Enhanced Respiratory Chain Supercomplex Formation in Response to Exercise in Human Skeletal Muscle.

PubMed

Greggio, Chiara; Jha, Pooja; Kulkarni, Sameer S; Lagarrigue, Sylviane; Broskey, Nicholas T; Boutant, Marie; Wang, Xu; Conde Alonso, Sonia; Ofori, Emmanuel; Auwerx, Johan; Cantó, Carles; Amati, Francesca

2017-02-07

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of multiple metabolic complications. Physical activity is known to increase mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle, counteracting age-related decline in muscle function and protecting against metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Here, we investigated the effect of 4 months of exercise training on skeletal muscle mitochondria electron transport chain complexes and supercomplexes in 26 healthy, sedentary older adults. Exercise differentially modulated respiratory complexes. Complex I was the most upregulated complex and not stoichiometrically associated to the other complexes. In contrast to the other complexes, complex I was almost exclusively found assembled in supercomplexes in muscle mitochondria. Overall, supercomplex content was increased after exercise. In particular, complexes I, III, and IV were redistributed to supercomplexes in the form of I+III 2 +IV. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that exercise affects the stoichiometry of supercomplex formation in humans and thus reveal a novel adaptive mechanism for increased energy demand. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Large Hydrophilic Loop of Presenilin 1 Is Important for Regulating γ-Secretase Complex Assembly and Dictating the Amyloid β Peptide (Aβ) Profile without Affecting Notch Processing*

PubMed Central

Wanngren, Johanna; Frånberg, Jenny; Svensson, Annelie I.; Laudon, Hanna; Olsson, Fredrik; Winblad, Bengt; Liu, Frank; Näslund, Jan; Lundkvist, Johan; Karlström, Helena

2010-01-01

γ-Secretase is an enzyme complex that mediates both Notch signaling and β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, resulting in the generation of Notch intracellular domain, APP intracellular domain, and the amyloid β peptide (Aβ), the latter playing a central role in Alzheimer disease (AD). By a hitherto undefined mechanism, the activity of γ-secretase gives rise to Aβ peptides of different lengths, where Aβ42 is considered to play a particular role in AD. In this study we have examined the role of the large hydrophilic loop (amino acids 320–374, encoded by exon 10) of presenilin 1 (PS1), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, for γ-secretase complex formation and activity on Notch and APP processing. Deletion of exon 10 resulted in impaired PS1 endoproteolysis, γ-secretase complex formation, and had a differential effect on Aβ-peptide production. Although the production of Aβ38, Aβ39, and Aβ40 was severely impaired, the effect on Aβ42 was affected to a lesser extent, implying that the production of the AD-related Aβ42 peptide is separate from the production of the Aβ38, Aβ39, and Aβ40 peptides. Interestingly, formation of the intracellular domains of both APP and Notch was intact, implying a differential cleavage activity between the ϵ/S3 and γ sites. The most C-terminal amino acids of the hydrophilic loop were important for regulating APP processing. In summary, the large hydrophilic loop of PS1 appears to differentially regulate the relative production of different Aβ peptides without affecting Notch processing, two parameters of significance when considering γ-secretase as a target for pharmaceutical intervention in AD. PMID:20106965

Effect of ultrasonic waves on the water turbidity during the oxidation of phenol. Formation of (hydro)peroxo complexes.

PubMed

Villota, Natalia; Lomas, Jose M; Camarero, Luis M

2017-11-01

Analysis of the kinetics of aqueous phenol oxidation by a sono-Fenton process reveals that the via involving ortho-substituted intermediates prevails: catechol (25.0%), hydroquinone (7.7%) and resorcinol (0.6%). During the oxidation, water rapidly acquires color that reaches its maximum intensity at the maximum concentration of p-benzoquinone. Turbidity formation occurs at a slower rate. Oxidant dosage determines the nature of the intermediates, being trihydroxylated benzenes (pyrogallol, hydroxyhydroquinone) and muconic acid the main precursors causing turbidity. It is found that the concentration of iron species and ultrasonic waves affects the intensity of the turbidity. The pathway of (hydro)peroxo-iron(II) complexes formation is proposed. Operating with 20.0-27.8mgFe 2+ /kW rates leads to formation of (hydro)peroxo-iron(II) complexes, which induce high turbidity levels. These species would dissociate into ZZ-muconic acid and ferrous ions. Applying relationships around 13.9mgFe 2+ /kW, the formation of (hydro)peroxo-iron(III) complexes would occur, which could react with carboxylic acids (2,5-dioxo-3-hexenedioic acid). That reaction induces turbidity slower. This is due to the organic substrate reacting with two molecules of the (hydro)peroxo complex. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate the iron regeneration, intensifying the ultrasonic irradiation. Afterwards, this complex would dissociate into maleic acid and ferric ions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Photoluminescence Study of the Changes Induced in the Zinc White Pigment by Formation of Zinc Complexes

PubMed Central

Artesani, Alessia; Gherardi, Francesca; Nevin, Austin; Valentini, Gianluca; Comelli, Daniela

2017-01-01

It is known that oil paintings containing zinc white are subject to rapid degradation. This is caused by the interaction between the active groups of binder and the metal ions of the pigment, which gives rise to the formation of new zinc complexes (metal soaps). Ongoing studies on zinc white paints have been limited to the chemical mechanisms that lead to the formation of zinc complexes. On the contrary, little is known of the photo-physical changes induced in the zinc oxide crystal structure following this interaction. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy has been applied to follow modifications in the luminescent zinc white pigment when mixed with binder. Significant changes in trap state photoluminescence emissions have been detected: the enhancement of a blue emission combined with a change of the decay kinetic of the well-known green emission. Complementary data from molecular analysis of paints using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the formation of zinc carboxylates and corroborates the mechanism for zinc complexes formation. We support the hypothesis that zinc ions migrate into binder creating novel vacancies, affecting the photoluminescence intensity and lifetime properties of zinc oxide. Here, we further demonstrate the advantages of a time-resolved photoluminescence approach for studying defects in semiconductor pigments. PMID:28772700

Chelating agent-assisted heat treatment of a carbon-supported iron oxide nanoparticle catalyst for PEMFC.

PubMed

Liu, Shyh-Jiun; Huang, Chia-Hung; Huang, Chun-Kai; Hwang, Weng-Sing

2009-08-28

Iron complexes were supported on commercial carbon black and heat treated to create FeO(x)/C catalysts that showed a larger normalized current density and normalized power density than commercial Pt/C catalysts; the coordination number of the iron complexes used affected the formation of the active site for oxygen reduction in PEMFC.

The phallic castration complex and primary femininity: paired developmental lines toward female gender identity.

PubMed

Mayer, E L

1995-01-01

I suggest that two developmental lines contribute to the achievement of female gender identity. One is rooted in the phallic castration complex, and the other in primary femininity. Far from being mutually exclusive, the two comprise necessary aspects of every girl's progress toward becoming a woman. To that extent, every woman's analysis will include the analysis of compromise formations that emerge from both. In distinguishing clinical manifestations of each developmental line, I suggest that it may be useful to conceptualize primary femininity and the phallic castration complex as affect-defense configurations which incorporate two fundamentally different ideas about danger. In conflicts of primary femininity, danger is anticipated: anxiety is the signal for compromise formation, since what is actually possessed (the female genital) is valued and is therefore imagined as subject to danger. In the phallic castration complex, danger is imagined already to have occurred. Depressive affect becomes the primary motive for defense, based on a fantasy that what is valued (the male genital) has already been lost. This distinction may facilitate our efforts to specify exactly how recent revisions in theories of female development have explicit implications for practice.

Factors affecting catalysis of copper corrosion products in NDMA formation from DMA in simulated premise plumbing.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong; Andrews, Susan A

2013-11-01

This study investigated the effects of corrosion products of copper, a metal commonly employed in household plumbing systems, on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation from a known NDMA precursor, dimethylamine (DMA). Copper-catalyzed NDMA formation increased with increasing copper concentrations, DMA concentrations, alkalinity and hardness, but decreased with increasing natural organic matter (NOM) concentration. pH influenced the speciation of chloramine and the interactions of copper with DMA. The transformation of monochloramine (NH2Cl) to dichloramine and complexation of copper with DMA were involved in elevating the formation of NDMA by copper at pH 7.0. The inhibiting effect of NOM on copper catalysis was attributed to the rapid consumption of NH2Cl by NOM and/or the competitive complexation of NOM with copper to limit the formation of DMA-copper complexes. Hardness ions, as represented by Ca(2+), also competed with copper for binding sites on NOM, thereby weakening the inhibitory effect of NOM on NDMA formation. Common copper corrosion products also participated in these reactions but in different ways. Aqueous copper released from malachite [Cu2CO3(OH)2] was shown to promote NDMA formation while NDMA formation decreased in the presence of CuO, most likely due to the adsorption of DMA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RacGAP50C is sufficient to signal cleavage furrow formation during cytokinesis.

PubMed

D'Avino, Pier Paolo; Savoian, Matthew S; Capalbo, Luisa; Glover, David M

2006-11-01

Several studies indicate that spindle microtubules determine the position of the cleavage plane at the end of cell division, but their exact role in triggering the formation and ingression of the cleavage furrow is still unclear. Here we show that in Drosophila depletion of either the GAP (GTPase-activating protein) or the kinesin-like subunit of the evolutionary conserved centralspindlin complex prevents furrowing without affecting the association of astral microtubules with the cell cortex. Moreover, time-lapse imaging indicates that astral microtubules serve to deliver the centralspindlin complex to the equatorial cortex just before furrow formation. However, when the GAP-signaling component was mislocalized around the entire cortex using a membrane-tethering motif, this caused ectopic furrowing even in the absence of its motor partner. Thus, the GAP component of centralspindlin is both necessary and sufficient for furrow formation and ingression and astral microtubules provide a route for its delivery to the cleavage site.

Trifluoperazine Regulation of Calmodulin Binding to Fas: A Computational Study

PubMed Central

Pan, Di; Yan, Qi; Chen, Yabing; McDonald, Jay M; Song, Yuhua

2011-01-01

Death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation is a critical step in Fas-mediated signaling for apoptosis. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the calmodulin (CaM) antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP) regulates CaM-Fas binding and affects Fas-mediated DISC formation. In this study, we investigated the anti-cooperative characteristics of TFP binding to CaM and the effect of TFP on the CaM-Fas interaction from both structural and thermodynamic perspectives using combined molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy analyses. We studied the interactions of different numbers of TFP molecules with CaM and explored the effects of the resulting conformational changes in CaM on CaM-Fas binding. Results from these analyses showed that the number of TFP molecules bound to CaM directly influenced α-helix formation and hydrogen bond occupancy within the α-helices of CaM, contributing to the conformational and motion changes in CaM. These changes affected CaM binding to Fas, resulting in secondary structural changes in Fas and conformational and motion changes of Fas in CaM-Fas complexes, potentially perturbing the recruitment of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) for DISC formation. The computational results from this study reveal the structural and molecular mechanisms that underlie the role of the CaM antagonist, TFP, in regulation of CaM-Fas binding and Fas-mediated DISC formation in a concentration-dependent manner. PMID:21656570

Genetic evidence suggests that GIS functions downstream of TCL1 to regulate trichome formation in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Zhang, Na; Yang, Li; Luo, Sha; Wang, Xutong; Wang, Wei; Cheng, Yuxin; Tian, Hainan; Zheng, Kaijie; Cai, Ling; Wang, Shucai

2018-04-13

Trichome formation in Arabidopsis is regulated by a MBW complex formed by MYB, bHLH and WD40 transcriptional factors, which can activate GLABRA2 (GL2) and the R3 MYB transcription factor genes. GL2 promotes trichome formation, whereas R3 MYBs are able to block the formation of the MBW complex. It has been reported that the C2H2 transcription factor GIS (GLABROUS INFLORESCENCE STEMS) functions upstream of the MBW activator complex to regulate trichome formation, and that the expression of TCL1 is not regulated by the MBW complex. However, gis and the R3 MYB gene mutant tcl1 (trichomeless 1) have opposite inflorescence trichome phenotypes, but their relationship in regulating trichome formation remained unknown. By generating and characterization of the gis tcl1 double mutant, we found that trichome formation in the gis tcl1double and the tcl1 single mutants were largely indistinguishable, but the trichome formation in the 35S:TCL1/gis transgenic plant was similar to that in the gis mutant. By using quantitative RT-PCR analysis, we showed that expression level of GIS was increased in the triple mutant tcl1 try cpc, but the expression level of TCL1 was not affected in the gis mutant. On the other hand, trichome morphology in both gis tcl1 and 35S:TCL1/gis plants was similar to that in the gis mutant. In summary, our results indicate that GIS may work downstream of TCL1 to regulate trichome formation, and GIS has a dominant role in controlling trichome morphology.

Nixtamalization Process Affects Resistant Starch Formation and Glycemic Index of Tamales.

PubMed

Mariscal-Moreno, Rosa María; de Dios Figueroa Cárdenas, Juan; Santiago-Ramos, David; Rayas-Duarte, Patricia; Veles-Medina, José Juan; Martínez-Flores, Héctor Eduardo

2017-05-01

Tamales were prepared with 3 nixtamalization processes (traditional, ecological, and classic) and evaluated for chemical composition, starch properties, and glycemic index. Resistant starch (RS) in tamales increased 1.6 to 3.7 times compared to raw maize. This increment was due to the starch retrogradation (RS3) and amylose-lipid complexes (RS5) formation. Tamales elaborated with classic and ecological nixtamalization processes exhibited the highest total, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber content, and the highest RS content and lower in vivo glycemic index compared to tamales elaborated with traditional nixtamalization process. Thermal properties of tamales showed 3 endotherms: amylopectin retrogradation (42.7 to 66.6 °C), melting of amylose lipid complex type I (78.8 to 105.4), and melting of amylose-lipid complex type II (110.7 to 129.7). Raw maize exhibited X-ray diffraction pattern type A, after nixtamalization and cooking of tamales it changed to V-type polymorph structure, due to amylose-lipid complexes formation. Tamales from ecological nixtamalization processes could represent potential health benefits associated with the reduction on blood glucose response after consumption. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Study of complex formation of 5,5'-(2 E, 2' E)-2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(hydrazine-1-yl-2-ylidene)bis(4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol) (HYT) macrocyclic ligand with Cd2+ cation in non-aqueous solution by spectroscopic and conductometric methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallaekeh, Hassan; Shams, Alireza; Shaker, Mohammad; Bahramzadeh, Ehsan; Arefi, Donya

2014-12-01

In this paper the complexation reaction of the 5,5'-(2 E,2' E)-2,2'-(ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(hydrazine-1-yl-2-ylidene)bis(4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol) ligand (HYT) with Cd2+ education was studied in some binary mixtures of methanol (MeOH), n-propanol (PrOH) and dimethyl-formamide (DMF) at different temperatures using the conductometry and spectrophotometry. The stability constants of the complex was determined using a GENPLOT computer program. The conductance data and absorbance-mole ratio plots show that in all solvent systems, the stoichiometry of the complex formed between (HYT) and Cd2+ cation is 1: 1. The obtained results show that the stability of (HYT)-Cd complex is sensitive to the mixed solvents composition. The values of thermodynamic parameters (Δ G ∘, Δ H ∘, and Δ S ∘) for formation of (HYT)-Cd complex were obtained from temperature dependence of the stability constant using the van't Hoff plots. The results show that in most cases, the complex are enthalpy destabilized but entropy stabilized and the complex formation is affected by pH, time, temperature and the nature of the solvent.

