The (1)H and (13)C NMR experiments examining the addition of one or more equivalent of amine to the respective Lewis acid-base complex conclude in the fast exchange of the amine ligand in the NMR time scale only in the cases of amine-TMA complexes, which could also be caused by similar 2:1 complexes. However, in gas phase, only 1:1 amine-TMA complexes are present as evidenced by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The observed UP spectra, which are the first recorded photoelectron spectra of primary amine-TMA compounds, indicate that the stabilization effect of the lone electron pair of nitrogen atom in amines during the borane complexation is stronger than that of the TMA complexation. In line with this observation, the destabilization of the σ(Al-C) orbitals is lower than that of σ(B-H) orbitals during the formation of amine-TMA and amine-borane complexes, respectively. As showed by theoretical calculations, the CH(4) elimination of the studied amine-TMA complexes is exothermic, indicating the possibility of using these compounds in metal organic chemical vapor deposition techniques (MOCVD). On the other hand, our experimental conditions avoid this methane elimination and constitutes the first procedure employing distillation to isolate primary amine-TMA complexes.

Enhanced hydrogen release by catalyzed hydrolysis of sodium borohydride-ammonia borane mixtures: a solution-state 11B NMR study.

PubMed

Hannauer, J; Demirci, U B; Geantet, C; Herrmann, J M; Miele, P

2011-03-07

Hydrolysis of mixtures consisting of sodium borohydride NaBH(4) (SB) and ammonia borane NH(3)BH(3) (AB) was studied in the absence/presence of a Co catalyst. The kinetics of the H(2) evolutions was measured. The reactions were followed in situ by solution-state (11)B NMR and the hydrolysis by-products characterized by NMR, XRD and IR. It is demonstrated that the combination of the two compounds gives a synergetic effect. SB rapidly reduces the Co catalyst precursor and the NH(4)(+) ions from AB contribute in the dispersion of the in situ formed Co nanoparticles. As a result, the kinetics of H(2) evolution is greatly improved. For instance, a hydrogen generation rate of 29.6 L min(-1) g(-1)(Co) was found for a mixture consisting of 81 wt% NH(3)BH(3), 9 wt% NaBH(4) and 10 wt% CoCl(2). By (11)B NMR, it was showed that the reaction mechanisms are quite trivial. As soon as the Co catalyst forms in situ, SB, rather than AB, hydrolyzes until it is totally converted. Then, the overall hydrolysis continues with that of AB. Both reactions follow a bimolecular Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism; no reaction intermediates were observed during the process. In fact, SB and AB convert directly into B(OH)(4)(-), which comes in equilibrium with a polyborate compound identified as B(3)O(3)(OH)(4)(-). All of these results are discussed herein.

Accurate ab initio quartic force fields for borane and BeH2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, J. M. L.; Lee, Timothy J.

1992-01-01

The quartic force fields of BH3 and BeH2 have been computed ab initio using an augmented coupled cluster (CCSD(T)) method and basis sets of spdf and spdfg quality. For BH3, the computed spectroscopic constants are in very good agreement with recent experimental data, and definitively confirm misassignments in some older work, in agreement with recent ab initio studies. Using the computed spectroscopic constants, the rovibrational partition function for both molecules has been constructed using a modified direct numerical summation algorithm, and JANAF-style thermochemical tables are presented.

Novel photocatalyst gold nanoparticles with dumbbell-like structure and their superiorly photocatalytic performance for ammonia borane hydrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Mingyun; Dai, Yunqian; Fu, Wanlin; Wu, Yanan; Zou, Xixi; You, Tengye; Sun, Yueming

2018-04-01

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have attracted remarkable research interest in heterogeneous catalysis due to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, only small-sized Au NPs (<7 nm) exhibit promising catalytic activity. In this work, dumbbell-like Au NPs (D-Au NPs) with an average size of 37 × 11 nm were prepared by a secondary seed-mediated growth method to serve as novel photocatalysts for ammonia borane (AB) hydrolysis in a solution with a specific pH value. Our results demonstrate that (i) the strengthened localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) compensation effect could effectively remedy the loss of catalytic activity resulting from the size enlarging of D-Au NPs, proved by the observation that the heating power of a single Au nanoparticle (Ps) and turnover frequency of AB molecules within 10 min of D-Au NPs are 52.5 and 3.89 times higher, respectively, than those of spherical Au NPs; (ii) the extinction coefficient and Ps of D-Au NPs are almost 2.72 and 2.42 times as high, respectively, as those of rod-like Au NPs, demonstrating the promoting structure-property relationship of the dumbbell-like structure; (iii) when the pH value of the AB solution was lower than 6.0, the hydrolysis rate was highly promoted, indicating that H+ ions play an active role in the hydrolysis process. This work greatly extends the application of noble metals and provides a new insight into AB hydrolysis.

Synthesis, structures and stabilities of thioanisole-functionalised phosphido-borane complexes of the alkali metals.

PubMed

Izod, Keith; Watson, James M; Clegg, William; Harrington, Ross W

2011-11-28

Treatment of the secondary phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) with BH(3)·SMe(2) gives the corresponding phosphine-borane {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (9) as a colourless solid. Deprotonation of 9 with n-BuLi, PhCH(2)Na or PhCH(2)K proceeds cleanly to give the corresponding alkali metal complexes [[{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]ML](n) [ML = Li(THF), n = 2 (10); ML = Na(tmeda), n = ∞ (11); ML = K(pmdeta), n = 2 (12)] as yellow/orange crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography reveals that the phosphido-borane ligands bind the metal centres through their sulfur and phosphorus atoms and through the hydrogen atoms of the BH(3) group in each case, leading to dimeric or polymeric structures. Compounds 10-12 are stable towards both heat and ambient light; however, on heating in toluene solution in the presence of 10, traces of free phosphine-borane 9 are slowly converted to the free phosphine {(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}PH(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe) (5) with concomitant formation of the corresponding phosphido-bis(borane) complex [{(Me(3)Si)(2)CH}P(BH(3))(2)(C(6)H(4)-2-SMe)]Li (14).

Platinum complexes of a borane-appended analogue of 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene: flexible borane coordination modes and in situ vinylborane formation.

PubMed

Cowie, Bradley E; Emslie, David J H

2014-12-15

A bis(phosphine)borane ambiphilic ligand, [Fe(η(5) -C5 H4 PPh2 )(η(5) -C5 H4 PtBu{C6 H4 (BPh2 )-ortho})] (FcPPB), in which the borane occupies a terminal position, was prepared. Reaction of FcPPB with tris(norbornene)platinum(0) provided [Pt(FcPPB)] (1) in which the arylborane is η(3) BCC-coordinated. Subsequent reaction with CO and CNXyl (Xyl=2,6-dimethylphenyl) afforded [PtL(FcPPB)] {L=CO (2) and CNXyl (3)} featuring η(2) BC- and η(1) B-arylborane coordination modes, respectively. Reaction of 1 or 2 with H2 yielded [PtH(μ-H)(FcPPB)] in which the borane is bound to a hydride ligand on platinum. Addition of PhC2 H to [Pt(FcPPB)] afforded [Pt(C2 Ph)(μ-H)(FcPPB)] (5), which rapidly converted to [Pt(FcPPB')] (6; FcPPB'=[Fe(η(5) -C5 H4 PPh2 )(η(5) -C5 H4 PtBu{C6 H4 (BPh-CPh=CHPh-Z)-ortho}]) in which the newly formed vinylborane is η(3) BCC-coordinated. Unlike arylborane complex 1, vinylborane complex 6 does not react with CO, CNXyl, H2 or HC2 Ph at room temperature. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An experimental study of ammonia borane based hydrogen storage systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, Kedaresh A.

2011-12-01

Hydrogen is a promising fuel for the future, capable of meeting the demands of energy storage and low pollutant emission. Chemical hydrides are potential candidates for chemical hydrogen storage, especially for automobile applications. Ammonia borane (AB) is a chemical hydride being investigated widely for its potential to realize the hydrogen economy. In this work, the yield of hydrogen obtained during neat AB thermolysis was quantified using two reactor systems. First, an oil bath heated glass reactor system was used with AB batches of 0.13 gram (+/- 0.001 gram). The rates of hydrogen generation were measured. Based on these experimental data, an electrically heated steel reactor system was designed and constructed to handle up to 2 grams of AB per batch. A majority of components were made of stainless-steel. The system consisted of an AB reservoir and feeder, a heated reactor, a gas processing unit and a system control and monitoring unit. An electronic data acquisition system was used to record experimental data. The performance of the steel reactor system was evaluated experimentally through batch reactions of 30 minutes each, for reaction temperatures in the range from 373 K to 430 K. The experimental data showed exothermic decomposition of AB accompanied by rapid generation of hydrogen during the initial period of the reaction. 90% of the hydrogen was generated during the initial 120 seconds after addition of AB to the reactor. At 430 K, the reaction produced 12 wt.% of hydrogen. The heat diffusion in the reactor system and the process of exothermic decomposition of AB were coupled in a two-dimensional model. Neat AB thermolysis was modeled as a global first order reactions based on Arrhenius theory. The values of equation constants were derived from curve fit of experimental data. The pre-exponential constant and the activation energy were estimated to be 4 s-1 (+/- 0.4 s-1) and 13000 J mol -1 s-1 (+/- 1050 J mol-1 s -1) respectively. The model was solved in COMSOL Multiphysics. The model was capable of simulating the transient response of the system and captured the observed trends such as the decrease in reactor temperature upon addition of AB and exothermic decomposition.

Synthesis and structural characterisation of a novel phosphine-borane-stabilised dicarbanion and an unusual bis(phosphine-borane).

PubMed

Izod, Keith; McFarlane, William; Tyson, Brent V; Clegg, William; Harrington, Ross W

2004-03-07

The reaction between the phosphine-borane-substituted alkene [Pr(n)(2)P(BH(3))](Me(3)Si)C[double bond]CH(2) and elemental lithium in THF yields the complex [(pmdeta)Li[Pr(n)(2)P(BH(3))](Me(3)Si)CCH(2)](2)(2b) after recrystallisation; an X-ray crystallographic study of 2b reveals that the lithium is bound to the BH(3) hydrogens of the ligand, with no Li-C(carbanion) contact.

Monomeric and oligomeric amine-borane sigma-complexes of rhodium. intermediates in the catalytic dehydrogenation of amine-boranes.

PubMed

Douglas, Thomas M; Chaplin, Adrian B; Weller, Andrew S; Yang, Xinzheng; Hall, Michael B

2009-10-28

A combined experimental/quantum chemical investigation of the transition metal-mediated dehydrocoupling reaction of H(3)B.NMe(2)H to ultimately give the cyclic dimer [H(2)BNMe(2)](2) is reported. Intermediates and model complexes have been isolated, including examples of amine-borane sigma-complexes of Rh(I) and Rh(III). These come from addition of a suitable amine-borane to the crystallographically characterized precursor [Rh(eta(6)-1,2-F(2)C(6)H(4))(P(i)Bu(3))(2)][BAr(F)(4)] [Ar(F) = 3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)]. The complexes [Rh(eta(2)-H(3)B.NMe(3))(P(i)Bu(3))(2)][BAr(F)(4)] and [Rh(H)(2)(eta(2)-H(3)B.NHMe(2))(P(i)Bu(3))(2)][BAr(F)(4)] have also been crystallographically characterized. Other intermediates that stem from either H(2) loss or gain have been characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS. These complexes are competent in the catalytic dehydrocoupling (5 mol %) of H(3)B.NMe(2)H. During catalysis the linear dimer amine-borane H(3)B.NMe(2)BH(2).NHMe(2) is observed which follows a characteristic intermediate time/concentration profile. The corresponding amine-borane sigma-complex, [Rh(P(i)Bu(3))(2)(eta(2)-H(3)B.NMe(2)BH(2).NHMe(2))][BAr(F)(4)], has been isolated and crystallographically characterized. A Rh(I) complex of the final product, [Rh(P(i)Bu(3))(2){eta(2)-(H(2)BNMe(2))(2)}][BAr(F)(4)], is also reported, although this complex lies outside the proposed catalytic cycle. DFT calculations show that the first proposed dehydrogenation step, to give H(2)B horizontal lineNMe(2), proceeds via two possible routes of essentially the same energy barrier: BH or NH activation followed by NH or BH activation, respectively. Subsequent to this, two possible low energy routes that invoke either H(2)/H(2)B horizontal lineNMe(2) loss or H(2)B horizontal lineNMe(2)/H(2) loss are suggested. For the second dehydrogenation step, which ultimately affords [H(2)BNMe(2)](2), a number of experimental observations suggest that a simple intramolecular route is not operating: (i) the isolated complex [Rh(P(i)Bu(3))(2)(eta(2)-H(3)B.NMe(2)BH(2).NHMe(2))][BAr(F)(4)] is stable in the absence of amine-boranes; (ii) addition of H(3)B.NMe(2)BH(2).NHMe(2) to [Rh(P(i)Bu(3))(2)(eta(2)-H(3)B.NMe(2)BH(2).NHMe(2))][BAr(F)(4)] initiates dehydrocoupling; and (iii) H(2)B horizontal lineNMe(2) is also observed during this process.

Chemical vapor deposition growth of boron-carbon-nitrogen layers from methylamine borane thermolysis products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leardini, Fabrice; Flores, Eduardo; Galvis E, Andrés R.; Ferrer, Isabel J.; Ramón Ares, José; Sánchez, Carlos; Molina, Pablo; van der Meulen, Herko P.; Gómez Navarro, Cristina; López Polin, Guillermo; Urbanos, Fernando J.; Granados, Daniel; García-García, F. Javier; Demirci, Umit B.; Yot, Pascal G.; Mastrangelo, Filippo; Grazia Betti, Maria; Mariani, Carlo

2018-01-01

This work investigates the growth of B-C-N layers by chemical vapor deposition using methylamine borane (MeAB) as the single-source precursor. MeAB has been synthesized and characterized, paying particular attention to the analysis of its thermolysis products, which are the gaseous precursors for B-C-N growth. Samples have been grown on Cu foils and transferred onto different substrates for their morphological, structural, chemical, electronic and optical characterizations. The results of these characterizations indicate a segregation of h-BN and graphene-like (Gr) domains. However, there is an important presence of B and N interactions with C at the Gr borders, and of C interacting at the h-BN-edges, respectively, in the obtained nano-layers. In particular, there is a significant presence of C-N bonds, at Gr/h-BN borders and in the form of N doping of Gr domains. The overall B:C:N contents in the layers is close to 1:3:1.5. A careful analysis of the optical bandgap determination of the obtained B-C-N layers is presented, discussed and compared with previous seminal works with samples of similar composition.

Hydrogen production using ammonia borane

DOEpatents

Hamilton, Charles W; Baker, R. Thomas; Semelsberger, Troy A; Shrestha, Roshan P

2013-12-24

Hydrogen ("H.sub.2") is produced when ammonia borane reacts with a catalyst complex of the formula L.sub.nM-X wherein M is a base metal such as iron, X is an anionic nitrogen- or phosphorus-based ligand or hydride, and L is a neutral ancillary ligand that is a neutral monodentate or polydentate ligand.

Cationic boranes for the complexation of fluoride ions in water below the 4 ppm maximum contaminant level.

PubMed

Kim, Youngmin; Gabbaï, François P

2009-03-11

In search of a molecular receptor that could bind fluoride ions in water below the maximum contaminant level of 4 ppm set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we have investigated the water stability and fluoride binding properties of a series of phosphonium boranes of general formula [p-(Mes(2)B)C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)R)](+) with R = Me ([1](+)), Et ([2](+)), n-Pr ([3](+)), and Ph ([4](+)). These phosphonium boranes are water stable and react reversibly with water to form the corresponding zwitterionic hydroxide complexes of general formula p-(Mes(2)(HO)B)C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)R). They also react with fluoride ions to form the corresponding zwitterionic fluoride complexes of general formula p-(Mes(2)(F)B)C(6)H(4)(PPh(2)R). Spectrophotometric acid-base titrations carried out in H(2)O/MeOH (9:1 vol.) afford pK(R+) values of 7.3(+/-0.07) for [1](+), 6.92(+/-0.1) for [2](+), 6.59(+/-0.08) for [3](+), and 6.08(+/-0.09) for [4](+), thereby indicating that the Lewis acidity of the cationic boranes increases in following order: [1](+) < [2](+) < [3](+) < [4](+). In agreement with this observation, fluoride titration experiments in H(2)O/MeOH (9:1 vol.) show that the fluoride binding constants (K = 840(+/-50) M(-1) for [1](+), 2500(+/-200) M(-1) for [2](+), 4000(+/-300) M(-1) for [3](+), and 10 500(+/-1000) M(-1) for [4](+)) increase in the same order. These results show that the Lewis acidity of the cationic boranes increases with their hydrophobicity. The resulting Lewis acidity increase is substantial and exceeds 1 order of magnitude on going from [1](+) to [4](+). In turn, [4](+) is sufficiently fluorophilic to bind fluoride ions below the EPA contaminant level in pure water. These results indicate that phosphonium boranes related to [4](+) could be used as molecular recognition units in chemosensors for drinking water analysis.

Compositions containing borane or carborane cage compounds and related applications

DOEpatents

Bowen, III, Daniel E; Eastwood, Eric A

2013-05-28

Compositions comprising a polymer-containing matrix and a filler comprising a cage compound selected from borane cage compounds, carborane cage compounds, metal complexes thereof, residues thereof, mixtures thereof, and/or agglomerations thereof, where the cage compound is not covalently bound to the matrix polymer. Methods of making and applications for using such compositions are also disclosed.

Compositions containing borane or carborane cage compounds and related applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bowen, III, Daniel E; Eastwood, Eric A

2014-11-11

Compositions comprising a polymer-containing matrix and a filler comprising a cage compound selected from borane cage compounds, carborane cage compounds, metal complexes thereof, residues thereof, mixtures thereof, and/or agglomerations thereof, where the cage compound is not covalently bound to the matrix polymer. Methods of making and applications for using such compositions are also disclosed.

Compositions containing borane or carborane cage compounds and related applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bowen, III, Daniel E.; Eastwood, Eric A.

2015-09-15

Compositions comprising a polymer-containing matrix and a filler comprising a cage compound selected from borane cage compounds, carborane cage compounds, metal complexes thereof, residues thereof, mixtures thereof, and/or agglomerations thereof, where the cage compound is not covalently bound to the matrix polymer. Methods of making and applications for using such compositions are also disclosed.

Ammonium boranes for the selective complexation of cyanide or fluoride ions in water.

PubMed

Hudnall, Todd W; Gabbaï, François P

2007-10-03

With the recognition of aqueous fluoride and cyanide ions as an objective, we have investigated the anion binding properties of two isomeric ammonium boranes, namely [p-(Mes2B)C6H4(NMe3)]+ ([1]+) and [o-(Mes2B)C6H4(NMe3)]+ ([2]+). These cationic boranes, which could be obtained by reaction of the known 4- and 2-dimesitylboryl-N,N-dimethylaniline with MeOTf, have been investigated both experimentally and computationally. They both react with fluoride and cyanide ions in organic solvents to afford the corresponding fluoroborate/ or cyanoborate/ammonium zwitterions 1F, 1CN, 2F, and 2CN. In aqueous solution, however, these cationic boranes behave as remarkably selective receptors. Indeed, [1]+ only complexes cyanide ions while [2]+ only complexes fluoride ions. In H2O/DMSO 60:40 vol (HEPES 6 mM, pH 7), the cyanide binding constant of [1]+ and the fluoride binding constant of [2]+ are respectively equal to 3.9 (+/-0.1) x 108 and 910 (+/-50) M-1. Structural and computational studies indicate that both steric and electronic effects contribute to the unusual selectivity displayed by these cationic boranes. Owing to favorable Coulombic effects, the para-derivative [1]+ has a very high affinity for cyanide; yet these effects are not sufficiently intense to allow complexation of the more efficiently hydrated and less basic fluoride anion. In the case of the ortho-derivative [2]+, the proximity of the ammonium moiety leads to an increase in the Lewis acidity of the boron center thus making fluoride binding possible. However, steric effects prevent cyanide coordination to the boron center of [2]+. Finally, cation [1]+ and [2]+ bind their dedicated anions reversibly and show a negligible response in the presence of other common anions including Cl-, Br-, I-, NO3-, OAc-, H2PO4-, and HSO4-.

Anion capture and sensing with cationic boranes: on the synergy of Coulombic effects and onium ion-centred Lewis acidity.

PubMed

Zhao, Haiyan; Leamer, Lauren A; Gabbaï, François P

2013-06-21

Stimulated by the growing importance and recognized toxicity of anions such as fluoride, cyanide and azides, we have, in the past few years, developed a family of Lewis acidic triarylboranes that can be used for the complexation of these anions in organic and protic solvents, including water. A central aspect of our approach lies in the decoration of the boranes with peripheral ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium stibonium or telluronium groups. The presence of these cationic groups provides a Coulombic drive for the capture of the anion, leading to boranes that can be used in aqueous solutions where anion hydration and/or protonation are usually competitive. The anion affinity of these boranes can be markedly enhanced by narrowing the separation between the anion binding site (i.e. the boron atom) and the onium ion. In such systems, the latent Lewis acidity of the onium ion also plays a role as manifested by the formation of B-X→E (E = P, S, Sb, or Te; X = F, CN or N3) chelate motifs that provide additional stability to the resulting complexes. These effects, which are maximum in stibonium and telluronium boranes, show that the Lewis acidity of heavy onium ions can be exploited for anion coordination and capture. The significance of these advances is illustrated by the development of applications in anion sensing, fluorination chemistry and (18)F radiolabeling for positron emission tomography.

In situ formed catalytically active ruthenium nanocatalyst in room temperature dehydrogenation/dehydrocoupling of ammonia-borane from Ru(cod)(cot) precatalyst.

PubMed

Zahmakiran, Mehmet; Ayvalı, Tuğçe; Philippot, Karine

2012-03-20

The development of simply prepared and effective catalytic materials for dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane (AB; NH(3)BH(3)) under mild conditions remains a challenge in the field of hydrogen economy and material science. Reported herein is the discovery of in situ generated ruthenium nanocatalyst as a new catalytic system for this important reaction. They are formed in situ during the dehydrogenation of AB in THF at 25 °C in the absence of any stabilizing agent starting with homogeneous Ru(cod)(cot) precatalyst (cod = 1,5-η(2)-cyclooctadiene; cot = 1,3,5-η(3)-cyclooctatriene). The preliminary characterization of the reaction solutions and the products was done by using ICP-OES, ATR-IR, TEM, XPS, ZC-TEM, GC, EA, and (11)B, (15)N, and (1)H NMR, which reveal that ruthenium nanocatalyst is generated in situ during the dehydrogenation of AB from homogeneous Ru(cod)(cot) precatalyst and B-N polymers formed at the initial stage of the catalytic reaction take part in the stabilization of this ruthenium nanocatalyst. Moreover, following the recently updated approach (Bayram, E.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2011, 133, 18889) by performing Hg(0), CS(2) poisoning experiments, nanofiltration, time-dependent TEM analyses, and kinetic investigation of active catalyst formation to distinguish single metal or in the present case subnanometer Ru(n) cluster-based catalysis from polymetallic Ru(0)(n) nanoparticle catalysis reveals that in situ formed Ru(n) clusters (not Ru(0)(n) nanoparticles) are kinetically dominant catalytically active species in our catalytic system. The resulting ruthenium catalyst provides 120 total turnovers over 5 h with an initial turnover frequency (TOF) value of 35 h(-1) at room temperature with the generation of more than 1.0 equiv H(2) at the complete conversion of AB to polyaminoborane (PAB; [NH(2)BH(2)](n)) and polyborazylene (PB; [NHBH](n)) units.

Synthesis and Engineering Materials Properties of Fluid Phase Chemical Hydrogen Storage Materials for Automotive Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Young Joon; Westman, Matthew P.; Karkamkar, Abhijeet J.

Among candidates for chemical hydrogen storage in PEM fuel cell automotive applications, ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) is considered to be one of the most promising materials due to its high practical hydrogen content of 14-16 wt%. This material is selected as a surrogate chemical for a hydrogen storage system. For easier transition to the existing infrastructure, a fluid phase hydrogen storage material is very attractive and thus, we investigated the engineering materials properties of AB in liquid carriers for a chemical hydrogen storage slurry system. Slurries composed of AB and high temperature liquids were prepared by mechanical milling and sonicationmore » in order to obtain stable and fluidic properties. Volumetric gas burette system was adopted to observe the kinetics of the H2 release reactions of the AB slurry and neat AB. Viscometry and microscopy were employed to further characterize slurries engineering properties. Using a tip-sonication method we have produced AB/silicone fluid slurries at solid loadings up to 40wt% (6.5wt% H2) with viscosities less than 500cP at 25°C.« less

Computational studies of complexation of nitrous oxide by borane-phosphine frustrated Lewis pairs.

PubMed

Gilbert, Thomas M

2012-08-14

Computational studies of complexes Ar(3)B-ONN-PR(3) derived from reactions between borane-phosphine frustrated Lewis pairs and N(2)O reveal several interesting facets. Natural resonance theory calculations support a change in the preferred resonance structure as the Lewis acidity of the borane increases. Potential constitutional isomers where phosphorus binds to oxygen and boron to nitrogen are predicted to be unstable with respect to loss of phosphine oxide and free N(2). Other constitutional isomers represent stationary points on the potential energy surface; most are considerably less stable than the observed complexes, but one is predicted to be as stable. This arises because the dominant resonance form combines alternating charge with the presence of a stabilizing NO double bond. The relationship between Lewis acidity and complex formation for a variety of boranes was explored; the results are consistent with the idea that greater Lewis acidity stabilizes both classical and frustrated Lewis acid-base pairs, but to differing degrees such that both types can entrap N(2)O. Calculations addressing the mechanism of complex formation suggest that N(2)O binds first through the nitrogen to the phosphine phosphorus of the FLP, whereupon boron coordinates the oxygen atom. Studies of the mechanism of the degenerate exchange reaction between (4-F-H(4)C(6))(3)B-ONN-P(t-Bu)(3) and B(C(6)H(4)-4-F)(3), involves a "transition state", with relatively short B-O distances, and so resembles a classical I(a) process. The process involves two barriers, one associated with bringing the incoming borane into proximity with the oxygen, and the other associated with isomerising from a ladle-shaped cis-trans ct conformer to the observed trans-trans tt-type structure. The overall barrier for degenerate exchange was predicted to be between 65 and 110 kJ mol(-1), in fair agreement with experiment. Similar studies of the reaction between (4-F-H(4)C(6))(3)B-ONN-P(t-Bu)(3) and B(C(6)F(5))(3) indicate that this process more closely resembles a classical I(d) process, in that the "transition state" involves long B-O distances. Derivatization of the complexed NNO fragment appears possible; interaction between (F(5)C(6))(3)B-ONN-P(t-Bu)(3) and MeLi suggests stability for the ion pairs (F(5)C(6))(3)B-ON(Me)N-P(t-Bu)(3)(-)/Li(+) and (F(5)C(6))(3)B-ONN(Me)-P(t-Bu)(3)(-)/Li(+).

Mechanism of action of additives in chemical vapor generation of hydrogen selenide: Iodide and thiocyanate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitzalis, Emanuela; Onor, Massimo; Spiniello, Roberto; Braz, Carlos Eduardo Mendes; D'Ulivo, Alessandro

2018-07-01

The chemical vapor generation of H2Se has been investigated in the presence and in the absence of either NaI or NaSCN as additives (0.5 mol L-1), in HClO4 media (0.1-5.0 mol L-1) and using a low concentration of NaBH4 (0.02 mol L-1). The enhancement of generation efficiency of H2Se produced by iodide and thiocyanate was measured by a continuous flow reaction system coupled with a miniature argon‑hydrogen diffusion flame and atomic absorption detection. The chemifold of the continuous flow reactor was designed in order to change the mixing sequence and the interaction time of the reagents. By this way it has been possible to evaluate the contribution of additive‑selenium and additive-borane species to the mechanism producing the increase of generation efficiency of H2Se. Both the iodide complexes of selenium and borane contribute to enhance generation efficiency of H2Se, whereas the thiocyanate complexes of selenium rather than thiocyanate-borane complexes play a major role in the enhancement of the efficiency. At elevated acidities (2 < [H+] < 5 mol L-1), only thiocyanate continues to maintain its properties to increase H2Se generation efficiency while iodide causes a marked signal depression unless its addition is performed after the starting of SeIV- [BH4-] reaction with an appropriate time delay. Both iodide and thiocyanate caused marked depression of H2Se generation when NaBH4 was replaced by the amine boranes, NH3-BH3 and tert-ButylNH2-BH3.

Fluoride ion recognition by chelating and cationic boranes.

PubMed

Hudnall, Todd W; Chiu, Ching-Wen; Gabbaï, François P

2009-02-17

Because of the ubiquity of fluoride ions and their potential toxicity at high doses, researchers would like to design receptors that selectively detect this anion. Fluoride is found in drinking water, toothpaste, and osteoporosis drugs. In addition, fluoride ions also can be detected as an indicator of uranium enrichment (via hydrolysis of UF(6)) or of the chemical warfare agent sarin, which releases the ion upon hydrolysis. However, because of its high hydration enthalpy, the fluoride anion is one of the most challenging targets for anion recognition. Among the various recognition strategies that are available, researchers have focused a great deal of attention on Lewis acidic boron compounds. These molecules typically interact with fluoride anions to form the corresponding fluoroborate species. In the case of simple triarylboranes, the fluoroborates are formed in organic solvents but not in water. To overcome this limitation, this Account examines various methods we have pursued to increase the fluoride-binding properties of boron-based receptors. We first considered the use of bifunctional boranes, which chelate the fluoride anion, such as 1,8-diborylnaphthalenes or heteronuclear 1-boryl-8-mercurio-naphthalenes. In these molecules, the neighboring Lewis acidic atoms can cooperatively interact with the anionic guest. Although the fluoride binding constants of the bifunctional compounds exceed those of neutral monofunctional boranes by several orders of magnitude, the incompatibility of these systems with aqueous media limits their utility. More recently, we have examined simple triarylboranes whose ligands are decorated by cationic ammonium or phosphonium groups. These cationic groups increase the electrophilic character of these boranes, and unlike their neutral analogs, they are able to complex fluoride in aqueous media. We have also considered cationic boranes, which form chelate complexes with fluoride anions. Our work demonstrates that Coulombic and chelate effects are additive and can be combined to boost the anion affinity of Lewis acidic hosts. The boron compounds that we have investigated present a set of photophysical and electrochemical properties that can serve to signal the fluoride-binding event. We can also apply this approach to cyanide complexation and are continuing our investigations in that area.

P-Tether-Mediated, Iterative SN2'-Cuprate Alkylation Strategy to Skipped Polyol Stereotetrads: Utility of an Oxidative "Function Switch" with Phosphite-Borane Tethers.

PubMed

Markley, Jana L; Hanson, Paul R

2017-05-19

The development of a P-tether-mediated, iterative S N 2'-cuprate alkylation protocol for the formation of 1,3-skipped polyol stereotetrads is reported. This two-directional synthetic strategy builds molecular complexity from simple, readily prepared C 2 -symmetric dienediols and unites the chemistry of both temporary phosphite-borane tethers and temporary phosphate tethers-through an oxidative "function switch" of the P-tether itself-to generate intermediates that were previously inaccessible via either method alone.

The structure and unconventional dihydrogen bonding of a pressure-stabilized hydrogen-rich (NH 3BH 3)(H 2) x(x = 1.5) compound

DOE PAGES

Lin, Yu; Welchman, Evan; Thonhauser, Timo; ...

2017-03-15

Combining X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio simulations we characterize an extremely hydrogen-rich phase with the chemical formula (NH 3BH 3)(H 2) x (x = 1.5). This phase was formed by compressing ammonia borane (AB, NH 3BH 3) in an environment with an excess of molecular hydrogen (H 2). This compound can store a total of 26.8 wt% hydrogen, both as molecular hydrogen and chemically bonded hydrogen in AB, making it one of the most hydrogen-rich solids currently known. The new compound possesses a layered AB structure where additional H 2 molecules reside in channels created through the weavingmore » of AB layers. The unconventional dihydrogen bonding network of the new compound is significantly modified from its parent AB phase and contains H•••H contacts between adjacent AB molecules and between AB and H 2 molecules. H–H can be either a proton donor or a proton acceptor that forms new types of dihydrogen bonding with the host AB molecules, which are depicted as H–H•••H–B or H–H•••H–N, respectively. Furthermore, this study not only demonstrates the strategy and the promise of using pressure for new material synthesis, but also unleashes the power of combining experiments and ab initio calculations for elucidating novel structures and unusual bonding configurations in dense low-Z materials.« less

The structure and unconventional dihydrogen bonding of a pressure-stabilized hydrogen-rich (NH 3BH 3)(H 2) x(x = 1.5) compound

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Yu; Welchman, Evan; Thonhauser, Timo

Combining X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio simulations we characterize an extremely hydrogen-rich phase with the chemical formula (NH 3BH 3)(H 2) x (x = 1.5). This phase was formed by compressing ammonia borane (AB, NH 3BH 3) in an environment with an excess of molecular hydrogen (H 2). This compound can store a total of 26.8 wt% hydrogen, both as molecular hydrogen and chemically bonded hydrogen in AB, making it one of the most hydrogen-rich solids currently known. The new compound possesses a layered AB structure where additional H 2 molecules reside in channels created through the weavingmore » of AB layers. The unconventional dihydrogen bonding network of the new compound is significantly modified from its parent AB phase and contains H•••H contacts between adjacent AB molecules and between AB and H 2 molecules. H–H can be either a proton donor or a proton acceptor that forms new types of dihydrogen bonding with the host AB molecules, which are depicted as H–H•••H–B or H–H•••H–N, respectively. Furthermore, this study not only demonstrates the strategy and the promise of using pressure for new material synthesis, but also unleashes the power of combining experiments and ab initio calculations for elucidating novel structures and unusual bonding configurations in dense low-Z materials.« less

Trypanotolerance in N’Dama x Boran crosses under natural trypanosome challenge: effect of test-year environment, gender, and breed composition

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Trypanosomosis, a protozoal disease affecting livestock, transmitted by Glossina (tsetse) flies is a major constraint to agricultural production in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is accepted that utilization of the native trypanotolerance exhibited in some of the African cattle breeds to improve trypanotolerance of more productive but susceptible breeds, will offer a cost effective and sustainable solution to the problem. The success of this approach is based on the premise that quantitative trait loci previously identified under relatively controlled situations confer useful trypanotolerance under natural field situations. As part of a study to authenticate this hypothesis, a population of 192 cattle, consisting of six batches of N’Dama and Kenya-Boran backcross animals [(N’Dama x Kenya-Boran) x Kenya-Boran] born over the period 2002 to 2006 was constructed. Some of the batches also included pure Kenya-Boran cattle, or N’Dama x Kenya- Boran F1 animals. Each batch was exposed as yearlings to natural field trypanosomosis challenge over a period of about one year; the entire challenge period extending from December 2003 to June 2007. Performance of the animals was evaluated by weekly or biweekly measurements of body weight, packed blood cell volume (PCV), parasitemia score, and number of trypanocide treatments. From these basic data, 49 phenotypes were constructed reflecting dynamics of body weight, packed cell volume (PCV) and parasitemia under challenge. Results Females were distinctly more trypanotolerant than males. F1, backcross and pure Kenya- Boran animals ranked in that order with respect to trypanotolerance. Overall batch effects were highly significant (p<0.001) for most traits, and were generally more significant than the gender or genetic type effects. The superior trypanotolerance of the F1 animals was expressed in all three components of animal defense strategies against pathogens: Avoidance resistance, and tolerance. Conclusions The results show that trypanotolerance derived from the N’Dama is expressed under field conditions; and that the trait is primarily additive in nature, being expressed in heterozygous condition and in a three-quarters Boran genetic background. The results further, underscore the complexity of the trait in the field manifesting all three host disease-control strategies, and show the importance of gender and local environmental conditions in determining response to challenge. PMID:23075408

Development of Hydrogen Storage Tank Systems Based on Complex Metal Hydrides

PubMed Central

Ley, Morten B.; Meggouh, Mariem; Moury, Romain; Peinecke, Kateryna; Felderhoff, Michael

2015-01-01

This review describes recent research in the development of tank systems based on complex metal hydrides for thermolysis and hydrolysis. Commercial applications using complex metal hydrides are limited, especially for thermolysis-based systems where so far only demonstration projects have been performed. Hydrolysis-based systems find their way in space, naval, military and defense applications due to their compatibility with proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Tank design, modeling, and development for thermolysis and hydrolysis systems as well as commercial applications of hydrolysis systems are described in more detail in this review. For thermolysis, mostly sodium aluminum hydride containing tanks were developed, and only a few examples with nitrides, ammonia borane and alane. For hydrolysis, sodium borohydride was the preferred material whereas ammonia borane found less popularity. Recycling of the sodium borohydride spent fuel remains an important part for their commercial viability. PMID:28793541

Covalent triazine framework supported non-noble metal nanoparticles with superior activity for catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane: from mechanistic study to catalyst design† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: 11B NMR spectra, XRD patterns, results of BET and ICP, XPS spectra, TOF values and activation energies E a of the non-noble metal catalysts, time versus volume of H2, catalytic activities and TEM images of 5% Co/CNT, 3% Co/CNT, 1% Co/CNT, the plot of hydrogen generation rate versus the concentration of Co and AB, kinetic isotope effect and TEM image of 5% Co/CTF-1 after reaction. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02456d Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Li, Zhao; Liu, Lin; Chen, Weidong; Zhang, Miao; Wu, Guotao; Chen, Ping

2017-01-01

Development of non-noble metal catalysts with similar activity and stability to noble metals is of significant importance in the conversion and utilization of clean energy. The catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB) to produce 3 equiv. of H2, as an example of where noble metal catalysts significantly outperform their non-noble peers, serves as an excellent test site for the design and optimization of non-noble metal catalysts. Our kinetic isotopic effect measurements reveal, for the first time, that the kinetic key step of the hydrolysis is the activation of H2O. Deducibly, a transition metal with an optimal electronic structure that bonds H2O and –OH in intermediate strengths would favor the hydrolysis of AB. By employing a covalent triazine framework (CTF), a newly developed porous material capable of donating electrons through the lone pairs on N, the electron densities of nano-sized Co and Ni supported on CTF are markedly increased, as well as their catalytic activities. Specifically, Co/CTF exhibits a total turnover frequency of 42.3 molH2 molCo –1 min–1 at room temperature, which is superior to all peer non-noble metal catalysts ever reported and even comparable to some noble metal catalysts. PMID:28451227

CuNi NPs supported on MIL-101 as highly active catalysts for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Doudou; Zhang, Yuhong; Zhou, Liqun; Yang, Kunzhou

2018-01-01

The catalysts containing Cu, Ni bi-metallic nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by in-situ reduction of Cu2+ and Ni2+ salts into the highly porous and hydrothermally stable metal-organic framework MIL-101 via a simple liquid impregnation method. When the total amount of loading metal is 3 × 10-4 mol, Cu2Ni1@MIL-101 catalyst shows higher catalytic activity comparing to CuxNiy@MIL-101 with different molar ratio of Cu and Ni (x, y = 0, 0.5, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3). Cu2Ni1@MIL-101 catalyst has the highest catalytic activity comparing to mono-metallic Cu and Ni counterparts and pure bi-metallic CuNi nanoparticles in hydrolytic dehydrogeneration of ammonia borane (AB) at room temperature. Additionally, in the hydrolysis reaction, the Cu2Ni1@MIL- 101 catalyst possesses excellent catalytic performances, which exhibit highly catalytic activity with turn over frequency (TOF) value of 20.9 mol H2 min-1 Cu mol-1 and a very low activation energy value of 32.2 kJ mol-1. The excellent catalytic activity has been successfully achieved thanks to the strong bi-metallic synergistic effects, uniform distribution of nanoparticles and the bi-functional effects between CuNi nanoparticles and the host of MIL-101. Moreover, the catalyst also displays satisfied durable stability after five cycles for the hydrolytically releasing H2 from AB. The non-noble metal catalysts have broad prospects for commercial applications in the field of hydrogen-stored materials due to the low prices and excellent catalytic activity.

Roles of the Lewis acid and base in the chemical reduction of CO2 catalyzed by frustrated Lewis pairs.

PubMed

Lim, Chern-Hooi; Holder, Aaron M; Hynes, James T; Musgrave, Charles B

2013-09-03

We employ quantum chemical calculations to discover how frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) catalyze the reduction of CO2 by ammonia borane (AB); specifically, we examine how the Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis base (LB) of an FLP activate CO2 for reduction. We find that the LA (trichloroaluminum, AlCl3) alone catalyzes hydride transfer (HT) to CO2 while the LB (trimesitylenephosphine, PMes3) actually hinders HT; inclusion of the LB increases the HT barrier by ∼8 kcal/mol relative to the reaction catalyzed by LAs only. The LB hinders HT by donating its lone pair to the LUMO of CO2, increasing the electron density on the C atom and thus lowering its hydride affinity. Although the LB hinders HT, it nonetheless plays a crucial role by stabilizing the active FLP·CO2 complex relative to the LA dimer, free CO2, and free LB. This greatly increases the concentration of the reactive complex in the form FLP·CO2 and thus increases the rate of reaction. We expect that the principles we describe will aid in understanding other catalytic CO2 reductions.

Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Dimethylamine Borane by Highly Active Thorium and Uranium Metallocene Complexes

DOE PAGES

Erickson, Karla A.; Kiplinger, Jaqueline L.

2017-05-19

In the thorium and uranium complexes (C 5Me 5) 2AnMe 2, [(C 5Me 5) 2An(H)(μ-H)] 2 (An = Th, U) and [(C 5Me 5) 2U(H)] 2 dehydrogenate dimethylamine borane (Me2NH·BH3) at room temperature. Upon mild heating at 45 °C, turnover frequencies (TOFs) of 400 h –1 are obtained, which is comparable to some of the fastest Me 2NH·BH 3 dehydrogenation catalysts known in the literature. We propose a β-hydride elimination mechanism for dehydrogenation because of the observation of Me 2N=BH 2, Me 2N=BMe 2, and Me 2N=BHMe in the 11B NMR spectra of catalytic and stoichiometric reactions. The similar catalyticmore » metrics between the actinide dimethyl and hydride complexes with Me 2NH·BH 3 indicate that the actinide hydride complexes are the active catalysts in this chemistry.« less

Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Dimethylamine Borane by Highly Active Thorium and Uranium Metallocene Complexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erickson, Karla A.; Kiplinger, Jaqueline L.

In the thorium and uranium complexes (C 5Me 5) 2AnMe 2, [(C 5Me 5) 2An(H)(μ-H)] 2 (An = Th, U) and [(C 5Me 5) 2U(H)] 2 dehydrogenate dimethylamine borane (Me2NH·BH3) at room temperature. Upon mild heating at 45 °C, turnover frequencies (TOFs) of 400 h –1 are obtained, which is comparable to some of the fastest Me 2NH·BH 3 dehydrogenation catalysts known in the literature. We propose a β-hydride elimination mechanism for dehydrogenation because of the observation of Me 2N=BH 2, Me 2N=BMe 2, and Me 2N=BHMe in the 11B NMR spectra of catalytic and stoichiometric reactions. The similar catalyticmore » metrics between the actinide dimethyl and hydride complexes with Me 2NH·BH 3 indicate that the actinide hydride complexes are the active catalysts in this chemistry.« less

Frustrated Lewis pairs beyond the main group: cationic zirconocene-phosphinoaryloxide complexes and their application in catalytic dehydrogenation of amine boranes.

PubMed

Chapman, Andy M; Haddow, Mairi F; Wass, Duncan F

2011-06-15

The cationic zirconocene-phosphinoaryloxide complexes [Cp(2)ZrOC(6)H(4)P(t-Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (3) and [Cp*(2)ZrOC(6)H(4)P(t-Bu)(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (4) were synthesized by the reaction of Cp(2)ZrMe(2) or Cp*(2)ZrMe(2) with 2-(diphenylphosphino)phenol followed by protonation with [2,6-di-tert-butylpyridinium][B(C(6)F(5))(4)]. Compound 3 exhibits a Zr-P bond, whereas the bulkier Cp* derivative 4 was isolated as a chlorobenzene adduct without this Zr-P interaction. These compounds can be described as transition-metal-containing versions of linked frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs), and treatment of 4 with H(2) under mild conditions cleaved H(2) in a fashion analogous to that for main-group FLPs. Their reactivity in amine borane dehydrogenation also mimics that of main-group FLPs, and they dehydrogenate a range of amine borane adducts. However, in contrast to main-group FLPs, 3 and 4 achieve this transformation in a catalytic rather than stoichiometric sense, with rates superior to those for previous high-valent catalysts. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Materials Engineering and Scale Up of Fluid Phase Chemical Hydrogen Storage for Automotive Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Westman, Matthew P.; Chun, Jaehun; Choi, Young Joon

Among candidates for chemical hydrogen storage in PEM fuel cell automotive applications, ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) is considered to be one of the most promising materials due to its high hydrogen content of 14-16 wt% below 200°C and high volumetric density. In our previous paper, we selected AB in silicone oil as a role model for a slurry hydrogen storage system. Materials engineering properties were optimized by increasing solid loading by using an ultra-sonic process. In this paper, we proceeded to scale up to liter size batches with solid loadings up to 50 wt% (8 wt% H2) with dynamic viscositiesmore » less than 1000cP at 25°C. The use of a non-ionic surfactant, Triton X-15, shows significant promise in controlling the level of foaming produced during the thermal dehydrogenation of the AB. Through the development of new and efficient processing techniques and the ability to adequately control the foaming, stable homogenous slurries of high solid loading have been demonstrated as a viable hydrogen delivery source.« less

Ruthenium bidentate phosphine complexes for the coordination and catalytic dehydrogenation of amine- and phosphine-boranes.

PubMed

Ledger, Araminta E W; Ellul, Charles E; Mahon, Mary F; Williams, Jonathan M J; Whittlesey, Michael K

2011-07-25

Addition of the amine-boranes H(3)B⋅NH(2)tBu, H(3)B⋅NHMe(2) and H(3)B⋅NH(3) to the cationic ruthenium fragment [Ru(xantphos)(PPh(3))(OH(2))H][BAr(F)(4)] (2; xantphos=4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene; BAr(F)(4)=[B{3,5-(CF(3))(2)C(6)H(3)}(4)](-)) affords the η(1)-B-H bound amine-borane complexes [Ru(xantphos)(PPh(3))(H(3)B⋅NH(2)tBu)H][BAr(F)(4)] (5), [Ru(xantphos)(PPh(3))(H(3) B⋅NHMe(2))H][BAr(F)(4)] (6) and [Ru(xantphos)(PPh(3))(H(3)B⋅NH(3))H][BAr(F)(4)] (7). The X-ray crystal structures of 5 and 7 have been determined with [BAr(F)(4)] and [BPh(4)] anions, respectively. Treatment of 2 with H(3)B⋅PHPh(2) resulted in quite different behaviour, with cleavage of the B-P interaction taking place to generate the structurally characterised bis-secondary phosphine complex [Ru(xantphos)(PHPh(2))(2)H][BPh(4)] (9). The xantphos complexes 2, 5 and 9 proved to be poor precursors for the catalytic dehydrogenation of H(3)B⋅NHMe(2). While the dppf species (dppf=1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) [Ru(dppf)(PPh(3))HCl] (3) and [Ru(dppf)(η(6)-C(6)H(5)PPh(2))H][BAr(F)(4)] (4) showed better, but still moderate activity, the agostic-stabilised N-heterocyclic carbene derivative [Ru(dppf)(ICy)HCl] (12; ICy=1,3-dicyclohexylimidazol-2-ylidene) proved to be the most efficient catalyst with a turnover number of 76 h(-1) at room temperature. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hydrogen Storage Properties of New Hydrogen-Rich BH3NH3-Metal Hydride (TiH2, ZrH2, MgH2, and/or CaH2) Composite Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Young Joon; Xu, Yimin; Shaw, Wendy J.

2012-04-19

Ammonia borane (AB = NH3BH3) is one of the most attractive materials for chemical hydrogen storage due to its high hydrogen contents of 19.6 wt.%, however, impurity levels of borazine, ammonia and diborane in conjunction with foaming and exothermic hydrogen release calls for finding ways to mitigate the decomposition reactions. In this paper we present a solution by mixing AB with metal hydrides (TiH2, ZrH2, MgH2 and CaH2) which have endothermic hydrogen release in order to control the heat release and impurity levels from AB upon decomposition. The composite materials were prepared by mechanical ball milling, and their H2 releasemore » properties were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The formation of volatile products from decomposition side reactions, such as borazine (N3B3H6) was determined by mass spectrometry (MS). Sieverts type pressure-composition-temperature (PCT) gas-solid reaction instrument was adopted to observe the kinetics of the H2 release reactions of the combined systems and neat AB. In situ 11B MAS-NMR revealed a destabilized decomposition pathway. We found that by adding specific metal hydrides to AB we can eliminate the impurities and mitigate the heat release.« less

Lanthanide(II) complexes of a phosphine-borane-stabilised carbanion.

PubMed

Izod, Keith; Clegg, William; Harrington, Ross W

2010-08-07

The reaction between two equivalents of the potassium salt [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]K (4) and SmI(2)(THF)(2) in refluxing THF yields the dialkylsamarium(II) compounds [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C](2)Sm(THF) (5a) or [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C](2)Sm(THF)(3) (5b), depending on the crystallisation conditions, in good yield as air- and moisture-sensitive crystalline solids. X-ray crystallography shows that, whereas both alkyl ligands chelate the samarium(II) ion in 5a, in 5b one alkyl ligand chelates the metal centre and one binds the metal only through its borane hydrogen atoms. The reaction between YbI(2) and two equivalents of 4 in refluxing benzene yields the solvent-free dialkylytterbium(II) compound [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C](2)Yb (8). In contrast to 5a and 5b, compound 8 reacts rapidly with THF to give the free phosphine-borane (Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}CH as the only identifiable product.

Dihydrogen Phosphate Stabilized Ruthenium(0) Nanoparticles: Efficient Nanocatalyst for The Hydrolysis of Ammonia-Borane at Room Temperature

PubMed Central

Durap, Feyyaz; Caliskan, Salim; Özkar, Saim; Karakas, Kadir; Zahmakiran, Mehmet

2015-01-01

Intensive efforts have been devoted to the development of new materials for safe and efficient hydrogen storage. Among them, ammonia-borane appears to be a promising candidate due to its high gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity. Ammonia-borane can release hydrogen on hydrolysis in aqueous solution under mild conditions in the presence of a suitable catalyst. Herein, we report the synthesis of ruthenium(0) nanoparticles stabilized by dihydrogenphosphate anions with an average particle size of 2.9 ± 0.9 nm acting as a water-dispersible nanocatalyst in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. They provide an initial turnover frequency (TOF) value of 80 min−1 in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane at room temperature. Moreover, the high stability of these ruthenium(0) nanoparticles makes them long-lived and reusable nanocatalysts for the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. They provide 56,800 total turnovers and retain ~80% of their initial activity even at the fifth catalytic run in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane at room temperature. PMID:28793435

Synergistic effects in ambiphilic phosphino-borane catalysts for the hydroboration of CO2.

PubMed

Tlili, Anis; Voituriez, Arnaud; Marinetti, Angela; Thuéry, Pierre; Cantat, Thibault

2016-06-18

The benefit of combining both a Lewis acid and a Lewis base in a catalytic system has been established for the hydroboration of CO2, using ferrocene-based phosphine, borane and phosphino-borane derivatives.

Regeneration of ammonia borane from polyborazylene

DOEpatents

Sutton, Andrew; Gordon, John C; Ott, Kevin C; Burrell, Anthony K

2013-02-05

Method of producing ammonia borane, comprising providing a reagent comprising a dehydrogenated material in a suitable solvent; and combining the reagent with a reducing agent comprising hydrazine, a hydrazine derivative, or combinations thereof, in a reaction which produces a mixture comprising ammonia borane.

Method for releasing hydrogen from ammonia borane

DOEpatents

Varma, Arvind; Diwan, Moiz; Shafirovich, Evgeny; Hwang, Hyun-Tae; Al-Kukhun, Ahmad

2013-02-19

A method of releasing hydrogen from ammonia borane is disclosed. The method comprises heating an aqueous ammonia borane solution to between about 80-135.degree. C. at between about 14.7 and 200 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) to release hydrogen by hydrothermolysis.

Liquid composition having ammonia borane and decomposing to form hydrogen and liquid reaction product

DOEpatents

Davis, Benjamin L; Rekken, Brian D

2014-04-01

Liquid compositions of ammonia borane and a suitably chosen amine borane material were prepared and subjected to conditions suitable for their thermal decomposition in a closed system that resulted in hydrogen and a liquid reaction product.

Hair coat characteristics and thermophysiological stress response of Nguni and Boran cows raised under hot environmental conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katiyatiya, C. L. F.; Muchenje, V.

2017-12-01

Breed, age, coat colour, month and temperature humidity index (THI) influence on body weight (W), body condition score (BCS), thermophysiological variables (rectal temperature (Tr), skin temperature (Tsk)) and hair length was studied in Nguni ( n = 19) and Boran ( n = 16). As a result of this study, breed influenced W, BCS and Tsk on the neck and belly ( P < 0.05). The BCS and W of Nguni cows were higher than the Boran cows. Hair length of both breeds increased from February to August. The THI influenced thermophysiological variables ( P < 0.05). Increased Tr for both breeds was recorded in February and April, respectively ( P < 0.05). Month influenced Tsk and June recorded lower values ( P < 0.05). Younger cows (3-8 years) had lower weight and high Tr and Tsk ( P < 0.05). Nguni cows had high neck and thurl temperatures in June while Boran cows had the highest in August ( P < 0.05). Red, dun and white-black Boran cows had increased BCS. Nguni cows with red, fawn and white cows had high BCS. Fawn-coloured Nguni cows and white-brown Boran cows had the more weight than cows with other colours compared in the study. White-red Nguni and Boran cows recorded the highest Tr. For Nguni cows, neck and belly temperatures were significantly ( P < 0.001) correlated to thurl temperature. Boran cows had significant ( P < 0.001) correlations for THI and neck, belly and thurl temperatures. The current study found that Nguni cows were more adapted to the prevailing bioclimatic changes. However, Boran cows have the potential of performing well under heat stress conditions over time.

Enantioselective, Organocatalytic Reduction of Ketones using Bifunctional Thiourea-Amine Catalysts

PubMed Central

Li, De Run; He, Anyu; Falck, J. R.

2010-01-01

Prochiral ketones are reduced to enantioenriched, secondary alcohols using catecholborane and a family of air-stable, bifunctional thiourea-amine organocatalysts. Asymmetric induction is proposed to arise from the in situ complexation between the borane and chiral thiourea-amine organocatalyst resulting in a stereochemically biased boronate-amine complex. The hydride in the complex is endowed with enhanced nucleophilicity while the thiourea concomitantly embraces and activates the carbonyl. PMID:20334398

Silylene-Nickel Promoted Cleavage of B-O Bonds: From Catechol Borane to the Hydroborylene Ligand.

PubMed

Hadlington, Terrance J; Szilvási, Tibor; Driess, Matthias

2017-06-19

The first 16 valence electron [bis(NHC)](silylene)Ni 0 complex 1, [( TMS L)ClSi:→Ni(NHC) 2 ], bearing the acyclic amido-chlorosilylene ( TMS L)ClSi: ( TMS L=N(SiMe 3 )Dipp; Dipp=2,6-Pr i 2 C 6 H 4 ) and two NHC ligands (N-heterocyclic carbene=:C[(Pr i )NC(Me)] 2 ) was synthesized in high yield and structurally characterized. Compound 1 is capable of facile dihydrogen activation under ambient conditions to give the corresponding HSi-NiH complex 2. Most notably, 1 reacts with catechol borane to afford the unprecedented hydroborylene-coordinated (chloro)(silyl)nickel(II) complex 3, {[cat( TMS L)Si](Cl)Ni←:BH(NHC) 2 }, via the cleavage of two B-O bonds and simultaneous formation of two Si-O bonds. The mechanism for the formation of 3 was rationalized by means of DFT calculations, which highlight the powerful synergistic effects of the Si:→Ni moiety in the breaking of incredibly strong B-O bonds. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Size-controllable APTS stabilized ruthenium(0) nanoparticles catalyst for the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature.

PubMed

Zahmakıran, Mehmet; Philippot, Karine; Özkar, Saim; Chaudret, Bruno

2012-01-14

Dimethylamine-borane, (CH(3))(2)NHBH(3), has been considered as one of the attractive materials for the efficient storage of hydrogen, which is still one of the key issues in the "Hydrogen Economy". In a recent communication we have reported the synthesis and characterization of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane stabilized ruthenium(0) nanoparticles with the preliminary results for their catalytic performance in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature. Herein, we report a complete work including (i) effect of initial [APTS]/[Ru] molar ratio on both the size and the catalytic activity of ruthenium(0) nanoparticles, (ii) collection of extensive kinetic data under non-MTL conditions depending on the substrate and catalyst concentrations to define the rate law of Ru(0)/APTS-catalyzed dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature, (iii) determination of activation parameters (E(a), ΔH(#) and ΔS(#)) for Ru(0)/APTS-catalyzed dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane; (iv) demonstration of the catalytic lifetime of Ru(0)/APTS nanoparticles in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature, (v) testing the bottlability and reusability of Ru(0)/APTS nanocatalyst in the room-temperature dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane, (vi) quantitative carbon disulfide (CS(2)) poisoning experiments to find a corrected TTO and TOF values on a per-active-ruthenium-atom basis, (vii) a summary of extensive literature review for the catalysts tested in the catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane as part of the results and discussions.

Rapid reversible borane to boryl hydride exchange by metal shuttling on the carborane cluster surface† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. CCDC 1545735 and 1545736. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c7sc01846k

PubMed Central

Eleazer, Bennett J.; Smith, Mark D.

2017-01-01

In this work, we introduce a novel concept of a borane group vicinal to a metal boryl bond acting as a supporting hemilabile ligand in exohedrally metalated three-dimensional carborane clusters. The (POBOP)Ru(Cl)(PPh3) pincer complex (POBOP = 1,7-OP(i-Pr)2-m-2-carboranyl) features extreme distortion of the two-center-two-electron Ru–B bond due to the presence of a strong three-center-two-electron B–H···Ru vicinal interaction. Replacement of the chloride ligand with a hydride afforded the (POBOP)Ru(H)(PPh3) pincer complex, which possesses B–Ru, B–H···Ru, and Ru–H bonds. This complex was found to exhibit a rapid exchange between hydrogen atoms of the borane and the terminal hydride through metal center shuttling between two boron atoms of the carborane cage. This exchange process, which involves sequential cleavage and formation of strong covalent metal–boron and metal–hydrogen bonds, is unexpectedly facile at temperatures above –50 °C corresponding to an activation barrier of 12.2 kcal mol–1. Theoretical calculations suggested two equally probable pathways for the exchange process through formally Ru(0) or Ru(iv) intermediates, respectively. The presence of this hemilabile vicinal B–H···Ru interaction in (POBOP)Ru(H)(PPh3) was found to stabilize a latent coordination site at the metal center promoting efficient catalytic transfer dehydrogenation of cyclooctane under nitrogen and air at 170 °C. PMID:28970919

Characterization of ammonia borane for chemical propulsion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weismiller, Michael

Ammonia borane (NH3BH3; AB), which has a hydrogen content of 19.6% by weight, has been studied recently as a potential means of hydrogen storage for use in fuel cell applications. Its gaseous decomposition products have a very low molecular weight, which makes AB attractive in a propulsion application, since specific impulse is inversely related to the molecular weight of the products. AB also contains boron, which is a fuel of interest for solid propellants because of its high energy density per unit volume. Although boron particles are difficult to ignite due to their passivation layer, the boron molecularly bound in AB may react more readily. The concept of fuel depots in low-earth orbit has been proposed for use in deep space exploration. These would require propellants that are easily storable for long periods of time. AB is a solid at standard temperature and pressure and would not suffer from mass loss due to boil-off like cryogenic hydrogen. The goal of this work is to evaluate AB as a viable fuel in chemical propulsion. Many studies have examined AB decomposition at slow heating rates, but in a propellant, AB will experience rapid heating. Since heating rate has been shown to affect the thermolysis pathways in energetic materials, AB thermolysis was studied at high heating rates using molecular dynamics simulations with a ReaxFF reactive force field and experimental studies with a confined rapid thermolysis set-up using time-of-flight mass spectrometry and FTIR absorption spectroscopy diagnostics. Experimental results showed the formation of NH3, H2NBH2, H2, and at later times, c-(N3B3H6) in the gas phase, while polymer formation was observed in the condensed phase. Molecular dynamics simulations provided an atomistic description of the reactions which likely form these compounds. Another subject which required investigation was the reaction of AB in oxidizing environments, as there were no previous studies in the literature. Oxygen bond descriptions were added to the ReaxFF force field and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to identify important species and reactions in the AB oxidation. Since the thermodynamic properties of many of these species were unknown, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed in the Jaguear 7.8 program using the B3LYP functional and 6-311G**++ basis set to calculate enthalpy and entropy of formation, as well as specific heat as a function of temperature. These results were used to create a gas-phase chemical kinetic mechanism for AB combustion. New elementary reactions (57) were combined with those found in the literature for ammonia and boron oxidation, to form a mechanism of 201 reversible reactions. Results from a simple homogenous, constant pressure and energy calculation are presented in this work. The results show that H2NBH2 can be dehydrogenated via radical attack when temperatures are too low to overcome the hydrogen elimination barrier and pressures are low enough to allow sufficient radicals to form. Molecular dynamics calculations require very high pressures to facilitate reactions over a short simulation time, and show the formation of heavy B/N/H/O molecules, such as HNBOH and H2NB(OH)2. On the other hand, the chemical kinetics calculations at 1 atm show that if the HNBO molecule is further oxidized, the products will likely fission with B-N bond cleavage. The final objective towards the research goal was to study how AB can be effectively integrated into a propulsion application. AB was added to a paraffin wax binder to form a heterogeneous solid fuel matrix. Opposed-flow burner experiments were performed where a flow of gaseous oxygen was impinged on the solid fuel surface and regression rates were measured. Regression rates were shown to increase with small additions of AB, but the condensed phase product build-up at higher AB concentrations limited the solid fuel regression. Solid fuel grains with various amounts of AB were manufactured and tested in a lab scale hybrid rocket engine, where performance parameters such as thrust, chamber pressure, specific impulse (Isp) and characteristic exhaust velocity (C*), were measured. AB addition was shown to increase I sp and C*, but large additions were shown to reduce the overall thrust due to the hindrance of the solid fuel regression.

Acid-catalyzed dehydrogenation of amine-boranes

DOEpatents

Stephens, Frances Helen; Baker, Ralph Thomas

2010-01-12

A method of dehydrogenating an amine-borane using an acid-catalyzed reaction. The method generates hydrogen and produces a solid polymeric [R.sup.1R.sup.2B--NR.sup.3R.sup.4].sub.n product. The method of dehydrogenating amine-boranes may be used to generate H.sub.2 for portable power sources.

Effect of the Phosphine Steric and Electronic Profile on the Rh-Promoted Dehydrocoupling of Phosphine–Boranes

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The electronic and steric effects in the stoichiometric dehydrocoupling of secondary and primary phosphine–boranes H3B·PR2H [R = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3; p-(CF3)C6H4; p-(OMe)C6H4; adamantyl, Ad] and H3B·PCyH2 to form the metal-bound linear diboraphosphines H3B·PR2BH2·PR2H and H3B·PRHBH2·PRH2, respectively, are reported. Reaction of [Rh(L)(η6-FC6H5)][BArF4] [L = Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2, ArF = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3] with 2 equiv of H3B·PR2H affords [Rh(L)(H)(σ,η-PR2BH3)(η1-H3B·PR2H)][BArF4]. These complexes undergo dehydrocoupling to give the diboraphosphine complexes [Rh(L)(H)(σ,η2-PR2·BH2PR2·BH3)][BArF4]. With electron-withdrawing groups on the phosphine–borane there is the parallel formation of the products of B–P cleavage, [Rh(L)(PR2H)2][BArF4], while with electron-donating groups no parallel product is formed. For the bulky, electron rich, H3B·P(Ad)2H no dehydrocoupling is observed, but an intermediate Rh(I) σ phosphine–borane complex is formed, [Rh(L){η2-H3B·P(Ad)2H}][BArF4], that undergoes B–P bond cleavage to give [Rh(L){η1-H3B·P(Ad)2H}{P(Ad)2H}][BArF4]. The relative rates of dehydrocoupling of H3B·PR2H (R = aryl) show that increasingly electron-withdrawing substituents result in faster dehydrocoupling, but also suffer from the formation of the parallel product resulting from P–B bond cleavage. H3B·PCyH2 undergoes a similar dehydrocoupling process, and gives a mixture of stereoisomers of the resulting metal-bound diboraphosphine that arise from activation of the prochiral P–H bonds, with one stereoisomer favored. This diastereomeric mixture may also be biased by use of a chiral phosphine ligand. The selectivity and efficiencies of resulting catalytic dehydrocoupling processes are also briefly discussed. PMID:24617924

In Situ Formation of AgCo Stabilized on Graphitic Carbon Nitride and Concomitant Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane to Hydrogen.

PubMed

Wang, Qi; Xu, Caili; Ming, Mei; Yang, Yingchun; Xu, Bin; Wang, Yi; Zhang, Yun; Wu, Jie; Fan, Guangyin

2018-04-26

The development of highly-efficient heterogeneous supported catalysts for catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane to yield hydrogen is of significant importance considering the versatile usages of hydrogen. Herein, we reported the in situ synthesis of AgCo bimetallic nanoparticles supported on g-C₃N₄ and concomitant hydrolysis of ammonia borane for hydrogen evolution at room temperature. The as-synthesized Ag 0.1 Co 0.9 /g-C₃N₄ catalysts displayed the highest turnover frequency (TOF) value of 249.02 mol H₂·(mol Ag ·min) −1 for hydrogen evolution from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane, which was higher than many other reported values. Furthermore, the Ag 0.1 Co 0.9 /g-C₃N₄ catalyst could be recycled during five consecutive runs. The study proves that Ag 0.1 Co 0.9 /g-C₃N₄ is a potential catalytic material toward the hydrolysis of ammonia borane for hydrogen production.

Advanced, Non-Toxic, Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Fouling and Foul-Release Coatings Based on Covalently Attached Monolayers, Multilayers and Polymers

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-08

McCarthy Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 Electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions...with a fluorinated silane reagent. Reduction of the amide groups with borane-THF (BH 3-THF) complex leads to a 69% conversion of surface amides to the

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ali T-Raissi

The aim of this work was to assess issues of cost, and performance associated with the production and storage of hydrogen via following three feedstocks: sub-quality natural gas (SQNG), ammonia (NH{sub 3}), and water. Three technology areas were considered: (1) Hydrogen production utilizing SQNG resources, (2) Hydrogen storage in ammonia and amine-borane complexes for fuel cell applications, and (3) Hydrogen from solar thermochemical cycles for splitting water. This report summarizes our findings with the following objectives: Technoeconomic analysis of the feasibility of the technology areas 1-3; Evaluation of the hydrogen production cost by technology areas 1; and Feasibility of ammoniamore » and/or amine-borane complexes (technology areas 2) as a means of hydrogen storage on-board fuel cell powered vehicles. For each technology area, we reviewed the open literature with respect to the following criteria: process efficiency, cost, safety, and ease of implementation and impact of the latest materials innovations, if any. We employed various process analysis platforms including FactSage chemical equilibrium software and Aspen Technologies AspenPlus and HYSYS chemical process simulation programs for determining the performance of the prospective hydrogen production processes.« less

Fast sodium ionic conduction in Na2B10H10-Na2B12H12 pseudo-binary complex hydride and application to a bulk-type all-solid-state battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Koji; Sato, Toyoto; Unemoto, Atsushi; Matsuo, Motoaki; Ikeshoji, Tamio; Udovic, Terrence J.; Orimo, Shin-ichi

2017-03-01

In the present work, we developed highly sodium-ion conductive Na2B10H10-Na2B12H12 pseudo-binary complex hydride via mechanically ball-milling admixtures of the pure Na2B10H10 and Na2B12H12 components. Both of these components show a monoclinic phase at room temperature, but ball-milled mixtures partially stabilized highly ion-conductive, disordered cubic phases, whose fraction and favored structural symmetry (body-centered cubic or face-centered cubic) depended on the conditions of mechanical ball-milling and molar ratio of the component compounds. First-principles molecular-dynamics simulations demonstrated that the total energy of the closo-borane mixtures and pure materials is quite close, helping to explain the observed stabilization of the mixed compounds. The ionic conductivity of the closo-borane mixtures appeared to be correlated with the fraction of the body-centered-cubic phase, exhibiting a maximum at a molar ratio of Na2B10H10:Na2B12H12 = 1:3. A conductivity as high as log(σ/S cm-1) = -3.5 was observed for the above ratio at 303 K, being approximately 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of either pure material. A bulk-type all-solid-state sodium-ion battery with a closo-borane-mixture electrolyte, sodium-metal negative-electrode, and TiS2 positive-electrode demonstrated a high specific capacity, close to the theoretical value of NaTiS2 formation and a stable discharge/charge cycling for at least eleven cycles, with a high discharge capacity retention ratio above 91% from the second cycle.

Procedures for the synthesis of ethylenediamine bisborane and ammonia borane

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramachandran, Padi Veeraraghavan; Gagare, Pravin D.; Mistry, Hitesh

A method for synthesizing ammonia borane includes (a) preparing a reaction mixture in one or more solvents, the reaction mixture containing sodium borohydride, at least one ammonium salt, and ammonia; and (b) incubating the reaction mixture at temperatures between about 0.degree. C. to about room temperature in an ambient air environment under conditions sufficient to form ammonia borane. Methods for synthesizing ethylenediamine bisborane, and methods for dehydrogenation of ethylenediamine bisborane are also described.

Alkaline-Earth-Catalyzed Dehydrocoupling of Amines and Boranes

PubMed Central

Liptrot, David J; Hill, Michael S; Mahon, Mary F; Wilson, Andrew S S

2015-01-01

Dehydrocoupling reactions between the boranes HBpin and 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane and a range of amines and anilines ensue under very mild reaction conditions in the presence of a simple β-diketiminato magnesium n-butyl precatalyst. The facility of the reactions is suggested to be a function of the Lewis acidity of the borane substrate, and is dictated by resultant pre-equilibria between, and the relative stability of, magnesium hydride and borohydride intermediates during the course of the catalysis. PMID:26360523

Base metal dehydrogenation of amine-boranes

DOEpatents

Blacquiere, Johanna Marie [Ottawa, CA; Keaton, Richard Jeffrey [Pearland, TX; Baker, Ralph Thomas [Los Alamos, NM

2009-06-09

A method of dehydrogenating an amine-borane having the formula R.sup.1H.sub.2N--BH.sub.2R.sup.2 using base metal catalyst. The method generates hydrogen and produces at least one of a [R.sup.1HN--BHR.sup.2].sub.m oligomer and a [R.sup.1N--BR.sup.2].sub.n oligomer. The method of dehydrogenating amine-boranes may be used to generate H.sub.2 for portable power sources, such as, but not limited to, fuel cells.

Metal-organic framework materials based on icosahedral boranes and carboranes

DOEpatents

Mirkin, Chad A.; Hupp, Joseph T.; Farha, Omar K.; Spokoyny, Alexander M.; Mulfort, Karen L.

2010-11-02

Disclosed herein are metal-organic frameworks of metals and boron rich ligands, such as carboranes and icosahedral boranes. Methods of synthesizing and using these materials in gas uptake are disclosed.

From Two‐ to Three‐Dimensional Structures of a Supertetrahedral Boran Using Density Functional Calculations

PubMed Central

Getmanskii, Iliya V.; Steglenko, Dmitrii V.; Koval, Vitaliy V.; Zaitsev, Stanislav A.

2017-01-01

Abstract With help of the DFT calculations and imposing of periodic boundary conditions the geometrical and electronic structures were investigated of two‐ and three‐dimensional boron systems designed on the basis of graphane and diamond lattices in which carbons were replaced with boron tetrahedrons. The consequent studies of two‐ and three‐layer systems resulted in the construction of a three‐dimensional supertetrahedral borane crystal structure. The two‐dimensional supertetrahedral borane structures with less than seven layers are dynamically unstable. At the same time the three‐dimensional superborane systems were found to be dynamically stable. Lack of the forbidden electronic zone for the studied boron systems testifies that these structures can behave as good conductors. The low density of the supertetrahedral borane crystal structures (0.9 g cm−3) is close to that of water, which offers the perspective for their application as aerospace and cosmic materials. PMID:28402596

Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-stabilized palladium-platinum nanoparticles-catalyzed hydrolysis of ammonia borane for hydrogen generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakap, Murat

2015-02-01

The catalytic use of highly efficient poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-stabilized palladium-platinum nanoparticles (4.2 ± 1.9 nm) in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane is reported. The catalyst is prepared by co-reduction of two metal ions in ethanol/water mixture by an alcohol reduction method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy. They are recyclable and highly active for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane even at very low concentrations and temperature, providing a record numbers of average turnover frequency value (125 mol H2/mol cat.min-1) and maximum hydrogen generation rate (3468 L H2 min-1 (mol cat)-1). They also provide activation energy of 51.7 ± 2 kJ/mol for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

Facile synthesis of electrophilic vinyl boranes: reactions of alkynyl-borates and diazonium salts.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaoxi; Liang, Liyuan; Stephan, Douglas W

2012-10-21

Reactions of alkynylborate salts, easily derived from reaction of frustrated Lewis pairs with terminal alkynes, with diazonium salts to induce 1,1-carboboration affording a facile and efficient route to substituted electrophilic vinyl boranes.

Dimethylammonium hexanoate stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters identified as true heterogeneous catalysts with the highest observed activity in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane.

PubMed

Zahmakiran, Mehmet; Ozkar, Saim

2009-09-21

Herein we report the discovery of a superior dimethylamine-borane dehydrogenation catalyst, more active than the prior best heterogeneous catalyst (Jaska, C. A.; Manners, I. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 9776) reported to date for the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane. The new catalyst system consists of rhodium(0) nanoclusters stabilized by C(5)H(11)COO(-) anions and Me(2)H(2)N(+) cations and can reproducibly be formed from the reduction of rhodium(II) hexanoate during dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature. Rhodium(0) nanoclusters in an average particle size of 1.9 +/- 0.6 nm Rh(0)(approximately 190) nanoclusters) provide 1040 turnovers over 26 h with a record initial turnover frequency (TOF) of 60 h(-1) (the average TOF value is 40 h(-1)) in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane, yielding 100% of the cyclic product (Me(2)NBH(2))(2) at room temperature. The work reported here also includes the full experimental details of the following major components: (i) Characterization of dimethylammonium hexanoate stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters by using TEM, STEM, EDX, XRD, UV-vis, XPS, FTIR, (1)H, (13)C, and (11)B NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. (ii) Collection of a wealth of previously unavailable kinetic data to determine the rate law and activation parameters for catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane. (iii) Monitoring of the formation kinetics of the rhodium(0) nanoclusters by a fast dimethylamine-borane dehydrogenation catalytic reporter reaction (Watzky, M. A.; Finke, R. G. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 10382) at various [Me(2)NH.BH(3)]/[Rh] ratios and temperatures. Significantly, sigmoidal kinetics of catalyst formation was found to be well fit to the two-step, slow nucleation and then autocatalytic surface growth mechanism, A --> B (rate constant k(1)) and A + B --> 2B (rate constant k(2)), in which A is [Rh(C(5)H(11)CO(2))(2)](2) and B is the growing, catalytically active rhodium(0) nanoclusters. (iv) Mercury(0) and CS(2) poisoning and nanofiltration experiments to determine whether the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane catalyzed by the dimethylammonium hexanoate stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters is homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis.

Changes in biochemical proxy indicators for nutritional stress resilience from Boran and Nguni cows reared in dry arid rangeland.