Organic matter and salinity modify cadmium soil (phyto)availability.

PubMed

Filipović, Lana; Romić, Marija; Romić, Davor; Filipović, Vilim; Ondrašek, Gabrijel

2018-01-01

Although Cd availability depends on its total concentration in soil, it is ultimately defined by the processes which control its mobility, transformations and soil solution speciation. Cd mobility between different soil fractions can be significantly affected by certain pedovariables such as soil organic matter (SOM; over formation of metal-organic complexes) and/or soil salinity (over formation of metal-inorganic complexes). Phytoavailable Cd fraction may be described as the proportion of the available Cd in soil which is actually accessible by roots and available for plant uptake. Therefore, in a greenhouse pot experiment Cd availability was observed in the rhizosphere of faba bean exposed to different levels of SOM, NaCl salinity (50 and 100mM) and Cd contamination (5 and 10mgkg -1 ). Cd availability in soil does not linearly follow its total concentration. Still, increasing soil Cd concentration may lead to increased Cd phytoavailability if the proportion of Cd 2+ pool in soil solution is enhanced. Reduced Cd (phyto)availability by raised SOM was found, along with increased proportion of Cd-DOC complexes in soil solution. Data suggest decreased Cd soil (phyto)availability with the application of salts. NaCl salinity affected Cd speciation in soil solution by promoting the formation of CdCl n 2-n complexes. Results possibly suggest that increased Cd mobility in soil does not result in its increased availability if soil adsorption capacity for Cd has not been exceeded. Accordingly, chloro-complex possibly operated just as a Cd carrier between different soil fractions and resulted only in transfer between solid phases and not in increased (phyto)availability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ionic residues of human serum transferrin affect binding to the transferrin receptor and iron release.

PubMed

Steere, Ashley N; Miller, Brendan F; Roberts, Samantha E; Byrne, Shaina L; Chasteen, N Dennis; Smith, Valerie C; MacGillivray, Ross T A; Mason, Anne B

2012-01-17

Efficient delivery of iron is critically dependent on the binding of diferric human serum transferrin (hTF) to its specific receptor (TFR) on the surface of actively dividing cells. Internalization of the complex into an endosome precedes iron removal. The return of hTF to the blood to continue the iron delivery cycle relies on the maintenance of the interaction between apohTF and the TFR after exposure to endosomal pH (≤6.0). Identification of the specific residues accounting for the pH-sensitive nanomolar affinity with which hTF binds to TFR throughout the cycle is important to fully understand the iron delivery process. Alanine substitution of 11 charged hTF residues identified by available structures and modeling studies allowed evaluation of the role of each in (1) binding of hTF to the TFR and (2) TFR-mediated iron release. Six hTF mutants (R50A, R352A, D356A, E357A, E367A, and K511A) competed poorly with biotinylated diferric hTF for binding to TFR. In particular, we show that Asp356 in the C-lobe of hTF is essential to the formation of a stable hTF-TFR complex: mutation of Asp356 in the monoferric C-lobe hTF background prevented the formation of the stoichiometric 2:2 (hTF:TFR monomer) complex. Moreover, mutation of three residues (Asp356, Glu367, and Lys511), whether in the diferric or monoferric C-lobe hTF, significantly affected iron release when in complex with the TFR. Thus, mutagenesis of charged hTF residues has allowed identification of a number of residues that are critical to formation of and release of iron from the hTF-TFR complex.

Papillae formation on trichome cell walls requires the function of the mediator complex subunit Med25.

PubMed

Fornero, Christy; Suo, Bangxia; Zahde, Mais; Juveland, Katelyn; Kirik, Viktor

2017-11-01

Glassy Hair 1 (GLH1) gene that promotes papillae formation on trichome cell walls was identified as a subunit of the transcriptional mediator complex MED25. The MED25 gene is shown to be expressed in trichomes. The expression of the trichome development marker genes GLABRA2 (GL2) and Ethylene Receptor2 (ETR2) is not affected in the glh1 mutant. Presented data suggest that Arabidopsis MED25 mediator component is likely involved in the transcription of genes promoting papillae deposition in trichomes. The plant cell wall plays an important role in communication, defense, organization and support. The importance of each of these functions varies by cell type. Specialized cells, such as Arabidopsis trichomes, exhibit distinct cell wall characteristics including papillae. To better understand the molecular processes important for papillae deposition on the cell wall surface, we identified the GLASSY HAIR 1 (GLH1) gene, which is necessary for papillae formation. We found that a splice-site mutation in the component of the transcriptional mediator complex MED25 gene is responsible for the near papillae-less phenotype of the glh1 mutant. The MED25 gene is expressed in trichomes. Reporters for trichome developmental marker genes GLABRA2 (GL2) and Ethylene Receptor2 (ETR2) were not affected in the glh1 mutant. Collectively, the presented results show that MED25 is necessary for papillae formation on the cell wall surface of leaf trichomes and suggest that the Arabidopsis MED25 mediator component is likely involved in the transcription of a subset of genes that promote papillae deposition in trichomes.

The Aegean/Cycladic and the Basin and Range Extensional Provinces - A Tectonic and Geochronologic Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stockli, D. F.

2017-12-01

The Aegean/Cycladic region (AC) and the Basin and Range Province (B&R) are two of the most famous Cenozoic extensional provinces and have greatly influenced our thinking about syn-convergent back-arc extension, core complex formation, syn-extensional magmatism, and kinematic transitions. They share numerous tectonic and structural similarities, such as a syn-convergent setting, previous contractional deformation, and core complex formation, but fundamental geological ambiguities remain, mainly centering around timing. The B&R affected a previously contractional belt (Sevier) and voluminous continental magmatic arc that created a pre-extensional orogenic highland. Extension was long-lived and complex, driven by both gravitational collapse and temporally distinct kinematic boundary condition changes. The B&R was also affected by massive, largely pre-extensional regional magmatic flare-ups that modified both the thermal and crustal composition. As the B&R occupies an elevated interior plateau, syn-extensional basin deposits are exclusively continental in character. In contrast, the AC is a classic marine back-arc extensional province that affected an active subduction margin with numerous accreted oceanic and continental ribbons, exhuming an early Cenozoic HP-LT subduction complex. Exhumation of the HP-LT complex, however, was accommodated both by vertical extrusion and crustal extension. Late Cenozoic extensional faulting was contemporaneous with S-ward sweeping arc magmatism and affected by little to no kinematic changes. As both the AC and B&R experienced contractional deformation during K-Cz subduction and J-K shortening, respectively, it is critical to differentiate between contractional and extensional structures and fabrics. The lack of temporal constraints hampers the reconstructions of pre-extensional structural anatomies and extensional strain magnitudes or even the attribution of structures to specific geodynamic settings. Novel methodologies in petrochronology, detrital geochronology, and high- and low-T thermochronometry allow us to elucidate pre-extensional crustal geometries, differentiate contractional from extensional fabrics, and understand the thermal and rheological evolution of these extensional provinces in a more holistic fashion.

Mitochondrial proteomic profile of complex IV deficiency fibroblasts: rearrangement of oxidative phosphorylation complex/supercomplex and other metabolic pathways.

PubMed

Salvador-Severo, Karina; Gómez-Caudillo, Leopoldo; Quezada, Héctor; García-Trejo, José de Jesús; Cárdenas-Conejo, Alan; Vázquez-Memije, Martha Elisa; Minauro-Sanmiguel, Fernando

Mitochondriopathies are multisystem diseases affecting the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Skin fibroblasts are a good model for the study of these diseases. Fibroblasts with a complex IV mitochondriopathy were used to determine the molecular mechanism and the main affected functions in this disease. Skin fibroblast were grown to assure disease phenotype. Mitochondria were isolated from these cells and their proteome extracted for protein identification. Identified proteins were validated with the MitoMiner database. Disease phenotype was corroborated on skin fibroblasts, which presented a complex IV defect. The mitochondrial proteome of these cells showed that the most affected proteins belonged to the OXPHOS system, mainly to the complexes that form supercomplexes or respirosomes (I, III, IV, and V). Defects in complex IV seemed to be due to assembly issues, which might prevent supercomplexes formation and efficient substrate channeling. It was also found that this mitochondriopathy affects other processes that are related to DNA genetic information flow (replication, transcription, and translation) as well as beta oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle. These data, as a whole, could be used for the better stratification of these diseases, as well as to optimize management and treatment options. Copyright © 2017 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms and factors affecting urolithiasis.

PubMed

Khan, Aslam

2018-05-01

The formation of urinary stone, urolithiasis, is one the oldest known disease affecting human throughout different civilizations and times. The exact pathophysiological mechanism of urolithiasis is not yet clear, as these calculi are of various types and too complex for simple understanding. A single theory cannot explain its formation; therefore, different theories are presented in various times for its explanation like free particle, fixed particle, Randall's plaque theory. In addition, various factors and components are identified that play an important role in the formation of these urinary calculi. In this review, composition of kidney stones, its prevalence/incidence, explanation of pathophysiological mechanisms and role of various factors; urinary pH, uric acid, parathyroid hormone, citrate, oxalate, calcium and macromolecules; osteopontin, matrix Gla protein, kidney injury molecules, urinary prothrombin fragment-1, Tamm-Horsfall protein, inter-α-inhibitors, have been discussed in detail.

Solvent influence on complex formation between Cd2+ and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone in binary mixed nonaqueous solvents at 15-45°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farazandeh, R.; Rounaghi, G. H.; Ebrahimi, M.; Basafa, S.

2017-04-01

The complexation reaction of Cd2+ cation with 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (HNQ) was studied in acetonitrile (AN), 2-PrOH, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), EtOH, dimethylformamide (DMF) and in binary solutions AN-2-PrOH, AN-DMF, AN-EtOH, and AN-EtOAc using conductometric method at 15-45°C. The conductance data show that the stoichiometry of the Cd2+ complex with HNQ in all solvent systems is 1 : 1. In the pure solvents the stability of the complex changes in the order AN > 2-PrOH > EtOH > DMF. The stability of the complex at 25°C in the studied mixtures changes in the following order : AN-EtOAc > AN-2-PrOH > AN-EtOH > AN-DMF. These orders are affected by the nature and composition of the solvent systems and by the temperature. From the temperature dependence data, the thermodynamic functions values (Δ H° and Δ S°) for the complex formation were calculated.

Preparation, spectroscopic and antibacterial studies on charge-transfer complexes of 2-hydroxypyridine with picric acid and 7,7‧,8,8‧-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaballa, Akmal S.; Amin, Alaa S.

2015-06-01

The reactions of electron acceptors such as picric acid (HPA) and 7,7‧,8,8‧-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) with 2-hydroxypyridine (HPyO) have been investigated in EtOH at room temperature. Based on elemental analysis and IR spectra of the solid CT-complexes along with the photometric titration curves for the reactions, the data obtained indicate the formation of 1:1 charge transfer complexes [(H2PyO)(PA)] and [(PyO)(HTCNQ)], respectively. The infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopic data indicate a charge transfer interaction associated with a proton migration from the acceptor to the donor followed by intramolecular hydrogen bonding in [(H2PyO)(PA)] complex. Another charge transfer interaction was observed in [(PyO)(HTCNQ)] complex. The formation constants (KCT) for the CT-complexes are shown to be strongly dependent on the type and structure of the electron acceptors. Factors affecting the CT-processes and the kinetics of thermal decomposition of the complexes have been studied. The CT complexes were screened for their antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains.

Preparation, spectroscopic and antibacterial studies on charge-transfer complexes of 2-hydroxypyridine with picric acid and 7,7',8,8'-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane.

PubMed

Gaballa, Akmal S; Amin, Alaa S

2015-06-15

The reactions of electron acceptors such as picric acid (HPA) and 7,7',8,8'-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) with 2-hydroxypyridine (HPyO) have been investigated in EtOH at room temperature. Based on elemental analysis and IR spectra of the solid CT-complexes along with the photometric titration curves for the reactions, the data obtained indicate the formation of 1:1 charge transfer complexes [(H2PyO)(PA)] and [(PyO)(HTCNQ)], respectively. The infrared and (1)H NMR spectroscopic data indicate a charge transfer interaction associated with a proton migration from the acceptor to the donor followed by intramolecular hydrogen bonding in [(H2PyO)(PA)] complex. Another charge transfer interaction was observed in [(PyO)(HTCNQ)] complex. The formation constants (KCT) for the CT-complexes are shown to be strongly dependent on the type and structure of the electron acceptors. Factors affecting the CT-processes and the kinetics of thermal decomposition of the complexes have been studied. The CT complexes were screened for their antibacterial activities against selected bacterial strains. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation and dissociation of proteasome storage granules are regulated by cytosolic pH.

PubMed

Peters, Lee Zeev; Hazan, Rotem; Breker, Michal; Schuldiner, Maya; Ben-Aroya, Shay

2013-05-27

The 26S proteasome is the major protein degradation machinery of the cell and is regulated at many levels. One mode of regulation involves accumulation of proteasomes in proteasome storage granules (PSGs) upon glucose depletion. Using a systematic robotic screening approach in yeast, we identify trans-acting proteins that regulate the accumulation of proteasomes in PSGs. Our dataset was enriched for subunits of the vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) complex, a proton pump required for vacuole acidification. We show that the impaired ability of V-ATPase mutants to properly govern intracellular pH affects the kinetics of PSG formation. We further show that formation of other protein aggregates upon carbon depletion also is triggered in mutants with impaired activity of the plasma membrane proton pump and the V-ATPase complex. We thus identify cytosolic pH as a specific cellular signal involved both in the glucose sensing that mediates PSG formation and in a more general mechanism for signaling carbon source exhaustion.