PubMed

Mapfumo, Lizwell; Muchenje, Voster; Mupangwa, John F; Scholtz, Michiel M

2017-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine the changes in biochemical indicators for nutritional stress from a herd of Boran and Nguni cows. A total of 40 cows (20 from each herd) were randomly selected for the study. The animals were identified according to their parities as follows: parity 1 (n = 8), parity 2 (n = 16), parity 3 (n = 8) and parity 4 (n = 8). Serum chemistry levels of glucose, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutylaminotransferase (GGT), leukocytes, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet counts were determined for 12 consecutive months spanning across the wet and dry seasons. The Boran cows had different creatinine concentration levels at different parities. The Boran cows in parity 1 had the highest (P < 0.05) concentration of creatinine 87.2 ± 5.17 μmol/L than other cows in different parities within the herd. There were significant differences in enzymes such as AST, ALP and ALT among the herd and parities. Boran cows in parity 3 had the lowest (P < 0.05) AST concentration levels of 52.6 ± 3.48 U/L, Nguni cows in parity 4 had the highest concentration of ALP of 161.3 ± 8.10 U/L while Nguni cows in parity 1 had the highest concentration level of ALT 55.1 ± 1.56 U/L than all the cows within the same herd. The Nguni herd had significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of creatinine in both the wet (97.8 ± 3.27 μmol/L) and dry seasons (108.7 ± 3.29 μmol/L) compared with the Boran herd. Cows from the Nguni herd maintained significantly higher amount of urea, creatinine, albumin and total protein in both the wet and dry seasons as compared with cows from the Boran herd. Cows from the Nguni herd maintained significantly higher amount of urea, creatinine, albumin and total protein in both the wet and dry seasons as compared with those from the Boran herd.

Cyanide ion complexation by a cationic borane.

PubMed

Chiu, Ching-Wen; Gabbaï, François P

2008-02-14

While we have previously reported that [1-(Mes2B)-8-(Me3NCH2)-C10H6]+ ([2]+) complexes fluoride ions to form [1-(Mes2FB)-8-(Me3NCH2)-C10H6] (2-F), we now show that this cationic borane also complexes cyanide to form [1-(Mes2(NC)B)-8-(Me3NCH2)-C10H6] (2-CN). This reaction also occurs under biphasic conditions (H2O-CHCl3) and may serve to transport cyanide in organic phases. The zwitterionic cyanoborate 2-CN has been fully characterized and its crystal structure determined. UV-vis titration experiments carried out in THF indicate that [2]+ has a higher affinity for fluoride (K > 10(8) M(-1)) than cyanide (K = 8.0 (+/-0.5) x 10(5) M(-1)). Steric effects which impede cyanide binding to the sterically congested boron center of [2]+ are most likely at the origin of this selectivity. Finally, electrochemical studies indicate that [2]+ is significantly more electrophilic than its neutral precursor 1-(Mes2B)-8-(Me2NCH2)-(C10H6) (1). These studies also show that reduction of [2]+ is irreversible, possibly because of elimination of the NMe3 moiety under reductive conditions. In fact, [2]OTf reacts with NaBH4 to afford 1-(Mes2B)-8-(CH3)-(C10H6) (4) which has also been fully characterized.

Alkali metal complexes of a phosphine-borane-stabilised carbanion: influence of co-ligands on structure.

PubMed

Izod, Keith; Wills, Corinne; Clegg, William; Harrington, Ross W

2007-09-07

The adducts [[(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]K(L)(n)](m) [L = THF, n = 0.5, m = infinity (2a); L = tmeda (2b), pmdeta (2c), n = 1, m = 2] may be synthesised by treatment of solvent-free [[(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]K](infinity) (2) with the corresponding Lewis base (tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine; pmdeta = N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine). X-Ray crystallography reveals that, whereas 2 crystallises with a complex 2-dimensional sheet structure, 2a crystallises as a ribbon-type one-dimensional polymer and both 2b and 2c crystallise as dimers. The corresponding complex with 12-crown-4, [K(12-crown-4)(2)][(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C] (2d) crystallises as a separated ion pair. The complexes [[(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]M(pmdeta)](n) [M = Na, n = 1 (6); M = Rb, n = 2 (7)] may be synthesised by treatment of [(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]M with pmdeta. Whereas crystallises as a discrete monomer, compound 7 crystallises as a dimer. Compounds 2, 2a-2d, 6, 7 and the corresponding caesium derivative [[(Me(3)Si)(2){Me(2)P(BH(3))}C]Cs(pmdeta)](2) () provide an opportunity to consider the influence of the ionic radius of the metal and the nature of the co-ligands on the structures of alkali metal complexes of a phosphine-borane-stabilised carbanion.

Methods for tritium labeling

DOEpatents

Andres, Hendrik; Morimoto, Hiromi; Williams, Philip G.

1993-01-01

Reagents and processes for reductively introducing deuterium or tritium into organic molecules are described. The reagents are deuterium or tritium analogs of trialkyl boranes, borane or alkali metal aluminum hydrides. The process involves forming these reagents in situ from alkali metal tritides or deuterides.

Silica gel promotes reductions of aldehydes and ketones by N-heterocyclic carbene boranes.

PubMed

Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi; Curran, Dennis P

2012-09-07

N-Heterocyclic carbene boranes (NHC-boranes) such as 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidine trihydridoborane (diMe-Imd-BH(3)) serve as practical hydride donors for the reduction of aldehydes and ketones in the presence of silica gel. Primary and secondary alcohols are formed in good yields under ambient conditions. Aldehydes are selectively reduced in the presence of ketones. One, two, or even all three of the boron hydrides can be transferred. The process is attractive because all the components are stable and easy to handle and because both the reaction and isolation procedures are convenient.

Trypanosoma congolense: B-lymphocyte responses differ between trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible cattle.

PubMed

Taylor, K A; Lutje, V; Kennedy, D; Authié, E; Boulangé, A; Logan-Henfrey, L; Gichuki, B; Gettinby, G

1996-06-01

Trypanosomiasis is a serious constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Some breeds of cattle are genetically more resistant to the pathogenic effects of trypanosome infection. We measured B-cell activation and the quantity and isotype of antibody produced at the cellular level in six trypanotolerant N'Dama and five trypanosusceptible Boran cattle. The frequencies of spleen cells secreting total and parasite-specific IgM and IgG were measured prior to and 16, 28, and 35 days after a primary challenge with Trypanosoma congolense. Boran cattle had higher frequencies of splenic cells secreting IgM specific for trypanosome-derived variable surface glycoprotein (VSG), cysteine protease (congopain, CP), and heat shock protein (hsp 70/BiP) and the nonparasite antigen, ovalbumin, than did N'Dama cattle. In contrast, the number of VSG-specific IgG-secreting cells was significantly greater in N'Dama than in Boran cattle. During infection, low titers of anti-VSG IgM were detected transiently in the serum of all animals. However, N'Dama had significantly more VSG-specific IgG in blood than Boran during infection. The peripheral blood mononuclear cell population of N'Dama cattle contained a higher percentage of surface IgM-positive B-cells prior to and throughout infection than were found in the blood of Boran. In addition, during infection N'Dama cattle had more circulating lymphocytes that could be activated in vitro to undergo differentiation into IgM- and IgG-secreting cells. These findings demonstrate differences in the frequency of trypanosome-specific antibody-secreting cells in the spleen and in the activation state of B-cells in the blood between N'Dama and Boran cattle during a primary infection with T. congolense.

Ceria-supported ruthenium nanoparticles as highly active and long-lived catalysts in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

PubMed

Akbayrak, Serdar; Tonbul, Yalçın; Özkar, Saim

2016-07-05

Ruthenium(0) nanoparticles supported on ceria (Ru(0)/CeO2) were in situ generated from the reduction of ruthenium(iii) ions impregnated on ceria during the hydrolysis of ammonia borane. Ru(0)/CeO2 was isolated from the reaction solution by centrifugation and characterized by ICP-OES, BET, XRD, TEM, SEM-EDS and XPS techniques. All the results reveal that ruthenium(0) nanoparticles were successfully supported on ceria and the resulting Ru(0)/CeO2 is a highly active, reusable and long-lived catalyst for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane with a turnover frequency value of 361 min(-1). The reusability tests reveal that Ru(0)/CeO2 is still active in the subsequent runs of hydrolysis of ammonia borane preserving 60% of the initial catalytic activity even after the fifth run. Ru(0)/CeO2 provides a superior catalytic lifetime (TTO = 135 100) in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C before deactivation. The work reported here includes the formation kinetics of ruthenium(0) nanoparticles. The rate constants for the slow nucleation and autocatalytic surface growth of ruthenium(0) nanoparticles were obtained using hydrogen evolution as a reporter reaction. An evaluation of rate constants at various temperatures enabled the estimation of activation energies for both the reactions, Ea = 60 ± 7 kJ mol(-1) for the nucleation and Ea = 47 ± 2 kJ mol(-1) for the autocatalytic surface growth of ruthenium(0) nanoparticles, as well as the activation energy of Ea = 51 ± 2 kJ mol(-1) for the catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

Hydrolysis of ammonia borane as a hydrogen source: fundamental issues and potential solutions towards implementation.

PubMed

Sanyal, Udishnu; Demirci, Umit B; Jagirdar, Balaji R; Miele, Philippe

2011-12-16

In today's era of energy crisis and global warming, hydrogen has been projected as a sustainable alternative to depleting CO(2)-emitting fossil fuels. However, its deployment as an energy source is impeded by many issues, one of the most important being storage. Chemical hydrogen storage materials, in particular B-N compounds such as ammonia borane, with a potential storage capacity of 19.6 wt % H(2) and 0.145 kg(H2)L(-1), have been intensively studied from the standpoint of addressing the storage issues. Ammonia borane undergoes dehydrogenation through hydrolysis at room temperature in the presence of a catalyst, but its practical implementation is hindered by several problems affecting all of the chemical compounds in the reaction scheme, including ammonia borane, water, borate byproducts, and hydrogen. In this Minireview, we exhaustively survey the state of the art, discuss the fundamental problems, and, where applicable, propose solutions with the prospect of technological applications. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

From Two- to Three-Dimensional Structures of a Supertetrahedral Boran Using Density Functional Calculations.

PubMed

Getmanskii, Iliya V; Minyaev, Ruslan M; Steglenko, Dmitrii V; Koval, Vitaliy V; Zaitsev, Stanislav A; Minkin, Vladimir I

2017-08-14

With help of the DFT calculations and imposing of periodic boundary conditions the geometrical and electronic structures were investigated of two- and three-dimensional boron systems designed on the basis of graphane and diamond lattices in which carbons were replaced with boron tetrahedrons. The consequent studies of two- and three-layer systems resulted in the construction of a three-dimensional supertetrahedral borane crystal structure. The two-dimensional supertetrahedral borane structures with less than seven layers are dynamically unstable. At the same time the three-dimensional superborane systems were found to be dynamically stable. Lack of the forbidden electronic zone for the studied boron systems testifies that these structures can behave as good conductors. The low density of the supertetrahedral borane crystal structures (0.9 g cm -3 ) is close to that of water, which offers the perspective for their application as aerospace and cosmic materials. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Investigations into Chemical Hydrogen Storage and the anti-Markovnikov Hydroamination of Alkenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

St. John, Anthony J.

The known carbon-boron-nitrogen (CBN) material ethylenediamine bisborane (EDBB) has been prepared and tested as a potential hydrogen storage material. Dehydrogenation of EDBB was achieved using the (t BuPOCOP)Ir(H)2 (t BuPOCOP = 2,6-bis(OPtBu2)C 6H3) catalyst. This reaction results in the release of two equivalents of hydrogen per molecule of EDBB. The product of this reaction is an insoluble, likely oligomeric, species. Heating the reaction mixture does not result in the release of additional equivalents of hydrogen. A new CBN material, 1,2-B,N-cyclohexane, was targeted as a potential hydrogen storage material. The enthalpy of dehydrogenation of 1,2-B,N-cyclohexane to 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborine was calculated to be 23.5 kcal/mol at 298 K using the B3LYP basis set. Ultimately, our collaborators at the University of Oregon prepared 1,2-B,N-cyclohexane. This molecule is a stable solid and undergoes thermal dehydrogenation of the B-N bond at 150 °C. The dehydrogenation of a variety of cyclic CBN materials was studied with the ( tBuPOCOP)Ir(H)2 catalyst. A number of cobalt-pincer complexes were tested as ammonia borane (AB) dehydrogenation catalysts. (PhPSiNSiP)CoCl (PhPSiNSiP = (N(SiMe2CH2PPh 2)2) was found to be a very active precatalyst for AB dehydrogenation, releasing 1 equivalent of hydrogen at 2.0 mol % catalyst loading within 5 minutes. The product of this reaction was characterized as cyclopentaborazane. The catalyst lifetime is limited and the identity of the active species remains unknown. A novel [(tBuPOCOP)Co] 2Hg complex was synthesized by reaction of (t BuPOCOP)CoI with Na/Hg. This complex was fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. A new catalytic pathway for the anti-Markovnikov hydroamination of alkenes is proposed. The individual steps of this pathway were studied with the [(MTPA)Rh(propene)][BPh 4] (MTPA = tris((6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl)amine) complex. Protonation of this complex with anilinium triflate results in the formation of the [(MTPA)Rh( n-propyl)(OTf)][BPh4] complex. This was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The [(MTPA)Rh( n-propyl)(OTf)][BPh4] complex undergoes decomposition likely via a beta-hydride elimination pathway to give free propene and a [(MTPA)Rh(H)] complex. [(MTPA)Rh(Me)(I)][BPh4] was prepared and reacted with a variety of nucleophiles such as diethylamine and sodium anilide. When [(MTPA)Rh(Me)(I)][BPh4] was heated at 100 °C in the presence of I2, free MeI was observed.

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 68 - Table of Toxic Endpoints

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Arsenous trichloride 0.010 7784-42-1 Arsine 0.0019 10294-34-5 Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 0.010 7637-07-2 Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 0.028 353-42-4 Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro[oxybis[methane

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 68 - Table of Toxic Endpoints

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Arsenous trichloride 0.010 7784-42-1 Arsine 0.0019 10294-34-5 Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 0.010 7637-07-2 Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 0.028 353-42-4 Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro[oxybis[methane

40 CFR Appendix A to Part 68 - Table of Toxic Endpoints

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Arsenous trichloride 0.010 7784-42-1 Arsine 0.0019 10294-34-5 Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 0.010 7637-07-2 Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 0.028 353-42-4 Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro[oxybis[methane

Monodisperse gold-palladium alloy nanoparticles and their composition-controlled catalysis in formic acid dehydrogenation under mild conditions.

PubMed

Metin, Önder; Sun, Xiaolian; Sun, Shouheng

2013-02-07

Monodisperse 4 nm AuPd alloy nanoparticles with controlled composition were synthesized by co-reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate(III) hydrate and palladium(II) acetylacetonate with a borane-morpholine complex in oleylamine. These NPs showed high activity (TOF = 230 h(-1)) and stability in catalyzing formic acid dehydrogenation and hydrogen production in water at 50 °C without any additives.

Coordination Chemistry of Cyclic Disilylated Germylenes and Stannylenes with Group 11 Metals

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Reactions of Et3P adducts of bissilylated germylenes and stannylenes with gold, silver, and copper cyanides led to cyanogermyl or -stannyl complexes of the respective metals. In the course of the reaction the phosphine moved to the metal, while the cyanide migrated to the low-coordinate group 14 element. The respective gold complexes were found to be monomeric, whereas the silver and copper complexes exhibited a tendency to dimerize in the solid state. Attempts to abstract the phosphine ligand with B(C6F5)3 led only to the formation of adducts with the borane coordinating to the cyanide nitrogen atom. PMID:25550678

40 CFR 68.130 - List of substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...,000 a, b Arsenous trichloride 7784-34-1 15,000 b Arsine 7784-42-1 1,000 b Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 10294-34-5 5,000 b Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 7637-07-2 5,000 b Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro [oxybis [metane

40 CFR 68.130 - List of substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...,000 a, b Arsenous trichloride 7784-34-1 15,000 b Arsine 7784-42-1 1,000 b Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 10294-34-5 5,000 b Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 7637-07-2 5,000 b Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro [oxybis [metane

40 CFR 68.130 - List of substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...,000 a, b Arsenous trichloride 7784-34-1 15,000 b Arsine 7784-42-1 1,000 b Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 10294-34-5 5,000 b Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 7637-07-2 5,000 b Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro [oxybis [metane

40 CFR 68.130 - List of substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...,000 a, b Arsenous trichloride 7784-34-1 15,000 b Arsine 7784-42-1 1,000 b Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 10294-34-5 5,000 b Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 7637-07-2 5,000 b Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro [oxybis [metane

40 CFR 68.130 - List of substances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...,000 a, b Arsenous trichloride 7784-34-1 15,000 b Arsine 7784-42-1 1,000 b Boron trichloride [Borane, trichloro-] 10294-34-5 5,000 b Boron trifluoride [Borane, trifluoro-] 7637-07-2 5,000 b Boron trifluoride compound with methyl ether (1:1) [Boron, trifluoro [oxybis [metane

Cytokine/Antibody complexes: an emerging class of immunostimulants.

PubMed

Mostböck, Sven

2009-01-01

In recent years, complexes formed from a cytokine and antibodies against that respective cytokine (cytokine/Ab complex) have been shown to induce remarkable powerful changes in the immune system. Strong interest exists especially for complexes formed with Interleukin (IL)-2 and anti-IL-2-antibody (IL-2/Ab complex). IL-2/Ab complex activates maturation and proliferation in CD8(+) T cells and natural killer (NK) cells to a much higher degree than conventional IL-2 therapy. In addition, IL-2/Ab complex does not stimulate regulatory T cells as much as IL-2 alone. This suggests the possibility to replace the conventional IL-2 therapy with a therapy using low-dose IL-2/Ab complex. Further synthetic cytokine/Ab complexes are studied currently, including IL-3/Ab complex for its effects on the mast cell population, and IL-4/Ab complex and IL-7/Ab complex for inducing B and T cell expansion and maturation. Cytokine complexes can also be made from a cytokine and its soluble receptor. Pre-association of IL-15 with soluble IL-15 receptor alpha produces a complex with strong agonistic functions that lead to an expansion of CD8(+) T cells and NK cells. However, cytokine/Ab complexes also occur naturally in humans. A multitude of auto-antibodies to cytokines are found in human sera, and many of these auto-antibodies build cytokine/Ab complexes. This review presents naturally occurring auto-antibodies to cytokines and cytokine/Ab complexes in health and disease. It further summarizes recent research on synthetic cytokine/Ab complexes with a focus on the basic mechanisms behind the function of cytokine/Ab complexes.

Porous Materials for Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane

PubMed Central

Umegaki, Tetsuo; Xu, Qiang; Kojima, Yoshiyuki

2015-01-01

Hydrogen storage is still one of the most significant issues hindering the development of a “hydrogen energy economy”. Ammonia borane is notable for its high hydrogen densities. For the material, one of the main challenges is to release efficiently the maximum amount of the stored hydrogen. Hydrolysis reaction is a promising process by which hydrogen can be easily generated from this compound. High purity hydrogen from this compound can be evolved in the presence of solid acid or metal based catalyst. The reaction performance depends on the morphology and/or structure of these materials. In this review, we survey the research on nanostructured materials, especially porous materials for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of ammonia borane. PMID:28793453

Polymers containing borane or carborane cage compounds and related applications

DOEpatents

Bowen, III, Daniel E.; Eastwood, Eric A [Raymore, MO

2012-06-05

Polymers comprising residues of borane and/or carborane cage compound monomers having at least one polyalkoxy silyl substituent. Such polymers can further comprise one or more reactive matrices and/or co-monomers covalently bound with the cage compound monomer residues. Methods of making and applications for using such polymers are also disclosed.

Polyhedral Boranes: A Versatile Building Block for Nanoporous Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clingerman, Daniel Jon

The studies described in this dissertation examine several new concepts related to polyhedral boranes and their applications towards the synthesis of novel nanoporous materials. The unique thermal and chemical robustness, rigidity, quasi-spherical geometry, and high boron content of polyhedral boranes are explored to generate materials not possible with typical organic synthons. Aside from the fundamental synthetic work, this work was also aimed at solving larger global issues such as energy storage and new routes to therapeutics. Chapter 2 highlights the discovery of the first highly porous carborane-based metal-organic framework, where the spherical nature of the carborane increases volumetric surface area without reducing pore volume. Chapter 3 examines the first tritopic carborane-based ligand and the stabilizing effect the rigid, sterically bulky carboranyl groups have on highly porous topologies not stable with typical organic ligands. Chapters 4 and 5 describe the use of polyhedral borane-based ligands as a means to influence and generate unexpected topologies. Lastly, chapter 6 explores using a simple carborane-based ligand that harnesses the power of coordination-driven assembly to rapidly generate a high boron-containing supramolecular cuboctahedron.

Improved synthesis of a protected 11-oxoestrone.

PubMed

Stéphan, E; Zen, R; Authier, L; Jaouen, G

1995-12-01

An improved synthesis of 11-oxoestrone-3-acetate-17-ethyleneketal is reported. Adjustments are proposed for the oxidation of estrone by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone into 9(11)-dehydroestrone. A complete hydroboration-oxidation of the resulting ketal, by means of borane-methylsulfide complex, gives the corresponding 11-hydroxy derivative. This latter compound is then acetylated for successful oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate on alumina. The overall yield is 30%.

Use of Li.sub.2[B.sub.12H.sub.12] salt to absorb water into polymers

DOEpatents

Eastwood, Eric A.; Bowen, III, Daniel E.

2016-08-30

Methods of adjusting the properties of a composition are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer-containing matrix and a filler comprising a hygroscopic salt. Preferred such salts comprise a cage compound selected from the group consisting of borane cage compounds, carborane cage compounds, metal complexes thereof, residues thereof, mixtures thereof, and/or agglomerations thereof, where the cage compound is not covalently bound to the matrix polymer.

Postweaning performance and carcass merit of F1 steers sired by Brahman and alternative subtropically adapted breeds.

PubMed

Franke, D E

1997-10-01

Comparisons were made among F1 steers sired by Brahman and alternative subtropically adapted breeds of bulls for feedlot and carcass traits when steers were produced from Angus- and Hereford-type dams. Brahman-derivative breeds included Brangus, Beefmaster, and Santa Gertrudis. Brangus- and Beefmaster-sired steers weighed less at slaughter, whereas carcasses of Brangus- and Santa Gertrudis-sired steers had more marbling than those of Brahman-sired steers. Brahman-sired steer carcasses had greater longissimus muscle area than carcasses of Santa Gertrudis-sired steers. Other Zebu breeds compared to Brahman were Boran, Gir, Indu-Brazil, Nellore, Red Brahman, and Sahiwal. Steers by Brahman sires had higher slaughter weights than steers by Boran, Gir, Nellore, or Sahiwal sires. Hot carcass weights of Brahman-sired steers were also higher than those of Boran- and Sahiwal-sired steers. Steer carcasses by Brahman sires had greater longissimus muscle area than those of steers by Sahiwal sires. Non-Zebu breeds included Tuli and Senepol. Steers by Tuli sires grew slower, had lower slaughter weights, and their carcasses weighed less than those of Brahman-sired steers. Brahman-sired steer carcasses had greater longissimus muscle area but less marbling than carcasses of Tuli-sired steers. These data suggest that steers by Brahman sires have an advantage for slaughter weight over steers by Brangus, Beefmaster, Boran, Gir, Nellore, Sahiwal, and Tuli sires, but their carcasses are at a disadvantage for marbling score compared with those by Brangus, Boran, Nellore, and Tuli sires.

Antibody responses to a 33 kDa cysteine protease of Trypanosoma congolense: relationship to 'trypanotolerance' in cattle.

PubMed

Authié, E; Duvallet, G; Robertson, C; Williams, D J

1993-08-01

A cysteine protease of Trypanosoma congolense (congopain) elicited IgG1 antibodies in those cattle which exhibited a degree of resistance to disease during experimental infections (Authié et al. 1992, 1993). The aim of the present study was to investigate further the association between anti-congopain antibodies and resistance to trypanosomiasis, and to provide a lead into the mechanisms responsible for the differential responses to congopain in cattle. Isotype characteristics and kinetics of the antibody response to congopain were studied in three N'Dama (trypanoresistant) and three Boran (susceptible) cattle during primary infection with T. congolense ILNat 3.1. In both groups an IgM response to congopain was elicited, thus demonstrating that congopain is antigenic in both types of cattle. Most of the IgM appeared to be incorporated into immune complexes. IgG was detected as free antibody; IgG1 but not IgG2 was detected. All three N'Dama, but none of the three Boran cattle, mounted a significant IgG response to congopain. Sera from 70 primary-infected cattle belonging to five breeds of differing susceptibility were tested for their reactivity to congopain. High levels of IgG to congopain were observed in the two trypanotolerant breeds, whereas the three susceptible breeds had lower levels of these antibodies. Crosses between N'Dama and Boran cattle, which exhibit an intermediate susceptibility, had intermediate levels of antibodies. Thus, the results from experimental infections confirmed our initial observations. However, under natural tsetse challenge, repeated infections and trypanocidal treatments in Zebu cattle stimulated as high anti-congopain antibody levels as in non-treated trypanotolerant taurine cattle.

The Synthesis, Characterization and Dehydrogenation of Sigma‐Complexes of BN‐Cyclohexanes

PubMed Central

Kumar, Amit; Ishibashi, Jacob S. A.; Hooper, Thomas N.; Mikulas, Tanya C.; Dixon, David A.

2015-01-01

Abstract The coordination chemistry of the 1,2‐BN‐cyclohexanes 2,2‐R2‐1,2‐B,N‐C4H10 (R2=HH, MeH, Me2) with Ir and Rh metal fragments has been studied. This led to the solution (NMR spectroscopy) and solid‐state (X‐ray diffraction) characterization of [Ir(PCy3)2(H)2(η2η2‐H2BNR2C4H8)][BArF 4] (NR2=NH2, NMeH) and [Rh(iPr2PCH2CH2CH2PiPr2)(η2η2‐H2BNR2C4H8)][BArF 4] (NR2=NH2, NMeH, NMe2). For NR2=NH2 subsequent metal‐promoted, dehydrocoupling shows the eventual formation of the cyclic tricyclic borazine [BNC4H8]3, via amino‐borane and, tentatively characterized using DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations, cycloborazane intermediates. For NR2=NMeH the final product is the cyclic amino‐borane HBNMeC4H8. The mechanism of dehydrogenation of 2,2‐H,Me‐1,2‐B,N‐C4H10 using the {Rh(iPr2PCH2CH2CH2PiPr2)}+ catalyst has been probed. Catalytic experiments indicate the rapid formation of a dimeric species, [Rh2(iPr2PCH2CH2CH2PiPr2)2H5][BArF 4]. Using the initial rate method starting from this dimer, a first‐order relationship to [amine‐borane], but half‐order to [Rh] is established, which is suggested to be due to a rapid dimer–monomer equilibrium operating. PMID:26602704

The Synthesis, Characterization and Dehydrogenation of Sigma-Complexes of BN-Cyclohexanes

DOE PAGES

Kumar, Amit; Ishibashi, Jacob S. A.; Hooper, Thomas N.; ...

2015-11-25

The coordination chemistry of the 1,2-BN-cyclohexanes 2,2-R 2-1,2-B,N-C 4H 10 (R 2=HH, MeH, Me 2) with Ir and Rh metal fragments has been studied. This led to the solution (NMR spectroscopy) and solid-state (X-ray diffraction) characterization of [Ir(PCy 3) 2(H) 2(η 2η 2-H 2BNR 2C 4H 8)][BAr F 4] (NR 2=NH 2, NMeH) and [Rh( iPr 2PCH 2CH 2CH 2P iPr 2)(η 2η 2-H 2BNR 2C 4H 8)][BAr F 4] (NR 2=NH 2, NMeH, NMe 2). For NR 2=NH 2 subsequent metal-promoted, dehydrocoupling shows the eventual formation of the cyclic tricyclic borazine [BNC 4H 8] 3, via amino-borane and, tentativelymore » characterized using DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations, cycloborazane intermediates. For NR 2=NMeH the final product is the cyclic amino-borane HBNMeC 4H 8. The mechanism of dehydrogenation of 2,2-H,Me-1,2-B,N-C 4H 10 using the {Rh( iPr 2PCH 2CH 2CH 2P iPr 2)} + catalyst has been probed. Catalytic experiments indicate the rapid formation of a dimeric species, [Rh 2( iPr 2PCH 2CH 2CH 2P iPr 2) 2H 5][BAr F 4]. Using the initial rate method starting from this dimer, a first-order relationship to [amine-borane], but half-order to [Rh] is established, which is suggested to be due to a rapid dimer–monomer equilibrium operating.« less

Regeneration of polyborazylene

DOEpatents

Davis, Benjamin L.; Gordon, John C.

2010-12-07

Method of producing ammonia borane, comprising providing polyborazylene; digesting the polyborazylene with a dithiol-containing agent to produce a boro-sulfide compound and a byproduct; converting the byproduct to the boro-sulfide product of step (b) by reaction with a first alkyl-tin hydride; and, converting the boro-sulfide compound produced in steps (b) and (c) to ammonia borane by reaction with a second alkyl-tin hydride.

ZIF-8 immobilized nickel nanoparticles: highly effective catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

PubMed

Li, Pei-Zhou; Aranishi, Kengo; Xu, Qiang

2012-03-28

Highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles have been successfully immobilized by the zeolitic metal-organic framework ZIF-8 via sequential deposition-reduction methods, which show high catalytic activity and long durability for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of aqueous ammonia borane (NH(3)BH(3)) at room temperature. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

A borane-bithiophene-BODIPY triad: intriguing tricolor emission and selective fluorescence response towards fluoride ions.

PubMed

Sarkar, Samir Kumar; Thilagar, Pakkirisamy

2013-10-04

The structure and photophysical properties of a new triad (borane–bithiophene–BODIPY) 1 have been investigated. Triad 1 exhibits unprecedented tricolour emission when excited at the borane centred high energy absorption band and also acts as a selective fluorescent and colorimetric sensor for fluoride ions with ratiometric response. The experimental results are supported by computational studies.

Boron-carbon-silicon polymers and ceramic and a process for the production thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riccitiello, Salvatore (Inventor); Hsu, Ming-Ta (Inventor); Chen, Timothy S. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

The present invention relates to a process for the production of an organoborosilicon preceramic polymer. The polymer is prepared by the reaction of vinylsilane or vinlymethylsilanes (acetylene)silane or acetylene alkyl silanes and borane or borane derivatives. The prepolymer form is pyrolyzed to produce a ceramic article useful in high temperature (e.g., aerospace) or extreme environmental applications.

Face to face activation of a phenylselenium borane with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl substrates: facile synthesis of C-Se bonds.

PubMed

Sanz, Xavier; Vogels, Christopher M; Decken, Andreas; Bo, Carles; Westcott, Stephen A; Fernández, Elena

2014-08-07

Activated olefins directly react with a phenylselenium borane, at room temperature, without any metal or organocatalytic assistance. Up to 10 examples of β-(phenylseleno) substituted ketones and aldehydes have been prepared and theoretical evidence for the mechanism opens up non-existing pathways to create C-heteroatom bonds as a general tool.

Novel Carbon (C)-Boron (B)-Nitrogen (N)-Containing H2 Storage Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shih-Yuan; Giustra, Zachary X.; Autrey, Tom

The following summarizes the research conducted for DOE project DE-EE0005658 “Novel Carbon(C)-Boron(B)-Nitrogen(N)-Containing H2 Storage Materials”. This work focused in part on the continued study of two materials identified from the preceding project DE-FG360GO18143 (“Hydrogen Storage by Novel CBN Heterocycle Materials”) as lead candidates to meet the DOE technical targets for either vehicular or non-automotive hydrogen storage applications. Specifically, a room-temperature liquid, 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentane (B), and a high H2 capacity solid, 1,2-BN-cyclohexane (J), were selected for further characterization and performance optimization. In addition to these compounds, the current project also aimed to prepare several new materials predicted to be disposed towards directmore » reversibility of H2 release and uptake, a feature deemed critical to achieving efficient recycling of spent fuel end products. To assist in the rational design of these and other next-generation materials, this project undertook to investigate the mechanism of hydrogen release from established compounds (mainly B and J) using a combined experimental/computational approach. Among this project’s signature accomplishments, the preliminary synthetic route to B was optimized for production on decagram scale. With such quantities of material available, its performance in powering an actual 30 W proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack was tested and found to be identical to that of facility H2. Despite this positive proof-of-concept achievement, however, further consideration of neat B as a potential hydrogen storage material was abandoned due to evidence of thermal instability. Specifically, mass spectrometry-coupled thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-MS) revealed significant H2 release from B to initiate at 50 °C, well below the 60 °C minimum threshold set by the DOE. This result prompted a more extensive investigation in the decomposition mechanism of B vis-à-vis that of J, which exhibited in neat form a substantially higher onset temperature for spontaneous H2 release (70 °C). Solution-phase kinetic experiments using ReactIR established a second-order dependence for the initial loss of H2 from both B and J; Arrhenius analysis, however, revealed the activation barrier for this reaction was lower for B than for J, which presumably contributes to the diminished thermal stability of the former. On the basis of these and other experimental results, extensive computational efforts yielded a reasonable mechanistic model for the dehydrogenation of 1,2-BN-cycloalkane materials. While the prospect of neat B as a suitable hydrogen storage material was discarded, it was proposed that the combination of B with more thermally stable amine-borane-based materials might afford mixtures with improved properties. Indeed, when B was combined with ammonia borane (AB) in a 2:1 molar ratio, the two materials formed a liquid. More significantly, this mixture remained liquid even after complete dehydrogenation, thus establishing the potential for a single-phase fuel cycle. (In contrast, the dehydrogenation product of neat B is a low melting solid (mp = 28-30 °C).) Another advantage conferred by the blend formulation was a dramatic reduction in the amount of borazine produced by AB. Borazine is a well-known contaminant of H2 produced by the thermal decomposition of neat AB, and exerts deleterious effects on fuel cell performance. Residual gas analysis (RGA) of the gas stream generated from the B-AB blend, however, detected just 0.01% borazine content when a Pt-Ni nanoparticle dehydrogenation catalyst was used. In all ii then, the 2:1 B-AB blend marks a major achievement in the effort to develop a suitable liquid amine-borane hydrogen storage material, and merits further investigation into the optimization for practical adoption. Similar realization of the potential of J as a high % wt. H2 material required a method to dehydrogenate the carbonaceous components of the molecule without the use of a sacrificial hydrogen acceptor, as had been reported in the previous project. Ultimately, this reaction was achieved for a B,N-disubstituted BN-cyclohexene model substrate using a gas flow system with a fixed Pd/C catalyst bed. Considerable work remains, however, to translate these initial results into a general protocol for complete dehydrogenation of fully saturated BN-cycloalkane materials such as J. With concrete confirmation of the possibility to perform both BN and CC dehydrogenation on a single theoretical substrate, COMSOL modeling was used to evaluate the effects of thermodynamically coupling the two reactions. It was hypothesized that the heat generated from exothermic BN dehydrogenation would partially drive the endothermic CC dehydrogenation reaction; this additional heat consumption was expected to in turn confer the benefit of lowering the maximum reactor temperature. A two-dimensional model of an axisymmetric reactor including experimental kinetic and calculated thermodynamic parameters for both reactions did indeed predict these outcomes. The extent to which the effects of thermodynamic coupling actually manifested, however, were also revealed to depend strongly on the relative rates of the two reactions, as well as the magnitude of the equilibrium constant governing the progress of the endothermic process. Given the evident complexity of attaining high effective % wt. H2 capacity with J, alternative systems were investigated for greater facility of extensive H2 release. Among those studied, 1,2,4,5-bis-BN-cyclohexane (H) demonstrated the most favorable properties, particularly with respect to thermal stability: rather than decompose, a neat sample instead sublimed when heated above 150 °C. Nevertheless, two commercially available catalytic systems were identified to effect release of two H2 equivalents from H. Release of further equivalents were apparently impeded by the formation of either polymeric material or one of two dimeric cage compounds depending on the catalyst used. Notably, a method to regenerate H from these product mixtures remains to be developed. Thus, while H may prove useful for certain long-term energy storage needs, it is currently less suited applications involving frequent fuel consumption. Similar difficulties were also encountered in attempts to realize the complete fuel cycle of 1,3-BN-cyclohexane (E) and B,N-substituted derivatives thereof. It had been initially proposed that E would provide for readily reversible BN dehydrogenation through a measure of frustrated Lewis pair-type character. Indeed, computations predicted this reaction would be essentially thermoneutral in solution. In the course of attempts to fully hydrogenate the spent fuel, however, dimeric species formed and proved resistant to further BN reduction. While a number of monomeric cyclic compounds were also successfully synthesized as formal boron-nitrogen frustrated Lewis pairs, none demonstrated any capacity to split H2 across the BN unit. The challenge of developing a practical amine-borane-based material for readily reversible hydrogen storage thus remains unresolved at this time. As such, it deserves consideration as a major objective of any future work.« less

Determination of Genetic Structure and Signatures of Selection in Three Strains of Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu, Boran and Friesian Cattle by Genome-Wide SNP Analyses

PubMed Central

Msalya, George; Kim, Eui-Soo; Laisser, Emmanuel L. K.; Kipanyula, Maulilio J.; Karimuribo, Esron D.; Kusiluka, Lughano J. M.; Chenyambuga, Sebastian W.; Rothschild, Max F.

2017-01-01

Background More than 90 percent of cattle in Tanzania belong to the indigenous Tanzania Short Horn Zebu (TSZ) population which has been classified into 12 strains based on historical evidence, morphological characteristics, and geographic distribution. However, specific genetic information of each TSZ population has been lacking and has caused difficulties in designing programs such as selection, crossbreeding, breed improvement or conservation. This study was designed to evaluate the genetic structure, assess genetic relationships, and to identify signatures of selection among cattle of Tanzania with the main goal of understanding genetic relationship, variation and uniqueness among them. Methodology/Principal findings The Illumina Bos indicus SNP 80K BeadChip was used to genotype genome wide SNPs in 168 DNA samples obtained from three strains of TSZ cattle namely Maasai, Tarime and Sukuma as well as two comparative breeds; Boran and Friesian. Population structure and signatures of selection were examined using principal component analysis (PCA), admixture analysis, pairwise distances (FST), integrated haplotype score (iHS), identical by state (IBS) and runs of homozygosity (ROH). There was a low level of inbreeding (F~0.01) in the TSZ population compared to the Boran and Friesian breeds. The analyses of FST, IBS and admixture identified no considerable differentiation between TSZ trains. Importantly, common ancestry in Boran and TSZ were revealed based on admixture and IBD, implying gene flow between two populations. In addition, Friesian ancestry was found in Boran. A few common significant iHS were detected, which may reflect influence of recent selection in each breed or strain. Conclusions Population admixture and selection signatures could be applied to develop conservation plan of TSZ cattle as well as future breeding programs in East African cattle. PMID:28129396

Use of an accelerometer and a microphone as gas detectors in the online quantitative detection of hydrogen released from ammonia borane by gas chromatography.

PubMed

He, Yi-San; Chen, Kuan-Fu; Lin, Chien-Hung; Lin, Min-Tsung; Chen, Chien-Chung; Lin, Cheng-Huang

2013-03-19

The use of an accelerometer as a gas detector in gas chromatography (GC) is described for the first time. A milli-whistle was connected to the outlet of the GC capillary. When the eluted and GC carrier gases pass through the capillary and milli-whistle, a sound is produced. After a fast Fourier transform (FFT), the sound wave generated from the milli-whistle is picked up by a microphone and the resulting vibration of the milli-whistle body can be recorded by an accelerometer. The release of hydrogen gas, as the result of thermal energy, from ammonia borane (NH3BH3), which has been suggested as a storage medium for hydrogen, was selected as the model sample. The findings show that the frequencies generated, either by sound or by the vibration from the whistle body, were identical. The concentration levels of the released hydrogen gas can be determined online, based on the frequency changes. Ammonia borane was placed in a brass reservoir, heated continually, and the released hydrogen gas was directly injected into the GC inlet at 0.5 min intervals, using a home-built electromagnetic pulse injector. The concentration of hydrogen for each injection can be calculated immediately. When the ammonia borane was encapsulated within a polycarbonate (PC) microtube array membrane, the temperature required for the release of hydrogen can be decreased, which would make such a material more convenient for use. The findings indicate that 1.0 mg of ammonia borane can produce hydrogen in the range of 1.0-1.25 mL, in the temperature range of 85-115 °C.

Energy efficient synthesis of boranes

DOEpatents

Thorn, David L [Los Alamos, NM; Tumas, William [Los Alamos, NM; Schwarz, Daniel E [Los Alamos, NM; Burrell, Anthony K [Los Alamos, NM

2012-01-24

The reaction of halo-boron compounds (B--X compounds, compounds having one or more boron-halogen bonds) with silanes provides boranes (B--H compounds, compounds having one or more B--H bonds) and halosilanes. Inorganic hydrides, such as surface-bound silane hydrides (Si--H) react with B--X compounds to form B--H compounds and surface-bound halosilanes. The surface bound halosilanes are converted back to surface-bound silanes electrochemically. Halo-boron compounds react with stannanes (tin compounds having a Sn--H bond) to form boranes and halostannanes (tin compounds having a Sn--X bond). The halostannanes are converted back to stannanes electrochemically or by the thermolysis of Sn-formate compounds. When the halo-boron compound is BCl.sub.3, the B--H compound is B.sub.2H.sub.6, and where the reducing potential is provided electrochemically or by the thermolysis of formate.

Energy efficient synthesis of boranes

DOEpatents

Thorn, David L.; Tumas, William; Schwarz, Daniel E.; Burrell, Anthony K.

2010-11-23

The reaction of halo-boron compounds (B--X compounds, compounds having one or more boron-halogen bonds) with silanes provides boranes (B--H compounds, compounds having one or more B--H bonds) and halosilanes. Inorganic hydrides, such as surface-bound silane hydrides (Si--H) react with B--X compounds to form B--H compounds and surface-bound halosilanes. The surface bound halosilanes are converted back to surface-bound silanes electrochemically. Halo-boron compounds react with stannanes (tin compounds having a Sn--H bond) to form boranes and halostannanes (tin compounds having a Sn--X bond). The halostannanes are converted back to stannanes electrochemically or by the thermolysis of Sn-formate compounds. When the halo-boron compound is BCl.sub.3, the B--H compound is B.sub.2H.sub.6, and where the reducing potential is provided electrochemically or by the thermolysis of formate.

Alkaline earth metal complexes of a phosphine-borane-stabilized carbanion: synthesis, structures, and stabilities.

PubMed

Izod, Keith; Wills, Corinne; Clegg, William; Harrington, Ross W

2007-05-14

The reaction between either MgI2 or CaI2 and 2 equiv of [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]K (2) in toluene gives the corresponding organo-alkaline earth metal compounds [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]2M in moderate to good yields [M = Mg (3), Ca (4)]. Compound 3 crystallizes solvent-free, whereas X-ray quality crystals of 4 could not be obtained in the absence of coordinating solvents; crystallization of 4 from cold methylcyclohexane/THF gives the solvate [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]2Ca(THF)4 (4a). The corresponding heavier alkaline earth metal complexes [(Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}C]2M(THF)5 [M = Sr (7), Ba (8)] are obtained from the reaction between MI2 and 2 equiv of 2 in THF, followed by recrystallization from cold methylcyclohexane/THF. Compound 3 degrades over a period of several weeks at room-temperature both in the solid state and in toluene solution to give the free phosphine-borane (Me3Si)2{Me2(H3B)P}CH (5) as the sole phosphorus-containing product. In addition, compounds 3, 4, and 4a react rapidly with THF in toluene solution, yielding 5 as the sole phosphorus-containing product; in contrast, compounds 7 and 8 are stable toward this solvent.

CERDEC Fuel Cell Team: Military Transitions for Soldier Fuel Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-27

Fuel Cell (DMFC) (PEO Soldier) Samsung: 20W DMFC (CRADA) General Atomics & Jadoo: 50W Ammonia Borane Fueled PEMFC Current Fuel Cell Team Efforts...Continued Ardica: 20W Wearable PEMFC operating on Chemical Hydrides Spectrum Brands w/ Rayovac: Hydrogen Generators and Alkaline Fuel Cells for AA...100W Ammonia Borane fueled PEMFC Ultralife: 150W sodium borohydride fueled PEMFC Protonex: 250W RMFC and Power Manager (ARO) NanoDynamics: 250W SOFC

Direct reductive amination of aldehyde bisulfite adducts induced by 2-picoline borane: application to the synthesis of a DPP-IV inhibitor.

PubMed

Faul, Margaret; Larsen, Rob; Levinson, Adam; Tedrow, Jason; Vounatsos, Filisaty

2013-02-15

Aldehyde-bisulfite adducts dervied from unstable parent aldehydes were reductively alkylated in a direct fashion with a variety of amines. This approach features the use of 2-picoline borane as the reducing agent and a protic solvent for the reaction media and has been successfully applied to the synthesis of a DPP-IV inhibitor and a variety of other amines.

Kinetic investigation of catalytic disproportionation of superoxide ions in the non-aqueous electrolyte used in Li–air batteries

DOE PAGES

Wang, Qiang; Zheng, Dong; McKinnon, Meaghan E.; ...

2014-10-28

Superoxide reacts with carbonate solvents in Li–air batteries. Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane is found to catalyze a more rapid superoxide (O 2 -) disproportionation reaction than the reaction between superoxide and propylene carbonate (PC). With this catalysis, the negative impact of the reaction between the electrolyte and O 2 -produced by the O 2 reduction can be minimized. A simple kinetic study using ESR spectroscopy was reported to determine reaction orders and rate constants for the reaction between PC and superoxide, and the disproportionation of superoxide catalyzed by Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and Li ions. As a result, the reactions are found to be first ordermore » and the rate constants are 0.033 s -1 M -1, 0.020 s -1 M -1and 0.67 s -1M -1 for reactions with PC, Li ion and Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, respectively.« less

Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Antibodies in Slow-Progression Motor Neuron Disease.

PubMed

Godani, Massimiliano; Zoccarato, Marco; Beronio, Alessandro; Zuliani, Luigi; Benedetti, Luana; Giometto, Bruno; Del Sette, Massimo; Raggio, Elisa; Baldi, Roberta; Vincent, Angela

2017-01-01

The spectrum of autoimmune neurological diseases associated with voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies (Abs) ranges from peripheral nerve disorders to limbic encephalitis. Recently, low titers of VGKC-complex Abs have also been reported in neurodegenerative disorders, but their clinical relevance is unknown. The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of VGKC-complex Abs in slow-progression motor neuron disease (MND). We compared 11 patients affected by slow-progression MND with 9 patients presenting typical progression illness. Sera were tested for VGKC-complex Abs by radioimmunoassay. The distribution of VGKC-complex Abs was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the mean values in the study and control groups. A case with long-survival MND harboring VGKC-complex Abs and treated with intravenous immunoglobulins is described. Although VGKC-complex Abs are not likely to be pathogenic, these results could reflect the coexistence of an immunological activation in patients with slow disease progression. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Anti-nucleosome antibodies complexed to nucleosomal antigens show anti-DNA reactivity and bind to rat glomerular basement membrane in vivo.

PubMed Central

Kramers, C; Hylkema, M N; van Bruggen, M C; van de Lagemaat, R; Dijkman, H B; Assmann, K J; Smeenk, R J; Berden, J H

1994-01-01

Histones can mediate the binding of DNA and anti-DNA to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). In ELISA histone/DNA/anti-DNA complexes are able to bind to heparan sulfate (HS), an intrinsic constituent of the GBM. We questioned whether histone containing immune complexes are able to bind to the GBM, and if so, whether the ligand in the GBM is HS. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) complexed to nucleosomal antigens and noncomplexed mAbs were isolated from culture supernatants of four IgG anti-nuclear mAbs. All noncomplexed mAbs showed strong anti-nucleosome reactivity in ELISA. One of them showed in addition anti-DNA reactivity in noncomplexed form. The other three mAbs only showed anti-DNA reactivity when they were complexed to nucleosomal antigens. After renal perfusion a fine granular binding of complexed mAbs to the glomerular capillary wall and activation of complement was observed in immunofluorescence, whereas noncomplexed mAbs did not bind. Immuno-electron microscopy showed binding of complexes to the whole width of the GBM. When HS in the GBM was removed by renal heparinase perfusion the binding of complexed mAb decreased, but did not disappear completely. We conclude that anti-nucleosome mAbs, which do not bind DNA, become DNA reactive once complexed to nucleosomal antigens. These complexed mAbs can bind to the GBM. The binding ligand in the GBM is partly, but not solely, HS. Binding to the GBM of immune complexes containing nucleosomal material might be an important event in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Images PMID:8040312

Polymers containing borane or carborane cage compounds and related applications

DOEpatents

Bowen, III, Daniel E; Eastwood, Eric A

2013-04-23

Polymers comprising residues of cage compound monomers having at least one polyalkoxy silyl substituent are provided. The cage compound monomers are selected from borane cage compound monomers comprising at least 7 cage atoms and/or carborane cage compound monomers comprising 7 to 11 cage compound monomers. Such polymers can further comprise one or more reactive matrices and/or co-monomers covalently bound with the cage compound monomer residues. Articles of manufacture comprising such polymers are also disclosed.

Preparation of actinide boride materials via solid-state metathesis reactions and actinide dicarbollide precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lupinetti, Anthony J.; Fife, Julie; Garcia, Eduardo; Abney, Kent D.

2000-07-01

Information gaps exist in the knowledge base needed for choosing among the alternate processes to be used in the safe conversion of fissile materials to optimal forms for safe interim storage, long-term storage, and ultimate disposition. The current baseline storage technology for various wastes uses borosilicate glasses.1 The focus of this paper is the synthesis of actinide-containing ceramic materials at low and moderate temperatures (200 °C-1000 °C) using molecular and polymeric actinide borane and carborane complexes.

Beyond alkyl transfer: Synthesis of main group metal (Mg, Ca, Zn) silyl and tris(oxazolinyl)borato complexes and their stoichiometric and catalytic reactions with borane Lewis acids and carbonyls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lampland, Nicole Lynn

2015-05-09

Recently, the fundamental knowledge of main group metal chemistry has grown. This progress is crucial for the further development of main group metal compounds in silicon chemistry and catalysis and for advancing their applications as green alternatives to many rare earth and transition metal compounds. This thesis focuses on reactivity beyond the welldocumented alkyl-transfer applications for main group metals, and it highlights examples of reactions with Lewis acids and the reduction of carbonyls.

Electrochemical hydrogen Storage Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dr. Digby Macdonald

2010-08-09

As the global need for energy increases, scientists and engineers have found a possible solution by using hydrogen to power our world. Although hydrogen can be combusted as a fuel, it is considered an energy carrier for use in fuel cells wherein it is consumed (oxidized) without the production of greenhouse gases and produces electrical energy with high efficiency. Chemical storage of hydrogen involves release of hydrogen in a controlled manner from materials in which the hydrogen is covalently bound. Sodium borohydride and aminoborane are two materials given consideration as chemical hydrogen storage materials by the US Department of Energy.more » A very significant barrier to adoption of these materials as hydrogen carriers is their regeneration from 'spent fuel,' i.e., the material remaining after discharge of hydrogen. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) formed a Center of Excellence for Chemical Hydrogen Storage, and this work stems from that project. The DOE has identified boron hydrides as being the main compounds of interest as hydrogen storage materials. The various boron hydrides are then oxidized to release their hydrogen, thereby forming a 'spent fuel' in the form of a lower boron hydride or even a boron oxide. The ultimate goal of this project is to take the oxidized boron hydrides as the spent fuel and hydrogenate them back to their original form so they can be used again as a fuel. Thus this research is essentially a boron hydride recycling project. In this report, research directed at regeneration of sodium borohydride and aminoborane is described. For sodium borohydride, electrochemical reduction of boric acid and sodium metaborate (representing spent fuel) in alkaline, aqueous solution has been investigated. Similarly to literature reports (primarily patents), a variety of cathode materials were tried in these experiments. Additionally, approaches directed at overcoming electrostatic repulsion of borate anion from the cathode, not described in the previous literature for electrochemical reduction of spent fuels, have been attempted. A quantitative analytical method for measuring the concentration of sodium borohydride in alkaline aqueous solution has been developed as part of this work and is described herein. Finally, findings from stability tests for sodium borohydride in aqueous solutions of several different compositions are reported. For aminoborane, other research institutes have developed regeneration schemes involving tributyltin hydride. In this report, electrochemical reduction experiments attempting to regenerate tributyltin hydride from tributyltin chloride (a representative by-product of the regeneration scheme) are described. These experiments were performed in the non-aqueous solvents acetonitrile and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. A non-aqueous reference electrode for electrolysis experiments in acetonitrile was developed and is described. One class of boron hydrides, called polyhedral boranes, became of interest to the DOE due to their ability to contain a sufficient amount of hydrogen to meet program goals and because of their physical and chemical safety attributes. Unfortunately, the research performed here has shown that polyhedral boranes do not react in such a way as to allow enough hydrogen to be released, nor do they appear to undergo hydrogenation from the spent fuel form back to the original hydride. After the polyhedral boranes were investigated, the project goals remained the same but the hydrogen storage material was switched by the DOE to ammonia borane. Ammonia borane was found to undergo an irreversible hydrogen release process, so a direct hydrogenation was not able to occur. To achieve the hydrogenation of the spent ammonia borane fuel, an indirect hydrogenation reaction is possible by using compounds called organotin hydrides. In this process, the organotin hydrides will hydrogenate the spent ammonia borane fuel at the cost of their own oxidation, which forms organotin halides. To enable a closed-loop cycle, our task was then to be able to hydrogenate the organotin halides back to their hydride form. In addition to this experimental work, a parallel project was carried out to develop a new model of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) that could be used to define the mechanisms of the electrochemical hydrogenation reactions. The EIS technique is capable of probing complex chemical and electrochemical reactions, and our model was written into a computer code that allowed the input of experimental EIS data and the extraction of kinetic parameters based on a best-fit analysis of theoretical reaction schemes. Finally, electrochemical methods for hydrogenating organic and metallo-organic materials have been explored.« less

Microwave-assisted decomplexation and in-situ headspace in-syringe dynamic derivatization of dimethylamine borane with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Muniraj, Sarangapani; Lee, Hua-Kwang; Hsiech, Chunming; Jen, Jen-Fon

2018-02-16

A rapid, sensitive, selective, and simple method for monitoring dimethylamine borane (DMAB) in aqueous sample is proposed by combining microwave-assisted de-complexation, headspace liquid phase in-situ derivatization extraction, and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection for the determination of DMAB in samples. The present procedure involves de-complexation of DMAB using microwave irradiation, evolution of dimethylamine (DMA) to the headspace from an alkalized sample solution, and dynamic headspace liquid-phase derivatization extraction (Dy-HS-LPDE) of DMA with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate in a syringe barrel. In addition to the optimal Dy-HS-LPDE and chromatographic parameters described in our previous study, the de-complexation of DMAB by thermal and microwave-assisted procedures and evolution of DMA into the headspace from an alkalized solution and modification of the Dy-HS-LPDE method are thoroughly investigated. The results indicate that complete de-complexation was obtained at 70 °C for 5 min, 30 °C for 10 min, or using microwave irradiation for 30 s at any applied power. It indicates that the DMAB complex easily undergoes de-complexation under microwave irradiation. The linearity range was 0.01-0.5 mg L -1 for DMAB and 0.0077-0.38 mg L -1 for DMA, with a coefficient of determination of 0.9995, and limit of detection of 3 μg L -1 (limit of quantitation of 10 μg L -1 ) for DMAB. The recoveries of DMAB are 95.3% (3.0% RSD) for waste water when spiked 0.05 mg L -1 and 93.5% (5.4% RSD) for the samples spiked with copper and nickel salts (5 mM each in the spiked waste sample). The whole analytical procedure can be completed within 25 min. The results confirm that the present method is a rapid, sensitive, selective, automated, low-cost and eco-friendly procedure to identify DMAB in samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth curves of crossbred cows sired by Hereford, Angus, Belgian Blue, Brahman, Boran, and Tuli bulls, and the fraction of mature body weight and height at puberty.

PubMed

Freetly, H C; Kuehn, L A; Cundiff, L V

2011-08-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth curves of females to determine if mature size and relative rates of maturation among breeds differed. Body weight and hip height data were fitted to the nonlinear function BW = f(age) = A - Be(k×age), where A is an estimate of mature BW and k determines the rate that BW or height moves from B to A. Cows represented progeny from 28 Hereford, 38 Angus, 25 Belgian Blue, 34 Brahman, 8 Boran, and 9 Tuli sires. Bulls from these breeds were mated by AI to Angus, Hereford, and MARC III composite (1/4 Angus, 1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Red Poll, and 1/4 Pinzgauer) cows to produce calves in 1992, 1993, and 1994. These matings resulted in 516 mature cows whose growth curves were subsequently evaluated. Hereford-sired cows tended to have heavier mature BW, as estimated by parameter A, than Angus- (P=0.09) and Brahman-sired cows (P=0.06), and were heavier than the other breeds (P < 0.001). Angus-sired cows were heavier than Boran- (P < 0.001) and Tuli-sired cows (P < 0.001), and tended to be heavier than Belgian Blue-sired cows (P=0.097). Angus-sired cows did not differ from Brahman-sired cows (P=0.94). Brahman-sired cows had a heavier mature BW than Boran- (P < 0.001), Tuli- (P < 0.001), and Belgian Blue-sired cows (P < 0.04). Angus-sired cows matured faster (k) than cows sired by Hereford (P=0.03), Brahman (P < 0.001), Boran (P=0.03), and Tuli (P < 0.001) sires, but did not differ from Belgian Blue-sired (P=0.13) cows. Brahman-sired cows took longer to mature than Boran- (P=0.03) or Belgian Blue-sired cows (P=0.003). Belgian Blue-sired cows were faster maturing than Tuli-sired cows (P=0.02). Brahman-sired cows had reached a greater proportion of their mature BW at puberty than had Hereford- (P < 0.001), Tuli- (P=0.003), and Belgian Blue-sired cows (P=0.001). Boran-sired cows tended to have reached a greater proportion of their mature BW at puberty than had Angus-sired cows (P=0.09), and had reached a greater proportion of their mature BW at puberty than had Hereford- (P < 0.001), Tuli- (P < 0.001), and Belgian Blue-sired cows (P < 0.001). Within species of cattle, the relative range in proportion of mature BW at puberty (Bos taurus 0.56 through 0.58, and Bos indicus 0.60) was highly conserved, suggesting that proportion of mature BW is a more robust predictor of age at puberty across breeds than is absolute weight or age. © 2011 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.

De Novo Design of Boron-Based Host Materials for Highly Efficient Blue and White Phosphorescent OLEDs with Low Efficiency Roll-Off.

PubMed

Xue, Miao-Miao; Huang, Chen-Chao; Yuan, Yi; Cui, Lin-Song; Li, Yong-Xi; Wang, Bo; Jiang, Zuo-Quan; Fung, Man-Keung; Liao, Liang-Sheng

2016-08-10

Borane is an excellent electron-accepting species, and its derivatives have been widely used in a variety of fields. However, the use of borane derivatives as host materials in OLEDs has rarely reported because the device performance is generally not satisfactory. In this work, two novel spiro-bipolar hosts with incorporated borane were designed and synthesized. The strategies used in preparing these materials were to increase the spatial separation of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) in the molecules, tune the connecting positions of functional groups, and incorporate specific functional groups with desirable thermal stability. Based on these designs, phosphorescent OLEDs with borane derivatives as hosts and with outstanding device performances were obtained. In particular, devices based on SAF-3-DMB/FIrpic exhibited an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of >25%. More encouragingly, the device was found to have quite a low efficiency roll-off, giving an efficiency of >20% even at a high brightness of 10000 cd/m(2). Furthermore, the EQE of the three-color-based (R + G + B) white OLED employing SAF-3-DMB as a host was also as high as 22.9% with CIE coordinates of (x, y) = (0.40, 0.48). At a brightness of 5000 cd/m(2), there was only a 3% decrease in EQE from its maximum value, implying a very low efficiency roll-off.

The use of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) microgels for the preparation of inherently magnetic Co metal catalyst particles in hydrogen production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahiner, Nurettin; Sagbas, Selin

2014-01-01

Novel poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) (p(VPA)) micro particle and composite p(VPA)-silica micro particle hydrogels are synthesized using a micro-emulsion polymerization technique. Porous p(VPA) particles are generated after removal of silica particles upon treatment of composite p(VPA) with 0.5 M NaOH solution. Bare, composite with silica, and porous p(VPA) micro particle hydrogels are used as templates and as reactors. Metal nanoparticles, Co, Ni, and Cu are generated in situ inside these hydrogels by chemical reduction of the absorbed metal ions with a reducing agent such as sodium boron hydride (NaBH4), and are used as catalyst in hydrogen production by hydrolysis of NaBH4 in a basic medium and ammonia borane (AB). The effects of reloaded metal ions, the reaction temperature, the porosity, the reusability, and the type of metal (Co, Ni, Cu) are investigated. The activation energy for hydrolysis of NaBH4, and AB by p(VPA)-Co is 28.02 and 25.51 kJ mol-1, respectively. The mass susceptibility measurements of composite p(VPA)-Co microgel is found as ferromagnetic. It is found that p(VPA) microgels provided better catalytic performance in comparison to macro p(VPA) hydrogels due to improved properties such as higher surface area, pore structure, and inherently magnetic behavior after multiple loadings-reduction of Co(II) from aqueous medium.

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide with Ammonia-Borane by Pincer-type Phosphorus Compound: A Theoretical Prediction.

PubMed

Zeng, Guixiang; Maeda, Satoshi; Taketsugu, Tetsuya; Sakaki, Shigeyoshi

2016-10-01

Theoretically designed pincer-type phosphorus compound is found to be active for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) with ammonia-borane. DFT, ONIOM(CCSD(T):MP2), and CCSD(T) computational results demonstrated that the reaction occurs through the phosphorus-ligand cooperative catalysis function, which provides an unprecedented protocol for metal-free CO 2 conversion. The phosphorus compounds with the NNN ligand are more active than those with the ONO ligand. The conjugate and planar ligand considerably improves the efficiency of the catalyst.

Donor-π-Acceptor Polymer with Alternating Triarylborane and Triphenylamine Moieties.

PubMed

Li, Haiyan; Jäkle, Frieder

2010-05-12

A luminescent main chain donor-π-acceptor-type polymer (4) was prepared via organometallic polycondensation reaction followed by post modification. With both electron-rich amine and electron-deficient borane moieties embedded in the main chain, 4 exhibits an interesting ambipolar character: it can be reduced and oxidized electrochemically at moderate potentials and shows a strong solvatochromic effect in the emission spectra. Complexation studies show that 4 selectively binds to fluoride and cyanide; quantitative titration with cyanide reveals a two-step binding process. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CuCo2O4 nanoplate film as a low-cost, highly active and durable catalyst towards the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane for hydrogen production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Quanbing; Zhang, Shengjie; Liao, Jinyun; Feng, Kejun; Zheng, Yuying; Pollet, Bruno G.; Li, Hao

2017-07-01

Catalytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane is one of the most promising routes for the production of clean hydrogen as it is seen as a highly efficient and safe method. However, its large-scale industrial application is either limited by the high cost of the catalyst (usually a noble metal based catalyst) or by the low activity and poor reusability (usually a non-noble metal catalyst). In this study, we have successfully prepared three low-cost CuCo2O4 nanocatalysts, namely: (i) Ti supported CuCo2O4 film made of CuCo2O4 nanoplates, (ii) Ti supported CuCo2O4 film made of CuCo2O4 nanosheets, and (iii) unsupported CuCo2O4 nanoparticles. Among the three catalysts used for the hydrolytic dehydrogeneration of ammonia borane, the CuCo2O4 nanoplate film exhibits the highest catalytic activity with a turnover frequency (TOF) of ∼44.0 molhydrogen min-1 molcat-1. This is one of the largest TOF value for noble-metal-free catalysts ever reported in the literature. Moreover, the CuCo2O4 nanoplate film almost keeps its original catalytic activity after eight cycles, indicative of its high stability and good reusability. Owing to its advantages, the CuCo2O4 nanoplate film can be a promising catalyst for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane, which may find important applications in the field of hydrogen energy.

IgG and complement deposition and neuronal loss in cats and humans with epilepsy and voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies.

PubMed

Klang, Andrea; Schmidt, Peter; Kneissl, Sibylle; Bagó, Zoltán; Vincent, Angela; Lang, Bethan; Moloney, Teresa; Bien, Christian G; Halász, Péter; Bauer, Jan; Pákozdy, Akos

2014-05-01

Voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKC-complex) antibody (Ab) encephalitis is a well-recognized form of limbic encephalitis in humans, usually occurring in the absence of an underlying tumor. The patients have a subacute onset of seizures, magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of hippocampal inflammation, and high serum titers of Abs against proteins of the VGKC-complex, particularly leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1). Most patients are diagnosed promptly and recover substantially with immunotherapies; consequently, neuropathological data are limited. We have recently shown that feline complex partial cluster seizures with orofacial involvement (FEPSO) in cats can also be associated with Abs against VGKC-complexes/LGI1. Here we examined the brains of cats with FEPSO and compared the neuropathological findings with those in a human with VGKC-complex-Ab limbic encephalitis. Similar to humans, cats with VGKC-complex-Ab and FEPSO have hippocampal lesions with only moderate T-cell infiltrates but with marked IgG infiltration and complement C9neo deposition on hippocampal neurons, associated with neuronal loss. These findings provide further evidence that FEPSO is a feline form of VGKC-complex-Ab limbic encephalitis and provide a model for increasing understanding of the human disease.

Mechanisms Mediating Enhanced Neutralization Efficacy of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B by Combinations of Monoclonal Antibodies*

PubMed Central

Dutta, Kaushik; Varshney, Avanish K.; Franklin, Matthew C.; Goger, Michael; Wang, Xiaobo; Fries, Bettina C.

2015-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a superantigen that cross-links the major histocompatibility complex class II and specific V-β chains of the T-cell receptor, thus forming a ternary complex. Developing neutralizing mAb to disrupt the ternary complex and abrogate the resulting toxicity is a major therapeutic challenge because SEB is effective at very low concentrations. We show that combining two SEB-specific mAbs enhances their efficacy, even though one of the two mAbs by itself has no effect on neutralization. Crystallography was employed for fine-mapping conformational epitopes in binary and ternary complexes between SEB and Fab fragments. NMR spectroscopy was used to validate and identify subtle allosteric changes induced by mAbs binding to SEB. The mapping of epitopes established that a combination of different mAbs can enhance efficacy of mAb-mediated protection from SEB induced lethal shock by two different mechanisms: one mAb mixture promoted clearance of the toxin both in vitro and in vivo by FcR-mediated cross-linking and clearance, whereas the other mAb mixture induced subtle allosteric conformational changes in SEB that perturbed formation of the SEB·T-cell receptor·major histocompatibility complex class II trimer. Finally structural information accurately predicted mAb binding to other superantigens that share conformational epitopes with SEB. Fine mapping of conformational epitopes is a powerful tool to establish the mechanism and optimize the action of synergistic mAb combinations. PMID:25572397

Mechanisms mediating enhanced neutralization efficacy of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B by combinations of monoclonal antibodies

DOE PAGES

Dutta, Kaushik; Varshney, Avanish K.; Franklin, Matthew C.; ...

2015-01-08

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a superantigen that cross-links the major histocompatibility complex class II and specific V-β chains of the T-cell receptor, thus forming a ternary complex. Developing neutralizing mAb to disrupt the ternary complex and abrogate the resulting toxicity is a major therapeutic challenge because SEB is effective at very low concentrations. We show that combining two SEB-specific mAbs enhances their efficacy, even though one of the two mAbs by itself has no effect on neutralization. Crystallography was employed for fine-mapping conformational epitopes in binary and ternary complexes between SEB and Fab fragments. NMR spectroscopy was used tomore » validate and identify subtle allosteric changes induced by mAbs binding to SEB. The mapping of epitopes established that a combination of different mAbs can enhance efficacy of mAb-mediated protection from SEB induced lethal shock by two different mechanisms: one mAb mixture promoted clearance of the toxin both in vitro and in vivo by FcR-mediated cross-linking and clearance, whereas the other mAb mixture induced subtle allosteric conformational changes in SEB that perturbed formation of the SEB·T-cell receptor·major histocompatibility complex class II trimer. Lastly structural information accurately predicted mAb binding to other superantigens that share conformational epitopes with SEB. Fine mapping of conformational epitopes is a powerful tool to establish the mechanism and optimize the action of synergistic mAb combinations.« less

Carbon Nanotubes as Support in the Platinum-Catalyzed Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane.

PubMed

Chen, Wenyao; Duan, Xuezhi; Qian, Gang; Chen, De; Zhou, Xinggui

2015-09-07

We report remarkable support effects for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the Pt/CNT-catalyzed hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane. The origin of the support-dependent activity and durability is elucidated by combining the catalytic and durability testing with characterization by a range of spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques and ICP analysis. The effects mainly arise from different electronic properties and different abilities for the adsorption of boron-containing species on platinum surfaces and changes in size and shape of the platinum particles during the reaction. Defect-rich CNTs in particular are a promising support material, as it not only enhances the platinum binding energy, leading to the highest hydrogen generation rate, but also inhibits the adsorption of boron-containing species and stabilizes the platinum nanoparticles to resist the agglomeration during the reaction, leading to the highest durability. The insights revealed herein may pave the way for the rational design of highly active and durable metal/carbon catalysts for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker disease: novel PRNP mutation and VGKC-complex antibodies.

PubMed

Jones, Matthew; Odunsi, Sola; du Plessis, Daniel; Vincent, Angela; Bishop, Matthew; Head, Mark W; Ironside, James W; Gow, David

2014-06-10

To describe a unique case of Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker (GSS) disease caused by a novel prion protein (PRNP) gene mutation and associated with strongly positive voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies (Abs). Clinical data were gathered from retrospective review of the case notes. Postmortem neuropathologic examination was performed, and DNA was extracted from frozen brain tissue for full sequence analysis of the PRNP gene. The patient was diagnosed in life with VGKC-complex Ab-associated encephalitis based on strongly positive VGKC-complex Ab titers but no detectable LGI1 or CASPR2 Abs. He died despite 1 year of aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. The neuropathologic diagnosis was GSS disease, and a novel mutation, P84S, in the PRNP gene was found. VGKC-complex Abs are described in an increasingly broad range of clinical syndromes, including progressive encephalopathies, and may be amenable to treatment with immunosuppression. However, the failure to respond to aggressive immunotherapy warns against VGKC-complex Abs being pathogenic, and their presence does not preclude the possibility of prion disease. © 2014 American Academy of Neurology.

Elusive silane-alane complex [Si-H⋅⋅⋅Al]: isolation, characterization, and multifaceted frustrated Lewis pair type catalysis.

PubMed

Chen, Jiawei; Chen, Eugene Y-X

2015-06-01

The super acidity of the unsolvated Al(C6F5)3 enabled isolation of the elusive silane-alane complex [Si-H⋅⋅⋅Al], which was structurally characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction methods. The Janus-like nature of this adduct, coupled with strong silane activation, effects multifaceted frustrated-Lewis-pair-type catalysis. When compared with the silane-borane system, the silane-alane system offers unique features or clear advantages in the four types of catalytic transformations examined in this study, including: ligand redistribution of tertiary silanes into secondary and quaternary silanes, polymerization of conjugated polar alkenes, hydrosilylation of unactivated alkenes, and hydrodefluorination of fluoroalkanes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nickel(0) nanoparticles supported on bare or coated cobalt ferrite as highly active, magnetically isolable and reusable catalyst for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane.

PubMed

Manna, Joydev; Akbayrak, Serdar; Özkar, Saim

2017-12-15

Nickel(0) nanoparticles supported on cobalt ferrite (Ni 0 /CoFe 2 O 4 ), polydopamine coated cobalt ferrite (Ni 0 /PDA-CoFe 2 O 4 ) or silica coated cobalt ferrite (Ni 0 /SiO 2 -CoFe 2 O 4 ) are prepared and used as catalysts in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane at room temperature. Ni 0 /CoFe 2 O 4 (4.0% wt. Ni) shows the highest catalytic activity with a TOF value of 38.3min -1 in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane at 25.0±0.1°C. However, the initial catalytic activity of Ni 0 /CoFe 2 O 4 catalyst is not preserved in subsequent runs of hydrolysis. Coating the surface of cobalt ferrite support with polydopamine or silica leads to a significant improvement in the stability of catalysts. The TOF values of Ni 0 /PDA-CoFe 2 O 4 and Ni 0 /SiO 2 -CoFe 2 O 4 are found to be 7.6 and 5.3min -1 , respectively, at 25.0±0.1°C. Ni 0 /PDA-CoFe 2 O 4 catalyst shows high reusability as compared to the Ni 0 /CoFe 2 O 4 and Ni 0 /SiO 2 -CoFe 2 O 4 catalysts in hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane at room temperature. All the catalysts are characterized by using a combination of various advanced analytical techniques. The results reveal that nickel nanoparticles with an average size of 12.3±0.7nm are well dispersed on the surface of PDA-CoFe 2 O 4 . . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural Analysis of Der p 1–Antibody Complexes and Comparison with Complexes of Proteins or Peptides with Monoclonal Antibodies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osinski, Tomasz; Pomés, Anna; Majorek, Karolina A.

Der p 1 is a major allergen from the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, that belongs to the papain-like cysteine protease family. To investigate the antigenic determinants of Der p 1, we determined two crystal structures of Der p 1 in complex with the Fab fragments of mAbs 5H8 or 10B9. Epitopes for these two Der p 1–specific Abs are located in different, nonoverlapping parts of the Der p 1 molecule. Nevertheless, surface area and identity of the amino acid residues involved in hydrogen bonds between allergen and Ab are similar. The epitope for mAb 10B9 only showed a partialmore » overlap with the previously reported epitope for mAb 4C1, a cross-reactive mAb that binds Der p 1 and its homolog Der f 1 from Dermatophagoides farinae. Upon binding to Der p 1, the Fab fragment of mAb 10B9 was found to form a very rare α helix in its third CDR of the H chain. To provide an overview of the surface properties of the interfaces formed by the complexes of Der p 1–10B9 and Der p 1–5H8, along with the complexes of 4C1 with Der p 1 and Der f 1, a broad analysis of the surfaces and hydrogen bonds of all complexes of Fab–protein or Fab–peptide was performed. This work provides detailed insight into the cross-reactive and specific allergen–Ab interactions in group 1 mite allergens. The surface data of Fab–protein and Fab–peptide interfaces can be used in the design of conformational epitopes with reduced Ab binding for immunotherapy.« less

Comparison of In Vitro Activity of Liposomal Nystatin against Aspergillus Species with Those of Nystatin, Amphotericin B (AB) Deoxycholate, AB Colloidal Dispersion, Liposomal AB, AB Lipid Complex, and Itraconazole

PubMed Central

Oakley, Karen L.; Moore, Caroline B.; Denning, David W.

1999-01-01

We compared the in vitro activity of liposomal nystatin (Nyotran) with those of other antifungal agents against 60 Aspergillus isolates. Twelve isolates were itraconazole resistant. For all isolates, geometric mean (GM) MICs (micrograms per milliliter) were 2.30 for liposomal nystatin, 0.58 for itraconazole, 0.86 for amphotericin B (AB) deoxycholate, 9.51 for nystatin, 2.07 for liposomal AB, 2.57 for AB lipid complex, and 0.86 for AB colloidal dispersion. Aspergillus terreus (GM, 8.72 μg/ml; range, 8 to 16 μg/ml) was significantly less susceptible to all of the polyene drugs than all other species (P = 0.0001). PMID:10223948

Attaching quantum dots to HER2 specific phage antibodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Viet Ha; Nghiem, Thi Ha Lien; Huyen La, Thi; Dieu Thuy Ung, Thi; Huan Le, Quang; Thuan Tong, Kim; Liem Nguyen, Quang; Nhung Tran, Hong

2010-06-01

This work presents the results of the attachment of Qdot 655 ITKTM amino (PEG) quantum dots (QDs) (Invitrogen) and CdTe QDs (provided by Institute of Materials Science, VAST) to HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) specific phage antibodies (Abs) (provided by Institute of Biotechnology, VAST) in solution. The QDs were attached to the phage display specific HER2 Abs to form a complex QD-Ab. The QDs and complex QD-Ab were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. The fluorescence images show the QDs conjugated to the phage. Due to the QDs attaching to the surface, the phage dimensions were amplified, so its shape could be observed by optical microscopy. The complex QD-Ab was stable and lasted for a month. The results illustrate the value of the HER2 phage-QD complex as a cancer detection platform.