Amyloidogenic Regions and Interaction Surfaces Overlap in Globular Proteins Related to Conformational Diseases

PubMed Central

Castillo, Virginia; Ventura, Salvador

2009-01-01

Protein aggregation underlies a wide range of human disorders. The polypeptides involved in these pathologies might be intrinsically unstructured or display a defined 3D-structure. Little is known about how globular proteins aggregate into toxic assemblies under physiological conditions, where they display an initially folded conformation. Protein aggregation is, however, always initiated by the establishment of anomalous protein-protein interactions. Therefore, in the present work, we have explored the extent to which protein interaction surfaces and aggregation-prone regions overlap in globular proteins associated with conformational diseases. Computational analysis of the native complexes formed by these proteins shows that aggregation-prone regions do frequently overlap with protein interfaces. The spatial coincidence of interaction sites and aggregating regions suggests that the formation of functional complexes and the aggregation of their individual subunits might compete in the cell. Accordingly, single mutations affecting complex interface or stability usually result in the formation of toxic aggregates. It is suggested that the stabilization of existing interfaces in multimeric proteins or the formation of new complexes in monomeric polypeptides might become effective strategies to prevent disease-linked aggregation of globular proteins. PMID:19696882

Reagent Anions for Charge Inversion of Polypeptide/Protein Cations in the Gas Phase

PubMed Central

He, Min; Emory, Joshua F.; McLuckey, Scott A.

2005-01-01

Various reagent anions capable of converting polypeptide cations to anions via ion/ion reactions have been investigated. The major charge inversion reaction channels include multiple proton transfer and adduct formation. Dianions composed of sulfonate groups as the negative charge carriers show essentially exclusive adduct formation in converting protonated peptides and proteins to anions. Dianions composed of carboxylate groups, on the other hand, show far more charge inversion via multiple proton transfer, with the degree of adduct formation dependent upon both the size of the polypeptide and the spacings between carboxylate groups in the dianion. More highly charged carboxylate-containing anions, such as those derived from carboxylate-terminated polyamidoamine half-generation dendrimers show charge inversion to give anion charges as high in magnitude as −4, with the degree of adduct formation being inversely related to dendrimer generation. All observations can be interpreted on the basis of charge inversion taking place via a long-lived chemical complex. The lifetime of this complex is related to the strengths and numbers of the interactions of the reactants in the complex. Calculations with model systems are fully consistent with sulfonate groups giving rise to more stable complexes. The kinetic stability of the complex can also be affected by the presence of electrostatic repulsion if it is multiply charged. In general, this situation destabilizes the complex and reduces the likelihood for observation of adducts. The findings highlight the characteristics of multiply charged anions that play roles in determining the nature of charge inversion products associated with protonated peptides and proteins. PMID:15889906

Grazer-induced morphological defense in Scenedesmus obliquus is affected by competition against Microcystis aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xuexia; Wang, Jun; Lu, Yichun; Chen, Qinwen; Yang, Zhou

2015-01-01

The green alga Scenedesmus is known for its phenotypic plasticity in response to grazing risk. However, the benefits of colony formation induced by infochemicals from zooplankton should come with costs. That is, a tradeoff in benefit-to-cost ratios is likely under complex environmental conditions. In this study, we hypothesized that the coexistence of Scenedesmus and its competitors decreases the formation of anti-grazer colonies in Scenedesmus. Results demonstrated that the presence of a competitor Microcystis aeruginosa inhibited inducible defensive colony formation of Scenedesmus obliquus, and the established defensive colonies negatively affected the competitive ability of S. obliquus. The proportion of induced defensive colonies in cultures was dependent on the relative abundance of competitors. Under low competition intensity, large amount of eight-celled colonies were formed but at the cost of decreased competitive inhibition on M. aeruginosa. By contrast, defensive colony formation of S. obliquus slacked in the presence of high competition intensity to maintain a high displacement rate (competitive ability). In conclusion, S. obliquus exhibited different responses to potential grazing pressure under different intensities of competition, i.e., Scenedesmus morphological response to grazing infochemicals was affected by competition against Microcystis. PMID:26224387

Grazer-induced morphological defense in Scenedesmus obliquus is affected by competition against Microcystis aeruginosa.

PubMed

Zhu, Xuexia; Wang, Jun; Lu, Yichun; Chen, Qinwen; Yang, Zhou

2015-07-30

The green alga Scenedesmus is known for its phenotypic plasticity in response to grazing risk. However, the benefits of colony formation induced by infochemicals from zooplankton should come with costs. That is, a tradeoff in benefit-to-cost ratios is likely under complex environmental conditions. In this study, we hypothesized that the coexistence of Scenedesmus and its competitors decreases the formation of anti-grazer colonies in Scenedesmus. Results demonstrated that the presence of a competitor Microcystis aeruginosa inhibited inducible defensive colony formation of Scenedesmus obliquus, and the established defensive colonies negatively affected the competitive ability of S. obliquus. The proportion of induced defensive colonies in cultures was dependent on the relative abundance of competitors. Under low competition intensity, large amount of eight-celled colonies were formed but at the cost of decreased competitive inhibition on M. aeruginosa. By contrast, defensive colony formation of S. obliquus slacked in the presence of high competition intensity to maintain a high displacement rate (competitive ability). In conclusion, S. obliquus exhibited different responses to potential grazing pressure under different intensities of competition, i.e., Scenedesmus morphological response to grazing infochemicals was affected by competition against Microcystis.

A natural experiment of social network formation and dynamics.

PubMed

Phan, Tuan Q; Airoldi, Edoardo M

2015-05-26

Social networks affect many aspects of life, including the spread of diseases, the diffusion of information, the workers' productivity, and consumers' behavior. Little is known, however, about how these networks form and change. Estimating causal effects and mechanisms that drive social network formation and dynamics is challenging because of the complexity of engineering social relations in a controlled environment, endogeneity between network structure and individual characteristics, and the lack of time-resolved data about individuals' behavior. We leverage data from a sample of 1.5 million college students on Facebook, who wrote more than 630 million messages and 590 million posts over 4 years, to design a long-term natural experiment of friendship formation and social dynamics in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The analysis shows that affected individuals are more likely to strengthen interactions, while maintaining the same number of friends as unaffected individuals. Our findings suggest that the formation of social relationships may serve as a coping mechanism to deal with high-stress situations and build resilience in communities.

A natural experiment of social network formation and dynamics

PubMed Central

Phan, Tuan Q.; Airoldi, Edoardo M.

2015-01-01

Social networks affect many aspects of life, including the spread of diseases, the diffusion of information, the workers' productivity, and consumers' behavior. Little is known, however, about how these networks form and change. Estimating causal effects and mechanisms that drive social network formation and dynamics is challenging because of the complexity of engineering social relations in a controlled environment, endogeneity between network structure and individual characteristics, and the lack of time-resolved data about individuals' behavior. We leverage data from a sample of 1.5 million college students on Facebook, who wrote more than 630 million messages and 590 million posts over 4 years, to design a long-term natural experiment of friendship formation and social dynamics in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The analysis shows that affected individuals are more likely to strengthen interactions, while maintaining the same number of friends as unaffected individuals. Our findings suggest that the formation of social relationships may serve as a coping mechanism to deal with high-stress situations and build resilience in communities. PMID:25964337

Ectopic expression of R3 MYB transcription factor gene OsTCL1 in Arabidopsis, but not rice, affects trichome and root hair formation

PubMed Central

Zheng, Kaijie; Tian, Hainan; Hu, Qingnan; Guo, Hongyan; Yang, Li; Cai, Ling; Wang, Xutong; Liu, Bao; Wang, Shucai

2016-01-01

In Arabidopsis, a MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) transcriptional activator complex activates the homeodomain protein gene GLABRA2 (GL2), leading to the promotion of trichome formation and inhibition of root hair formation. The same MBW complex also activates single-repeat R3 MYB genes. R3 MYBs in turn, play a negative feedback role by competing with R2R3 MYB proteins for binding bHLH proteins, thus blocking the formation of the MBW complex. By BLASTing the rice (Oryza sativa) protein database using the entire amino acid sequence of Arabidopsis R3 MYB transcription factor TRICHOMELESS1 (TCL1), we found that there are two genes in rice genome encoding R3 MYB transcription factors, namely Oryza sativa TRICHOMELESS1 (OsTCL1) and OsTCL2. Expressing OsTCL1 in Arabidopsis inhibited trichome formation and promoted root hair formation, and OsTCL1 interacted with GL3 when tested in Arabidopsis protoplasts. Consistent with these observations, expression levels of GL2, R2R3 MYB transcription factor gene GLABRA1 (GL1) and several R3 MYB genes were greatly reduced, indicating that OsTCL1 is functional R3 MYB. However, trichome and root hair formation in transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsTCL1 remained largely unchanged, and elevated expression of OsGL2 was observed in the transgenic rice plants, indicating that rice may use different mechanisms to regulate trichome formation. PMID:26758286

Star formation in a hierarchical model for Cloud Complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez, N.; Parravano, A.

The effects of the external and initial conditions on the star formation processes in Molecular Cloud Complexes are examined in the context of a schematic model. The model considers a hierarchical system with five predefined phases: warm gas, neutral gas, low density molecular gas, high density molecular gas and protostars. The model follows the mass evolution of each substructure by computing its mass exchange with their parent and children. The parent-child mass exchange depends on the radiation density at the interphase, which is produced by the radiation coming from the stars that form at the end of the hierarchical structure, and by the external radiation field. The system is chaotic in the sense that its temporal evolution is very sensitive to small changes in the initial or external conditions. However, global features such as the star formation efficience and the Initial Mass Function are less affected by those variations.

The interaction of an ionizing ligand with enzymes having a single ionizing group. Implications for the reaction of folate analogues with dihydrofolate reductase.

PubMed

Stone, S R; Morrison, J F

1983-06-29

Binding theory has been developed for the reaction of an ionizing enzyme with an ionizing ligand. Consideration has been given to the most general scheme in which all possible reactions and interconversions occur as well as to schemes in which certain interactions do not take place. Equations have been derived in terms of the variation of the apparent dissociation constant (Kiapp) as a function of pH. These equations indicate that plots of pKiapp against pH can be wave-, half-bell- or bell-shaped according to the reactions involved. A wave is obtained whenever there is formation of the enzyme-ligand complexes, ionized enzyme . ionized ligand and protonated enzyme . protonated ligand. The additional formation of singly protonated enzyme-ligand complexes does not affect the wave form of the plot, but can influence the shape of the overall curve. The formation of either ionized enzyme . ionized ligand or protonated enzyme . protonated ligand, with or without singly protonated enzyme-ligand species, gives rise to a half-bell-shaped plot. If only singly protonated enzyme-ligand complexes are formed the plots are bell-shaped, but it is not possible to deduce the ionic forms of the reactants that participate in complex formation. Depending on the reaction pathways, true values for the ionization and dissociation constants may or may not be determined.

Genome-Wide siRNA Screen Identifies Complementary Signaling Pathways Involved in Listeria Infection and Reveals Different Actin Nucleation Mechanisms during Listeria Cell Invasion and Actin Comet Tail Formation

PubMed Central

Kühbacher, Andreas; Emmenlauer, Mario; Rämo, Pauli; Kafai, Natasha; Dehio, Christoph

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes enters nonphagocytic cells by a receptor-mediated mechanism that is dependent on a clathrin-based molecular machinery and actin rearrangements. Bacterial intra- and intercellular movements are also actin dependent and rely on the actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex, which is activated by host-derived nucleation-promoting factors downstream of the cell receptor Met during entry and by the bacterial nucleation-promoting factor ActA during comet tail formation. By genome-wide small interfering RNA (siRNA) screening for host factors involved in bacterial infection, we identified diverse cellular signaling networks and protein complexes that support or limit these processes. In addition, we could precise previously described molecular pathways involved in Listeria invasion. In particular our results show that the requirements for actin nucleators during Listeria entry and actin comet tail formation are different. Knockdown of several actin nucleators, including SPIRE2, reduced bacterial invasion while not affecting the generation of comet tails. Most interestingly, we observed that in contrast to our expectations, not all of the seven subunits of the Arp2/3 complex are required for Listeria entry into cells or actin tail formation and that the subunit requirements for each of these processes differ, highlighting a previously unsuspected versatility in Arp2/3 complex composition and function. PMID:25991686

Analysis of interstellar cloud structure based on IRAS images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scalo, John M.

1992-01-01

The goal of this project was to develop new tools for the analysis of the structure of densely sampled maps of interstellar star-forming regions. A particular emphasis was on the recognition and characterization of nested hierarchical structure and fractal irregularity, and their relation to the level of star formation activity. The panoramic IRAS images provided data with the required range in spatial scale, greater than a factor of 100, and in column density, greater than a factor of 50. In order to construct densely sampled column density maps of star-forming clouds, column density images of four nearby cloud complexes were constructed from IRAS data. The regions have various degrees of star formation activity, and most of them have probably not been affected much by the disruptive effects of young massive stars. The largest region, the Scorpius-Ophiuchus cloud complex, covers about 1000 square degrees (it was subdivided into a few smaller regions for analysis). Much of the work during the early part of the project focused on an 80 square degree region in the core of the Taurus complex, a well-studied region of low-mass star formation.

GDP-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (GMDS) Deficiency Renders Colon Cancer Cells Resistant to Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand (TRAIL) Receptor- and CD95-mediated Apoptosis by Inhibiting Complex II Formation*

PubMed Central

Moriwaki, Kenta; Shinzaki, Shinichiro; Miyoshi, Eiji

2011-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis through binding to TRAIL receptors, death receptor 4 (DR4), and DR5. TRAIL has potential therapeutic value against cancer because of its selective cytotoxic effects on several transformed cell types. Fucosylation of proteins and lipids on the cell surface is a very important posttranslational modification that is involved in many cellular events. Recently, we found that a deficiency in GDP-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (GMDS) rendered colon cancer cells resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, resulting in tumor development and metastasis by escape from tumor immune surveillance. GMDS is an indispensable regulator of cellular fucosylation. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of inhibition of TRAIL signaling by GMDS deficiency. DR4, but not DR5, was found to be fucosylated; however, GMDS deficiency inhibited both DR4- and DR5-mediated apoptosis despite the absence of fucosylation on DR5. In addition, GMDS deficiency also inhibited CD95-mediated apoptosis but not the intrinsic apoptosis pathway induced by anti-cancer drugs. Binding of TRAIL and CD95 ligand to their cognate receptors primarily leads to formation of a complex comprising the receptor, FADD, and caspase-8, referred to as the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). GMDS deficiency did not affect formation of the primary DISC or recruitment to and activation of caspase-8 on the DISC. However, formation of secondary FADD-dependent complex II, comprising caspase-8 and cFLIP, was significantly inhibited by GMDS deficiency. These results indicate that GMDS regulates the formation of secondary complex II from the primary DISC independent of direct fucosylation of death receptors. PMID:22027835

Structure and reactivity of ferrihydrite-soil organic carbon-calcium ternary complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.; Adhikari, D.; Sowers, T.; Stuckey, J.; Poulson, S.; Sparks, D. L.

2017-12-01

Complete understanding about the interactions between soil organic carbon (SOC) and minerals is important for predicting the stability of SOC and its response to climate change. Recent studies have shown the importance of calcium (Ca)-bearing minerals and iron (Fe) oxide in associating with and stabilizing SOC. In this study, we have investigated the formation and reactivity of ferrihydrite-SOC-Ca ternary complexes. During the co-precipitation of ferrihydrite with SOC in the presence of Ca2+, 60% of SOC can be co-precipitated with ferrihydrite at a C/Fe (molar ratio) of up to 10, whereas the Ca/Fe ratio was saturated at 0.2. Increasing amount of Ca2+ did not affect the co-precipitation of SOC with ferrihydrite or the lability of ferrihydrite-bound SOC. In addition, microbial reduction of ferrihydrite and reductive release of ferrihydrite-bound SOC were not influenced by the presence of Ca, but the pathway for Fe mineral transformation during the reduction was affected by Ca. In the meantime, Fe reduction selectively released carboxylic-enriched SOC. As a comparison, the presence of SOC increased the incorporation of Ca into the structure of ferrihydrite. Our results indicate the formation of ferrihydrite-SOC-Ca complexes, with organic carbon bridging the ferrihydrite and Ca. Such ternary complexes potentially play an important role in regulating the interactions between SOC and mineral phases in soil.

Nuclear Pasta: Topology and Defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Schneider, Andre; Horowitz, Charles; Berry, Don; Caplan, Matt; Briggs, Christian

2015-04-01

A layer of complex non-uniform phases of matter known as nuclear pasta is expected to exist at the base of the crust of neutron stars. Using large scale molecular dynamics we study the topology of some pasta shapes, the formation of defects and how these may affect properties of neutron star crusts.

Cenozoic stratigraphy and geologic history of the Tucson Basin, Pima County, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, S.R.

1987-01-01

This report was prepared as part of a geohydrologic study of the Tucson basin conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the city of Tucson. Geologic data from more than 500 water supply and test wells were analyzed to define characteristics of the basin sediments that may affect the potential for land subsidence induced by groundwater withdrawal. The Tucson basin is a structural depression within the Basin and Range physiographic province. The basin is 1,000 sq mi in units area and trends north to northwest. Three Cenozoic stratigraphic unit--the Pantano Formation of Oligocene age, the Tinaja beds (informal usage) of Miocene and Pliocene age, and the Fort Lowell Formation of Pleistocene age--fill the basin. The Tinaja beds include lower, middle, and upper unconformable units. A thin veneer of stream alluvium of late Quaternary age overlies the Fort Lowell Formation. The Pantano Formation and the lower Tinaja beds accumulated during a time of widespread continental sedimentation, volcanism, plutonism, uplift, and complex faulting and tilting of rock units that began during the Oligocene and continued until the middle Miocene. Overlying sediments of the middle and upper Tinaja beds were deposited in response to two subsequent episodes of post-12-million-year block faulting, the latter of which was accompanied by renewed uplift. The Fort Lowell Formation accumulated during the Quaternary development of modern through-flowing the maturation of the drainage. The composite Cenozoic stratigraphic section of the Tucson basin is at least 20,000 ft thick. The steeply tilted to flat-lying section is composed of indurated to unconsolidated clastic sediments, evaporites, and volcanic rocks that are lithologically and structurally complex. The lithology and structures of the section was greatly affected by the uplift and exhumation of adjacent metamorphic core-complex rocks. Similar Cenozoic geologic relations have been identified in other parts of southern Arizona. (Author 's abstract)

N-cadherin in adult rat cardiomyocytes in culture. II. Spatio-temporal appearance of proteins involved in cell-cell contact and communication. Formation of two distinct N-cadherin/catenin complexes.

PubMed

Hertig, C M; Butz, S; Koch, S; Eppenberger-Eberhardt, M; Kemler, R; Eppenberger, H M

1996-01-01

The spatio-temporal appearance and distribution of proteins forming the intercalated disc were investigated in adult rat cardiomyocytes (ARC). The 'redifferentiation model' of ARC involves extensive remodelling of the plasma membrane and of the myofibrillar apparatus. It represents a valuable system to elucidate the formation of cell-cell contact between cardiomyocytes and to assess the mechanisms by which different proteins involved in the cell-cell adhesion process are sorted in a precise manner to the sites of function. Appearance of N-cadherin, the catenins and connexin43 within newly formed adherens and gap junctions was studied. Here first evidence is provided for a formation of two distinct and separable N-cadherin/catenin complexes in cardiomyocytes. Both complexes are composed of N-cadherin and alpha-catenin which bind to either beta-catenin or plakoglobin in a mutually exclusive manner. The two N-cadherin/catenin complexes are assumed to be functionally involved in the formation of cell-cell contacts in ARC; however, the differential appearance and localization of the two types of complexes may also point to a specific role during ARC differentiation. The newly synthesized beta-catenin containing complex is more abundant during the first stages in culture after ARC isolation, while the newly synthesized plakoglobin containing complex progressively accumulates during the morphological changes of ARC. ARC formed a tissue-like pattern in culture whereby the new cell-cell contacts could be dissolved through Ca2+ depletion. Presence of cAMP and replenishment of Ca2+ content in the culture medium not only allowed reformation of cell-cell contacts but also affected the relative protein ratio between the two N-cadherin/catenin complexes, increasing the relative amount of newly synthesized beta-catenin over plakoglobin at a particular stage of ARC differentiation. The clustered N-cadherin/catenin complexes at the plasma membrane appear to be a prerequisite for the following gap junction formation; a temporal sequence of the appearance of adherens junction proteins and of gap junctions forming connexin-43 is suggested.

Concept Formation Skills in Long-Term Cochlear Implant Users

PubMed Central

Castellanos, Irina; Kronenberger, William G.; Beer, Jessica; Colson, Bethany G.; Henning, Shirley C.; Ditmars, Allison; Pisoni, David B.

2015-01-01

This study investigated if a period of auditory sensory deprivation followed by degraded auditory input and related language delays affects visual concept formation skills in long-term prelingually deaf cochlear implant (CI) users. We also examined if concept formation skills are mediated or moderated by other neurocognitive domains (i.e., language, working memory, and executive control). Relative to normally hearing (NH) peers, CI users displayed significantly poorer performance in several specific areas of concept formation, especially when multiple comparisons and relational concepts were components of the task. Differences in concept formation between CI users and NH peers were fully explained by differences in language and inhibition–concentration skills. Language skills were also found to be more strongly related to concept formation in CI users than in NH peers. The present findings suggest that complex relational concepts may be adversely affected by a period of early prelingual deafness followed by access to underspecified and degraded sound patterns and spoken language transmitted by a CI. Investigating a unique clinical population such as early-implanted prelingually deaf children with CIs can provide new insights into foundational brain–behavior relations and developmental processes. PMID:25583706

Detection and isolation of cell-derived microparticles are compromised by protein complexes resulting from shared biophysical parameters.

PubMed

György, Bence; Módos, Károly; Pállinger, Eva; Pálóczi, Krisztina; Pásztói, Mária; Misják, Petra; Deli, Mária A; Sipos, Aron; Szalai, Anikó; Voszka, István; Polgár, Anna; Tóth, Kálmán; Csete, Mária; Nagy, György; Gay, Steffen; Falus, András; Kittel, Agnes; Buzás, Edit I

2011-01-27

Numerous diseases, recently reported to associate with elevated microvesicle/microparticle (MP) counts, have also long been known to be characterized by accelerated immune complex (IC) formation. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential overlap between parameters of protein complexes (eg, ICs or avidin-biotin complexes) and MPs, which might perturb detection and/or isolation of MPs. In this work, after comprehensive characterization of MPs by electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light-scattering analysis, and flow cytometry, for the first time, we drive attention to the fact that protein complexes, especially insoluble ICs, overlap in biophysical properties (size, light scattering, and sedimentation) with MPs. This, in turn, affects MP quantification by flow cytometry and purification by differential centrifugation, especially in diseases in which IC formation is common, including not only autoimmune diseases, but also hematologic disorders, infections, and cancer. These data may necessitate reevaluation of certain published data on patient-derived MPs and contribute to correct the clinical laboratory assessment of the presence and biologic functions of MPs in health and disease.

Inhibitory effect of phosphates on magnesium lactate efflorescence formation in dry-fermented sausages.

PubMed

Walz, Felix H; Gibis, Monika; Schrey, Pia; Herrmann, Kurt; Reichert, Corina L; Hinrichs, Jörg; Weiss, Jochen

2017-10-01

This study aimed to prevent the phenomena of efflorescence formation on the surface of dry fermented sausages due to the complexation of efflorescence forming cations with phosphates. Efflorescence formation is a critical issue constituting a major quality defect, especially of dry fermented sausages. Different phosphates (di- and hexametaphosphate) were added (3.0g/kg) to the sausage batter. As a hypothesis, these additives should complex with one of the main efflorescence-causing substances such as magnesium. The formation of efflorescences was determined for dry fermented sausages without phosphate addition, with diphosphate, or hexametaphosphate addition during 8weeks of storage under modified atmosphere. The visual analyses of the sausage surface revealed high amounts of efflorescences for the control (42.2%) and for the sausages with added diphosphate (40.9%), whereas the sausages containing hexametaphosphate had significantly reduced amounts of efflorescence formation, showing only 11.9% efflorescences after 8weeks of storage. This inhibition was a result of strong complexation of hexametaphosphate with magnesium ions, thus preventing the diffusion of magnesium towards the sausage surface. This can be explained by the magnesium content on the sausage surface that increased by 163.9, 127.8, and 52.8% for the sausages without phosphate, diphosphate, and hexametaphosphate addition, respectively. The mass transport of lactate and creatine was not affected by phosphate addition. Isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed that, theoretically, 4.5g/kg of diphosphate or 2.8g/kg hexametaphosphate are required to complex 0.2g/kg magnesium ions naturally occurring in dry fermented sausages and, thus, the chosen overall phosphate concentration of 3.0g/kg was enough when adding hexametaphosphate, but not for diphosphate, to inhibit the efflorescence formation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trapping and desorption of complex organic molecules in water at 20 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burke, Daren J.; Puletti, Fabrizio; Woods, Paul M.; Viti, Serena; Slater, Ben; Brown, Wendy A.

2015-10-01

The formation, chemical, and thermal processing of complex organic molecules (COMs) is currently a topic of much interest in interstellar chemistry. The isomers glycolaldehyde, methyl formate, and acetic acid are particularly important because of their role as pre-biotic species. It is becoming increasingly clear that many COMs are formed within interstellar ices which are dominated by water. Hence, the interaction of these species with water ice is crucially important in dictating their behaviour. Here, we present the first detailed comparative study of the adsorption and thermal processing of glycolaldehyde, methyl formate, and acetic acid adsorbed on and in water ices at astrophysically relevant temperatures (20 K). We show that the functional group of the isomer dictates the strength of interaction with water ice, and hence the resulting desorption and trapping behaviour. Furthermore, the strength of this interaction directly affects the crystallization of water, which in turn affects the desorption behaviour. Our detailed coverage and composition dependent data allow us to categorize the desorption behaviour of the three isomers on the basis of the strength of intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, as well as the natural sublimation temperature of the molecule. This categorization is extended to other C, H, and O containing molecules in order to predict and describe the desorption behaviour of COMs from interstellar ices.

Interactive effects of compost and pre-planting soil moisture on plant biomass, nutrition and formation of mycorrhizas: a context dependent response.

PubMed

Ngo, H T T; Cavagnaro, T R

2018-01-24

We aimed to investigate the combined impacts of compost addition and pre-planting soil moisture conditions, on plant-available nutrients, and subsequent impacts on the biomass, nutrition and formation of AM by two important crop species. A glasshouse study was undertaken in which wheat and tomato plants were grown in compost amended or un-amended soil that was subjected to different moisture regimes prior to planting. The availability of P was strongly influenced by compost addition, but not pre-planting moisture conditions. In contrast, mineral N pools were affected by compost addition and pre-planting soil moisture conditions in complex ways. These changes in nutrient availability affected plant biomass, nutrient uptake and formation of AM. In general, plant performance was better where pre-planting soil moisture conditions were wet or dry, and worse where they involved a wet/dry cycle, and mycorrhizal colonisation was lower where compost was added to the soil. That pre-planting moisture conditions affect the biomass of subsequent crops is an important finding, the potential implications of which are considered here.

The Formation of Glycine in Hot Cores: New Gas-grain Chemical Simulations of Star-forming Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garrod, Robin

2012-07-01

Organic molecules of increasing complexity have been detected in the warm envelopes of star-forming cores, commonly referred to as "hot cores". Spectroscopic searches at mm/sub-mm wavelengths have uncovered both amines and carboxylic acids in these regions, as well as a range of other compounds including alcohols, ethers, esters, and nitriles. However, the simplest amino acid, glycine (NH2CH2COOH), has not yet been reliably detected in the ISM. There has been much interest in this molecule, due to its importance to the formation of proteins, and to life, while the positive identification of interstellar molecules of similar or greater complexity suggests that its existence in star-forming regions is plausible. I will present the results of recent models of hot-core chemistry that simulate the formation of both simple and complex molecules on the surfaces or within the ice mantles of dust grains. I will also present results from the first gas-grain astrochemical model to approach the question of amino-acid formation in hot cores. The formation of glycine in moderate abundance is found to be as efficient as that for similarly complex species, while its sublimation from the grains occurs at somewhat higher temperatures. However, simulated emission spectra based on the model results show that the degree of compactness of high-abundance regions, and the density and temperature profiles of the cores may be the key variables affecting the future detection of glycine, as well as other amino acids, and may explain its non-detection to date.

Aluminum and Fenton reaction: how can the reaction be modulated by speciation? A computational study using citrate as a test case.

PubMed

Mujika, Jon I; Dalla Torre, Gabriele; Lopez, Xabier

2018-06-13

The pro-oxidant ability of aluminum is behind many of the potential toxic effects of this exogenous element in the human organism. Although the overall process is still far from being understood at the molecular level, the well known ability of aluminum to promote the Fenton reaction is mediated through the formation of stable aluminum-superoxide radical complexes. However, the properties of metal complexes are highly influenced by the speciation of the metal. In this paper, we investigate the effect that speciation could have on the pro-oxidant activity of aluminum. We choose citrate as a test case, because it is the main low-molecular-mass chelator of aluminum in blood serum, forming very stable aluminum-citrate complexes. The influence of citrate in the interaction of aluminum with the superoxide radical is investigated, determining how the formation of aluminum-citrate complexes affects the promotion of the Fenton reaction. The results indicate that citrate increases the stability of the aluminum-superoxide complexes through the formation of ternary compounds, and that the Fenton reaction is even more favorable when aluminum is chelated to citrate. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate that overall, citrate may prevent the pro-oxidant activity of aluminum: on one hand, in an excess of citrate, the formation of 1 : 2 aluminum-citrate complexes is expected. On the other hand, the chelation of iron by citrate makes the reduction of iron thermodynamically unfavorable. In summary, the results suggest that citrate can have both a promotion and protective role, depending on subtle factors, such as initial concentration, non-equilibrium behavior and the exchange rate of ligands in the first shell of the metals.

Social cognition in borderline personality disorder: evidence for dichotomous thinking but no evidence for less complex attributions.