Clinical relevance of voltage-gated potassium channel–complex antibodies in children.

PubMed

Hacohen, Yael; Singh, Rahul; Rossi, Meghan; Lang, Bethan; Hemingway, Cheryl; Lim, Ming; Vincent, Angela

2015-09-15

To assess the clinical and immunologic findings in children with voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies (Abs). Thirty-nine of 363 sera, referred from 2 pediatric centers from 2007 to 2013, had been reported positive (.100 pM) for VGKC-complex Abs. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively and the patients’ condition was independently classified as inflammatory (n 5 159) or noninflammatory (n 5 204). Positive sera (.100 pM) were tested/retested for the VGKC complex Ab–positive complex proteins LGI1 and CASPR2, screened for binding to live hippocampal neurons, and 12 high-titer sera (.400 pM) tested by radioimmunoassay for binding to VGKC Kv1 subunits with or without intracellular postsynaptic density proteins. VGKC-complex Abs were found in 39 children, including 20% of encephalopathies and 7.6% of other conditions (p 5 0.001). Thirty children had inflammatory conditions and 9 had noninflammatory etiologies but titers.400 pM (n512) were found only in inflammatory diseases (p , 0.0001). Four sera, including from 2 children with coexisting NMDA receptor Abs and one with Guillain-Barré syndrome and Abs to both LGI1 and CASPR2, bound to hippocampal neurons. None of the sera bound detectably to VGKC Kv1 subunits on live HEK cells, but 4 of 12 .400 pM sera immunoprecipitated VGKC Kv1 subunits, with or without postsynaptic densities, extracted from transfected cells. Positive VGKC-complex Abs cannot be taken to indicate a specific clinical syndrome in children, but appear to be a nonspecific biomarker of inflammatory neurologic diseases, particularly of encephalopathy. Some of the Abs may bind to intracellular epitopes on the VGKC subunits, or to the intracellular interacting proteins, but in many the targets remain undefined.

Clinical relevance of voltage-gated potassium channel–complex antibodies in children

PubMed Central

Hacohen, Yael; Singh, Rahul; Rossi, Meghan; Lang, Bethan; Hemingway, Cheryl; Lim, Ming

2015-01-01

Objective: To assess the clinical and immunologic findings in children with voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies (Abs). Methods: Thirty-nine of 363 sera, referred from 2 pediatric centers from 2007 to 2013, had been reported positive (>100 pM) for VGKC-complex Abs. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively and the patients' condition was independently classified as inflammatory (n = 159) or noninflammatory (n = 204). Positive sera (>100 pM) were tested/retested for the VGKC-complex Ab–positive complex proteins LGI1 and CASPR2, screened for binding to live hippocampal neurons, and 12 high-titer sera (>400 pM) tested by radioimmunoassay for binding to VGKC Kv1 subunits with or without intracellular postsynaptic density proteins. Results: VGKC-complex Abs were found in 39 children, including 20% of encephalopathies and 7.6% of other conditions (p = 0.001). Thirty children had inflammatory conditions and 9 had noninflammatory etiologies but titers >400 pM (n = 12) were found only in inflammatory diseases (p < 0.0001). Four sera, including from 2 children with coexisting NMDA receptor Abs and one with Guillain-Barré syndrome and Abs to both LGI1 and CASPR2, bound to hippocampal neurons. None of the sera bound detectably to VGKC Kv1 subunits on live HEK cells, but 4 of 12 >400 pM sera immunoprecipitated VGKC Kv1 subunits, with or without postsynaptic densities, extracted from transfected cells. Conclusion: Positive VGKC-complex Abs cannot be taken to indicate a specific clinical syndrome in children, but appear to be a nonspecific biomarker of inflammatory neurologic diseases, particularly of encephalopathy. Some of the Abs may bind to intracellular epitopes on the VGKC subunits, or to the intracellular interacting proteins, but in many the targets remain undefined. PMID:26296514

Liquid-phase chemical hydrogen storage: catalytic hydrogen generation under ambient conditions.

PubMed

Jiang, Hai-Long; Singh, Sanjay Kumar; Yan, Jun-Min; Zhang, Xin-Bo; Xu, Qiang

2010-05-25

There is a demand for a sufficient and sustainable energy supply. Hence, the search for applicable hydrogen storage materials is extremely important owing to the diversified merits of hydrogen energy. Lithium and sodium borohydride, ammonia borane, hydrazine, and formic acid have been extensively investigated as promising hydrogen storage materials based on their relatively high hydrogen content. Significant advances, such as hydrogen generation temperatures and reaction kinetics, have been made in the catalytic hydrolysis of aqueous lithium and sodium borohydride and ammonia borane as well as in the catalytic decomposition of hydrous hydrazine and formic acid. In this Minireview we briefly survey the research progresses in catalytic hydrogen generation from these liquid-phase chemical hydrogen storage materials.

Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker disease

PubMed Central

Jones, Matthew; Odunsi, Sola; du Plessis, Daniel; Vincent, Angela; Bishop, Matthew; Head, Mark W.; Ironside, James W.

2014-01-01

Objective: To describe a unique case of Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker (GSS) disease caused by a novel prion protein (PRNP) gene mutation and associated with strongly positive voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies (Abs). Methods: Clinical data were gathered from retrospective review of the case notes. Postmortem neuropathologic examination was performed, and DNA was extracted from frozen brain tissue for full sequence analysis of the PRNP gene. Results: The patient was diagnosed in life with VGKC-complex Ab–associated encephalitis based on strongly positive VGKC-complex Ab titers but no detectable LGI1 or CASPR2 Abs. He died despite 1 year of aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. The neuropathologic diagnosis was GSS disease, and a novel mutation, P84S, in the PRNP gene was found. Conclusion: VGKC-complex Abs are described in an increasingly broad range of clinical syndromes, including progressive encephalopathies, and may be amenable to treatment with immunosuppression. However, the failure to respond to aggressive immunotherapy warns against VGKC-complex Abs being pathogenic, and their presence does not preclude the possibility of prion disease. PMID:24814844

Disease-enhancing antibodies improve the efficacy of bacterial toxin-neutralizing antibodies

PubMed Central

Chow, Siu-Kei; Smith, Cameron; MacCarthy, Thomas; Pohl, Mary Ann; Bergman, Aviv; Casadevall, Arturo

2013-01-01

SUMMARY During infection, humoral immunity produces a polyclonal response with various immunoglobulins recognizing different epitopes within the microbe or toxin. Despite this diverse response, the biological activity of an antibody (Ab) is usually assessed by the action of a monoclonal population. We demonstrate that a combination of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are individually disease-enhancing or neutralizing to Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA), a component of anthrax toxin, results in significantly augmented protection against the toxin. This boosted protection is Fc gamma receptor (FcγR)-dependent and involves the formation of stoichiometrically defined mAb-PA complexes that requires immunoglobulin bivalence and simultaneous interaction between PA and the two mAbs. The formation of these mAb-PA complexes inhibits PA oligomerization, resulting in protection. These data suggest that functional assessments of single Abs may inaccurately predict how the same Abs will operate in polyclonal preparations and imply that potentially therapeutic mAbs may be overlooked in single Ab screens. PMID:23601104

Outcome of limbic encephalitis with VGKC-complex antibodies: relation to antigenic specificity.

PubMed

Malter, M P; Frisch, C; Schoene-Bake, J C; Helmstaedter, C; Wandinger, K P; Stoecker, W; Urbach, H; Surges, R; Elger, C E; Vincent, A V; Bien, C G

2014-09-01

In limbic encephalitis (LE) with antibodies (Abs) to the voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKC), the Abs are mainly directed to the VGKC-complex proteins, leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 protein (LGI1) or contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR-2) or neither. Here, we relate the outcomes of VGKC-LE patients to the presence of Abs to LGI1, CASPR-2 or neither antigen (LGI1/CASPR-2-Ab(-)). Clinical, neuropsychology and MRI data were obtained from patient records for all LE patients from the Bonn Epilepsy Centre positive for VGKC-Abs by radioimmunoprecipitation assay between 2002 and 2011. Eighteen VGKC-LE patients were identified: nine patients (50 %) had LGI1-Abs, three (16 %) had CASPR-2-Abs; and six (33 %) were negative for both LGI1- and CASPR-2-Abs. At first assessment, the groups did not differ clinically or radiologically, but faciobrachial dystonic seizures were only observed in two LGI1-Ab(+) patients. All patients received monthly intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) pulses. At the most recent follow up (median 26 months), thirteen (72 %) were seizure-free, and seizure-freedom rates did not differ between the Ab groups. Hippocampal atrophy had developed in 7/9 LGI1-Ab(+) patients, but in none of the CASPR-2-Ab(+) or LGI/CASPR-2-Ab(-) patients (p = 0.003). While all subgroups improved, memory scores only normalized in six patients (33 %) and LGI1-Ab(+) patients were left with significantly poorer memory than the other two subgroups. Most VGKC-LE patients become seizure-free with pulsed monthly MP, but memory outcome is less favourable. Hippocampal atrophy and poor memory recovery is common in patients with LGI1-Abs and suggests permanent functional damage. More intense immunotherapies could improve outcomes in LGI1-Ab(+)-LE.

[The extraction and analysis of a- and b- wave from electroretinogram in human].

PubMed

Chen, Zi-he; Zheng, Chang-wei; Lei, Bo

2013-12-01

To determine the frequency range of a-b wave complex in the dark- and light-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) and to isolate the pure a- and b- waves. Case series study. Full-field ERGs were recorded in 16 eyes of 8 normal volunteers from October to November 2011. Digital filtering technique was used to extract the a- and b-waves from dark- and light-adapted ERG responses. The timings of a- and b-wave were measured to determine the frequency range of a-b wave complex. Major frequency components were determined from power spectra using fast Fourier transform (FFT). The effect of different order settings in the digital filter were compared to investigate the optimum condition, where the oscillatory potential (OP) was completely removed while the amplitudes and phases of the a- and b- waves were less affected. The Student-t test was used to compare the frequency range of a-b wave complex in dark- and light-adapted ERG. The averaged frequency range of the dark-adapted a-b wave complex was from (14.99 ± 2.39) to (25.35 ± 3.77) Hz, compared with (25.22 ± 6.56) to (32.47 ± 3.68) Hz for the light-adapted a-b wave complex, respectively, indicating the frequency range of the dark-adapted a-b wave complex was significantly less than the light-adapted a-b wave complex (t = 7.910, 7.693; both P < 0.01). The third order of the digital filter and a passband of 1 to 45 Hz was the best choice in term of removing the high frequency OP from the waveform of ERG and keeping the amplitude and phase of the a- and b- waves. The frequency of a-b wave complex is lower than that of OP. Therefore the a- and b- waves can be isolated from OP using different digital filter settings in human ERG. A third order and a passband of 1 to 45 Hz is the best choice to extract pure a- and b- waves from the original ERG.

Carbonyl Activation by Borane Lewis Acid Complexation: Transition States of H2 Splitting at the Activated Carbonyl Carbon Atom in a Lewis Basic Solvent and the Proton-Transfer Dynamics of the Boroalkoxide Intermediate.

PubMed

Heshmat, Mojgan; Privalov, Timofei

2017-07-06

By using transition-state (TS) calculations, we examined how Lewis acid (LA) complexation activates carbonyl compounds in the context of hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds by H 2 in Lewis basic (ethereal) solvents containing borane LAs of the type (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B. According to our calculations, LA complexation does not activate a ketone sufficiently enough for the direct addition of H 2 to the O=C unsaturated bond; but, calculations indicate a possibly facile heterolytic cleavage of H 2 at the activated and thus sufficiently Lewis acidic carbonyl carbon atom with the assistance of the Lewis basic solvent (i.e., 1,4-dioxane or THF). For the solvent-assisted H 2 splitting at the carbonyl carbon atom of (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B adducts with different ketones, a number of TSs are computed and the obtained results are related to insights from experiment. By using the Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics with the DFT for electronic structure calculations, the evolution of the (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B-alkoxide ionic intermediate and the proton transfer to the alkoxide oxygen atom were investigated. The results indicate a plausible hydrogenation mechanism with a LA, that is, (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B, as a catalyst, namely, 1) the step of H 2 cleavage that involves a Lewis basic solvent molecule plus the carbonyl carbon atom of thermodynamically stable and experimentally identifiable (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B-ketone adducts in which (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B is the "Lewis acid promoter", 2) the transfer of the solvent-bound proton to the oxygen atom of the (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B-alkoxide intermediate giving the (C 6 F 5 ) 3 B-alcohol adduct, and 3) the S N 2-style displacement of the alcohol by a ketone or a Lewis basic solvent molecule. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Insight into the molecular mechanism of the sulfur oxidation process by reverse sulfite reductase (rSiR) from sulfur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum.

PubMed

Ghosh, Semanti; Bagchi, Angshuman

2018-04-26

Sulfur metabolism is one of the oldest known biochemical processes. Chemotrophic or phototrophic proteobacteria, through the dissimilatory pathway, use sulfate, sulfide, sulfite, thiosulfate or elementary sulfur by either reductive or oxidative mechanisms. During anoxygenic photosynthesis, anaerobic sulfur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum forms sulfur globules that are further oxidized by dsr operon. One of the key redox enzymes in reductive or oxidative sulfur metabolic pathways is the DsrAB protein complex. However, there are practically no reports to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the sulfur oxidation process by the DsrAB protein complex from sulfur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum. In the present context, we tried to analyze the structural details of the DsrAB protein complex from sulfur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum by molecular dynamics simulations. The molecular dynamics simulation results revealed the various types of molecular interactions between DsrA and DsrB proteins during the formation of DsrAB protein complex. We, for the first time, predicted the mode of binding interactions between the co-factor and DsrAB protein complex from Allochromatium vinosum. We also compared the binding interfaces of DsrAB from sulfur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum and sulfate reducer Desulfovibrio vulgaris. This study is the first to provide a comparative aspect of binding modes of sulfur oxidizer Allochromatium vinosum and sulfate reducer Desulfovibrio vulgaris.

Specific antibody for pesticide residue determination produced by antibody-pesticide complex

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new method for specific antibody production was developed using antibody (Ab)-pesticide complex as a unique immunogen. Parathion (PA) was the targeted pesticide, and rabbit polyclonal antibody (Pab) and mouse monoclonal antibody (Mab) were used as carrier proteins. The Ab-PA complexes were genera...

Deletion of nfnAB in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and Its Effect on Metabolism

DOE PAGES

Lo, Jonathan; Zheng, Tianyong; Olson, Daniel G.; ...

2015-06-29

NfnAB catalyzes the reversible transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin and NADH to 2 NADP +. The NfnAB complex has been hypothesized to be the main enzyme for ferredoxin oxidization in strains of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum engineered for increased ethanol production. NfnAB complex activity was detectable in crude cell extracts of T. saccharolyticum. In this paper, activity was also detected using activity staining of native PAGE gels. The nfnAB gene was deleted in different strains of T. saccharolyticum to determine its effect on end product formation. In wild-type T. saccharolyticum, deletion of nfnAB resulted in a 46% increase in H 2more » formation but otherwise little change in other fermentation products. In two engineered strains with 80% theoretical ethanol yield, loss of nfnAB caused two different responses: in one strain, ethanol yield decreased to about 30% of the theoretical value, while another strain had no change in ethanol yield. Biochemical analysis of cell extracts showed that the ΔnfnAB strain with decreased ethanol yield had NADPH-linked alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, while the ΔnfnAB strain with unchanged ethanol yield had NADH-linked ADH activity. Deletion of nfnAB caused loss of NADPH-linked ferredoxin oxidoreductase activity in all cell extracts. Significant NADH-linked ferredoxin oxidoreductase activity was seen in all cell extracts, including those that had lost nfnAB. This suggests that there is an unidentified NADH:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (distinct from nfnAB) playing a role in ethanol formation. The NfnAB complex plays a key role in generating NADPH in a strain that had become reliant on NADPH-ADH activity. Importance: Thermophilic anaerobes that can convert biomass-derived sugars into ethanol have been investigated as candidates for biofuel formation. Many anaerobes have been genetically engineered to increase biofuel formation; however, key aspects of metabolism remain unknown and poorly understood. One example is the mechanism for ferredoxin oxidation and transfer of electrons to NAD(P) +. The electron-bifurcating enzyme complex NfnAB is known to catalyze the reversible transfer of electrons from reduced ferredoxin and NADH to 2 NADP + and is thought to play key roles linking NAD(P)(H) metabolism with ferredoxin metabolism. Finally, we report the first deletion of nfnAB and demonstrate a role for NfnAB in metabolism and ethanol formation in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum and show that this may be an important feature among other thermophilic ethanologenic anaerobes.« less

Electron Transport and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Substituted Aryldimesityl Boranes: A DFT Study

PubMed Central

Pandith, Altaf Hussain; Islam, Nasarul

2014-01-01

A comprehensive theoretical study was carried out on a series of aryldimesityl borane (DMB) derivatives using Density Functional theory. Optimized geometries and electronic parameters like electron affinity, reorganization energy, frontiers molecular contours, polarizability and hyperpolarizability have been calculated by employing B3PW91/6-311++G (d, p) level of theory. Our results show that the Hammett function and geometrical parameters correlates well with the reorganization energies and hyperpolarizability for the series of DMB derivatives studied in this work. The orbital energy study reveals that the electron releasing substituents increase the LUMO energies and electron withdrawing substituents decrease the LUMO energies, reflecting the electron transport character of aryldimesityl borane derivatives. From frontier molecular orbitals diagram it is evident that mesityl rings act as the donor, while the phenylene and Boron atom appear as acceptors in these systems. The calculated hyperpolarizability of secondary amine derivative of DMB is 40 times higher than DMB (1). The electronic excitation contributions to the hyperpolarizability studied by using TDDFT calculation shows that hyperpolarizability correlates well with dipole moment in ground and excited state and excitation energy in terms of the two-level model. Thus the results of these calculations can be helpful in designing the DMB derivatives for efficient electron transport and nonlinear optical material by appropriate substitution with electron releasing or withdrawing substituents on phenyl ring of DMB system. PMID:25479382

Peptide-based Antibodies against Glutathione-binding Domains Suppress Superoxide Production Mediated by Mitochondrial Complex I*

PubMed Central

Chen, Jingfeng; Chen, Chwen-Lih; Rawale, Sharad; Chen, Chun-An; Zweier, Jay L.; Kaumaya, Pravin T. P.; Chen, Yeong-Renn

2010-01-01

Complex I (NQR) is a critical site of superoxide () production and the major host of redox protein thiols in mitochondria. In response to oxidative stress, NQR-derived protein thiols at the 51- and 75-kDa subunits are known to be reversibly S-glutathionylated. Although several glutathionylated domains from NQR 51 and 75 kDa have been identified, their roles in the regulatory functions remain to be explored. To gain further insights into protein S-glutathionylation of complex I, we used two peptides of S-glutathionylated domain (200GAGAYICGEETALIESIEGK219 of 51-kDa protein and 361VDSDTLCTEEVFPTAGAGTDLR382 of 75-kDa protein) as chimeric epitopes incorporating a “promiscuous” T-cell epitope to generate two polyclonal antibodies, AbGSCA206 and AbGSCB367. Binding of AbGSCA206 and AbGSCB367 inhibited NQR-mediated generation by 37 and 57%, as measured by EPR spin-trapping. To further provide an appropriate control, two peptides of non-glutathionylated domain (21SGDTTAPKKTSFGSLKDFDR40 of 51-kDa peptide and 100WNILTNSEKTKKAREGVMEFL120 of 75-kDa peptide) were synthesized as chimeric epitopes to generate two polyclonal antibodies, Ab51 and Ab75. Binding of A51 did not affect NQR-mediated generation to a significant level. However, binding of Ab75 inhibited NQR-mediated generation by 35%. None of AbGSCA206, AbGSCB367, Ab51, or Ab75 showed an inhibitory effect on the electron transfer activity of NQR, suggesting that antibody binding to the glutathione-binding domain decreased electron leakage from the hydrophilic domain of NQR. When heart tissue homogenates were immunoprecipitated with Ab51 or Ab75 and probed with an antibody against glutathione, protein S-glutathionylation was enhanced in post-ischemic myocardium at the NQR 51-kDa subunit, but not at the 75-kDa subunit, indicating that the 51-kDa subunit of flavin subcomplex is more sensitive to oxidative stress resulting from myocardial infarction. PMID:19940158

Characterization of B-H agostic compounds involved in the dehydrogenation of amine-boranes by group 4 metallocenes.

PubMed

Zhu, Jingwen; Zins, Emilie-Laure; Alikhani, Mohammad Esmaïl

2016-12-01

For over a decade, amine-borane has been considered as a potential chemical hydrogen vector in the context of a search for cleaner energy sources. When catalyzed by organometallic complexes, the reaction mechanisms currently considered involve the formation of β-BH agostic intermediates. A thorough understanding of these intermediates may constitute a crucial step toward the identification of ideal catalysts. Topological approaches such as QTAIM and ELF revealed to be particularly suitable for the description of β-agostic interactions. When studying model catalysts, accurate theoretical calculations may be carried out. However, for a comparison with experimental data, calculations should also be carried out on large organo-metallic species, often including transition metals belonging to the second or the third row. In such a case, DFT methods are particularly attractive. Unfortunately, triple-ζ all electrons basis sets are not easily available for heavy transition metal elements. Thus, a subtle balance should be reached between the affordable level of calculations and the required accuracy of the electronic description of the systems. Herein we propose the use of B3LYP functional in combination with the LanL2DZ pseudopotential for the metal atom and 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set for the other atoms, followed by a single point using the DKH2 relativistic Hamiltonian in combination with the B3LYP/DZP-DKH level, as a "minimum level of theory" leading to a consistent topological description of the interaction within the ELF and QTAIM framework, in the context of isolated (gas-phase) group 4 metallocene catalysts.

Gd-complexes of macrocyclic DTPA conjugates of 1,1'-bis(amino)ferrocenes as high relaxivity MRI blood-pool contrast agents (BPCAs).

PubMed

Kim, Hee-Kyung; Park, Ji-Ae; Kim, Kyeong Min; Nasiruzzaman, Sk Md; Kang, Duk-Sik; Lee, Jongmin; Chang, Yongmin; Kim, Tae-Jeong

2010-11-28

We report the synthesis of macrocyclic DTPA conjugates of 1,1'-bis(amino)ferrocenes (1a-b) and their Gd-complexes [Gd(L)(H(2)O)] (2a-b, L = 1a-b) for use as new MRI blood-pool contrast agents. High R(1) relaxivity in HSA as well as high thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities is observed for 2a.

Crystal structures of palladium(II) ternary complexes of 5-x-2-aminobenzoic acid with 1,10-phenanthroline and their interaction with calf thymus DNA (where X=Cl, Br and I).

PubMed

Wang, Yue; Okabe, Nobuo; Odoko, Mamiko

2005-10-01

The crystal structures of a series of three palladium(II) ternary complexes of 5-halogeno-2-aminobenzoic acid (5-X-AB, where X=Cl, Br and I) with 1,10-phenanthroline [Pd(5-Cl-AB)(phen)] (1), [Pd(5-Br-AB)(phen)] (2) and [Pd(5-I-AB)(phen)] (3) have been determined, and their coordination geometries and the crystal architecture characterized. All of the complexes are an isostructure in which each Pd(II) atom has basically similar square planar coordination geometry. The substitute halogen group at 5-position of AB plays an important role in producing the coordination bonds of the carboxylate and amino groups in which the carboxylate O atom and the amino N atom act as the negative monodentate ligand atoms. The coordination bond distances of O-Pd increase in the order 1<2<3, while those of N-Pd decrease in the same order. The binding of the complexes to the calf thymus DNA has also been studied by the fluorescence method. Each of the complexes shows high binding propensity to DNA which can be reflected as the relative order 1<2<3.

Automation bias and verification complexity: a systematic review.

PubMed

Lyell, David; Coiera, Enrico

2017-03-01

While potentially reducing decision errors, decision support systems can introduce new types of errors. Automation bias (AB) happens when users become overreliant on decision support, which reduces vigilance in information seeking and processing. Most research originates from the human factors literature, where the prevailing view is that AB occurs only in multitasking environments. This review seeks to compare the human factors and health care literature, focusing on the apparent association of AB with multitasking and task complexity. EMBASE, Medline, Compendex, Inspec, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Business Source Premiere from 1983 to 2015. Evaluation studies where task execution was assisted by automation and resulted in errors were included. Participants needed to be able to verify automation correctness and perform the task manually. Tasks were identified and grouped. Task and automation type and presence of multitasking were noted. Each task was rated for its verification complexity. Of 890 papers identified, 40 met the inclusion criteria; 6 were in health care. Contrary to the prevailing human factors view, AB was found in single tasks, typically involving diagnosis rather than monitoring, and with high verification complexity. The literature is fragmented, with large discrepancies in how AB is reported. Few studies reported the statistical significance of AB compared to a control condition. AB appears to be associated with the degree of cognitive load experienced in decision tasks, and appears to not be uniquely associated with multitasking. Strategies to minimize AB might focus on cognitive load reduction. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Studies on Cu(II) ternary complexes involving an aminopenicillin drug and imidazole containing ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regupathy, Sthanumoorthy; Nair, Madhavan Sivasankaran

2010-02-01

Equilibrium studies on the ternary complex systems involving ampicillin (amp) as ligand (A) and imidazole containing ligands viz., imidazole (Him), benzimidazole (Hbim), histamine (Hist) and histidine (His) as ligands (B) at 37 °C and I = 0.15 mol dm -3 (NaClO 4) show the presence of CuABH, CuAB and CuAB 2. The proton in the CuABH species is attached to ligand A. In the ternary complexes the ligand, amp(A) binds the metal ion via amino nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen atom. The CuAB (B = Hist/His)/CuAB 2 (B = Him/Hbim) species have also been isolated and the analytical data confirmed its formation. Non-electrolytic behavior and monomeric type of chelates have been assessed from their low conductance and magnetic susceptibility values. The electronic and vibrational spectral results were interpreted to find the mode of binding of ligands to metal and geometry of the complexes. This is also supported by the g tensor values calculated from ESR spectra. The thermal behaviour of complexes were studied by TGA/DTA. The redox behavior of the complexes has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The antimicrobial activity and CT DNA cleavage study of the complexes show higher activity for ternary complexes.

Dithiolato- and halogenido-bridged nickel-iron complexes related to the active site of [NiFe]-H2ases: preparation, structures, and electrocatalytic H2 production.

PubMed

Song, Li-Cheng; Han, Xiao-Feng; Chen, Wei; Li, Jia-Peng; Wang, Xu-Yong

2017-08-14

A new series of the structural and functional models for the active site of [NiFe]-H 2 ases has been prepared by a simple and convenient synthetic route. Thus, treatment of diphosphines RN(PPh 2 ) 2 (1a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 ; 1b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 ) with an equimolar NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O, NiBr 2 ·3H 2 O, and NiI 2 in refluxing CH 2 Cl 2 /MeOH or EtOH gave the mononuclear Ni complexes RN(PPh 2 ) 2 NiX 2 (2a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 , X = Cl; 2b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 , X = Cl; 3a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 , X = Br; 3b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 , X = Br; 4a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 , X = I; 4b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 , X = I) in 67-97% yields. Further treatment of complexes 2a,b-4a,b with an equimolar mononuclear Fe complex (dppv)(CO) 2 Fe(pdt) and NaBF 4 resulted in formation of the targeted model complexes [RN(PPh 2 ) 2 Ni(μ-pdt)(μ-X)Fe(CO)(dppv)](BF 4 ) (5a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 , X = Cl; 5b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 , X = Cl; 6a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 , X = Br; 6b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 , X = Br; 7a, R = p-MeC 6 H 4 CH 2 , X = I; 7b, R = EtO 2 CCH 2 , X = I) in 60-96% yields. All the new complexes 3a,b-4a,b and 5a,b-7a,b have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopy, and particularly for some of them (3a,b/4a,b and 5b/6b) by X-ray crystallography. More interestingly, the electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of such halogenido-bridged model complexes are first studied systematically and particularly they have been found to be pre-catalysts for proton reduction to H 2 under CV conditions.

Evaluating molecular cobalt complexes for the conversion of N2 to NH3.

PubMed

Del Castillo, Trevor J; Thompson, Niklas B; Suess, Daniel L M; Ung, Gaël; Peters, Jonas C

2015-10-05

Well-defined molecular catalysts for the reduction of N2 to NH3 with protons and electrons remain very rare despite decades of interest and are currently limited to systems featuring molybdenum or iron. This report details the synthesis of a molecular cobalt complex that generates superstoichiometric yields of NH3 (>200% NH3 per Co-N2 precursor) via the direct reduction of N2 with protons and electrons. While the NH3 yields reported herein are modest by comparison to those of previously described iron and molybdenum systems, they intimate that other metals are likely to be viable as molecular N2 reduction catalysts. Additionally, a comparison of the featured tris(phosphine)borane Co-N2 complex with structurally related Co-N2 and Fe-N2 species shows how remarkably sensitive the N2 reduction performance of potential precatalysts is. These studies enable consideration of the structural and electronic effects that are likely relevant to N2 conversion activity, including the π basicity, charge state, and geometric flexibility.

Mixed ligand complex formation of 2-aminobenzamide with Cu(II) in the presence of some amino acids: Synthesis, structural, biological, pH-metric, spectrophotometric and thermodynamic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dharmaraja, Jeyaprakash; Esakkidurai, Thirugnanasamy; Subbaraj, Paramasivam; Shobana, Sutha

2013-10-01

Mixed ligand Cu(II) complexes of 2-aminobenzamide (2AB) and amino acids viz., glycine (gly), L-alanine (ala), L-valine (val) and L-phenylalanine (phe) have been synthesised and characterized by various physico-chemical and spectral techniques. The calculated g-tensor values for Cu(II) complexes at 77 K and 300 K, show the distorted octahedral geometry which has been confirmed from the absorption studies. Consequently, the thermal studies illustrate that the loss of water and acetate molecules in the initial stage which are followed by the decomposition of organic residues. The powder X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis reflect that all the complexes have well-defined crystallinity nature with homogeneous morphology. The binding activities of CT DNA with CuAB complexes have been examined by absorption studies. Further, the oxidative cleavage interactions of 2-aminobenzamide and CuAB complexes with DNA were studied by gel electrophoresis method in H2O2 medium. Also, the complex formation of Cu(II) involving 2-aminobenzamide and amino acids were carried out by a combined pH-metric and spectrophotometric techniques in 50% (v/v) water-ethanol mixture at 300, 310, 320 and 330 ± 0.1 K with I = 0.15 mol dm-3 (NaClO4). In solution, CuAB and CuAB2 species has been detected and the binding modes of 2-aminobenzamide and amino acids in both binary and mixed ligand complexes are same. The calculated stabilization value of Δ log K, log X and log X' indicates higher stabilities for the mixed ligand complexes rather than their binary species. The thermodynamic parameters like ΔG, ΔH and ΔS have been determined from temperature dependence of the stability constant. In vitro biological activities of 2-aminobenzamide, CuA and CuAB complexes show remarkable activities against some bacterial and fungal strains. The percentage distribution of various binary and mixed ligand species in solution at dissimilar pH intervals were also evaluated.

PF4/heparin-antibody complex induces monocyte tissue factor expression and release of tissue factor positive microparticles by activation of FcγRI

PubMed Central

Glover, Sam L.; Jonas, William; McEachron, Troy; Pawlinski, Rafal; Arepally, Gowthami M.; Key, Nigel S.; Mackman, Nigel

2012-01-01

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially devastating form of drug-induced thrombocytopenia that occurs in patients receiving heparin for prevention or treatment of thrombosis. Patients with HIT develop autoantibodies to the platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin complex, which is termed the HIT Ab complex. Despite a decrease in the platelet count, the most feared complication of HIT is thrombosis. The mechanism of thrombosis in HIT remains poorly understood. We investigated the effects of the HIT Ab complex on tissue factor (TF) expression and release of TF-positive microparticles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes. To model these effects ex vivo, we used a murine mAb specific for the PF4/heparin complex (KKO), as well as plasma from patients with HIT. We found that the HIT Ab complex induced TF expression in monocytes and the release of TF-positive microparticles. Further, we found that induction of TF is mediated via engagement of the FcγRI receptor and activation of the MEK1-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our data suggest that monocyte TF may contribute to the development of thrombosis in patients with HIT. PMID:22394597

Engineering electron metabolism to increase ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum

DOE PAGES

Lo, Jonathan; Olson, Daniel G.; Murphy, Sean Jean-Loup; ...

2016-10-28

Here, the NfnAB (NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP + oxidoreductase) and Rnf ( Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation) complexes are thought to catalyze electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P) +. Efficient electron flux is critical for engineering fuel production pathways, but little is known about the relative importance of these enzymes in vivo. In this study we investigate the importance of the NfnAB and Rnf complexes in Clostridium thermocellum for growth on cellobiose and Avicel using gene deletion, enzyme assays, and fermentation product analysis. The NfnAB complex does not seem to play a major role in metabolism, since deletion of nfnAB genes hadmore » little effect on the distribution of fermentation products. By contrast, the Rnf complex appears to play an important role in ethanol formation. Deletion of rnf genes resulted in a decrease in ethanol formation. Overexpression of rnf genes resulted in an increase in ethanol production of about 30%, but only in strains where the hydG hydrogenase maturation gene was also deleted.« less

Engineering electron metabolism to increase ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lo, Jonathan; Olson, Daniel G.; Murphy, Sean Jean-Loup

Here, the NfnAB (NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin:NADP + oxidoreductase) and Rnf ( Rhodobacter nitrogen fixation) complexes are thought to catalyze electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P) +. Efficient electron flux is critical for engineering fuel production pathways, but little is known about the relative importance of these enzymes in vivo. In this study we investigate the importance of the NfnAB and Rnf complexes in Clostridium thermocellum for growth on cellobiose and Avicel using gene deletion, enzyme assays, and fermentation product analysis. The NfnAB complex does not seem to play a major role in metabolism, since deletion of nfnAB genes hadmore » little effect on the distribution of fermentation products. By contrast, the Rnf complex appears to play an important role in ethanol formation. Deletion of rnf genes resulted in a decrease in ethanol formation. Overexpression of rnf genes resulted in an increase in ethanol production of about 30%, but only in strains where the hydG hydrogenase maturation gene was also deleted.« less

Four-coordinate, 14-electron Ru(II) complexes: unusual trigonal pyramidal geometry enforced by bis(phosphino)silyl ligation.

PubMed

MacInnis, Morgan C; McDonald, Robert; Ferguson, Michael J; Tobisch, Sven; Turculet, Laura

2011-08-31

Unprecedented diamagnetic, four-coordinate, formally 14-electron (Cy-PSiP)RuX (Cy-PSiP = [κ(3)-(2-R(2)PC(6)H(4))(2)SiMe](-); X = amido, alkoxo) complexes that do not require agostic stabilization and that adopt a highly unusual trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry are reported. The tertiary silane [(2-Cy(2)PC(6)H(4))(2)SiMe]H ((Cy-PSiP)H) reacted with 0.5 [(p-cymene)RuCl(2)](2) in the presence of Et(3)N and PCy(3) to afford [(Cy-PSiP)RuCl](2) (1) in 74% yield. Treatment of 1 with KO(t)Bu led to the formation of (Cy-PSiP)RuO(t)Bu (2, 97% yield), which was crystallographically characterized and shown to adopt a trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry in the solid state. Treatment of 1 with NaN(SiMe(3))(2) led to the formation of (Cy-PSiP)RuN(SiMe(3))(2) (3, 70% yield), which was also found to adopt a trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry in the solid state. The related anilido complexes (Cy-PSiP)RuNH(2,6-R(2)C(6)H(3)) (4, R = H; 5, R = Me) were also prepared in >90% yields by treating 1 with LiNH(2,6-R(2)C(6)H(3)) (R = H, Me) reagents. The solid state structure of 5 indicates a monomeric trigonal pyramidal complex that features a C-H agostic interaction. Complexes 2 and 3 were found to react readily with 1 equiv of H(2)O to form the dimeric hydroxo-bridged complex [(Cy-PSiP)RuOH](2) (6, 94% yield), which was crystallographically characterized. Complexes 2 and 3 also reacted with 1 equiv of PhOH to form the new 18-electron η(5)-oxocyclohexadienyl complex (Cy-PSiP)Ru(η(5)-C(6)H(5)O) (7, 84% yield). Both amido and alkoxo (Cy-PSiP)RuX complexes reacted with H(3)B·NHRR' reagents to form bis(σ-B-H) complexes of the type (Cy-PSiP)RuH(η(2):η(2)-H(2)BNRR') (8, R = R' = H; 9, R = R' = Me; 10, R = H, R' = (t)Bu), which illustrates that such four-coordinate (Cy-PSiP)RuX (X = amido, alkoxo) complexes are able to undergo multiple E-H (E = main group element) bond activation steps. Computational methods were used to investigate structurally related PCP, PPP, PNP, and PSiP four-coordinate Ru complexes and confirmed the key role of the strongly σ-donating silyl group of the PSiP ligand set in enforcing the unusual trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry featured in complexes 2-5, thus substantiating a new strategy for the synthesis of low-coordinate Ru species. The mechanism of the activation of ammonia-borane by such low-coordinate (R-PSiP)RuX (X = amido, alkoxo) species was also studied computationally and was determined to proceed most likely in a stepwise fashion via intramolecular deprotonation of ammonia and subsequent borane B-H bond oxidative addition steps.

Formation of infectious dengue virus-antibody immune complex in vivo in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) after passive transfer of anti-dengue virus monoclonal antibodies and infection with dengue virus.

PubMed

Moi, Meng Ling; Ami, Yasushi; Shirai, Kenji; Lim, Chang-Kweng; Suzaki, Yuriko; Saito, Yuka; Kitaura, Kazutaka; Saijo, Masayuki; Suzuki, Ryuji; Kurane, Ichiro; Takasaki, Tomohiko

2015-02-01

Infection with a dengue virus (DENV) serotype induces cross-reactive, weakly neutralizing antibodies to different dengue serotypes. It has been postulated that cross-reactive antibodies form a virus-antibody immune complex and enhance DENV infection of Fc gamma receptor (FcγR)-bearing cells. We determined whether infectious DENV-antibody immune complex is formed in vivo in marmosets after passive transfer of DENV-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and DENV inoculation and whether infectious DENV-antibody immune complex is detectable using FcγR-expressing cells. Marmosets showed that DENV-antibody immune complex was exclusively infectious to FcγR-expressing cells on days 2, 4, and 7 after passive transfer of each of the mAbs (mAb 4G2 and mAb 6B6C) and DENV inoculation. Although DENV-antibody immune complex was detected, contribution of the passively transferred antibody to overall viremia levels was limited in this study. The results indicate that DENV cross-reactive antibodies form DENV-antibody immune complex in vivo, which is infectious to FcγR-bearing cells but not FcγR-negative cells. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Synthesis of enantiopure antiobesity drug lorcaserin.

PubMed

Smilovic, Ivana Gazic; Cluzeau, Jerome; Richter, Frank; Nerdinger, Sven; Schreiner, Erwin; Laus, Gerhard; Schottenberger, Herwig

2018-05-15

Acylation of enantiomerically pure (R)-2-(3-chlorophenyl)propan-1-amine using chloroacetyl chloride, followed by borane reduction and aluminum chloride catalyzed cyclization yielded enantiopure lorcaserin. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Formation and identification of borane radical anions isolated in solid argon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Meng-Yeh; Huang, Tzu-Ping; Chin, Chih-Hao; Wu, Yu-Jong

2018-02-01

The infrared (IR) spectrum of borane(3) anions (BH3-) isolated in solid Ar was recorded; two vibrational modes were observed at 2259.4 and 606.6 cm-1, which were assigned to the BH2 stretching (ν3) and out-of-plane large-amplitude (ν2) modes, respectively. These anions were produced by the electron bombardment of an Ar matrix sample containing a small proportion of B2H6 and H2 during matrix deposition or by the photolysis of single-bridged-B2H5- in an Ar matrix with the selected ultraviolet light. The band positions, relative intensity ratios, isotopic splitting pattern, and isotopic shift ratios of the observed IR features of BH3- are generally in good agreement with those predicted by the B2PLYP/aug-cc-pVTZ method.

Spiroborate Ester-Mediated Asymmetric Synthesis of β-Hydroxy Ethers and its Conversion to Highly Enantiopure β-Amino Ethers

PubMed Central

Huang, Kun; Ortiz-Marciales, Margarita; Correa, Wildeliz; Pomales, Edgardo; López, Xaira Y.

2009-01-01

Borane-mediated reduction of aryl and alkyl ketones with α-aryl- and α-pyridyloxy groups affords β-hydroxy ethers in high enantiomeric purity (up to 99% ee) and in good yield, using as catalyst 10 mol % of spiroborate ester 1 derived from (S)-diphenylprolinol. Representative β-hydroxy ethers are successfully converted to β-amino ethers, with minor epimerization, by phthalimide substitution under Mitsunobu’s conditions followed by hydrazinolysis, to obtain primary amino ethers or by imide reduction with borane to afford β-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol ethers. Non-racemic Mexiletine and nAChR analogues with potential biological activity are also synthesized in excellent yield by mesylation of key β-hydroxy pyridylethers and substitution with 5, 6 and 7 member ring heterocyclic amines. PMID:19413288

The duration of immunity in cattle following inoculation of rinderpest cell culture vaccine.

PubMed Central

Plowright, W.

1984-01-01

The duration of immunity following a single administration of rinderpest cell culture vaccine, of 90 or more monolayer passages, was studied in E. African zebu (Boran) and grade (cross-bred European) cattle. All animals were kept for periods of 6-11 years in rinderpest-free environments; groups of them (in all 23 Borans and 10 grades) were then challenged by parenteral or intranasal inoculation of virulent virus or by contact exposure to reacting cattle. Nasal excretion of virus was studied daily over the 10-to 14-day period following challenge, and simultaneous attempts were made to detect viraemia. The neutralizing antibody response was followed at 6-month intervals over the whole post-vaccination period and then daily for 10 days and at longer intervals to 3 weeks after challenge. All 33 animals which were exposed by various routes failed to react clinically and a rinderpest viraemia was never detected. No transmission of virus from the vaccinates to susceptible in-contact controls occurred within 14 or more days, from the 20 animals which could be so tested. Clearcut serological responses to challenge were seen in six cattle (four Borans and two grades) which were challenged after 7 years or more; these reactions were all delayed to the 9th or 10th days, i.e. they were not typically 'anamnestic'. These results are discussed in relation to mass vaccination campaigns for the control of rinderpest and from the comparative viewpoint of measles vaccination in man. PMID:6736639

Syntheses of mono- and dinuclear diiodoboryl complexes of platinum.

PubMed

Braunschweig, Holger; Radacki, Krzysztof; Uttinger, Katharina

2007-10-15

Treatment of [Pt(PCy(3))(2)] (Cy = cyclohexyl) with BI(3) afforded trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))] by the oxidative addition of a B-I bond. The title compound represents the first diiodoboryl complex and was fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The latter revealed a very short Pt-B distance, thus indicating a pronounced pi contribution to this bond. By the addition of another 1 equiv of BI(3) to trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))], a new Pt species [(Cy(3)P)(I(2)B)Pt(mu-I)](2) was formed with concomitant buildup of the phosphine borane adduct [Cy(3)P-BI(3)]. The former is obviously obtained by abstraction of PCy(3) from trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))] and the subsequent dimerization of two remaining fragments. Interestingly, the dimerization is reversible, and the dinuclear compound can be converted to trans-[(Cy(3)P)(2)Pt(I)(BI(2))] upon the addition of PCy(3).

THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SOLUBLE ANTIGEN-ANTIBODY COMPLEXES

PubMed Central

Ishizaka, Kimishige; Ishizaka, Teruko; Campbell, Dan H.

1959-01-01

Soluble BSA-anti-BSA complexes, formed in antigen excess, give immediate skin reactions in normal guinea pigs. The mechanism of the reaction is not that of passive or reversed passive anaphylaxis. The complex itself is toxic. Skin activity of the complex depends on its composition. It has become obvious that the complex composed of two antigen molecules and one antibody molecule, (Ag2Ab), does not have the activity, whereas, Ag3Ab2 and more complicated complexes do. The role of complement as well as speculation on the structural changes of antibody-antigen complexes is presented. PMID:13620844

Automation bias in electronic prescribing.

PubMed

Lyell, David; Magrabi, Farah; Raban, Magdalena Z; Pont, L G; Baysari, Melissa T; Day, Richard O; Coiera, Enrico

2017-03-16

Clinical decision support (CDS) in e-prescribing can improve safety by alerting potential errors, but introduces new sources of risk. Automation bias (AB) occurs when users over-rely on CDS, reducing vigilance in information seeking and processing. Evidence of AB has been found in other clinical tasks, but has not yet been tested with e-prescribing. This study tests for the presence of AB in e-prescribing and the impact of task complexity and interruptions on AB. One hundred and twenty students in the final two years of a medical degree prescribed medicines for nine clinical scenarios using a simulated e-prescribing system. Quality of CDS (correct, incorrect and no CDS) and task complexity (low, low + interruption and high) were varied between conditions. Omission errors (failure to detect prescribing errors) and commission errors (acceptance of false positive alerts) were measured. Compared to scenarios with no CDS, correct CDS reduced omission errors by 38.3% (p < .0001, n = 120), 46.6% (p < .0001, n = 70), and 39.2% (p < .0001, n = 120) for low, low + interrupt and high complexity scenarios respectively. Incorrect CDS increased omission errors by 33.3% (p < .0001, n = 120), 24.5% (p < .009, n = 82), and 26.7% (p < .0001, n = 120). Participants made commission errors, 65.8% (p < .0001, n = 120), 53.5% (p < .0001, n = 82), and 51.7% (p < .0001, n = 120). Task complexity and interruptions had no impact on AB. This study found evidence of AB omission and commission errors in e-prescribing. Verification of CDS alerts is key to avoiding AB errors. However, interventions focused on this have had limited success to date. Clinicians should remain vigilant to the risks of CDS failures and verify CDS.

Structural Basis for FcγRIIa Recognition of Human IgG and Formation of Inflammatory Signaling Complexes

PubMed Central

Ramsland, Paul A.; Farrugia, William; Bradford, Tessa M.; Tan Sardjono, Caroline; Esparon, Sandra; Trist, Halina M.; Powell, Maree S.; Szee Tan, Peck; Cendron, Angela C.; Wines, Bruce D.; Scott, Andrew M.; Hogarth, P. Mark

2012-01-01

The interaction of Abs with their specific FcRs is of primary importance in host immune effector systems involved in infection and inflammation, and are the target for immune evasion by pathogens. FcγRIIa is a unique and the most widespread activating FcR in humans that through avid binding of immune complexes potently triggers inflammation. Polymorphisms of FcγRIIa (high responder/low responder [HR/LR]) are linked to susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and the efficacy of therapeutic Abs. In this article, we define the three-dimensional structure of the complex between the HR (arginine, R134) allele of FcγRIIa (FcγRIIa-HR) and the Fc region of a humanized IgG1 Ab, hu3S193. The structure suggests how the HR/LR polymorphism may influence FcγRIIa interactions with different IgG subclasses and glycoforms. In addition, mutagenesis defined the basis of the epitopes detected by FcR blocking mAbs specific for FcγRIIa (IV.3), FcγRIIb (X63-21), and a pan FcγRII Ab (8.7). The epitopes detected by these Abs are distinct, but all overlap with residues defined by crystallography to contact IgG. Finally, crystal structures of LR (histidine, H134) allele of FcγRIIa and FcγRIIa-HR reveal two distinct receptor dimers that may represent quaternary states on the cell surface. A model is presented whereby a dimer of FcγRIIa-HR binds Ag–Ab complexes in an arrangement that possibly occurs on the cell membrane as part of a larger signaling assembly. PMID:21856937

Most neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies target novel epitopes requiring both Lassa virus glycoprotein subunits

PubMed Central

Robinson, James E.; Hastie, Kathryn M.; Cross, Robert W.; Yenni, Rachael E.; Elliott, Deborah H.; Rouelle, Julie A.; Kannadka, Chandrika B.; Smira, Ashley A.; Garry, Courtney E.; Bradley, Benjamin T.; Yu, Haini; Shaffer, Jeffrey G.; Boisen, Matt L.; Hartnett, Jessica N.; Zandonatti, Michelle A.; Rowland, Megan M.; Heinrich, Megan L.; Martínez-Sobrido, Luis; Cheng, Benson; de la Torre, Juan C.; Andersen, Kristian G.; Goba, Augustine; Momoh, Mambu; Fullah, Mohamed; Gbakie, Michael; Kanneh, Lansana; Koroma, Veronica J.; Fonnie, Richard; Jalloh, Simbirie C.; Kargbo, Brima; Vandi, Mohamed A.; Gbetuwa, Momoh; Ikponmwosa, Odia; Asogun, Danny A.; Okokhere, Peter O.; Follarin, Onikepe A.; Schieffelin, John S.; Pitts, Kelly R.; Geisbert, Joan B.; Kulakoski, Peter C.; Wilson, Russell B.; Happi, Christian T.; Sabeti, Pardis C.; Gevao, Sahr M.; Khan, S. Humarr; Grant, Donald S.; Geisbert, Thomas W.; Saphire, Erica Ollmann; Branco, Luis M.; Garry, Robert F.

2016-01-01

Lassa fever is a severe multisystem disease that often has haemorrhagic manifestations. The epitopes of the Lassa virus (LASV) surface glycoproteins recognized by naturally infected human hosts have not been identified or characterized. Here we have cloned 113 human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for LASV glycoproteins from memory B cells of Lassa fever survivors from West Africa. One-half bind the GP2 fusion subunit, one-fourth recognize the GP1 receptor-binding subunit and the remaining fourth are specific for the assembled glycoprotein complex, requiring both GP1 and GP2 subunits for recognition. Notably, of the 16 mAbs that neutralize LASV, 13 require the assembled glycoprotein complex for binding, while the remaining 3 require GP1 only. Compared with non-neutralizing mAbs, neutralizing mAbs have higher binding affinities and greater divergence from germline progenitors. Some mAbs potently neutralize all four LASV lineages. These insights from LASV human mAb characterization will guide strategies for immunotherapeutic development and vaccine design. PMID:27161536

EFFECT OF MICROWAVE POWER ON SHAPE OF EPR SPECTRA--APPLICATION TO EXAMINATION OF COMPLEX FREE RADICAL SYSTEM IN THERMALLY STERILIZED ACIDUM BORICUM.

PubMed

Ramos, Paweł; Pieprzyca, Małgorzata; Pilawa, Barbara

2016-01-01

Complex free radical system in thermally sterilized acidum boricum (AB) was studied. Acidum boricum was sterilized at temperatures and times given by pharmaceutical norms: 160 degrees C and 120 min, 170 degrees C and 60 min and 180 degrees C and 30 min. The advanced spectroscopic tests were performed. The EPR spectra of free radicals were measured as the first derivatives with microwaves of 9.3 GHz frequency and magnetic modulation of 100 kHz. The Polish X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer of Radiopan (Poznań) was used. EPR lines were not observed for the nonheated AB. The broad EPR asymmetric lines were obtained for all the heated AB samples. The influence of microwave power in the range of 2.2-70 mW on the shape of EPR spectra of the heated drug samples was tested. The following asymmetry parameters: A1/A2, A1-A2, B1/B2, and B1-B2, were analyzed. The changes of these parameters with microwave power were observed. The strong dependence of shape and its parameters on microwave power proved the complex character of free radical system in thermally sterilized AB. Changes of microwave power during the detection of EPR spectra indicated complex character of free radicals in AB sterilized in hot air under all the tested conditions. Thermolysis, interactions between free radicals and interactions of free radicals with oxygen may be responsible for the complex free radicals system in thermally treated AB. Usefulness of continuous microwave saturation of EPR lines and shape analysis to examine free radicals in thermally sterilized drugs was confirmed.

Aminopyridinate-FI hybrids, their hafnium and titanium complexes, and their application in the living polymerization of 1-hexene.

PubMed

Haas, Isabelle; Dietel, Thomas; Press, Konstantin; Kol, Moshe; Kempe, Rhett

2013-10-11

Based on two well-established ligand systems, the aminopyridinato (Ap) and the phenoxyimine (FI) ligand systems, new Ap-FI hybrid ligands were developed. Four different Ap-FI hybrid ligands were synthesized through a simple condensation reaction and fully characterized. The reaction of hafnium tetrabenzyl with all four Ap-FI hybrid ligands exclusively led to mono(Ap-FI) complexes of the type [(Ap-FI)HfBn2 ]. The ligands acted as tetradentate dianionic chelates. Upon activation with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, the hafnium-dibenzyl complexes led to highly active catalysts for the polymerization of 1-hexene. Ultrahigh molecular weights and extremely narrow polydispersities support the living nature of this polymerization process. A possible deactivation product of the hafnium catalysts was characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis and is discussed. The coordination modes of these new ligands were studied with the help of model titanium complexes. The reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with ligand 1 led to a mono(Ap-FI) complex, which showed the desired fac-mer coordination mode. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide reacted with ligand 4 to give a complex of the type [(ApH-FI)2 Ti(OiPr)2 ], which featured the ligand in its monoanionic form. The two titanium complexes were characterized by X-ray crystal-structure analysis. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

G-CSF/anti-G-CSF antibody complexes drive the potent recovery and expansion of CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid cells without compromising CD8+ T cell immune responses

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Administration of recombinant G-CSF following cytoreductive therapy enhances the recovery of myeloid cells, minimizing the risk of opportunistic infection. Free G-CSF, however, is expensive, exhibits a short half-life, and has poor biological activity in vivo. Methods We evaluated whether the biological activity of G-CSF could be improved by pre-association with anti-G-CSF mAb prior to injection into mice. Results We find that the efficacy of G-CSF therapy can be enhanced more than 100-fold by pre-association of G-CSF with an anti-G-CSF monoclonal antibody (mAb). Compared with G-CSF alone, administration of G-CSF/anti-G-CSF mAb complexes induced the potent expansion of CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid cells in mice with or without concomitant cytoreductive treatment including radiation or chemotherapy. Despite driving the dramatic expansion of myeloid cells, in vivo antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immune responses were not compromised. Furthermore, injection of G-CSF/anti-G-CSF mAb complexes heightened protective immunity to bacterial infection. As a measure of clinical value, we also found that antibody complexes improved G-CSF biological activity much more significantly than pegylation. Conclusions Our findings provide the first evidence that antibody cytokine complexes can effectively expand myeloid cells, and furthermore, that G-CSF/anti-G-CSF mAb complexes may provide an improved method for the administration of recombinant G-CSF. PMID:24279871

Engineering electron metabolism to increase ethanol production in Clostridium thermocellum.

PubMed

Lo, Jonathan; Olson, Daniel G; Murphy, Sean Jean-Loup; Tian, Liang; Hon, Shuen; Lanahan, Anthony; Guss, Adam M; Lynd, Lee R

2017-01-01

The NfnAB (NADH-dependent reduced ferredoxin: NADP + oxidoreductase) and Rnf (ion-translocating reduced ferredoxin: NAD + oxidoreductase) complexes are thought to catalyze electron transfer between reduced ferredoxin and NAD(P) + . Efficient electron flux is critical for engineering fuel production pathways, but little is known about the relative importance of these enzymes in vivo. In this study we investigate the importance of the NfnAB and Rnf complexes in Clostridium thermocellum for growth on cellobiose and Avicel using gene deletion, enzyme assays, and fermentation product analysis. The NfnAB complex does not seem to play a major role in metabolism, since deletion of nfnAB genes had little effect on the distribution of fermentation products. By contrast, the Rnf complex appears to play an important role in ethanol formation. Deletion of rnf genes resulted in a decrease in ethanol formation. Overexpression of rnf genes resulted in an increase in ethanol production of about 30%, but only in strains where the hydG hydrogenase maturation gene was also deleted. Copyright © 2016 International Metabolic Engineering Society. All rights reserved.

Ligand-induced Epitope Masking: DISSOCIATION OF INTEGRIN α5β1-FIBRONECTIN COMPLEXES ONLY BY MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES WITH AN ALLOSTERIC MODE OF ACTION.

PubMed

Mould, A Paul; Askari, Janet A; Byron, Adam; Takada, Yoshikazu; Jowitt, Thomas A; Humphries, Martin J

2016-09-30

We previously demonstrated that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing ligand-mimetic inhibitors of integrins are unable to dissociate pre-formed integrin-fibronectin complexes (IFCs). These observations suggested that amino acid residues involved in integrin-fibronectin binding become obscured in the ligand-occupied state. Because the epitopes of some function-blocking anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) lie near the ligand-binding pocket, it follows that the epitopes of these mAbs may become shielded in the ligand-occupied state. Here, we tested whether function-blocking mAbs directed against α5β1 can interact with the integrin after it forms a complex with an RGD-containing fragment of fibronectin. We showed that the anti-α5 subunit mAbs JBS5, SNAKA52, 16, and P1D6 failed to disrupt IFCs and hence appeared unable to bind to the ligand-occupied state. In contrast, the allosteric anti-β1 subunit mAbs 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 could dissociate IFCs and therefore were able to interact with the ligand-bound state. However, another class of function-blocking anti-β1 mAbs, exemplified by Lia1/2, could not disrupt IFCs. This second class of mAbs was also distinguished from 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 by their ability to induce homotypic cell aggregation. Although the epitope of Lia1/2 was closely overlapping with those of 13, 4B4, and AIIB2, it appeared to lie closer to the ligand-binding pocket. A new model of the α5β1-fibronectin complex supports our hypothesis that the epitopes of mAbs that fail to bind to the ligand-occupied state lie within, or very close to, the integrin-fibronectin interface. Importantly, our findings imply that the efficacy of some therapeutic anti-integrin mAbs could be limited by epitope masking. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Immobilizing Highly Catalytically Active Pt Nanoparticles inside the Pores of Metal-Organic Framework: A Double Solvents Approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aijaz, Arshad; Karkamkar, Abhijeet J.; Choi, Young Joon

2012-08-29

Ultrafine Pt nanoparticles were successfully immobilized inside the pores of a metal-organic framework MIL-101 without deposition of Pt nanoparticles on the external surfaces of framework by using a 'double solvents' method. The resulting Pt@MIL-101 composites with different Pt loadings represent the first highly active MOF-immobilized metal nanocatalysts for catalytic reactions in all three phases: liquid-phase ammonia borane hydrolysis; solid-phase ammonia borane thermal dehy-drogenation and gas-phase CO oxidation. The observed excellent catalytic performances are at-tributed to the small Pt nanoparticles within the pores of MIL-101. 'We are thankful to AIST and METI for financial support. TA & AK are thankful formore » support from the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences. PNNL is operated by Battelle.'« less

Synthesis of permethyldodecaborate and paramagnetic dodecaborate salt

DOEpatents

Hawthorne, M. Frederick; Peymann, Toralf

2002-01-01

The dodecamethyl closo-borane dianion [closo-B.sub.12 (CH.sub.3).sub.12 ].sup.2- and anion [closo-B.sub.12 (CH.sub.3).sub.12 ].sup.- were synthesized and characterized. Dodecamethyl-closo dodecaborate (2-) was produced from [closo-B.sub.12 H.sub.12 ].sup.2-, using trimethylaluminum, and methyl iodide and modified Friedel-Crafts reaction conditions. The anion was produced from the dianion by chemical oxidation using ceric (4) ammonium nitrate in acetonitrile. The anion and dianion were both characterized by .sup.1 H and .sup.11 B NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The "camouflaged" polyhedral borane anion [closo-B.sub.12 (CH.sub.3).sub.12 ].sup.2-, can be used as a precursor to materials that offer a broad spectrum of novel applications ranging from drug applications and supramolecular chemistry to use as a weakly-coordinating dianion.

Targeted therapy with MXD3 siRNA, anti-CD22 antibody and nanoparticles for precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

PubMed

Satake, Noriko; Duong, Connie; Chen, Cathy; Barisone, Gustavo A; Diaz, Elva; Tuscano, Joseph; Rocke, David M; Nolta, Jan; Nitin, Nitin

2014-11-01

Conventional chemotherapy for precursor B-cell (preB) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has limitations that could be overcome by targeted therapy. Previously, we discovered a potential therapeutic molecular target, MDX3 (MAX dimerization protein 3), in preB ALL. In this study, we hypothesize that an effective siRNA therapy for preB ALL can be developed using antiCD22 antibody (αCD22 Ab) and nanoparticles. We composed nanocomplexes with super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs), αCD22 Abs and MXD3 siRNA molecules based on physical interactions between the molecules. We demonstrated that the MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes entered leukaemia cells and knocked down MXD3, leading the cells to undergo apoptosis and resulting in decreased live cell counts in the cell line Reh and in primary preB ALL samples in vitro. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of the MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes were significantly enhanced by addition of the chemotherapy drugs vincristine or doxorubicin. We also ruled out potential cytotoxic effects of the MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes on normal primary haematopoietic cells. Normal B cells were affected while CD34-positive haematopoietic stem cells and non-B cells were not. These data suggest that MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes have the potential to be a new targeted therapy for preB ALL. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Design, synthesis, and characterization of a 39 amino acid peptide mimic of the main immunogenic region of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor.

PubMed

Trinh, Vu B; Foster, Alex J; Fairclough, Robert H

2014-05-01

We have designed a 39 amino acid peptide mimic of the conformation-dependent main immunogenic region (MIR) of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (TAChR) that joins three discontinuous segments of the Torpedo α-subunit, α(1-12), α(65-79), and α(110 - 115) with two GS linkers: This 39MIR-mimic was expressed in E. coli as a fusion protein with an intein-chitin-binding domain (IChBD) to permit affinity collection on chitin beads. Six MIR-directed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) bind to this complex and five agonist/antagonist site directed mAbs do not. The complex of MIR-directed mAb-132A with 39MIR has a Kd of (2.11±0.11)×10(-10)M, which is smaller than (7.13±1.20)×10(-10)M for the complex of mAb-132A with α(1-161) and about the same as 3.4×10(-10)M for that of mAb-132A with TAChR. Additionally, the 39MIR-IChBD adsorbs all MIR-directed antibodies (Abs) from an experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rat serum. Hence, the 39MIR-mimic has the potential to inactivate or remove pathogenic Torpedo MIR-directed Abs from EAMG sera and to direct a magic bullet to the memory B-cells that produce those pathogenic Abs. The hope is to use this as a guide to produce a mimic of the human MIR on the way to an antigen specific therapeutic agent to treat MG. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anticoagulant Activity of a Unique Sulfated Pyranosic (1→3)-β-l-Arabinan through Direct Interaction with Thrombin*

PubMed Central

Fernández, Paula V.; Quintana, Irene; Cerezo, Alberto S.; Caramelo, Julio J.; Pol-Fachin, Laercio; Verli, Hugo; Estevez, José M.; Ciancia, Marina

2013-01-01

A highly sulfated 3-linked β-arabinan (Ab1) with arabinose in the pyranose form was obtained from green seaweed Codium vermilara (Bryopsidales). It comprised major amounts of units sulfated on C-2 and C-4 and constitutes the first polysaccharide of this type isolated in the pure form and fully characterized. Ab1 showed anticoagulant activity by global coagulation tests. Less sulfated arabinans obtained from the same seaweed have less or no activity. Ab1 exerts its activity through direct and indirect (antithrombin- and heparin cofactor II-mediated) inhibition of thrombin. Direct thrombin inhibition was studied in detail. By native PAGE, it was possible to detect formation of a complex between Ab1 and human thrombin (HT). Ab1 binding to HT was measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. CD spectra of the Ab1 complex suggested that ligand binding induced a small conformational change on HT. Ab1-thrombin interactions were studied by molecular dynamic simulations using the persulfated octasaccharide as model compound. Most carbohydrate-protein contacts would occur by interaction of sulfate groups with basic amino acid residues on the surface of the enzyme, more than 60% of them being performed by the exosite 2-composing residues. In these interactions, the sulfate groups on C-2 were shown to interact more intensely with the thrombin structure. In contrast, the disulfated oligosaccharide does not promote major conformational modifications at the catalytic site when complexed to exosite 1. These results show that this novel pyranosic sulfated arabinan Ab1 exerts its anticoagulant activity by a mechanism different from those found previously for other sulfated polysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans. PMID:23161548

Dynamic aspects of antibody:oligosaccharide complexes characterized by molecular dynamics simulations and saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Theillet, François-Xavier; Frank, Martin; Vulliez-Le Normand, Brigitte; Simenel, Catherine; Hoos, Sylviane; Chaffotte, Alain; Bélot, Frédéric; Guerreiro, Catherine; Nato, Farida; Phalipon, Armelle; Mulard, Laurence A; Delepierre, Muriel

2011-12-01

Carbohydrates are likely to maintain significant conformational flexibility in antibody (Ab):carbohydrate complexes. As demonstrated herein for the protective monoclonal Ab (mAb) F22-4 recognizing the Shigella flexneri 2a O-antigen (O-Ag) and numerous synthetic oligosaccharide fragments thereof, the combination of molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance saturation transfer difference experiments, supported by physicochemical analysis, allows us to determine the binding epitope and its various contributions to affinity without using any modified oligosaccharides. Moreover, the methods used provide insights into ligand flexibility in the complex, thus enabling a better understanding of the Ab affinities observed for a representative set of synthetic O-Ag fragments. Additionally, these complementary pieces of information give evidence to the ability of the studied mAb to recognize internal as well as terminal epitopes of its cognate polysaccharide antigen. Hence, we show that an appropriate combination of computational and experimental methods provides a basis to explore carbohydrate functional mimicry and receptor binding. The strategy may facilitate the design of either ligands or carbohydrate recognition domains, according to needed improvements of the natural carbohydrate:receptor properties. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Label-free Fab and Fc affinity/avidity profiling of the antibody complex half-life for polyclonal and monoclonal efficacy screening.

PubMed

Read, Thomas; Olkhov, Rouslan V; Williamson, E Diane; Shaw, Andrew M

2015-09-01

A unified approach to affinity screening for Fab and Fc interactions of an antibody for its antigen and FcγR receptor has been developed. An antigen array is used for the Fab affinity and cross-reactivity screening and protein A/G proxy is the FcγR receptor. The affinities are derived using a simple 1:1 binding model with a consistent error analysis. The association and dissociation kinetics are measured over optimised times for accurate determination. The Fab/Fc affinities are derived for ten antibodies: mAb-actin (mouse), pAb-BSA (sheep), pAb-collagen V (rabbit), pAb-CRP (goat), mAb-F1 (mouse), mAbs (mouse) 7.3, 12.3, 29.3, 36.3 and 46.3 raised against LcrV in Yersinia pestis. The rate of the dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes relates directly to their immunological function as does the Fc-FcγR complex and a new half-life plot has been defined with a Fab/Fc half-life range of 17-470 min. The upper half-life value points to surface avidity. Two antibodies that are protective as an immunotherapy define a Fab half-life >250 min and an Fc half-life >50 min as characteristics of ideal interactions which can form the basis of an antibody screen for immunotherapy.

Birth and weaning traits in crossbred cattle from Hereford, Angus, Brahman, Boran, Tuli, and Belgian Blue sires.

PubMed

Casas, E; Thallman, R M; Cundiff, L V

2011-04-01

The objective of this study was to characterize breeds representing diverse biological types for birth and weaning traits in crossbred cattle. Gestation length, calving difficulty, percentage of unassisted calving, percentage of perinatal survival, percentage of survival from birth to weaning, birth weight, BW at 200 d, and ADG were measured in 2,500 calves born and 2,395 calves weaned. Calves were obtained by mating Hereford, Angus, and MARC III (one-fourth Hereford, one-fourth Angus, one-fourth Pinzgauer, and one-fourth Red Poll) mature cows to Hereford or Angus (British breed), Brahman, Tuli, Boran, and Belgian Blue sires. Calves were born during the spring seasons of 1992, 1993, and 1994. Sire breed was significant for all traits (P < 0.002). Offspring from British breeds and the Belgian Blue breed had the shortest gestation length (285 d) when compared with progeny from other sire breeds (average of 291 d). Calving difficulty was greater in offspring from Brahman sires (1.24), whereas the offspring of Tuli sires had the least amount of calving difficulty (1.00). Offspring from all sire breeds had similar perinatal survival and survival from birth to weaning (average of 97.2 and 96.2%, respectively), with the exception of offspring from Brahman sires, which had less (92.8 and 90.4%, respectively). Progeny of Brahman sires were heaviest at birth (45.7 kg), followed by offspring from British breed, Boran, and Belgian Blue sires (average of 42.4 kg). The lightest offspring at birth were from Tuli sires (38.6 kg). Progeny derived from Brahman sires were the heaviest at 200 d (246 kg), and they grew faster (1.00 kg/d) than offspring from any other group. The progeny of British breeds and the Belgian Blue breed had an intermediate BW at 200 d (238 kg) and an intermediate ADG (average of 0.98 kg/d). The progeny of Boran and Tuli sires were the lightest at 200 d (227 kg) and had the least ADG (0.93 kg/d). Male calves had a longer gestation length, had a greater incidence of calving difficulty, had greater mortality to weaning, were heavier, and grew faster than female calves. Sire breed effects can be optimized by selection and use of appropriate crossbreeding systems.

Identification and characterization of the BmCyclin L1-BmCDK11A/B complex in relation to cell cycle regulation.

PubMed

Liu, Tai-Hang; Wu, Yun-Fei; Dong, Xiao-Long; Pan, Cai-Xia; Du, Guo-Yu; Yang, Ji-Gui; Wang, Wei; Bao, Xi-Yan; Chen, Peng; Pan, Min-Hui; Lu, Cheng

2017-05-03

Cyclin proteins are the key regulatory and activity partner of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which play pivotal regulatory roles in cell cycle progression. In the present study, we identified a Cyclin L1 and 2 CDK11 2 CDK11 splice variants, CDK11A and CDK11B, from silkworm, Bombyx mori. We determined that both Cyclin L1 and CDK11A/B are nuclear proteins, and further investigations were conducted to elucidate their spatiofunctional features. Cyclin L1 forms a complex with CDK11A/B and were co-localized to the nucleus. Moreover, the dimerization of CDK11A and CDK11B and the effects of Cyclin L1 and CDK11A/B on cell cycle regulation were also investigated. Using overexpression or RNA interference experiments, we demonstrated that the abnormal expression of Cyclin L1 and CDK11A/B leads to cell cycle arrest and cell proliferation suppression. Together, these findings indicate that CDK11A/B interacts with Cyclin L1 to regulate the cell cycle.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramsland, Paul A.; Farrugia, William; Bradford, Tessa M.

The interaction of Abs with their specific FcRs is of primary importance in host immune effector systems involved in infection and inflammation, and are the target for immune evasion by pathogens. Fc{gamma}RIIa is a unique and the most widespread activating FcR in humans that through avid binding of immune complexes potently triggers inflammation. Polymorphisms of Fc{gamma}RIIa (high responder/low responder [HR/LR]) are linked to susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and the efficacy of therapeutic Abs. In this article, we define the three-dimensional structure of the complex between the HR (arginine, R134) allele of Fc{gamma}RIIa (Fc{gamma}RIIa-HR) and the Fc region of amore » humanized IgG1 Ab, hu3S193. The structure suggests how the HR/LR polymorphism may influence Fc{gamma}RIIa interactions with different IgG subclasses and glycoforms. In addition, mutagenesis defined the basis of the epitopes detected by FcR blocking mAbs specific for Fc{gamma}RIIa (IV.3), Fc{gamma}RIIb (X63-21), and a pan Fc{gamma}RII Ab (8.7). The epitopes detected by these Abs are distinct, but all overlap with residues defined by crystallography to contact IgG. Finally, crystal structures of LR (histidine, H134) allele of Fc{gamma}RIIa and Fc{gamma}RIIa-HR reveal two distinct receptor dimers that may represent quaternary states on the cell surface. A model is presented whereby a dimer of Fc{gamma}RIIa-HR binds Ag-Ab complexes in an arrangement that possibly occurs on the cell membrane as part of a larger signaling assembly.« less

Understanding the bacterial polysaccharide antigenicity of Streptococcus agalactiae versus Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PubMed

Kadirvelraj, Renuka; Gonzalez-Outeiriño, Jorge; Foley, B Lachele; Beckham, Meredith L; Jennings, Harold J; Foote, Simon; Ford, Michael G; Woods, Robert J

2006-05-23

Bacterial surface capsular polysaccharides (CPS) that are similar in carbohydrate sequence may differ markedly in immunogenicity and antigenicity. The structural origin of these phenomena is poorly understood. Such a case is presented by the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) type III (GBSIII) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pn) type 14 (Pn14), which share closely related CPS sequences. Nevertheless, antibodies (Abs) against GBSIII rarely cross-react with the CPS from Pn14. To establish the origin for the variation in CPS antigenicity, models for the immune complexes of CPS fragments from GBSIII and Pn14, with the variable fragment (Fv) of a GBS-specific mAb (mAb 1B1), are presented. The complexes are generated through a combination of comparative Ab modeling and automated ligand docking, followed by explicitly solvated 10-ns molecular dynamics simulations. The relationship between carbohydrate sequence and antigenicity is further quantified through the computation of interaction energies using the Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) method, augmented by conformational entropy estimates. Despite the electrostatic differences between Pn14 and GBSIII CPS, analysis indicates that entropic penalties are primarily responsible for the loss of affinity of the highly flexible Pn14 CPS for mAb 1B1. The similarity of the solution conformation of the relatively rigid GBSIII CPS with that in the immune complex characterizes the previously undescribed 3D structure of the conformational epitope. The analysis provides a comprehensive interpretation for a large body of biochemical and immunological data related to Ab recognition of bacterial polysaccharides and should be applicable to other Ab-carbohydrate interactions.

Ligand-induced Epitope Masking

PubMed Central

Mould, A. Paul; Askari, Janet A.; Byron, Adam; Takada, Yoshikazu; Jowitt, Thomas A.; Humphries, Martin J.

2016-01-01

We previously demonstrated that Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing ligand-mimetic inhibitors of integrins are unable to dissociate pre-formed integrin-fibronectin complexes (IFCs). These observations suggested that amino acid residues involved in integrin-fibronectin binding become obscured in the ligand-occupied state. Because the epitopes of some function-blocking anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) lie near the ligand-binding pocket, it follows that the epitopes of these mAbs may become shielded in the ligand-occupied state. Here, we tested whether function-blocking mAbs directed against α5β1 can interact with the integrin after it forms a complex with an RGD-containing fragment of fibronectin. We showed that the anti-α5 subunit mAbs JBS5, SNAKA52, 16, and P1D6 failed to disrupt IFCs and hence appeared unable to bind to the ligand-occupied state. In contrast, the allosteric anti-β1 subunit mAbs 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 could dissociate IFCs and therefore were able to interact with the ligand-bound state. However, another class of function-blocking anti-β1 mAbs, exemplified by Lia1/2, could not disrupt IFCs. This second class of mAbs was also distinguished from 13, 4B4, and AIIB2 by their ability to induce homotypic cell aggregation. Although the epitope of Lia1/2 was closely overlapping with those of 13, 4B4, and AIIB2, it appeared to lie closer to the ligand-binding pocket. A new model of the α5β1-fibronectin complex supports our hypothesis that the epitopes of mAbs that fail to bind to the ligand-occupied state lie within, or very close to, the integrin-fibronectin interface. Importantly, our findings imply that the efficacy of some therapeutic anti-integrin mAbs could be limited by epitope masking. PMID:27484800

Therapeutic regulatory T-cell adoptive transfer ameliorates established murine chronic GVHD in a CXCR5-dependent manner

PubMed Central

McDonald-Hyman, Cameron; Flynn, Ryan; Panoskaltsis-Mortari, Angela; Peterson, Nicholas; MacDonald, Kelli P. A.; Hill, Geoffrey R.; Luznik, Leo; Serody, Jonathan S.; Murphy, William J.; Maillard, Ivan; Munn, David H.; Turka, Laurence A.; Koreth, John; Cutler, Corey S.; Soiffer, Robert J.; Antin, Joseph H.; Ritz, Jerome

2016-01-01

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In cGVHD, alloreactive T cells and germinal center (GC) B cells often participate in GC reactions to produce pathogenic antibodies. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) can inhibit GC reactions, Treg numbers are reduced in cGVHD, contributing to cGVHD pathogenesis. Here, we explored 2 means to increase Tregs in cGVHD: interleukin-2/monoclonal antibody (IL-2/mAb) complexes and donor Treg infusions. IL-2/mAb complexes given over 1 month were efficacious in expanding Tregs and treating established cGVHD in a multi-organ-system disease mouse model characterized by GC reactions, antibody deposition, and lung dysfunction. In an acute GVHD (aGVHD) model, IL-2/mAb complexes given for only 4 days resulted in rapid mortality, indicating IL-2/mAb complexes can drive conventional T-cell (Tcon)-mediated injury. In contrast, Treg infusions, which uniformly suppress aGVHD, increased Treg frequency and were effective in preventing the onset of, and treating, established cGVHD. Efficacy was dependent upon CXCR5-sufficient Tregs homing to, and inhibiting, GC reactions. These studies indicate that the infusion of Tregs, especially ones enriched for GC homing, may be desirable for cGVHD therapy. Although IL-2/mAb complexes can be efficacious in cGVHD, a cautious approach needs to be taken in settings in which aGVHD elements, and associated Tcon, are present. PMID:27385791

SK3/TRPC1/Orai1 complex regulates SOCE-dependent colon cancer cell migration: a novel opportunity to modulate anti-EGFR mAb action by the alkyl-lipid Ohmline

PubMed Central

Guéguinou, Maxime; Harnois, Thomas; Crottes, David; Uguen, Arnaud; Deliot, Nadine; Gambade, Audrey; Chantôme, Aurélie; Haelters, Jean Pierre; Jaffrès, Paul Alain; Jourdan, Marie Lise; Weber, Günther; Soriani, Olivier; Bougnoux, Philippe; Mignen, Olivier; Bourmeyster, Nicolas; Constantin, Bruno; Lecomte, Thierry

2016-01-01

Background Barely 10-20% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receive a clinical benefit from the use of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We hypothesized that this could depends on their efficiency to reduce Store Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) that are known to enhance cancer cells. Results In the present study, we demonstrate that SOCE promotes migration of colon cancer cell following the formation of a lipid raft ion channel complex composed of TRPC1/Orai1 and SK3 channels. Formation of this complex is stimulated by the phosphorylation of the reticular protein STIM1 by EGF and activation of the Akt pathway. Our data show that, in a positive feedback loop SOCE activates both Akt pathway and SK3 channel activity which lead to SOCE amplification. This amplification occurs through the activation of Rac1/Calpain mediated by Akt. We also show that Anti-EGFR mAbs can modulate SOCE and cancer cell migration through the Akt pathway. Interestingly, the alkyl-lipid Ohmline, which we previously showed to be an inhibitor of SK3 channel, can dissociated the lipid raft ion channel complex through decreased phosphorylation of Akt and modulation of mAbs action. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the inhibition of the SOCE-dependent colon cancer cell migration trough SK3/TRPC1/Orai1 channel complex by the alkyl-lipid Ohmline may be a novel strategy to modulate Anti-EGFR mAb action in mCRC. PMID:27102434

Potential bile acid metabolites. XV. Synthesis of 4 beta-hydroxylated bile acids; unique bile acids in human fetal bile.

PubMed

Iida, T; Momose, T; Chang, F C; Goto, J; Nambara, T

1989-12-01

The 4 beta-hydroxylated derivatives of lithocholic, deoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic, and cholic acids were synthesized from their respective parent compounds. The principal reactions employed were 1) beta-face cis-dihydroxylation of delta 3 intermediates with osmium tetroxide-N-methylmorpholine N-oxide, 2) selective cathylation of vicinal 3 beta,4 beta-diols followed by oxidation of the resulting 4 beta-monocathylates, or direct selective oxidation at C-3 of 3 beta,4 beta-diols with pyridinium chlorochromate, and 3) stereoselective reduction of the 3-oxo compounds with tert-butylamine-borane complex. The results of analysis of the prepared 4 beta-hydroxylated bile acids with a diequatorial trans-glycol structure and their 3 beta-epimers by proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies are briefly discussed along with the mass spectrometric properties.

Chemical Discovery

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Herbert C.

1974-01-01

The role of discovery in the advance of the science of chemistry and the factors that are currently operating to handicap that function are considered. Examples are drawn from the author's work with boranes. The thesis that exploratory research and discovery should be encouraged is stressed. (DT)

Crystal Structure and Substrate Specificity of D-Galactose-6-Phosphate Isomerase Complexed with Substrates

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung-Kul; Pan, Cheol-Ho

2013-01-01

D-Galactose-6-phosphate isomerase from Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LacAB; EC 5.3.1.26), which is encoded by the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway gene cluster (lacABCD), catalyzes the isomerization of D-galactose-6-phosphate to D-tagatose-6-phosphate during lactose catabolism and is used to produce rare sugars as low-calorie natural sweeteners. The crystal structures of LacAB and its complex with D-tagatose-6-phosphate revealed that LacAB is a homotetramer of LacA and LacB subunits, with a structure similar to that of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (Rpi). Structurally, LacAB belongs to the RpiB/LacAB superfamily, having a Rossmann-like αβα sandwich fold as has been identified in pentose phosphate isomerase and hexose phosphate isomerase. In contrast to other family members, the LacB subunit also has a unique α7 helix in its C-terminus. One active site is distinctly located at the interface between LacA and LacB, whereas two active sites are present in RpiB. In the structure of the product complex, the phosphate group of D-tagatose-6-phosphate is bound to three arginine residues, including Arg-39, producing a different substrate orientation than that in RpiB, where the substrate binds at Asp-43. Due to the proximity of the Arg-134 residue and backbone Cα of the α6 helix in LacA to the last Asp-172 residue of LacB with a hydrogen bond, a six-carbon sugar-phosphate can bind in the larger pocket of LacAB, compared with RpiB. His-96 in the active site is important for ring opening and substrate orientation, and Cys-65 is essential for the isomerization activity of the enzyme. Two rare sugar substrates, D-psicose and D-ribulose, show optimal binding in the LacAB-substrate complex. These findings were supported by the results of LacA activity assays. PMID:24015281

Antibodies causing thrombocytopenia in patients treated with RGD-mimetic platelet inhibitors recognize ligand-specific conformers of αIIb/β3 integrin

PubMed Central

Rasmussen, Mark; Zhu, Jieqing; Aster, Richard H.

2012-01-01

Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)–mimetic platelet inhibitors act by occupying the RGD recognition site of αIIb/β3 integrin (GPIIb/IIIa), thereby preventing the activated integrin from reacting with fibrinogen. Thrombocytopenia is a well-known side effect of treatment with this class of drugs and is caused by Abs, often naturally occurring, that recognize αIIb/β3 in a complex with the drug being administered. RGD peptide and RGD-mimetic drugs are known to induce epitopes (ligand-induced binding sites [LIBS]) in αIIb/β3 that are recognized by certain mAbs. It has been speculated, but not shown experimentally, that Abs from patients who develop thrombocytopenia when treated with an RGD-mimetic inhibitor similarly recognize LIBS determinants. We addressed this question by comparing the reactions of patient Abs and LIBS-specific mAbs against αIIb/β3 in a complex with RGD and RGD-mimetic drugs, and by examining the ability of selected non-LIBS mAbs to block binding of patient Abs to the liganded integrin. Findings made provide evidence that the patient Abs recognize subtle, drug-induced structural changes in the integrin head region that are clustered about the RGD recognition site. The target epitopes differ from classic LIBS determinants, however, both in their location and by virtue of being largely drug-specific. PMID:22490676

Quantitative Analysis of Endocytic Recycling of Membrane Proteins by Monoclonal Antibody-Based Recycling Assays.

PubMed

Blagojević Zagorac, Gordana; Mahmutefendić, Hana; Maćešić, Senka; Karleuša, Ljerka; Lučin, Pero

2017-03-01

In this report, we present an analysis of several recycling protocols based on labeling of membrane proteins with specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We analyzed recycling of membrane proteins that are internalized by clathrin-dependent endocytosis, represented by the transferrin receptor, and by clathrin-independent endocytosis, represented by the Major Histocompatibility Class I molecules. Cell surface membrane proteins were labeled with mAbs and recycling of mAb:protein complexes was determined by several approaches. Our study demonstrates that direct and indirect detection of recycled mAb:protein complexes at the cell surface underestimate the recycling pool, especially for clathrin-dependent membrane proteins that are rapidly reinternalized after recycling. Recycling protocols based on the capture of recycled mAb:protein complexes require the use of the Alexa Fluor 488 conjugated secondary antibodies or FITC-conjugated secondary antibodies in combination with inhibitors of endosomal acidification and degradation. Finally, protocols based on the capture of recycled proteins that are labeled with Alexa Fluor 488 conjugated primary antibodies and quenching of fluorescence by the anti-Alexa Fluor 488 displayed the same quantitative assessment of recycling as the antibody-capture protocols. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 463-476, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Identification of unique B virus (Macacine Herpesvirus 1) epitopes of zoonotic and macaque isolates using monoclonal antibodies

PubMed Central

Vasireddi, Mugdha; Patrusheva, Irina; Seoh, Hyuk-Kyu; Filfili, Chadi N.; Wildes, Martin J.; Oh, Jay

2017-01-01

Our overall aim is to develop epitope-based assays for accurate differential diagnosis of B virus zoonotic infections in humans. Antibodies to cross-reacting epitopes on human-simplexviruses continue to confound the interpretation of current assays where abundant antibodies exist from previous infections with HSV types 1 and 2. To find B virus-specific epitopes we cloned ten monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from the hybridomas we produced. Our unique collection of rare human sera from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients infected with B virus was key to the evaluation and identification of the mAbs as reagents in competition ELISAs (mAb-CE). The analysis of the ten mAbs revealed that the target proteins for six mAbs was glycoprotein B of which two are reactive to simian simplexviruses and not to human simplexviruses. Two mAbs reacted specifically with B virus glycoprotein D, and two other mAbs were specific to VP13/14 and gE-gI complex respectively. The mAbs specific to VP13/14 and gE-gI are strain specific reacting with B virus isolates from rhesus and Japanese macaques and not with isolates from cynomolgus and pigtail macaques. The mAb-CE revealed that a high proportion of naturally B virus infected rhesus macaques and two symptomatic humans possess antibodies to epitopes of VP13/14 protein and on the gE-gI complex. The majority of sera from B virus infected macaques and simplexvirus-infected humans competed with the less specific mAbs. These experiments produced a novel panel of mAbs that enabled B virus strain identification and confirmation of B virus infected macaques by the mAb-CE. For human sera the mAb-CE could be used only for selected cases due to the selective B virus strain-specificity of the mAbs against VP13/14 and gE/gI. To fully accomplish our aim to provide reagents for unequivocal differential diagnosis of zoonotic B virus infections, additional mAbs with a broader range of specificities is critical. PMID:28783746

Crystal structure of an antibody bound to an immunodominant peptide epitope: novel features in peptide-antibody recognition.

PubMed

Nair, D T; Singh, K; Sahu, N; Rao, K V; Salunke, D M

2000-12-15

The crystal structure of Fab of an Ab PC283 complexed with its corresponding peptide Ag, PS1 (HQLDPAFGANSTNPD), derived from the hepatitis B virus surface Ag was determined. The PS1 stretch Gln2P to Phe7P is present in the Ag binding site of the Ab, while the next three residues of the peptide are raised above the binding groove. The residues Ser11P, Thr12P, and Asn13P then loop back onto the Ag-binding site of the Ab. The last two residues, Pro14P and Asp15P, extend outside the binding site without forming any contacts with the Ab. The PC283-PS1 complex is among the few examples where the light chain complementarity-determining regions show more interactions than the heavy chain complementarity-determining regions, and a distal framework residue is involved in Ag binding. As seen from the crystal structure, most of the contacts between peptide and Ab are through the five residues, Leu3-Asp4-Pro5-Ala6-Phe7, of PS1. The paratope is predominantly hydrophobic with aromatic residues lining the binding pocket, although a salt bridge also contributes to stabilizing the Ag-Ab interaction. The molecular surface area buried upon PS1 binding is 756 A(2) for the peptide and 625 A(2) for the Fab, which is higher than what has been seen to date for Ab-peptide complexes. A comparison between PC283 structure and a homology model of its germline ancestor suggests that paratope optimization for PS1 occurs by improving both charge and shape complementarity.

Reductive amination of glutaraldehyde 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone using 2-picoline borane and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Shigehisa; Sakamoto, Hironari; Ohno, Akiko; Inaba, Yohei; Nakagome, Hideki; Kunugita, Naoki

2012-09-21

A typical method for the measurement of glutaraldehyde (GLA) employs 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) to form GLA-DNPhydrazone derivatives. However, this method is subject to analytical errors because GLA-DNPhydrazone is a quaternary bis-derivative and forms three geometric isomers (E-E, E-Z and Z-Z) as a result of the two C[double bond, length as m-dash]N double bonds. To overcome this issue, a method for transforming the C[double bond, length as m-dash]N double bond into a C-N single bond, using reductive amination of DNPhydrazone derivatives, has been applied. The amination reaction of GLA-DNPhydrazones with 2-picoline borane is accelerated with catalytic amounts of acid and is completed within 10 minutes in the presence of 100 mmol L(-1) phosphoric acid. Reduction of GLA-DNPhydrazone by 2-picoline borane is unique and results in the formation of N-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-1-piperidinamine (DNPPA). NMR and LC-APCI-MS data confirmed the product identification. DNPPA is very stable and did not change when stored for at least four weeks at room temperature. DNPPA has excellent solubility of 14.6 g L(-1) at 20 °C in acetonitrile. The absorption maximum wavelength and the molar absorptivity of DNPPA were 351 nm and 4.2 × 10(4) L mol(-1) cm(-1) respectively. Complete separation between the reduced forms of C1-C10 aldehyde DNPhydrazones, including DNPPA, can be achieved by operating the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatograph at 351 nm in gradient mode using a C18 amide column. The reductive amination method for GLA overcomes analytical errors caused by E-E, E-Z and Z-Z geometrical isomers.

A novel antiplatelet antibody therapy that induces cAMP-dependent endocytosis of the GPVI/Fc receptor γ-chain complex

PubMed Central

Takayama, Hiroshi; Hosaka, Yoshitaka; Nakayama, Kazuyuki; Shirakawa, Kamon; Naitoh, Katsuki; Matsusue, Tomokazu; Shinozaki, Mikihiko; Honda, Motoyasu; Yatagai, Yukiko; Kawahara, Tetsushi; Hirose, Jiro; Yokoyama, Tooru; Kurihara, Michiru; Furusako, Shoji

2008-01-01

Platelet adhesion to vascular subendothelium, mediated in part by interactions between collagen and glycoprotein VI (GPVI) complexed with Fc receptor γ-chain, is crucial for thrombus formation. Antiplatelet therapy benefits patients with various thrombotic and ischemic diseases, but the safety and efficacy of existing treatments are limited. Recent data suggest GPVI as a promising target for a novel antiplatelet therapy, for example, GPVI-specific Abs that deplete GPVI from the surface of platelets. Here, we characterized GPVI-specific auto-Abs (YA-Abs) from the first reported patient with ongoing platelet GPVI deficiency caused by the YA-Abs. To obtain experimentally useful human GPVI–specific mAbs with characteristics similar to YA-Abs, we generated human GPVI–specific mouse mAbs and selected 2 representative mAbs, mF1201 and mF1232, whose binding to GPVI was inhibited by YA-Abs. In vitro, mF1201, but not mF1232, induced human platelet activation and GPVI shedding, and mF1232 inhibited collagen-induced human platelet aggregation. Administration of mF1201 and mF1232 to monkeys caused GPVI immunodepletion with and without both significant thrombocytopenia and GPVI shedding, respectively. When a human/mouse chimeric form of mF1232 (cF1232) was labeled with a fluorescent endocytosis probe and administered to monkeys, fluorescence increased in circulating platelets and surface GPVI was lost. Loss of platelet surface GPVI mediated by cF1232 was successfully reproduced in vitro in the presence of a cAMP-elevating agent. Thus, we have characterized cAMP-dependent endocytosis of GPVI mediated by a human GPVI–specific mAb as what we believe to be a novel antiplatelet therapy. PMID:18382762

Characterization of Pharmaceutical IgG and Biosimilars Using Miniaturized Platforms and LC-MS/MS

PubMed Central

Wooding, Kerry M.; Peng, Wenjing; Mechref, Yehia

2016-01-01

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have made a tremendous impact in treating patients with various diseases. MAbs are designed to target specifically a cell and illicit a response from the immune system to destroy the cell. As originator mAb drug patents are coming to an end, generic pharmaceutical companies are poised to replicate and produce so-called biosimilar drugs. MAbs are significantly more complicated than small drugs to analyze and produce. The mAb proteoform and glycoform must be as similar to the original drug as possible to be a viable replacement. The mAb proteoform is well characterized but can be altered through various undesirable reactions such as deamidation. The mAb glycoform is harder to replicate as the glycan formation is a complicated template-less one; it is proving difficult for the originator companies to produce a homogenous population of mAbs from batch to batch. Severe side-effects have occurred in patients taking mAbs with immunogenic glycans, highlighting the importance of quality control mechanisms. The complex nature of mAbs requires sensitive and robust tools amenable to the high-throughput analysis required by a manufacturing setting. Miniaturized analytical platforms for complex biosimilar analysis are still in their infancy but have shown great promise for sample preparation. Capillary electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence remains a powerful and fast technique for routine glycan analysis. Mass spectrometry is the method of choice for the analysis of mAb proteoforms and is emerging as a powerful tool for glycoform analysis. PMID:27033511

Global analysis of double-strand break processing reveals in vivo properties of the helicase-nuclease complex AddAB

PubMed Central

Badrinarayanan, Anjana; Cisse, Ibrahim I.

2017-01-01

In bacteria, double-strand break (DSB) repair via homologous recombination is thought to be initiated through the bi-directional degradation and resection of DNA ends by a helicase-nuclease complex such as AddAB. The activity of AddAB has been well-studied in vitro, with translocation speeds between 400–2000 bp/s on linear DNA suggesting that a large section of DNA around a break site is processed for repair. However, the translocation rate and activity of AddAB in vivo is not known, and how AddAB is regulated to prevent excessive DNA degradation around a break site is unclear. To examine the functions and mechanistic regulation of AddAB inside bacterial cells, we developed a next-generation sequencing-based approach to assay DNA processing after a site-specific DSB was introduced on the chromosome of Caulobacter crescentus. Using this assay we determined the in vivo rates of DSB processing by AddAB and found that putative chi sites attenuate processing in a RecA-dependent manner. This RecA-mediated regulation of AddAB prevents the excessive loss of DNA around a break site, limiting the effects of DSB processing on transcription. In sum, our results, taken together with prior studies, support a mechanism for regulating AddAB that couples two key events of DSB repair–the attenuation of DNA-end processing and the initiation of homology search by RecA–thereby helping to ensure that genomic integrity is maintained during DSB repair. PMID:28489851

Cuboid Ni2 P as a Bifunctional Catalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Generation from Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

PubMed

Du, Yeshuang; Liu, Chao; Cheng, Gongzhen; Luo, Wei

2017-11-16

The design of high-performance catalysts for hydrogen generation is highly desirable for the upcoming hydrogen economy. Herein, we report the colloidal synthesis of nanocuboid Ni 2 P by the thermal decomposition of nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl 2 ⋅6 H 2 O) and trioctylphosphine. The obtained nanocuboid Ni 2 P was characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. For the first time, the as-synthesized nanocuboid Ni 2 P is used as a bifunctional catalyst for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Owing to the strong synergistic electronic effect between Ni and P, the as-synthesized Ni 2 P exhibits catalytic performance that is superior to its counterpart without P doping. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Crystal structure and Hirshfield analysis of the 4-(di-methyl-amino)-pyridine adduct of 4-meth-oxy-phenyl-borane.

PubMed

Shooter, Jesse; Allen, Caleb J; Tinsley, Colby W K; Zakharov, Lev N; Abbey, Eric R

2017-11-01

The title compound [systematic name: 4-(di-methyl-amino)-pyridine-4-meth-oxy-phenyl-borane (1/1)], C 14 H 19 BN 2 O, contains two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules exhibit coplanar, mostly sp 2 -hybridized meth-oxy and di-methyl-amino substituents on their respective aromatic rings, consistent with π-donation into the aromatic systems. The B-H groups exhibit an intra-molecular close contact with a C-H group of the pyridine ring, which may be evidence of electrostatic attraction between the hydridic B-H and the electropositive aromatic C-H. There appears to be weak C-H⋯π(arene) inter-actions between two of the H atoms of an amino-methyl group and the meth-oxy-substituted benzene ring of the other independent mol-ecule, and another C-H⋯π (arene) inter-action between one of the pyridine ring H atoms and the same benzene ring.

Synthesis of Ternary Borocarbonitrides by High Temperature Pyrolysis of Ethane 1,2-Diamineborane

PubMed Central

Leardini, Fabrice; Massimi, Lorenzo; Flores-Cuevas, Eduardo; Fernández, Jose Francisco; Ares, Jose Ramon; Betti, Maria Grazia; Mariani, Carlo

2015-01-01

Ethane 1,2-diamineborane (EDAB) is an alkyl-containing amine-borane adduct with improved hydrogen desorption properties as compared to ammonia borane. In this work, it is reported the high temperature thermolytic decomposition of EDAB. Thermolysis of EDAB has been investigated by concomitant thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis-mass spectrometry experiments. EDAB shows up to four H2 desorption events below 1000 °C. Small fractions of CH4, C2H4 and CO/CO2 are also observed at moderate-high temperatures. The solid-state thermolysis product has been characterized by means of different structural and chemical methods, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The obtained results indicate the formation of a ternary borocarbonitride compound with a poorly-crystalline graphitic-like structure. By contrast, XPS measurements show that the surface is rich in carbon and nitrogen oxides, which is quite different to the bulk of the material. PMID:28793545

Selective borane reduction of phosphinoferrocene carbaldehydes to phosphinoalcohol-borane adducts. The coordination behaviour of 1-(diphenylphosphino)-1'-(methoxymethyl)ferrocene, a new ferrocene O,P-hybrid donor prepared from such an adduct.

PubMed

Stěpnička, Petr; Císařová, Ivana

2013-03-14

The reduction of ferrocene phosphino-aldehydes, R(2)PfcCHO (R = Ph, 2; Cy, 3; fc = ferrocene-1,1'-diyl, Cy = cyclohexyl) and (S(p))-[Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(3)-1-CHO-2-PPh(2))(η(5)-C(5)H(5))] ((S(p))-4), with BH(3)·THF or BH(3)·SMe(2) in THF at 0 °C selectively afforded the corresponding phosphinoalcohol-borane adducts, R(2)PfcCH(2)OH·BH(3) (R = Ph, 5; Cy, 6) and (S(p))-[Fe(η(5)-C(5)H(3)-1-CH(2)OH-2-PPh(2))(η(5)-C(5)H(5))]·BH(3) ((S(p))-7), in quantitative yields. In contrast, the reactions performed at elevated temperatures favoured the formation of methyl derivatives (e.g., Ph(2)PfcCH(3)·BH(3) (8)) resulting from overreduction (deoxygenation). The crystal structures of 3, 5, (S(p))-7, 8 and Cy(2)PfcBr (9) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal assemblies of adducts 5 and (S(p))-7 are built up by means of C-H...O contacts, O-H...HB dihydrogen bonds and other soft interactions but, surprisingly, not via the conventional O-H...O hydrogen bonds. Adduct 5 was smoothly deprotected to give the corresponding free phosphine, Ph(2)PfcCH(2)OH (1), and was further used for the preparation of a hybrid phosphinoether ligand, Ph(2)PfcCH(2)OMe (11). The latter compound was studied as a donor for Group 8-10 metal ions and for Cu(i), whereupon the following complexes were isolated and structurally characterised: [(η(6)-p-cymene)RuCl(2)(11-κP)] (12*), [(η(6)-p-cymene)RuCl(11-κP)(MeCN)][SbF(6)] (13*), [RhCl(cod)(11-κP)] (cod = η(2):η(2)-cycloocta-1,5-diene; 14), trans-[PdCl(2)(11-κP)(2)] (trans-15*), [PdCl(μ-Cl)(11-κP)](2) (16*), cis- and trans-[PtCl(2)(11-κP)(2)] (cis-17 and trans-17*), and [Cu(CF(3)SO(3)-κO)(11-κP)(H(2)O)] (18) (the asterisk indicates that the crystal structure was determined). In all these compounds, ligand 11 behaves as a P-monodentate donor while its ether group remains uncoordinated. This probably reflects structural flexibility of 11 resulting from the presence of the methylene linker and also distinguishes 11 from its known, non-spaced analogue Ph(2)PfcOMe.

Experimental evidence for blue-shifted hydrogen bonding in the fluoroform-hydrogen chloride complex: a matrix-isolation infrared and ab initio study.

PubMed

Gopi, R; Ramanathan, N; Sundararajan, K

2014-07-24

The 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex of fluoroform and hydrogen chloride was studied using matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy and ab initio computations. Using B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory with 6-311++G(d,p) and aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets, the structures of the complexes and their energies were computed. For the 1:1 CHF3-HCl complexes, ab initio computations showed two minima, one cyclic and the other acyclic. The cyclic complex was found to have C-H · · · Cl and C-F · · · H interactions, where CHF3 and HCl sub-molecules act as proton donor and proton acceptor, respectively. The second minimum corresponded to an acyclic complex stabilized only by the C-F · · · H interaction, in which CHF3 is the proton acceptor. Experimentally, we could trap the 1:1 CHF3-HCl cyclic complex in an argon matrix, where a blue-shift in the C-H stretching mode of the CHF3 sub-molecule was observed. To understand the nature of the interactions, Atoms in Molecules and Natural Bond Orbital analyses were carried out to unravel the reasons for blue-shifting of the C-H stretching frequency in these complexes.

Structural Basis for a Unique ATP Synthase Core Complex from Nanoarcheaum equitans*

PubMed Central

Mohanty, Soumya; Jobichen, Chacko; Chichili, Vishnu Priyanka Reddy; Velázquez-Campoy, Adrián; Low, Boon Chuan; Hogue, Christopher W. V.; Sivaraman, J.

2015-01-01

ATP synthesis is a critical and universal life process carried out by ATP synthases. Whereas eukaryotic and prokaryotic ATP synthases are well characterized, archaeal ATP synthases are relatively poorly understood. The hyperthermophilic archaeal parasite, Nanoarcheaum equitans, lacks several subunits of the ATP synthase and is suspected to be energetically dependent on its host, Ignicoccus hospitalis. This suggests that this ATP synthase might be a rudimentary machine. Here, we report the crystal structures and biophysical studies of the regulatory subunit, NeqB, the apo-NeqAB, and NeqAB in complex with nucleotides, ADP, and adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (non-hydrolysable analog of ATP). NeqB is ∼20 amino acids shorter at its C terminus than its homologs, but this does not impede its binding with NeqA to form the complex. The heterodimeric NeqAB complex assumes a closed, rigid conformation irrespective of nucleotide binding; this differs from its homologs, which require conformational changes for catalytic activity. Thus, although N. equitans possesses an ATP synthase core A3B3 hexameric complex, it might not function as a bona fide ATP synthase. PMID:26370083

Ab-initio atomic level stress and role of d-orbitals in CuZr, CuZn and CuY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ojha, Madhusudan; Nicholson, Don M.; Egami, Takeshi

2015-03-01

Atomic level stress offers a new tool to characterize materials within the local approximation to density functional theory (DFT). Ab-initio atomic level stresses in B2 structures of CuZr, CuZn and CuY are calculated and results are explained on the basis of d-orbital contributions to Density of States (DOS). The overlap of d-orbital DOS plays an important role in the relative magnitude of atomic level stresses in these structures. The trends in atomic level stresses that we observed in these simple B2 structures are also seen in complex structures such as liquids, glasses and solid solutions. The stresses are however modified by the different coordination and relaxed separation distances in these complex structures. We used the Locally Self-Consistent Multiple Scattering (LSMS) code and Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) for ab-initio calculations.

Immunization of chickens with an agonistic monoclonal anti-chicken CD40 antibody-hapten complex: rapid and robust IgG response induced by a single subcutaneous injection.

PubMed

Chen, Chang-Hsin; Abi-Ghanem, Daad; Waghela, Suryakant D; Chou, Wen-Ko; Farnell, Morgan B; Mwangi, Waithaka; Berghman, Luc R

2012-04-30

Producing diagnostic antibodies in chicken egg yolk represents an alternate animal system that offers many advantages including high productivity at low cost. Despite being an excellent counterpart to mammalian antibodies, chicken IgG from yolk still represents an underused resource. The potential of agonistic monoclonal anti-CD40 antibodies (mAb) as a powerful immunological adjuvant has been demonstrated in mammals, but not in chickens. We recently reported an agonistic anti-chicken CD40 mAb (designated mAb 2C5) and showed that it may have potential as an immunological adjuvant. In this study, we examined the efficacy of targeting a short peptide to chicken CD40 [expressed by the antigen-presenting cells (APCs)] in enhancing an effective IgG response in chickens. For this purpose, an immune complex consisting of one streptavidin molecule, two directionally biotinylated mAb 2C5 molecules, and two biotinylated peptide molecules was produced. Chickens were immunized subcutaneously with doses of this complex ranging from 10 to 90 μg per injection once, and relative quantification of the peptide-specific IgG response showed that the mAb 2C5-based complex was able to elicit a strong IgG response as early as four days post-immunization. This demonstrates that CD40-targeting antigen to chicken APCs can significantly enhance antibody responses and induce immunoglobulin isotype-switching. This immunization strategy holds promise for rapid production of hapten-specific IgG in chickens. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FeP(Im)–AB Bonding Energies Evaluated with A Large Number of Density Functionals (P = porphine, Im = imidazole, AB = CO, NO, and O2)

PubMed Central

Liao, Meng-Sheng; Huang, Ming-Ju; Watts, John D.

2011-01-01

Sixty-four (64) density functionals, ranging from GGA, meta-GGA, hybrid GGA to hybrid meta-GGA, were tested to evaluate the FeP(Im)-AB bonding energies (Ebond) in the heme model complexes FeP(Im)(AB) (P = porphine, Im = imidazole, AB = CO, NO, and O2). The results indicate that an accurate prediction of Ebond for the various ligands to heme is difficult with the DFT methods; usually a functional successful for one system does not perform equally well for the other system(s). Relatively satisfactory results for the various FeP(Im)-AB bonding energies are obtained with the meta-GGA funtionals BLAP3 and Bmτ1; they yield Ebond values of ca.1.1, 1.2, and 0.4 eV for AB = CO, NO, and O2, respectively, which are in reasonable agreement with experimental data (0.78 – 0.85 eV for CO, 0.99 eV for NO, and 0.44 – 0.53 eV for O2). The other functionals show more or less deficiency for one or two of the systems. The performances of the various functionals in describing the spin-state energetics of the five-coordinate FeP(Im) complex were also examined. PMID:22228914

Mechanistic Insights and Computational Design of Transition-Metal Catalysts for Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Reactions.

PubMed

Chen, Xiangyang; Yang, Xinzheng

2016-10-01

Catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions are fundamentally important in chemical synthesis and industrial processes, as well as potential applications in the storage and conversion of renewable energy. Modern computational quantum chemistry has already become a powerful tool in understanding the structures and properties of compounds and elucidating mechanistic insights of chemical reactions, and therefore, holds great promise in the design of new catalysts. Herein, we review our computational studies on the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and small organic carbonyl compounds, and on the dehydrogenation of amine-borane and alcohols with an emphasis on elucidating reaction mechanisms and predicting new catalytic reactions, and in return provide some general ideas for the design of high-efficiency, low-cost transition-metal complexes for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. © 2016 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of Boron Clusters on the Ignition Reaction of HNO3 and Dicynanamide-Based Ionic Liquids.

PubMed

Schmidt, Michael W; Gordon, Mark S

2017-10-19

Many ionic liquids containing the dicynamide anion (DCA - , formula N(CN) 2 - ) exhibit hypergolic ignition when exposed to the common oxidizer nitric acid. However, the ignition delay is often about 10 times longer than the desired 5 ms for rocket applications, so that improvements are desired. Experiments in the past decade have suggested both a mechanism for the early reaction steps and also that additives such as decaborane can reduce the ignition delay. The mechanisms for reactions of nitric acid with both DCA - and protonated DCAH are considered here, using accurate wave function methods. Complexation of DCA - or DCAH with borane clusters B 10 H 14 or B 9 H 14 - is found to modify these mechanisms slightly by changing the nature of some of the intermediate saddle points and by small reductions in the reaction barriers.

Isolation of anti-toxin single domain antibodies from a semi-synthetic spiny dogfish shark display library.

PubMed

Liu, Jinny L; Anderson, George P; Goldman, Ellen R

2007-11-19

Shark heavy chain antibody, also called new antigen receptor (NAR), consists of one single Variable domain (VH), containing only two complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). The antigen binding affinity and specificity are mainly determined by these two CDRs. The good solubility, excellent thermal stability and complex sequence variation of small single domain antibodies (sdAbs) make them attractive alternatives to conventional antibodies. In this report, we construct and characterize a diversity enhanced semi-synthetic NAR V display library based on naturally occurring NAR V sequences. A semi-synthetic shark sdAb display library with a complexity close to 1e9 was constructed. This was achieved by introducing size and sequence variations in CDR3 using randomized CDR3 primers of three different lengths. Binders against three toxins, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), ricin, and botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) complex toxoid, were isolated from panning the display library. Soluble sdAbs from selected binders were purified and evaluated using direct binding and thermal stability assays on the Luminex 100. In addition, sandwich assays using sdAb as the reporter element were developed to demonstrate their utility for future sensor applications. We demonstrated the utility of a newly created hyper diversified shark NAR displayed library to serve as a source of thermal stable sdAbs against a variety of toxins.

Isolation of anti-toxin single domain antibodies from a semi-synthetic spiny dogfish shark display library

PubMed Central

Liu, Jinny L; Anderson, George P; Goldman, Ellen R

2007-01-01

Background Shark heavy chain antibody, also called new antigen receptor (NAR), consists of one single Variable domain (VH), containing only two complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). The antigen binding affinity and specificity are mainly determined by these two CDRs. The good solubility, excellent thermal stability and complex sequence variation of small single domain antibodies (sdAbs) make them attractive alternatives to conventional antibodies. In this report, we construct and characterize a diversity enhanced semi-synthetic NAR V display library based on naturally occurring NAR V sequences. Results A semi-synthetic shark sdAb display library with a complexity close to 1e9 was constructed. This was achieved by introducing size and sequence variations in CDR3 using randomized CDR3 primers of three different lengths. Binders against three toxins, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), ricin, and botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) complex toxoid, were isolated from panning the display library. Soluble sdAbs from selected binders were purified and evaluated using direct binding and thermal stability assays on the Luminex 100. In addition, sandwich assays using sdAb as the reporter element were developed to demonstrate their utility for future sensor applications. Conclusion We demonstrated the utility of a newly created hyper diversified shark NAR displayed library to serve as a source of thermal stable sdAbs against a variety of toxins. PMID:18021450

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease-Like Periodic Sharp Wave Complexes in Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel-Complex Antibodies Encephalitis: A Case Report.

PubMed

Savard, Martin; Irani, Sarosh R; Guillemette, Annie; Gosselin-Lefebvre, Stéphanie; Geschwind, Michael; Jansen, Gerard H; Gould, Peter V; Laforce, Robert

2016-02-01

Voltage-gated potassium channel-complex antibodies (VGKC-cAbs) encephalitis, a treatable autoantibody encephalopathy, has been previously reported to clinically mimic sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Among available clinical clues to distinguish them, periodic sharp wave complexes, a typical finding in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, have never been reported in association with VGKC-cAbs encephalitis. A 76-year-old man was transferred to a tertiary neurology center with a clinical history of 6-month weight loss, cognitive disturbance, and nonspecific generalized weakness. He had two seizures the month before transfer and then evolved to severe encephalopathy, requiring mechanical ventilation. Periodic sharp wave complexes every 1 to 2 seconds over slowed background were found on EEG, and MRI showed cerebellar and bifrontal cortical T2/FLAIR/DWI hypersignal without restricted diffusion on ADC mapping. Pancorporal positron emission tomography scan was negative. An immunotherapy trial did not improve the patient condition. Therefore, he died after life support withdrawal. Brain autopsy revealed mononuclear neocortex infiltrate without significant spongiosis, and the anti-VGKC test showed a seropositivity of 336 pmol/L (normal, 0-31), 3 month after the patient deceased. This is the first reported case of VGKC-cAbs encephalitis associated with periodic sharp wave complexes on EEG, which further confuse the differential diagnosis with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. However, the cortical DWI hypersignal without restriction seems to remain a way to discriminate these two entities appropriately, when present. These clues are of paramount importance because VGKC-cAbs encephalitis is a treatable disease.

Specific interactions between DNA and regulatory protein controlled by ligand-binding: Ab initio molecular simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushita, Y.; Murakawa, T.; Shimamura, K.; Oishi, M.; Ohyama, T.; Kurita, N.

2015-02-01

The catabolite activator protein (CAP) is one of the regulatory proteins controlling the transcription mechanism of gene. Biochemical experiments elucidated that the complex of CAP with cyclic AMP (cAMP) is indispensable for controlling the mechanism, while previous molecular simulations for the monomer of CAP+cAMP complex revealed the specific interactions between CAP and cAMP. However, the effect of cAMP-binding to CAP on the specific interactions between CAP and DNA is not elucidated at atomic and electronic levels. We here considered the ternary complex of CAP, cAMP and DNA in solvating water molecules and investigated the specific interactions between them at atomic and electronic levels using ab initio molecular simulations based on classical molecular dynamics and ab initio fragment molecular orbital methods. The results highlight the important amino acid residues of CAP for the interactions between CAP and cAMP and between CAP and DNA.

Rapid assessment of the antigenic integrity of tetrameric HLA complexes by human monoclonal HLA antibodies.

PubMed

Eijsink, Chantal; Kester, Michel G D; Franke, Marry E I; Franken, Kees L M C; Heemskerk, Mirjam H M; Claas, Frans H J; Mulder, Arend

2006-08-31

The ability of tetrameric major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-peptide complexes (tetramers) to detect antigen-specific T lymphocyte responses has yielded significant information about the generation of in vivo immunity in numerous antigenic systems. Here we present a novel method for rapid validation of tetrameric HLA molecules based on the presence of allodeterminants. Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing polymorphic determinants on HLA class I were immobilized on polystyrene microparticles and used to probe the structural integrity of tetrameric HLA class I molecules by flow cytometry. A total of 22 tetramers, based on HLA-A1, A2, A3, A24, B7 and B8 were reactive with their counterpart mAbs, thus confirming their antigenic integrity. A positive outcome of this mAb test ensures that tetrameric HLA class I can be used with greater confidence in subsequent functional assays.

Functionalization of Organotrifluoroborates: Reductive Amination

PubMed Central

Cooper, David J.

2010-01-01

Herein we report the conversion of aldehyde-containing potassium and tetrabutylammonium organotrifluoroborates to the corresponding amines through reductive amination protocols. Potassium formate facilitated by catalytic palladium acetate, sodium triacetoxyborohydride, and pyridine borane have all served as effective hydride donors, reducing the initially formed imines or iminium ions to provide the corresponding amines. PMID:18412389

Therapeutic antibodies against cancer

PubMed Central

Adler, Mark J.; Dimitrov, Dimiter S.

2012-01-01

Antibody-based therapeutics against cancer are highly successful in clinic and currently enjoy unprecedented recognition of their potential; 13 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved for clinical use in the European Union and in the United States (one, mylotarg, was withdrawn from market in 2010). Three of the mAbs (bevacizumab, rituximab, trastuzumab) are in the top six selling protein therapeutics with sales in 2010 of more than $5 bln each. Hundreds of mAbs including bispecific mAbs and multispecific fusion proteins, mAbs conjugated with small molecule drugs and mAbs with optimized pharmacokinetics are in clinical trials. However, challenges remain and it appears that deeper understanding of mechanisms is needed to overcome major problems including resistance to therapy, access to targets, complexity of biological systems and individual variations. PMID:22520975

Low frequency of broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies during chronic infection even in quaternary epitope targeting antibodies containing large numbers of somatic mutations.

PubMed

Hicar, Mark D; Chen, Xuemin; Kalams, Spyros A; Sojar, Hakimuddin; Landucci, Gary; Forthal, Donald N; Spearman, Paul; Crowe, James E

2016-02-01

Neutralizing antibodies (Abs) are thought to be a critical component of an appropriate HIV vaccine response. It has been proposed that Abs recognizing conformationally dependent quaternary epitopes on the HIV envelope (Env) trimer may be necessary to neutralize diverse HIV strains. A number of recently described broadly neutralizing monoclonal Abs (mAbs) recognize complex and quaternary epitopes. Generally, many such Abs exhibit extensive numbers of somatic mutations and unique structural characteristics. We sought to characterize the native antibody (Ab) response against circulating HIV focusing on such conformational responses, without a prior selection based on neutralization. Using a capture system based on VLPs incorporating cleaved envelope protein, we identified a selection of B cells that produce quaternary epitope targeting Abs (QtAbs). Similar to a number of broadly neutralizing Abs, the Ab genes encoding these QtAbs showed extensive numbers of somatic mutations. However, when expressed as recombinant molecules, these Abs failed to neutralize virus or mediate ADCVI activity. Molecular analysis showed unusually high numbers of mutations in the Ab heavy chain framework 3 region of the variable genes. The analysis suggests that large numbers of somatic mutations occur in Ab genes encoding HIV Abs in chronically infected individuals in a non-directed, stochastic, manner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of an A'B' Precursor to Angelmicin B: Product Diversification in the Suárez Lactol Fragmentation.

PubMed

Li, Jialiang; Todaro, Louis; Mootoo, David R

2011-11-01

We describe a synthetic strategy for the angelimicin family of anthraquinoid natural products that involves converting a central highly oxygenated decalin intermediate to the AB and A'B' subunits. Herein, we report the synthesis of the bicyclic A'B' subunit that complements our earlier route to the tricyclic AB framework. The differentiating tact in the two syntheses focused on controlling the Suárez radical fragmentation of lactol precursors by modulating the substrate's structural rigidity. A more flexible lactol gave the tricyclic AB framework, whereas a more rigid substrate led to the bicyclic A'B' precursor, presumably through divergent pathways from the radical produced in the initial fragmentation step. These results establish a versatile advanced synthetic precursor for the angelimicins, and on a more general note, illustrate strategies for applying the Suárez fragmentation to diverse and complex molecular frameworks.

Potential of mean force for human lysozyme camelid vhh hl6 antibody interaction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yeng-Tseng; Liao, Jun-Min; Chen, Cheng-Lung; Su, Zhi-Yuan; Chen, Chang-Hung; Hu, Jeu-Jiun

2008-04-01

Calculating antigen-antibody interaction energies is crucial for understanding antigen-antibody associations in immunology. To shed further light into this equation, we study a separation of human lysozyme-camelid vhh hl6 antibody (cAb-HuL6) complex. The c-terminal end-to-end stretching of the lysozyme-antibody complex structures have been studied using potential of mean force (PMF) calculations based on molecular dynamics (MD) and explicit water model. For the lysozyme-antibody complex, there are six important intermediates in the c-terminal extensions process. Inclusion of our simulations may help to understand the binding mechanics of lysozyme-cAb-HuL6 antibody complex.

Functional screening for anti-CMV biologics identifies a broadly neutralizing epitope of an essential envelope protein.

PubMed

Gardner, Thomas J; Stein, Kathryn R; Duty, J Andrew; Schwarz, Toni M; Noriega, Vanessa M; Kraus, Thomas; Moran, Thomas M; Tortorella, Domenico

2016-12-14

The prototypic β-herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (CMV) establishes life-long persistence within its human host. The CMV envelope consists of various protein complexes that enable wide viral tropism. More specifically, the glycoprotein complex gH/gL/gO (gH-trimer) is required for infection of all cell types, while the gH/gL/UL128/130/131a (gH-pentamer) complex imparts specificity in infecting epithelial, endothelial and myeloid cells. Here we utilize state-of-the-art robotics and a high-throughput neutralization assay to screen and identify monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the gH glycoproteins that display broad-spectrum properties to inhibit virus infection and dissemination. Subsequent biochemical characterization reveals that the mAbs bind to gH-trimer and gH-pentamer complexes and identify the antibodies' epitope as an 'antigenic hot spot' critical for virus entry. The mAbs inhibit CMV infection at a post-attachment step by interacting with a highly conserved central alpha helix-rich domain. The platform described here provides the framework for development of effective CMV biologics and vaccine design strategies.

Polyreactivity of natural antibodies: exchange by HL-fragments.

PubMed

Sedykh, M A; Buneva, V N; Nevinsky, G A

2013-12-01

The polyreactivity of binding (formation of antibody (AB) complexes not only with specific but also with foreign antigens) is a widespread phenomenon that in some cases can be caused by a conformational lability of the antigen-binding sites of antibodies (which increases upon treatment with various destabilizing agents) and leads to AB binding with very different antigens. Some ABs exist as dimers of the initial ABs and their idiotypes (or anti-idiotypes) capable of producing intramolecular cyclic complexes with features of polyreactants. Another mechanism of binding polyreactivity is an exchange in blood by halves of IgG4 molecules (HL-fragments) against various antigens. Also, for the first time catalytic polyfunctionality of human milk ABs has been detected, which is caused by an exchange by HL-fragments between molecules of λ- and κ-IgG (IgG1-IgG4) and also by λ- and κ-sIgA against different antigens with formation of very different chimeric antibodies. This review considers all possible pathways of formation of polyspecific immunoglobulins and their biological functions described in the literature, as well as mechanisms of binding polyreactivity and catalytic polyfunctionality of natural antibodies.

Treatment with proteolytic enzymes decreases glomerular immune complex deposits in passive serum sickness in rats and mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Emancipator, S.N.; Nakazawa, M.; Lamm, M.E.

1986-03-05

This study assessed the effect of protease treatment on glomerular immune complex (IC) deposition in passive serum sickness. IC containing 2.2 mg of specific rabbit antibovine gammaglobulin (Ab) and cationic bovine gammaglobulin (CBGG) at 5-fold antigen excess were given via tail vein to 140 g Sprague-Dawley rats; some rats received IC containing /sup 125/I-Ab. After maximal glomerular IC deposition (1h) a single intravenous dose of either 4 mg chymopapain plus 2 mg subtilisin (T), or saline (C) was given. By immunofluorescence (IF) 1 h later, 1/13 T rats had bright capillary wall deposits of CBGG vs 10/11 C rats (x/supmore » 2/ = 13.4, p < .001); 6/13 T rats had Ab vs. 10/11 C rats (x/sup 2/ = 4.05, p < .05). Isolated glomeruli from T rats given /sup 125/I-IC had 25% less Ab (3267 +/- 293 cpm/mg glomerular protein) than C rats (4327 +/- 530, p < .005). 20 g BALB/c mice given IC with CBGG and 0.3 mg Ab, or IC with native BGG (nBGG) and 1 mg Ab via tail vein received 0.5 mg chymopapain and 0.25 mg subtilisin in 5 divided intraperitoneal doses q 10 min beginning 1 h later. 20 min after the last dose, 2/15 T mice given CBGG-IC had capillary wall Ab deposits by IF vs 13/16 C mice (x/sup 2/ = 11.7, p < .001). 1/16 T mice given nBGG-IC had mesangial Ab deposits vs. 11/15 C mice (x/sup 2/ = 10.8, p < .001). The authors conclude that protease treatment can remove glomerular IC deposits.« less

The presence of anti-Tat antibodies in HIV-infected individuals is associated with containment of CD4+ T-cell decay and viral load, and with delay of disease progression: results of a 3-year cohort study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Tat is a key HIV-1 virulence factor, which plays pivotal roles in virus gene expression, replication, transmission and disease progression. After release, extracellular Tat accumulates in tissues and exerts effects on both the virus and the immune system, promoting immune activation and virus spreading while disabling the host immune defense. In particular, Tat binds Env spikes on virus particles forming a virus entry complex, which favors infection of dendritic cells and efficient transmission to T cells via RGD-binding integrins. Tat also shields the CCR5-binding sites of Env rendering ineffective virus neutralization by anti-Env antibodies (Abs). This is reversed by the anti-Tat Abs present in natural infection or induced by vaccination. Findings Here we present the results of a cohort study, showing that the presence of anti-Tat Abs in asymptomatic and treatment-naïve HIV-infected subjects is associated with containment of CD4+ T-cell loss and viral load and with a delay of disease progression. In fact, no subjects with high anti-Tat Ab titers initiated antiretroviral therapy during the three years of follow-up. In contrast, no significant effects were seen for anti-Env and anti-Gag Abs. The increase of anti-Env Ab titers was associated with a reduced risk of starting therapy only in the presence of anti-Tat Abs, suggesting an effect of combined anti-Tat and anti-Env Abs on the Tat/Env virus entry complex and on virus neutralization. Conclusions Anti-Tat immunity may help delay HIV disease progression, thus, targeting Tat may offer a novel therapeutic intervention to postpone antiretroviral treatment or to increase its efficacy. PMID:24961156

A convenient enantioselective CBS-reduction of arylketones in flow-microreactor systems.

PubMed

De Angelis, Sonia; De Renzo, Maddalena; Carlucci, Claudia; Degennaro, Leonardo; Luisi, Renzo

2016-05-04

A convenient, versatile, and green CBS-asymmetric reduction of aryl and heteroaryl ketones has been developed by using the microreactor technology. The study demonstrates that it is possible to handle borane solution safely within microreactors and that the reaction performs well using 2-MeTHF as a greener solvent.

HicAB toxin-antitoxin complex from Escherichia coli: expression and crystallization.

PubMed

Yang, Jingsi; Xu, Bingshuang; Gao, Zengqiang; Zhou, Ke; Liu, Peng; Dong, Yuhui; Zhang, Jianjun; Liu, Quansheng

2017-09-01

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread in both bacteria and archaea, where they enable cells to adapt to environmental cues. TA systems play crucial roles in various cellular processes, such as programmed cell death, cell growth, persistence and virulence. Here, two distinct forms of the type II toxin-antitoxin complex HicAB were identified and characterized in Escherichia coli K-12, and both were successfully overexpressed and purified. The two proposed forms, HicAB L and HicAB S , differed in the presence or absence of a seven-amino-acid segment at the N-terminus in the antitoxin HicB. The short form HicAB S readily crystallized under the conditions 0.1 M Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 20%(w/v) PEG 6000, 0.2 M ammonium sulfate. The HicAB S crystal diffracted and data were collected to 2.5 Å resolution. The crystal belonged to space group I222 or I2 1 2 1 2 1 , with unit-cell parameters a = 67.04, b = 66.31, c = 120.78 Å. Matthews coefficient calculation suggested the presence of two molecules each of HicA and HicB S in the asymmetric unit, with a solvent content of 55.28% and a Matthews coefficient (V M ) of 2.75 Å 3  Da -1 .

Structure of the cellulose synthase complex of Gluconacetobacter hansenii at 23.4 Å resolution

DOE PAGES

Du, Juan; Vepachedu, Venkata; Cho, Sung Hyun; ...

2016-05-23

Bacterial crystalline cellulose is used in biomedical and industrial applications, but the molecular mechanisms of synthesis are unclear. Unlike most bacteria, which make non-crystalline cellulose, Gluconacetobacter hansenii extrudes profuse amounts of crystalline cellulose. Its cellulose synthase (AcsA) exists as a complex with accessory protein AcsB, forming a 'terminal complex' (TC) that has been visualized by freeze-fracture TEM at the base of ribbons of crystalline cellulose. The catalytic AcsAB complex is embedded in the cytoplasmic membrane. The C-terminal portion of AcsC is predicted to form a translocation channel in the outer membrane, with the rest of AcsC possibly interacting with AcsDmore » in the periplasm. It is thus believed that synthesis from an organized array of TCs coordinated with extrusion by AcsC and AcsD enable this bacterium to make crystalline cellulose. The only structural data that exist for this system are the above mentioned freeze-fracture TEM images, fluorescence microscopy images revealing that TCs align in a row, a crystal structure of AcsD bound to cellopentaose, and a crystal structure of PilZ domain of AcsA. Here we advance our understanding of the structural basis for crystalline cellulose production by bacterial cellulose synthase by determining a negative stain structure resolved to 23.4 angstrom for highly purified AcsAB complex that catalyzed incorporation of UDP-glucose into β-1,4-glucan chains, and responded to the presence of allosteric activator cyclic diguanylate. Although the AcsAB complex was functional in vitro, the synthesized cellulose was not visible in TEM. The negative stain structure revealed that AcsAB is very similar to that of the BcsAB synthase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a non-crystalline cellulose producing bacterium. Furthermore, the results indicate that the crystalline cellulose producing and non-crystalline cellulose producing bacteria share conserved catalytic and membrane translocation components, and support the hypothesis that it is the extrusion mechanism and order in linearly arrayed TCs that enables production of crystalline cellulose.« less

Zinc complexation in chloride-rich hydrothermal fluids (25-600 °C): A thermodynamic model derived from ab initio molecular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Yuan; Sherman, David M.; Liu, Weihua; Etschmann, Barbara; Testemale, Denis; Brugger, Joël

2015-02-01

The solubility of zinc minerals in hydrothermal fluids is enhanced by chloride complexation of Zn2+. Thermodynamic models of these complexation reactions are central to models of Zn transport and ore formation. However, existing thermodynamic models, derived from solubility measurements, are inconsistent with spectroscopic measurements of Zn speciation. Here, we used ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (with the PBE exchange-correlation functional) to predict the speciation of Zn-Cl complexes from 25 to 600 °C. We also obtained in situ XAS measurements of Zn-Cl solutions at 30-600 °C. Qualitatively, the simulations reproduced the main features derived from in situ XANES and EXAFS measurements: octahedral to tetrahedral transition with increasing temperature and salinity, stability of ZnCl42- at high chloride concentration up to ⩾500 °C, and increasing stability of the trigonal planar [ZnCl3]- complex at high temperature. Having confirmed the dominant species, we directly determined the stability constants for the Zn-Cl complexes using thermodynamic integration along constrained Zn-Cl distances in a series of MD simulations. We corrected our stability constants to infinite dilution using the b-dot model for the activity coefficients of the solute species. In order to compare the ab initio results with experiments, we need to re-model the existing solubility data using the species we identified in our MD simulations. The stability constants derived from refitting published experimental data are in reasonable agreement with those we obtained using ab initio MD simulations. Our new thermodynamic model accurately predicts the experimentally observed changes in ZnO(s) and ZnCO3(s) solubility as a function of chloride concentration from 200 (Psat) to 600 °C (2000 bar). This study demonstrates that metal speciation and geologically useful stability constants can be derived for species in hydrothermal fluids from ab initio MD simulations even at the generalized gradient approximation for exchange-correlation. We caution, however, that simulations are mostly reliable at high T where ligand exchange is fast enough to yield thermodynamic averages over the timescales of the simulations.

Structure of the cellulose synthase complex of Gluconacetobacter hansenii at 23.4 Å resolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Du, Juan; Vepachedu, Venkata; Cho, Sung Hyun

Bacterial crystalline cellulose is used in biomedical and industrial applications, but the molecular mechanisms of synthesis are unclear. Unlike most bacteria, which make non-crystalline cellulose, Gluconacetobacter hansenii extrudes profuse amounts of crystalline cellulose. Its cellulose synthase (AcsA) exists as a complex with accessory protein AcsB, forming a 'terminal complex' (TC) that has been visualized by freeze-fracture TEM at the base of ribbons of crystalline cellulose. The catalytic AcsAB complex is embedded in the cytoplasmic membrane. The C-terminal portion of AcsC is predicted to form a translocation channel in the outer membrane, with the rest of AcsC possibly interacting with AcsDmore » in the periplasm. It is thus believed that synthesis from an organized array of TCs coordinated with extrusion by AcsC and AcsD enable this bacterium to make crystalline cellulose. The only structural data that exist for this system are the above mentioned freeze-fracture TEM images, fluorescence microscopy images revealing that TCs align in a row, a crystal structure of AcsD bound to cellopentaose, and a crystal structure of PilZ domain of AcsA. Here we advance our understanding of the structural basis for crystalline cellulose production by bacterial cellulose synthase by determining a negative stain structure resolved to 23.4 angstrom for highly purified AcsAB complex that catalyzed incorporation of UDP-glucose into β-1,4-glucan chains, and responded to the presence of allosteric activator cyclic diguanylate. Although the AcsAB complex was functional in vitro, the synthesized cellulose was not visible in TEM. The negative stain structure revealed that AcsAB is very similar to that of the BcsAB synthase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a non-crystalline cellulose producing bacterium. Furthermore, the results indicate that the crystalline cellulose producing and non-crystalline cellulose producing bacteria share conserved catalytic and membrane translocation components, and support the hypothesis that it is the extrusion mechanism and order in linearly arrayed TCs that enables production of crystalline cellulose.« less

Structure of the Cellulose Synthase Complex of Gluconacetobacter hansenii at 23.4 Å Resolution

PubMed Central

Du, Juan; Vepachedu, Venkata; Cho, Sung Hyun; Kumar, Manish; Nixon, B. Tracy

2016-01-01

Bacterial crystalline cellulose is used in biomedical and industrial applications, but the molecular mechanisms of synthesis are unclear. Unlike most bacteria, which make non-crystalline cellulose, Gluconacetobacter hansenii extrudes profuse amounts of crystalline cellulose. Its cellulose synthase (AcsA) exists as a complex with accessory protein AcsB, forming a 'terminal complex' (TC) that has been visualized by freeze-fracture TEM at the base of ribbons of crystalline cellulose. The catalytic AcsAB complex is embedded in the cytoplasmic membrane. The C-terminal portion of AcsC is predicted to form a translocation channel in the outer membrane, with the rest of AcsC possibly interacting with AcsD in the periplasm. It is thus believed that synthesis from an organized array of TCs coordinated with extrusion by AcsC and AcsD enable this bacterium to make crystalline cellulose. The only structural data that exist for this system are the above mentioned freeze-fracture TEM images, fluorescence microscopy images revealing that TCs align in a row, a crystal structure of AcsD bound to cellopentaose, and a crystal structure of PilZ domain of AcsA. Here we advance our understanding of the structural basis for crystalline cellulose production by bacterial cellulose synthase by determining a negative stain structure resolved to 23.4 Å for highly purified AcsAB complex that catalyzed incorporation of UDP-glucose into β-1,4-glucan chains, and responded to the presence of allosteric activator cyclic diguanylate. Although the AcsAB complex was functional in vitro, the synthesized cellulose was not visible in TEM. The negative stain structure revealed that AcsAB is very similar to that of the BcsAB synthase of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, a non-crystalline cellulose producing bacterium. The results indicate that the crystalline cellulose producing and non-crystalline cellulose producing bacteria share conserved catalytic and membrane translocation components, and support the hypothesis that it is the extrusion mechanism and order in linearly arrayed TCs that enables production of crystalline cellulose. PMID:27214134

Exciplex emission and decay of co-deposited 4,4',4″-tris[3-methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine:tris-[3-(3-pyridyl)mesityl]borane organic light-emitting devices with different electron transporting layer thicknesses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Qingyu; Zhao, Suling; Xu, Zheng; Fan, Xing; Shen, Chongyu; Yang, Qianqian

2014-04-01

Highly efficient fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on the mixed 4,4',4″-tris[3-methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine:tris-[3-(3-pyridyl)mesityl]borane (1:1) system are reported. The electroluminescence due to the exciplex emission is red shifted when the thickness of the electron-transporting layer increases. The prepared OLEDs achieve a low turn-on voltage of 2.1 V, a high current efficiency of 36.79 cd/A, and a very high luminescence of 17 100 cd/m2, as well as a low efficiency roll-off. The current efficiency of the optimized OLED is maintained at more than 28.33 cd/A up to 10 000 cd m-2. The detailed recombination mechanism of the prepared OLEDs is investigated by the transient electroluminescence method. It is concluded that there are no contributions from trapped charges and annihilations of triplet-triplet excitons to the detected electroluminescence.

Nanocomposite of polystyrene foil grafted with metallaboranes for antimicrobial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benkocká, Monika; Kolářová, Kateřina; Matoušek, Jindřich; Semerádtová, Alena; Šícha, Václav; Kolská, Zdeňka

2018-05-01

The surface of polystyrene foil (PS) was chemically modified. Firstly, the surface was pre-treated with Piranha solution. The activated surface was grafted by selected amino-compounds (cysteamine, ethylenediamine or chitosan) and/or subsequently grafted with five members of inorganic metallaboranes. Selected surface properties were studied by using various methods in order to indicate significant changes before and after individual modification steps of polymer foil. Elemental composition of surface was conducted by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, chemistry and polarity by infrared spectroscopy and by electrokinetic analysis, wettability by goniometry, surface morphology by atomic force microscopy. Antimicrobial tests were performed on individual samples in order to confirm antimicrobial impact. Our results show slight antibacterial activity of PS modified with SK5 for Escherichia coli in comparison with the rest of the tested borane. On the other hand molecules of all tested metallaboranes could easier pierce through bacterial cell of Staphylococcus epidermidis due to absence of outer membrane (phospholipid bilayer). Some borane grafted on PS surface embodies the strong activity for Staphylococcus epidermidis and also for Desmodesmus quadricauda growth inhibition.

Preparation of bimetallic Cu-Co nanocatalysts on poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) functionalized halloysite nanotubes for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Zhang, Jun; Guan, Huijuan; Zhao, Yafei; Yang, Jing-He; Zhang, Bing

2018-01-01

In present work, we prepared the bimetallic Cu-Co nanocatalysts on poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (Cu-Co/PDDA-HNTs) by a deposition-reduction technique at room temperature. The analysis of XRD, SEM, TEM, HAADF-STEM and XPS were employed to systematically investigate the morphology, particle size, structure and surface properties of the nanocomposite. The results reveal that the PDDA coating with thickness of ∼15 nm could be formed on the surface of HNTs, and the existence of PDDA is beneficial to deposit Cu and Co nanoparticles (NPs) with high dispersibility on the surface. While the cost-effective nanocomposite was used for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane (NH3BH3), the nanocatalyst showed extraordinary catalytic properties with high total turnover frequency of 30.8 molH2/(molmetal min), low activation energy of 35.15 kJ mol-1 and high recycling stability (>90% conversion at 10th reuse). These results indicate that the bimetallic Cu-Co nanocatalysts on PDDA functionalized HNTs have particular potential for application in release hydrogen process.

Advancement of Systems Designs and Key Engineering Technologies for Materials Based Hydrogen Storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

van Hassel, Bart A.

UTRC lead the development of the Simulink Framework model that enables a comparison of different hydrogen storage systems on a common basis. The Simulink Framework model was disseminated on the www.HSECoE.org website that is hosted by NREL. UTRC contributed to a better understanding of the safety aspects of the proposed hydrogen storage systems. UTRC also participated in the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis of both the chemical- and the adsorbent-based hydrogen storage system during Phase 2 of the Hydrogen Storage Engineering Center of Excellence. UTRC designed a hydrogen storage system with a reversible metal hydride material in a compacted formmore » for light-duty vehicles with a 5.6 kg H2 storage capacity, giving it a 300 miles range. It contains a heat exchanger that enables efficient cooling of the metal hydride material during hydrogen absorption in order to meet the 3.3 minute refueling time target. It has been shown through computation that the kinetics of hydrogen absorption of Ti-catalyzed NaAlH4 was ultimately limiting the rate of hydrogen absorption to 85% of the material capacity in 3.3 minutes. An inverse analysis was performed in order to determine the material property requirements in order for a metal hydride based hydrogen storage system to meet the DOE targets. Work on metal hydride storage systems was halted after the Phase 1 to Phase 2 review due to the lack of metal hydride materials with the required material properties. UTRC contributed to the design of a chemical hydrogen storage system by developing an adsorbent for removing the impurity ammonia from the hydrogen gas, by developing a system to meter the transport of Ammonia Borane (AB) powder to a thermolysis reactor, and by developing a gas-liquid-separator (GLS) for the separation of hydrogen gas from AB slurry in silicone oil. Stripping impurities from hydrogen gas is essential for a long life of the fuel cell system on board of a vehicle. Work on solid transport of AB was halted after the Phase 1 to Phase 2 review in favor of studying the slurry-form of AB as it appeared to be difficult to transport a solid form of AB through the thermolysis reactor. UTRC demonstrated the operation of a compact GLS in the laboratory at a scale that would be required for the actual automotive application. The GLS met the targets for weight and volume. UTRC also reported about the unresolved issue associated with the high vapor pressure of fluids that could be used for making a slurry-form of AB. Work on the GLS was halted after the Phase 2 to Phase 3 review as the off-board regeneration efficiency of the spent AB was below the DOE target of 60%. UTRC contributed to the design of an adsorbent-based hydrogen storage system through measurements of the thermal conductivity of a compacted form of Metal Organic Framework (MOF) number 5 and through the development and sizing of a particulate filter. Thermal conductivity is important for the design of the modular adsorbent tank insert (MATI), as developed by Oregon State University (OSU), in order to enable a rapid refueling process. Stringent hydrogen quality requirements can only be met with an efficient particulate filtration system. UTRC developed a method to size the particulate filter by taking into account the effect of the pressure drop on the hydrogen adsorption process in the tank. UTRC raised awareness about the potential use of materials-based H2 storage systems in applications outside the traditional light-duty vehicle market segment by presenting at several conferences about niche application opportunities in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), portable power and others.« less

Adhesion between liposomes mediated by the chlorophyll a/b light- harvesting complex isolated from chloroplast membranes

PubMed Central

1980-01-01

A highly purified chlorophyll a/b light-harvesting complex (chl a/b LHC; chl a/b ratio 1.2) was obtained from Triton-solubilized chloroplast membranes of pea and barley according to the method of Burke et al. (1978, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 187: 252--263). Gel electrophoresis of the cation-precipitated chl a/b LHC from peas reveals the presence of four polypeptides in the 23- to 28-kdalton size range. Three of these peptides appear to be identical to those derived from re-electrophoresed CPII and CPII* bands. In freeze-fracture replicas, the cation-precipitated chl a/b LHC appears as a semicrystalline aggregate of membranous sheets containing closely spaced granules. Upon removal of the cations by dialysis, the aggregates break up into their constituent membranous sheets without changing their granular substructure. These membranous sheets can be resolubilized in 1.5% Triton X-100, and the chl a/b LHC particles then reconstituted into soybean lecithin liposomes. Freeze-fracture micrographs of the reconstituted chl a/b LHC vesicles suspended in a low salt medium reveal randomly dispersed approximately 80-A particles on both concave and convex fracture faces as well as some crystalline particle arrays, presumably resulting from incompletely solubilized fragments of the membranous sheets. Based on the approximately 80-A diameter of the particles, and on the assumption that one freeze- fracture particle represents the structural unit of one chl a/b LHC aggregate, a theoretical mol wt of approximately 200 kdalton has been calculated for the chl a/b LHC. Deep-etching and negative-staining techniques reveal that the chl a/b LHC particles are also exposed on the surface of the bilayer membranes. Addition of greater than or equal to 2 mM MgCl2 or greater than or equal to 60 mM NaCl to the reconstituted vesicles leads to their aggregation and, with divalent cations, to the formation of extensive membrane stacks. At the same time, the chl a/b LHC particles become clustered into the adhering membrane regions. Under these conditions the particles in adjacent membranes usually become precisely aligned. Evidence is presented to aupport the hypothesis that adhesion between the chl a/b LHC particles is mediated by hydrophobic interactions, and that the cations are needed to neutralize surface charges on the particles. PMID:7350170

Serious Gaming for Test & Evaluation of Clean-Slate (Ab Initio) National Airspace System (NAS) Designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, B. Danette; Alexandrov, Natalia

2016-01-01

Incremental approaches to air transportation system development inherit current architectural constraints, which, in turn, place hard bounds on system capacity, efficiency of performance, and complexity. To enable airspace operations of the future, a clean-slate (ab initio) airspace design(s) must be considered. This ab initio National Airspace System (NAS) must be capable of accommodating increased traffic density, a broader diversity of aircraft, and on-demand mobility. System and subsystem designs should scale to accommodate the inevitable demand for airspace services that include large numbers of autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and a paradigm shift in general aviation (e.g., personal air vehicles) in addition to more traditional aerial vehicles such as commercial jetliners and weather balloons. The complex and adaptive nature of ab initio designs for the future NAS requires new approaches to validation, adding a significant physical experimentation component to analytical and simulation tools. In addition to software modeling and simulation, the ability to exercise system solutions in a flight environment will be an essential aspect of validation. The NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Autonomy Incubator seeks to develop a flight simulation infrastructure for ab initio modeling and simulation that assumes no specific NAS architecture and models vehicle-to-vehicle behavior to examine interactions and emergent behaviors among hundreds of intelligent aerial agents exhibiting collaborative, cooperative, coordinative, selfish, and malicious behaviors. The air transportation system of the future will be a complex adaptive system (CAS) characterized by complex and sometimes unpredictable (or unpredicted) behaviors that result from temporal and spatial interactions among large numbers of participants. A CAS not only evolves with a changing environment and adapts to it, it is closely coupled to all systems that constitute the environment. Thus, the ecosystem that contains the system and other systems evolves with the CAS as well. The effects of the emerging adaptation and co-evolution are difficult to capture with only combined mathematical and computational experimentation. Therefore, an ab initio flight simulation environment must accommodate individual vehicles, groups of self-organizing vehicles, and large-scale infrastructure behavior. Inspired by Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) and Serious Gaming, the proposed ab initio simulation environment is similar to online gaming environments in which player participants interact with each other, affect their environment, and expect the simulation to persist and change regardless of any individual player's active participation.

Human broadly neutralizing antibodies to the envelope glycoprotein complex of hepatitis C virus.

PubMed

Giang, Erick; Dorner, Marcus; Prentoe, Jannick C; Dreux, Marlène; Evans, Matthew J; Bukh, Jens; Rice, Charles M; Ploss, Alexander; Burton, Dennis R; Law, Mansun

2012-04-17

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects ∼2% of the world's population. It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 new infections annually in Egypt, the country with the highest HCV prevalence. An effective vaccine would help control this expanding global health burden. HCV is highly variable, and an effective vaccine should target conserved T- and B-cell epitopes of the virus. Conserved B-cell epitopes overlapping the CD81 receptor-binding site (CD81bs) on the E2 viral envelope glycoprotein have been reported previously and provide promising vaccine targets. In this study, we isolated 73 human mAbs recognizing five distinct antigenic regions on the virus envelope glycoprotein complex E1E2 from an HCV-immune phage-display antibody library by using an exhaustive-panning strategy. Many of these mAbs were broadly neutralizing. In particular, the mAb AR4A, recognizing a discontinuous epitope outside the CD81bs on the E1E2 complex, has an exceptionally broad neutralizing activity toward diverse HCV genotypes and protects against heterologous HCV challenge in a small animal model. The mAb panel will be useful for the design and development of vaccine candidates to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies to HCV.

Ab Initio Crystal Field for Lanthanides.

PubMed

Ungur, Liviu; Chibotaru, Liviu F

2017-03-13

An ab initio methodology for the first-principle derivation of crystal-field (CF) parameters for lanthanides is described. The methodology is applied to the analysis of CF parameters in [Tb(Pc) 2 ] - (Pc=phthalocyanine) and Dy 4 K 2 ([Dy 4 K 2 O(OtBu) 12 ]) complexes, and compared with often used approximate and model descriptions. It is found that the application of geometry symmetrization, and the use of electrostatic point-charge and phenomenological CF models, lead to unacceptably large deviations from predictions based on ab initio calculations for experimental geometry. It is shown how the predictions of standard CASSCF (Complete Active Space Self-Consistent Field) calculations (with 4f orbitals in the active space) can be systematically improved by including effects of dynamical electronic correlation (CASPT2 step) and by admixing electronic configurations of the 5d shell. This is exemplified for the well-studied Er-trensal complex (H 3 trensal=2,2',2"-tris(salicylideneimido)trimethylamine). The electrostatic contributions to CF parameters in this complex, calculated with true charge distributions in the ligands, yield less than half of the total CF splitting, thus pointing to the dominant role of covalent effects. This analysis allows the conclusion that ab initio crystal field is an essential tool for the decent description of lanthanides. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

‘In-Format’ screening of a novel bispecific antibody format reveals significant potency improvements relative to unformatted molecules

PubMed Central

Scott, Martin J.; Lee, Jennifer A.; Wake, Matthew S.; Batt, Kelly V.; Wattam, Trevor A.; Hiles, Ian D.; Batuwangala, Thil D.; Ashman, Claire I.; Steward, Michael

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are emerging as an important class of biopharmaceutical. The majority of BsAbs are created from conventional antibodies or fragments engineered into more complex configurations. A recurring challenge in their development, however, is the identification of components that are optimised for inclusion in the final format in order to deliver both efficacy and robust biophysical properties. Using a modular BsAb format, the mAb-dAb, we assessed whether an ‘in-format’ screening approach, designed to select format-compatible domain antibodies, could expedite lead discovery. Human nerve growth factor (NGF) was selected as an antigen to validate the approach; domain antibody (dAb) libraries were screened, panels of binders identified, and binding affinities and potencies compared for selected dAbs and corresponding mAb-dAbs. A number of dAbs that exhibited high potency (IC50) when assessed in-format were identified. In contrast, the corresponding dAb monomers had ∼1000-fold lower potency than the formatted dAbs; such dAb monomers would therefore have been omitted from further characterization. Subsequent stoichiometric analyses of mAb-dAbs bound to NGF, or an additional target antigen (vascular endothelial growth factor), suggested different target binding modes; this indicates that the observed potency improvements cannot be attributed simply to an avidity effect offered by the mAb-dAb format. We conclude that, for certain antigens, screening naïve selection outputs directly in-format enables the identification of a subset of format-compatible dAbs, and that this offers substantial benefits in terms of molecular properties and development time. PMID:27786601

Reductive amination of aldehyde 2,4-dinitorophenylhydrazones using 2-picoline borane and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Shigehisa; Inaba, Yohei; Matsumoto, Mariko; Suzuki, Gen

2009-01-01

A new method for the determination of carbonyls in air using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) has been developed. The traditional method for the measurement of carbonyl compounds, using DNPH to form the corresponding 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (DNPhydrazone) derivatives, is subject to analytical errors because DNPhydrazones form both E- and Z-geometrical isomers as a result of the C=N double bond. To overcome this issue, a method for transforming the C=N double bond into a C-N single bond, using reductive amination of DNPhydrazone derivatives, has been developed. Reductive amination of aldehyde DNPhydrazones was carried out by adding 2-picoline borane acetonitrile solution in eluate through the DNPH-cartridge. The amination reactions of C(1)-C(10) aldehyde DNPhydrazones were completely converted into the reduced forms within 40 min in the presence of 1 mmol/L 2-picoline borane and 20 mmol/L of phosphoric acid. These reduced forms were very stable and did not change when stored for 2 weeks at room temperature. The absorption maximum wavelengths of the reduced forms from C(1)-C(10) aldehyde DNPhydrazones were 351-352 nm and shifted 6-7 nm toward shorter wavelengths when compared to the corresponding DNPhydrazones, and the molar absorption coefficients were 1.5 x 10(4) (C(1)) to 2.2 x 10(4) L/mol/cm (C(10)). Complete separation between C(1)-C(10) aldehyde DNPhydrazones and the corresponding reduced forms can be achieved by operating the HPLC in gradient mode using an Ascentis RP-Amide column (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.). The RSDs of DNPhydrazone (Z + E) peak areas ranged from 0.40-0.66 and those of the corresponding reduced forms ranged from 0.26-0.41. It was shown that the reductive amination method gave improved HPLC analytical precision because of the absence of isomers.