PubMed

Arntz, Arnoud; ten Haaf, José

2012-11-01

This experiment investigated social cognition in borderline personality disorder (BPD). We tested whether BPD-patients' evaluations of others were characterized by splitting, dichotomous thinking, or negativity; and whether they showed less complex understanding of others. Participants discussed a problem with three alleged mental health worker trainees, performing three interpersonal roles (rejecting, accepting and neutral). Participants evaluated trainees in a structured response format and in a semi-structured interview. BPD-patients (n = 18) were compared to Cluster-C personality disorder patients (n = 18) and nonpatients (n = 18). From visual analog scales with opposite trait descriptions (structured response format) negativity, dichotomous thinking, and splitting scores were derived. The interviews were scored by an independent rater on affect tone, differentiation, and complexity of attributions. BPD-patients showed, in all conditions, and in both response formats, more dichotomous thinking than control groups. Evidence for splitting as specific BPD-characteristic was not convincing, and more negativity in BPD was only found with the rejecting role and structured responses. The interview-based evaluations by BPD-patients could not be discriminated from nonpatients in cognitive complexity. Results indicate that dichotomous thinking, and not so much splitting, negativity, or less complexity, is central in the interpretation of others by BPD-patients. Treatment might address dichotomous thinking to reduce BPD-patients' interpersonal problems. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rhodamine-123: a p-glycoprotein marker complex with sodium lauryl sulfate.

PubMed

Al-Mohizea, Abdullah M; Al-Jenoobi, Fahad Ibrahim; Alam, Mohd Aftab

2015-03-01

Aim of this study was to investigate the role of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as P-glycoprotein inhibitor. The everted rat gut sac model was used to study in-vitro mucosal to serosal transport of Rhodamine-123 (Rho-123). Surprisingly, SLS decreases the serosal absorption of Rho-123 at all investigated concentrations. Investigation reveals complex formation between Rhodamine-123 and sodium lauryl sulfate. Interaction profile of SLS & Rho-123 was studied at variable SLS concentrations. The SLS concentration higher than critical micelle concentration (CMC) increases the solubility of Rho-123 but could not help in serosal absorption, on the contrary the absorption of Rho-123 decreased. Rho-123 and SLS form pink color complex at sub-CMC. The SLS concentrations below CMC decrease the solubility of Rho-123. For further studies, Rho-123 & SLS complex was prepared by using solvent evaporation technique and characterized by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Thermal analysis also proved the formation of complex between SLS & Rho-123. The P values were found to be significant (<0.05) except group comprising 0.0001% SLS, and that is because 0.0001% SLS is seems to be very low to affect the solubility or complexation of Rho-123.

Glucose, fructose and sucrose increase the solubility of protein-tannin complexes and at high concentration, glucose and sucrose interfere with bisulphite bleaching of wine pigments.

PubMed

Harbertson, James F; Yuan, Chunlong; Mireles, Maria S; Hanlin, Rachel L; Downey, Mark O

2013-05-01

Wines were modified with increasing sugar concentrations and decreasing tannin concentrations and analysed by a combination of protein precipitation and bisulphite bleaching. Increasing sugar concentration decreased the precipitation of tannin and protein-precipitable polymeric pigments (PPP). The use of a hydrogen bond disruptor (urea) to reduce protein-tannin and protein-pigment complex formation showed that the effect of sugar concentration occurred by increasing the solubility of the tannin-protein complex, not by interfering with protein-tannin complex formation. By increasing the solubility of pigment-protein complexes, non-protein-precipitable polymeric pigments (nPPP) appeared to increase. There was also an increase in total polymeric pigments at each tannin concentration with increasing glucose and sucrose concentration, indicating that sugar concentration might also affect bisulphite bleaching of wine pigments. While a significant effect of sugar concentration on tannin-protein complex solubility was observed, these effects were greatest at sugar concentrations far in excess of normal wine making conditions. Under normal wine making conditions, sugar concentration will have a negligible effect on protein-precipitable tannin, PPP and nPPP concentrations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Edhazardia aedis, a microsporidian pathogen of Aedes aegypti: Possibilities and challenges for classical biocontrol in South America

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Edhazardia aedis, a pathogen of Aedes aegypti, has a complex life cycle involving both horizontal and vertical transmission affecting two successive generations of the host. Usually, one sporulation sequence occurs in the adult female (infected orally as a larva) and results in the formation of bin...

MODELING THE ATMOSPHERE FORMATION OF REACTIVE MERCURY IN FLORIDA AND THE GREAT LAKES

EPA Science Inventory

Reactive mercury in the troposphere is affected by a complex mix of local emissions, global-scale transport, and gas and aqueous-phase chemistry. Here, we describe a modified version of the EPA model for urban/regional air quality (CMAQ) to include the chemistry of mercury, and m...

Formation of wood secondary cell wall may involve two type cellulose synthase complexes in Populus.

PubMed

Xi, Wang; Song, Dongliang; Sun, Jiayan; Shen, Junhui; Li, Laigeng

2017-03-01

Cellulose biosynthesis is mediated by cellulose synthases (CesAs), which constitute into rosette-like cellulose synthase complexe (CSC) on the plasma membrane. Two types of CSCs in Arabidopsis are believed to be involved in cellulose synthesis in the primary cell wall and secondary cell walls, respectively. In this work, we found that the two type CSCs participated cellulose biosynthesis in differentiating xylem cells undergoing secondary cell wall thickening in Populus. During the cell wall thickening process, expression of one type CSC genes increased while expression of the other type CSC genes decreased. Suppression of different type CSC genes both affected the wall-thickening and disrupted the multilaminar structure of the secondary cell walls. When CesA7A was suppressed, crystalline cellulose content was reduced, which, however, showed an increase when CesA3D was suppressed. The CesA suppression also affected cellulose digestibility of the wood cell walls. The results suggest that two type CSCs are involved in coordinating the cellulose biosynthesis in formation of the multilaminar structure in Populus wood secondary cell walls.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat specifies two different transcription complexes, only one of which is regulated by Tat.

PubMed Central

Lu, X; Welsh, T M; Peterlin, B M

1993-01-01

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat sets up two different transcription complexes, which have been called processive and nonprocessive complexes. By mutating and substituting cis-acting sequences, we mapped elements of the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat that are responsible for creating each transcription complex. Whereas processive complexes are efficiently assembled by upstream promoter elements in the absence of the TATA box, nonprocessive complexes absolutely require the TATA box. Moreover, the TATA box alone can set up these nonprocessive complexes, and nonprocessive but not processive complexes are trans activated by Tat. Finally, a strong DNA-binding site between the TATA box and trans-activation-responsive region interferes with either the assembly or movement of these nonprocessive complexes and diminishes the effects of Tat. Thus, Tat affects a critical step in the formation of elongation-competent transcription complexes. Images PMID:8445708

Modelling and formation of spatiotemporal patterns of fractional predation system in subdiffusion and superdiffusion scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owolabi, Kolade M.; Atangana, Abdon

2018-02-01

This paper primarily focused on the question of how population diffusion can affect the formation of the spatial patterns in the spatial fraction predator-prey system by Turing mechanisms. Our numerical findings assert that modeling by fractional reaction-diffusion equations should be considered as an appropriate tool for studying the fundamental mechanisms of complex spatiotemporal dynamics. We observe that pure Hopf instability gives rise to the formation of spiral patterns in 2D and pure Turing instability destroys the spiral pattern and results to the formation of chaotic or spatiotemporal spatial patterns. Existence and permanence of the species is also guaranteed with the 3D simulations at some instances of time for subdiffusive and superdiffusive scenarios.

Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Signaling Requires αvβ3-IGF1-IGF Type 1 Receptor (IGF1R) Ternary Complex Formation in Anchorage Independence, and the Complex Formation Does Not Require IGF1R and Src Activation

PubMed Central

Fujita, Masaaki; Takada, Yoko K.; Takada, Yoshikazu

2013-01-01

Integrin αvβ3 plays a role in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling (integrin-IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) cross-talk) in non-transformed cells in anchorage-dependent conditions. We reported previously that IGF1 directly binds to αvβ3 and induces αvβ3-IGF1-IGF1R ternary complex formation in these conditions. The integrin-binding defective IGF1 mutant (R36E/R37E) is defective in inducing ternary complex formation and IGF signaling, whereas it still binds to IGF1R. We studied if IGF1 can induce signaling in anchorage-independent conditions in transformed Chinese hamster ovary cells that express αvβ3 (β3-CHO) cells. Here we describe that IGF1 signals were more clearly detectable in anchorage-independent conditions (polyHEMA-coated plates) than in anchorage-dependent conditions. This suggests that IGF signaling is masked by signals from cell-matrix interaction in anchorage-dependent conditions. IGF signaling required αvβ3 expression, and R36E/R37E was defective in inducing signals in polyHEMA-coated plates. These results suggest that αvβ3-IGF1 interaction, not αvβ3-extracellular matrix interaction, is essential for IGF signaling. Inhibitors of IGF1R, Src, AKT, and ERK1/2 did not suppress αvβ3-IGF-IGF1R ternary complex formation, suggesting that activation of these kinases are not required for ternary complex formation. Also, mutations of the β3 cytoplasmic tail (Y747F and Y759F) that block β3 tyrosine phosphorylation did not affect IGF1R phosphorylation or AKT activation. We propose a model in which IGF1 binding to IGF1R induces recruitment of integrin αvβ3 to the IGF-IGF1R complex and then β3 and IGF1R are phosphorylated. It is likely that αvβ3 should be together with the IGF1-IGF1R complex for triggering IGF signaling. PMID:23243309

SMC5/6 is required for the formation of segregation-competent bivalent chromosomes during meiosis I in mouse oocytes

PubMed Central

Hwang, Grace; Sun, Fengyun; Eppig, John J.; Handel, Mary Ann

2017-01-01

SMC complexes include three major classes: cohesin, condensin and SMC5/6. However, the localization pattern and genetic requirements for the SMC5/6 complex during mammalian oogenesis have not previously been examined. In mouse oocytes, the SMC5/6 complex is enriched at the pericentromeric heterochromatin, and also localizes along chromosome arms during meiosis. The infertility phenotypes of females with a Zp3-Cre-driven conditional knockout (cKO) of Smc5 demonstrated that maternally expressed SMC5 protein is essential for early embryogenesis. Interestingly, protein levels of SMC5/6 complex components in oocytes decline as wild-type females age. When SMC5/6 complexes were completely absent in oocytes during meiotic resumption, homologous chromosomes failed to segregate accurately during meiosis I. Despite what appears to be an inability to resolve concatenation between chromosomes during meiosis, localization of topoisomerase IIα to bivalents was not affected; however, localization of condensin along the chromosome axes was perturbed. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the SMC5/6 complex is essential for the formation of segregation-competent bivalents during meiosis I, and findings suggest that age-dependent depletion of the SMC5/6 complex in oocytes could contribute to increased incidence of oocyte aneuploidy and spontaneous abortion in aging females. PMID:28302748

CarD stabilizes mycobacterial open complexes via a two-tiered kinetic mechanism

PubMed Central

Rammohan, Jayan; Ruiz Manzano, Ana; Garner, Ashley L.; Stallings, Christina L.; Galburt, Eric A.

2015-01-01

CarD is an essential and global transcriptional regulator in mycobacteria. While its biological role is unclear, CarD functions by interacting directly with RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme promoter complexes. Here, using a fluorescent reporter of open complex, we quantitate RPo formation in real time and show that Mycobacterium tuberculosis CarD has a dramatic effect on the energetics of RNAP bound complexes on the M. tuberculosis rrnAP3 ribosomal RNA promoter. The data reveal that Mycobacterium bovis RNAP exhibits an unstable RPo that is stabilized by CarD and suggest that CarD uses a two-tiered, concentration-dependent mechanism by associating with open and closed complexes with different affinities. Specifically, the kinetics of open-complex formation can be explained by a model where, at saturating concentrations of CarD, the rate of bubble collapse is slowed and the rate of opening is accelerated. The kinetics and open-complex stabilities of CarD mutants further clarify the roles played by the key residues W85, K90 and R25 previously shown to affect CarD-dependent gene regulation in vivo. In contrast to M. bovis RNAP, Escherichia coli RNAP efficiently forms RPo on rrnAP3, suggesting an important difference between the polymerases themselves and highlighting how transcriptional machinery can vary across bacterial genera. PMID:25697505

Strategies in Interventional Radiology: Formation of an Interdisciplinary Center of Vascular Anomalies - Chances and Challenges for Effective and Efficient Patient Management.

PubMed

Sadick, Maliha; Dally, Franz Josef; Schönberg, Stefan O; Stroszczynski, Christian; Wohlgemuth, Walter A

2017-10-01

Background  Radiology is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases and is involved in the development of multimodal treatment concepts. Method  Interdisciplinary case management, a broad spectrum of diagnostic imaging facilities and dedicated endovascular radiological treatment options are valuable tools that allow radiology to set up an interdisciplinary center for vascular anomalies. Results  Image-based diagnosis combined with endovascular treatment options is an essential tool for the treatment of patients with highly complex vascular diseases. These vascular anomalies can affect numerous parts of the body so that a multidisciplinary treatment approach is required for optimal patient care. Conclusion  This paper discusses the possibilities and challenges regarding effective and efficient patient management in connection with the formation of an interdisciplinary center for vascular anomalies with strengthening of the clinical role of radiologists. Key points   · Vascular anomalies, which include vascular tumors and malformations, are complex to diagnose and treat.. · There are far more patients with vascular anomalies requiring therapy than interdisciplinary centers for vascular anomalies - there is currently a shortage of dedicated interdisciplinary centers for vascular anomalies in Germany that can provide dedicated care for affected patients.. · Radiology includes a broad spectrum of diagnostic and minimally invasive therapeutic tools which allow the formation of an interdisciplinary center for vascular anomalies for effective, efficient and comprehensive patient management.. Citation Format · Sadick M, Dally FJ, Schönberg SO et al. Strategies in Interventional Radiology: Formation of an Interdisciplinary Center of Vascular Anomalies - Chances and Challenges for Effective and Efficient Patient Management. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 957 - 966. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Electrostatics Explains the Position-Dependent Effect of G⋅U Wobble Base Pairs on the Affinity of RNA Kissing Complexes.

PubMed

Abi-Ghanem, Josephine; Rabin, Clémence; Porrini, Massimiliano; Dausse, Eric; Toulmé, Jean-Jacques; Gabelica, Valérie

2017-10-06

In the RNA realm, non-Watson-Crick base pairs are abundant and can affect both the RNA 3D structure and its function. Here, we investigated the formation of RNA kissing complexes in which the loop-loop interaction is modulated by non-Watson-Crick pairs. Mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance, and UV-melting experiments show that the G⋅U wobble base pair favors kissing complex formation only when placed at specific positions. We tried to rationalize this effect by molecular modeling, including molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) thermodynamics calculations and PBSA calculations of the electrostatic potential surfaces. Modeling reveals that the G⋅U stabilization is due to a specific electrostatic environment defined by the base pairs of the entire loop-loop region. The loop is not symmetric, and therefore the identity and position of each base pair matters. Predicting and visualizing the electrostatic environment created by a given sequence can help to design specific kissing complexes with high affinity, for potential therapeutic, nanotechnology or analytical applications. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Characterization of Cyclodextrin/Volatile Inclusion Complexes: A Review.

PubMed

Kfoury, Miriana; Landy, David; Fourmentin, Sophie

2018-05-17

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides that constitute one of the most widely used molecular hosts in supramolecular chemistry. Encapsulation in the hydrophobic cavity of CDs positively affects the physical and chemical characteristics of the guests upon the formation of inclusion complexes. Such a property is interestingly employed to retain volatile guests and reduce their volatility. Within this scope, the starting crucial point for a suitable and careful characterization of an inclusion complex is to assess the value of the formation constant (K f ), also called stability or binding constant. This task requires the application of the appropriate analytical method and technique. Thus, the aim of the present paper is to give a general overview of the main analytical tools used for the determination of K f values for CD/volatile inclusion complexes. This review emphasizes on the advantages, inconvenients and limits of each applied method. A special attention is also dedicated to the improvement of the current methods and to the development of new techniques. Further, the applicability of each technique is illustrated by a summary of data obtained from the literature.

Considerable fluorescence enhancement upon supramolecular complex formation between berberine and p-sulfonated calixarenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Megyesi, Mónika; Biczók, László

2006-06-01

Remarkably strong binding of berberine to 4-sulfonatocalix[8]arene was found in aqueous solution, which led to fluorescence quantum yield increase of a factor about 40 at pH 2. The hypsochromic shift of the fluorescence maximum implied that berberine sensed less polar microenvironment when confined to SCX8. The stability of the supramolecular complex significantly diminished when sulfocalixarenes of smaller ring size served as host compounds but the pH affected the association strength to a much lesser extent. All berberine complexes proved to be barely fluorescent at pH 12.2 because of excited state quenching by the hosts via electron transfer.

Switching industrial production processes from complex to defined media: method development and case study using the example of Penicillium chrysogenum.

PubMed

Posch, Andreas E; Spadiut, Oliver; Herwig, Christoph

2012-06-22

Filamentous fungi are versatile cell factories and widely used for the production of antibiotics, organic acids, enzymes and other industrially relevant compounds at large scale. As a fact, industrial production processes employing filamentous fungi are commonly based on complex raw materials. However, considerable lot-to-lot variability of complex media ingredients not only demands for exhaustive incoming components inspection and quality control, but unavoidably affects process stability and performance. Thus, switching bioprocesses from complex to defined media is highly desirable. This study presents a strategy for strain characterization of filamentous fungi on partly complex media using redundant mass balancing techniques. Applying the suggested method, interdependencies between specific biomass and side-product formation rates, production of fructooligosaccharides, specific complex media component uptake rates and fungal strains were revealed. A 2-fold increase of the overall penicillin space time yield and a 3-fold increase in the maximum specific penicillin formation rate were reached in defined media compared to complex media. The newly developed methodology enabled fast characterization of two different industrial Penicillium chrysogenum candidate strains on complex media based on specific complex media component uptake kinetics and identification of the most promising strain for switching the process from complex to defined conditions. Characterization at different complex/defined media ratios using only a limited number of analytical methods allowed maximizing the overall industrial objectives of increasing both, method throughput and the generation of scientific process understanding.

Switching industrial production processes from complex to defined media: method development and case study using the example of Penicillium chrysogenum

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Filamentous fungi are versatile cell factories and widely used for the production of antibiotics, organic acids, enzymes and other industrially relevant compounds at large scale. As a fact, industrial production processes employing filamentous fungi are commonly based on complex raw materials. However, considerable lot-to-lot variability of complex media ingredients not only demands for exhaustive incoming components inspection and quality control, but unavoidably affects process stability and performance. Thus, switching bioprocesses from complex to defined media is highly desirable. Results This study presents a strategy for strain characterization of filamentous fungi on partly complex media using redundant mass balancing techniques. Applying the suggested method, interdependencies between specific biomass and side-product formation rates, production of fructooligosaccharides, specific complex media component uptake rates and fungal strains were revealed. A 2-fold increase of the overall penicillin space time yield and a 3-fold increase in the maximum specific penicillin formation rate were reached in defined media compared to complex media. Conclusions The newly developed methodology enabled fast characterization of two different industrial Penicillium chrysogenum candidate strains on complex media based on specific complex media component uptake kinetics and identification of the most promising strain for switching the process from complex to defined conditions. Characterization at different complex/defined media ratios using only a limited number of analytical methods allowed maximizing the overall industrial objectives of increasing both, method throughput and the generation of scientific process understanding. PMID:22727013

Genetic mapping of variation in dauer larvae development in growing populations of Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Green, J W M; Snoek, L B; Kammenga, J E; Harvey, S C

2013-10-01

In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the appropriate induction of dauer larvae development within growing populations is likely to be a primary determinant of genotypic fitness. The underlying genetic architecture of natural genetic variation in dauer formation has, however, not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we report extensive natural genetic variation in dauer larvae development within growing populations across multiple wild isolates. Moreover, bin mapping of introgression lines (ILs) derived from the genetically divergent isolates N2 and CB4856 reveals 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting dauer formation. Comparison of individual ILs to N2 identifies an additional eight QTLs, and sequential IL analysis reveals six more QTLs. Our results also show that a behavioural, laboratory-derived, mutation controlled by the neuropeptide Y receptor homolog npr-1 can affect dauer larvae development in growing populations. These findings illustrate the complex genetic architecture of variation in dauer larvae formation in C. elegans and may help to understand how the control of variation in dauer larvae development has evolved.

Effect of carbon and alloying solute atoms on helium behaviors in α-Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yange; You, Yu-Wei; Xu, Yichun; Liu, C. S.; Chen, J. L.; Luo, G.-N.

2017-02-01

Helium bubbles could strongly degrade the mechanical properties of ferritic steels in fission and fusion systems. The formation of helium bubble is directly affected by the interactions between helium and the compositions in steels, such as solute atoms, carbon and irradiation defects. We thereby performed systematical first-principles calculations to investigate the interactions of solute-helium and carbon-solute-helium. It is found that substitutional helium is more attractive than interstitial helium to all the considered 3p, 4p, 5p and 6p solutes. The attraction between carbon and substitutional helium suggests the carbon-solute-helium complex can be formed stably. By examining the charge density difference and thermal stability, it is found that the ternary complex shows stronger attraction with He than that of solute-helium pair for some solutes (S, Se, In, Te, Pb and Bi) and the complex could existed in iron stably at 700 K. The present theoretical results may be helpful for exploring alloy additions to mitigate the formation of large helium bubbles.

Forced migration, adolescence, and identity formation.

PubMed

Anagnostopoulos, Dimitris C; Vlassopoulos, Maria; Lazaratou, Helen

2006-09-01

Adolescence is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon. All the inner-subjective changes in adolescents take place within the context of a specific social environment, which offers the necessary ideological setting that adolescents must confront in the course of their identity formation. Forced migration creates conditions under which the adolescent Ego may be traumatized more easily, resulting in the development of defensive mechanisms, which may interfere with the natural process of identity formation. The aim of this paper is to investigate how a traumatic situation such as forced migration may affect the mechanisms of identity formation in adolescence. For this purpose, clinical material, consisting of two cases of psychoanalytical psychotherapy of adolescents who were forced to immigrate to Greece, is presented and discussed in a psychoanalytical theoretical framework, along with the historical-sociological background.

The Role of Lactate-Mediated Metabolic Coupling between Astrocytes and Neurons in Long-Term Memory Formation

PubMed Central

Steinman, Michael Q.; Gao, Virginia; Alberini, Cristina M.

2016-01-01

Long-term memory formation, the ability to retain information over time about an experience, is a complex function that affects multiple behaviors, and is an integral part of an individual’s identity. In the last 50 years many scientists have focused their work on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying memory formation and processing. Molecular studies over the last three decades have mostly investigated, or given attention to, neuronal mechanisms. However, the brain is composed of different cell types that, by concerted actions, cooperate to mediate brain functions. Here, we consider some new insights that emerged from recent studies implicating astrocytic glycogen and glucose metabolisms, and particularly their coupling to neuronal functions via lactate, as an essential mechanism for long-term memory formation. PMID:26973477

Mapping of interaction domains between human repair proteins ERCC1 and XPF.

PubMed

de Laat, W L; Sijbers, A M; Odijk, H; Jaspers, N G; Hoeijmakers, J H

1998-09-15

ERCC1-XPF is a heterodimeric protein complexinvolved in nucleotide excision repair and recombinational processes. Like its homologous complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Rad10-Rad1, it acts as a structure-specific DNA endonuclease, cleaving at duplex-single-stranded DNA junctions. In repair, ERCC1-XPF and Rad10-Rad1 make an incision on the the 5'-side of the lesion. No humans with a defect in the ERCC1 subunit of this protein complex have been identified and ERCC1-deficient mice suffer from severe developmental problems and signs of premature aging on top of a repair-deficient phenotype. Xeroderma pigmentosum group F patients carry mutations in the XPF subunit and generally show the clinical symptoms of mild DNA repair deficiency. All XP-F patients examined demonstrate reduced levels of XPF and ERCC1 protein, suggesting that proper complex formation is required for stability of the two proteins. To better understand the molecular and clinical consequences of mutations in the ERCC1-XPF complex, we decided to map the interaction domains between the two subunits. The XPF-binding domain comprises C-terminal residues 224-297 of ERCC1. Intriguingly, this domain resides outside the region of homology with its yeast Rad10 counterpart. The ERCC1-binding domain in XPF maps to C-terminal residues 814-905. ERCC1-XPF complex formation is established by a direct interaction between these two binding domains. A mutation from an XP-F patient that alters the ERCC1-binding domain in XPF indeed affects complex formation with ERCC1.

Mapping of interaction domains between human repair proteins ERCC1 and XPF.

PubMed Central

de Laat, W L; Sijbers, A M; Odijk, H; Jaspers, N G; Hoeijmakers, J H

1998-01-01

ERCC1-XPF is a heterodimeric protein complexinvolved in nucleotide excision repair and recombinational processes. Like its homologous complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Rad10-Rad1, it acts as a structure-specific DNA endonuclease, cleaving at duplex-single-stranded DNA junctions. In repair, ERCC1-XPF and Rad10-Rad1 make an incision on the the 5'-side of the lesion. No humans with a defect in the ERCC1 subunit of this protein complex have been identified and ERCC1-deficient mice suffer from severe developmental problems and signs of premature aging on top of a repair-deficient phenotype. Xeroderma pigmentosum group F patients carry mutations in the XPF subunit and generally show the clinical symptoms of mild DNA repair deficiency. All XP-F patients examined demonstrate reduced levels of XPF and ERCC1 protein, suggesting that proper complex formation is required for stability of the two proteins. To better understand the molecular and clinical consequences of mutations in the ERCC1-XPF complex, we decided to map the interaction domains between the two subunits. The XPF-binding domain comprises C-terminal residues 224-297 of ERCC1. Intriguingly, this domain resides outside the region of homology with its yeast Rad10 counterpart. The ERCC1-binding domain in XPF maps to C-terminal residues 814-905. ERCC1-XPF complex formation is established by a direct interaction between these two binding domains. A mutation from an XP-F patient that alters the ERCC1-binding domain in XPF indeed affects complex formation with ERCC1. PMID:9722633

Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of a new nucleotide analogue prodrug cyclodextrin inclusion complexes.

PubMed

Diab, Roudayna; Jordheim, Lars P; Degobert, Ghania; Peyrottes, Suzanne; Périgaud, Christian; Dumontet, Charles; Fessi, Hatem

2009-01-01

Bis(tbutyl-S-acyl-2-thioethyl)-cytidine monophosophate is a new cytotoxic mononucleotide prodrug which have been developed to reverse the cellular resistance to nucleoside analogues. Unfortunately, its in vivo utilisation was hampered by its poor water solubility, raising the need of a molecular vector capable to mask its physicochemical characteristics although without affecting its cytotoxic activity. Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin was used to prepare the prodrug inclusion complexes, allowing it to be solubilized in water and hence to be used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. A molar ratio of the cyclodextrin: prodrug of 3 was sufficient to obtain complete solubilization of the prodrug. The inclusion complex was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, which revealed the disappearance of the melting peak of the prodrug suggesting the formation of inclusion complex. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy provided a definitive proof of the inclusion complex formation, which was evidenced by the large chemical shift displacements observed for protons located in the interior of the hydrophobic cyclodextrin cavity. The complex retained its cytotoxic activity as shown by in vitro cell survival assays on murine leukemia cells. These results provided a basis for potential therapeutic applications of co-formulation of this new nucleotide analogue with hydroxypropyl-beta-CD in cancer therapy.

Zeolite-encapsulated Co(II), Mn(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III) salen complexes as catalysts for efficient selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, F. H.; Bi, H.; Huang, D. X.; Zhang, M.; Song, Y. B.

2018-01-01

Co(II), Mn(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III) salen type complexes were synthesized in situ in Y zeolite by the reaction of ion-exchanged metal ions with the flexible ligand molecules that had diffused into the cavities. Data of characterization indicates the formation of metal salen complexes in the pores without affecting the zeolite framework structure, the absence of any extraneous species and the geometry of encapsulated complexes. The catalytic activity results show that Cosalcyen Y exhibited higher catalytic activity in the water phase selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol, which could be attributed to their geometry and the steric environment of the metal actives sites.

Binding of transducin and transducin-derived peptides to rhodopsin studies by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy.