Crystallin-αB Regulates Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis via Modulation of Argonaute2 Activity*

PubMed Central

Neppl, Ronald L.; Kataoka, Masaharu; Wang, Da-Zhi

2014-01-01

The core functional machinery of the RNAi pathway is the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein Argonaute2 (Ago2) is essential for siRNA-directed endonuclease activity and RNAi/microRNA-mediated gene silencing. Crystallin-αB (CryAB) is a small heat shock protein involved in preventing protein aggregation. We demonstrate that CryAB interacts with the N and C termini of Ago2, not the catalytic site defined by the convergence of the PAZ, MID, and PIWI domains. We further demonstrate significantly reduced Ago2 activity in the absence of CryAB, highlighting a novel role of CryAB in the mammalian RNAi/microRNA pathway. In skeletal muscle of CryAB null mice, we observe a shift in the hypertrophy-atrophy signaling axis toward atrophy under basal conditions. Moreover, loss of CryAB altered the capability of satellite cells to regenerate skeletal muscle. These studies establish that CryAB is necessary for normal Ago2/RISC activity and cellular homeostasis in skeletal muscle. PMID:24782307

Selective modification of NMR relaxation time in human colorectal carcinoma by using gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid conjugated with monoclonal antibody 19-9.

PubMed Central

Curtet, C; Tellier, C; Bohy, J; Conti, M L; Saccavini, J C; Thedrez, P; Douillard, J Y; Chatal, J F; Koprowski, H

1986-01-01

Monoclonal antibody 19-9 (mAb 19-9) against human colon adenocarcinoma was conjugated with gadolinium X diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd X DTPA) and used as a contrast agent in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in an effort to improve tumor target selectivity in nude mice. The data indicate that Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 in solution decreased the T1 relaxation of water protons at 90 MHz in direct proportion to the gadolinium concentration, and this effect was greater than in Gd X DTPA solutions. T1 relaxation time at 90 MHz, measured in tumors removed from nude mice 24 hr after injection of Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 (Gd, 20 mumol/kg; 16 DTPA molecules per mAb molecule), was significantly decreased (by 15%) as compared with the control group. Similar results were obtained in tumors from mice injected with Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 solutions in which Gd was used at 2, 6, or 10 mumol/kg (16 DTPA molecules per mAb molecule). These doses are lower than those commonly used for Gd X DTPA (10-100 mumol/kg) as contrast agent. Tumor localization by the Gd X DTPA-mAb 19-9 complex containing radioactive Gd (0.3 microCi/microgram of 153Gd) to confirm scintigraphy revealed significant concentrations of the complex (5% of the injected dose per gram of tissue) in the tumor. Scan images recorded in planar scintigraphy at day 5 showed good visualization of tumors. Images PMID:3459174

FREE RADICALS IN THERMALLY STERILIZED ACIDUM BORICUM AND OPTIMIZATION OF THIS PROCESS.

PubMed

Ramos, Paweł; Pilawa, Barbara

2015-01-01

Free radicals formation in the acidum boricum (AB) during thermal sterilization process was examined by an X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Acidum boricum was sterilized according to the pharmacopea norms at temperatures 160°C (120 min), 170°C (60 min), and 180°C (30 min). Free radicals (~10(17) spin/g) were thermally formed in these drug. The free radicals system revealed complex character, and the asymmetrical EPR spectra were measured. Mainly oxygen free radicals exist in the tested heated AB. Slower spin-lattice relaxation processes exist in AB sterilized at 160, 170 and 180°C. AB may be sterilized at temperatures 160, 170 and 180°C. For AB thermal sterilization at temperature 170°C is recommended. Free radicals concentrations changes during storage of the examined AB, and probably interactions with oxygen molecules may be responsible for this effect.

Development and application of ab initio QM/MM methods for mechanistic simulation of reactions in solution and in enzymes

PubMed Central

Hu, Hao; Yang, Weitao

2013-01-01

Determining the free energies and mechanisms of chemical reactions in solution and enzymes is a major challenge. For such complex reaction processes, combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method is the most effective simulation method to provide an accurate and efficient theoretical description of the molecular system. The computational costs of ab initio QM methods, however, have limited the application of ab initio QM/MM methods. Recent advances in ab initio QM/MM methods allowed the accurate simulation of the free energies for reactions in solution and in enzymes and thus paved the way for broader application of the ab initio QM/MM methods. We review here the theoretical developments and applications of the ab initio QM/MM methods, focusing on the determination of reaction path and the free energies of the reaction processes in solution and enzymes. PMID:24146439

Synergistic anti-tumor therapy by a comb-like multifunctional antibody nanoarray with exceptionally potent activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huafei; Sun, Yun; Chen, Di; Zhao, He; Zhao, Mengxin; Zhu, Xiandi; Ke, Changhong; Zhang, Ge; Jiang, Cheng; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Fulei; Wei, Huafeng; Li, Wei

2015-10-01

Simultaneously blocking multiple mediators offers new hope for the treatment of complex diseases. However, the curative potential of current combination therapy by chronological administration of separate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or multi-specific mAbs is still moderate due to inconvenient manipulation, low cooperative effectors, poor pharmacokinetics and insufficient tumor accumulation. Here, we describe a facile strategy that arms distinct mAbs with cooperative effectors onto a long chain to form a multicomponent comb-like nano mAb. Unlike dissociative parental mAbs, the multifunctional mAb nanoarray (PL-RB) constructed from type I/II anti-CD20 mAbs shows good pharmacokinetics. This PL-RB simultaneously targets distinct epitopes on a single antigen (Ag) and neighboring Ags on different lymphocytes. This unique intra- and intercellular Ag cross-linking endows the multifunctional mAb nanoarray with potent apoptosis activity. The exceptional apoptosis, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) that are synchronously evoked by the nano PL-RB are further synergistically promoted via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR), which resulted in high intratumor accumulation and excellent anti-lymphoma efficiency.

Synergistic anti-tumor therapy by a comb-like multifunctional antibody nanoarray with exceptionally potent activity.

PubMed

Li, Huafei; Sun, Yun; Chen, Di; Zhao, He; Zhao, Mengxin; Zhu, Xiandi; Ke, Changhong; Zhang, Ge; Jiang, Cheng; Zhang, Li; Zhang, Fulei; Wei, Huafeng; Li, Wei

2015-10-28

Simultaneously blocking multiple mediators offers new hope for the treatment of complex diseases. However, the curative potential of current combination therapy by chronological administration of separate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or multi-specific mAbs is still moderate due to inconvenient manipulation, low cooperative effectors, poor pharmacokinetics and insufficient tumor accumulation. Here, we describe a facile strategy that arms distinct mAbs with cooperative effectors onto a long chain to form a multicomponent comb-like nano mAb. Unlike dissociative parental mAbs, the multifunctional mAb nanoarray (PL-RB) constructed from type I/II anti-CD20 mAbs shows good pharmacokinetics. This PL-RB simultaneously targets distinct epitopes on a single antigen (Ag) and neighboring Ags on different lymphocytes. This unique intra- and intercellular Ag cross-linking endows the multifunctional mAb nanoarray with potent apoptosis activity. The exceptional apoptosis, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) that are synchronously evoked by the nano PL-RB are further synergistically promoted via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR), which resulted in high intratumor accumulation and excellent anti-lymphoma efficiency.

Human Anti-V3 HIV-1 Monoclonal Antibodies Encoded by the VH5-51/VL Lambda Genes Define a Conserved Antigenic Structure

PubMed Central

Gorny, Miroslaw K.; Sampson, Jared; Li, Huiguang; Jiang, Xunqing; Totrov, Maxim; Wang, Xiao-Hong; Williams, Constance; O'Neal, Timothy; Volsky, Barbara; Li, Liuzhe; Cardozo, Timothy; Nyambi, Phillipe; Zolla-Pazner, Susan; Kong, Xiang-Peng

2011-01-01

Preferential usage of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes that encode antibodies (Abs) against various pathogens is rarely observed and the nature of their dominance is unclear in the context of stochastic recombination of Ig genes. The hypothesis that restricted usage of Ig genes predetermines the antibody specificity was tested in this study of 18 human anti-V3 monoclonal Abs (mAbs) generated from unrelated individuals infected with various subtypes of HIV-1, all of which preferentially used pairing of the VH5-51 and VL lambda genes. Crystallographic analysis of five VH5-51/VL lambda-encoded Fabs complexed with various V3 peptides revealed a common three dimensional (3D) shape of the antigen-binding sites primarily determined by the four complementarity determining regions (CDR) for the heavy (H) and light (L) chains: specifically, the H1, H2, L1 and L2 domains. The CDR H3 domain did not contribute to the shape of the binding pocket, as it had different lengths, sequences and conformations for each mAb. The same shape of the binding site was further confirmed by the identical backbone conformation exhibited by V3 peptides in complex with Fabs which fully adapted to the binding pocket and the same key contact residues, mainly germline-encoded in the heavy and light chains of five Fabs. Finally, the VH5-51 anti-V3 mAbs recognized an epitope with an identical 3D structure which is mimicked by a single mimotope recognized by the majority of VH5-51-derived mAbs but not by other V3 mAbs. These data suggest that the identification of preferentially used Ig genes by neutralizing mAbs may define conserved epitopes in the diverse virus envelopes. This will be useful information for designing vaccine immunogen inducing cross-neutralizing Abs. PMID:22164215

DARPA Ensemble-Based Modeling Large Graphs & Applications to Social Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-29

Fortunato, and D. Krioukov. How random are complex networks. Nature Communications , submitted (2015). http://arxiv.org/abs/1505.07503 [p2] I. Miklos...enterprise communication networks, PLOS One, 10(3), e0119446 (2015). http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.3708v3 [p21] A. Nyberg, T. Gross, and K.E. Bassler...using a radiation model based on temporal ranges. Nature Communications , 5, 5347 (2014) | http://arxiv.org/abs/1410.4849 [p28] L.A. Székely, H. Wang

The adnAB Locus, Encoding a Putative Helicase-Nuclease Activity, Is Essential in Streptomyces

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lingli; Nguyen, Hoang Chuong; Chipot, Ludovic; Piotrowski, Emilie; Bertrand, Claire

2014-01-01

Homologous recombination is a crucial mechanism that repairs a wide range of DNA lesions, including the most deleterious ones, double-strand breaks (DSBs). This multistep process is initiated by the resection of the broken DNA ends by a multisubunit helicase-nuclease complex exemplified by Escherichia coli RecBCD, Bacillus subtilis AddAB, and newly discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis AdnAB. Here we show that in Streptomyces, neither recBCD nor addAB homologues could be detected. The only putative helicase-nuclease-encoding genes identified were homologous to M. tuberculosis adnAB genes. These genes are conserved as a single copy in all sequenced genomes of Streptomyces. The disruption of adnAB in Streptomyces ambofaciens and Streptomyces coelicolor could not be achieved unless an ectopic copy was provided, indicating that adnAB is essential for growth. Both adnA and adnB genes were shown to be inducible in response to DNA damage (mitomycin C) and to be independently transcribed. Introduction of S. ambofaciens adnAB genes in an E. coli recB mutant restored viability and resistance to UV light, suggesting that Streptomyces AdnAB could be a functional homologue of RecBCD and be involved in DNA damage resistance. PMID:24837284

Diversity of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec elements in nosocomial multiresistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates.

PubMed

Szczuka, Ewa; Krajewska, Magdalena; Lijewska, Dagmara; Bosacka, Karolina; Kaznowski, Adam

2016-11-01

Staphylococcus haemolyticus is the second, most frequently isolated coagulase-negative staphyloccus (CoNS) from patients with hospital-acquired infections, and it is usually resistant to methicillin and other semisynthetic penicillins. The purpose of this study was to characterize staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements and assess the in-vitro activity of antibiotics against 60 S. haemolyticus strains recovered from hospitalized patients. All these strains expressed methicillin resistance and carried a mecA gene. Moreover, all strains possessed a multiresistant phenotype, i.e., exhibited resistance to more than three classes of antibiotics. Eleven strains (18 %) harbored the SCCmec type V, containing ccrC and mec complex C. Three isolates harboring the ccrC gene did not contain a known mec complex. One strain positive for mec complex C was not typeable for ccr. This suggests that ccrC and mec complex C may exist autonomously. Only four strains carried mec complex B, whereas none of the S. haemolyticus harboured mec complex A. A new combination, which is mec complex B-ccrAB ship , was found in S. haemolitycus. The ccrAB ship was also identified in two strains of S. haemolitycus in which the mec gene complex was not identified. The results of the present study indicate that in S. haemolyticus the mec gene complex and the ccr genes are highly divergent. However, ccr sequence analysis does not allow the identification of a new allotype, based on a cut-off value of 85 % identity. The ccr genes in the S. haemolitycus strain showed ≥96 % sequence identity to the ccrAB2 genes.

Microbial community biomass and structure in saline and non-saline soils associated with salt, boran tolerant poplar clones grown for the phytoremediation of selenium

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effect of naturally-occurring salts, boron (B), and selenium (Se) on soil microbial community composition associated with plants during different growing seasons used in bioremediation strategies is not known. This information is needed for developing sustainable remediation practices as soil mi...

Time resolved native ion-mobility mass spectrometry to monitor dynamics of IgG4 Fab arm exchange and "bispecific" monoclonal antibody formation.

PubMed

Debaene, François; Wagner-Rousset, Elsa; Colas, Olivier; Ayoub, Daniel; Corvaïa, Nathalie; Van Dorsselaer, Alain; Beck, Alain; Cianférani, Sarah

2013-10-15

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and derivatives such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) and bispecific antibodies (bsAb), are the fastest growing class of human therapeutics. Most of the therapeutic antibodies currently on the market and in clinical trials are chimeric, humanized, and human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). An increasing number of IgG2s and IgG4s that have distinct structural and functional properties are also investigated to develop products that lack or have diminished antibody effector functions compared to IgG1. Importantly, wild type IgG4 has been shown to form half molecules (one heavy chain and one light chain) that lack interheavy chain disulfide bonds and form intrachain disulfide bonds. Moreover, IgG4 undergoes a process of Fab-arm exchange (FAE) in which the heavy chains of antibodies of different specificities can dissociate and recombine in bispecific antibodies both in vitro and in vivo. Here, native mass spectrometry (MS) and time-resolved traveling wave ion mobility MS (TWIM-MS) were used for the first time for online monitoring of FAE and bsAb formation using Hz6F4-2v3 and natalizumab, two humanized IgG4s which bind to human Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A) and alpha4 integrin, respectively. In addition, native MS analysis of bsAb/JAM-A immune complexes revealed that bsAb can bind up to two antigen molecules, confirming that the Hz6F4 family preferentially binds dimeric JAM-A. Our results illustrate how IM-MS can rapidly assess bsAb structural heterogeneity and be easily implemented into MS workflows for bsAb production follow up and bsAb/antigen complex characterization. Altogether, these results provide new MS-based methodologies for in-depth FAE and bsAb formation monitoring. Native MS and IM-MS will play an increasing role in next generation biopharmaceutical product characterization like bsAbs, antibody mixtures, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) as well as for biosimilar and biobetter antibodies.

A high level Ab initio study of the anionic hydrogen-bonded complexes FH-CN-, FH-NC-, H2O-CN- and H2O-NC-

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Timothy J.

1989-01-01

HF, H2O, CN- and their hydrogen-bonded complexes were studied using state-of-the-art ab initio quantum mechanical methods. A large Gaussian one particle basis set consisting of triple zeta plus double polarization plus diffuse s and p functions (TZ2P + diffuse) was used. The theoretical methods employed include self consistent field, second order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory, singles and doubles configuration interaction theory and the singles and doubles coupled cluster approach. The FH-CN- and FH-NC- and H2O-CN-, H2O-NC- pairs of complexes are found to be essentially isoenergetic. The first pair of complexes are predicted to be bound by approx. 24 kcal/mole and the latter pair bound by approximately 15 kcal/mole. The ab initio binding energies are in good agreement with the experimental values. The two being shorter than the analogous C-N hydrogen bond. The infrared (IR) spectra of the two pairs of complexes are also very similar, though a severe perturbation of the potential energy surface by proton exchange means that the accurate prediction of the band center of the most intense IR mode requires a high level of electronic structure theory as well as a complete treatment of anharmonic effects. The bonding of anionic hydrogen-bonded complexes is discussed and contrasted with that of neutral hydrogen-bonded complexes.

Ab initio and DFT study of hydrogen bond interactions between ascorbic acid and dimethylsulfoxide based on FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niazazari, Naser; Zatikyan, Ashkhen L.; Markarian, Shiraz A.

2013-06-01

The hydrogen bonding of 1:1 complexes formed between L-ascorbic acid (LAA) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) has been studied by means of ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Solutions of L-ascorbic acid (AA) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) have been studied by means of both FT-IR (4000-220 cm-1) and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) and DFT methods have been used to determine the structure and energies of stable conformers of various types of L-AA/DMSO complexes in gas phase and solution. The basis sets 6-31++G∗∗ and 6-311+G∗ were used to describe the structure, energy, charges and vibrational frequencies of interacting complexes in the gas phase. The optimized geometric parameters and interaction energies for various complexes at different theories have been estimated. Binding energies have been corrected for basis set superposition error (BSSE) and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the structures have been calculated to obtain the stable forms of the complexes. The self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) has been used to calculate the effect of DMSO as the solvent on the geometry, energy and charges of complexes. The solvent effect has been studied using the Onsager models. It is shown that the polarity of the solvent plays an important role on the structures and relative stabilities of different complexes. The results obtained show that there is a satisfactory correlation between experimental and theoretical predictions.

Lanthanide complex coordination polyhedron geometry prediction accuracies of ab initio effective core potential calculations.

PubMed

Freire, Ricardo O; Rocha, Gerd B; Simas, Alfredo M

2006-03-01

lanthanide coordination compounds efficiently and accurately is central for the design of new ligands capable of forming stable and highly luminescent complexes. Accordingly, we present in this paper a report on the capability of various ab initio effective core potential calculations in reproducing the coordination polyhedron geometries of lanthanide complexes. Starting with all combinations of HF, B3LYP and MP2(Full) with STO-3G, 3-21G, 6-31G, 6-31G* and 6-31+G basis sets for [Eu(H2O)9]3+ and closing with more manageable calculations for the larger complexes, we computed the fully predicted ab initio geometries for a total of 80 calculations on 52 complexes of Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Tm(III), the largest containing 164 atoms. Our results indicate that RHF/STO-3G/ECP appears to be the most efficient model chemistry in terms of coordination polyhedron crystallographic geometry predictions from isolated lanthanide complex ion calculations. Moreover, both augmenting the basis set and/or including electron correlation generally enlarged the deviations and aggravated the quality of the predicted coordination polyhedron crystallographic geometry. Our results further indicate that Cosentino et al.'s suggestion of using RHF/3-21G/ECP geometries appears to be indeed a more robust, but not necessarily, more accurate recommendation to be adopted for the general lanthanide complex case. [Figure: see text].

A-B Distinction in a Sample of Prominent Psychotherapists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geller, Jesse D.; Berzins, Juris I.

1976-01-01

A sample of prominent psychotherapists were asked to fill out the A-B therapist "type" scale and comment on their possible differential effectiveness in treating schizoid/schizophrenic versus neurotic patients. The data suggest that B therapists desire and seek more complex and exciting sensory-cognitive inputs during therapy hours than A…

Electromagnetic Wave Propagation through Circular Waveguides Containing Radially Inhomogeneous Lossy Media

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

where the slope becomes infinite. This point could represent a cutoff frequency of the two coupled complex modes as a/b increases and the cutin ...a good example of attenuation near the cutin for each mode. A common characteristic throughout these plots, and also very similar to the cc versus a/b

Adsorption behavior and mechanism of acidic blue 25 dye onto cucurbit[8]uril: A spectral and DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Hanhan; Huang, Xiangyu; Luo, Yuhan; Li, Zhuang; Li, Lan; Gao, Chao; Xiong, Jinyan; Li, Wei

2018-03-01

The acidic blue 25 (AB25) dye was efficiently adsorbed by CB [8]; the saturated adsorption capacity (qexp) reached 434.8 mg/g and was far higher than those of previous reported adsorbents. The Langmuir and Freundich isotherms were used to fit the equilibrium data, and the results showed that the Freundlich isotherm seemed to agree better with the AB25 adsorption. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. Calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of AB25 onto CB [8] was a spontaneous and enthalpy-driven process. The adsorption mechanism was explored by N2 adsorption-desorption, TG, FT-IR, UV-vis as well as MD simulation and DFT calculations. TG analysis revealed that a new inclusion complex was produced, and FT-IR,UV-vis spectrum and DFT calculations verify its structure. In this inclusion complex, the AB25 dye molecule inserted into cavities of CB [8] from portal, and the sulfonate and phenyl groups stayed in the hydrophobic cavity. TDDFT calculations indicated that all excitation arisen from π → π* transition.

Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies against Disparate Epitopes on Ricin Toxin’s Enzymatic Subunit Interfere with Intracellular Toxin Transport

PubMed Central

Yermakova, Anastasiya; Klokk, Tove Irene; O’Hara, Joanne M.; Cole, Richard; Sandvig, Kirsten; Mantis, Nicholas J.

2016-01-01

Ricin is a member of the A-B family of bacterial and plant toxins that exploit retrograde trafficking to the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a means to deliver their cytotoxic enzymatic subunits into the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. In this study we demonstrate that R70 and SyH7, two well-characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against distinct epitopes on the surface of ricin’s enzymatic subunit (RTA), interfere with toxin transport from the plasma membrane to the trans Golgi network. Toxin-mAb complexes formed on the cell surface delayed ricin’s egress from EEA-1+ and Rab7+ vesicles and enhanced toxin accumulation in LAMP-1+ vesicles, suggesting the complexes were destined for degradation in lysosomes. Three other RTA-specific neutralizing mAbs against different epitopes were similar to R70 and SyH7 in terms of their effects on ricin retrograde transport. We conclude that interference with toxin retrograde transport may be a hallmark of toxin-neutralizing antibodies directed against disparate epitopes on RTA. PMID:26949061

Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies against Disparate Epitopes on Ricin Toxin's Enzymatic Subunit Interfere with Intracellular Toxin Transport.

PubMed

Yermakova, Anastasiya; Klokk, Tove Irene; O'Hara, Joanne M; Cole, Richard; Sandvig, Kirsten; Mantis, Nicholas J

2016-03-07

Ricin is a member of the A-B family of bacterial and plant toxins that exploit retrograde trafficking to the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a means to deliver their cytotoxic enzymatic subunits into the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. In this study we demonstrate that R70 and SyH7, two well-characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against distinct epitopes on the surface of ricin's enzymatic subunit (RTA), interfere with toxin transport from the plasma membrane to the trans Golgi network. Toxin-mAb complexes formed on the cell surface delayed ricin's egress from EEA-1(+) and Rab7(+) vesicles and enhanced toxin accumulation in LAMP-1(+) vesicles, suggesting the complexes were destined for degradation in lysosomes. Three other RTA-specific neutralizing mAbs against different epitopes were similar to R70 and SyH7 in terms of their effects on ricin retrograde transport. We conclude that interference with toxin retrograde transport may be a hallmark of toxin-neutralizing antibodies directed against disparate epitopes on RTA.

Ab initio parameterization of a charge optimized many-body forcefield for Si-SiO2: Validation and thermal transport in nanostructures.

PubMed

France-Lanord, Arthur; Soukiassian, Patrick; Glattli, Christian; Wimmer, Erich

2016-03-14

In an effort to extend the reach of current ab initio calculations to simulations requiring millions of configurations for complex systems such as heterostructures, we have parameterized the third-generation Charge Optimized Many-Body (COMB3) potential using solely ab initio total energies, forces, and stress tensors as input. The quality and the predictive power of the new forcefield are assessed by computing properties including the cohesive energy and density of SiO2 polymorphs, surface energies of alpha-quartz, and phonon densities of states of crystalline and amorphous phases of SiO2. Comparison with data from experiments, ab initio calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations using published forcefields including BKS (van Beest, Kramer, and van Santen), ReaxFF, and COMB2 demonstrates an overall improvement of the new parameterization. The computed temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of crystalline alpha-quartz and the Kapitza resistance of the interface between crystalline Si(001) and amorphous silica is in excellent agreement with experiment, setting the stage for simulations of complex nanoscale heterostructures.

Amino acid residues in the GerAB protein important in the function and assembly of the alanine spore germination receptor of Bacillus subtilis 168.

PubMed

Cooper, Gareth R; Moir, Anne

2011-05-01

The paradigm gerA operon is required for endospore germination in response to c-alanine as the sole germinant, and the three protein products, GerAA, GerAB, and GerAC are predicted to form a receptor complex in the spore inner membrane. GerAB shows homology to the amino acid-polyamine-organocation (APC) family of single-component transporters and is predicted to be an integral membrane protein with 10 membrane-spanning helices. Site-directed mutations were introduced into the gerAB gene at its natural location on the chromosome. Alterations to some charged or potential helix-breaking residues within membrane spans affected receptor function dramatically. In some cases, this is likely to reflect the complete loss of the GerA receptor complex, as judged by the absence of the germinant receptor protein GerAC, which suggests that the altered GerAB protein itself may be unstable or that the altered structure destabilizes the complex. Mutants that have a null phenotype for Instituto de Biotecnología de León, INBIOTEC, Parque Científico de León, Av. Real, 1, 24006 León, Spain-alanine germination but retain GerAC protein at near-normal levels are more likely to define amino acid residues of functional, rather than structural, importance. Single-amino-acid substitutions in each of the GerAB and GerAA proteins can prevent incorporation of GerAC protein into the spore; this provides strong evidence that the proteins within a specific receptor interact and that these interactions are required for receptor assembly. The lipoprotein nature of the GerAC receptor subunit is also important; an amino acid change in the prelipoprotein signal sequence in the gerAC1 mutant results in the absence of GerAC protein from the spore.

Revisiting the Electronic Structure of FeS Monomers Using ab Initio Ligand Field Theory and the Angular Overlap Model.

PubMed

Chilkuri, Vijay Gopal; DeBeer, Serena; Neese, Frank

2017-09-05

Iron-sulfur (FeS) proteins are universally found in nature with actives sites ranging in complexity from simple monomers to multinuclear sites from two up to eight iron atoms. These sites include mononuclear (rubredoxins), dinuclear (ferredoxins and Rieske proteins), trinuclear (e.g., hydrogenases), and tetranuclear (various ferredoxins and high-potential iron-sulfur proteins). The electronic structure of the higher-nuclearity clusters is inherently extremely complex. Hence, it is reasonable to take a bottom-up approach in which clusters of increasing nuclearity are analyzed in terms of the properties of their lower nuclearity constituents. In the present study, the first step is taken by an in-depth analysis of mononuclear FeS systems. Two different FeS molecules with phenylthiolate and methylthiolate as ligands are studied in their oxidized and reduced forms using modern wave function-based ab initio methods. The ab initio electronic spectra and wave function are presented and analyzed in detail. The very intricate electronic structure-geometry relationship in these systems is analyzed using ab initio ligand field theory (AILFT) in conjunction with the angular overlap model (AOM) parametrization scheme. The simple AOM model is used to explain the effect of geometric variations on the electronic structure. Through a comparison of the ab initio computed UV-vis absorption spectra and the available experimental spectra, the low-energy part of the many-particle spectrum is carefully analyzed. We show ab initio calculated magnetic circular dichroism spectra and present a comparison with the experimental spectrum. Finally, AILFT parameters and the ab initio spectra are compared with those obtained experimentally to understand the effect of the increased covalency of the thiolate ligands on the electronic structure of FeS monomers.

Hydrocarbon-soluble calcium hydride: a "worker-bee" in calcium chemistry.

PubMed

Spielmann, Jan; Harder, Sjoerd

2007-01-01

The reactivity of the hydrocarbon-soluble calcium hydride complex [{CaH(dipp-nacnac)(thf)}(2)] (1; dipp-nacnac=CH{(CMe)(2,6-iPr(2)C(6)H(3)N)}(2)) with a large variety of substrates has been investigated. Addition of 1 to C=O and C=N functionalities gave easy access to calcium alkoxide and amide complexes. Similarly, reduction of the C[triple chemical bond]N bond in a cyanide or an isocyanide resulted in the first calcium aldimide complexes [Ca{N=C(H)R}(dipp-nacnac)] and [Ca{C(H)=NR}(dipp-nacnac)], respectively. Complexation of 1 with borane or alane Lewis acids gave the borates and alanates as contact ion pairs. In reaction with epoxides, nucleophilic ring-opening is observed as the major reaction. The high reactivity of hydrocarbon-soluble 1 with most functional groups contrasts strongly with that of insoluble CaH(2), which is essentially inert and is used as a common drying agent. Crystal structures of the following products are presented: [{Ca{OC(H)Ph(2)}(dipp-nacnac)}(2)], [{Ca{N=C(H)Ph}(dipp-nacnac)}(2)], [{Ca{C(H)=NC(Me)(2)CH(2)C(Me)(3)}(dipp-nacnac)}(2)], [{Ca{C(H)=NCy}(dipp-nacnac)}(2)], [Ca(dipp-nacnac)(thf)](+)[H(2)BC(8)H(14)](-) and [{Ca(OCy)(dipp-nacnac)}(2)]. The generally smooth and clean conversions of 1 with a variety of substrates and the stability of most intermediates against ligand exchange make 1 a valuable key precursor in the syntheses of a wide variety of beta-diketiminate calcium complexes.

Efficient Nitrogen Fixation via a Redox-Flexible Single-Iron Site with Reverse-Dative Iron → Boron σ Bonding.

PubMed

Lu, Jun-Bo; Ma, Xue-Lu; Wang, Jia-Qi; Liu, Jin-Cheng; Xiao, Hai; Li, Jun

2018-05-10

Model systems of the FeMo cofactor of nitrogenase have been explored extensively in catalysis to gain insights into their ability for nitrogen fixation that is of vital importance to the human society. Here we investigate the trigonal pyramidal borane-ligand Fe complex by first-principles calculations, and find that the variation of oxidation state of Fe along the reaction path correlates with that of the reverse-dative Fe → B bonding. The redox-flexibility of the reverse-dative Fe → B bonding helps to provide an electron reservoir that buffers and stabilizes the evolution of Fe oxidation state, which is essential for forming the key intermediates of N 2 activation. Our work provides insights for understanding and optimizing homogeneous and surface single-atom catalysts with reverse-dative donating ligands for efficient dinitrogen fixation. The extension of this kind of molecular catalytic active center to heterogeneous catalysts with surface single-clusters is also discussed.

Albumin is synthesized in epididymis and aggregates in a high molecular mass glycoprotein complex involved in sperm-egg fertilization.

PubMed

Arroteia, Kélen Fabíola; Barbieri, Mainara Ferreira; Souza, Gustavo Henrique Martins Ferreira; Tanaka, Hiromitsu; Eberlin, Marcos Nogueira; Hyslop, Stephen; Alvares, Lúcia Elvira; Pereira, Luís Antonio Violin Dias

2014-01-01

The epididymis has an important role in the maturation of sperm for fertilization, but little is known about the epididymal molecules involved in sperm modifications during this process. We have previously described the expression pattern for an antigen in epididymal epithelial cells that reacts with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) TRA 54. Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses suggest that the epitope of the epididymal antigen probably involves a sugar moiety that is released into the epididymal lumen in an androgen-dependent manner and subsequently binds to luminal sperm. Using column chromatography, SDS-PAGE with in situ digestion and mass spectrometry, we have identified the protein recognized by mAb TRA 54 in mouse epididymal epithelial cells. The ∼65 kDa protein is part of a high molecular mass complex (∼260 kDa) that is also present in the sperm acrosomal vesicle and is completely released after the acrosomal reaction. The amino acid sequence of the protein corresponded to that of albumin. Immunoprecipitates with anti-albumin antibody contained the antigen recognized by mAb TRA 54, indicating that the epididymal molecule recognized by mAb TRA 54 is albumin. RT-PCR detected albumin mRNA in the epididymis and fertilization assays in vitro showed that the glycoprotein complex containing albumin was involved in the ability of sperm to recognize and penetrate the egg zona pellucida. Together, these results indicate that epididymal-derived albumin participates in the formation of a high molecular mass glycoprotein complex that has an important role in egg fertilization.

More than Memory Impairment in Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Complex Encephalopathy

PubMed Central

Bettcher, Brianne M.; Gelfand, Jeffrey M.; Irani, Sarosh R.; Neuhaus, John; Forner, Sven; Hess, Christopher P.; Geschwind, Michael D.

2014-01-01

Objective Autoimmune encephalopathies (AE) are a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders that affect cognition. Although memory difficulties are commonly endorsed, few reports of AE inclusively assess all cognitive domains in detail. Our aim was to perform an unbiased cognitive evaluation of AE patients with voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies (VGKCC-Abs) in order to delineate cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Methods We assessed serial VGKCC-Abs AE subjects (n=12) with a comprehensive evaluation of memory, executive functions, visuospatial skills, and language. Clinical MRI (n=10/12) was evaluated. Five subjects had serial cognitive testing available, permitting descriptive analysis of change. Results Subjects demonstrated mild to moderate impairment in memory (mean Z=−1.9) and executive functions (mean Z=−1.5), with variable impairments in language and sparing of visuospatial skills. MRI findings showed T2 hyperintensities in medial temporal lobe (10/10) and basal ganglia (2/10). Serial cognitive examination revealed heterogeneity in cognitive function; whereas most patients improved in one or more domains, residual impairments were observed in some patients. Conclusions This study augments prior neuropsychological analyses in VGKCC-Ab AE by identifying not only memory and executive function deficits, but also language impairments, with preservation of visuospatial functioning. This study further highlights the importance of domain-specific testing to parse out the complex cognitive phenotypes of VGKCC-Ab AE. PMID:24981998

Free Energy Calculations of Crystalline Hard Sphere Complexes Using Density Functional Theory

DOE PAGES

Gunawardana, K. G.S.H.; Song, Xueyu

2014-12-22

Recently developed fundamental measure density functional theory (FMT) is used to study binary hard sphere (HS) complexes in crystalline phases. By comparing the excess free energy, pressure and phase diagram, we show that the fundamental measure functional yields good agreements to the available simulation results of AB, AB 2 and AB 13 crystals. Additionally, we use this functional to study the HS models of five binary crystals, Cu 5Zr(C15 b), Cu 51Zr 14(β), Cu 10Zr 7(φ), CuZr(B2) and CuZr 2 (C11 b), which are observed in the Cu-Zr system. The FMT functional gives well behaved minimum for most of themore » hard sphere crystal complexes in the two dimensional Gaussian space, namely a crystalline phase. However, the current version of FMT functional (white Bear) fails to give a stable minimum for the structure Cu 10Zr 7(φ). We argue that the observed solid phases for the HS models of the Cu-Zr system are true thermodynamic stable phases and can be used as a reference system in perturbation calculations.« less

Exchange coupling and magnetic anisotropy in a family of bipyrimidyl radical-bridged dilanthanide complexes: density functional theory and ab initio calculations.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi-Quan; Luo, Cheng-Lin; Zhang, Qiang

2014-05-05

The origin of the magnetic anisotropy energy barriers in a series of bpym(-) (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) radical-bridged dilanthanide complexes [(Cp*2Ln)2(μ-bpym)](+) [Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; Ln = Gd(III) (1), Tb(III) (2), Dy(III) (3), Ho(III) (4), Er(III) (5)] has been explored using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio methods. DFT calculations show that the exchange coupling between the two lanthanide ions for each complex is very weak, but the antiferromagnetic Ln-bpym(-) couplings are strong. Ab initio calculations show that the effective energy barrier of 2 or 3 mainly comes from the contribution of a single Tb(III) or Dy(III) fragment, which is only about one third of a single Ln energy barrier. For 4 or 5, however, both of the two Ho(III) or Er(III) fragments contribute to the total energy barrier. Thus, it is insufficient to only increase the magnetic anisotropy energy barrier of a single Ln ion, while enhancing the Ln-bpym(-) couplings is also very important. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Targeted cancer therapy based on single-wall carbon nanohorns with doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaona; Shu, Chang; Guo, Jing; Pang, Lili; Su, Lin; Fu, Degang; Zhong, Wenying

2014-07-01

A new targeted drug delivery system (DDS) based on oxidized single-wall carbon nanohorns (oxSWCNHs) was developed. Sodium alginate (SA) was used to modify oxSWCNHs to improve its dispersibility and biocompatibility, the first time such a modification to oxSWCNHs was reported. The humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monoclonal antibody was bound to the SA as targeting group to selectively kill the tumor cells. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was conjugated to oxSWCNHs in basic pH solution by π-π stacking, and its release was triggered by the lower pH as the micro-environment of the tumor. Quantitative analyses showed that the DOX@oxSWCNHs/SA complexes contained 1 g DOX per gram of oxSWCNHs. Cell experiment showed that the DOX@oxSWCNHs/SA-mAb effectively targeted the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and rarely adhered to the human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. And the anticancer effects of the complexes were higher than those of the free DOX. Pharmaceutical efficiency in vivo showed that the relative tumor volumes (RTV) of normal saline (NS) group, oxSWCNH/SA-mAb (2.5 mg/kg) group, DOX (2.5 mg/kg) group, and DOX@oxSWCNHs/SA-mAb (2.5 mg/kg) group were approximately 61, 56, 14, and 7.2, respectively. In addition, higher drug dose (5 mg/kg) of DOX@oxSWCNHs/SA-mAb resulted in a better antitumor activity. Histopathological studies in mice confirmed that the DOX@oxSWCNHs/SA-mAb complexes did not demonstrate any detectable hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity.

Pharmacokinetics and concentration-effect relationships of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins.

PubMed

Ternant, David; Paintaud, Gilles

2005-09-01

Although monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) constitute a major advance in therapeutics, their pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties are not fully understood. Saturable mechanisms are thought to occur in distribution and elimination of mAbs, which are protected from degradation by the Brambell's receptor (FcRn). The binding of mAbs to their target antigen explains part of their nonlinear PK and PD properties. The interindividual variability in mAb PK can be explained by several factors, including immune response against the biodrug and differences in the number of antigenic sites. The concentration-effect relationships of mAbs are complex and dependent on their mechanism of action. Interindividual differences in mAb PD can be explained by factors such as genetics and clinical status. PK and concentration-effect studies are necessary to design optimal dosing regimens. Because of their above-mentioned characteristics, the interindividual variability in their dose-response relationships must be studied by PK-PD modelling.

Light Absorption Enhancement of Black Carbon Aerosol Constrained by Particle Morphology.

PubMed

Wu, Yu; Cheng, Tianhai; Liu, Dantong; Allan, James D; Zheng, Lijuan; Chen, Hao

2018-06-19

The radiative forcing of black carbon aerosol (BC) is one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate change assessments. Contrasting results of BC absorption enhancement ( E abs ) after aging are estimated by field measurements and modeling studies, causing ambiguous parametrizations of BC solar absorption in climate models. Here we quantify E abs using a theoretical model parametrized by the complex particle morphology of BC in different aging scales. We show that E abs continuously increases with aging and stabilizes with a maximum of ∼3.5, suggesting that previous seemingly contrast results of E abs can be explicitly described by BC aging with corresponding particle morphology. We also report that current climate models using Mie Core-Shell model may overestimate E abs at a certain aging stage with a rapid rise of E abs , which is commonly observed in the ambient. A correction coefficient for this overestimation is suggested to improve model predictions of BC climate impact.

In vitro transport activity of the fully assembled MexAB-OprM efflux pump from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verchère, Alice; Dezi, Manuela; Adrien, Vladimir; Broutin, Isabelle; Picard, Martin

2015-04-01

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue and many bacteria responsible for human infections have now developed a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. For instance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a disease-causing Gram-negative bacteria, is now resistant to almost every class of antibiotics. Much of this resistance is attributable to multidrug efflux pumps, which are tripartite membrane protein complexes that span both membranes and actively expel antibiotics. Here we report an in vitro procedure to monitor transport by the tripartite MexAB-OprM pump. By combining proteoliposomes containing the MexAB and OprM portions of the complex, we are able to assay energy-dependent substrate translocation in a system that mimics the dual-membrane architecture of Gram-negative bacteria. This assay facilitates the study of pump transport dynamics and could be used to screen pump inhibitors with potential clinical use in restoring therapeutic activity of old antibiotics.

Boron compounds as anion binding agents for nonaqueous battery electrolytes

DOEpatents

Lee, Hung Sui; Yang, Xia-Oing; McBreen, James; Xiang, Caili

2000-02-08

Novel fluorinated boron-based compounds which act as anion receptors in non-aqueous battery electrolytes are provided. When added to non-aqueous battery electrolytes, the fluorinated boron-based compounds of the invention enhance ionic conductivity and cation transference number of non-aqueous electrolytes. The fluorinated boron-based anion receptors include borane and borate compounds bearing different fluorinated alkyl and aryl groups.

Effects of Task Complexity on the Fluency and Lexical Complexity in EFL Students' Argumentative Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ong, Justina; Zhang, Lawrence Jun

2010-01-01

Based on Robinson's (2001a,b, 2003) Cognition Hypothesis and Skehan's (1998) Limited Attentional Capacity Model, this study explored the effects of task complexity on the fluency and lexical complexity of 108 EFL students' argumentative writing. Task complexity was manipulated using three factors: (1) availability of planning time; (2) provision…

Exploring proton transfer in 1,2,3-triazole-triazolium dimer with ab initio method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ailin; Yan, Tianying; Shen, Panwen

Ab initio calculations are utilized to search for transition state structures for proton transfer in the 1,2,3-triazole-triazolium complexes on the basis of optimized dimers. The result suggests six transition state structures for single proton transfer in the complexes, most of which are coplanar. The energy barriers, between different stable and transition states structures with zero point energy (ZPE) corrections, show that proton transfer occurs at room temperature with coplanar configuration that has the lowest energy. The results clearly support that reorientation gives triazole flexibility for proton transfer.

Two proteins modulating transendothelial migration of leukocytes recognize novel carboxylated glycans on endothelial cells.

PubMed

Srikrishna, G; Panneerselvam, K; Westphal, V; Abraham, V; Varki, A; Freeze, H H

2001-04-01

We recently showed that a class of novel carboxylated N:-glycans was constitutively expressed on endothelial cells. Activated, but not resting, neutrophils expressed binding sites for the novel glycans. We also showed that a mAb against these novel glycans (mAbGB3.1) inhibited leukocyte extravasation in a murine model of peritoneal inflammation. To identify molecules that mediated these interactions, we isolated binding proteins from bovine lung by their differential affinity for carboxylated or neutralized glycans. Two leukocyte calcium-binding proteins that bound in a carboxylate-dependent manner were identified as S100A8 and annexin I. An intact N terminus of annexin I and heteromeric assembly of S100A8 with S100A9 (another member of the S100 family) appeared necessary for this interaction. A mAb to S100A9 blocked neutrophil binding to immobilized carboxylated glycans. Purified human S100A8/A9 complex and recombinant human annexin I showed carboxylate-dependent binding to immobilized bovine lung carboxylated glycans and recognized a subset of mannose-labeled endothelial glycoproteins immunoprecipitated by mAbGB3.1. Saturable binding of S100A8/A9 complex to endothelial cells was also blocked by mAbGB3.1. These results suggest that the carboxylated glycans play important roles in leukocyte trafficking by interacting with proteins known to modulate extravasation.

Autoantibody Profiles in Collagen Disease Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Antibodies to Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I-Related Chain A (MICA) as Markers of ILD

PubMed Central

Furukawa, Hiroshi; Oka, Shomi; Shimada, Kota; Masuo, Kiyoe; Nakajima, Fumiaki; Funano, Shunichi; Tanaka, Yuki; Komiya, Akiko; Fukui, Naoshi; Sawasaki, Tatsuya; Tadokoro, Kenji; Nose, Masato; Tsuchiya, Naoyuki; Tohma, Shigeto

2015-01-01

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is frequently associated with collagen disease. It is then designated as collagen vascular disease-associated ILD (CVD-ILD), and influences patients’ prognosis. The prognosis of acute-onset diffuse ILD (AoDILD) occurring in patients with collagen disease is quite poor. Here, we report our investigation of auto-antibody (Ab) profiles to determine whether they may be useful in diagnosing CVD-ILD or AoDILD in collagen disease. Auto-Ab profiles were analyzed using the Lambda Array Beads Multi-Analyte System, granulocyte immunofluorescence test, Proto-Array Human Protein Microarray, AlphaScreen assay, and glutathione S-transferase capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 34 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with or without CVD-ILD and in 15 patients with collagen disease with AoDILD. The average anti-major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA) Ab levels were higher in RA patients with CVD-ILD than in those without (P = 0.0013). The ratio of the average anti-MICA Ab level to the average anti-human leukocyte antigen class I Ab level (ie, MICA/Class I) was significantly higher in RA patients with CVD-ILD compared with those without (P = 4.47 × 10−5). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of auto-Ab profiles in CVD-ILD. The MICA/Class I ratio could be a better marker for diagnosing CVD-ILD than KL-6 (Krebs von den lungen-6). PMID:26327779

A high-throughput shotgun mutagenesis approach to mapping B-cell antibody epitopes.

PubMed

Davidson, Edgar; Doranz, Benjamin J

2014-09-01

Characterizing the binding sites of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on protein targets, their 'epitopes', can aid in the discovery and development of new therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines. However, the speed of epitope mapping techniques has not kept pace with the increasingly large numbers of mAbs being isolated. Obtaining detailed epitope maps for functionally relevant antibodies can be challenging, particularly for conformational epitopes on structurally complex proteins. To enable rapid epitope mapping, we developed a high-throughput strategy, shotgun mutagenesis, that enables the identification of both linear and conformational epitopes in a fraction of the time required by conventional approaches. Shotgun mutagenesis epitope mapping is based on large-scale mutagenesis and rapid cellular testing of natively folded proteins. Hundreds of mutant plasmids are individually cloned, arrayed in 384-well microplates, expressed within human cells, and tested for mAb reactivity. Residues are identified as a component of a mAb epitope if their mutation (e.g. to alanine) does not support candidate mAb binding but does support that of other conformational mAbs or allows full protein function. Shotgun mutagenesis is particularly suited for studying structurally complex proteins because targets are expressed in their native form directly within human cells. Shotgun mutagenesis has been used to delineate hundreds of epitopes on a variety of proteins, including G protein-coupled receptor and viral envelope proteins. The epitopes mapped on dengue virus prM/E represent one of the largest collections of epitope information for any viral protein, and results are being used to design better vaccines and drugs. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sleep disturbances in voltage-gated potassium channel antibody syndrome.

PubMed

Barone, Daniel A; Krieger, Ana C

2016-05-01

Voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) are a family of membrane proteins responsible for controlling cell membrane potential. The presence of antibodies (Ab) against neuronal VGKC complexes aids in the diagnosis of idiopathic and paraneoplastic autoimmune neurologic disorders. The diagnosis of VGKC Ab-associated encephalopathy (VCKC Ab syndrome) should be suspected in patients with subacute onset of disorientation, confusion, and memory loss in the presence of seizures or a movement disorder. VGKC Ab syndrome may present with sleep-related symptoms, and the purpose of this communication is to alert sleep and neurology clinicians of this still-under-recognized condition. In this case, we are presenting the VGKC Ab syndrome which improved after treatment with solumedrol. The prompt recognition and treatment of this condition may prevent the morbidity associated with cerebral atrophy and the mortality associated with intractable seizures and electrolyte disturbances. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Ab initio study of weakly bound halogen complexes: RX⋯PH3.

PubMed

Georg, Herbert C; Fileti, Eudes E; Malaspina, Thaciana

2013-01-01

Ab initio calculations were employed to study the role of ipso carbon hybridization in halogenated compounds RX (R=methyl, phenyl, acetyl, H and X=F, Cl, Br and I) and its interaction with a phosphorus atom, as occurs in the halogen bonded complex type RX⋯PH3. The analysis was performed using ab initio MP2, MP4 and CCSD(T) methods. Systematic energy analysis found that the interaction energies are in the range -4.14 to -11.92 kJ mol(-1) (at MP2 level without ZPE correction). Effects of electronic correlation levels were evaluated at MP4 and CCSD(T) levels and a reduction of up to 27% in interaction energy obtained in MP2 was observed. Analysis of the electrostatic maps confirms that the PhCl⋯PH3 and all MeX⋯PH3 complexes are unstable. NBO analysis suggested that the charge transfer between the moieties is bigger when using iodine than bromine and chlorine. The electrical properties of these complexes (dipole and polarizability) were determined and the most important observed aspect was the systematic increase at the dipole polarizability, given by the interaction polarizability. This increase is in the range of 0.7-6.7 u.a. (about 3-7%).

A33 antibody-functionalized exosomes for targeted delivery of doxorubicin against colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Gao, Yuan; Gong, Chunai; Wang, Zhuo; Xia, Qingming; Gu, Fenfen; Hu, Chuling; Zhang, Lijuan; Guo, Huiling; Gao, Shen

2018-06-20

Exosomes have emerged as a promising drug carrier with low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility and delivery efficiency. Here in, we isolated exosomes from A33-positive LIM1215 cells (A33-Exo) and loaded them with doxorubicin (Dox). Furthermore, we coated surface-carboxyl superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (US) with A33 antibodies (A33Ab-US), expecting that these A33 antibodies on the surface of the nanoparticles could bind to A33-positive exosomes and form a complex (A33Ab-US-Exo/Dox) to target A33-positive colon cancer cells. The results showed that A33Ab-US-Exo/Dox had good binding affinity and antiproliferative effect in LIM1215 cells, as shown by increased uptake of the complex. In vivo study showed that A33Ab-US-Exo/Dox had an excellent tumor targeting ability, and was able to inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival of the mice with reduced cardiotoxicity. In summary, exosomes functionalized by targeting ligands through coating with high-density antibodies may prove to be a novel delivery system for targeted drugs against human cancers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular determinants of dengue virus 2 envelope protein important for virus entry in FcγRIIA-mediated antibody-dependent enhancement of infection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chotiwan, Nunya; Roehrig, John T.; Schlesinger, Jacob J.

Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection may cause severe illness in patients suffering a secondary infection by a heterologous dengue virus (DENV) serotype. During ADE of infection, cross-reactive non- or poorly-neutralizing antibodies form infectious virus-Ab complexes with the newly infecting serotype and enhance virus infection by binding to the Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on FcγR-bearing cells. In this study, we determined that molecular determinants of DENV2 envelope protein critical for virus entry during non-ADE infection are also required for ADE infection mediated by FcγRIIA, and binding of virus-Ab complexes with FcγRIIA alone is not sufficient for ADE of infection. The FcγRIIA mainlymore » plays an auxiliary role in concentrating the virus–Ab complex to the cell surface, and other primary cellular receptors are required for virus entry. Understanding the viral entry pathway in ADE of DENV infection will greatly facilitate rational designs of anti-viral therapeutics against severe dengue disease associated with ADE. - Highlights: • KKK305/307/310 in DENV2 E-DIII is critical for virus attachment in ADE and non-ADE infection. • Binding of DENV2–Ab complex with FcγRII alone is not sufficient for virus entry in ADE infection. • Other primary receptors were required for DENV2 internalization during FcγRII–mediated ADE. • G104 and L135 of DENV2 E are critical for virus-mediated membrane fusion. • DENV2 virus-mediated membrane fusion is required for both ADE and non-ADE infection.« less

The diagnostic value of cytokeratins and carcinoembryonic antigen immunostaining in differentiating hepatocellular carcinomas from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas.

PubMed

Stroescu, Cezar; Herlea, Vlad; Dragnea, Adrian; Popescu, Irinel

2006-03-01

To study the differences between the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and peripheral type of cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) using cytokeratin (CK) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) expressions and assessing their accuracy on paraffin sections in the differential diagnosis. The following antibodies were analyzed: AB1 complex (anti CK9-CK20), AB2 complex (anti CK1-CK8), pCEA, and the monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins CK7, CK8/18, CK17 and CK19. In the mmunohistochemical studies, 15 selected surgically resected liver tumors, 10 HCCs and 5 CHCs, with well established diagnosis (by morphological criteria) were included. Other markers, such as AFP si CA 19-9, were not available. No CHC, but 50% of HCCs were positive for CEA, presenting a canalicular staining pattern. For CK 7, all but one (which was focally positive), meaning 80% of CHCs were diffusely positive, whereas only two HCCs were positive. For CK 19, 80% of CHCs were diffusely positive, while all but two HCCs (a moderately and a poorly differentiated tumor) were negative. For CK 8/18, 70% of HCCs were diffusely positive, whereas only 20% of CHCs were positive. For CK 17, 60% of CHCs were positive, while all HCCs were negative. 80% of CHCs were positive for AB1 anti-CKs complex, whereas only 50% of HCCs were positive, and relating to AB2 anti-CKs complex, 50% of HCCs were diffusely positive and only 20% of CHCs. The immunohistochemical expression of CKs and CEA might be considered helpful in addition to other diagnostic criteria for the differential diagnosis of primary carcinomas of the liver, especially in difficult cases.

Concentration dependence of electrical resistivity of binary liquid alloy HgZn: Ab-initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Nalini; Thakur, Anil; Ahluwalia, P. K.

2013-06-01

The electrical resistivity of HgZn liquid alloy has been made calculated using Troullier and Martins ab-initio pseudopotential as a function of concentration. Hard sphere diameters of Hg and Zn are obtained through the inter-ionic pair potential have been used to calculate partial structure factors. Considering the liquid alloy to be a ternary mixture Ziman's formula for calculating the resistivity of binary liquid alloys, modified for complex formation, has been used. These results suggest that ab-initio approach for calculating electrical resistivity is quite successful in explaining the electronic transport properties of binary Liquid alloys.

Bridging the gap: facilities and technologies for development of early stage therapeutic mAb candidates.

PubMed

Munro, Trent P; Mahler, Stephen M; Huang, Edwin P; Chin, David Y; Gray, Peter P

2011-01-01

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) currently dominate the biologics marketplace. Development of a new therapeutic mAb candidate is a complex, multistep process and early stages of development typically begin in an academic research environment. Recently, a number of facilities and initiatives have been launched to aid researchers along this difficult path and facilitate progression of the next mAb blockbuster. Complementing this, there has been a renewed interest from the pharmaceutical industry to reconnect with academia in order to boost dwindling pipelines and encourage innovation. In this review, we examine the steps required to take a therapeutic mAb from discovery through early stage preclinical development and toward becoming a feasible clinical candidate. Discussion of the technologies used for mAb discovery, production in mammalian cells and innovations in single-use bioprocessing is included. We also examine regulatory requirements for product quality and characterization that should be considered at the earliest stages of mAb development. We provide details on the facilities available to help researchers and small-biotech build value into early stage product development, and include examples from within our own facility of how technologies are utilized and an analysis of our client base.

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations on the associated complexes of lithium cyanide with ammonia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohandas, P.; Shivaglal, M.C.; Chandrasekhar, J.

Ab initio molecular orbital (MO) calculations with the 3-21G and 6-31G basis sets are carried out on a series of complexes of NH{sub 3} with Li{sup +}, C{triple_bond}N{sup -}, LiCN, and its isomer LiNC. The BSSE-corrected interaction energies, geometrical parameters, internal force constants, and harmonic vibrational frequencies are evaluated for 15 species. Complexes with trifurcated (C{sub 3v}) structures are calculated to be saddle points on the potential energy surfaces and have one imaginary frequency each. Calculated energies, geometrical parameters, internal force constants, and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the various species considered are discussed in terms of the nature of associationmore » of LiCN with ammonia. The vibrational frequencies of the relevant complexed species are compared with the experimental frequencies reported earlier for solutions of lithium cyanide in liquid ammonia. 40 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.« less

Influence of Pressure on Physical Property of Ammonia Borane and its Re-hydrogenation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Jiuhua

The project systematically studied the high pressure behavior of ammonia borane and its derivative lithium amidoborane. Phase transitions in these materials are investigated in the pressure range up to 20 GPa and temperature range from 80 K to 400K. A number of new phase transitions are discovered in this pressure and temperature range including a second order transformation at 5 GPa and a first order transformation at 12 GPa at room temperature, and four new transitions at high pressure and low temperatures. The Clapeyron slopes for both pressure-induce tetragonal (I4mm) phase to orthorhombic (Cmc21) phase and temperature-induce tetragonal (I4mm) phasemore » to orthorhombic (Pmn21) phase are determined to be positive, indicating these phase transitions are exothermic. This result demonstrates that the high pressure orthorhombic phase of ammonia borane has lower enthalpy than that of tetragonal phase at ambient conditions. If we assume decomposition from the orthorhombic phase yields the same products as that from the tetragonal phase, the decomposition of the orthorhombic phase will be less exothermic. Therefore rehydrogenation from the decomposed product into the orthorhombic phase at high pressure may become easier. The project also studied the influences of nanoconfinement on the phase transitions. Comparative study using Raman spectroscopy indicates that the temperature induced I4mm to Pmn21 transition is suppressed from 217 K to 195 K when the sample is confined in SBA15 (7-9 nm pore size). When the pore size is reduced from 7-9 nm to 3-4 nm, this transition is totally suppressed in the temperature down to 80 K. A similar influence of the nanoconfiement on pressure induced phase transitions is also observed using Raman spectroscopy. The phase boundary between the I4mm phase and high pressure Cmc21 phase at ambient temperature shifts from 0.9 GPa to 0.5 GPa; and that between the Cmc21 phase and higher pressure P21 phase shifts from 10.2 GPa to 9.7 GPa.« less

In vitro and in vivo characterisation of anti-murine IL-13 antibodies recognising distinct functional epitopes.

PubMed

Berry, L M; Adams, R; Airey, M; Bracher, M G; Bourne, T; Carrington, B; Cross, A S; Davies, G C G; Finney, H M; Foulkes, R; Gozzard, N; Griffin, R A; Hailu, H; Lamour, S D; Lawson, A D; Lightwood, D J; McKnight, A J; O'Dowd, V L; Oxbrow, A K F; Popplewell, A G; Shaw, S; Stephens, P E; Sweeney, B; Tomlinson, K L; Uhe, C; Palframan, R T

2009-02-01

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) sequentially binds to IL-13Ralpha1 and IL-4Ralpha forming a high affinity signalling complex. This receptor complex is expressed on multiple cell types in the airway and signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-6 (STAT-6) to stimulate the production of chemokines, cytokines and mucus. Antibodies have been generated, using the UCB Selected Lymphocyte Antibody Method (UCB SLAM), that block either binding of murine IL-13 (mIL-13) to mIL-13Ralpha1 and mIL-13Ralpha2, or block recruitment of mIL-4Ralpha to the mIL-13/mIL-13Ralpha1 complex. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) A was shown to bind to mIL-13 with high affinity (K(D) 11 pM) and prevent binding of mIL-13 to mIL-13Ralpha1. MAb B, that also bound mIL-13 with high affinity (K(D) 8 pM), was shown to prevent recruitment of mIL-4Ralpha to the mIL-13/mIL-13Ralpha1 complex. In vitro, mAbs A and B similarly neutralised mIL-13-stimulated STAT-6 activation and TF-1 cell proliferation. In vivo, mAbs A and B demonstrated equipotent, dose-dependent inhibition of eotaxin generation in mice stimulated by intraperitoneal administration of recombinant mIL-13. In an allergic lung inflammation model in mice, mAbs A and B equipotently inhibited muc5ac mucin mRNA upregulation in lung tissue measured two days after intranasal allergen challenge. These data support the design of therapeutics for the treatment of allergic airway disease that inhibits assembly of the high affinity IL-13 receptor signalling complex, by blocking the binding of IL-13 to IL-13Ralpha1 and IL-13Ralpha2, or the subsequent recruitment of IL-4Ralpha.

Character of intermolecular interaction in pyridine-argon complex: Ab initio potential energy surface, internal dynamics, and interrelations between SAPT energy components.

PubMed

Makarewicz, Jan; Shirkov, Leonid

2016-05-28

The pyridine-Ar (PAr) van der Waals (vdW) complex is studied using a high level ab initio method. Its structure, binding energy, and intermolecular vibrational states are determined from the analytical potential energy surface constructed from interaction energy (IE) values computed at the coupled cluster level of theory with single, double, and perturbatively included triple excitations with the augmented correlation consistent polarized valence double-ζ (aug-cc-pVDZ) basis set complemented by midbond functions. The structure of the complex at its global minimum with Ar at a distance of 3.509 Å from the pyridine plane and shifted by 0.218 Å from the center of mass towards nitrogen agrees well with the corresponding equilibrium structure derived previously from the rotational spectrum of PAr. The PAr binding energy De of 392 cm(-1) is close to that of 387 cm(-1) calculated earlier at the same ab initio level for the prototypical benzene-Ar (BAr) complex. However, under an extension of the basis set, De for PAr becomes slightly lower than De for BAr. The ab initio vdW vibrational energy levels allow us to estimate the reliability of the methods for the determination of the vdW fundamentals from the rotational spectra. To disclose the character of the intermolecular interaction in PAr, the symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) is employed for the analysis of different physical contributions to IE. It is found that SAPT components of IE can be approximately expressed in the binding region by only two of them: the exchange repulsion and dispersion energy. The total induction effect is negligible. The interrelations between various SAPT components found for PAr are fulfilled for a few other complexes involving aromatic molecules and Ar or Ne, which indicates that they are valid for all rare gas (Rg) atoms and aromatics.

Comparison of DOTA and NODAGA as chelators for (64)Cu-labeled immunoconjugates.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sukhen C; Pinkston, Kenneth L; Robinson, Holly; Harvey, Barrett R; Wilganowski, Nathaniel; Gore, Karen; Sevick-Muraca, Eva M; Azhdarinia, Ali

2015-02-01

Bifunctional chelators have been shown to impact the biodistribution of monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based imaging agents. Recently, radiolabeled 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA)-peptide complexes have demonstrated improved in vivo stability and performance compared to their 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) counterparts. Here, we investigated if similar utility could be achieved with mAbs and compared (64)Cu-labeled DOTA and NODAGA-immunoconjugates for the detection of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in a prostate cancer model. DOTA and NODAGA-immunoconjugates of an EpCAM targeting mAb (mAb7) were synthesized and radiolabeled with (64)Cu (DOTA: 40°C for 1hr; NODAGA: 25°C for 1hr). The average number of chelators per mAb was quantified by isotopic dilution, and the biological activity of the immunoconjugates was evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA. Radioligand assays were performed to compare cellular uptake and determine the dissociation constant (Kd) and maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) for the immunoconjugates using DsRed-transfected PC3-cells. A PC3-DsRed xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice and used to perform biodistribution studies to compare organ uptake and pharmacokinetics. (64)Cu-DOTA-mAb7 and (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7 were prepared with chelator/protein ratios of 2-3 and obtained in comparable radiochemical yields ranging from 59 to 71%. Similar immunoreactivity was observed with both agents, and mock labeling studies indicated that incubation at room temperature or 40°C did not affect potency. (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7 demonstrated higher in vitro cellular uptake while (64)Cu-DOTA-mAb7 had higher Kd and Bmax values. From the biodistribution data, we found similar tumor uptake (13.44±1.21%ID/g and 13.24±4.86%ID/g for (64)Cu-DOTA-mAb7 and (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7, respectively) for both agents at 24hr, although normal prostate tissue was significantly lower for (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7. (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7 also had less accumulation in the liver, suggesting excellent retention of the chelation complex in vivo. This was further confirmed by the higher blood activity of (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7, which corresponds to increased bioavailability afforded by the enhanced in vivo stability of the agent. Although tumor/muscle ratios were comparable, tumor/prostate ratios were >2-fold and 1.5-fold higher for (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7 at 24 and 48hr, respectively, and suggest better ability to discriminate tumor tissue with (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7 in our prostate cancer model. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first comparison of (64)Cu-labeled DOTA and NODAGA immunoconjugates in vivo. Our results show favorable in vivo performance for (64)Cu-NODAGA-mAb7 which builds upon previous data on our hybrid mAb7 imaging agent by increasing the detection sensitivity for metastatic prostate tumors, as well as for other types of cancer that express EpCAM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental identification of nitrogen-vacancy complexes in nitrogen implanted silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Lahir Shaik; Law, Mark E.; Szpala, Stanislaw; Simpson, P. J.; Lawther, Derek; Dokumaci, Omer; Hegde, Suri

2001-07-01

Nitrogen implantation is commonly used in multigate oxide thickness processing for mixed signal complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor and System on a Chip technologies. Current experiments and diffusion models indicate that upon annealing, implanted nitrogen diffuses towards the surface. The mechanism proposed for nitrogen diffusion is the formation of nitrogen-vacancy complexes in silicon, as indicated by ab initio studies by J. S. Nelson, P. A. Schultz, and A. F. Wright [Appl. Phys. Lett. 73, 247 (1998)]. However, to date, there does not exist any experimental evidence of nitrogen-vacancy formation in silicon. This letter provides experimental evidence through positron annihilation spectroscopy that nitrogen-vacancy complexes indeed form in nitrogen implanted silicon, and compares the experimental results to the ab initio studies, providing qualitative support for the same.

Ab initio study on the 1:2 reaction of CO 2 with dimethylamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamróz, MichałH.; Dobrowolski, Jan Cz.; Borowiak, Marek A.

1997-02-01

The reaction between CO 2 and the dimethylamine molecule in the presence of a second dimethylamine molecule is modeled by the ab initio RHF/3-21G method. Starting from the most stable 1:2 complex, the most effective reaction pathway turned out to be proton transfer between amine molecules followed by immediate proton transfer from one of the amine molecules to the CO 2 moiety. The activation barrier for this pathway (9.54 kcal mol -1 with respect to the 1:2 complex) is within the range of activation energy values found in kinetic studies for similar reactions with different hydroxylamines (from 9.2 to 13.0 kcal mol -1). The reaction product is the cyclic hydrogen bonded complex of dimethylcarbamic acid with dimethylamine.

ABS 3D printed solutions for cryogenic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartolomé, E.; Bozzo, B.; Sevilla, P.; Martínez-Pasarell, O.; Puig, T.; Granados, X.

2017-03-01

3D printing has become a common, inexpensive and rapid prototyping technique, enabling the ad hoc fabrication of complex shapes. In this paper, we demonstrate that 3D printed objects in ABS can be used at cryogenic temperatures, offering flexible solutions in different fields. Firstly, a thermo-mechanical characterization of ABS 3D printed specimens at 77 K is reported, which allowed us to delimit the type of cryogenic uses where 3D printed pieces may be implemented. Secondly, we present three different examples where ABS 3D printed objects working at low temperatures have provided specific solutions: (i) SQUID inserts for angular magnetometry (low temperature material characterization field); (ii) a cage support for a metamaterial ;magnetic concentrator; (superconductivity application), and (iii) dedicated tools for cryopreservation in assisted reproductive techniques (medicine field).

Virtual synthesis of crystals using ab initio MD: Case study on LiFePO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, S. B.; Nanda, B. R. K.

2017-05-01

Molecular dynamics simulation technique is fairly successful in studying the structural aspects and dynamics of fluids. Here we study the ability of ab initio molecular dynamics (ab initio MD) to carry out virtual experiments to synthesize new crystalline materials and to predict their structures. For this purpose the olivine phosphate LiFePO4 (LFPO) is used as an example. As transition metal oxides in general are stabilized with layered geometry, we carried out ab initio MD simulations over a hypothetical layered configuration consisting of alternate LiPO2 and FeO2 layers. With intermittent steps of electron minimization, the resulted equilibrium lattice consist of PO4 tetrahedra and distorted Fe-O complexes similar to the one observed in the experimental lattice.

Ab initio theory and modeling of water.

PubMed

Chen, Mohan; Ko, Hsin-Yu; Remsing, Richard C; Calegari Andrade, Marcos F; Santra, Biswajit; Sun, Zhaoru; Selloni, Annabella; Car, Roberto; Klein, Michael L; Perdew, John P; Wu, Xifan

2017-10-10

Water is of the utmost importance for life and technology. However, a genuinely predictive ab initio model of water has eluded scientists. We demonstrate that a fully ab initio approach, relying on the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) density functional, provides such a description of water. SCAN accurately describes the balance among covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions that dictates the structure and dynamics of liquid water. Notably, SCAN captures the density difference between water and ice I h at ambient conditions, as well as many important structural, electronic, and dynamic properties of liquid water. These successful predictions of the versatile SCAN functional open the gates to study complex processes in aqueous phase chemistry and the interactions of water with other materials in an efficient, accurate, and predictive, ab initio manner.

Ab initio theory and modeling of water

PubMed Central

Chen, Mohan; Ko, Hsin-Yu; Remsing, Richard C.; Calegari Andrade, Marcos F.; Santra, Biswajit; Sun, Zhaoru; Selloni, Annabella; Car, Roberto; Klein, Michael L.; Perdew, John P.; Wu, Xifan

2017-01-01

Water is of the utmost importance for life and technology. However, a genuinely predictive ab initio model of water has eluded scientists. We demonstrate that a fully ab initio approach, relying on the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) density functional, provides such a description of water. SCAN accurately describes the balance among covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals interactions that dictates the structure and dynamics of liquid water. Notably, SCAN captures the density difference between water and ice Ih at ambient conditions, as well as many important structural, electronic, and dynamic properties of liquid water. These successful predictions of the versatile SCAN functional open the gates to study complex processes in aqueous phase chemistry and the interactions of water with other materials in an efficient, accurate, and predictive, ab initio manner. PMID:28973868

FTIR cryospectroscopic and ab initio studies of desflurane-dimethyl ether H-bonded complexes.

PubMed

Melikova, S M; Rutkowski, K S; Rospenk, M

2017-09-05

The IR spectra of mixtures of desflurane and dimethyl ether are studied with the help of FTIR cryospectroscopy in liquefied Kr at T~118-158K. Comparative analysis of the experimental data and results of ab initio calculations show that either of the two C-H groups of desflurane is involved in heterodimer formation of comparable strengths. The blue frequency shift is found for stretching vibrations of those C-H donors which directly participate in H-bond formation. Additionally the complexes are stabilized by weaker contacts between hydrogen atoms of dimethyl ether and fluorine atoms of desflurane. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complete 13C NMR chemical shifts assignment for cholesterol crystals by combined CP-MAS spectral editing and ab initio GIPAW calculations with dispersion forces.

PubMed

Küçükbenli, Emine; Sonkar, Kanchan; Sinha, Neeraj; de Gironcoli, Stefano

2012-04-12

We report here the first fully ab initio determination of (13)C NMR spectra for several crystal structures of cholesterol, observed in various biomaterials. We combine Gauge-Including Projector Augmented Waves (GIPAW) calculations at relaxed structures, fully including dispersion forces, with Magic Angle Spinning Solid State NMR experiments and spectral editing to achieve a detailed interpretation of the complex NMR spectra of cholesterol crystals. By introducing an environment-dependent secondary referencing scheme in our calculations, not only do we reproduce the characteristic spectral features of the different crystalline polymorphs, thus clearly discriminating among them, but also closely represent the spectrum in the region of several highly overlapping peaks. This, in combination with spectral editing, allows us to provide a complete peak assignment for monohydrate (ChM) and low-temperature anhydrous (ChAl) crystal polymorphs. Our results show that the synergy between ab initio calculations and refined experimental techniques can be exploited for an accurate and efficient NMR crystallography of complex systems of great interest for biomaterial studies. The method is general in nature and can be applied for studies of various complex biomaterials.

A full-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface and rovibrational energies of the Ar–HF complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jing; Zhou, Yanzi; Xie, Daiqian

2018-04-01

We report a new full-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface for the Ar-HF van der Waals complex at the level of coupled-cluster singles and doubles with noniterative inclusion of connected triples levels [CCSD(T)] using augmented correlation-consistent quintuple-zeta basis set (aV5Z) plus bond functions. Full counterpoise correction was employed to correct the basis-set superposition error. The hypersurface was fitted using artificial neural network method with a root mean square error of 0.1085 cm-1 for more than 8000 ab initio points. The complex was found to prefer a linear Ar-H-F equilibrium structure. The three-dimensional discrete variable representation method and the Lanczos propagation algorithm were then employed to calculate the rovibrational states without separating inter- and intra- molecular nuclear motions. The calculated vibrational energies of Ar-HF differ from the experiment values within about 1 cm-1 on the first four HF vibrational states, and the predicted pure rotational energies on (0000) and (1000) vibrational states are deviated from the observed value by about 1%, which shows the accuracy of our new PES.

Targeted Lymphoma Cell Death by Novel Signal Transduction Modifications

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind the two NH2-terminal immunoglobulin domains of CD22 and specifically block the interaction of CD22 with its...ligand blocking mAbs that effectively crosslink CD22 have distinct functional properties and facilitate assembly of an effector protein complex. These...immune mechanisms such as antibody and complement dependent cellular cytotoxicity. We hypothesize that enhancing the intrinsic pro-apoptotic

The mode of inhibitor binding to peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase: binding studies and structure determination of unbound and bound peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Acinetobacter baumannii.

PubMed

Kaushik, Sanket; Singh, Nagendra; Yamini, Shavait; Singh, Avinash; Sinha, Mau; Arora, Ashish; Kaur, Punit; Sharma, Sujata; Singh, Tej P

2013-01-01

The incidences of infections caused by an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii are very common in hospital environments. It usually causes soft tissue infections including urinary tract infections and pneumonia. It is difficult to treat due to acquired resistance to available antibiotics is well known. In order to design specific inhibitors against one of the important enzymes, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Acinetobacter baumannii, we have determined its three-dimensional structure. Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (AbPth) is involved in recycling of peptidyl-tRNAs which are produced in the cell as a result of premature termination of translation process. We have also determined the structures of two complexes of AbPth with cytidine and uridine. AbPth was cloned, expressed and crystallized in unbound and in two bound states with cytidine and uridine. The binding studies carried out using fluorescence spectroscopic and surface plasmon resonance techniques revealed that both cytidine and uridine bound to AbPth at nanomolar concentrations. The structure determinations of the complexes revealed that both ligands were located in the active site cleft of AbPth. The introduction of ligands to AbPth caused a significant widening of the entrance gate to the active site region and in the process of binding, it expelled several water molecules from the active site. As a result of interactions with protein atoms, the ligands caused conformational changes in several residues to attain the induced tight fittings. Such a binding capability of this protein makes it a versatile molecule for hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNAs having variable peptide sequences. These are the first studies that revealed the mode of inhibitor binding in Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolases which will facilitate the structure based ligand design.

The sandwich-type electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for α-fetoprotein based on enrichment by Fe3O4-Au magnetic nano probes and signal amplification by CdS-Au composite nanoparticles labeled anti-AFP.

PubMed

Zhou, Hankun; Gan, Ning; Li, Tianhua; Cao, Yuting; Zeng, Saolin; Zheng, Lei; Guo, Zhiyong

2012-10-09

A novel and sensitive sandwich-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for ultra trace levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) based on sandwich immunoreaction strategy by enrichment using magnetic capture probes and quantum dots coated with Au shell (CdS-Au) as the signal tag. The capture probe was prepared by immobilizing the primary antibody of AFP (Ab1) on the core/shell Fe(3)O(4)-Au nanoparticles, which was first employed to capture AFP antigens to form Fe(3)O(4)-Au/Ab1/AFP complex from the serum after incubation. The product can be separated from the background solution through the magnetic separation. Then the CdS-Au labeled secondary antibody (Ab2) as signal tag (CdS-Au/Ab2) was conjugated successfully with Fe(3)O(4)-Au/Ab1/AFP complex to form a sandwich-type immunocomplex (Fe(3)O(4)-Au/Ab1/AFP/Ab2/CdS-Au), which can be further separated by an external magnetic field and produce ECL signals at a fixed voltage. The signal was proportional to a certain concentration range of AFP for quantification. Thus, an easy-to-use immunosensor with magnetic probes and a quantum dots signal tag was obtained. The immunosensor performed at a level of high sensitivity and a broad concentration range for AFP between 0.0005 and 5.0 ng mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.2 pg mL(-1). The use of magnetic probes was combined with pre-concentration and separation for trace levels of tumor markers in the serum. Due to the amplification of the signal tag, the immunosensor is highly sensitive, which can offer great promise for rapid, simple, selective and cost-effective detection of effective biomonitoring for clinical application. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Limbic encephalitis associated with anti-voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies as a cause of adult-onset mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Toyota, Tomoko; Akamatsu, Naoki; Tsuji, Sadatoshi; Nishizawa, Shigeru

2014-06-01

Recently, some reports have indicated that limbic encephalitis associated with anti-voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies (VGKC-Ab) is a cause of adult-onset mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). We report a 53-year-old woman who had her first epileptic seizure at the age of 50 years old. Examination by 3-Tesla brain MRI revealed left hippocampal high signal intensity and swelling on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2-weighted imaging at 2 months after her first seizure. The patient received intravenous methylprednisolone and carbamazepine 300 mg/day. One month later, MRI revealed improvement of her left hippocampal abnormalities. Thereafter, she had no seizures, however, three years after her first seizure, EEG revealed a seizure pattern in the left temporal region. Brain MRI revealed left hippocampal high signal intensity and brain fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed hypermetabolism. Her serum VGKC-Ab levels were 118 pM(normal < 100 pM). Intravenous methylprednisolone therapy was reinitiated. Two months later, her hippocampal abnormalities had improved and 3 months later her VGKC-Ab levels decreased to 4.4 pM. Remission of the epileptic seizures was also observed. This MTLE in the middle age was considered as limbic encephalitis associated with anti- VGKC-Ab. In cases of unexplained adult-onset MTLE, limbic encephalitis associated with anti-VGKC-Ab, which responds well to immunotherapy, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

IR Spectra of (HCOOH)2 and (DCOOH)2: Experiment, VSCF/VCI, and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Calculations Using Full-Dimensional Potential and Dipole Moment Surfaces.