PubMed Central

Fahmy, K

1998-01-01

Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy combined with the attenuated total reflection technique allows the monitoring of the association of transducin with bovine photoreceptor membranes in the dark. Illumination causes infrared absorption changes linked to formation of the light-activated rhodopsin-transducin complex. In addition to the spectral changes normally associated with meta II formation, prominent absorption increases occur at 1735 cm-1, 1640 cm-1, 1550 cm-1, and 1517 cm-1. The D2O sensitivity of the broad carbonyl stretching band around 1735 cm-1 indicates that a carboxylic acid group becomes protonated upon formation of the activated complex. Reconstitution of rhodopsin into phosphatidylcholine vesicles has little influence on the spectral properties of the rhodopsin-transducin complex, whereas pH affects the intensity of the carbonyl stretching band. AC-terminal peptide comprising amino acids 340-350 of the transducin alpha-subunit reproduces the frequencies and isotope sensitivities of several of the transducin-induced bands between 1500 and 1800 cm-1, whereas an N-terminal peptide (aa 8-23) does not. Therefore, the transducin-induced absorption changes can be ascribed mainly to an interaction between the transducin-alpha C-terminus and rhodopsin. The 1735 cm-1 vibration is also seen in the complex with C-terminal peptides devoid of free carboxylic acid groups, indicating that the corresponding carbonyl group is located on rhodopsin. PMID:9726932

The ‘active life’ of Hsp90 complexes☆

PubMed Central

Prodromou, Chrisostomos

2012-01-01

Hsp90 forms a variety of complexes differing both in clientele and co-chaperones. Central to the role of co-chaperones in the formation of Hsp90 complexes is the delivery of client proteins and the regulation of the ATPase activity of Hsp90. Determining the mechanisms by which co-chaperones regulate Hsp90 is essential in understanding the assembly of these complexes and the activation and maturation of Hsp90's clientele. Mechanistically, co-chaperones alter the kinetics of the ATP-coupled conformational changes of Hsp90. The structural changes leading to the formation of a catalytically active unit involve all regions of the Hsp90 dimer. Their complexity has allowed different orthologues of Hsp90 to evolve kinetically in slightly different ways. The interaction of the cytosolic Hsp90 with a variety of co-chaperones lends itself to a complex set of different regulatory mechanisms that modulate Hsp90's conformation and ATPase activity. It also appears that the conformational switches of Hsp90 are not necessarily coupled under all circumstances. Here, I described different co-chaperone complexes and then discuss in detail the mechanisms and role that specific co-chaperones play in this. I will also discuss emerging evidence that post-translational modifications also affect the ATPase activity of Hsp90, and thus complex formation. Finally, I will present evidence showing how Hsp90's active site, although being highly conserved, can be altered to show resistance to drug binding, but still maintain ATP binding and ATPase activity. Such changes are therefore unlikely to significantly alter Hsp90's interactions with client proteins and co-chaperones. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) PMID:21840346

Competitive counterion complexation allows the true host : guest binding constants from a single titration by ionic receptors.

PubMed

Pessêgo, Márcia; Basílio, Nuno; Muñiz, M Carmen; García-Río, Luis

2016-07-06

Counterion competitive complexation is a background process currently ignored by using ionic hosts. Consequently, guest binding constants are strongly affected by the design of the titration experiments in such a way that the results are dependent on the guest concentration and on the presence of added salts, usually buffers. In the present manuscript we show that these experimental difficulties can be overcome by just considering the counterion competitive complexation. Moreover a single titration allows us to obtain not only the true binding constants but also the stoichiometry of the complex showing the formation of 1 : 1 : 1 (host : guest : counterion) complexes. The detection of high stoichiometry complexes is not restricted to a single titration experiment but also to a displacement assay where both competitive and competitive-cooperative complexation models are taken into consideration.

TFIID TAF6-TAF9 Complex Formation Involves the HEAT Repeat-containing C-terminal Domain of TAF6 and Is Modulated by TAF5 Protein*

PubMed Central

Scheer, Elisabeth; Delbac, Frédéric; Tora, Laszlo; Moras, Dino; Romier, Christophe

2012-01-01

The general transcription factor TFIID recognizes specifically the core promoter of genes transcribed by eukaryotic RNA polymerase II, nucleating the assembly of the preinitiation complex at the transcription start site. However, the understanding in molecular terms of TFIID assembly and function remains poorly understood. Histone fold motifs have been shown to be extremely important for the heterodimerization of many TFIID subunits. However, these subunits display several evolutionary conserved noncanonical features when compared with histones, including additional regions whose role is unknown. Here we show that the conserved additional C-terminal region of TFIID subunit TAF6 can be divided into two domains: a small middle domain (TAF6M) and a large C-terminal domain (TAF6C). Our crystal structure of the TAF6C domain from Antonospora locustae at 1.9 Å resolution reveals the presence of five conserved HEAT repeats. Based on these data, we designed several mutants that were introduced into full-length human TAF6. Surprisingly, the mutants affect the interaction between TAF6 and TAF9, suggesting that the formation of the complex between these two TFIID subunits do not only depend on their histone fold motifs. In addition, the same mutants affect even more strongly the interaction between TAF6 and TAF9 in the context of a TAF5-TAF6-TAF9 complex. Expression of these mutants in HeLa cells reveals that most of them are unstable, suggesting their poor incorporation within endogenous TFIID. Taken together, our results suggest that the conserved additional domains in histone fold-containing subunits of TFIID and of co-activator SAGA are important for the assembly of these complexes. PMID:22696218

Co-operative intra-protein structural response due to protein-protein complexation revealed through thermodynamic quantification: study of MDM2-p53 binding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, Sudipta; Mukherjee, Sanchita

2017-10-01

The p53 protein activation protects the organism from propagation of cells with damaged DNA having oncogenic mutations. In normal cells, activity of p53 is controlled by interaction with MDM2. The well understood p53-MDM2 interaction facilitates design of ligands that could potentially disrupt or prevent the complexation owing to its emergence as an important objective for cancer therapy. However, thermodynamic quantification of the p53-peptide induced structural changes of the MDM2-protein remains an area to be explored. This study attempts to understand the conformational free energy and entropy costs due to this complex formation from the histograms of dihedral angles generated from molecular dynamics simulations. Residue-specific quantification illustrates that, hydrophobic residues of the protein contribute maximum to the conformational thermodynamic changes. Thermodynamic quantification of structural changes of the protein unfold the fact that, p53 binding provides a source of inter-element cooperativity among the protein secondary structural elements, where the highest affected structural elements (α2 and α4) found at the binding site of the protein affects faraway structural elements (β1 and Loop1) of the protein. The communication perhaps involves water mediated hydrogen bonded network formation. Further, we infer that in inhibitory F19A mutation of P53, though Phe19 is important in the recognition process, it has less prominent contribution in the stability of the complex. Collectively, this study provides vivid microscopic understanding of the interaction within the protein complex along with exploring mutation sites, which will contribute further to engineer the protein function and binding affinity.

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

Boggs, S. Jr.; Livermore, D.; Seitz, M.G.

Dissolved humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) occur in surface waters and groundwaters in concentrations ranging from less than 1 mg(C)/L to more than 100 mg(C)/L. Humic substances are strong complexing agents for many trace metals in the environment and are also capable of forming stable soluble complexes or chelates with radionuclides. Concentrations of humic materials as low as 1 mg(C)/L can produce a detectable increase in the mobility of some actinide elements by forming soluble complexes that inhibit sorption of the radionuclides onto rock materials. The stability of trace metal- or radionuclide-organic complexes is commonly measured by an empiricallymore » determined conditional stability constant (K'), which is based on the ratio of complexed metal (radionuclide) in solution to the product concentration of uncomplexed metal and humic complexant. Larger values of stability constants indicate greater complex stability. The stability of radionuclide-organic complexes is affected both by concentration variables and envionmental factors. In general, complexing is favored by increased of radionuclide, increased pH, and decreased ionic strength. Actinide elements are generally most soluble in their higher oxidation states. Radionuclides can also form stable, insoluble complexes with humic materials that tend to reduce radionuclide mobility. These insoluble complexes may be radionuclide-humate colloids that subsequently precipitate from solution, or complexes of radionuclides and humic substances that sorb to clay minerals or other soil particulates strongly enough to immobilize the radionuclides. Colloid formation appears to be favored by increased radionuclide concentration and lowered pH; however, the conditions that favor formation of insoluble complexes that sorb to particulates are still poorly understood. 129 refs., 25 figs., 19 tabs.« less

The Influence of Prior Modes of Growth, Temperature, Medium, and Substrate Surface on Biofilm Formation by Antibiotic-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni.

PubMed

Teh, Amy Huei Teen; Lee, Sui Mae; Dykes, Gary A

2016-12-01

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastrointestinal food-borne infection worldwide. It has been suggested that biofilm formation may play a role in survival of these bacteria in the environment. In this study, the influence of prior modes of growth (planktonic or sessile), temperatures (37 and 42 °C), and nutrient conditions (nutrient broth and Mueller-Hinton broth) on biofilm formation by eight C. jejuni strains with different antibiotic resistance profiles was examined. The ability of these strains to form biofilm on different abiotic surfaces (stainless steel, glass, and polystyrene) as well as factors potentially associated with biofilm formation (bacterial surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, and initial attachment) was also determined. The results showed that cells grown as sessile culture generally have a greater ability to form biofilm (P < 0.05) compared to their planktonic counterparts. Biofilm was also greater (P < 0.05) in lower nutrient media, while growth at different temperatures affects biofilm formation in a strain-dependent manner. The strains were able to attach and form biofilms on different abiotic surfaces, but none of them demonstrated strong, complex, or structured biofilm formation. There were no clear trends between the bacterial surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, attachment, and biofilm formation by the strains. This finding suggests that environmental factors did affect biofilm formation by C. jejuni, and they are more likely to persist in the environment in the form of mixed-species rather than monospecies biofilms.

Geology, structure and age of the Nahuel Niyeu Formation in the Aguada Cecilio area, North Patagonian Massif, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greco, Gerson A.; González, Pablo D.; González, Santiago N.; Sato, Ana M.; Basei, Miguel A. S.; Tassinari, Colombo C. G.; Sato, Kei; Varela, Ricardo; Llambías, Eduardo J.

2015-10-01

The low-grade Nahuel Niyeu Formation in the Aguada Cecilio area (40°50‧S-65°53‧W) shows ultramafic to felsic metaigneous rocks forming a sill swarm intercalated in the metasedimentary sequence and a polyphase deformation which permit an integrated study of the magmatic and tectonometamorphic evolution of this geological unit. In this paper we present a geological characterization of the Nahuel Niyeu Formation in the Aguada Cecilio area combining mapping, structural and metamorphic analysis with a SHRIMP U-Pb age and geochemical data from the metaigneous rocks. The metasedimentary sequence consists of alternating metagreywackes and phyllites, and minor metasandstones and granule metaconglomerates. The sills are pre-kinematic intrusions and yielded one SHRIMP U-Pb, zircon crystallization age of 513.6 ± 3.3 Ma. Their injection occurred after consolidation of the sedimentary sequence. A syn-sedimentary volcanic activity is interpreted by a metaandesite lava flow interlayered in the metasedimentary sequence. Sedimentary and igneous protoliths of the Nahuel Niyeu Formation would have been formed in a continental margin basin associated with active magmatic arc during the Cambrian Epoch 2. Two main low-grade tectonometamorphic events affected the Nahuel Niyeu Formation, one during the Cambrian Epoch 2-Early Ordovician and the other probably in the late Permian at ˜260 Ma. Local late folds could belong to the final stages of the late Permian deformation or be even younger. In a regional context, the Nahuel Niyeu and El Jagüelito formations and Mina Gonzalito Complex show a comparable Cambrian-Ordovician evolution related to the Terra Australis Orogen in the south Gondwana margin. This evolution is also coeval with the late and early stages of the Pampean and Famatinian orogenies of Central Argentina, respectively. The late Permian event recorded in the Nahuel Niyeu Formation in Aguada Cecilio area is identified by comparable structures affecting the Mina Gonzalito Complex and El Jagüelito Formation and resetting ages from granitoids. This event represents the Gondwanide Orogeny within the same Terra Australis Orogen.

Molecular dynamics-based model of VEGF-A and its heparin interactions.

PubMed

Uciechowska-Kaczmarzyk, Urszula; Babik, Sándor; Zsila, Ferenc; Bojarski, Krzysztof Kamil; Beke-Somfai, Tamás; Samsonov, Sergey A

2018-06-01

We present a computational model of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), an important regulator of blood vessels formation, which function is affected by its heparin interactions. Although structures of a receptor binding (RBD) and a heparin binding domain (HBD) of VEGF are known, there are structural data neither on the 12 amino acids interdomain linker nor on its complexes with heparin. We apply molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques combined with circular dichroism spectroscopy to model the full structure of the dimeric VEGF and to propose putative molecular mechanisms underlying the function of VEGF/VEGF receptors/heparin system. We show that both the conformational flexibility of the linker and the formation of HBD-heparin-HBD sandwich-like structures regulate the mutual disposition of HBDs and so affect the VEGF-mediated signalling. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Atorvastatin affects negatively respiratory function of isolated endothelial mitochondria.

PubMed

Broniarek, Izabela; Jarmuszkiewicz, Wieslawa

2018-01-01

The purpose of this research was to elucidate the direct effects of two popular blood cholesterol-lowering drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases, atorvastatin and pravastatin, on respiratory function, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species formation in mitochondria isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926 cell line). Hydrophilic pravastatin did not significantly affect endothelial mitochondria function. In contrast, hydrophobic calcium-containing atorvastatin induced a loss of outer mitochondrial membrane integrity, an increase in hydrogen peroxide formation, and reductions in maximal (phosphorylating or uncoupled) respiratory rate, membrane potential and oxidative phosphorylation efficiency. The atorvastatin-induced changes indicate an impairment of mitochondrial function at the level of ATP synthesis and at the level of the respiratory chain, likely at complex I and complex III. The atorvastatin action on endothelial mitochondria was highly dependent on calcium ions and led to a disturbance in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. Uptake of calcium ions included in atorvastatin molecule induced mitochondrial uncoupling that enhanced the inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain by atorvastatin. Our results indicate that hydrophobic calcium-containing atorvastatin, widely used as anti-atherosclerotic agent, has a direct negative action on isolated endothelial mitochondria. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Ferredoxin-Like Proteins HydN and YsaA Enhance Redox Dye-Linked Activity of the Formate Dehydrogenase H Component of the Formate Hydrogenlyase Complex.

PubMed

Pinske, Constanze

2018-01-01

Formate dehydrogenase H (FDH-H) and [NiFe]-hydrogenase 3 (Hyd-3) form the catalytic components of the hydrogen-producing formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex, which disproportionates formate to H 2 and CO 2 during mixed acid fermentation in enterobacteria. FHL comprises minimally seven proteins and little is understood about how this complex is assembled. Early studies identified a ferredoxin-like protein, HydN, as being involved in FDH-H assembly into the FHL complex. In order to understand how FDH-H and its small subunit HycB, which is also a ferredoxin-like protein, attach to the FHL complex, the possible roles of HydN and its paralogue, YsaA, in FHL complex stability and assembly were investigated. Deletion of the hycB gene reduced redox dye-mediated FDH-H activity to approximately 10%, abolished FHL-dependent H 2 -production, and reduced Hyd-3 activity. These data are consistent with HycB being an essential electron transfer component of the FHL complex. The FDH-H activity of the hydN and the ysaA deletion strains was reduced to 59 and 57% of the parental, while the double deletion reduced activity of FDH-H to 28% and the triple deletion with hycB to 1%. Remarkably, and in contrast to the hycB deletion, the absence of HydN and YsaA was without significant effect on FHL-dependent H 2 -production or total Hyd-3 activity; FDH-H protein levels were also unaltered. This is the first description of a phenotype for the E. coli ysaA deletion strain and identifies it as a novel factor required for optimal redox dye-linked FDH-H activity. A ysaA deletion strain could be complemented for FDH-H activity by hydN and ysaA , but the hydN deletion strain could not be complemented. Introduction of these plasmids did not affect H 2 production. Bacterial two-hybrid interactions showed that YsaA, HydN, and HycB interact with each other and with the FDH-H protein. Further novel anaerobic cross-interactions of 10 ferredoxin-like proteins in E. coli were also discovered and described. Together, these data indicate that FDH-H activity measured with the redox dye benzyl viologen is the sum of the FDH-H protein interacting with three independent small subunits and suggest that FDH-H can associate with different redox-protein complexes in the anaerobic cell to supply electrons from formate oxidation.