PubMed

Qu, Chen; Bowman, Joel M

2018-05-17

We report quantum VSCF/VCI and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations of the IR spectra of (HCOOH) 2 and (DCOOH) 2 , using full-dimensional, ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces (PES and DMS). These surfaces are fits, using permutationally invariant polynomials, to 13 475 ab initio CCSD(T)-F12a electronic energies and MP2 dipole moments. Here "AIMD" means using these ab initio potential and dipole moment surfaces in the MD calculations. The VSCF/VCI calculations use all (24) normal modes for coupling, with a four-mode representation of the potential. The quantum spectra align well with jet-cooled and room-temperature experimental spectra over the spectral range 600-3600 cm -1 . Analyses of the complex O-H and C-H stretch bands are made based on the mixing of the VSCF/VCI basis functions. The comparisons of the AIMD IR spectra with both experimental and VSCF/VCI ones provide tests of the accuracy of the AIMD approach. These indicate good accuracy for simple bands but not for the complex O-H stretch band, which is upshifted from experimental and VSCF/VCI bands by roughly 300 cm -1 . In addition to testing the AIMD approach, the PES, DMS, and VSCF/VCI calculations for formic acid dimer provide opportunities for testing other methods to represent high-dimensional data and other methods that perform postharmonic vibrational calculations.

Structural comparison of four different antibodies interacting with human papillomavirus 16 and mechanisms of neutralization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guan, Jian; Bywaters, Stephanie M.; Brendle, Sarah A.

2015-09-15

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was used to solve the structures of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) complexed with fragments of antibody (Fab) from three different neutralizing monoclonals (mAbs): H16.1A, H16.14J, and H263.A2. The structure-function analysis revealed predominantly monovalent binding of each Fab with capsid interactions that involved multiple loops from symmetry related copies of the major capsid protein. The residues identified in each Fab-virus interface map to a conformational groove on the surface of the capsomer. In addition to the known involvement of the FG and HI loops, the DE loop was also found to constitute the core of each epitope.more » Surprisingly, the epitope mapping also identified minor contributions by EF and BC loops. Complementary immunological assays included mAb and Fab neutralization. The specific binding characteristics of mAbs correlated with different neutralizing behaviors in pre- and post-attachment neutralization assays. - Highlights: • We present HPV16-Fab complexes from neutralizing mAbs: H16.1A, H16.14J, and H263.A2. • The structure-function analysis revealed predominantly monovalent binding of each mAb. • Capsid–Fab interactions involved multiple loops from symmetry related L1 proteins. • Besides the known FG and HI loops, epitope mapping also identified DE, EF, and BC loops. • Neutralizing assays complement the structures to show multiple neutralization mechanisms.« less

Clinical and autoimmune features of a patient with autism spectrum disorder seropositive for anti-NMDA-receptor autoantibody.

PubMed

Gréa, Hélène; Scheid, Isabelle; Gaman, Alexandru; Rogemond, Véronique; Gillet, Sandy; Honnorat, Jérôme; Bolognani, Federico; Czech, Christian; Bouquet, Céline; Toledano, Elie; Bouvard, Manuel; Delorme, Richard; Groc, Laurent; Leboyer, Marion

2017-03-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by dysfunctions in social interactions resulting from a complex interplay between immunogenetic and environmental risk factors. Autoimmunity has been proposed as a major etiological component of ASD. Whether specific autoantibodies directed against brain targets are involved in ASD remains an open question. Here, we identified within a cohort an ASD patient with multiple circulating autoantibodies, including the well-characterized one against glutamate NMDA receptor (NMDAR-Ab). The patient exhibited alexithymia and previously suffered from two major depressive episodes without psychotic symptoms. Using a single molecule-based imaging approach, we demonstrate that neither NMDAR-Ab type G immunoglobulin purified from the ASD patient serum, nor that from a seropositive healthy subject, disorganize membrane NMDAR complexes at synapses. These findings suggest that the autistic patient NMDAR-Abs do not play a direct role in the etiology of ASD and that other autoantibodies directed against neuronal targets should be investigated.

Considerations on thermic and mechanic processes that appear when 3D printing using ABS fused deposition modelling technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amza, Catalin Gheorghe; Niţoi, Dan Florin

2018-02-01

3D printers are of recent history, but with an extremely rapid evolution both in technology and hardware involved. At present excellent performances are reached in applications such as 3D printing of various Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic parts for house building using Fused Deposition Modelling technology. Nevertheless, the thermic and mechanic processes that appear when manufacturing such plastic components are quite complex. This aspect is very important, especially when one wants to optimize the manufacturing of parts with certain geometrical complexity. The Finite Element Analysis/Modelling (FEA/FEM) is among the few methods that can study the thermic transfer processes and shape modifications that can appear due to non-seamar behavior that takes place when the ABS plastic material is cooling down. The current papers present such an analysis when simulating the deposition of several strings of materials. A thermic analysis is made followed by a study of deformations that appear when the structure cools down.

Positivity of the universal pairing in 3 dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calegari, Danny; Freedman, Michael H.; Walker, Kevin

2010-01-01

Associated to a closed, oriented surface S is the complex vector space with basis the set of all compact, oriented 3 -manifolds which it bounds. Gluing along S defines a Hermitian pairing on this space with values in the complex vector space with basis all closed, oriented 3 -manifolds. The main result in this paper is that this pairing is positive, i.e. that the result of pairing a nonzero vector with itself is nonzero. This has bearing on the question of what kinds of topological information can be extracted in principle from unitary (2+1) -dimensional TQFTs. The proof involves the construction of a suitable complexity function c on all closed 3 -manifolds, satisfying a gluing axiom which we call the topological Cauchy-Schwarz inequality, namely that c(AB) le max(c(AA),c(BB)) for all A,B which bound S , with equality if and only if A=B . The complexity function c involves input from many aspects of 3 -manifold topology, and in the process of establishing its key properties we obtain a number of results of independent interest. For example, we show that when two finite-volume hyperbolic 3 -manifolds are glued along an incompressible acylindrical surface, the resulting hyperbolic 3 -manifold has minimal volume only when the gluing can be done along a totally geodesic surface; this generalizes a similar theorem for closed hyperbolic 3 -manifolds due to Agol-Storm-Thurston.

A genetic variant of NLRP1 gene is associated with asbestos body burden in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

PubMed

Crovella, S; Moura, R R; Cappellani, S; Celsi, F; Trevisan, E; Schneider, M; Brollo, A; Nicastro, E M; Vita, F; Finotto, L; Zabucchi, G; Borelli, V

2018-01-01

The presence of asbestos bodies (ABs) in lung parenchyma is considered a histopathologic hallmark of past exposure to asbestos fibers, of which there was a population of longer fibers. The mechanisms underlying AB formation are complex, involving inflammatory responses and iron (Fe) metabolism. Thus, the responsiveness to AB formation is variable, with some individuals appearing to be poor AB formers. The aim of this study was to disclose the possible role of genetic variants of genes encoding inflammasome and iron metabolism proteins in the ability to form ABs in a population of 81 individuals from North East Italy, who died after having developed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This study included 86 genetic variants distributed in 10 genes involved in Fe metabolism and 7 genetic variants in two genes encoding for inflammasome molecules. Genotypes/haplotypes were compared according to the number of lung ABs. Data showed that the NLRP1 rs12150220 missense variant (H155L) was significantly correlated with numbers of ABs in MPM patients. Specifically, a low number of ABs was detected in individuals carrying the NLRP1 rs12150220 A/T genotype. Our findings suggest that the NLRP1 inflammasome might contribute in the development of lung ABs. It is postulated that the NLRP1 missense variant may be considered as one of the possible host genetic factors contributing to individual variability in coating efficiency, which needs to be taken when assessing occupational exposure to asbestos.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships of monoclonal antibodies in children.

PubMed

Edlund, Helena; Melin, Johanna; Parra-Guillen, Zinnia P; Kloft, Charlotte

2015-01-01

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) constitute a therapeutically and economically important drug class with increasing use in both adult and paediatric patients. The rather complex pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of mAbs have been extensively reviewed in adults. In children, however, limited information is currently available. This paper aims to comprehensively review published pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies of mAbs in children. The current status of mAbs in the USA and in Europe is outlined, including a critical discussion of the dosing strategies of approved mAbs. The pharmacokinetic properties of mAbs in children are exhaustively summarised along with comparisons to reports in adults: for each pharmacokinetic process, we discuss the general principles and mechanisms of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of mAbs, as well as key growth and maturational processes in children that might impact these characteristics. Throughout this review, considerable knowledge gaps are identified, especially regarding children-specific properties that influence pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity. Furthermore, the large heterogeneity in the presentation of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data limited clinical inferences in many aspects of paediatric mAb therapy. Overall, further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of body size and maturational changes on drug exposure and response. To maximise future knowledge gain, we propose a 'Guideline for Best Practice' on how to report pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic results from mAb studies in children which also facilitates comparisons. Finally, we advocate the use of more sophisticated modelling strategies (population analysis, physiology-based approaches) to appropriately characterise pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships of mAbs and, thus, allow for a more rational use of mAb in the paediatric population.

Anti-GM2 ganglioside antibodies are a biomarker for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis.

PubMed

Rupp, Angie; Galban-Horcajo, Francesc; Bianchi, Ezio; Dondi, Maurizio; Penderis, Jacques; Cappell, Joanna; Burgess, Karl; Matiasek, Kaspar; McGonigal, Rhona; Willison, Hugh J

2013-03-01

Acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP) is considered to be the canine equivalent of the human peripheral nerve disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS); an aetiological relationship, however, remains to be demonstrated. In GBS, anti-glycolipid antibodies (Abs) are considered as important disease mediators. To address the possibility of common Ab biomarkers, the sera of 25 ACP dogs, 19 non-neurological, and 15 epileptic control dogs were screened for IgG Abs to 10 glycolipids and their 1 : 1 heteromeric complexes using combinatorial glycoarrays. Anti-GM2 ganglioside Abs were detected in 14/25 ACP dogs, and anti-GA1 Abs in one further dog. All controls except for one were negative for anti-glycolipid Abs. In this cohort of cases and controls, the glycoarray screen reached a diagnostic sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 97%; a lower sensitivity (32%) was reported using a conventional glycolipid ELISA. To address the possible pathogenic role for anti-GM2 Abs in ACP, we identified GM2 in canine sciatic nerve by both mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography overlay. In immunohistological studies, GM2 was localized predominantly to the abaxonal Schwann cell membrane. The presence of anti-GM2 Abs in ACP suggests that it may share a similar pathophysiology with GBS, for which it could thus be considered a naturally occurring animal model. © 2013 Peripheral Nerve Society.

Anti-GM2 ganglioside antibodies are a biomarker for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis

PubMed Central

Bianchi, Ezio; Dondi, Maurizio; Penderis, Jacques; Cappell, Joanna; Burgess, Karl; Matiasek, Kaspar; McGonigal, Rhona; Willison, Hugh J.

2016-01-01

Acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP) is considered to be the canine equivalent of the human peripheral nerve disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS); an aetiological relationship, however, remains to be demonstrated. In GBS, anti-glycolipid antibodies (Abs) are considered as important disease mediators. To address the possibility of common Ab biomarkers, the sera of 25 ACP dogs, 19 non-neurological, and 15 epileptic control dogs were screened for IgG Abs to 10 glycolipids and their 1 : 1 heteromeric complexes using combinatorial glycoarrays. Anti-GM2 ganglioside Abs were detected in 14/25 ACP dogs, and anti-GA1 Abs in one further dog. All controls except for one were negative for anti-glycolipid Abs. In this cohort of cases and controls, the glycoarray screen reached a diagnostic sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 97%; a lower sensitivity (32%) was reported using a conventional glycolipid ELISA. To address the possible pathogenic role for anti-GM2 Abs in ACP, we identified GM2 in canine sciatic nerve by both mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography overlay. In immunohistological studies, GM2 was localized predominantly to the abaxonal Schwann cell membrane. The presence of anti-GM2 Abs in ACP suggests that it may share a similar pathophysiology with GBS, for which it could thus be considered a naturally occurring animal model. PMID:23521648

A novel impedance-based cellular assay for the detection of anti-calcium channel autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Jackson, Michael W; Gordon, Tom P

2010-09-30

We have recently postulated that functional autoantibodies (Abs) against L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) contribute to autonomic dysfunction in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Previous studies based on whole-organ assays have proven valuable in establishing the mechanism of anti-VGCC Ab activity, but are complex and unsuitable for screening large patient cohorts. In the current study, we used real-time dynamic monitoring of cell impedance to demonstrate that anti-VGCC Abs from patients with T1D inhibit the adherence of Rin A12 cells. The functional effect of the anti-VGCC Abs was mimicked by the dihydropyridine agonist, Bay K8644, and reversed by the antagonist, nicardipine, providing a pharmacological link to the whole-organ studies. IVIg neutralized the effect on cell adhesion of the anti-VGCC Abs, consistent with the presence of anti-idiotypic Abs in IVIg that may prevent the emergence of pathogenic Abs in healthy individuals. The cell impedance assay can be performed in a 96 well plate format, and represents a simple method for detecting the presence of anti-VGCC activity in patient immunoglobulin (IgG). The new cell assay should prove useful for further studies to determine the prevalence of the Ab and its association with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in patients with T1D. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Syntheses of Thienylamphetamine Derivatives via Borane Chemistry

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

derivatives of aniline, benzylamines, and phenylethylamines . Their work, showed that, for ring-iodinated phenylalkylamines, brain uptake, reten- tion, and...intensify, mimic, or oppose the biological effect of the metabolite depending on the analogue’s affinity for the receptor site and its intrinsic...amphetamine They found no discernable Itflocano in the dr.4g effect in dogs and on isolated rabbit intestinal tp ho th~onasphet4aine was found to be

Fuels and Lubricants for Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-02-27

probable but fundamentally possible is the use of hydrides, i.e., compounds of hydrogen "with other elements .(boranes, hydra-zine, ammonia ), alcohols...mixtures; 24. Liquid hydrogen; 25. Nitrogen hydrides and their derivatives ( ammonia , hydrazine, amines, DMH); 26. Boron, Al, Mg, Li, Be and other metals... method . For inflammation to occur, it is necessary that th’e rate of liberation of heat due to exochermic reactions in an initially heated volume of

Improved Performance and Reproducibility of Perovskite Solar Cells by Well-Soluble Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane as a p-Type Dopant.

PubMed

Ye, Tengling; Wang, Junhai; Chen, Wenbo; Yang, Yulin; He, Dongqing

2017-05-31

In this work, well-soluble tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (BCF) is introduced for the first time into 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis(N,N'-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9'-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) as a p-dopant. The conductivity of spiro-OMeTAD films is dramatically enhanced. When the BCF-doped spiro-OMeTAD film is used as a hole-transport layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), nearly double increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) is obtained compared to that of the PSCs based on a pristine spiro-OMeTAD HTL. By the introduction of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and 4-tert-butylpyridine into the BCF-doped spiro-OMeTAD film, the conductivity of spiro-OMeTAD film can be further enhanced, and an optimum PCE of 14.65% is obtained. In addition, the average efficiency of the device and the reproducibility of BCF-based PSCs are better than those of FK209-based PSCs. The working mechanism of the BCF doping effect on spiro-OMeTAD is studied in detail. The strong electron-accepting ability, excellent solubility in common organic solvents, and the low cost make BCF a very attractive p-type dopant for spiro-OMeTAD.

Analysis of boron carbides' electronic structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Iris A.; Beckel, Charles L.

1986-01-01

The electronic properties of boron-rich icosahedral clusters were studied as a means of understanding the electronic structure of the icosahedral borides such as boron carbide. A lower bound was estimated on bipolaron formation energies in B12 and B11C icosahedra, and the associated distortions. While the magnitude of the distortion associated with bipolaron formation is similar in both cases, the calculated formation energies differ greatly, formation being much more favorable on B11C icosahedra. The stable positions of a divalent atom relative to an icosahedral borane was also investigated, with the result that a stable energy minimum was found when the atom is at the center of the borane, internal to the B12 cage. If incorporation of dopant atoms into B12 cages in icosahedral boride solids is feasible, novel materials might result. In addition, the normal modes of a B12H12 cluster, of the C2B10 cage in para-carborane, and of a B12 icosahedron of reduced (D sub 3d) symmetry, such as is found in the icosahedral borides, were calculated. The nature of these vibrational modes will be important in determining, for instance, the character of the electron-lattice coupling in the borides, and in analyzing the lattice contribution to the thermal conductivity.

Investigation of platinum and palladium as potential anodic catalysts for direct borohydride and ammonia borane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olu, Pierre-Yves; Deschamps, Fabien; Caldarella, Giuseppe; Chatenet, Marian; Job, Nathalie

2015-11-01

Platinum and palladium are investigated as anodic catalysts for direct borohydride and direct ammonia borane fuel cells (DBFC and DABFC). Half-cell characterizations performed at 25 °C using NH3BH3 or NaBH4 alkaline electrolytes demonstrate the lowest open-circuit potential and highest electrocatalytic activity for the NH3BH3 alkaline electrolyte for Pd and Pt rotating disk electrodes, respectively. Voltammograms performed in fuel cell configuration at 25 °C confirm this trend: the highest open circuit voltage (1.05 V) and peak power density (181 mW·cm-2) are monitored for DABFC using Pd/C and Pt/C anodes, respectively. Increasing the temperature heightens the peak power density (that reaches 420 mW·cm-2 at 60 °C for DBFC using Pt/C anodes), but strongly generates gas from the fuel hydrolysis, hindering the overall fuel cells performances. The anode texture strongly influences the fuel cell performances, highlighting: (i) that an open anode texture is required to efficiently circulate the anolyte and (ii) the difficulty to compare potential anodic catalysts characterized using different fuel cell setups within the literature. Furthermore, TEM imaging of Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts prior/post DBFC and DABFC operation shows fast degradation of the carbon-supported nanoparticles.

Enhancement of Ag-Based Plasmonic Photocatalysis in Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane by the Assistance of Single-Site Ti-Oxide Moieties within a Silica Framework.

PubMed

Verma, Priyanka; Kuwahara, Yasutaka; Mori, Kohsuke; Yamashita, Hiromi

2017-03-13

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) have gained great attention owing to their interesting plasmonic properties and efficient catalysis under visible-light irradiation. In this study, an Ag-based plasmonic catalyst supported on mesoporous silica with isolated and tetrahedrally coordinated single-site Ti-oxide moieties, namely, Ag/Ti-SBA-15, was designed with the purpose of utilizing the broad spectral range of solar energy. The Ti-SBA-15 support allows the deposition of small Ag NPs with a narrow size distribution. The chemical structure, morphology, and optical properties of the prepared catalyst were characterized by techniques such as UV/Vis, FT extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission SEM, TEM, and N 2 physisorption studies. The catalytic activity of Ag/Ti-SBA-15 in hydrogen production from ammonia borane by hydrolysis was significantly enhanced in comparison with Ag/SBA-15 without Ti-oxide moieties and Ag/TiO 2 /SBA-15 involving agglomerated TiO 2 , both in the dark and under light irradiation. Improved electron transfer under light irradiation caused by the creation of heterojunctions between Ag NPs and Ti-oxide moieties explains the results obtained in the present study. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Long, Feng; Fong, Rachel H.; Austin, Stephen K.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes severe acute and chronic disease in humans. Although highly inhibitory murine and human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been generated, the structural basis of their neutralizing activity remains poorly characterized. In this paper, we determined the cryo-EM structures of chikungunya virus-like particles complexed with antibody fragments (Fab) of two highly protective human mAbs, 4J21 and 5M16, that block virus fusion with host membranes. Both mAbs bind primarily to sites within the A and B domains, as well as to the B domain’s β-ribbon connector of the viral glycoprotein E2. The footprints ofmore » these antibodies on the viral surface were consistent with results from loss-of-binding studies using an alanine scanning mutagenesis-based epitope mapping approach. The Fab fragments stabilized the position of the B domain relative to the virus, particularly for the complex with 5M16. Finally, this finding is consistent with a mechanism of neutralization in which anti-CHIKV mAbs that bridge the A and B domains impede movement of the B domain away from the underlying fusion loop on the E1 glycoprotein and therefore block the requisite pH-dependent fusion of viral and host membranes.« less

Structural basis for antibody recognition in the receptor-binding domains of toxins A and B from Clostridium difficile.

PubMed

Murase, Tomohiko; Eugenio, Luiz; Schorr, Melissa; Hussack, Greg; Tanha, Jamshid; Kitova, Elena N; Klassen, John S; Ng, Kenneth K S

2014-01-24

Clostridium difficile infection is a serious and highly prevalent nosocomial disease in which the two large, Rho-glucosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB are the main virulence factors. We report for the first time crystal structures revealing how neutralizing and non-neutralizing single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) recognize the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of TcdA and TcdB. Surprisingly, the complexes formed by two neutralizing antibodies recognizing TcdA do not show direct interference with the previously identified carbohydrate-binding sites, suggesting that neutralization of toxin activity may be mediated by mechanisms distinct from steric blockage of receptor binding. A camelid sdAb complex also reveals the molecular structure of the TcdB RBD for the first time, facilitating the crystallization of a strongly negatively charged protein fragment that has resisted previous attempts at crystallization and structure determination. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry measurements confirm the stoichiometries of sdAbs observed in the crystal structures. These studies indicate how key epitopes in the RBDs from TcdA and TcdB are recognized by sdAbs, providing molecular insights into toxin structure and function and providing for the first time a basis for the design of highly specific toxin-specific therapeutic and diagnostic agents.

Structural Basis for Antibody Recognition in the Receptor-binding Domains of Toxins A and B from Clostridium difficile*

PubMed Central

Murase, Tomohiko; Eugenio, Luiz; Schorr, Melissa; Hussack, Greg; Tanha, Jamshid; Kitova, Elena N.; Klassen, John S.; Ng, Kenneth K. S.

2014-01-01

Clostridium difficile infection is a serious and highly prevalent nosocomial disease in which the two large, Rho-glucosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB are the main virulence factors. We report for the first time crystal structures revealing how neutralizing and non-neutralizing single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) recognize the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of TcdA and TcdB. Surprisingly, the complexes formed by two neutralizing antibodies recognizing TcdA do not show direct interference with the previously identified carbohydrate-binding sites, suggesting that neutralization of toxin activity may be mediated by mechanisms distinct from steric blockage of receptor binding. A camelid sdAb complex also reveals the molecular structure of the TcdB RBD for the first time, facilitating the crystallization of a strongly negatively charged protein fragment that has resisted previous attempts at crystallization and structure determination. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry measurements confirm the stoichiometries of sdAbs observed in the crystal structures. These studies indicate how key epitopes in the RBDs from TcdA and TcdB are recognized by sdAbs, providing molecular insights into toxin structure and function and providing for the first time a basis for the design of highly specific toxin-specific therapeutic and diagnostic agents. PMID:24311789

Public health evolutionary biology of antimicrobial resistance: priorities for intervention

PubMed Central

Baquero, Fernando; Lanza, Val F; Cantón, Rafael; Coque, Teresa M

2015-01-01

The three main processes shaping the evolutionary ecology of antibiotic resistance (AbR) involve the emergence, invasion and occupation by antibiotic-resistant genes of significant environments for human health. The process of emergence in complex bacterial populations is a high-frequency, continuous swarming of ephemeral combinatory genetic and epigenetic explorations inside cells and among cells, populations and communities, expanding in different environments (migration), creating the stochastic variation required for evolutionary progress. Invasion refers to the process by which AbR significantly increases in frequency in a given (invaded) environment, led by external invaders local multiplication and spread, or by endogenous conversion. Conversion occurs because of the spread of AbR genes from an exogenous resistant clone into an established (endogenous) bacterial clone(s) colonizing the environment; and/or because of dissemination of particular resistant genetic variants that emerged within an endogenous clonal population. Occupation of a given environment by a resistant variant means a permanent establishment of this organism in this environment, even in the absence of antibiotic selection. Specific interventions on emergence influence invasion, those acting on invasion also influence occupation and interventions on occupation determine emergence. Such interventions should be simultaneously applied, as they are not simple solutions to the complex problem of AbR. PMID:25861381

Addition of an extra immunoglobulin domain to two anti-rodent TNF monoclonal antibodies substantially increased their potency.

PubMed

Scallon, Bernard; Cai, Ann; Radewonuk, Jennifer; Naso, Michael

2004-05-01

The functional valency of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) has important influences on such things as antigen avidity, Fc-mediated immune effector functions, and clearance of immune complexes. cV1q, a neutralizing rat/mouse chimeric anti-mouse tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody (mAb), and Rt108, a neutralizing mouse anti-rat TNF (anti-raTNF) mAb, appear to be functionally monovalent for TNF-binding despite containing two antigen binding sites. The functional monovalency of these two independent anti-rodent TNF mAbs is presumably a result of steric hindrance from one TNF molecule binding to one Fab arm that prevents binding of a second TNF molecule to the other Fab arm. To test whether this steric hindrance could be overcome by introducing extra space and flexibility between the Fab arms, these mAbs were engineered to contain an extra CH1 immunoglobulin domain between the CH1 and hinge domains of their heavy chains. In vitro binding data showed that, compared to the original mAbs, the modified mAbs (S-mAbs) had greater capability of binding two TNF molecules simultaneously. In vitro activity assays showed that, compared to the original mAbs, the S-mAbs had significantly greater TNF-neutralization potency, with the S-mAb version of cV1q (S-cV1q) being 200-fold more effective at blocking mouse TNF (muTNF) and the S-mAb version of Rt108 (S-Rt108) being 20-fold more effective at blocking raTNF. Similar results were observed in vivo, where S-cV1q was between 100- and 500-fold more protective than cV1q in mice challenged with endotoxin. These data reveal that introduction of another constant region immunoglobulin domain into two unrelated mAbs dramatically enhanced their neutralization potency. Other mAbs may also show more potent activity using this engineering approach, particularly mAbs that recognize homopolymeric antigens.

An Ab Initio Study of Alkali-C60 Complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frick, Nathan; Hira, A. S.; Ray, A. K.

2003-03-01

We extend our previous work on fullerene-alkali complexes1-2 by presenting the results of an ab initio theoretical study of the alkali LiC60+, LiC60, NaC60+, NaC60, KC60+, and KC60 complexes. In the endohedral complexes for Li and Na, there is displacement of the adatom from the center. Of the ions, exohedral Li+ will sit closest to the cage, and among the neutrals, exohedral K remains closest. Bond lengths are consistently longer for the fivefold and threefold approaches. Adsorbates inside the fullerene donate negative charge to the carbons, but ions outside obtain a small amount, resulting in a polarization of the molecule. In the ion complexes, there is lowering of the orbital energy levels by 3 to 4 eV, resulting in an increase in the number of bound, but unoccupied, electronic orbitals. The HOMO-LUMO gap, of interest in superconductivity studies, is reduced by about 50 1. A.S. Hira and A.K. Ray, Phys. Rev. A 52, 141(1995); A 54, 2205(1996). 2. Ajit Hira and A. K. Ray, "An Initio Modeling of the Endohedral and Exohedral Complexes of C60Na2+ Complexes", Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 47 (March 2002).

Synthesis and structural characterisation of alkali metal complexes of heteroatom-stabilised 1,4- and 1,6-dicarbanions.

PubMed

Izod, Keith; Bowman, Lyndsey J; Wills, Corinne; Clegg, William; Harrington, Ross W

2009-05-07

A straightforward Peterson olefination reaction between either [{(Me(2)PhSi)(3)C}Li(THF)] or in situ-generated [(Me(3)Si)(2){Ph(2)P(BH(3))}CLi(THF)(n)] and paraformaldehyde gives the alkenes (Me(2)PhSi)(2)C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2) () and (Me(3)Si){Ph(2)P(BH(3))}C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH(2) (), respectively, in good yield. Ultrasonic treatment of with lithium in THF yields the lithium complex [{(Me(2)PhSi)(2)C(CH(2))}Li(THF)(n)](2) (), which reacts in situ with one equivalent of KOBu(t) in diethyl ether to give the potassium salt [{(Me(2)PhSi)(2)C(CH(2))}K(THF)](2) (). Similarly, ultrasonic treatment of with lithium in THF yields the lithium complex [[{Ph(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)C(CH(2))]Li(THF)(3)](2).2THF (). The bis(phosphine-borane) [(Me(3)Si){Me(2)(H(3)B)P}CH(Me(2)Si)(CH(2))](2) () may be prepared by the reaction of [Me(2)P(BH(3))CH(SiMe(3))]Li with half an equivalent of ClSiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)Cl in refluxing THF. Metalation of with two equivalents of MeLi in refluxing THF yields the lithium complex [[{Me(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)C{(SiMe(2))(CH(2))}]Li(THF)(3)](2) (), whereas metalation with two equivalents of MeK in cold diethyl ether yields the potassium complex [[{Me(2)P(BH(3))}(Me(3)Si)C{(SiMe(2))(CH(2))}](2)K(2)(THF)(4)](infinity) () after recrystallisation. X-Ray crystallography shows that, whereas the lithium complex crystallises as a discrete molecular species, the potassium complexes and crystallise as sheet and chain polymers, respectively.

Bridging the gap

PubMed Central

Mahler, Stephen M; Huang, Edwin P; Chin, David Y; Gray, Peter P

2011-01-01

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) currently dominate the biologics marketplace. Development of a new therapeutic mAb candidate is a complex, multistep process and early stages of development typically begin in an academic research environment. Recently, a number of facilities and initiatives have been launched to aid researchers along this difficult path and facilitate progression of the next mAb blockbuster. Complementing this, there has been a renewed interest from the pharmaceutical industry to reconnect with academia in order to boost dwindling pipelines and encourage innovation. In this review, we examine the steps required to take a therapeutic mAb from discovery through early stage preclinical development and toward becoming a feasible clinical candidate. Discussion of the technologies used for mAb discovery, production in mammalian cells and innovations in single-use bioprocessing is included. We also examine regulatory requirements for product quality and characterization that should be considered at the earliest stages of mAb development. We provide details on the facilities available to help researchers and small-biotech build value into early stage product development, and include examples from within our own facility of how technologies are utilized and an analysis of our client base. PMID:21822050

On the incorporation of the geometric phase in general single potential energy surface dynamics: A removable approximation to ab initio data.

PubMed

Malbon, Christopher L; Zhu, Xiaolei; Guo, Hua; Yarkony, David R

2016-12-21

For two electronic states coupled by conical intersections, the line integral of the derivative coupling can be used to construct a complex-valued multiplicative phase factor that makes the real-valued adiabatic electronic wave function single-valued, provided that the curl of the derivative coupling is zero. Unfortunately for ab initio determined wave functions, the curl is never rigorously zero. However, when the wave functions are determined from a coupled two diabatic state Hamiltonian H d (fit to ab initio data), the resulting derivative couplings are by construction curl free, except at points of conical intersection. In this work we focus on a recently introduced diabatization scheme that produces the H d by fitting ab initio determined energies, energy gradients, and derivative couplings to the corresponding H d determined quantities in a least squares sense, producing a removable approximation to the ab initio determined derivative coupling. This approach and related numerical issues associated with the nonremovable ab initio derivative couplings are illustrated using a full 33-dimensional representation of phenol photodissociation. The use of this approach to provide a general framework for treating the molecular Aharonov Bohm effect is demonstrated.

A highly sensitive capillary electrophoresis immunoassay strategy based on dual-labeled gold nanoparticles enhancing chemiluminescence for the detection of prostate-specific antigen.

PubMed

Li, Shuting; Shi, Min; Zhao, Jingjin; Zhang, Liangliang; Huang, Yong; Zhao, Shulin

2017-07-01

An enzyme and antibody dual labeled gold nanoparticles enhancing chemiluminescence strategy was developed for highly sensitive CE immunoassay (IA) of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In this work, gold nanoparticles were labeled with horseradish peroxidase and antiprostate specific antigen-antibody, and used as the marker (Ab * ). After PSA (antigen, Ag) was added into the system, a noncompetitive immune reaction was happen between Ab * and Ag to form an immune complex (Ag-Ab * ). Subsequently, the obtained Ag-Ab * and unreacted Ab * were separated by CE, and the chemiluminescence intensity of Ag-Ab * was used to estimate PSA concentration. The calibration curve showed a good linearity in the range of 0.25-10 ng/mL. Based on a S/N of 3, the detection limit for PAS was estimated to be 0.092 ng/mL. Proposed CE method was applied for PSA quantification in human serum samples from healthy volunteers and patients with prostate cancer. The obtained results demonstrated that the proposed CE method may serve as an alternative tool for clinical analysis of PSA. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Bismuth Infusion of ABS Enables Additive Manufacturing of Complex Radiological Phantoms and Shielding Equipment.

PubMed

Ceh, Justin; Youd, Tom; Mastrovich, Zach; Peterson, Cody; Khan, Sarah; Sasser, Todd A; Sander, Ian M; Doney, Justin; Turner, Clark; Leevy, W Matthew

2017-02-24

Radiopacity is a critical property of materials that are used for a range of radiological applications, including the development of phantom devices that emulate the radiodensity of native tissues and the production of protective equipment for personnel handling radioactive materials. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a fabrication platform that is well suited to creating complex anatomical replicas or custom labware to accomplish these radiological purposes. We created and tested multiple ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) filaments infused with varied concentrations of bismuth (1.2-2.7 g/cm³), a radiopaque metal that is compatible with plastic infusion, to address the poor gamma radiation attenuation of many mainstream 3D printing materials. X-ray computed tomography (CT) experiments of these filaments indicated that a density of 1.2 g/cm³ of bismuth-infused ABS emulates bone radiopacity during X-ray CT imaging on preclinical and clinical scanners. ABS-bismuth filaments along with ABS were 3D printed to create an embedded human nasocranial anatomical phantom that mimicked radiological properties of native bone and soft tissue. Increasing the bismuth content in the filaments to 2.7 g/cm³ created a stable material that could attenuate 50% of 99m Technetium gamma emission when printed with a 2.0 mm wall thickness. A shielded test tube rack was printed to attenuate source radiation as a protective measure for lab personnel. We demonstrated the utility of novel filaments to serve multiple radiological purposes, including the creation of anthropomorphic phantoms and safety labware, by tuning the level of radiation attenuation through material customization.

Microchip Immunoaffinity Electrophoresis of Antibody-Thymidine Kinase 1 Complex

PubMed Central

Pagaduan, Jayson V.; Ramsden, Madison; O’Neill, Kim; Woolley, Adam T.

2015-01-01

Thymidine kinase-1 (TK1) is an important cancer biomarker whose serum levels are elevated in early cancer development. We developed a microchip electrophoresis immunoaffinity assay to measure recombinant purified TK1 (pTK1) using an antibody that binds to human TK1. We fabricated poly(methyl methacrylate) microfluidic devices to test the feasibility of detecting antibody (Ab)-pTK1 immune complexes as a step towards TK1 analysis in clinical serum samples. We were able to separate immune complexes from unbound antibodies using 0.5X phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) containing 0.01% Tween-20, with 1% w/v methylcellulose that acts as a dynamic surface coating and sieving matrix. Separation of the antibody and Ab-pTK1 complex was observed within a 5 mm effective separation length. This method of detecting pTK1 is easy to perform, requires only a 10 μL sample volume, and takes just 1 minute for separation. PMID:25486911

Drosophila small heat shock protein CryAB ensures structural integrity of developing muscles, and proper muscle and heart performance.

PubMed

Wójtowicz, Inga; Jabłońska, Jadwiga; Zmojdzian, Monika; Taghli-Lamallem, Ouarda; Renaud, Yoan; Junion, Guillaume; Daczewska, Malgorzata; Huelsmann, Sven; Jagla, Krzysztof; Jagla, Teresa

2015-03-01

Molecular chaperones, such as the small heat shock proteins (sHsps), maintain normal cellular function by controlling protein homeostasis in stress conditions. However, sHsps are not only activated in response to environmental insults, but also exert developmental and tissue-specific functions that are much less known. Here, we show that during normal development the Drosophila sHsp CryAB [L(2)efl] is specifically expressed in larval body wall muscles and accumulates at the level of Z-bands and around myonuclei. CryAB features a conserved actin-binding domain and, when attenuated, leads to clustering of myonuclei and an altered pattern of sarcomeric actin and the Z-band-associated actin crosslinker Cheerio (filamin). Our data suggest that CryAB and Cheerio form a complex essential for muscle integrity: CryAB colocalizes with Cheerio and, as revealed by mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, binds to Cheerio, and the muscle-specific attenuation of cheerio leads to CryAB-like sarcomeric phenotypes. Furthermore, muscle-targeted expression of CryAB(R120G), which carries a mutation associated with desmin-related myopathy (DRM), results in an altered sarcomeric actin pattern, in affected myofibrillar integrity and in Z-band breaks, leading to reduced muscle performance and to marked cardiac arrhythmia. Taken together, we demonstrate that CryAB ensures myofibrillar integrity in Drosophila muscles during development and propose that it does so by interacting with the actin crosslinker Cheerio. The evidence that a DRM-causing mutation affects CryAB muscle function and leads to DRM-like phenotypes in the fly reveals a conserved stress-independent role of CryAB in maintaining muscle cell cytoarchitecture. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Modeling neutralization kinetics of HIV by broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in genital secretions coating the cervicovaginal mucosa.

PubMed

McKinley, Scott A; Chen, Alex; Shi, Feng; Wang, Simi; Mucha, Peter J; Forest, M Gregory; Lai, Samuel K

2014-01-01

Eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAb) in cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) represents a promising "first line of defense" strategy to reduce vaginal HIV transmission. However, it remains unclear what levels of bnAb must be present in CVM to effectively reduce infection. We approached this complex question by modeling the dynamic tally of bnAb coverage on HIV. This analysis introduces a critical, timescale-dependent competition: to protect, bnAb must accumulate at sufficient stoichiometry to neutralize HIV faster than virions penetrate CVM and reach target cells. We developed a model that incorporates concentrations and diffusivities of HIV and bnAb in semen and CVM, kinetic rates for binding (kon) and unbinding (koff) of select bnAb, and physiologically relevant thicknesses of CVM and semen layers. Comprehensive model simulations lead to robust conclusions about neutralization kinetics in CVM. First, due to the limited time virions in semen need to penetrate CVM, substantially greater bnAb concentrations than in vitro estimates must be present in CVM to neutralize HIV. Second, the model predicts that bnAb with more rapid kon, almost independent of koff, should offer greater neutralization potency in vivo. These findings suggest the fastest arriving virions at target cells present the greatest likelihood of infection. It also implies the marked improvements in in vitro neutralization potency of many recently discovered bnAb may not translate to comparable reduction in the bnAb dose needed to confer protection against initial vaginal infections. Our modeling framework offers a valuable tool to gaining quantitative insights into the dynamics of mucosal immunity against HIV and other infectious diseases.

Monoclonal antibody, mAb 4C13, an effective detoxicant antibody against ricin poisoning.

PubMed

Dong, Na; Luo, Longlong; Wu, Junhua; Jia, Peiyuan; Li, Qian; Wang, Yuxia; Gao, Zhongcai; Peng, Hui; Lv, Ming; Huang, Chunqian; Feng, Jiannan; Li, Hua; Shan, Junjie; Han, Gang; Shen, Beifen

2015-07-31

Ricin is a glycoprotein produced in castor seeds and consists of two polypeptide chains named Ricin Toxin A Chain (RTA) and Ricin Toxin B Chain (RTB), linked via a disulfide bridge. Due to its high toxicity, ricin is regarded as a high terrorist risk for the public. However, antibodies can play a pivotal role in neutralizing the toxin. In this research, the anti-toxicant effect of mAb 4C13, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) established using detoxicated ricin as the immunized antigen, was evaluated. Compared with mAb 4F2 and mAb 5G6, the effective mechanism of mAb 4C13 was analyzed by experiments relating to its cytotoxicity, epitope on ricin, binding kinetics with the toxin, its blockage on the protein synthesis inhibition induced by ricin and the intracelluar tracing of its complex with ricin. Our result indicated that mAb 4C13 could recognize and bind to RTA, RTB and exert its high affinity to the holotoxin. Both cytotoxicity and animal toxicity of ricin were well blocked by pre-incubating the toxin with mAb 4C13. By intravenous injection, mAb 4C13 could rescue the mouse intraperitoneally (ip) injected with a lethal dose of ricin (20μg/kg) even at 6h after the intoxication and its efficacy was dependent on its dosage. This research indicated that mAb 4C13 could be an excellent candidate for therapeutic antibodies. Its potent antitoxic efficiency was related to its recognition on the specific epitope with very high affinity and its blockage of protein synthesis inhibition in cytoplasm followed by cellular internalization with ricin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuropsychiatric disease relevance of circulating anti-NMDA receptor autoantibodies depends on blood-brain barrier integrity.

PubMed

Hammer, C; Stepniak, B; Schneider, A; Papiol, S; Tantra, M; Begemann, M; Sirén, A-L; Pardo, L A; Sperling, S; Mohd Jofrry, S; Gurvich, A; Jensen, N; Ostmeier, K; Lühder, F; Probst, C; Martens, H; Gillis, M; Saher, G; Assogna, F; Spalletta, G; Stöcker, W; Schulz, T F; Nave, K-A; Ehrenreich, H

2014-10-01

In 2007, a multifaceted syndrome, associated with anti-NMDA receptor autoantibodies (NMDAR-AB) of immunoglobulin-G isotype, has been described, which variably consists of psychosis, epilepsy, cognitive decline and extrapyramidal symptoms. Prevalence and significance of NMDAR-AB in complex neuropsychiatric disease versus health, however, have remained unclear. We tested sera of 2817 subjects (1325 healthy, 1081 schizophrenic, 263 Parkinson and 148 affective-disorder subjects) for presence of NMDAR-AB, conducted a genome-wide genetic association study, comparing AB carriers versus non-carriers, and assessed their influenza AB status. For mechanistic insight and documentation of AB functionality, in vivo experiments involving mice with deficient blood-brain barrier (ApoE(-/-)) and in vitro endocytosis assays in primary cortical neurons were performed. In 10.5% of subjects, NMDAR-AB (NR1 subunit) of any immunoglobulin isotype were detected, with no difference in seroprevalence, titer or in vitro functionality between patients and healthy controls. Administration of extracted human serum to mice influenced basal and MK-801-induced activity in the open field only in ApoE(-/-) mice injected with NMDAR-AB-positive serum but not in respective controls. Seropositive schizophrenic patients with a history of neurotrauma or birth complications, indicating an at least temporarily compromised blood-brain barrier, had more neurological abnormalities than seronegative patients with comparable history. A common genetic variant (rs524991, P=6.15E-08) as well as past influenza A (P=0.024) or B (P=0.006) infection were identified as predisposing factors for NMDAR-AB seropositivity. The >10% overall seroprevalence of NMDAR-AB of both healthy individuals and patients is unexpectedly high. Clinical significance, however, apparently depends on association with past or present perturbations of blood-brain barrier function.

Thiopyridazine-Based Palladium and Platinum Boratrane Complexes.

PubMed

Holler, Stefan; Tüchler, Michael; Steller, Beate G; Belaj, Ferdinand; Veiros, Luis F; Kirchner, Karl; Mösch-Zanetti, Nadia C

2018-06-07

Palladium and platinum boratrane complexes of the type [M{B(Pn Me, tBu ) 3 }(PPh 3 )] (M = Pd 1, Pt 2b) have been prepared via the reaction of the soft scorpionate ligand potassium tris(4-methyl-6- tert-butyl-3-thiopyridazinyl)borate KTn Me, tBu with bis(triphenylphosphine)metal(II) dichloride. While reaction with the Pd precursor allowed direct isolation of a symmetric boratrane complex, the Pt analogue led to the hydrido compound [Pt{B(Pn Me, tBu ) 3 }(PPh 3 )H]Cl (2a), which after reaction with a base gave 2b. Subsequent oxidation with Br 2 and I 2 , respectively, led to the dihalide compounds of the molecular formula [M{B(Pn Me, tBu ) 3 }X 2 ] (3a,b-4a,b). Halide abstraction with Ag(SbF 6 ) further gave interesting cationic compounds of either dimeric [Pd{B(Pn Me, tBu ) 3 }X] 2 (SbF 6 ) 2 (5a,b) or monomeric [Pd{B(Pn Me, tBu ) 3 }(NCMe) 2 ](SbF 6 ) (6) nature. All compounds were spectroscopically and X-ray crystallographically characterized revealing strong metal to boron interactions. DFT calculations of 1, 2a, and 2b confirm the strong M-B interaction and a high positive charge on the metal centers.

CERES: An ab initio code dedicated to the calculation of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes.

PubMed

Calvello, Simone; Piccardo, Matteo; Rao, Shashank Vittal; Soncini, Alessandro

2018-03-05

We have developed and implemented a new ab initio code, Ceres (Computational Emulator of Rare Earth Systems), completely written in C++11, which is dedicated to the efficient calculation of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of the crystal field states arising from the splitting of the ground state spin-orbit multiplet in lanthanide complexes. The new code gains efficiency via an optimized implementation of a direct configurational averaged Hartree-Fock (CAHF) algorithm for the determination of 4f quasi-atomic active orbitals common to all multi-electron spin manifolds contributing to the ground spin-orbit multiplet of the lanthanide ion. The new CAHF implementation is based on quasi-Newton convergence acceleration techniques coupled to an efficient library for the direct evaluation of molecular integrals, and problem-specific density matrix guess strategies. After describing the main features of the new code, we compare its efficiency with the current state-of-the-art ab initio strategy to determine crystal field levels and properties, and show that our methodology, as implemented in Ceres, represents a more time-efficient computational strategy for the evaluation of the magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes, also allowing a full representation of non-perturbative spin-orbit coupling effects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Next-Generation Autoantibody Testing by Combination of Screening and Confirmation-the CytoBead® Technology.

PubMed

Sowa, Mandy; Hiemann, Rico; Schierack, Peter; Reinhold, Dirk; Conrad, Karsten; Roggenbuck, Dirk

2017-08-01

Occurrence of autoantibodies (autoAbs) is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases, and the analysis thereof is an essential part in the diagnosis of organ-specific autoimmune and systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), especially connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Due to the appearance of autoAb profiles in SARD patients and the complexity of the corresponding serological diagnosis, different diagnostic strategies have been suggested for appropriate autoAb testing. Thus, evolving assay techniques and the continuous discovery of novel autoantigens have greatly influenced the development of these strategies. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) analysis by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on tissue and later cellular substrates was one of the first tests introduced into clinical routine and is still an indispensable tool for CTD serology. Thus, screening for ANA by IIF is recommended to be followed by confirmatory testing of positive findings employing different assay techniques. Given the continuous growth in the demand for autoAb testing, IIF has been challenged as the standard method for ANA and other autoAb analyses due to lacking automation, standardization, modern data management, and human bias in IIF pattern interpretation. To address these limitations of autoAb testing, the CytoBead® technique has been introduced recently which enables automated interpretation of cell-based IIF and quantitative autoAb multiplexing by addressable microbead immunoassays in one reaction environment. Thus, autoAb screening and confirmatory testing can be combined for the first time. The present review discusses the history of autoAb assay techniques in this context and gives an overview and outlook of the recent progress in emerging technologies.

Mutual influence between triel bond and cation-π interactions: an ab initio study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esrafili, Mehdi D.; Mousavian, Parisasadat

2017-12-01

Using ab initio calculations, the cooperative and solvent effects on cation-π and B...N interactions are studied in some model ternary complexes, where these interactions coexist. The nature of the interactions and the mechanism of cooperativity are investigated by means of quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), noncovalent interaction (NCI) index and natural bond orbital analysis. The results indicate that all cation-π and B...N binding distances in the ternary complexes are shorter than those of corresponding binary systems. The QTAIM analysis reveals that ternary complexes have higher electron density at their bond critical points relative to the corresponding binary complexes. In addition, according to the QTAIM analysis, the formation of cation-π interaction increases covalency of B...N bonds. The NCI analysis indicates that the cooperative effects in the ternary complexes make a shift in the location of the spike associated with each interaction, which can be regarded as an evidence for the reinforcement of both cation-π and B...N interactions in these systems. Solvent effects on the cooperativity of cation-π and B...N interactions are also investigated.

Two-Dimensional Borane with ‘Banana’ Bonds and Dirac-Like Ring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Hong; Wang, Yun-Hui; Yang, Zhi-Hong; Li, Feng

2018-03-01

Not Available Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61605087 and 61704083, the International Postdoctoral Exchange Fellowship Program between JUELICH and OCPC under Grant No 20161001, the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province under Grant No BK20160881, the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Research Project under Grant No 16KJB140010, and the Science Foundation of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications under Grant No NY215064.

Isolation of potent neutralizing antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak.

PubMed

Bornholdt, Zachary A; Turner, Hannah L; Murin, Charles D; Li, Wen; Sok, Devin; Souders, Colby A; Piper, Ashley E; Goff, Arthur; Shamblin, Joshua D; Wollen, Suzanne E; Sprague, Thomas R; Fusco, Marnie L; Pommert, Kathleen B J; Cavacini, Lisa A; Smith, Heidi L; Klempner, Mark; Reimann, Keith A; Krauland, Eric; Gerngross, Tillman U; Wittrup, Karl D; Saphire, Erica Ollmann; Burton, Dennis R; Glass, Pamela J; Ward, Andrew B; Walker, Laura M

2016-03-04

Antibodies targeting the Ebola virus surface glycoprotein (EBOV GP) are implicated in protection against lethal disease, but the characteristics of the human antibody response to EBOV GP remain poorly understood. We isolated and characterized 349 GP-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from the peripheral B cells of a convalescent donor who survived the 2014 EBOV Zaire outbreak. Remarkably, 77% of the mAbs neutralize live EBOV, and several mAbs exhibit unprecedented potency. Structures of selected mAbs in complex with GP reveal a site of vulnerability located in the GP stalk region proximal to the viral membrane. Neutralizing antibodies targeting this site show potent therapeutic efficacy against lethal EBOV challenge in mice. The results provide a framework for the design of new EBOV vaccine candidates and immunotherapies. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

A Microfluidic Immunostaining System Enables Quality Assured and Standardized Immunohistochemical Biomarker Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Seyong; Cho, Chang Hyun; Kwon, Youngmee; Lee, Eun Sook; Park, Je-Kyun

2017-04-01

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays an important role in biomarker-driven cancer therapy. Although there has been a high demand for standardized and quality assured IHC, it has rarely been achieved due to the complexity of IHC testing and the subjective validation-based process flow of IHC quality control. We present here a microfluidic immunostaining system for the standardization of IHC by creating a microfluidic linearly graded antibody (Ab)-staining device and a reference cell microarray. Unlike conventional efforts, our system deals primarily with the screening of biomarker staining conditions for quantitative quality assurance testing in IHC. We characterized the microfluidic matching of Ab staining intensity using three HER2 Abs produced by different manufacturers. The quality of HER2 Ab was also validated using tissues of breast cancer patients, demonstrating that our system is an efficient and powerful tool for the standardization and quality assurance of IHC.

CTL-Tumor Cell Interaction: The Generation of Molecular Probes of Monitoring the HLA-A*0201-HER-2/neu Peptide Complex

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

anti- HLA -A2, -A24, -A28 mAb CR11-351 (13,14); anti- HLA -A2, -A28 mAb KS-1 (14); anti- HLA -B7, - B27 , -Bw42, -Bw54, -Bw55, -Bw56, -Bw67, -Bw73 mAb KS-4 (15...AD Award Number: W81XWH-04-1-0372 TITLE: CTL-Tumor Cell Interaction: The Generation of Molecular Probes of Monitoring the HLA -A*0201-HER-2/neu...AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS CTL-Tumor Cell Interaction: The Generation of Molecular W81XWH-04-1-0372 Probes of Monitoring the HLA -A*0201-HER-2/neu

Diagnostic nanoparticle targeting of the EGF-receptor in complex biological conditions using single-domain antibodies.

PubMed

Zarschler, K; Prapainop, K; Mahon, E; Rocks, L; Bramini, M; Kelly, P M; Stephan, H; Dawson, K A

2014-06-07

For effective localization of functionalized nanoparticles at diseased tissues such as solid tumours or metastases through biorecognition, appropriate targeting vectors directed against selected tumour biomarkers are a key prerequisite. The diversity of such vector molecules ranges from proteins, including antibodies and fragments thereof, through aptamers and glycans to short peptides and small molecules. Here, we analyse the specific nanoparticle targeting capabilities of two previously suggested peptides (D4 and GE11) and a small camelid single-domain antibody (sdAb), representing potential recognition agents for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We investigate specificity by way of receptor RNA silencing techniques and look at increasing complexity in vitro by introducing increasing concentrations of human or bovine serum. Peptides D4 and GE11 proved problematic to employ and conjugation resulted in non-receptor specific uptake into cells. Our results show that sdAb-functionalized particles can effectively target the EGFR, even in more complex bovine and human serum conditions where targeting specificity is largely conserved for increasing serum concentration. In human serum however, an inhibition of overall nanoparticle uptake is observed with increasing protein concentration. For highly affine targeting ligands such as sdAbs, targeting a receptor such as EGFR with low serum competitor abundance, receptor recognition function can still be partially realised in complex conditions. Here, we stress the value of evaluating the targeting efficiency of nanoparticle constructs in realistic biological milieu, prior to more extensive in vivo studies.

Structure and equilibria of Ca 2+-complexes of glucose and sorbitol from multinuclear ( 1H, 13C and 43Ca) NMR measurements supplemented with molecular modelling calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pallagi, A.; Dudás, Cs.; Csendes, Z.; Forgó, P.; Pálinkó, I.; Sipos, P.

2011-05-01

Ca 2+-complexation of D-glucose and D-sorbitol have been investigated with the aid of multinuclear ( 1H, 13C and 43Ca) NMR spectroscopy and ab initio quantum chemical calculations. Formation constants of the forming 1:1 complexes have been estimated from one-dimensional 13C NMR spectra obtained at constant ionic strength (1 M NaCl). Binding sites were identified from 2D 1H- 43Ca NMR spectra. 2D NMR measurements and ab initio calculations indicated that Ca 2+ ions were bound in a tridentate manner via the glycosidic OH, the ethereal oxygen in the ring and the OH on the terminal carbon for the α- and β-anomers of glucose and for sorbitol simultaneous binding of four hydroxide moieties (C1, C2, C4 and C6) was suggested.

Neurological Autoantibody Prevalence in Epilepsy of Unknown Etiology.

PubMed

Dubey, Divyanshu; Alqallaf, Abdulradha; Hays, Ryan; Freeman, Matthew; Chen, Kevin; Ding, Kan; Agostini, Mark; Vernino, Steven

2017-04-01

Autoimmune epilepsy is an underrecognized condition, and its true incidence is unknown. Identifying patients with an underlying autoimmune origin is critical because these patients' condition may remain refractory to conventional antiseizure medications but may respond to immunotherapy. To determine the prevalence of neurological autoantibodies (Abs) among adult patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology. Consecutive patients presenting to neurology services with new-onset epilepsy or established epilepsy of unknown etiology were identified. Serum samples were tested for autoimmune encephalitis Abs as well as thyroperoxidase (TPO) and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) Abs. An antibody prevalence in epilepsy (APE) score based on clinical characteristics was assigned prospectively. Data were collected from June 1, 2015, to June 1, 2016. Presence of neurological Abs. A score based on clinical characteristics was assigned to estimate the probability of seropositivity prior to antibody test results. Good seizure outcome was estimated on the basis of significant reduction of seizure frequency at the first follow-up or seizure freedom. Of the 127 patients (68 males and 59 females) enrolled in the study, 15 were subsequently excluded after identification of an alternative diagnosis. Serum Abs suggesting a potential autoimmune etiology were detected in 39 (34.8%) cases. More than 1 Ab was detected in 7 patients (6.3%): 3 (2.7%) had TPO-Ab and voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKCc) Ab, 2 (1.8%) had GAD65-Ab and VGKCc-Ab, 1 had TPO-Ab and GAD65-Ab, and 1 had anti-Hu Ab and GAD65-Ab. Thirty-two patients (28.6%) had a single Ab marker. Among 112 patients included in the study, 15 (13.4%) had TPO-Ab, 14 (12.5%) had GAD65-Ab, 12 (10.7%) had VGKCc (4 of whom were positive for leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 [LGI1] Ab), and 4 (3.6%) had N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) Ab. Even after excluding TPO-Ab and low-titer GAD65-Ab, Abs strongly suggesting an autoimmune cause of epilepsy were seen in 23 patients (20.5%). Certain clinical features, such as autonomic dysfunction, neuropsychiatric changes, viral prodrome, faciobrachial dystonic spells or facial dyskinesias, and mesial temporal sclerosis abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging, correlated with seropositivity. The APE score was a useful tool in predicting positive serologic findings. Patients who were Ab positive were more likely to have good seizure outcome than were patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology (15 of 23 [65.2%] vs 24 of 89 [27.0%]; odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.8-12.9; P = .002). In patients who were seropositive, reduction in seizure frequency was associated with use of immunomodulatory therapy. Among adult patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology, a significant minority had detectable serum Abs suggesting an autoimmune etiology. Certain clinical features (encoded in the APE score) could be used to identify patients with the highest probability of harboring neurological Abs.

Ab initio calculations of supramolecular complexes of fullerene C60 with CdTe and CdS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kvyatkovskii, O. E.; Zakharova, I. B.; Ziminov, V. M.

2014-06-01

This paper presents the results of ab initio quantum-chemical calculations of supramolecular complexes C60CdHal, [C60]4CdHal, and [C60]6CdHal (Hal = S, Te), which simulate the defects forming in fullerite during the absorption or adsorption of cadmium telluride (sulfide). Calculations of the electronic structure of complexes with inclusion of their relaxation to the equilibrium state have been performed in terms of the density functional theory with the B3LYP hybrid functional. The obtained enthalpies of formation of complexes show that their formation leads to the energy gain of the order of 0.5-1.5 eV depending on the complex type. It has been shown that the formation of tetrahedral complexes [C60]4CdTe with the intercalated CdTe molecule is possible only with a considerable distortion of the tetrahedral void. The energy spectrum of low-lying excited electron states for the linear and octahedral complexes has been calculated. It has been found that a decrease in symmetry with the formation of complexes leads to the appearance of excited states of allowed singlet transitions in the electron spectrum, which are forbidden in optical spectra of initial components.

S/G-1: an ab initio force-field blending frozen Hermite Gaussian densities and distributed multipoles. Proof of concept and first applications to metal cations.

PubMed

Chaudret, Robin; Gresh, Nohad; Narth, Christophe; Lagardère, Louis; Darden, Thomas A; Cisneros, G Andrés; Piquemal, Jean-Philip

2014-09-04

We demonstrate as a proof of principle the capabilities of a novel hybrid MM'/MM polarizable force field to integrate short-range quantum effects in molecular mechanics (MM) through the use of Gaussian electrostatics. This lead to a further gain in accuracy in the representation of the first coordination shell of metal ions. It uses advanced electrostatics and couples two point dipole polarizable force fields, namely, the Gaussian electrostatic model (GEM), a model based on density fitting, which uses fitted electronic densities to evaluate nonbonded interactions, and SIBFA (sum of interactions between fragments ab initio computed), which resorts to distributed multipoles. To understand the benefits of the use of Gaussian electrostatics, we evaluate first the accuracy of GEM, which is a pure density-based Gaussian electrostatics model on a test Ca(II)-H2O complex. GEM is shown to further improve the agreement of MM polarization with ab initio reference results. Indeed, GEM introduces nonclassical effects by modeling the short-range quantum behavior of electric fields and therefore enables a straightforward (and selective) inclusion of the sole overlap-dependent exchange-polarization repulsive contribution by means of a Gaussian damping function acting on the GEM fields. The S/G-1 scheme is then introduced. Upon limiting the use of Gaussian electrostatics to metal centers only, it is shown to be able to capture the dominant quantum effects at play on the metal coordination sphere. S/G-1 is able to accurately reproduce ab initio total interaction energies within closed-shell metal complexes regarding each individual contribution including the separate contributions of induction, polarization, and charge-transfer. Applications of the method are provided for various systems including the HIV-1 NCp7-Zn(II) metalloprotein. S/G-1 is then extended to heavy metal complexes. Tested on Hg(II) water complexes, S/G-1 is shown to accurately model polarization up to quadrupolar response level. This opens up the possibility of embodying explicit scalar relativistic effects in molecular mechanics thanks to the direct transferability of ab initio pseudopotentials. Therefore, incorporating GEM-like electron density for a metal cation enable the introduction of nonambiguous short-range quantum effects within any point-dipole based polarizable force field without the need of an extensive parametrization.

Introducing ab initio based neural networks for transition-rate prediction in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messina, Luca; Castin, Nicolas; Domain, Christophe; Olsson, Pär

2017-02-01

The quality of kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations of microstructure evolution in alloys relies on the parametrization of point-defect migration rates, which are complex functions of the local chemical composition and can be calculated accurately with ab initio methods. However, constructing reliable models that ensure the best possible transfer of physical information from ab initio to KMC is a challenging task. This work presents an innovative approach, where the transition rates are predicted by artificial neural networks trained on a database of 2000 migration barriers, obtained with density functional theory (DFT) in place of interatomic potentials. The method is tested on copper precipitation in thermally aged iron alloys, by means of a hybrid atomistic-object KMC model. For the object part of the model, the stability and mobility properties of copper-vacancy clusters are analyzed by means of independent atomistic KMC simulations, driven by the same neural networks. The cluster diffusion coefficients and mean free paths are found to increase with size, confirming the dominant role of coarsening of medium- and large-sized clusters in the precipitation kinetics. The evolution under thermal aging is in better agreement with experiments with respect to a previous interatomic-potential model, especially concerning the experiment time scales. However, the model underestimates the solubility of copper in iron due to the excessively high solution energy predicted by the chosen DFT method. Nevertheless, this work proves the capability of neural networks to transfer complex ab initio physical properties to higher-scale models, and facilitates the extension to systems with increasing chemical complexity, setting the ground for reliable microstructure evolution simulations in a wide range of alloys and applications.

Characterization of a novel domain ‘GATE’ in the ABC protein DrrA and its role in drug efflux by the DrrAB complex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Han; Rahman, Sadia; Li, Wen

2015-03-27

A novel domain, GATE (Glycine-loop And Transducer Element), is identified in the ABC protein DrrA. This domain shows sequence and structural conservation among close homologs of DrrA as well as distantly-related ABC proteins. Among the highly conserved residues in this domain are three glycines, G215, G221 and G231, of which G215 was found to be critical for stable expression of the DrrAB complex. Other conserved residues, including E201, G221, K227 and G231, were found to be critical for the catalytic and transport functions of the DrrAB transporter. Structural analysis of both the previously published crystal structure of the DrrA homologmore » MalK and the modeled structure of DrrA showed that G215 makes close contacts with residues in and around the Walker A motif, suggesting that these interactions may be critical for maintaining the integrity of the ATP binding pocket as well as the complex. It is also shown that G215A or K227R mutation diminishes some of the atomic interactions essential for ATP catalysis and overall transport function. Therefore, based on both the biochemical and structural analyses, it is proposed that the GATE domain, located outside of the previously identified ATP binding and hydrolysis motifs, is an additional element involved in ATP catalysis. - Highlights: • A novel domain ‘GATE’ is identified in the ABC protein DrrA. • GATE shows high sequence and structural conservation among diverse ABC proteins. • GATE is located outside of the previously studied ATP binding and hydrolysis motifs. • Conserved GATE residues are critical for stability of DrrAB and for ATP catalysis.« less

A mathematical model of a recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody's effects on cocaine pharmacokinetics in mice.

PubMed

Wetzel, Hanna N; Zhang, Tongli; Norman, Andrew B

2017-09-01

A recombinant humanized anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody (mAb), h2E2, is at an advanced stage of pre-clinical development as an immunotherapy for cocaine abuse. It is hypothesized that h2E2 binds to and sequesters cocaine in the blood. A three-compartment model of the effects of h2E2 on cocaine's distribution was constructed. The model assumes that h2E2 binds to cocaine and that the h2E2-cocaine complex does not enter the brain but distributes between the central and peripheral compartments. Free cocaine is eliminated from both the central and peripheral compartments, and h2E2 and the h2E2-cocaine complex are eliminated from the central compartment only. This model was tested against a new dataset measuring cocaine concentrations in the brain and plasma over 1h in the presence and absence of h2E2. The mAb significantly increased plasma cocaine concentrations with a concomitant significant decrease in brain concentration. Plasma concentrations declined over the 1-hour sampling period in both groups. With a set of parameters within reasonable physiological ranges, the three-compartment model was able to qualitatively and quantitatively simulate the increased plasma concentration in the presence of the antibody and the decreased peak brain concentration in the presence of antibody. Importantly, the model explained the decline in plasma concentrations over time as distribution of the cocaine-h2E2 complex into a peripheral compartment. This model will facilitate the targeting of ideal mAb PK/PD properties thus accelerating the identification of lead candidate anti-drug mAbs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antibodies against neutralization epitopes of human cytomegalovirus gH/gL/pUL128-130-131 complex and virus spreading may correlate with virus control in vivo.

PubMed

Lilleri, Daniele; Kabanova, Anna; Lanzavecchia, Antonio; Gerna, Giuseppe

2012-12-01

Recently, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL128-131 locus gene products have been found to be associated with glycoprotein H (gH) and glycoprotein L (gL) to form a pentameric glycoprotein complex gH/gL/pUL128-130-131, which is present in the virus envelope and elicits production of neutralizing antibodies. Purpose of this study was to verify whether in vitro activities of these antibodies may correlate with protection in vivo. By using potently neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting 10 different epitopes of the pentameric complex, a competitive ELISA assay was developed, in which the pentamer bound to the solid-phase was reacted competitively with human sera and murinized human mAbs. In addition, inhibition of virus spreading (plaque formation and leukocyte transfer) by neutralizing human mAbs and sera was investigated. In the absence of any reactivity of sera from HCMV-seronegative subjects, antibodies to all 10 epitopes were detected in HCMV-seropositive individuals. During primary HCMV infection in pregnancy antibodies to some epitopes showed a trend towards an earlier appearance in mothers not transmitting the virus to the fetus as compared to transmitting mothers. In addition, the activity of neutralizing human mAbs and sera in blocking virus cell-to-cell spreading and virus transfer to leukocytes from infected endothelial cells was shown to develop during the convalescent phase of primary infection. Dissection of the neutralizing/inhibiting activities of human sera may be helpful in the study of their protective role in vivo. In particular, neutralizing antibodies to the pentamer may be a surrogate marker of protection in vivo.

Rhenium Complex with Noninnocent Dioxolene Ligand: Combined Experimental and ab Initio Study of [(3,5-di-tert-Bu2C6H2O2)ReCl3(OPPh3)].

PubMed

Abramov, Pavel A; Gritsan, Nina P; Suturina, Elizaveta A; Bogomyakov, Artem S; Sokolov, Maxim N

2015-07-20

Reaction of [ReOCl3(PPh3)2] with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone (3,5-DTBQ) in hot toluene produces a new complex [(3,5-di-tert-Bu2C6H2O2)Re(OPPh3)Cl3] (1), which was isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. In order to clarify the charge state of rhenium and the coordinated dioxolene ligand, X-ray experiments at 150 and 290 K were carried out. The C-O, C-C, and Re-O bond distances at both 150 and 290 K fall between those for semiquinolate (3,5-DTBSQ) and catecholate (3,5-DTBCat) forms; an empirical "metrical oxidation state" of the dioxolene ligand was estimated to be -1.5. High-level ab initio calculations (SOC-CASSCF/NEVPT2) revealed a mixed valence nature of the triplet ground state of complex 1 corresponding to a superposition of the Re(IV)-SQ and Re(V)-cat forms. In agreement with the high-level ab initio and DFT calculations, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility (5-300 K) is well described in the assumption of the triplet ground state, with the anomalously large zero-field splitting (ZFS) arising from the spin-orbit coupling. According to the ab initio calculations, all absorption bands in the visible region of the electronic absorptions spectrum are assigned to the LMCT bands, with significant contribution of the intraligand transition in the most intense band at 555 nm.

Green Silver Nanoparticles Based Dual Sensor for Toxic Hg (II) Ions.

PubMed

Sebastian, Maria; Aravind, Archana; Mathew, Beena

2018-06-11

The present study focuses on the utilization of green silver nanoparticles as they are more preferred for sensing applications due to their environment friendly nature. We have examined the optical and electrochemical sensing behavior of silver nanoparticles from Agaricus Bispores (AgNP-AB) towards Hg(II) ions. AgNP-AB was prepared by microwave reactor. The synthesized AgNPs have been used for the sensing of Hg(II) ions without the use of modifiers or further sophisticated instrumentation. The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized by different techniques. AgNP-AB leads to aggregation with addition of Hg(II) ions in aqueous medium and developed a color change from brown to black which leads to the formation of AgNP-AB-Hg(II) complex. Moreover, the metal sensing ability of AgNPs has been explored using electrochemical studies. AgNP-AB modified platinum electrode (AgNP-AB/PE) was developed for the fast sensing of toxic Hg(II) ions. The sensor exhibits good limit of detection at 2.1x10-6M. The sensitivity of AgNP-AB/PE towards Hg(II) ion was analyzed with various metal ions. The sensing skill of developed system was successfully checked with real water sample from Vembanade Lake, Kumarakom, Kerala. The silver nanoparticles from Agaricus Bispoes are highly versatile and promising for different environmental applications. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

HIV-antibody complexes enhance production of type I interferon by plasmacytoid dendritic cells

PubMed Central

Veenhuis, Rebecca T.; Freeman, Zachary T.; Korleski, Jack; Cohen, Laura K.; Tomasi, Alessandra; Boesch, Austin W.; Ackerman, Margaret E.; Margolick, Joseph B.; Blankson, Joel N.; Chattergoon, Michael A.; Cox, Andrea L.

2017-01-01

Type I IFN production is essential for innate control of acute viral infection; however, prolonged high-level IFN production is associated with chronic immune activation in HIV-infected individuals. Although plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) are a primary source of IFN, the mechanisms that regulate IFN levels following the acute phase are unknown. We hypothesized that HIV-specific Ab responses regulate late IFN production. We evaluated the mechanism through which HIV-activated pDCs produce IFN as well as how both monoclonal HIV-specific Abs and Abs produced in natural HIV infection modulated normal pDC sensing of HIV. We found that HIV-induced IFN production required TLR7 signaling, receptor-mediated entry, fusion, and viral uncoating, but not endocytosis or HIV life cycle stages after uncoating. Abs directed against the HIV envelope that do not interfere with CD4 binding markedly enhanced the IFN response, irrespective of their ability to neutralize CD4+ T cell infection. Ab-mediated enhancement of IFN production required Fc γ receptor engagement, bypassed fusion, and initiated signaling through both TLR7 and TLR9, which was not utilized in the absence of Ab. Polyclonal Abs isolated from HIV-infected subjects also enhanced pDC production of IFN in response to HIV. Our data provide an explanation for high levels of IFN production and immune activation in chronic HIV infection. PMID:29083319

The Cellular Bases of Antibody Responses during Dengue Virus Infection

PubMed Central

Yam-Puc, Juan Carlos; Cedillo-Barrón, Leticia; Aguilar-Medina, Elsa Maribel; Ramos-Payán, Rosalío; Escobar-Gutiérrez, Alejandro; Flores-Romo, Leopoldo

2016-01-01

Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most significant human viral pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause from an asymptomatic disease to mild undifferentiated fever, classical dengue, and severe dengue. Neutralizing memory antibody (Ab) responses are one of the most important mechanisms that counteract reinfections and are therefore the main aim of vaccination. However, it has also been proposed that in dengue, some of these class-switched (IgG) memory Abs might worsen the disease. Although these memory Abs derive from B cells by T-cell-dependent processes, we know rather little about the (acute, chronic, or memory) B cell responses and the complex cellular mechanisms generating these Abs during DENV infections. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive perspective of the B cell responses during DENV infection, starting since the very early events such as the cutaneous DENV entrance and the arrival into draining lymph nodes, to the putative B cell activation, proliferation, and germinal centers (GCs) formation (the source of affinity-matured class-switched memory Abs), till the outcome of GC reactions such as the generation of plasmablasts, Ab-secreting plasma cells, and memory B cells. We discuss topics very poorly explored such as the possibility of B cell infection by DENV or even activation-induced B cell death. The current information about the nature of the Ab responses to DENV is also illustrated. PMID:27375618

The TRANSPARENT TESTA16 Locus Encodes the ARABIDOPSIS BSISTER MADS Domain Protein and Is Required for Proper Development and Pigmentation of the Seed Coat

PubMed Central

Nesi, Nathalie; Debeaujon, Isabelle; Jond, Clarisse; Stewart, Amanda J.; Jenkins, Gareth I.; Caboche, Michel; Lepiniec, Loïc

2002-01-01

Screening for seed pigmentation phenotypes in Arabidopsis led to the isolation of three allelic yellow-seeded mutants, which defined the novel TRANSPARENT TESTA16 (TT16) locus. Cloning of TT16 was performed by T-DNA tagging and confirmed by genetic complementation and sequencing of two mutant alleles. TT16 encodes the ARABIDOPSIS BSISTER (ABS) MADS domain protein. ABS belongs to the recently identified “B-sister” (BS) clade, which contains genes of unknown function that are expressed mainly in female organs. Phylogenetic analyses using a maximum parsimony approach confirmed that TT16/ABS and related proteins form a monophyletic group. TT16/ABS was expressed mainly in the ovule, as are the other members of the BS clade. TT16/ABS is necessary for BANYULS expression and proanthocyanidin accumulation in the endothelium of the seed coat, with the exception of the chalazal-micropylar area. In addition, mutant phenotype and ectopic expression analyses suggested that TT16/ABS also is involved in the specification of endothelial cells. Nevertheless, TT16/ABS apparently is not required for proper ovule function. We report the functional characterization of a member of the BS MADS box gene subfamily, demonstrating its involvement in endothelial cell specification as well as in the increasingly complex genetic control of flavonoid biosynthesis in the Arabidopsis seed coat. PMID:12368498

Nanobeads-based assays. The case of gluten detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venditti, Iole; Fratoddi, Ilaria; Vittoria Russo, Maria; Bellucci, Stefano; Crescenzo, Roberta; Iozzino, Luisa; Staiano, Maria; Aurilia, Vincenzo; Varriale, Antonio; Rossi, Mosè; D'Auria, Sabato

2008-11-01

In order to verify if the use of nanobeads of poly[phenylacetylene-(co-acrylic acid)] (PPA/AA) in the ELISA test would affect the immune-activity of the antibodies (Ab) and/or the activity of the enzymes used to label the Ab anti-rabbit IGg, in this work we immobilized the horse liver peroxidase labelled Ab anti-rabbit IGg onto PPA/AA nanobeads. The gluten test was chosen as the model to demonstrate the usefulness of these nanobeads in immunoassays. The synthesis of PPA/AA nanobeads was performed by a modified emulsion polymerization. Self-assembly of nanospheres with mean diameter equal to 200 nm was achieved by casting aqueous suspensions. The materials were characterized by traditional spectroscopic techniques, while the size and dispersion of the particles were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. The obtained results show that the immobilization process of the Abs onto PPA/AA did not affect either the immune-response of the Abs or the functional activity of the peroxidase suggesting the usefulness of PPA/AA for the design of advanced nanobeads-based assays for the simultaneous screening of several analytes in complex media.

The interdependence of the Rho GTPases and apicobasal cell polarity.

PubMed

Mack, Natalie Ann; Georgiou, Marios

2014-01-01

Signaling via the Rho GTPases provides crucial regulation of numerous cell polarization events, including apicobasal (AB) polarity, polarized cell migration, polarized cell division and neuronal polarity. Here we review the relationships between the Rho family GTPases and epithelial AB polarization events, focusing on the 3 best-characterized members: Rho, Rac and Cdc42. We discuss a multitude of processes that are important for AB polarization, including lumen formation, apical membrane specification, cell-cell junction assembly and maintenance, as well as tissue polarity. Our discussions aim to highlight the immensely complex regulatory mechanisms that encompass Rho GTPase signaling during AB polarization. More specifically, in this review we discuss several emerging common themes, that include: 1) the need for Rho GTPase activities to be carefully balanced in both a spatial and temporal manner through a multitude of mechanisms; 2) the existence of signaling feedback loops and crosstalk to create robust cellular responses; and 3) the frequent multifunctionality that exists among AB polarity regulators. Regarding this latter theme, we provide further discussion of the potential plasticity of the cell polarity machinery and as a result the possible implications for human disease.

Control of Smc Coiled Coil Architecture by the ATPase Heads Facilitates Targeting to Chromosomal ParB/parS and Release onto Flanking DNA

PubMed Central

Minnen, Anita; Bürmann, Frank; Wilhelm, Larissa; Anchimiuk, Anna; Diebold-Durand, Marie-Laure; Gruber, Stephan

2016-01-01

Summary Smc/ScpAB promotes chromosome segregation in prokaryotes, presumably by compacting and resolving nascent sister chromosomes. The underlying mechanisms, however, are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of the Smc ATPase activity in the recruitment of Smc/ScpAB to the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. We demonstrate that targeting of Smc/ScpAB to ParB/parS loading sites is strictly dependent on engagement of Smc head domains and relies on an open organization of the Smc coiled coils. We find that dimerization of the Smc hinge domain stabilizes closed Smc rods and hinders head engagement as well as chromosomal targeting. Conversely, the ScpAB sub-complex promotes head engagement and Smc rod opening and thereby facilitates recruitment of Smc to parS sites. Upon ATP hydrolysis, Smc/ScpAB is released from loading sites and relocates within the chromosome—presumably through translocation along DNA double helices. Our findings define an intermediate state in the process of chromosome organization by Smc. PMID:26904953

Differential effect of isotype on efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha chimeric antibodies in experimental septic shock

PubMed Central

1994-01-01

Immune complexes containing human gamma (g)1 or murine g2a antibodies generate secondary effector mechanisms via Fc receptor binding or complement activation, whereas those containing human g4 or murine g1 antibodies generally do not. Therefore, isotype selection of therapeutic antibodies may have important clinical consequences. In a rabbit model of human tumor necrosis factor (rhuTNF)-induced pyrexia, a murine/human chimeric g4 anti-human TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody (mAb) (cCB0011) showed a dose-dependent inhibition of pyrexia, whereas a g1 isotype variant of the same mAb gave a marked pyrexia that was seen at all doses indicative of an immune complex-mediated response. To investigate whether isotype difference could influence mAb efficacy in pathological disease states, hamster/murine chimeric g1 and g2a anti- murine TNF-alpha mAbs (TN3g1, TN3g2a) were studied in experimental shock in mice and rats. In lipopolysaccharide-induced shock in mice, treatment with TN3g1 mAb at 30 and 3 mg/kg resulted in 90% survival by 72 h (p < or = 0.004), and prolonged survival to 45 h (p < or = 0.05), respectively, compared with 100% mortality by 27 h in controls. In contrast, a g2a isotype variant of the same mAb (30 mg/kg) resulted in only 10% survival by 72 h (p < or = 0.05). In a neutropenic sepsis model in rats there was greater survival in animals receiving the g1 isotype of TN3 compared with g2a isotype variant (70 vs. 27%; p < or = 0.005) with 100% mortality in the controls. These differences were not due to the pharmacokinetic profiles of the mAbs. In models of experimental shock antibody isotype can affect outcome with inactive isotypes (human g4 and murine g1) being more efficacious than active isotypes (human g1 and murine g2a). PMID:8113678

Cu(II) potentiation of Alzheimer Abeta1-40 cytotoxicity and transition on its secondary structure.

PubMed

Dai, Xue-Ling; Sun, Ya-Xuan; Jiang, Zhao-Feng

2006-11-01

Mounting evidence has shown that dyshomeostasis of the redox-active biometals such as Cu and Fe can lead to oxidative stress, which plays a key role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer' disease (AD). Here we demonstrate that with the formation of Cu(II).beta1-40 complexes, copper markedly potentiates the neurotoxicity exhibited by beta-amyloid peptide (Ab). A greater amount of hydrogen peroxide was released when Cu(II).beta1-40 complexes was added to the xanthine oxidase/xanthine system detected by potassium iodide spectrophotometry. Copper bound to Abeta1-40 was observed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Circular dichroism (CD) studies indicated that copper chelation could cause a structural transition of Abeta. The addition of copper to Ab introduced an increase on beta-sheet as well as alpha-helix, which may be responsible for the aggregation of Abeta. We hypothesized that Abeta aggregation induced by copper may be responsible for local injury in AD. The interaction between Cu(2+) and Ab also provides a possible mechanism for the enrichment of metal ions in amyloid plaques in the AD brain.

Pseudoatomic Structure of the Tripartite Multidrug Efflux Pump AcrAB-TolC Reveals the Intermeshing Cogwheel-like Interaction between AcrA and TolC.

PubMed

Jeong, Hyeongseop; Kim, Jin-Sik; Song, Saemee; Shigematsu, Hideki; Yokoyama, Takeshi; Hyun, Jaekyung; Ha, Nam-Chul

2016-02-02

The resistance-nodulation-division type tripartite pump AcrAB-TolC and its homologs are responsible for multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria by expelling a wide variety of toxic substrates. The three essential components, AcrA, AcrB, and TolC, must function in concert with each respective binding partner within the complex. In this study, we report an 8.2-Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) 3D reconstruction of the complex that consists of an AcrAB fusion protein and a chimeric TolC protein. The pseudoatomic structure derived from the cryo-EM reconstruction clearly demonstrates a model only compatible with the adaptor bridging mechanism, wherein the funnel-like AcrA hexamer forms an intermeshing cogwheel-like interaction with the α-barrel tip region of TolC. These observations provide a structural milestone for understanding multidrug resistance in pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, and may also lead to the design of new antibacterial drugs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamics and Novel Mechanisms of SN2 Reactions on ab Initio Analytical Potential Energy Surfaces.

PubMed

Szabó, István; Czakó, Gábor

2017-11-30

We describe a novel theoretical approach to the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (S N 2) reactions that is based on analytical potential energy surfaces (PESs) obtained by fitting a few tens of thousands high-level ab initio energy points. These PESs allow computing millions of quasi-classical trajectories thereby providing unprecedented statistical accuracy for S N 2 reactions, as well as performing high-dimensional quantum dynamics computations. We developed full-dimensional ab initio PESs for the F - + CH 3 Y [Y = F, Cl, I] systems, which describe the direct and indirect, complex-forming Walden-inversion, the frontside attack, and the new double-inversion pathways as well as the proton-transfer channels. Reaction dynamics simulations on the new PESs revealed (a) a novel double-inversion S N 2 mechanism, (b) frontside complex formation, (c) the dynamics of proton transfer, (d) vibrational and rotational mode specificity, (e) mode-specific product vibrational distributions, (f) agreement between classical and quantum dynamics, (g) good agreement with measured scattering angle and product internal energy distributions, and (h) significant leaving group effect in accord with experiments.

Discovering charge density functionals and structure-property relationships with PROPhet: A general framework for coupling machine learning and first-principles methods

DOE PAGES

Kolb, Brian; Lentz, Levi C.; Kolpak, Alexie M.

2017-04-26

Modern ab initio methods have rapidly increased our understanding of solid state materials properties, chemical reactions, and the quantum interactions between atoms. However, poor scaling often renders direct ab initio calculations intractable for large or complex systems. There are two obvious avenues through which to remedy this problem: (i) develop new, less expensive methods to calculate system properties, or (ii) make existing methods faster. This paper describes an open source framework designed to pursue both of these avenues. PROPhet (short for PROPerty Prophet) utilizes machine learning techniques to find complex, non-linear mappings between sets of material or system properties. Themore » result is a single code capable of learning analytical potentials, non-linear density functionals, and other structure-property or property-property relationships. These capabilities enable highly accurate mesoscopic simulations, facilitate computation of expensive properties, and enable the development of predictive models for systematic materials design and optimization. Here, this work explores the coupling of machine learning to ab initio methods through means both familiar (e.g., the creation of various potentials and energy functionals) and less familiar (e.g., the creation of density functionals for arbitrary properties), serving both to demonstrate PROPhet’s ability to create exciting post-processing analysis tools and to open the door to improving ab initio methods themselves with these powerful machine learning techniques.« less

Novel HIT antibody detection method using Sonoclot® coagulation analyzer.

PubMed

Wanaka, Keiko; Asada, Reiko; Miyashita, Kumiko; Kaneko, Makoto; Endo, Hirokazu; Yatomi, Yutaka

2015-01-01

Since heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), caused by the generation of antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin complexes (HIT antibodies), may induce serious complications due to thrombosis, a prompt diagnosis is desirable. Functional tests with platelet activation to detect HIT antibodies are useful for diagnosis of HIT, in particular (14)C-selotonin release assay (SRA). However, they are complicated and so can be performed only in limited laboratories. We tested if a blood coagulation test using Sonoclot® analyzer can serve for the detection of HIT antibodies. A murine monoclonal antibody (HIT-MoAb) against PF4/heparin complexes was used as an alternative to human HIT antibodies. To the mixture of HIT-MoAb and heparin (0.5 U/mL, final), whole blood obtained from a healthy volunteer was added, and then the activated clotting time (ACT), clot rate (CR), and area under the curve (AUC) were measured with Sonoclot® analyzer for 30minutes. The HIT-MoAb (30 to 100μg/mL, final) concentration dependently suppressed the anticoagulation activity (prolongation of ACT and decrease of CR and AUC) of heparin. The suppression of anticoagulation effect of heparin by HIT-MoAb was demonstrated by measurements using Sonoclot® analyzer. This method may provide a new tool for screening of HIT antibodies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discovering charge density functionals and structure-property relationships with PROPhet: A general framework for coupling machine learning and first-principles methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kolb, Brian; Lentz, Levi C.; Kolpak, Alexie M.

Modern ab initio methods have rapidly increased our understanding of solid state materials properties, chemical reactions, and the quantum interactions between atoms. However, poor scaling often renders direct ab initio calculations intractable for large or complex systems. There are two obvious avenues through which to remedy this problem: (i) develop new, less expensive methods to calculate system properties, or (ii) make existing methods faster. This paper describes an open source framework designed to pursue both of these avenues. PROPhet (short for PROPerty Prophet) utilizes machine learning techniques to find complex, non-linear mappings between sets of material or system properties. Themore » result is a single code capable of learning analytical potentials, non-linear density functionals, and other structure-property or property-property relationships. These capabilities enable highly accurate mesoscopic simulations, facilitate computation of expensive properties, and enable the development of predictive models for systematic materials design and optimization. Here, this work explores the coupling of machine learning to ab initio methods through means both familiar (e.g., the creation of various potentials and energy functionals) and less familiar (e.g., the creation of density functionals for arbitrary properties), serving both to demonstrate PROPhet’s ability to create exciting post-processing analysis tools and to open the door to improving ab initio methods themselves with these powerful machine learning techniques.« less

Cryo-EM structures elucidate neutralizing mechanisms of anti-chikungunya human monoclonal antibodies with therapeutic activity

DOE PAGES

Long, Feng; Fong, Rachel H.; Austin, Stephen K.; ...

2015-10-26

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes severe acute and chronic disease in humans. Although highly inhibitory murine and human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been generated, the structural basis of their neutralizing activity remains poorly characterized. In this paper, we determined the cryo-EM structures of chikungunya virus-like particles complexed with antibody fragments (Fab) of two highly protective human mAbs, 4J21 and 5M16, that block virus fusion with host membranes. Both mAbs bind primarily to sites within the A and B domains, as well as to the B domain’s β-ribbon connector of the viral glycoprotein E2. The footprints ofmore » these antibodies on the viral surface were consistent with results from loss-of-binding studies using an alanine scanning mutagenesis-based epitope mapping approach. The Fab fragments stabilized the position of the B domain relative to the virus, particularly for the complex with 5M16. Finally, this finding is consistent with a mechanism of neutralization in which anti-CHIKV mAbs that bridge the A and B domains impede movement of the B domain away from the underlying fusion loop on the E1 glycoprotein and therefore block the requisite pH-dependent fusion of viral and host membranes.« less

Antibody recognition of a unique tumor-specific glycopeptide antigen

PubMed Central

Brooks, Cory L.; Schietinger, Andrea; Borisova, Svetlana N.; Kufer, Peter; Okon, Mark; Hirama, Tomoko; MacKenzie, C. Roger; Wang, Lai-Xi; Schreiber, Hans; Evans, Stephen V.

2010-01-01

Aberrant glycosylation and the overexpression of certain carbohydrate moieties is a consistent feature of cancers, and tumor-associated oligosaccharides are actively investigated as targets for immunotherapy. One of the most common aberrations in glycosylation patterns is the presentation of a single O-linked N-acetylgalactosamine on a threonine or serine residue known as the “Tn antigen.” Whereas the ubiquitous nature of Tn antigens on cancers has made them a natural focus of vaccine research, such carbohydrate moieties are not always tumor-specific and have been observed on embryonic and nonmalignant adult tissue. Here we report the structural basis of binding of a complex of a monoclonal antibody (237mAb) with a truly tumor-specific glycopeptide containing the Tn antigen. In contrast to glycopeptide-specific antibodies in complex with simple peptides, 237mAb does not recognize a conformational epitope induced in the peptide by sugar substitution. Instead, 237mAb uses a pocket coded by germ-line genes to completely envelope the carbohydrate moiety itself while interacting with the peptide moiety in a shallow groove. Thus, 237mAb achieves its striking tumor specificity, with no observed physiological cross-reactivity to the unglycosylated peptide or the free glycan, by a combination of multiple weak but specific interactions to both the peptide and to the glycan portions of the antigen. PMID:20479270

Ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces of the F(-)(H2O) complex.

PubMed

Kamarchik, Eugene; Toffoli, Daniele; Christiansen, Ove; Bowman, Joel M

2014-02-05

We present full-dimensional, ab initio potential energy and dipole moment surfaces for the F(-)(H2O) complex. The potential surface is a permutationally invariant fit to 16,114 coupled-cluster single double (triple)/aVTZ energies, while the dipole surface is a covariant fit to 11,395 CCSD(T)/aVTZ dipole moments. Vibrational self-consistent field/vibrational configuration interaction (VSCF/VCI) calculations of energies and the IR-spectrum are presented both for F(-)(H2O) and for the deuterated analog, F(-)(D2O). A one-dimensional calculation of the splitting of the ground state, due to equivalent double-well global minima, is also reported. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The interaction of MnH(X 7Σ+) with He: Ab initio potential energy surface and bound states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turpin, Florence; Halvick, Philippe; Stoecklin, Thierry

2010-06-01

The potential energy surface of the ground state of the He-MnH(X Σ7+) van der Waals complex is presented. Within the supermolecular approach of intermolecular energy calculations, a grid of ab initio points was computed at the multireference configuration interaction level using the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set for helium and hydrogen and the relativistic aug-cc-pVQZ-DK basis set for manganese. The potential energy surface was then fitted to a global analytical form which main features are discussed. As a first application of this potential energy surface, we present accurate calculations of bound energy levels of the H3e-MnH and H4e-MnH complexes.

The interaction of MnH(X 7Sigma+) with He: ab initio potential energy surface and bound states.

PubMed

Turpin, Florence; Halvick, Philippe; Stoecklin, Thierry

2010-06-07

The potential energy surface of the ground state of the He-MnH(X (7)Sigma(+)) van der Waals complex is presented. Within the supermolecular approach of intermolecular energy calculations, a grid of ab initio points was computed at the multireference configuration interaction level using the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set for helium and hydrogen and the relativistic aug-cc-pVQZ-DK basis set for manganese. The potential energy surface was then fitted to a global analytical form which main features are discussed. As a first application of this potential energy surface, we present accurate calculations of bound energy levels of the (3)He-MnH and (4)He-MnH complexes.

Identifying the emerging human pathogen Scedosporium prolificans by using a species-specific monoclonal antibody that binds to the melanin biosynthetic enzyme tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase.

PubMed

Thornton, Christopher R; Ryder, Lauren S; Le Cocq, Kate; Soanes, Darren M

2015-04-01

The dematiaceous (melanized) fungus Scedosporium prolificans is an emerging and frequently fatal pathogen of immunocompromised humans and which, along with the closely related fungi Pseudallescheria boydii, Scedosporium apiospermum and S. aurantiacum in the Pseudallescheria-Scedosporium complex, is a contributing aetiology to tsunami lung and central nervous system infections in near-drowning victims who have aspirated water laden with spores. At present, the natural habitat of the fungus is largely unknown, and accurate detection methods are needed to identify environmental reservoirs of infectious propagules. In this study, we report the development of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) (CA4) specific to S. prolificans, which does not cross-react with closely related fungi in the Pseudallescheria-Scedosporium complex or with a wide range of mould and yeast species pathogenic to humans. Using genome sequencing of a soil isolate and targeted gene disruption of the CA4 antigen-encoding gene, we show that mAb CA4 binds to the melanin-biosynthetic enzyme tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase. Enzyme-deficient mutants produce orange-brown or green-brown spore suspensions compared with the black spore suspension of the wild-type strain. Using mAb CA4 and a mAb (HG12) specific to the related fungi P. boydii, P. apiosperma, S. apiospermum and S. aurantiacum, we demonstrate how the mAbs can be used in combination with a semiselective isolation procedure to track these opportunistic pathogens in environmental samples containing mixed populations of human pathogenic fungi. Specificity of mAb CA4 was confirmed by sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1)-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA-encoding regions of fungi isolated from estuarine muds. © 2014 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Mode of Inhibitor Binding to Peptidyl-tRNA Hydrolase: Binding Studies and Structure Determination of Unbound and Bound Peptidyl-tRNA Hydrolase from Acinetobacter baumannii

PubMed Central

Kaushik, Sanket; Singh, Nagendra; Yamini, Shavait; Singh, Avinash; Sinha, Mau; Arora, Ashish; Kaur, Punit; Sharma, Sujata; Singh, Tej P.

2013-01-01

The incidences of infections caused by an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii are very common in hospital environments. It usually causes soft tissue infections including urinary tract infections and pneumonia. It is difficult to treat due to acquired resistance to available antibiotics is well known. In order to design specific inhibitors against one of the important enzymes, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Acinetobacter baumannii, we have determined its three-dimensional structure. Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (AbPth) is involved in recycling of peptidyl-tRNAs which are produced in the cell as a result of premature termination of translation process. We have also determined the structures of two complexes of AbPth with cytidine and uridine. AbPth was cloned, expressed and crystallized in unbound and in two bound states with cytidine and uridine. The binding studies carried out using fluorescence spectroscopic and surface plasmon resonance techniques revealed that both cytidine and uridine bound to AbPth at nanomolar concentrations. The structure determinations of the complexes revealed that both ligands were located in the active site cleft of AbPth. The introduction of ligands to AbPth caused a significant widening of the entrance gate to the active site region and in the process of binding, it expelled several water molecules from the active site. As a result of interactions with protein atoms, the ligands caused conformational changes in several residues to attain the induced tight fittings. Such a binding capability of this protein makes it a versatile molecule for hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNAs having variable peptide sequences. These are the first studies that revealed the mode of inhibitor binding in Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolases which will facilitate the structure based ligand design. PMID:23844024

IB-12LUNG MASS AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT RESPONSIVE SEIZURES: VGKC AUTOIMMUNITY MASQUERADING AS ETIOLOGY OR ACTING AS REACTIVE MARKER?

PubMed Central

Umemura, Yoshie; Bujarski, Krzysztof; Ronan, Lara

2014-01-01

Voltage gated potassium channel complex antibody (VGKC Ab) has been associated with many neurological illnesses including seizures. VGKC Ab related seizures are less responsive to antiepileptic drugs alone, and often require immunosuppression to achieve seizure freedom. Recently, specific antigenic targets such as LGI1 and CASPR2 within VGKC have been found and have been associated with specific syndromes. It has also been noted that the term "VGKC Ab" itself is problematic because it groups LGI1 and CASPR2 mediated disorders with other illnesses with unknown antigenic specificity. We describe a case of faciobrachial dystonia seizures refractory to multiple antiepileptic agents. Video EEG monitoring revealed mesial frontal epileptic discharges and serum test was positive for VGKC Ab. Patient's seizures were controlled after intravenous corticosteroid then oral mycophenolate maintenance, however, seizures returned with immunotherapy taper and cessation. When the seizures recurred, serum VGKC Ab, CSF CASPR 2 and LGI1 Abs were negative. Interestingly, she was subsequently found to have a lung mass consistent with sarcoidosis. Seizure control was achieved again with restarting of mycophenolate. Most VGKC Ab related illnesses are autoimmune even though it is a part of readily available commercial paraneoplastic testing panels. There has been no previously reported VGKC Ab related seizures associated with sarcoidosis. Although sarcoidosis is also an autoimmune entity, it is of T-cell mediated condition. It has been proposed that VGKC Ab may be a part of normal autoantibodies found in otherwise healthy individuals, which can rise to detectable levels under some circumstances. This patient suffered recurrent seizures responsive to immunotherapy even though VGKC, LGI1, and CASPR2 Abs were negative, suggesting another underlying autoimmune pathogenesis and VGKC Ab may have been a mere reactive marker of such underlying process. This raises the question of clinical significance of these antibodies and whether they are causative or reactive of the pathology.

Differential induction of anti-V3 crown antibodies with cradle- and ladle-binding modes in response to HIV-1 envelope vaccination.

PubMed

Balasubramanian, Preetha; Kumar, Rajnish; Williams, Constance; Itri, Vincenza; Wang, Shixia; Lu, Shan; Hessell, Ann J; Haigwood, Nancy L; Sinangil, Faruk; Higgins, Keith W; Liu, Lily; Li, Liuzhe; Nyambi, Phillipe; Gorny, Miroslaw K; Totrov, Maxim; Nadas, Arthur; Kong, Xiang-Peng; Zolla-Pazner, Susan; Hioe, Catarina E

2017-03-07

The V3 loop in the HIV envelope gp120 is one of the immunogenic sites targeted by Abs. The V3 crown in particular has conserved structural elements recognized by cross-reactive neutralizing Abs, indicating its potential contribution in protection against HIV. Crystallographic analyses of anti-V3 crown mAbs in complex with the V3 peptides have revealed that these mAbs recognize the conserved sites on the V3 crown via two distinct strategies: a cradle-binding mode (V3C) and a ladle-binding (V3L) mode. However, almost all of the anti-V3 crown mAbs studied in the past were isolated from chronically HIV-infected individuals. The extents to which the two types of anti-V3 crown Abs are generated by vaccination are unknown. This study analyzed the prevalence of V3C-type and V3L-type Ab responses in HIV-infected individuals and in HIV envelope-immunized humans and animals using peptide mimotopes that distinguish the two Ab types. The results show that both V3L-type and V3C-type Abs were generated by the vast majority of chronically HIV-infected humans, although the V3L-type were more prevalent. In contrast, only one of the two V3 Ab types was elicited in vaccinated humans or animal models, irrespective of HIV-1 envelope clades, envelope constructs (oligomeric or monomeric), and protocols (DNA plus protein or protein alone) used for vaccinations. The V3C-type Abs were produced by vaccinated humans, macaques, and rabbits, whereas the V3L-type Abs were made by mice. The V3C-type and V3L-type Abs generated by the vaccinations were able to mediate virus neutralization. These data indicate the restricted repertoires and the species-specific differences in the functional V3-specific Ab responses induced by the HIV envelope vaccines. The study implies the need for improving immunogen designs and vaccination strategies to broaden the diversity of Abs in order to target the different conserved epitopes in the V3 loop and, by extension, in the entire HIV envelope. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Individual Differences in Temporal Selective Attention as Reflected in Pupil Dilation.

PubMed

Willems, Charlotte; Herdzin, Johannes; Martens, Sander

2015-01-01

Attention is restricted for the second of two targets when it is presented within 200-500 ms of the first target. This attentional blink (AB) phenomenon allows one to study the dynamics of temporal selective attention by varying the interval between the two targets (T1 and T2). Whereas the AB has long been considered as a robust and universal cognitive limitation, several studies have demonstrated that AB task performance greatly differs between individuals, with some individuals showing no AB whatsoever. Here, we studied these individual differences in AB task performance in relation to differences in attentional timing. Furthermore, we investigated whether AB magnitude is predictive for the amount of attention allocated to T1. For both these purposes pupil dilation was measured, and analyzed with our recently developed deconvolution method. We found that the dynamics of temporal attention in small versus large blinkers differ in a number of ways. Individuals with a relatively small AB magnitude seem better able to preserve temporal order information. In addition, they are quicker to allocate attention to both T1 and T2 than large blinkers. Although a popular explanation of the AB is that it is caused by an unnecessary overinvestment of attention allocated to T1, a more complex picture emerged from our data, suggesting that this may depend on whether one is a small or a large blinker. The use of pupil dilation deconvolution seems to be a powerful approach to study the temporal dynamics of attention, bringing us a step closer to understanding the elusive nature of the AB. We conclude that the timing of attention to targets may be more important than the amount of allocated attention in accounting for individual differences.

Theoretical study of the changes in the vibrational characteristics arising from the hydrogen bonding between Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid) and H 2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimitrova, Yordanka

2006-02-01

The vibrational characteristics (vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities and Raman activities) for the hydrogen-bonded system of Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic acid) with five water molecules have been predicted using ab initio SCF/6-31G(d, p) calculations and DFT (BLYP) calculations with 6-31G(d, p) and 6-31++G(d, p) basis sets. The changes in the vibrational characteristics from free monomers to a complex have been calculated. The ab initio and BLYP calculations show that the complexation between Vitamin C and five water molecules leads to large red shifts of the stretching vibrations for the monomer bonds involved in the hydrogen bonding and very strong increase in their IR intensity. The predicted frequency shifts for the stretching vibrations from Vitamin C taking part in the hydrogen bonding are up to -508 cm -1. The magnitude of the wavenumber shifts is indicative of relatively strong OH···H hydrogen-bonded interactions. In the same time the IR intensity and Raman activity of these vibrations increase upon complexation. The IR intensity increases dramatically (up to 12 times) and Raman activity increases up to three times. The ab initio and BLYP calculations show, that the symmetric OH vibrations of water molecules are more sensitive to the complexation. The hydrogen bonding leads to very large red shifts of these vibrations and very strong increase in their IR intensity. The asymmetric OH stretching vibrations of water, free from hydrogen bonding are less sensitive to the complexation than the hydrogen-bonded symmetric O sbnd H stretching vibrations. The increases of the IR intensities for these vibrations are lower and red shifts are negligible.

Quantum mechanical design and structure of the Li@B10H14 basket with a remarkably enhanced electro-optical response.

PubMed

Muhammad, Shabbir; Xu, Hongliang; Liao, Yi; Kan, Yuhe; Su, Zhongmin

2009-08-26

An innovative type of lithium decahydroborate (Li@B(10)H(14)) complex with a basketlike complexant of decaborane (B(10)H(14)) has been designed using quantum mechanical methods. As Li atom binds in a handle fashion to terminal electrophilic boron atoms of the decaborane basket, its NBO charge q (Li) is found to be 0.876, close to +1. This shows that the Li atom has been ionized to form a cation and an anion at the open end of B(10)H(14). The most fascinating feature of this Li doping is its loosely bound valence electron, which has been pulled into the cavity of the B(10)H(14) basket and become diffuse by the electron-deficient morphological features of the open end of the B(10)H(14) basket. Strikingly, the first hyperpolarizability (beta(0)) of Li@B(10)H(14) is about 340 times larger than that of B(10)H(14), computed to be 23,075 au (199 x 10(-30) esu) and 68 au, respectively. Besides this, the intercalation of the Li atom to the B(10)H(14) basket brings some distinctive changes in its Raman, (11)B NMR, and UV-vis spectra along with its other electronic properties that might be used by the experimentalists to identify this novel kind of Li@B(10)H(14) complex with a large electro-optical response. This study may evoke the possibility to explore a new thriving area, i.e., alkali metal-boranes for NLO application.

From Fundamental Understanding To Predicting New Nanomaterials For High Capacity Hydrogen/Methane Storage and Carbon Capture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yildirim, Taner

2015-03-03

On-board hydrogen/methane storage in fuel cell-powered vehicles is a major component of the national need to achieve energy independence and protect the environment. The main obstacles in hydrogen storage are slow kinetics, poor reversibility and high dehydrogenation temperatures for the chemical hydrides; and very low desorption temperatures/energies for the physisorption materials (MOF’s, porous carbons). Similarly, the current methane storage technologies are mainly based on physisorption in porous materials but the gravimetric and volumetric storage capacities are below the target values. Finally, carbon capture, a critical component of the mitigation of CO2 emissions from industrial plants, also suffers from similar problems.more » The solid-absorbers such as MOFs are either not stable against real flue-gas conditions and/or do not have large enough CO2 capture capacity to be practical and cost effective. In this project, we addressed these challenges using a unique combination of computational, synthetic and experimental methods. The main scope of our research was to achieve fundamental understanding of the chemical and structural interactions governing the storage and release of hydrogen/methane and carbon capture in a wide spectrum of candidate materials. We studied the effect of scaffolding and doping of the candidate materials on their storage and dynamics properties. We reviewed current progress, challenges and prospect in closely related fields of hydrogen/methane storage and carbon capture.[1-5] For example, for physisorption based storage materials, we show that tap-densities or simply pressing MOFs into pellet forms reduce the uptake capacities by half and therefore packing MOFs is one of the most important challenges going forward. For room temperature hydrogen storage application of MOFs, we argue that MOFs are the most promising scaffold materials for Ammonia-Borane (AB) because of their unique interior active metal-centers for AB binding and well defined and ordered pores. Here the main challenge is to find a chemically stable MOF required for regeneration of the AB-spent fuel. Finally, for carbon capture application of MOFs, we investigate the performance of a number of metal–organic frameworks with particular focus on their behavior at the low pressures commonly used in swing adsorption. This comparison clearly shows that it is the process that determines which MOF is optimal rather than there being one best MOF, though MOFs that possess enhanced binding at open metal sites generally perform better than those with high surface area. References: 1. Y. Peng, V. Krungleviciute, J. T. Hupp, O. K. Farha, and T. Yildirim, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 135, 11887 (2013). 2. G. Srinivas, V. Krungleviciute, Z. Guo, and T. Yildirim, Ener. Environ. Sci. 7, 335 (2014). 3. G. Burres, and T. Yildirim, Ener. Environ. Sci. 5, 6453 (2012). 4. G. Srinivas, W. Travis, J. Ford, H. Wu, Z. X. Guo, and T. Yildirim, J. Mat. Chem.1, 4167 (2013). 5. For details, please see http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/staff/taner« less

Program and Abstracts, Boron Americas IX Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feakes, Debra A.

The Scientific and Technical Information (STI) submitted includes the final report and a collection of abstracts for the Ninth Boron in the Americas Conference which was held May 19-22, 2004, in San Marcos, Texas. The topics covered in the abstracts include: Application in Medicine, Application in Organic Synthesis and Catalysis, Boranes and Carboranes, Materials and Polymers, Metallaboranes and Metallacarboranes, Organoboron Compounds, Synthesis and Catalysis, and Theoretical Studies. Attendees represented researchers from government, industry, and academia.

Proceedings of the Tri-Service Gun Tube Wear and Erosion Symposium, ARRADCOM, Dover, NJ, 29-31 March 1977

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-03-01

failure was due to the material property or plating defects . In view of the electrolyte being of a proprietary nature and inconsistencies were...rifling action along the entire length of each barrel with no major pitting or other defects . Metallographic examination of the cross-section of the...Ethylenediamine, 98% _ - 52 Sodium borohydride, 98% I _ - 1 Dimethylamine borane ( DMAE ) - - 4 Sodium hypophosphite (H120) 22.5 15 - - Lead acetate (31120

Immigration and Unemployment Application of Game Theory on Diyarbakir: Istanbul Samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özgönül, Müge; Kaplan, Aslı

The aim of this poster is to make a research about the relationship between unemployment and immigration. A mathematical model for the relationship between unemployment and immigration to İstanbul and Diyarbakır will be suggested by grade 11 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students, Boran Çıplak, Teoman Kenn Küçük, Emre Orhan, Meriç Tansi, Aysu Bulak, Özgün Karataş, Mavi Deniz Koçak.

Studies of the augmentation of reaction rates via laser irradiation in the infrared. Final report, 1 Sep 1973--31 Aug 1976. [H/sub 3/BPF/sub 3/ adduct

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bauer, S.H.; Lory, E.R.; Chien, K.

1976-10-15

The objective of this research project, to discover a reaction, involving a sizable substrate (more than three atoms) the rate of which is selectively augmented by infrared laser radiation, has been achieved. A preliminary analysis led to criteria for the selection of an optimum reaction type, and for setting the most suitable experimental parameters. The self-scavenging decomposition was studied for a borane adduct: 2 H/sub 3/BPF/sub 3/ yields B/sub 2/H/sub 6/ + 2PF/sub 3/. The relative photolytic efficiencies of the various lines emitted by a CO2 laser were measured as was also the dependence of the rate on laser power,more » gas pressure and reaction cell temperature. Specificity of vibrational excitation was demonstrated in several ways, most directly by the observed isotope fractionation of H/D and /sup 10/B//sup 11/B ratios. The mechanism of the photoactivation process developed is in quantitative agreement with the observed conversion. A dynamic model (based on a normal mode analysis) was proposed for the selective activation. In a parallel study of borane adducts, we evaluated the thermodynamic and kinetic rate parameters for six exchange and abstraction reactions. Rational structures were proposed for the corresponding transition states. (Author)« less

Formation of graphitic carbon nitride and boron carbon nitride film on sapphire substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosaka, Maito; Urakami, Noriyuki; Hashimoto, Yoshio

2018-02-01

As a novel production method of boron carbon nitride (BCN) films, in this paper, we present the incorporation of B into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). First, we investigated the formation of g-C3N4 films via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using melamine powder as the precursor. The formation of g-C3N4 films on a c-plane sapphire substrate was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The deposition temperature of g-C3N4 films was found to be suitable between 550 and 600 °C since the degradation and desorption of hexagonal C-N bonds should be suppressed. As for BCN films, we prepared BCN films via two-zone extended CVD using ammonia borane as the B precursor. Several XPS signals from B, C, and N core levels were detected from B-incorporated g-C3N4 films. While the N composition was almost constant, the marked tendencies for increasing B composition and decreasing C composition were achieved with the increase in the B incorporation, indicating the incorporation of B atoms by the substitution for C atoms. Optical absorptions were shifted to the high-energy side by B incorporation, which indicates the successful formation of BCN films using melamine and ammonia borane powders as precursors.

Chemical changes demonstrated in cartilage by synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy in an antibody-induced murine model of rheumatoid arthritis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croxford, Allyson M.; Selva Nandakumar, Kutty; Holmdahl, Rikard; Tobin, Mark J.; McNaughton, Don; Rowley, Merrill J.

2011-06-01

Collagen antibody-induced arthritis develops in mice following passive transfer of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to type II collagen (CII) and is attributed to effects of proinflammatory immune complexes, but transferred mAbs may react directly and damagingly with CII. To determine whether such mAbs cause cartilage damage in vivo in the absence of inflammation, mice lacking complement factor 5 that do not develop joint inflammation were injected intravenously with two arthritogenic mAbs to CII, M2139 and CIIC1. Paws were collected at day 3, decalcified, paraffin embedded, and 5-μm sections were examined using standard histology and synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM). None of the mice injected with mAb showed visual or histological evidence of inflammation but there were histological changes in the articular cartilage including loss of proteoglycan and altered chondrocyte morphology. Findings using FTIRM at high lateral resolution revealed loss of collagen and the appearance of a new peak at 1635 cm-1 at the surface of the cartilage interpreted as cellular activation. Thus, we demonstrate the utility of synchrotron FTIRM for examining chemical changes in diseased cartilage at the microscopic level and establish that arthritogenic mAbs to CII do cause cartilage damage in vivo in the absence of inflammation.

Characterization of the Antigenic Heterogeneity of Lipoarabinomannan, the Major Surface Glycolipid of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Complexity of Antibody Specificities toward This Antigen

PubMed Central

Choudhary, Alok; Honnen, William; Lai, Zhong; Gennaro, Maria Laura; Garcia-Viveros, Moncerrato; Sahloul, Kamar; Spencer, John S.; Chatterjee, Delphi

2018-01-01

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM), the major antigenic glycolipid of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is an important immunodiagnostic target for detecting tuberculosis (TB) infection in HIV-1–coinfected patients, and is believed to mediate a number of functions that promote infection and disease development. To probe the human humoral response against LAM during TB infection, several novel LAM-specific human mAbs were molecularly cloned from memory B cells isolated from infected patients and grown in vitro. The fine epitope specificities of these Abs, along with those of a panel of previously described murine and phage-derived LAM-specific mAbs, were mapped using binding assays against LAM Ags from several mycobacterial species and a panel of synthetic glycans and glycoconjugates that represented diverse carbohydrate structures present in LAM. Multiple reactivity patterns were seen that differed in their specificity for LAM from different species, as well as in their dependence on arabinofuranoside branching and nature of capping at the nonreducing termini. Competition studies with mAbs and soluble glycans further defined these epitope specificities and guided the design of highly sensitive immunodetection assays capable of detecting LAM in urine of TB patients, even in the absence of HIV-1 coinfection. These results highlighted the complexity of the antigenic structure of LAM and the diversity of the natural Ab response against this target. The information and novel reagents described in this study will allow further optimization of diagnostic assays for LAM and may facilitate the development of potential immunotherapeutic approaches to inhibit the functional activities of specific structural motifs in LAM. PMID:29610143

Cellulose synthase stoichiometry in aspen differs from Arabidopsis and Norway spruce.

PubMed

Zhang, Xueyang; Dominguez, Pia Guadalupe; Kumar, Manoj; Bygdell, Joakim; Miroshnichenko, Sergey; Sundberg, Bjorn; Wingsle, Gunnar; Niittyla, Totte

2018-05-14

Cellulose is synthesised at the plasma membrane by cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) containing cellulose synthases (CESAs). Genetic analysis and CESA isoform quantification indicate that cellulose in the secondary cell walls of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is synthesised by isoforms CESA4, CESA7 and CESA8 in equimolar amounts. Here, we used quantitative proteomics to investigate whether the CSC model based on Arabidopsis secondary cell wall CESA stoichiometry can be applied to the angiosperm tree aspen (Populus tremula) and the gymnosperm tree Norway spruce (Picea abies). In the developing xylem of aspen the secondary cell wall CESA stoichiometry was 3:2:1 for PtCESA8a/b : PtCESA4 : PtCESA7a/b, while in Norway spruce the stoichiometry was 1:1:1 as previously observed in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, in aspen tension wood the secondary cell wall CESA stoichiometry changed to 8:3:1 for PtCESA8a/b : PtCESA4 : PtCESA7a/b. PtCESA8b represented 73% of the total secondary cell wall CESA pool, and quantitative PCR analysis of CESA transcripts in cryo-sectioned tension wood revealed increased PtCESA8b expression during formation of the cellulose-enriched gelatinous layer while the transcripts of PtCESA4, PtCESA7a/b and PtCESA8a decreased. A wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis showed that the shift in CESA stoichiometry in tension wood coincided with an increase in crystalline cellulose microfibril diameter suggesting that the CSC CESA composition influences microfibril properties. The aspen CESA stoichiometry results raise the possibility of alternative CSC models, and suggest that homomeric PtCESA8b complexes are responsible for cellulose biosynthesis in the gelatinous layer in tension wood. {copyright, serif} 2018 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

Selective Complexation of Cyanide and Fluoride Ions with Ammonium Boranes: A Theoretical Study on Sensing Mechanism Involving Intramolecular Charge Transfer and Configurational Changes.

PubMed

Bhat, Haamid R; Jha, Prakash C

2017-05-18

The anion binding selectivity and the recognition mechanism of two isomeric boranes, namely, 4-[bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)boranyl]-N,N,N-trimethylaniline ([p-(Mes 2 B)C 6 H 4 (NMe 3 )] + , 1, where "Mes" represents mesitylene and "Me" represents methyl) and 2-[bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)boranyl]-N,N,N-trimethylaniline ([o-(Mes 2 B)C 6 H 4 (NMe 3 )] + , 2) has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent-density functional theory (TD-DFT) methods. Natural population analysis indicates that the central boron atoms in 1 and 2 are the most active centers for nucleophilic addition of anions. The negative magnitude of free energy changes (ΔG) reveals that out of CN - , F - , Cl - , Br - , NO 3 - , and HSO 4 - only the binding of CN - and F - with 1 and 2 is thermodynamically feasible and spontaneous. In addition, the calculated binding energies reveal that the CN - is showing lesser binding affinity than F - both with 1 and 2, while other ions, viz. NO 3 - , HSO 4 - , Br - , and Cl - , either do not bind at all or show very insignificant binding energy. The first excited states (S 1 ) of 1 and 2 are shown to be the local excited states with π → σ* transition by frontier molecular orbital analysis, whereas fourth excited states (S 4 ) of 4-[bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)boranyl]-N,N,N-trimethylaniline cyanide ([p-(Mes 2 B)C 6 H 4 (NMe 3 )] CN, 1CN, the cyano form of 1) and 4-[bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)boranyl]-N,N,N-trimethylaniline fluoride ([p-(Mes 2 B)C 6 H 4 (NMe 3 )] F, 1F, the fluoro form of 1) and fifth excited state (S 5 ) of 2-[bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)boranyl]-N,N,N-trimethylaniline fluoride ([o-(Mes 2 B)C 6 H 4 (NMe 3 )] F, 2F, the fluoro form of 2) are charge separation states that are found to be responsible for the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process. The synergistic effect of ICT and partial configuration changes induce fluorescence quenching in 1CN, 1F, and 2F after a significant internal conversion (IC) from S 4 and S 5 to S 1.

Developability assessment of clinical drug products with maximum absorbable doses.

PubMed

Ding, Xuan; Rose, John P; Van Gelder, Jan

2012-05-10

Maximum absorbable dose refers to the maximum amount of an orally administered drug that can be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Maximum absorbable dose, or D(abs), has proved to be an important parameter for quantifying the absorption potential of drug candidates. The purpose of this work is to validate the use of D(abs) in a developability assessment context, and to establish appropriate protocol and interpretation criteria for this application. Three methods for calculating D(abs) were compared by assessing how well the methods predicted the absorption limit for a set of real clinical candidates. D(abs) was calculated for these clinical candidates by means of a simple equation and two computer simulation programs, GastroPlus and an program developed at Eli Lilly and Company. Results from single dose escalation studies in Phase I clinical trials were analyzed to identify the maximum absorbable doses for these compounds. Compared to the clinical results, the equation and both simulation programs provide conservative estimates of D(abs), but in general D(abs) from the computer simulations are more accurate, which may find obvious advantage for the simulations in developability assessment. Computer simulations also revealed the complex behavior associated with absorption saturation and suggested in most cases that the D(abs) limit is not likely to be achieved in a typical clinical dose range. On the basis of the validation findings, an approach is proposed for assessing absorption potential, and best practices are discussed for the use of D(abs) estimates to inform clinical formulation development strategies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Living with an imperfect cell wall: compensation of femAB inactivation in Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Hübscher, Judith; Jansen, Andrea; Kotte, Oliver; Schäfer, Juliane; Majcherczyk, Paul A; Harris, Llinos G; Bierbaum, Gabriele; Heinemann, Matthias; Berger-Bächi, Brigitte

2007-09-04

Synthesis of the Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan pentaglycine interpeptide bridge is catalyzed by the nonribosomal peptidyl transferases FemX, FemA and FemB. Inactivation of the femAB operon reduces the interpeptide to a monoglycine, leading to a poorly crosslinked peptidoglycan. femAB mutants show a reduced growth rate and are hypersusceptible to virtually all antibiotics, including methicillin, making FemAB a potential target to restore beta-lactam susceptibility in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Cis-complementation with wild type femAB only restores synthesis of the pentaglycine interpeptide and methicillin resistance, but the growth rate remains low. This study characterizes the adaptations that ensured survival of the cells after femAB inactivation. In addition to slow growth, the cis-complemented femAB mutant showed temperature sensitivity and a higher methicillin resistance than the wild type. Transcriptional profiling paired with reporter metabolite analysis revealed multiple changes in the global transcriptome. A number of transporters for sugars, glycerol, and glycine betaine, some of which could serve as osmoprotectants, were upregulated. Striking differences were found in the transcription of several genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and the arginine-deiminase pathway, an alternative for ATP production. In addition, microarray data indicated enhanced expression of virulence factors that correlated with premature expression of the global regulators sae, sarA, and agr. Survival under conditions preventing normal cell wall formation triggered complex adaptations that incurred a fitness cost, showing the remarkable flexibility of S. aureus to circumvent cell wall damage. Potential FemAB inhibitors would have to be used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent selection of resistant survivors.

Synthesis of backbone P-functionalized imidazol-2-ylidene complexes: en route to novel functional ionic liquids.

PubMed

Majhi, Paresh Kumar; Sauerbrey, Susanne; Schnakenburg, Gregor; Arduengo, Anthony J; Streubel, Rainer

2012-10-01

1-Alkyl-3-methyl-4-diphenylphosphoryl-imidazolium hydrogensulfate (4a,b) (a: R(1) = R(2) = Me; b: R(1) = (i)Pr, R(2) = Me) and 1-alkyl-3-methyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)imidazolium hydrogensulfate (6a,c) (c: R(1) = (n)Bu, R(2) = Me) were obtained selectively and in good yields by oxidative desulfurization of 1-alkyl-3-methyl-4-diphenylphosphino-imidazole-2-thiones (2a,b) and 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)imidazole-2-thione (3c) or 1,3-dimethyl-4-diphenylthiophosphoryl-5-diphenylphosphino-imidazole-2-thione (5a), respectively, with hydrogen peroxide. Synthesis of phosphoryl functionalized imidazol-2-ylidene complexes of group VI metal pentacarbonyls (7a-9a) and (10b-12b) and bis(phosphoryl) functionalized imidazol-2-ylidene complexes of group VI metal pentacarbonyls (13c-15c) and (16a) with low steric demand (methyl, isopropyl, n-butyl) at both N-centers was achieved through deprotonation of imidazolium salts (4a,b) and (6a,c), respectively,-having HSO(4)(-) as a counterion-with potassium tert-butoxide followed by rapid addition of metal pentacarbonyl acetonitrile complexes [M(CO)(5)(CH(3)CN)] (M = Cr, Mo, W). The products were unambiguously characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, and in addition, by single-crystal X-ray structure studies in the cases of 4b, 8a, 15c, and 16a; the latter two reveal imidazole ring bond distance alternation in contrast to 8a.

Enhanced Neutralization Potency of Botulinum Neurotoxin Antibodies Using a Red Blood Cell-Targeting Fusion Protein

PubMed Central

Adekar, Sharad P.; Segan, Andrew T.; Chen, Cindy; Bermudez, Rodney; Elias, M. D.; Selling, Bernard H.; Kapadnis, B. P.; Simpson, Lance L.; Simon, Paul M.; Dessain, Scott K.

2011-01-01

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) potently inhibits cholinergic signaling at the neuromuscular junction. The ideal countermeasures for BoNT exposure are monoclonal antibodies or BoNT antisera, which form BoNT-containing immune complexes that are rapidly cleared from the general circulation. Clearance of opsonized toxins may involve complement receptor-mediated immunoadherence to red blood cells (RBC) in primates or to platelets in rodents. Methods of enhancing immunoadherence of BoNT-specific antibodies may increase their potency in vivo. We designed a novel fusion protein (FP) to link biotinylated molecules to glycophorin A (GPA) on the RBC surface. The FP consists of an scFv specific for murine GPA fused to streptavidin. FP:mAb:BoNT complexes bound specifically to the RBC surface in vitro. In a mouse model of BoNT neutralization, the FP increased the potency of single and double antibody combinations in BoNT neutralization. A combination of two antibodies with the FP gave complete neutralization of 5,000 LD50 BoNT in mice. Neutralization in vivo was dependent on biotinylation of both antibodies and correlated with a reduction of plasma BoNT levels. In a post-exposure model of intoxication, FP:mAb complexes gave complete protection from a lethal BoNT/A1 dose when administered within 2 hours of toxin exposure. In a pre-exposure prophylaxis model, mice were fully protected for 72 hours following administration of the FP:mAb complex. These results demonstrate that RBC-targeted immunoadherence through the FP is a potent enhancer of BoNT neutralization by antibodies in vivo. PMID:21399689

The (CH2)2O-H2O hydrogen bonded complex. Ab Initio calculations and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy from neon matrix and a new supersonic jet experiment coupled to the infrared AILES beamline of synchrotron SOLEIL.

PubMed

Cirtog, M; Asselin, P; Soulard, P; Tremblay, B; Madebène, B; Alikhani, M E; Georges, R; Moudens, A; Goubet, M; Huet, T R; Pirali, O; Roy, P

2011-03-31

A series of hydrogen bonded complexes involving oxirane and water molecules have been studied. In this paper we report on the vibrational study of the oxirane-water complex (CH(2))(2)O-H(2)O. Neon matrix experiments and ab initio anharmonic vibrational calculations have been performed, providing a consistent set of vibrational frequencies and anharmonic coupling constants. The implementation of a new large flow supersonic jet coupled to the Bruker IFS 125 HR spectrometer at the infrared AILES beamline of the French synchrotron SOLEIL (Jet-AILES) enabled us to record first jet-cooled Fourier transform infrared spectra of oxirane-water complexes at different resolutions down to 0.2 cm(-1). Rovibrational parameters and a lower bound of the predissociation lifetime of 25 ps for the v(OH)(b) = 1 state have been derived from the rovibrational analysis of the ν(OH)(b) band contour recorded at respective rotational temperatures of 12 K (Jet-AILES) and 35 K (LADIR jet).

Microwave Spectroscopic Investigations of the C-H\\cdotsπ Containing Complexes CH_2F_2\\cdotsPROPYNE and CH_2ClF\\cdotsPROPYNE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peebles, Rebecca A.; Peebles, Sean A.; Christenholz, Cori L.; Ernst, Anthony A.; Dhahir, Yasser J.

2013-06-01

The spectra of the CH_2F_2\\cdotspropyne and CH_2ClF\\cdotspropyne complexes have been studied by chirped-pulse and resonant cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy and by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. Both complexes contain C-H\\cdotsπ contacts, with the halogen atoms angled towards the methyl group end of the propyne. While CH_2F_2\\cdotspropyne has C_s symmetry, CH_2ClF\\cdotspropyne has C_1 symmetry, with the fluorine and chlorine atoms straddling the propyne. Investigation of four single ^{13}C and the DC≡CCH_3 isotopologues in CH_2F_2\\cdotspropyne has allowed a detailed structural determination, while only the ^{35}Cl and ^{37}Cl isotopologues have so far been assigned for CH_2ClF\\cdotspropyne. Experimental data will be compared with ab initio results and with the analogous acetylene complexes, both of which have C_s symmetry structures, with double C-H\\cdotsπ interactions.

Ionization dynamics of the water trimer: A direct ab initio MD study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachikawa, Hiroto; Takada, Tomoya

2013-03-01

Ionization dynamics of the cyclic water trimer (H2O)3 have been investigated by means of direct ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) method. Two reaction channels, complex formation and OH dissociation, were found following the ionization of (H2O)3. In both channels, first, a proton was rapidly transferred from H2O+ to H2O (time scale is ˜15 fs after the ionization). In complex channel, an ion-radical contact pair (H3O+-OH) solvated by the third water molecule was formed as a long-lived H3O+(OH)H2O complex. In OH dissociation channel, the second proton transfer further takes place from H3O+(OH) to H2O (time scale is 50-100 fs) and the OH radical is separated from the H3O+. At the same time, the OH dissociation takes place when the excess energy is efficiently transferred into the kinetic energy of OH radical. The OH dissociation channel is significantly minor, and almost all product channels were the complex formation. The reaction mechanism was discussed on the basis of theoretical results.

Outer membrane protein A of Acinetobacter baumannii induces differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward a Th1 polarizing phenotype through the activation of dendritic cells.

PubMed

Lee, Jun Sik; Lee, Je Chul; Lee, Chang-Min; Jung, In Duk; Jeong, Young-Il; Seong, Eun-Young; Chung, Hae-Young; Park, Yeong-Min

2007-06-30

Acinetobacter baumannii is an increasing hospital-acquired pathogen that causes a various type of infections, but little is known about the protective immune response to this microorganism. Outer membrane protein A of A. baumannii (AbOmpA) is a major porin protein and plays an important role in pathogenesis. We analyzed interaction between AbOmpA and dendritic cells (DCs) to characterize the role of this protein in promoting innate and adaptive immune responses. AbOmpA functionally activates bone marrow-derived DCs by augmenting expression of the surface markers, CD40, CD54, B7 family (CD80 and CD86) and major histocompatibility complex class I and II. AbOmpA induces production of Th1-promoting interleukin-12 from DCs and augments the syngeneic and allogeneic immunostimulatory capacity of DCs. AbOmpA stimulates production of interferon-gamma from T cells in mixed lymphocyte reactions, which suggesting Th1-polarizing capacity. CD4(+) T cells stimulated by AbOmpA-stimulated DCs show a Th1-polarizing cytokine profile. The expression of surface markers on DCs is mediated by both mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-kappaB pathways. Our findings suggest that AbOmpA induces maturation of DCs and drives Th1 polarization, which are important properties for determining the nature of immune response against A. baumannii.

Fourier transformation microwave spectroscopy of the methyl glycolate-H2O complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujitake, Masaharu; Tanaka, Toshihiro; Ohashi, Nobukimi

2018-01-01

The rotational spectrum of one conformer of the methyl glycolate-H2O complex has been measured by means of the pulsed jet Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The observed a- and b-type transitions exhibit doublet splittings due to the internal rotation of the methyl group. On the other hand, most of the c-type transitions exhibit quartet splittings arising from the methyl internal rotation and the inversion motion between two equivalent conformations. The spectrum was analyzed using parameterized expressions of the Hamiltonian matrix elements derived by applying the tunneling matrix formalism. Based on the results obtained from ab initio calculation, the observed complex of methyl glycolate-H2O was assigned to the most stable conformer of the insertion complex, in which a non-planer seven membered-ring structure is formed by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between methyl glycolate and H2O subunits. The inversion motion observed in the c-type transitions is therefore a kind of ring-inversion motion between two equivalent conformations. Conformational flexibility, which corresponds to the ring-inversion between two equivalent conformations and to the isomerization between two possible conformers of the insertion complex, was investigated with the help of the ab initio calculation.

Structural and electronic transport properties of compound forming HgPb liquid alloy using ab-initio pseudopotential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Nalini; Thakur, Anil; Ahluwalia, P. K.

2013-02-01

The electrical resistivity of compound forming liquid alloy HgPb is studied as a function of concentration. Hard sphere diameters of Hg and Pb are obtained through the inter-ionic pair potential evaluated using Troullier and Martins ab initio pseudopotential, which have been used to calculate partial structure factors. Considering the liquid alloy to be a ternary mixture Ziman's formula for calculating the resistivity of binary liquid alloys, modified for complex formation, has been used. The concentration dependence in resistivity occurs due to preferential ordering of unlike atoms as nearest neighbours with help of complex formation model. Though the compound HgiPbi as per structure peaks is found to be less stable. However it contributes significantly to resistivity as compared to bare ions.

Rapid Screening for Potential Epitopes Reactive with a Polycolonal Antibody by Solution-Phase H/D Exchange Monitored by FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian; Noble, Kyle A.; Mao, Yuan; Young, Nicolas L.; Sathe, Shridhar K.; Roux, Kenneth H.; Marshall, Alan G.

2013-07-01

The potential epitopes of a recombinant food allergen protein, cashew Ana o 2, reactive to polyclonal antibodies, were mapped by solution-phase amide backbone H/D exchange (HDX) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). Ana o 2 polyclonal antibodies were purified in the serum from a goat immunized with cashew nut extract. Antibodies were incubated with recombinant Ana o 2 (rAna o 2) to form antigen:polyclonal antibody (Ag:pAb) complexes. Complexed and uncomplexed (free) rAna o 2 were then subjected to HDX-MS analysis. Four regions protected from H/D exchange upon pAb binding are identified as potential epitopes and mapped onto a homologous model.

Ab Initio Reactive Computer Aided Molecular Design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martínez, Todd J.

Few would dispute that theoretical chemistry tools can now provide keen insights into chemical phenomena. Yet the holy grail of efficient and reliable prediction of complex reactivity has remained elusive. Fortunately, recent advances in electronic structure theory based on the concepts of both element- and rank-sparsity, coupled with the emergence of new highly parallel computer architectures, have led to a significant increase in the time and length scales which can be simulated using first principles molecular dynamics. This then opens the possibility of new discovery-based approaches to chemical reactivity, such as the recently proposed ab initio nanoreactor. Here, we arguemore » that due to these and other recent advances, the holy grail of computational discovery for complex chemical reactivity is rapidly coming within our reach.« less

Ab initio atomic recombination reaction energetics on model heat shield surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Senese, Fredrick; Ake, Robert

1992-01-01

Ab initio quantum mechanical calculations on small hydration complexes involving the nitrate anion are reported. The self-consistent field method with accurate basis sets has been applied to compute completely optimized equilibrium geometries, vibrational frequencies, thermochemical parameters, and stable site labilities of complexes involving 1, 2, and 3 waters. The most stable geometries in the first hydration shell involve in-plane waters bridging pairs of nitrate oxygens with two equal and bent hydrogen bonds. A second extremely labile local minimum involves out-of-plane waters with a single hydrogen bond and lies about 2 kcal/mol higher. The potential in the region of the second minimum is extremely flat and qualitatively sensitive to changes in the basis set; it does not correspond to a true equilibrium structure.

Ab Initio Reactive Computer Aided Molecular Design

DOE PAGES

Martínez, Todd J.

2017-03-21

Few would dispute that theoretical chemistry tools can now provide keen insights into chemical phenomena. Yet the holy grail of efficient and reliable prediction of complex reactivity has remained elusive. Fortunately, recent advances in electronic structure theory based on the concepts of both element- and rank-sparsity, coupled with the emergence of new highly parallel computer architectures, have led to a significant increase in the time and length scales which can be simulated using first principles molecular dynamics. This then opens the possibility of new discovery-based approaches to chemical reactivity, such as the recently proposed ab initio nanoreactor. Here, we arguemore » that due to these and other recent advances, the holy grail of computational discovery for complex chemical reactivity is rapidly coming within our reach.« less

Resolution of ab initio shapes determined from small-angle scattering.

PubMed

Tuukkanen, Anne T; Kleywegt, Gerard J; Svergun, Dmitri I

2016-11-01

Spatial resolution is an important characteristic of structural models, and the authors of structures determined by X-ray crystallography or electron cryo-microscopy always provide the resolution upon publication and deposition. Small-angle scattering of X-rays or neutrons (SAS) has recently become a mainstream structural method providing the overall three-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids and complexes in solution. However, no quantitative resolution measure is available for SAS-derived models, which significantly hampers their validation and further use. Here, a method is derived for resolution assessment for ab initio shape reconstruction from scattering data. The inherent variability of the ab initio shapes is utilized and it is demonstrated how their average Fourier shell correlation function is related to the model resolution. The method is validated against simulated data for proteins with known high-resolution structures and its efficiency is demonstrated in applications to experimental data. It is proposed that henceforth the resolution be reported in publications and depositions of ab initio SAS models.

Resolution of ab initio shapes determined from small-angle scattering

PubMed Central

Tuukkanen, Anne T.; Kleywegt, Gerard J.; Svergun, Dmitri I.

2016-01-01

Spatial resolution is an important characteristic of structural models, and the authors of structures determined by X-ray crystallography or electron cryo-microscopy always provide the resolution upon publication and deposition. Small-angle scattering of X-rays or neutrons (SAS) has recently become a mainstream structural method providing the overall three-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids and complexes in solution. However, no quantitative resolution measure is available for SAS-derived models, which significantly hampers their validation and further use. Here, a method is derived for resolution assessment for ab initio shape reconstruction from scattering data. The inherent variability of the ab initio shapes is utilized and it is demonstrated how their average Fourier shell correlation function is related to the model resolution. The method is validated against simulated data for proteins with known high-resolution structures and its efficiency is demonstrated in applications to experimental data. It is proposed that henceforth the resolution be reported in publications and depositions of ab initio SAS models. PMID:27840683

Pairing Heterocyclic Cations with closo-Icosahedral Borane and Carborane Anions, II: Benchtop Alternative Synthetic Methodologies for Binary Triazolium and Tetrazolium Salts with Significant Water Solubility (POSTPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

interesting property, eutectic melting-point depression. Recrystallization of ternary salts 12–14 was not attempted because of a concern that a cation... recrystallization solvent mixture for these powders, and while some individual successes resulted, a general efficient solvent system for all salt...product recrystallizations could not be found. So, rather than recrystallizing each individual adduct, spectroscopic examination of the amorphous solids was

Pairing Heterocyclic Cations with closo-Icosahedral Borane and Carborane Anions. II. Benchtop Alternative Synthetic Methodologies for Binary Triazolium and Tetrazolium Salts with Significant Water Solubility

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

produced from eutectic melts. Nat. Mater. 2008, 7, 626-630. 9. Any attempt at recrystallizing the 1:1 mixture of cations in (12) is likely to afford... recrystallizations . So, rather than recrystallizing each individual adduct, we concentrated on performing a careful spectroscopic examination of the...suggested. [1] While it is well-known that an admixture of two neutral compounds often affords eutectic behavior, we wondered whether or not the same

Bridged Heterocyclium Di-Cationic closo-Icosahedral Perfluoroborane, Borane, and Carborane Salts via Aqueous, Open-Air Benchtop Synthesis (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-11

AFB CA 93524-7680 AFRL-RZ-ED-JA-2010-090 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) Air...Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL/RZS 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S 5 Pollux Drive NUMBER(S) Edwards AFB CA 93524-7048 AFRL-RZ-ED-JA-2010...Strauss § Air Force Research Laboratory, Propellants Branch (AFRL/RZSP), 10 East Saturn Blvd., Edwards AFB, CA 93524-7680, Department of Chemistry and

Process for fullerene functionalization

DOEpatents

Cahill, Paul A.; Henderson, Craig C.

1995-01-01

Di-addended and tetra-addended Buckminster fullerenes are synthesized through the use of novel organoborane intermediates. The C.sub.60, C.sub.70, or higher fullerene is reacted with a borane such as BH.sub.3 in a solvent such as toluene to form an organoborane intermediate. Reaction of the organoborane such as hydrolysis with water or alcohol results in the product di-addended and tetra-addended fullerene in up to 30% yields. Dihydrofullerenes and tetrahydrofullerenes are produced by the process of the invention.

Boron in nuclear medicine: New synthetic approaches to PET and SPECT. Final report, May 1, 1986--April 30, 1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kabalka, G.W.

1997-08-01

Research is described in the development of organometallic reagents in which the boron was attached to a nonreactive organic or inorganic matrix such as polystyrene, silica, or alumina. We developed the synthesis of oxygen-15 labelled butanol, which has been found to be a valuable blood flow agent in humans. We have also developed a series of polymeric borane derivatives which were used to prepare nitrogen-13 labelled amines.

Transition Metal-Promoted Oxidative Fusion with Carborane and Borane Anions. Synthesis of C4Bn (N = 8-11) Carborane Systems in the Presence of B5H8- or B3H8- Ions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

Naval Research. We thank Mr. David Finster for recording the 11B FT NMR spectra. ii -24- References and Notes (1) Recent reviews: (a) Nicholas, K.M...Hosmane, N. S.; Furia, J.; Finster , D. C.; Grimes, R. N., to be published. (8) Wong, K-S.; Bowser, J. R.; Pipal, J. R.; Grimes, R. N., J. Am. Chem

Development and Optimization of a Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectrometer to Measure Nanoscale Defects in Solids and Borane Cage Molecules in Aqueous Nitrate Solutions

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

will be accomplished by the day prior to the sample transfer operation. i. The radiation hood lab bench tops where radioactive material will be...source container to a sample container in a single syringe transfer. (All other non- radioactive solutions will have been previously added to this... radioactive spill. 4. Procedure Checklist: a. Setup □ Tape down plastic liner and locate absorbent □ Lay out sample container holder, sample

Process for fullerene functionalization

DOEpatents

Cahill, P.A.; Henderson, C.C.

1995-12-12

Di-addended and tetra-addended Buckminster fullerenes are synthesized through the use of novel organoborane intermediates. The C{sub 60}, C{sub 70}, or higher fullerene is reacted with a borane such as BH{sub 3} in a solvent such as toluene to form an organoborane intermediate. Reaction of the organoborane such as hydrolysis with water or alcohol results in the product di-addended and tetra-addended fullerene in up to 30% yields. Dihydrofullerenes and tetrahydrofullerenes are produced by the process of the invention. 7 figs.

Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane and Water Through the Combustion Reactions with Mechanically Alloyed Al/Mg Powder

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-11

generated through a self-sustained propagation of the reaction wave over the generator’s chemical core. The project objective is to determine the...iodine (I2, chips, Sigma Aldrich, 99% pure), at 4 wt% of the initial powder load. The 9.5 mm balls were removed and replaced with the same mass of...of boron (nominal size 0.7 Engineers). The nanocomposite powders were prepared in this project using a sequence of two milling steps. In the first

Simple one-pot conversion of aldehydes and ketones to enals.

PubMed

Valenta, Petr; Drucker, Natalie A; Bode, Jeffrey W; Walsh, Patrick J

2009-05-21

A simple and efficient method to convert aldehydes into alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes with a two-carbon homologation is presented. Hydroboration of ethoxy acetylene with BH(3).SMe(2) generates tris(ethoxyvinyl) borane. Transmetalation with diethylzinc, addition to aldehydes or ketones, and acidic workup affords enals. When the addition is quenched with anilinium hydrochloride, 1,2-dithioglycol, or acetic anhydride, the unsaturated imine, dithiolane, or 1,1-diacetate is isolated in high yield. These transformations can be performed in a one-pot procedure.

Structural Determination of the Broadly Reactive Anti-IGHV1-69 Anti-idiotypic Antibody G6 and Its Idiotope.

PubMed

Avnir, Yuval; Prachanronarong, Kristina L; Zhang, Zhen; Hou, Shurong; Peterson, Eric C; Sui, Jianhua; Zayed, Hatem; Kurella, Vinodh B; McGuire, Andrew T; Stamatatos, Leonidas; Hilbert, Brendan J; Bohn, Markus-Frederik; Kowalik, Timothy F; Jensen, Jeffrey D; Finberg, Robert W; Wang, Jennifer P; Goodall, Margaret; Jefferis, Roy; Zhu, Quan; Kurt Yilmaz, Nese; Schiffer, Celia A; Marasco, Wayne A

2017-12-12

The heavy chain IGHV1-69 germline gene exhibits a high level of polymorphism and shows biased use in protective antibody (Ab) responses to infections and vaccines. It is also highly expressed in several B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. G6 is an anti-idiotypic monoclonal Ab that selectively binds to IGHV1-69 heavy chain germline gene 51p1 alleles that have been implicated in these Ab responses and disease processes. Here, we determine the co-crystal structure of humanized G6 (hG6.3) in complex with anti-influenza hemagglutinin stem-directed broadly neutralizing Ab D80. The core of the hG6.3 idiotope is a continuous string of CDR-H2 residues starting with M53 and ending with N58. G6 binding studies demonstrate the remarkable breadth of binding to 51p1 IGHV1-69 Abs with diverse CDR-H3, light chain, and antigen binding specificities. These studies detail the broad expression of the G6 cross-reactive idiotype (CRI) that further define its potential role in precision medicine. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure-guided Design and Immunological Characterization of Immunogens Presenting the HIV-1 gp120 V3 Loop on a CTB Scaffold

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

M Totrov; X Jiang; X Kong

2011-12-31

V3 loop is a major neutralizing determinant of the HIV-1 gp120. Using 3D structures of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), complete V3 in the gp120 context, and V3 bound to a monoclonal antibody (mAb), we designed two V3-scaffold immunogen constructs (V3-CTB). The full-length V3-CTB presenting the complete V3 in a structural context mimicking gp120 was recognized by the large majority of our panel of 24 mAbs. The short V3-CTB presenting a V3 fragment in the conformation observed in the complex with the 447-52D Fab, exhibited high-affinity binding to this mAb. The immunogens were evaluated in rabbits using DNA-prime/protein-boost protocol. Boostingmore » with the full-length V3-CTB induced high anti-V3 titers in sera that potently neutralize multiple HIV virus strains. The short V3-CTB was ineffective. The results suggest that very narrow antigenic profile of an immunogen is associated with poor Ab response. An immunogen with broader antigenic activity elicits robust Ab response.« less

Preparation and biological activities of anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies with fully core-fucosylated homogeneous bi-antennary complex-type glycans.

PubMed

Tsukimura, Wataru; Kurogochi, Masaki; Mori, Masako; Osumi, Kenji; Matsuda, Akio; Takegawa, Kaoru; Furukawa, Kiyoshi; Shirai, Takashi

2017-12-01

Recently, the absence of a core-fucose residue in the N-glycan has been implicated to be important for enhancing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of immunoglobulin G monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Here, we first prepared anti-HER2 mAbs having two core-fucosylated N-glycan chains with the single G2F, G1aF, G1bF, or G0F structure, together with those having two N-glycan chains with a single non-core-fucosylated corresponding structure for comparison, and determined their biological activities. Dissociation constants of mAbs with core-fucosylated N-glycans bound to recombinant Fcγ-receptor type IIIa variant were 10 times higher than those with the non-core-fucosylated N-glycans, regardless of core glycan structures. mAbs with the core-fucosylated N-glycans had markedly reduced ADCC activities, while those with the non-core-fucosylated N-glycans had high activities. These results indicate that the presence of a core-fucose residue in the N-glycan suppresses the binding to the Fc-receptor and the induction of ADCC of anti-HER2 mAbs.

Partitioning-Defective 1a/b Depletion Impairs Glomerular and Proximal Tubule Development.

PubMed

Akchurin, Oleh; Du, Zhongfang; Ramkellawan, Nadira; Dalal, Vidhi; Han, Seung Hyeok; Pullman, James; Müsch, Anne; Susztak, Katalin; Reidy, Kimberly J

2016-12-01

The kidney is a highly polarized epithelial organ that develops from undifferentiated mesenchyme, although the mechanisms that regulate the development of renal epithelial polarity are incompletely understood. Partitioning-defective 1 (Par1) proteins have been implicated in cell polarity and epithelial morphogenesis; however, the role of these proteins in the developing kidney has not been established. Therefore, we studied the contribution of Par1a/b to renal epithelial development. We examined the renal phenotype of newborn compound mutant mice carrying only one allele of Par1a or Par1b. Loss of three out of four Par1a/b alleles resulted in severe renal hypoplasia, associated with impaired ureteric bud branching. Compared with kidneys of newborn control littermates, kidneys of newborn mutant mice exhibited dilated proximal tubules and immature glomeruli, and the renal proximal tubular epithelia lacked proper localization of adhesion complexes. Furthermore, Par1a/b mutants expressed low levels of renal Notch ligand Jag1, activated Notch2, and Notch effecter Hes1. Together, these data demonstrate that Par1a/b has a key role in glomerular and proximal tubule development, likely via modulation of Notch signaling. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Nanostructured Thin Films Obtained from Fischer Aminocarbene Complexes

PubMed Central

Lazo-Jiménez, Rosa E.; Ortega-Alfaro, M. Carmen; López-Cortés, José G.; Alvarez-Toledano, Cecilio; Chávez-Carvayar, José Á.; Ignés-Mullol, Jordi; González-Torres, Maykel; Carreón-Castro, Pilar

2016-01-01

The synthesis of four amphiphilic organometallic complexes with the general formula RC = M(CO)5NH(CH2)15CH3, where R is a ferrocenyl 2(a-b) or a phenyl 4(a-b) group as a donor moiety and a Fischer carbene of chromium (0) or tungsten (0) as an acceptor group, are reported. These four push-pull systems formed Langmuir (L) monolayers at the air-water interface, which were characterized by isotherms of surface pressure versus molecular area and compression/expansion cycles (hysteresis curves); Brewster angle microscopic images were also obtained. By using the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) method, molecular monolayers were transferred onto glass substrates forming Z-type multilayers. LB films were characterized through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results indicated that films obtained from 2b complex [(Ferrocenyl)(hexadecylamine)methylidene] pentacarbonyl tungsten (0) are the most stable and homogeneous; due to their properties, these materials may be incorporated into organic electronic devices. PMID:28773289

Structure and gas phase stability of complexes L . .. M, where M = Li+, Na+, Mg2+ and L is formaldehyde, formic acid, formate anion, formamide and their sila derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remko, Milan

Ab initio SCF and DFT methods were used to characterize the gas-phase complexes of selected carbonyl and silacarbonyl bases with Li+ , Na+ and Mg2+ . Geometries were optimized at the Hartree-Fock ab initio and Becke 3LYP DFT levels with the 6-31G* basis set. Frequency computations were performed at the RHF/6-31G* level of theory. Interaction energies of the cation-coordinated systems also were determined with the MP2/6-31G* method. The effect of extension of basis set (to the 6-31+ G* basis) on the computed properties of anion-metal cation complexes was investigated. Calculated energies of formation vary as Mg2+ > Li+ > Na+ . The Becke 3LYP DFT binding energies were comparable with those obtained at the correlated MP2 level and are in good agreement with available experimental data.

An ab initio molecular orbital study of the mechanism for the gas-phase water-mediated decomposition and the formation of hydrates of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN).

PubMed

Li, Yumin; Francisco, Joseph S

2005-08-31

There is uncertainty in the mechanism for the hydrolysis of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and experimental attempts to detect products of the direct reaction have been unsuccessful. Ab initio calculations are used to examine the energetics of water-mediated decomposition of gas-phase PAN into acetic acid and peroxynitric acid. On the basis of ab initio calculations, an alternative reaction mechanism for the decomposition of PAN is proposed. The calculations indicate that the barrier for one water addition to PAN is large. However, including additional water molecules reveals a substantially lower energy route. The calculations suggest that the formation of PAN hydrate complexes are energetically favorable and stable. Additional waters are increasingly efficient at stabilizing hydrated PAN.

Explicit polarization (X-Pol) potential using ab initio molecular orbital theory and density functional theory.

PubMed

Song, Lingchun; Han, Jaebeom; Lin, Yen-lin; Xie, Wangshen; Gao, Jiali

2009-10-29

The explicit polarization (X-Pol) method has been examined using ab initio molecular orbital theory and density functional theory. The X-Pol potential was designed to provide a novel theoretical framework for developing next-generation force fields for biomolecular simulations. Importantly, the X-Pol potential is a general method, which can be employed with any level of electronic structure theory. The present study illustrates the implementation of the X-Pol method using ab initio Hartree-Fock theory and hybrid density functional theory. The computational results are illustrated by considering a set of bimolecular complexes of small organic molecules and ions with water. The computed interaction energies and hydrogen bond geometries are in good accord with CCSD(T) calculations and B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ optimizations.

Living with an imperfect cell wall: compensation of femAB inactivation in Staphylococcus aureus

PubMed Central

Hübscher, Judith; Jansen, Andrea; Kotte, Oliver; Schäfer, Juliane; Majcherczyk, Paul A; Harris, Llinos G; Bierbaum, Gabriele; Heinemann, Matthias; Berger-Bächi, Brigitte

2007-01-01

Background Synthesis of the Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan pentaglycine interpeptide bridge is catalyzed by the nonribosomal peptidyl transferases FemX, FemA and FemB. Inactivation of the femAB operon reduces the interpeptide to a monoglycine, leading to a poorly crosslinked peptidoglycan. femAB mutants show a reduced growth rate and are hypersusceptible to virtually all antibiotics, including methicillin, making FemAB a potential target to restore β-lactam susceptibility in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Cis-complementation with wild type femAB only restores synthesis of the pentaglycine interpeptide and methicillin resistance, but the growth rate remains low. This study characterizes the adaptations that ensured survival of the cells after femAB inactivation. Results In addition to slow growth, the cis-complemented femAB mutant showed temperature sensitivity and a higher methicillin resistance than the wild type. Transcriptional profiling paired with reporter metabolite analysis revealed multiple changes in the global transcriptome. A number of transporters for sugars, glycerol, and glycine betaine, some of which could serve as osmoprotectants, were upregulated. Striking differences were found in the transcription of several genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and the arginine-deiminase pathway, an alternative for ATP production. In addition, microarray data indicated enhanced expression of virulence factors that correlated with premature expression of the global regulators sae, sarA, and agr. Conclusion Survival under conditions preventing normal cell wall formation triggered complex adaptations that incurred a fitness cost, showing the remarkable flexibility of S. aureus to circumvent cell wall damage. Potential FemAB inhibitors would have to be used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent selection of resistant survivors. PMID:17784943

Molecular and Physiological Logics of the Pyruvate-Induced Response of a Novel Transporter in Bacillus subtilis

PubMed Central

Charbonnier, Teddy; Le Coq, Dominique; McGovern, Stephen; Calabre, Magali; Delumeau, Olivier; Aymerich, Stéphane

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT At the heart of central carbon metabolism, pyruvate is a pivotal metabolite in all living cells. Bacillus subtilis is able to excrete pyruvate as well as to use it as the sole carbon source. We herein reveal that ysbAB (renamed pftAB), the only operon specifically induced in pyruvate-grown B. subtilis cells, encodes a hetero-oligomeric membrane complex which operates as a facilitated transport system specific for pyruvate, thereby defining a novel class of transporter. We demonstrate that the LytST two-component system is responsible for the induction of pftAB in the presence of pyruvate by binding of the LytT response regulator to a palindromic region upstream of pftAB. We show that both glucose and malate, the preferred carbon sources for B. subtilis, trigger the binding of CcpA upstream of pftAB, which results in its catabolite repression. However, an additional CcpA-independent mechanism represses pftAB in the presence of malate. Screening a genome-wide transposon mutant library, we find that an active malic enzyme replenishing the pyruvate pool is required for this repression. We next reveal that the higher the influx of pyruvate, the stronger the CcpA-independent repression of pftAB, which suggests that intracellular pyruvate retroinhibits pftAB induction via LytST. Such a retroinhibition challenges the rational design of novel nature-inspired sensors and synthetic switches but undoubtedly offers new possibilities for the development of integrated sensor/controller circuitry. Overall, we provide evidence for a complete system of sensors, feed-forward and feedback controllers that play a major role in environmental growth of B. subtilis. PMID:28974613

VGKC complex antibodies in epilepsy: diagnostic yield and therapeutic implications.

PubMed

Lilleker, James B; Jones, Matthew S; Mohanraj, Rajiv

2013-11-01

In a significant number of patients developing epilepsy in adult life, the aetiology of their seizures remains unclear. Antibodies directed against the voltage gated potassium channel complex (VGKC Ab) have been identified in various cohorts of patients with epilepsy, although the role of these antibodies in epilepsy pathogenesis is not fully known. We reviewed the notes of 144 patients with unexplained adult onset epilepsy who had been tested for VGKC Abs. We collected data on their clinical syndrome, investigation results and response to treatment. We identified 6 (4.2%) patients who had titres of >400 pM. One of the six patients was positive for LGI1 and another for CASPR2 subunit antibodies. All patients were given immunotherapy and experienced improvement in seizure control. No patient had the clinical syndrome of limbic encephalitis. Patients with otherwise unexplained epilepsy and positive VGKC Abs are a heterogeneous group. In our cohort there was an overall favourable response to immunotherapy but further prospective studies are needed to determine the significance of these antibodies and the optimum treatment regimen for patients. Copyright © 2013 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Summary of workshop 'Theory Meets Industry'—the impact of ab initio solid state calculations on industrial materials research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wimmer, E.

2008-02-01

A workshop, 'Theory Meets Industry', was held on 12-14 June 2007 in Vienna, Austria, attended by a well balanced number of academic and industrial scientists from America, Europe, and Japan. The focus was on advances in ab initio solid state calculations and their practical use in industry. The theoretical papers addressed three dominant themes, namely (i) more accurate total energies and electronic excitations, (ii) more complex systems, and (iii) more diverse and accurate materials properties. Hybrid functionals give some improvements in energies, but encounter difficulties for metallic systems. Quantum Monte Carlo methods are progressing, but no clear breakthrough is on the horizon. Progress in order-N methods is steady, as is the case for efficient methods for exploring complex energy hypersurfaces and large numbers of structural configurations. The industrial applications were dominated by materials issues in energy conversion systems, the quest for hydrogen storage materials, improvements of electronic and optical properties of microelectronic and display materials, and the simulation of reactions on heterogeneous catalysts. The workshop is a clear testimony that ab initio computations have become an industrial practice with increasingly recognized impact.

Antigenic modulation limits the efficacy of anti-CD20 antibodies: implications for antibody selection.

PubMed

Beers, Stephen A; French, Ruth R; Chan, H T Claude; Lim, Sean H; Jarrett, Timothy C; Vidal, Regina Mora; Wijayaweera, Sahan S; Dixon, Sandra V; Kim, Hyungjin; Cox, Kerry L; Kerr, Jonathan P; Johnston, David A; Johnson, Peter W M; Verbeek, J Sjef; Glennie, Martin J; Cragg, Mark S

2010-06-24

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 on B cells, is now central to the treatment of a variety of malignant and autoimmune disorders. Despite this success, a substantial proportion of B-cell lymphomas are unresponsive or develop resistance, hence more potent anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are continuously being sought. Here we demonstrate that type II (tositumomab-like) anti-CD20 mAbs are 5 times more potent than type I (rituximab-like) reagents in depleting human CD20 Tg B cells, despite both operating exclusively via activatory Fcgamma receptor-expressing macrophages. Much of this disparity in performance is attributable to type I mAb-mediated internalization of CD20 by B cells, leading to reduced macrophage recruitment and the degradation of CD20/mAb complexes, shortening mAb half-life. Importantly, human B cells from healthy donors and most cases of chronic lymphatic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma, showed rapid CD20 internalization that paralleled that seen in the Tg mouse B cells, whereas most follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells were far more resistant to CD20 loss. We postulate that differences in CD20 modulation may play a central role in determining the relative efficacy of rituximab in treating these diseases and strengthen the case for focusing on type II anti-CD20 mAb in the clinic.

The crystal structure of the D-alanine-D-alanine ligase from Acinetobacter baumannii suggests a flexible conformational change in the central domain before nucleotide binding.

PubMed

Huynh, Kim-Hung; Hong, Myoung-ki; Lee, Clarice; Tran, Huyen-Thi; Lee, Sang Hee; Ahn, Yeh-Jin; Cha, Sun-Shin; Kang, Lin-Woo

2015-11-01

Acinetobacter baumannii, which is emerging as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen, causes a number of diseases, including pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and skin infections. With ATP hydrolysis, the D-alanine-D-alanine ligase (DDL) catalyzes the synthesis of D-alanyl-D-alanine, which is an essential component of bacterial peptidoglycan. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of DDL from A. baumannii (AbDDL) at a resolution of 2.2 Å. The asymmetric unit contained six protomers of AbDDL. Five protomers had a closed conformation in the central domain, while one protomer had an open conformation in the central domain. The central domain with an open conformation did not interact with crystallographic symmetry-related protomers and the conformational change of the central domain was not due to crystal packing. The central domain of AbDDL can have an ensemble of the open and closed conformations before the binding of substrate ATP. The conformational change of the central domain is important for the catalytic activity and the detail information will be useful for the development of inhibitors against AbDDL and putative antibacterial agents against A. baumannii. The AbDDL structure was compared with that of other DDLs that were in complex with potent inhibitors and the catalytic activity of AbDDL was confirmed using enzyme kinetics assays.

Pseudopotential for ab initio calculations of uranium compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, G. S.; Pisarev, V. V.; Stegailov, V. V.

2018-01-01

The density functional theory (DFT) is a research tool of the highest importance for electronic structure calculations. It is often the only affordable method for ab initio calculations of complex materials. The pseudopotential approach allows reducing the total number of electrons in the model that speeds up calculations. However, there is a lack of pseudopotentials for heavy elements suitable for condensed matter DFT models. In this work, we present a pseudopotential for uranium developed in the Goedecker-Teter-Hutter form. Its accuracy is illustrated using several molecular and solid-state calculations.

Application of regular associated solution model to the liquidus curves of the Sn-Te and Sn-SnS systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eric, H.

1982-12-01

The liquidus curves of the Sn-Te and Sn-SnS systems were evaluated by the regular associated solution model (RAS). The main assumption of this theory is the existence of species A, B and associated complexes AB in the liquid phase. Thermodynamic properties of the binary A-B system are derived by ternary regular solution equations. Calculations based on this model for the Sn-Te and Sn-SnS systems are in agreement with published data.

Multiobjective evolutionary algorithm with many tables for purely ab initio protein structure prediction.

PubMed

Brasil, Christiane Regina Soares; Delbem, Alexandre Claudio Botazzo; da Silva, Fernando Luís Barroso

2013-07-30

This article focuses on the development of an approach for ab initio protein structure prediction (PSP) without using any earlier knowledge from similar protein structures, as fragment-based statistics or inference of secondary structures. Such an approach is called purely ab initio prediction. The article shows that well-designed multiobjective evolutionary algorithms can predict relevant protein structures in a purely ab initio way. One challenge for purely ab initio PSP is the prediction of structures with β-sheets. To work with such proteins, this research has also developed procedures to efficiently estimate hydrogen bond and solvation contribution energies. Considering van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrogen bond, and solvation contribution energies, the PSP is a problem with four energetic terms to be minimized. Each interaction energy term can be considered an objective of an optimization method. Combinatorial problems with four objectives have been considered too complex for the available multiobjective optimization (MOO) methods. The proposed approach, called "Multiobjective evolutionary algorithms with many tables" (MEAMT), can efficiently deal with four objectives through the combination thereof, performing a more adequate sampling of the objective space. Therefore, this method can better map the promising regions in this space, predicting structures in a purely ab initio way. In other words, MEAMT is an efficient optimization method for MOO, which explores simultaneously the search space as well as the objective space. MEAMT can predict structures with one or two domains with RMSDs comparable to values obtained by recently developed ab initio methods (GAPFCG , I-PAES, and Quark) that use different levels of earlier knowledge. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Complex magnetism of lanthanide intermetallics and the role of their valence electrons: Ab Initio theory and experiment

DOE PAGES

Petit, L.; Paudyal, D.; Mudryk, Y.; ...

2015-11-09

We explain a profound complexity of magnetic interactions of some technologically relevant gadolinium intermetallics using an ab initio electronic structure theory which includes disordered local moments and strong f-electron correlations. The theory correctly finds GdZn and GdCd to be simple ferromagnets and predicts a remarkably large increase of Curie temperature with a pressure of +1.5 K kbar –1 for GdCd confirmed by our experimental measurements of +1.6 K kbar –1. Moreover, we find the origin of a ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic competition in GdMg manifested by noncollinear, canted magnetic order at low temperatures. As a result, replacing 35% of the Mg atoms withmore » Zn removes this transition, in excellent agreement with long-standing experimental data.« less

Ammonia-hydrogen bromide and ammonia-hydrogen iodide complexes: anion photoelectron and ab initio studies.

PubMed

Eustis, S N; Whiteside, A; Wang, D; Gutowski, M; Bowen, K H

2010-01-28

The ammonia-hydrogen bromide and ammonia-hydrogen iodide, anionic heterodimers were studied by anion photoelectron spectroscopy. In complementary studies, these anions and their neutral counterparts were also investigated via ab initio theory at the coupled cluster level. In both systems, neutral NH(3)...HX dimers were predicted to be linear, hydrogen-bonded complexes, whereas their anionic dimers were found to be proton-transferred species of the form, (NH(4)(+)X(-))(-). Both experimentally measured and theoretically predicted vertical detachment energies (VDE) are in excellent agreement for both systems, with values for (NH(4)(+)Br(-))(-) being 0.65 and 0.67 eV, respectively, and values for (NH(4)(+)I(-))(-) being 0.77 and 0.81 eV, respectively. These systems are discussed in terms of our previous study of (NH(4)(+)Cl(-))(-).

Ab initio calculations, structure, NBO and NCI analyses of Xsbnd H⋯π interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qiyang; Su, He; Wang, Hongyan; Wang, Hui

2018-02-01

The performance of ab initio methods (MP2, DFT/B3LYP, random-phase approximation (RPA), CCSD(T) and QCISD(T)) in predicting interaction energy of Xsbnd H⋯π (Xsbnd H = HCCH, HCl, HF; π = C2H2, C2H4, C6H6) hydrogen complexes are assessed systematically. The CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks of interaction energy are reported. It is found that RPA agrees well with CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks and experimental results. CCSD(T) and QCISD(T) perform the best only when compared with CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks, MP2 performs well only for experimental data. B3LYP provides the worst accuracy. Additionally, the equilibrium structure, interaction type of Xsbnd H⋯π hydrogen complexes are investigated by the natural bond orbital (NBO) and the non-covalent interaction index (NCI).

Activatory and Inhibitory Fcγ Receptors Augment Rituximab-mediated Internalization of CD20 Independent of Signaling via the Cytoplasmic Domain*

PubMed Central

Vaughan, Andrew T.; Chan, Claude H. T.; Klein, Christian; Glennie, Martin J.; Beers, Stephen A.; Cragg, Mark S.

2015-01-01

Type I anti-CD20 mAb such as rituximab and ofatumumab engage with the inhibitory FcγR, FcγRIIb on the surface of B cells, resulting in immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) phosphorylation. Internalization of the CD20·mAb·FcγRIIb complex follows, the rate of which correlates with FcγRIIb expression. In contrast, although type II anti-CD20 mAb such as tositumomab and obinutuzumab also interact with and activate FcγRIIb, this interaction fails to augment the rate of CD20·mAb internalization, raising the question of whether ITIM phosphorylation plays any role in this process. We have assessed the molecular requirements for the internalization process and demonstrate that in contrast to internalization of IgG immune complexes, FcγRIIb-augmented internalization of rituximab-ligated CD20 occurs independently of the FcγRIIb ITIM, indicating that signaling downstream of FcγRIIb is not required. In transfected cells, activatory FcγRI, FcγRIIa, and FcγRIIIa augmented internalization of rituximab-ligated CD20 in a similar manner. However, FcγRIIa mediated a slower rate of internalization than cells expressing equivalent levels of the highly homologous FcγRIIb. The difference was maintained in cells expressing FcγRIIa and FcγRIIb lacking cytoplasmic domains and in which the transmembrane domains had been exchanged. This difference may be due to increased degradation of FcγRIIa, which traffics to lysosomes independently of rituximab. We conclude that the cytoplasmic domain of FcγR is not required for promoting internalization of rituximab-ligated CD20. Instead, we propose that FcγR provides a structural role in augmenting endocytosis that differs from that employed during the endocytosis of immune complexes. PMID:25568316

Activatory and inhibitory Fcγ receptors augment rituximab-mediated internalization of CD20 independent of signaling via the cytoplasmic domain.

PubMed

Vaughan, Andrew T; Chan, Claude H T; Klein, Christian; Glennie, Martin J; Beers, Stephen A; Cragg, Mark S

2015-02-27

Type I anti-CD20 mAb such as rituximab and ofatumumab engage with the inhibitory FcγR, FcγRIIb on the surface of B cells, resulting in immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) phosphorylation. Internalization of the CD20·mAb·FcγRIIb complex follows, the rate of which correlates with FcγRIIb expression. In contrast, although type II anti-CD20 mAb such as tositumomab and obinutuzumab also interact with and activate FcγRIIb, this interaction fails to augment the rate of CD20·mAb internalization, raising the question of whether ITIM phosphorylation plays any role in this process. We have assessed the molecular requirements for the internalization process and demonstrate that in contrast to internalization of IgG immune complexes, FcγRIIb-augmented internalization of rituximab-ligated CD20 occurs independently of the FcγRIIb ITIM, indicating that signaling downstream of FcγRIIb is not required. In transfected cells, activatory FcγRI, FcγRIIa, and FcγRIIIa augmented internalization of rituximab-ligated CD20 in a similar manner. However, FcγRIIa mediated a slower rate of internalization than cells expressing equivalent levels of the highly homologous FcγRIIb. The difference was maintained in cells expressing FcγRIIa and FcγRIIb lacking cytoplasmic domains and in which the transmembrane domains had been exchanged. This difference may be due to increased degradation of FcγRIIa, which traffics to lysosomes independently of rituximab. We conclude that the cytoplasmic domain of FcγR is not required for promoting internalization of rituximab-ligated CD20. Instead, we propose that FcγR provides a structural role in augmenting endocytosis that differs from that employed during the endocytosis of immune complexes. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

An Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for Alpha-Fetoprotein Using an Envision Complex-Antibody Copolymer as a Sensitive Label

PubMed Central

Xiong, Ping; Gan, Ning; Cao, Yuting; Hu, Futao; Li, Tianhua; Zheng, Lei

2012-01-01

A novel strategy is presented for sensitive detection of alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), using a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-functionalized Envision antibody complex (EVC) as the label. The Envision-AFP signal antibody copolymer (EVC-AFP Ab2) was composed of a dextran amine skeleton anchoring more than 100 molecules of HRP and 15 molecules of secondary antibody, and acted as a signal tag in the immunosensor. The sensor was constructed using the following steps: First, gold electrode (GE) was modified with nano-gold (AuNPs) by electro-deposition in HAuCl4 solution. The high affinity of the AuNPs surface facilitates direct formation of a self-assembled thiolated protein G layer. Next, the coated GE was incubated in a solution of AFP capture antibody (AFP Ab1); these antibodies attach to the thiolated protein G layer through their non-antigenic regions, leaving the antigen binding sites for binding of target analyte. Following a sandwich immunoreaction, an EVC-AFP Ab2-AFP-AFP Ab1 immunocomplex was formed on the electrode surface, allowing large amounts of HRP on the complex to produce an amplified electrocatalytic current of hydroquinone (HQ) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Highly amplified detection was achieved, with a detection limit of 2 pg/mL and a linear range of 0.005–0.2 ng/mL for AFP in 10 μL undiluted serum; this is near or below the normal levels of most cancer biomarker proteins in human serum. Measurements of AFP in the serum of cancer patients correlated strongly with standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. These easily fabricated EVC-modified immunosensors show excellent promise for future fabrication of bioelectronic arrays. By varying the target biomolecules, this technique may be easily extended for use with other immunoassays, and thus represents a versatile design route.

Complexes between neutral oxyacid beryllium salts and dihydrogen: a possible way for hydrogen storage?

PubMed

Alkorta, Ibon; Montero-Campillo, M Merced; Elguero, José; Yáñez, Manuel; Mó, Otilia

2018-06-05

Accurate ab initio calculations reveal that oxyacid beryllium salts yield rather stable complexes with dihydrogen. The binding energies range between -40 and -60 kJ mol-1 for 1 : 1 complexes, remarkably larger than others previously reported for neutral H2 complexes. The second H2 molecule in 1 : 2 complexes is again strongly bound (between -18 and -20 kJ mol-1). The incoming H2 molecules in 1 : n complexes (n = 3-6) are more weakly bound, confirming the preference of Be for tetracoordinated arrangements.

Growth of 2D heterostructures of graphene/BN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Jeonghyun; Calderon, Brian R.; Alsalman, Hussain A.; Kwak, Joon Young; Kim, Moonkyung; Spencer, Michael G.

2014-06-01

Metal free direct growth of graphene on h-BN using a high temperature (~1550°C) chemical vapor deposition technique was done under Ar environment. Growth temperature, methane partial pressure, hydrogen/methane flow ratio, and growth time were varied and optimized. Raman spectroscopy clearly showed the signature of graphene with G- (~1580cm-1) and 2D-mode (~2700cm-1). The smallest width of G- and 2D-peak was 30 and 55cm-1, respectively, and the Raman I2D/IG ratio varied between 0.7 and 1.8. Raman D-peak (~1350cm-1) shows a strong dependence on growth temperature with the smallest ID/IG value of 0.15 at 1550°C. In the case of long growth, nitrogen and boron doping were detected by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with a small Raman D'-peak. A continuous graphene film with the rms roughness (1×1 μm2 area) of 0.32nm was shown by atomic force microscopy. Early stage of growth revealed circular shaped nucleation islands, the density and heights of which are ~15/μm2 and 1-2 graphene monolayer (ML), respectively. The hydrogen/methane flow ratio was found to be a critical parameter to obtain smooth 2D growth. Growth of h-BN is performed with ammonia borane, hydrogen and Ar. The growth is found to be critically dependent on the conditions of the ammonia boran precursor. Reproducible continuous films of h-BN are reported.

Interplay between theory and experiment: computational organometallic and transition metal chemistry.

PubMed

Lin, Zhenyang

2010-05-18

Computational and theoretical chemistry provide fundamental insights into the structures, properties, and reactivities of molecules. As a result, theoretical calculations have become indispensable in various fields of chemical research and development. In this Account, we present our research in the area of computational transition metal chemistry, using examples to illustrate how theory impacts our understanding of experimental results and how close collaboration between theoreticians and experimental chemists can be mutually beneficial. We begin by examining the use of computational chemistry to elucidate the details of some unusual chemical bonds. We consider the three-center, two-electron bonding in titanocene sigma-borane complexes and the five-center, four-electron bonding in a rhodium-bismuth complex. The bonding in metallabenzene complexes is also examined. In each case, theoretical calculations provide particular insight into the electronic structure of the chemical bonds. We then give an example of how theoretical calculations aided the structural determination of a kappa(2)-N,N chelate ruthenium complex formed upon heating an intermediate benzonitrile-coordinated complex. An initial X-ray diffraction structure proposed on the basis of a reasonable mechanism appeared to fit well, with an apparently acceptable R value of 0.0478. But when DFT calculations were applied, the optimized geometry differed significantly from the experimental data. By combining experimental and theoretical outlooks, we posited a new structure. Remarkably, a re-refining of the X-ray diffraction data based on the new structure resulted in a slightly lower R value of 0.0453. We further examine the use of computational chemistry in providing new insight into C-H bond activation mechanisms and in understanding the reactivity properties of nucleophilic boryl ligands, addressing experimental difficulties with calculations and vice versa. Finally, we consider the impact of theoretical insights in three very specific experimental studies of chemical reactions, illustrating how theoretical results prompt further experimental studies: (i) diboration of aldehydes catalyzed by copper(I) boryl complexes, (ii) ruthenium-catalyzed C-H amination of arylazides, and (iii) zinc reduction of a vinylcarbyne complex. The concepts and examples presented here are intended for nonspecialists, particularly experimentalists. Together, they illustrate some of the achievements that are possible with a fruitful union of experiment and theory.

Investigating the synthesis of ligated metal clusters in solution using a flow reactor and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Olivares, Astrid; Laskin, Julia; Johnson, Grant E

2014-09-18

The scalable synthesis of ligated subnanometer metal clusters containing an exact number of atoms is of interest due to the highly size-dependent catalytic, electronic, and optical properties of these species. While significant research has been conducted on the batch preparation of clusters through reduction synthesis in solution, the processes of metal complex reduction as well as cluster nucleation, growth, and postreduction etching are still not well understood. Herein, we demonstrate a prototype temperature-controlled flow reactor for qualitatively studying cluster formation in solution at steady-state conditions. Employing this technique, methanol solutions of a chloro(triphenylphosphine)gold precursor, 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane capping ligand, and borane-tert-butylamine reducing agent were combined in a mixing tee and introduced into a heated capillary with a known length. In this manner, the temperature dependence of the relative abundance of different ionic reactants, intermediates, and products synthesized in real time was characterized qualitatively using online mass spectrometry. A wide distribution of doubly and triply charged cationic gold clusters was observed as well as smaller singly charged organometallic complexes. The results demonstrate that temperature plays a crucial role in determining the relative population of cationic gold clusters and, in general, that higher temperature promotes the formation of doubly charged clusters and singly charged organometallic complexes while reducing the abundance of triply charged species. Moreover, the distribution of clusters observed at elevated temperatures is found to be consistent with that obtained at longer reaction times at room temperature, thereby demonstrating that heating may be used to access cluster distributions characteristic of different stages of batch reduction synthesis in solution.

Using alcohol intoxication goggles (Fatal Vision® goggles) to detect alcohol related impairment in simulated driving.

PubMed

McCartney, Danielle; Desbrow, Ben; Irwin, Christopher

2017-01-02

Fatal vision goggles (FVGs) are image-distorting equipment used within driver education programs to simulate alcohol-related impairment. However, there is no empirical evidence comparing the behavioral effects associated with wearing FVGs to alcohol intoxication. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of FVGs in producing alcohol-related impairment in simulated driving. Twenty-two healthy males (age: 23 ± 3 years, mean ± SD) participated in a placebo-controlled crossover design study involving 4 experimental trials. In each trial, participants completed a baseline level simulated driving task followed by an experimental driving task, involving one of 4 treatments: (1) a dose of alcohol designed to elicit 0.080% breath alcohol concentration (BrAC; AB), (2) an alcohol placebo beverage (PB), (3) FVG (estimated % blood alcohol concentration [BAC] 0.070-0.100+), and (4) placebo goggles (PGs). The driving tasks included 3 separate scenarios lasting ∼5 min each; these were a simple driving scenario, a complex driving scenario, and a hazard perception driving scenario. Selected lateral control parameters (standard deviation of lane position [SDLP]; total number of lane crossings [LCs]) and longitudinal control parameters (average speed; standard deviation of speed [SDSP]; distance headway; minimum distance headway) were monitored during the simple and complex driving scenarios. Latency to 2 different stimuli (choice reaction time [CRT]) was tested in the hazard perception driving scenario. Subjective ratings of mood and attitudes toward driving were also provided during each of the trials. Neither placebo treatment influenced simulated driving performance. Mean BrAC was 0.060 ± 0.010% at the time of driving on the AB trial. Lateral control: In the simple driving scenario, SDLP and LC were not affected under any of the experimental treatments. However, in the complex driving scenario, significantly greater SDLP was observed on both the FVG and AB trials compared to their respective baseline drives. LC increased significantly from baseline on the AB trial only. Longitudinal control: Speed was not affected by any of the experimental treatments; however, SDSP increased significantly from baseline on the FVG trial. A significant reduction in distance headway and minimum distance headway was detected on the FVG trial compared to baseline. Hazard perception: Neither AB nor FVG trials were influential on CRT. Subjective mood ratings were significantly altered on the AB and FVG trials compared to baseline and placebo conditions. Participants reported reduced willingness and ability to drive under the active treatments (AB and FVG) than the placebo treatments (PB and PG). FVGs may have some utility in replicating alcohol-related impairment on specific driving performance measurements. Hence, the equipment may offer an alternative approach to researching the impact of alcohol intoxication on simulated driving performance among populations where the provision of alcohol would otherwise be unethical (e.g., prelicensed drivers).

Functional implications of an intermeshing cogwheel-like interaction between TolC and MacA in the action of macrolide-specific efflux pump MacAB-TolC.

PubMed

Xu, Yongbin; Song, Saemee; Moeller, Arne; Kim, Nahee; Piao, Shunfu; Sim, Se-Hoon; Kang, Mooseok; Yu, Wookyung; Cho, Hyun-Soo; Chang, Iksoo; Lee, Kangseok; Ha, Nam-Chul

2011-04-15

Macrolide-specific efflux pump MacAB-TolC has been identified in diverse gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli. The inner membrane transporter MacB requires the outer membrane factor TolC and the periplasmic adaptor protein MacA to form a functional tripartite complex. In this study, we used a chimeric protein containing the tip region of the TolC α-barrel to investigate the role of the TolC α-barrel tip region with regard to its interaction with MacA. The chimeric protein formed a stable complex with MacA, and the complex formation was abolished by substitution at the functionally essential residues located at the MacA α-helical tip region. Electron microscopic study delineated that this complex was made by tip-to-tip interaction between the tip regions of the α-barrels of TolC and MacA, which correlated well with the TolC and MacA complex calculated by molecular dynamics. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the MacA hexamer interacts with TolC in a tip-to-tip manner, and implies the manner by which MacA induces opening of the TolC channel.

Functional Implications of an Intermeshing Cogwheel-like Interaction between TolC and MacA in the Action of Macrolide-specific Efflux Pump MacAB-TolC*

PubMed Central

Xu, Yongbin; Song, Saemee; Moeller, Arne; Kim, Nahee; Piao, Shunfu; Sim, Se-Hoon; Kang, Mooseok; Yu, Wookyung; Cho, Hyun-Soo; Chang, Iksoo; Lee, Kangseok; Ha, Nam-Chul

2011-01-01

Macrolide-specific efflux pump MacAB-TolC has been identified in diverse Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli. The inner membrane transporter MacB requires the outer membrane factor TolC and the periplasmic adaptor protein MacA to form a functional tripartite complex. In this study, we used a chimeric protein containing the tip region of the TolC α-barrel to investigate the role of the TolC α-barrel tip region with regard to its interaction with MacA. The chimeric protein formed a stable complex with MacA, and the complex formation was abolished by substitution at the functionally essential residues located at the MacA α-helical tip region. Electron microscopic study delineated that this complex was made by tip-to-tip interaction between the tip regions of the α-barrels of TolC and MacA, which correlated well with the TolC and MacA complex calculated by molecular dynamics. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the MacA hexamer interacts with TolC in a tip-to-tip manner, and implies the manner by which MacA induces opening of the TolC channel. PMID:21325274

Ab initio design of drug carriers for zoledronate guest molecule using phosphonated and sulfonated calix[4]arene and calix[4]resorcinarene host molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Yong-Man; Yu, Chol-Jun; Kim, Jin-Song; Kim, Song-Un

2018-04-01

Monomolecular drug carriers based on calix[n]-arenes and -resorcinarenes containing the interior cavity can enhance the affinity and specificity of the osteoporosis inhibitor drug zoledronate (ZOD). In this work we investigate the suitability of nine different calix[4]-arenes and -resorcinarenes based macrocycles as hosts for the ZOD guest molecule by conducting {\\it ab initio} density functional theory calculations for structures and energetics of eighteen different host-guest complexes. For the optimized molecular structures of the free, phosphonated, sulfonated calix[4]-arenes and -resorcinarenes, the geometric sizes of their interior cavities are measured and compared with those of the host-guest complexes in order to check the appropriateness for host-guest complex formation. Our calculations of binding energies indicate that in gaseous states some of the complexes might be unstable but in aqueous states almost all of the complexes can be formed spontaneously. Of the two different docking ways, the insertion of ZOD with the \\ce{P-C-P} branch into the cavity of host is easier than that with the nitrogen containing heterocycle of ZOD. The work will open a way for developing effective drug delivering systems for the ZOD drug and promote experimentalists to synthesize them.

Matrix Isolation and ab initio study of the noncovalent complexes between formamide and acetylene.

PubMed

Mardyukov, Artur; Sánchez-García, Elsa; Sander, Wolfram

2009-02-12

Matrix isolation spectroscopy in combination with ab initio calculations is a powerful technique for the identification of weakly bound intermolecular complexes. Here, weak complexes between formamide and acetylene are studied, and three 1:1 complexes with binding energies of -2.96, -2.46, and -1.79 kcal/mol have been found at the MP2 level of theory (MP2/cc-pVTZ + ZPE + BSSE). The two most stable dimers A and B are identified in argon and nitrogen matrices by comparison between the experimental and calculated infrared frequencies. Both complexes are stabilized by the formamide C=O...HC acetylene and H...pi interactions. Large shifts have been observed experimentally for the C-H stretching vibrations of the acetylene molecule, in very good agreement with the calculated values. Eight 1:2 FMA-acetylene trimers (T-A to T-H) with binding energies between -5.44 and -2.62 kcal/mol (MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ + ZPE + BSSE) were calculated. The two most stable trimers T-A and T-B are very close in energy and have similar infrared spectra. Several weak bands that are in agreement with the calculated frequencies of the trimers T-A and T-B are observed under matrix isolation conditions. However, the differences are too small for a definitive assignment.

Modulating of the pnicogen-bonding by a H⋯π interaction: An ab initio study.

PubMed

Esrafili, Mehdi D; Sadr-Mousavi, Asma

2017-08-01

An ab initio study of the cooperativity in XH 2 P⋯NCH⋯Z and XH 2 P⋯CNH⋯Z complexes (X=F, Cl, Br, CN, NC; Z=C 2 H 2 ,C 6 H 6 ) connected by pnicogen-bonding and H⋯π interactions is carried out by means of MP2 computational method. A detailed analysis of the structures, interaction energies and bonding properties is performed on these systems. For each set of the complexes considered, a favorable cooperativity is observed, especially in X=F and CN complexes. However, for a given X or Z, the amount of cooperativity effects in XH 2 P⋯CNH⋯Z complexes are more important than XH 2 P⋯NCH⋯Z counterparts. Besides, the influence of a H⋯π interaction on a P⋯N (C) bond is more pronounced than that of a P⋯N (C) bond on a H⋯π bond. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules shows that ternary complexes have increased electron densities at their bond critical points relative to the corresponding binary systems. The results also indicate that the strength of the P⋯N(C) and H⋯π interactions increases in the presence of the solvent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hydrogen bonding and pi-stacking: how reliable are force fields? A critical evaluation of force field descriptions of nonbonded interactions.

PubMed

Paton, Robert S; Goodman, Jonathan M

2009-04-01

We have evaluated the performance of a set of widely used force fields by calculating the geometries and stabilization energies for a large collection of intermolecular complexes. These complexes are representative of a range of chemical and biological systems for which hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and van der Waals interactions play important roles. Benchmark energies are taken from the high-level ab initio values in the JSCH-2005 and S22 data sets. All of the force fields underestimate stabilization resulting from hydrogen bonding, but the energetics of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions are described more accurately. OPLSAA gave a mean unsigned error of 2 kcal mol(-1) for all 165 complexes studied, and outperforms DFT calculations employing very large basis sets for the S22 complexes. The magnitude of hydrogen bonding interactions are severely underestimated by all of the force fields tested, which contributes significantly to the overall mean error; if complexes which are predominantly bound by hydrogen bonding interactions are discounted, the mean unsigned error of OPLSAA is reduced to 1 kcal mol(-1). For added clarity, web-based interactive displays of the results have been developed which allow comparisons of force field and ab initio geometries to be performed and the structures viewed and rotated in three dimensions.

Determination of NMR chemical shifts for cholesterol crystals from first-principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucukbenli, Emine; de Gironcoli, Stefano

2011-03-01

Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful tool in crystallography when combined with theoretical predictions. So far, empirical calculations of spectra have been employed for an unambiguous identification. However, many complex systems are outside the scope of these methods. Our implementation of ultrasoft and projector augmented wave pseudopotentials within ab initio gauge including projector augmented plane wave (GIPAW) method in Quantum Espresso simulation package allows affordable calculations of NMR spectra for systems of thousands of electrons. We report here the first ab initio determination of NMR spectra for several crystal structures of cholesterol. Cholesterol crystals, the main component of human gallstones, are of interest to medical research as their structural properties can shed light on the pathologies of gallbladder. With our application we show that ab initio calculations can be employed to aid NMR crystallography.

Combined ab interno trabeculotomy and lens extraction: a novel management option for combined uveitic and chronic narrow angle raised intraocular pressure.

PubMed

Lin, Siying; Gupta, Bhaskar; Rossiter, Jonathan

2016-02-01

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is a developing area that has the potential to replace traditional glaucoma surgery, with its known risk profile, but at present there are no randomised controlled data to validate its use. We report on a case where sequential bilateral combined ab interno trabeculotomy and lens extraction surgery was performed on a 45-year-old woman with combined uveitic and chronic narrow angle raised intraocular pressure. Maximal medical management alone could not control the intraocular pressure. At 12-month follow-up, the patient had achieved stable intraocular pressure in both eyes on a combination of topical ocular antiglaucomatous and steroid therapies. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of trabecular meshwork ablation via ab interno trabeculotomy in a case of complex mixed mechanism glaucoma. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Combined ab interno trabeculotomy and lens extraction: a novel management option for combined uveitic and chronic narrow angle raised intraocular pressure

PubMed Central

Lin, Siying; Gupta, Bhaskar; Rossiter, Jonathan

2016-01-01

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is a developing area that has the potential to replace traditional glaucoma surgery, with its known risk profile, but at present there are no randomised controlled data to validate its use. We report on a case where sequential bilateral combined ab interno trabeculotomy and lens extraction surgery was performed on a 45-year-old woman with combined uveitic and chronic narrow angle raised intraocular pressure. Maximal medical management alone could not control the intraocular pressure. At 12-month follow-up, the patient had achieved stable intraocular pressure in both eyes on a combination of topical ocular antiglaucomatous and steroid therapies. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of trabecular meshwork ablation via ab interno trabeculotomy in a case of complex mixed mechanism glaucoma. PMID:26833953

Functional analysis of dengue virus (DENV) type 2 envelope protein domain 3 type-specific and DENV complex-reactive critical epitope residues.

PubMed

Pitcher, Trevor J; Sarathy, Vanessa V; Matsui, Kiyohiko; Gromowski, Gregory D; Huang, Claire Y-H; Barrett, Alan D T

2015-02-01

The dengue virus (DENV) envelope protein domain 3 (ED3) is the target of potent virus neutralizing antibodies. The DENV-2 ED3 contains adjacent type-specific and DENV complex-reactive antigenic sites that are composed of a small number of residues that were previously demonstrated to be critical for antibody binding. Site-directed mutagenesis of a DENV-2 16681 infectious clone was used to mutate critical residues in the DENV-2 type-specific (K305A and P384A) and DENV complex-reactive (K310A) antigenic sites. The K305A mutant virus multiplied like the parent virus in mosquito and mammalian cells, as did the P384A mutant virus, which required a compensatory mutation (G330D) for viability. However, the K310A mutant virus could not be recovered. The DENV-2 type-specific critical residue mutations K305A and P384A+G330D reduced the ability of DENV-2 type-specific, but not DENV complex-reactive, mAbs to neutralize virus infectivity and this was directly correlated with mAb binding affinity to the rED3 mutants. © 2015 The Authors.

Microwave Spectra and AB Initio Studies of the Ne-Acetone Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jiao; Thomas, Javix; Xu, Yunjie; Jäger, Wolfgang

2015-06-01

Microwave spectra of the neon-acetone van der Waals complex were measured using a cavity-based molecular beam Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer in the region from 5 to 18 GHz. Both 20Ne and 22Ne containing isotopologues were studied and both c- and weaker a-type rotational transitions were observed. The transitions are split into multiplets due to the internal rotation of two methyl groups in acetone. Electronic structure calculations were done at the MP2 level of theory with the 6-311++g (2d, p) basis set for all atoms and the internal rotation barrier height of the methyl groups was determined to be about 2.8 kJ/mol. The ab initio rotational constants were the basis for our spectroscopic searches, but the multiplet structures and floppiness of the complex made the quantum number assignment very difficult. The assignment was finally achieved with the aid of constructing closed frequency loops and predicting internal rotation splittings using the XIAM code. Analyses of the spectra yielded rotational and centrifugal distortion constants, as well as internal rotation parameters, which were interpreted in terms of structure and internal dynamics of the complex. H. Hartwig and H. Dreizler, Z. Naturforsch. A 51, 923 (1996).

Development of graphite carbon nitride based fluorescent immune sensor for detection of alpha fetoprotein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yike; Dong, Lingyu; Wang, Xiangfeng; Liu, Yuan; Liu, Hailing; Xie, Mengxia

2018-05-01

A novel fluorescent immunosensor for determination of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in serum samples has been developed based on the nano graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as fluorophore and immunomagnetic beads (MBs) as separation material. The bulk g-C3N4 was obtained by thermal polymerization of melamine, and then carboxylated and exfoliated to acquire the carboxylated nano g-C3N4 (c-n-g-C3N4), which has been characterized and the results showed that it had excellent fluorescent properties. The antibodies of AFP (Ab1, Ab2) were conjugated to the MBs and the c-n-g-C3N4, respectively. In assay of AFP detection, the magnetic part of the immunosensor, MBs-Ab1, would form the sandwich type complex with the signal part of the sensor, c-n-g-C3N4-Ab2. The developed immunosensor could simplify the process of separation due to the MBs. The results illustrated that proposed approach held a good linearity between the fluorescence intensity of the sensor and the AFP concentration ranging from 5-600 ng/mL with the limit of detection as low as 0.43 ng/mL, and its spiking recoveries ranged from 98.2% to 105.9% with RSD from 2.1% to 3.5%. The fabricated fluorescent immunosensor possesses the merits of good sensitivity, excellent selectivity, high biocompatibility and low cost, and the results provide a novel clue to develop immunosensor for determination of the biomarkers in complex matrices.

Using llama derived single domain antibodies to target botulinum neurotoxins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swain, Marla D.; Anderson, George P.; Bernstein, Rachael D.; Liu, Jinny L.; Goldman, Ellen R.

2010-04-01

Llama serum contains both conventional IgG as well as unique forms of antibody that contain only heavy chains where antigen binding is mediated through a single variable domain. These variable domains can be expressed recombinantly and are referred to as single domain antibodies (sdAb). SdAb are among the smallest known naturally derived antigen binding fragments, possess good solubility, thermal stability, and can refold after heat and chemical denaturation. Llamas were immunized with either BoNT A or B toxoid and phage display libraries prepared. Single domain antibodies (sdAb) that were able to detect botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes A and B were selected from their respective libraries. Here, the binders obtained by panning the BoNT B library on either BoNT B toxoid or BoNT B complex toxoid coated plates or BoNT B toxin coupled microspheres are described. Using these panning methods, we selected for binders that showed specificity for BoNT B. Phage displayed binders were screened, moved to a protein expression vector and soluble sdAb was produced. Using a Luminex flow cytometer binders were evaluated in direct binding assays. We have exploited the unique properties of sdAb and used them as biological recognition elements in immuno-based sensors that can detect BoNT B.

Structural analysis of an intact monoclonal antibody by online electrochemical reduction of disulfide bonds and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Nicolardi, Simone; Deelder, André M; Palmblad, Magnus; van der Burgt, Yuri E M

2014-06-03

Structural confirmation and quality control of recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by top-down mass spectrometry is still challenging due to the size of the proteins, disulfide content, and post-translational modifications such as glycosylation. In this study we have applied electrochemistry (EC) to overcome disulfide bridge complexity in top-down analysis of mAbs. To this end, an electrochemical cell was coupled directly to an electrospray ionization (ESI) source and a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer (MS) equipped with a 15 T magnet. By performing online EC-assisted reduction of interchain disulfide bonds in an intact mAb, the released light chains could be selected for tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis without interference from heavy-chain fragments. Moreover, the acquisition of full MS scans under denaturing conditions allowed profiling of all abundant mAb glycoforms. Ultrahigh-resolution FTICR-MS measurements provided fully resolved isotopic distributions of intact mAb and enabled the identification of the most abundant adducts and other interfering species. Furthermore, it was found that reduction of interchain disulfide bonds occurs in the ESI source dependent on capillary voltage and solvent composition. This phenomenon was systematically evaluated and compared with the results obtained from reduction in the electrochemical cell.

Steel — ab Initio: Quantum Mechanics Guided Design of New Fe-Based Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prahl, Ulrich; Bleck, Wolfgang; Saeed-Akbari, Alireza

This contribution reports the results of the collaborative research unit SFB 761 "Steel — ab initio", a cooperative project between RWTH Aachen University and the Max-Planck-Institute for Iron Research in Düsseldorf (MPIE) financed by the German Research Foundation (DFG). For the first time, it is exploited how ab initio approaches may lead to a detailed understanding and thus to a specific improvement of material development. The challenge lies in the combination of abstract natural science theories with rather engineering-like established concepts. Aiming at the technological target of the development of a new type of structural materials based on Fe-Mn-C alloys, the combination of ab initio and engineering methods is new, but could be followed quite successfully. Three major topics are treated in this research unit: a) development of a new method for material- and process-development based on ab initio calculations; b) design of a new class of structural materials with extraordinary property combinations; c) acceleration of development time and reduction of experimental efforts and complexity for material- and process-development. In the present work, an overview of the results of the first five years as well as an outlook for the upcoming three-year period is given.

The CO 2 with dimethylamine reaction: ab initio predicted vibrational spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamróz, M. H.; Dobrowolski, J. Cz.; Borowiak, M. A.

1999-05-01

The IR spectra of CO 2, dimethylamine (DMA), (DMA) 2 dimers, DMA⋯CO 2 (2 : 1) complex, dimethylcarbamic acid (DMCA), DMCA⋯DMA (1 : 1) complex, DMCA -, and DMA(H) + were calculated at the B3PW91/6-31G** level. Potential energy distribution (PED) was calculated for predicted spectra to form basis for elucidation of experimental IR data. The stabilisation energy of the studied complexes was corrected by counterpoise method.

Structure of 1:1 complex of 1-naphthylmethyl ester of monensin A with sodium perchlorate studied by X-ray, FT-IR and ab initio methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huczyński, Adam; Janczak, Jan; Brzezinski, Bogumil

2012-12-01

A new crystalline complex formed between 1-naphthylmethyl ester of the naturally occurring antibiotic - monensin A (MON8) with sodium perchlorate has been obtained and studied using X-ray crystallography and FT-IR spectroscopy. The X-ray data of the complex show that MON8 forms a pseudo-cyclic structure stabilised by one weak intramolecular hydrogen bond and the sodium cation co-ordinated by two oxygen atoms of hydroxyl groups and four etheric oxygen atoms in the hydrophilic sphere. Within this structure the oxygen atoms of the ester groups are not involved in the coordination of sodium cation. In contrast to the solid state structure of the complex, in acetonitrile solution an equilibrium between two structures, in which the oxygen atom of the carbonyl ester group is either involved or not involved in the complexation of the sodium cation, is found. In acetonitrile this equilibrium is shifted towards the latter structure i.e. the structure existing in the solid state. The gas-phase structure of [MON8sbnd Na]+ cation as shown the ab initio MO calculations is comparable with the crystal one. Three-dimensional molecular electrostatic potential calculated for the neutral MON8 and [MON8sbnd Na]+ molecules is helpful for understanding the structural aspects of the sodium complex formation.

Biosorption of Acid Black 172 and Congo Red from aqueous solution by nonviable Penicillium YW 01: kinetic study, equilibrium isotherm and artificial neural network modeling.

PubMed

Yang, Yuyi; Wang, Guan; Wang, Bing; Li, Zeli; Jia, Xiaoming; Zhou, Qifa; Zhao, Yuhua

2011-01-01

The main objective of this work was to investigate the biosorption performance of nonviable Penicillium YW 01 biomass for removal of Acid Black 172 metal-complex dye (AB) and Congo Red (CR) in solutions. Maximum biosorption capacities of 225.38 and 411.53 mg g(-1) under initial dye concentration of 800 mg L(-1), pH 3.0 and 40 °C conditions were observed for AB and CR, respectively. Biosorption data were successfully described with Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Weber-Morris model analysis indicated that intraparticle diffusion was the limiting step for biosorption of AB and CR onto biosorbent. Analysis based on the artificial neural network and genetic algorithms hybrid model indicated that initial dye concentration and temperature appeared to be the most influential parameters for biosorption process of AB and CR onto biosorbent, respectively. Characterization of the biosorbent and possible dye-biosorbent interaction were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of immobilized metal membrane affinity chromatography for purification of an immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody.

PubMed

Serpa, Gisele; Augusto, Elisabeth Fátima Pires; Tamashiro, Wirla Maria Silva Cunha; Ribeiro, Mariana Borçoe; Miranda, Everson Alves; Bueno, Sônia Maria Alves

2005-02-25

The large scale production of monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) has gaining increased relevance with the development of the hybridoma cell culture in bioreactors creating a need for specific efficient bioseparation techniques. Conventional fixed bead affinity adsorption commonly applied for McAbs purification has the drawback of low flow rates and colmatage. We developed and evaluated a immobilized metal affinity chromatographies (IMAC) affinity membrane for the purification of anti-TNP IgG(1) mouse McAbs. We immobilized metal ions on a poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) hollow fiber membrane (Me(2+)-IDA-PEVA) and applied it for the purification of this McAbs from cell culture supernatant after precipitation with 50% saturation of ammonium sulphate. The purity of IgG(1) in the eluate fractions was high when eluted from Zn(2+) complex. The anti-TNP antibody could be eluted under conditions causing no loss of antigen binding capacity. The purification procedure can be considered as an alternative to the biospecific adsorbent commonly applied for mouse IgG(1) purification, the protein G-Sepharose.

Labeling of monoclonal antibodies with a 67Ga-phenolic aminocarboxylic acid chelate. Part I. Chemistry and labeling technique.

PubMed

Schuhmacher, J; Matys, R; Hauser, H; Maier-Borst, W; Matzku, S

1986-01-01

As a chelating agent for labeling antibodies (Abs) with metallic radionuclides, a propionic acid substituted ethylenediamine N,N'-di-[(o-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid] (P-EDDHA), which tightly complexes 67Ga, was synthesized. The 67Ga-P-EDDHA chelate was coupled in aqueous solution to IgG at a molar ratio of 1:1 via carbodiimide. The average coupling yield was 15%. A specific activity of 4 mCi/mg IgG could be obtained with commercially supplied 67Ga. In vitro stability was evaluated in human serum at 37 degrees C and showed a half-life of about 120 h for the release of 67Ga from the labeled Ab during the initial phase of incubation. This in vitro halflife is similar to that measured for 111In-DTPA labeled Abs. Because of the high stability of the 67Ga-P-EDDHA chelate, the in vivo formation of radioactive labeled transferrin by transchelation, as described for 111In-DTPA labeled Abs, should, however, be reduced by this labeling technique.

Amnesia in an actor: Learning and re-learning of play passages despite severe autobiographical amnesia.

PubMed

Kopelman, Michael D; Morton, John

2015-06-01

We describe the case of an accomplished actor, whom we term AB, who suffered severe amnesia following a cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain damage, affecting medial temporal and thalamic structures. His performance on standard episodic memory tests, and on measures of retrograde amnesia, including autobiographical memory, was severely impaired. When presented with passages from plays he had not appeared in, AB showed a severe impairment at the first learning trial, but thereafter showed a 'normal' learning curve for this semantically and syntactically complex material. On being presented with passages from plays he had performed in the past, AB did not show any recognition of them whatsoever, as one might expect from his severe episodic memory impairment. However, AB showed a striking benefit (savings score) in relearning passages he had previously performed, compared with new passages, despite not having any autobiographical recall of having performed the relearned passages before. Moreover, although his initial recall performance in learning these passages was impaired compared with healthy control actors of similar age and experience, AB demonstrated the same incremental learning rate on subsequent learning trials of the passages as did the controls. We conclude that, although severely impaired at the first learning trial (on both 'new' and 'old' passages), AB was able to employ his long-established semantic and procedural skills to attempt the task, and that thereafter he showed a 'normal' rate of incremental learning from a lower baseline. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Entry into and Release of Solvents by Escherichia coli in an Organic-Aqueous Two-Liquid-Phase System and Substrate Specificity of the AcrAB-TolC Solvent-Extruding Pump

PubMed Central

Tsukagoshi, Norihiko; Aono, Rikizo

2000-01-01

Growth of Escherichia coli is inhibited upon exposure to a large volume of a harmful solvent, and there is an inverse correlation between the degree of inhibition and the log POW of the solvent, where POW is the partition coefficient measured for the partition equilibrium established between the n-octanol and water phases. The AcrAB-TolC efflux pump system is involved in maintaining intrinsic solvent resistance. We inspected the solvent resistance of ΔacrAB and/or ΔtolC mutants in the presence of a large volume of solvent. Both mutants were hypersensitive to weakly harmful solvents, such as nonane (log POW = 5.5). The ΔtolC mutant was more sensitive to nonane than the ΔacrAB mutant. The solvent entered the E. coli cells rapidly. Entry of solvents with a log POW higher than 4.4 was retarded in the parent cells, and the intracellular levels of these solvents were maintained at low levels. The ΔtolC mutant accumulated n-nonane or decane (log POW = 6.0) more abundantly than the parent or the ΔacrAB mutant. The AcrAB-TolC complex likely extrudes solvents with a log POW in the range of 3.4 to 6.0 through a first-order reaction. The most favorable substrates for the efflux system were considered to be octane, heptane, and n-hexane. PMID:10940021

Structure of the Acinetobacter baumannii Dithiol Oxidase DsbA Bound to Elongation Factor EF-Tu Reveals a Novel Protein Interaction Site

PubMed Central

Premkumar, Lakshmanane; Kurth, Fabian; Duprez, Wilko; Grøftehauge, Morten K.; King, Gordon J.; Halili, Maria A.; Heras, Begoña; Martin, Jennifer L.

2014-01-01

The multidrug resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of nosocomial infection. Biofilm formation, that requires both disulfide bond forming and chaperone-usher pathways, is a major virulence trait in this bacterium. Our biochemical characterizations show that the periplasmic A. baumannii DsbA (AbDsbA) enzyme has an oxidizing redox potential and dithiol oxidase activity. We found an unexpected non-covalent interaction between AbDsbA and the highly conserved prokaryotic elongation factor, EF-Tu. EF-Tu is a cytoplasmic protein but has been localized extracellularly in many bacterial pathogens. The crystal structure of this complex revealed that the EF-Tu switch I region binds to the non-catalytic surface of AbDsbA. Although the physiological and pathological significance of a DsbA/EF-Tu association is unknown, peptides derived from the EF-Tu switch I region bound to AbDsbA with submicromolar affinity. We also identified a seven-residue DsbB-derived peptide that bound to AbDsbA with low micromolar affinity. Further characterization confirmed that the EF-Tu- and DsbB-derived peptides bind at two distinct sites. These data point to the possibility that the non-catalytic surface of DsbA is a potential substrate or regulatory protein interaction site. The two peptides identified in this work together with the newly characterized interaction site provide a novel starting point for inhibitor design targeting AbDsbA. PMID:24860094

Attenuation of S. aureus-induced bacteremia by human mini-antibodies targeting the complement inhibitory protein Efb

PubMed Central

Georgoutsou-Spyridonos, Maria; Ricklin, Daniel; Pratsinis, Haris; Perivolioti, Eustathia; Pirmettis, Ioannis; Garcia, Brandon L.; Geisbrecht, Brian V.; Foukas, Periklis G.; Lambris, John D.; Mastellos, Dimitrios C.; Sfyroera, Georgia

2015-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can cause a broad range of potentially fatal inflammatory complications (e.g. sepsis, endocarditis). Its emerging antibiotic resistance and formidable immune evasion arsenal have emphasized the need for more effective antimicrobial approaches. Complement is an innate immune sensor that rapidly responds to bacterial infection eliciting C3-mediated opsonophagocytic and immunomodulatory responses. Extracellular Fibrinogen-binding Protein (Efb) is a key immune evasion protein of S. aureus that intercepts complement at the level of C3. To date, Efb has not been explored as a target for monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based antimicrobial therapeutics. Herein we have isolated donor-derived anti-Efb IgGs that attenuate S. aureus survival through enhanced neutrophil killing. A phage library screen yielded mAbs (miniAbs) that selectively inhibit the interaction of Efb with C3 partly by disrupting contacts essential for complex formation. Surface Plasmon Resonance-based kinetic analysis enabled the selection of miniAbs with favorable Efb-binding profiles as therapeutic leads. MiniAb-mediated blockade of Efb attenuated S aureus survival in a whole blood model of bacteremia. This neutralizing effect was associated with enhanced neutrophil-mediated killing of S. aureus, increased C5a release and modulation of IL-6 secretion. Finally, these miniAbs afforded protection from S. aureus-induced bacteremia in a murine renal abscess model, attenuating bacterial inflammation in kidneys. Overall, these findings are anticipated to pave the way towards novel antibody-based therapeutics for S. aureus-related diseases. PMID:26342032

Development of a rapid immunoassay system: Luminescent detection of antigen-associated antibody-luciferase in the presence of a dye that absorbs light from free antibody-luciferase.

PubMed

Mori, Akihiro; Ojima-Kato, Teruyo; Fuchi, Shingo; Kaiya, Shinichi; Kojima, Takaaki; Nakano, Hideo

2017-12-01

In this report, we developed a rapid immunoassay system, designated the bioluminescent interference gathering optical (BINGO) assay, which required no time-consuming washing steps for removal of unbound antibodies. This system employed a luciferase (Luc)-conjugated antibody (LucAb) and a dye that absorbed light from the LucAb. The antigen-associated LucAb was localized by transfer of an antigen to the detector-side of a chamber where a detector photomultiplier tube (PMT) was installed. In contrast, the free LucAb was distributed throughout the solution, and the light emitted by the free LucAb was absorbed by the dye. Therefore, only light from LucAb associated with antigen could be detected by the PMT. The new system could be used to rapidly detect the amount of antigen-antibody-Luc complex by collecting steps, such as centrifugation or magnetic collection of antibody-coated magnetic beads. Proof-of-principle experiments were performed using a model system with streptavidin beads and biotinylated Luc. The feasibility of the system was demonstrated using magnetic beads coated with anti-Escherichia coli O157 antibody, enabling detection of 4 × 10 3  cells in only 15 min. Thus, this system may have applications in a variety of biomedical fields. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Compositions for boron delivery to mammalian tissue

DOEpatents

Hawthorne, M. Frederick; Feaks, Debra Arlene; Shelly, Kenneth John

2001-01-01

Boron neutron capture therapy can utilize X.sub.y B.sub.20 H.sub.17 L where X is an alkali metal, y is 1 to 4, and L is a two electron donor such as NH.sub.3, and Na.sub.2 B.sub.10 H.sub.9 NCO, among others. These borane salts may be used free or encapsulated in liposomes. Liposomes may also have embedded within their bilayers carboranes to increase the amount of delivered .sup.10 B and/or to increase the tumor specificity of the liposome.

Electron-deficient triarylborane block copolymers: synthesis by controlled free radical polymerization and application in the detection of fluoride ions.

PubMed

Cheng, Fei; Bonder, Edward M; Jäkle, Frieder

2013-11-20

Luminescent triarylborane homo and block copolymers with well-defined chain architectures were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of a vinyl-functionalized borane monomer. The Lewis acid properties of the polymers were exploited in the luminescent detection of fluoride ions. A dual-responsive fluoride sensor was developed by taking advantage of the reversible self-assembly of a PNIPAM-based amphiphilic block copolymer. Anion detection in aqueous solution was realized by introducing positively charged pyridinium moieties along the polymer chain.

Remarkably selective iridium catalysts for the elaboration of aromatic C-H bonds.

PubMed

Cho, Jian-Yang; Tse, Man Kin; Holmes, Daniel; Maleczka, Robert E; Smith, Milton R

2002-01-11

Arylboron compounds have intriguing properties and are important building blocks for chemical synthesis. A family of Ir catalysts now enables the direct synthesis of arylboron compounds from aromatic hydrocarbons and boranes under "solventless" conditions. The Ir catalysts are highly selective for C-H activation and do not interfere with subsequent in situ transformations, including Pd-mediated cross-couplings with aryl halides. By virtue of their favorable activities and exceptional selectivities, these Ir catalysts impart the synthetic versatility of arylboron reagents to C-H bonds in aromatic and heteroaromatic hydrocarbons.

Boron Nanoparticles with High Hydrogen Loading: Mechanism for B-H Binding, Size Reduction, and Potential for Improved Combustibility and Specific Impulse

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

particles in the sample. Mass spectrometry was, therefore, used to look for the signature of boranes in the milling jar headspace gas , and also in gases... headspace gas collected from the jar after milling in H2. For this experiment, argon was added to the initial gas mixture at a 12:1 H2:Ar ratio, in...Distribution A: approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 29    Mass spectrometry analysis. After milling selected samples, headspace gas

Novel Energetic Materials for Space Propulsion

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-30

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments with percent weight loss versus temperature for a range of heating rates. Labels and TGA traces have...conditions  for  a  specified  period  of  time.  Thermogravimetric   analysis   (TGA)  and  differential  scanning  calorimetry  (DSC)  analyses  were...Experiments  The  thermal  decomposition  of  ammonia  borane was  first  studied  by  Hu  et al.  [97]  using  thermogravimetric   analysis   (TGA), where

A Simple One-pot Conversion of Aldehydes and Ketones to Enals

PubMed Central

Valenta, Petr; Drucker, Natalie A.; Bode, Jeffrey W.; Walsh, Patrick J.

2009-01-01

A simple and efficient method to convert aldehydes into α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with a two-carbon homologation is presented. Hydroboration of ethoxy acetylene with BH3•SMe2 generates tris(ethoxyvinyl) borane. Transmetallation with diethylzinc, addition to aldehydes or ketones, and acidic workup affords enals. When the addition is quenched with anilinium hydrochloride, 1,2-dithioglycol, or acetic anhydride the unsaturated imine, dithiolane, or 1,1-diacetate is isolated in high yield. These transformations can be performed in a one-pot procedure. PMID:19419211

Comparison of Directigen Flu A+B with Real Time PCR in the Diagnosis of Influenza.

PubMed

Bosevska, Golubinka; Panovski, Nikola; Janceska, Elizabeta; Mikik, Vladimir; Topuzovska, Irena Kondova; Milenkovik, Zvonko

2015-01-01

Early diagnosis and treatment of patients with influenza is the reason why physicians need rapid high-sensitivity influenza diagnostic tests that require no complex lab equipment and can be performed and interpreted within 15 min. The Aim of this study was to compare the rapid Directigen Flu A+B test with real time PCR for detection of influenza viruses in the Republic of Macedonia. One-hundred-eight respiratory samples (combined nose and throat swabs) were routinely collected for detection of influenza virus during influenza seasons. Forty-one patients were pediatric cases and 59 were adult. Their mean age was 23 years. The patients were allocated into 6 age groups: 0-4 yrs, 5-9 yrs, 10-14 yrs, 15-19 yrs, 20-64 yrs and > 65 yrs. Each sample was tested with Directigen Flu A+B and CDC real time PCR kit for detection and typisation/subtypisation of influenza according to the lab diagnostic protocol. Directigen Flu A+B identified influenza A virus in 20 (18.5%) samples and influenza B virus in two 2 (1.9%) samples. The high specificity (100%) and PPV of Directigen Flu A+B we found in our study shows that the positive results do not need to be confirmed. The overall sensitivity of Directigen Flu A+B is 35.1% for influenza A virus and 33.0% for influenza B virus. The sensitivity for influenza A is higher among children hospitalized (45.0%) and outpatients (40.0%) versus adults. Directigen Flu A+B has relatively low sensitivity for detection of influenza viruses in combined nose and throat swabs. Negative results must be confirmed.

High-affinity, noninhibitory pathogenic C1 domain antibodies are present in patients with hemophilia A and inhibitors

PubMed Central

Batsuli, Glaivy; Deng, Wei; Healey, John F.; Parker, Ernest T.; Baldwin, W. Hunter; Cox, Courtney; Nguyen, Brenda; Kahle, Joerg; Königs, Christoph; Li, Renhao; Lollar, Pete

2016-01-01

Inhibitor formation in hemophilia A is the most feared treatment-related complication of factor VIII (fVIII) therapy. Most inhibitor patients with hemophilia A develop antibodies against the fVIII A2 and C2 domains. Recent evidence demonstrates that the C1 domain contributes to the inhibitor response. Inhibitory anti-C1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been identified that bind to putative phospholipid and von Willebrand factor (VWF) binding epitopes and block endocytosis of fVIII by antigen presenting cells. We now demonstrate by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry that 7 of 9 anti-human C1 mAbs tested recognize an epitope distinct from the C1 phospholipid binding site. These mAbs, designated group A, display high binding affinities for fVIII, weakly inhibit fVIII procoagulant activity, poorly inhibit fVIII binding to phospholipid, and exhibit heterogeneity with respect to blocking fVIII binding to VWF. Another mAb, designated group B, inhibits fVIII procoagulant activity, fVIII binding to VWF and phospholipid, fVIIIa incorporation into the intrinsic Xase complex, thrombin generation in plasma, and fVIII uptake by dendritic cells. Group A and B epitopes are distinct from the epitope recognized by the canonical, human-derived inhibitory anti-C1 mAb, KM33, whose epitope overlaps both groups A and B. Antibodies recognizing group A and B epitopes are present in inhibitor plasmas from patients with hemophilia A. Additionally, group A and B mAbs increase fVIII clearance and are pathogenic in a hemophilia A mouse tail snip bleeding model. Group A anti-C1 mAbs represent the first identification of pathogenic, weakly inhibitory antibodies that increase fVIII clearance. PMID:27381905

Quantum Dot-Based Hybrid Nanostructures and Energy Transfer on the Nanoscale for Single- and Multi-Photon Imaging and Cancer Diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabiev, Igor

2017-01-01

An ideal single-photon (1P) or multiphoton fluorescent nanoprobe should combine a nanocrystal with the largest possible 1P or two-photon (2P) absorption cross section and the smallest possible highly specific recognition molecules conjugated with the nanoparticle in an oriented manner. However, the conditions used for conjugation of typical recognition molecules (conventional antibodies, Abs) with nanoparticles often provoke their unfolding and/or yield nanoprobes with irregular orientation of Abs on the nanoparticle surface. Conjugation of smaller Ab fragments, such as single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), with quantum dots (QDs) in an oriented manner can be considered as an attractive approach to engineering of ultrasmall diagnostic nanoprobes. QDs conjugated to 13-kDa sdAbs derived from camelid IgG or streptavidin have been used as efficient 1P or 2P excitation probes for imaging of cancer markers. The 2P absorption cross sections (TPACSs) for some conjugates are higher than 49,000 GM (Goeppert-Mayer units), which is close to the theoretical value calculated for CdSe QDs and considerably exceeds that of organic dyes. A further step in advanced QD-based cancer diagnostics has been made through implementation of efficient FRET-based imaging with 2P excitation, which has been demonstrated for double immunostaining complexes formed on the surface of cancer cells from sdAb-QD conjugates (donor) and a combination of monoclonal Abs and secondary antibodies labeled with the AlexaFluor dye (acceptor). The proposed approach permits obtaining an exceptional contrast of 2P imaging of cancer biomarkers without any contribution of cell and tissue autofluorescence in the recorded images.

Novel strategy for a bispecific antibody: induction of dual target internalization and degradation.

PubMed

Lee, J M; Lee, S H; Hwang, J-W; Oh, S J; Kim, B; Jung, S; Shim, S-H; Lin, P W; Lee, S B; Cho, M-Y; Koh, Y J; Kim, S Y; Ahn, S; Lee, J; Kim, K-M; Cheong, K H; Choi, J; Kim, K-A

2016-08-25

Activation of the extensive cross-talk among the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), particularly ErbB family-Met cross-talk, has emerged as a likely source of drug resistance. Notwithstanding brilliant successes were attained while using small-molecule inhibitors or antibody therapeutics against specific RTKs in multiple cancers over recent decades, a high recurrence rate remains unsolved in patients treated with these targeted inhibitors. It is well aligned with multifaceted properties of cancer and cross-talk and convergence of signaling pathways of RTKs. Thereby many therapeutic interventions have been actively developed to overcome inherent or acquired resistance. To date, no bispecific antibody (BsAb) showed complete depletion of dual RTKs from the plasma membrane and efficient dual degradation. In this manuscript, we report the first findings of a target-specific dual internalization and degradation of membrane RTKs induced by designed BsAbs based on the internalizing monoclonal antibodies and the therapeutic values of these BsAbs. Leveraging the anti-Met mAb able to internalize and degrade by a unique mechanism, we generated the BsAbs for Met/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Met/HER2 to induce an efficient EGFR or HER2 internalization and degradation in the presence of Met that is frequently overexpressed in the invasive tumors and involved in the resistance against EGFR- or HER2-targeted therapies. We found that Met/EGFR BsAb ME22S induces dissociation of the Met-EGFR complex from Hsp90, followed by significant degradation of Met and EGFR. By employing patient-derived tumor models we demonstrate therapeutic potential of the BsAb-mediated dual degradation in various cancers.

Enhanced potency of a fucose-free monoclonal antibody being developed as an Ebola virus immunoprotectant.

PubMed

Zeitlin, Larry; Pettitt, James; Scully, Corinne; Bohorova, Natasha; Kim, Do; Pauly, Michael; Hiatt, Andrew; Ngo, Long; Steinkellner, Herta; Whaley, Kevin J; Olinger, Gene G

2011-12-20

No countermeasures currently exist for the prevention or treatment of the severe sequelae of Filovirus (such as Ebola virus; EBOV) infection. To overcome this limitation in our biodefense preparedness, we have designed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which could be used in humans as immunoprotectants for EBOV, starting with a murine mAb (13F6) that recognizes the heavily glycosylated mucin-like domain of the virion-attached glycoprotein (GP). Point mutations were introduced into the variable region of the murine mAb to remove predicted human T-cell epitopes, and the variable regions joined to human constant regions to generate a mAb (h-13F6) appropriate for development for human use. We have evaluated the efficacy of three variants of h-13F6 carrying different glycosylation patterns in a lethal mouse EBOV challenge model. The pattern of glycosylation of the various mAbs was found to correlate to level of protection, with aglycosylated h-13F6 providing the least potent efficacy (ED(50) = 33 μg). A version with typical heterogenous mammalian glycoforms (ED(50) = 11 μg) had similar potency to the original murine mAb. However, h-13F6 carrying complex N-glycosylation lacking core fucose exhibited superior potency (ED(50) = 3 μg). Binding studies using Fcγ receptors revealed enhanced binding of nonfucosylated h-13F6 to mouse and human FcγRIII. Together the results indicate the presence of Fc N-glycans enhances the protective efficacy of h-13F6, and that mAbs manufactured with uniform glycosylation and a higher potency glycoform offer promise as biodefense therapeutics.

Comparison of (99m)Tc-labeled PR81 and its F(ab')₂ fragments as radioimmunoscintigraphy agents for breast cancer imaging.

PubMed

Salouti, Mojtaba; Babaei, Mohammad Hossein; Rajabi, Hossein; Foroutan, Haleh; Rasaee, Mohammad Javad; Rajabi, Ahmad Bitarafan; Mohammadnejad, Javad; Shafiee, Mohammad; Mazidi, Mohammad; Daha, Fariba Johari

2011-02-01

We digested anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibody PR81 to produce F(ab')₂ fragments. A comparison was performed between the two radiolabeled PR81 and F(ab')₂ fragments for breast tumor imaging in a mouse model. The optimum conditions for pepsin digestion of PR81 were investigated in terms of enzymes: antibody ratio, digestion time duration and preserved immunoreactivity of the produced fragments. The F(ab')₂ fragments were labeled with Technetium-99m using HYNIC as a chelator and tricine as a co-ligand. The immunoreactivity of the complexes was assessed by radioimmunoassay using MCF7 cells. Biodistribution and imaging studies were performed in female BALB/c mice with breast tumor xenograft at 4, 8 and 24 h post-administration. The PR81 was labeled with technetium-99m in the same way for comparison. The optimum time duration for PR81 digestion was found to be 28 h at an enzyme:antibody weight ratio of 1:20 that resulted in 95.2 ± 4.7% purity. The labeling of intact PR81 and its F(ab')₂ fragments were 87.6 ± 4.2 and 76.1 ± 3.3% after 1 h, respectively (p value <0.05). The percentage of immunoreactivity of F(ab')₂ fragments and intact PR81 were 75.4 ± 2.1% and 85.7 ± 2.9%, respectively (p value <0.05). The biodistribution and imaging studies demonstrated localization of the fragments at 4 h post-administration with high sensitivity and specificity. The results showed that F(ab')₂ fragment of PR81 is more suitable than intact PR81 for safer and more rapid detection of human breast cancer.

Charge-mediated Fab-Fc interactions in an IgG1 antibody induce reversible self-association, cluster formation, and elevated viscosity.

PubMed

Arora, Jayant; Hu, Yue; Esfandiary, Reza; Sathish, Hasige A; Bishop, Steven M; Joshi, Sangeeta B; Middaugh, C Russell; Volkin, David B; Weis, David D

Concentration-dependent reversible self-association (RSA) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) poses a challenge to their pharmaceutical development as viable candidates for subcutaneous delivery. While the role of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) in initiating RSA is well-established, little evidence supports the involvement of the crystallizable fragment (Fc). In this report, a variety of biophysical tools, including hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry, are used to elucidate the protein interface of such non-covalent protein-protein interactions. Using dynamic and static light scattering combined with viscosity measurements, we find that an IgG1 mAb (mAb-J) undergoes RSA primarily through electrostatic interactions and forms a monomer-dimer-tetramer equilibrium. We provide the first direct experimental mapping of the interface formed between the Fab and Fc domains of an antibody at high protein concentrations. Charge distribution heterogeneity between the positively charged interface spanning complementarity-determining regions CDR3H and CDR2L in the Fab and a negatively charged region in C H 3/Fc domain mediates the RSA of mAb-J. When arginine and NaCl are added, they disrupt RSA of mAb-J and decrease the solution viscosity. Fab-Fc domain interactions between mAb monomers may promote the formation of large transient antibody complexes that ultimately cause increases in solution viscosity. Our findings illustrate how limited specific arrangements of amino-acid residues can cause mAbs to undergo RSA at high protein concentrations and how conserved regions in the Fc portion of the antibody can also play an important role in initiating weak and transient protein-protein interactions.

Analysis of the binding loops configuration and surface adaptation of different crystallized single-domain antibodies in response to various antigens.

PubMed

Al Qaraghuli, Mohammed M; Ferro, Valerie A

2017-04-01

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the biomedical field through their ubiquitous utilization in different diagnostics and therapeutic applications. Despite this widespread use, their large size and structural complexity have limited their versatility in specific applications. The antibody variable region that is responsible for binding antigen is embodied within domains that can be rescued individually as single-domain antibody (sdAb) fragments. Because of the unique characteristics of sdAbs, such as low molecular weight, high physicochemical stability, and the ability to bind antigens inaccessible to conventional antibodies, they represent a viable alternative to full-length antibodies. Consequently, 149 crystal structures of sdAbs, originating from human (VH), camelids (VHH), or sharks (VNAR), were retrieved from the Protein Data Bank, and their structures were compared. The 3 types of sdAbs displayed complementarity determining regions (CDRs) with different lengths and configurations. CDR3 of the VHH and VNAR domains were dominated by pleated and extended orientations, respectively. Although VNAR showed the smallest average molecular weight and molecular surface area compared with VHH and VH antibodies. However, the solvent accessible surface area measurements of the 3 tested sdAbs types were very similar. All the antihapten VHH antibodies showed pleated CDR3, which were sufficient to create a binding pocket to accommodate haptens (methotrexate and azo dyes) in terms of shape and electrostatic potential. The sdAbs that recognized lysozyme showed more diversity in their CDR3 orientation to enable them to recognize various topographies of lysozyme. Subsequently, the three sdAb classes were different in size and surface area and have shown distinguishable ability to optimize their CDR length and orientation to recognize different antigen classes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ab initio study of charge transfer between lithium and aromatic hydrocarbons. Can the results be directly transferred to the lithium-graphene interaction?

PubMed

Sadlej-Sosnowska, N

2014-08-28

We have used electronic density calculations to study neutral complexes of Li with aromatic hydrocarbons. The charge transferred between a Li atom and benzene, coronene, circumcoronene, and circumcircumcoronene has been studied by ab initio methods (at the HF and MP2 level). Toward this aim, the method of integrating electron density in two cuboid fragments of space was applied. One of the fragments was constructed so that it enclosed the bulk of the electron density of lithium; the second, the bulk of the electron density of hydrocarbon. It was found that for each complex two conformations were identified: the most stable with a greater vertical Li-hydrocarbon distance, on the order of 2.5 Å, and another of higher energy with a corresponding distance less than 2 Å. In all cases the transfer of a fractional number, 0.1-0.3 electrons, between Li and hydrocarbon was found; however, the direction of the transfer was not the same in all complexes investigated. The structures of complexes of the first configuration could be represented as Li(σ-)···AH(σ+), whereas the opposite direction of charge transfer was found for complexes of the second configuration, with higher energy. The directions of the dipole moments in the complexes supported these conclusions because they directly measure the redistribution of electron density in a complex with respect to substrates.