Effect of Tween 80 on formation of the superficial L1 layer of the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex.

PubMed Central

Masaki, S; Sugimori, G; Okamoto, A; Imose, J; Hayashi, Y

1991-01-01

The effects of Tween 80 supplementation of liquid culture medium on the formation of the superficial L1 layer of the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex (MAC) were examined by serological and scanning electron microscopic experiments. Specific antiserum to the glycopeptidolipids on the L1 layer of M. avium S-139, made in a rabbit, was used for seroagglutination reactions with antigens prepared from strain S-139 grown in medium supplemented with various levels of Tween 80 (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/ml). The agglutination titers gradually decreased as the concentration of Tween 80 rose. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the fibrillar materials consisting mainly of glycopeptidolipids on the L1 layer of strain S-139 also disappeared with increases in the concentration of Tween 80. In addition, there was no obvious correlation between (i) the plasmid DNAs and serotypes of MAC and (ii) formation of the L1 layer of MAC. It is therefore concluded that Tween 80 used to supplement liquid culture medium affects formation of the L1 layer, which has been considered to be one of the pathogenic factors of MAC. Images PMID:1885740

SMC5/6 is required for the formation of segregation-competent bivalent chromosomes during meiosis I in mouse oocytes.

PubMed

Hwang, Grace; Sun, Fengyun; O'Brien, Marilyn; Eppig, John J; Handel, Mary Ann; Jordan, Philip W

2017-05-01

SMC complexes include three major classes: cohesin, condensin and SMC5/6. However, the localization pattern and genetic requirements for the SMC5/6 complex during mammalian oogenesis have not previously been examined. In mouse oocytes, the SMC5/6 complex is enriched at the pericentromeric heterochromatin, and also localizes along chromosome arms during meiosis. The infertility phenotypes of females with a Zp3-Cre -driven conditional knockout (cKO) of Smc5 demonstrated that maternally expressed SMC5 protein is essential for early embryogenesis. Interestingly, protein levels of SMC5/6 complex components in oocytes decline as wild-type females age. When SMC5/6 complexes were completely absent in oocytes during meiotic resumption, homologous chromosomes failed to segregate accurately during meiosis I. Despite what appears to be an inability to resolve concatenation between chromosomes during meiosis, localization of topoisomerase IIα to bivalents was not affected; however, localization of condensin along the chromosome axes was perturbed. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the SMC5/6 complex is essential for the formation of segregation-competent bivalents during meiosis I, and findings suggest that age-dependent depletion of the SMC5/6 complex in oocytes could contribute to increased incidence of oocyte aneuploidy and spontaneous abortion in aging females. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Transition metal-chelating surfactant micelle templates for facile synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles

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

Lee, Hye Sun; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749; Kim, Won Hee

2012-01-15

Highly ordered mesoporous silica nanoparticles with tunable morphology and pore-size are prepared by the use of a transition metal-chelating surfactant micelle complex using Co{sup 2+}, Ni{sup 2+}, Cu{sup 2+}, and Zn{sup 2+} ions. These metal ions formed a metal-P123 micelle complex in an aqueous solution, while the metal ions are chelated to the hydrophilic domain such as the poly(ethylene oxide) group of a P123 surfactant. The different complexation abilities of the utilized transition metal ions play an important role in determining the formation of nano-sized ordered MSNs due to the different stabilization constant of the metal-P123 complex. Consequently, from amore » particle length of 1700 nm in the original mesoporous silica materials, the particle length of ordered MSNs through the metal-chelating P123 micelle templates can be reduced to a range of 180-800 nm. Furthermore, the variation of pore size shows a slight change from 8.8 to 6.6 nm. In particular, the Cu{sup 2+}-chelated MSNs show only decreased particle size to 180 nm. The stability constants for the metal-P123 complex are calculated on the basis of molar conductance measurements in order to elucidate the formation mechanism of MSNs by the metal-chelating P123 complex templates. In addition, solid-state {sup 29}Si, {sup 13}C-NMR and ICP-OES measurements are used for quantitative characterization reveal that the utilized metal ions affect only the formation of a metal-P123 complex in a micelle as a template. - Graphical abstract: Metal-chelating surfactant micelle templates support a simple and facile preparations of size-tunable ordered MSNs. Black-Small-Square Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Facile preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was achieved by metal-chelating surfactant micelle complex using Co{sup 2+}, Ni{sup 2+}, Cu{sup 2+}, and Zn{sup 2+} ions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Different complexation of metal ions plays an important role in determining the formation of nano-sized ordered MSNs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Systematic characterization of the synthesized materials was achieved by solid-state {sup 29}Si and {sup 13}C-NMR techniques, BET, FT-IR, and XPS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stability constants for the metal-P123 complex are calculated on the basis of molar conductance measurements in order to elucidate the formation mechanism.« less

Dbl3 drives Cdc42 signaling at the apical margin to regulate junction position and apical differentiation

PubMed Central

Zihni, Ceniz; Munro, Peter M.G.; Elbediwy, Ahmed; Keep, Nicholas H.; Terry, Stephen J.; Harris, John

2014-01-01

Epithelial cells develop morphologically characteristic apical domains that are bordered by tight junctions, the apical–lateral border. Cdc42 and its effector complex Par6–atypical protein kinase c (aPKC) regulate multiple steps during epithelial differentiation, but the mechanisms that mediate process-specific activation of Cdc42 to drive apical morphogenesis and activate the transition from junction formation to apical differentiation are poorly understood. Using a small interfering RNA screen, we identify Dbl3 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is recruited by ezrin to the apical membrane, that is enriched at a marginal zone apical to tight junctions, and that drives spatially restricted Cdc42 activation, promoting apical differentiation. Dbl3 depletion did not affect junction formation but did affect epithelial morphogenesis and brush border formation. Conversely, expression of active Dbl3 drove process-specific activation of the Par6–aPKC pathway, stimulating the transition from junction formation to apical differentiation and domain expansion, as well as the positioning of tight junctions. Thus, Dbl3 drives Cdc42 signaling at the apical margin to regulate morphogenesis, apical–lateral border positioning, and apical differentiation. PMID:24379416

Cooperative interactions at the SLP-76 complex are critical for actin polymerization.

PubMed

Barda-Saad, Mira; Shirasu, Naoto; Pauker, Maor H; Hassan, Nirit; Perl, Orly; Balbo, Andrea; Yamaguchi, Hiroshi; Houtman, Jon C D; Appella, Ettore; Schuck, Peter; Samelson, Lawrence E

2010-07-21

T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) engagement induces formation of multi-protein signalling complexes essential for regulating T-cell functions. Generation of a complex of SLP-76, Nck and VAV1 is crucial for regulation of the actin machinery. We define the composition, stoichiometry and specificity of interactions in the SLP-76, Nck and VAV1 complex. Our data reveal that this complex can contain one SLP-76 molecule, two Nck and two VAV1 molecules. A direct interaction between Nck and VAV1 is mediated by binding between the C-terminal SH3 domain of Nck and the VAV1 N-terminal SH3 domain. Disruption of the VAV1:Nck interaction deleteriously affected actin polymerization. These novel findings shed new light on the mechanism of actin polymerization after T-cell activation.

Antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation and virulence reveal Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strains' pathogenicity complexity.

PubMed

Pereira, Monalessa Fábia; Rossi, Ciro César; Seide, Larissa Eler; Martins Filho, Sebastião; Dolinski, Cláudia de Melo; Bazzolli, Denise Mara Soares

2018-05-07

Porcine pleuropneumonia is an important cause of lowered productivity and economic loss in the pig industry worldwide, associated primarily with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection. Its colonization and persistence within the upper respiratory tract of affected pigs depends upon interactions between a number of genetically controlled virulence factors, such as pore-forming repeats-in-toxin exoproteins, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated correlations between biofilm-forming capacity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence of A. pleuropneumoniae obtained from clinical outbreaks of disease, using a Galleria mellonella alternative infection model. Results suggest that virulence is diverse amongst the 21 strains of A. pleuropneumoniae examined and biofilm formation correlated with genetic control of antimicrobial resistance. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of environmental factors on the complexation of iron and humic acid.

PubMed

Fang, Kai; Yuan, Dongxing; Zhang, Lei; Feng, Lifeng; Chen, Yaojin; Wang, Yuzhou

2015-01-01

A method of size exclusion chromatography coupled with ultraviolet spectrophotometry and off-line graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was developed to assess the complexation properties of iron (Fe) and humic acid (HA) in a water environment. The factors affecting the complexation of Fe and HA, such as ionic strength, pH, temperature and UV radiation, were investigated. The Fe-HA complex residence time was also studied. Experimental results showed that pH could influence the deprotonation of HA and hydrolysis of Fe, and thus affected the complexation of Fe and HA. The complexation was greatly disrupted by the presence of NaCl. Temperature had some influence on the complexation. The yield of Fe-HA complexes showed a small decrease at high levels of UV radiation, but the effect of UV radiation on Fe-HA complex formation at natural levels could be neglected. It took about 10 hr for the complexation to reach equilibrium, and the Fe-HA complex residence time was about 20 hr. Complexation of Fe and HA reached a maximum level under the conditions of pH 6, very low ionic strength, in the dark and at a water temperature of about 25°C, for 10 hr. It was suggested that the Fe-HA complex could form mainly in freshwater bodies and reach high levels in the warm season with mild sunlight radiation. With changing environmental parameters, such as at lower temperature in winter or higher pH and ionic strength in an estuary, the concentration of the Fe-HA complex would decrease. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Regulation of Botulinum Neurotoxin Synthesis and Toxin Complex Formation by Arginine and Glucose in Clostridium botulinum ATCC 3502.

PubMed

Fredrick, Chase M; Lin, Guangyun; Johnson, Eric A

2017-07-01

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by neurotoxigenic clostridia, is the most potent biological toxin known and the causative agent of the paralytic disease botulism. The nutritional, environmental, and genetic regulation of BoNT synthesis, activation, stability, and toxin complex (TC) formation is not well studied. Previous studies indicated that growth and BoNT formation were affected by arginine and glucose in Clostridium botulinum types A and B. In the present study, C. botulinum ATCC 3502 was grown in toxin production medium (TPM) with different levels of arginine and glucose and of three products of arginine metabolism, citrulline, proline, and ornithine. Cultures were analyzed for growth (optical density at 600 nm [OD 600 ]), spore formation, and BoNT and TC formation by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation and for BoNT activity by mouse bioassay. A high level of arginine (20 g/liter) repressed BoNT production approximately 1,000-fold, enhanced growth, slowed lysis, and reduced endospore production by greater than 1,000-fold. Similar effects on toxin production were seen with equivalent levels of citrulline but not ornithine or proline. In TPM lacking glucose, levels of formation of BoNT/A1 and TC were significantly decreased, and extracellular BoNT and TC proteins were partially inactivated after the first day of culture. An understanding of the regulation of C. botulinum growth and BoNT and TC formation should be valuable in defining requirements for BoNT formation in foods and clinical samples, improving the quality of BoNT for pharmaceutical preparations, and elucidating the biological functions of BoNTs for the bacterium. IMPORTANCE Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a major food safety and bioterrorism concern and is also an important pharmaceutical, and yet the regulation of its synthesis, activation, and stability in culture media, foods, and clinical samples is not well understood. This paper provides insights into the effects of critical nutrients on growth, lysis, spore formation, BoNT and TC production, and stability of BoNTs of C. botulinum We show that for C. botulinum ATCC 3502 cultured in a complex medium, a high level of arginine repressed BoNT expression by ca. 1,000-fold and also strongly reduced sporulation. Arginine stimulated growth and compensated for a lack of glucose. BoNT and toxin complex proteins were partially inactivated in a complex medium lacking glucose. This work should aid in optimizing BoNT production for pharmaceutical uses, and furthermore, an understanding of the nutritional regulation of growth and BoNT formation may provide insights into growth and BoNT formation in foods and clinical samples and into the enigmatic function of BoNTs in nature. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Preparation, characterization and binding behaviors of host-guest inclusion complexes of metoclopramide hydrochloride with α- and β-cyclodextrin molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barman, Siti; Barman, Biraj Kumar; Roy, Mahendra Nath

2018-03-01

The supramolecular interaction of metoclopramide hydrochloride (MP) with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been inspected by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light, infra-red (IR) light, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The formation of an inclusion complex greatly affects the physical-chemical properties of the guest molecules, such as solubility, chemical reactivity and the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. Thus the changes in the spectral properties and physico-chemical properties confirm the inclusion complex formation. Surface tension, conductivity studies and Job's plot indicate a 1: 1 stoichiometry of the MP:CD host-guest inclusion complexes. The binding/association constants have been evaluated by both UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic study indicating a higher degree of encapsulation for β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Furthermore, the negative value of thermodynamic parameter (ΔG°) of the host-guest system suggests that the inclusion process proceeded spontaneously at 298.15 K. Based on the NMR data, the plausible mode of interaction of MP:α-CD and MP:β-CD complexes were proposed, which suggested that lipophilic aromatic ring of the MP entered into the cavity of CDs from the wider side, with the amide (sbnd CONH) and methoxy (-OMe) residues inside the CD cavity.

FLO11 expression and lipid biosynthesis are required for air-liquid biofilm formation in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae flor strain.

PubMed

Zara, Giacomo; Goffrini, Paola; Lodi, Tiziana; Zara, Severino; Mannazzu, Ilaria; Budroni, Marilena

2012-11-01

Air-liquid biofilm formation is largely dependent on Flo11p and seems related to cell lipid content and composition. Here, it is shown that in the presence of cerulenin, a known inhibitor of the fatty acid synthase complex, biofilm formation is inhibited together with FLO11 transcription in a flor strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while the administration of saturated fatty acids to cerulenin-containing medium restores biofilm formation and FLO11 transcription. It is also shown that, in biofilm cells, the FLO11 transcription is accompanied by the transcription of ACC1, ACS1 and INO1 key genes in lipid biosynthesis and that biofilm formation is affected by the lack of inositol in flor medium. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that the air-liquid biofilm formation depends on FLO11 transcription levels as well as on fatty acids biosynthesis. © 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanical properties and fibrin characteristics of endovascular coil–clot complexes: relevance to endovascular cerebral aneurysm repair paradigms

PubMed Central

Haworth, Kevin J; Weidner, Christopher R; Abruzzo, Todd A; Shearn, Jason T; Holland, Christy K

2015-01-01

Background Although coil embolization is known to prevent rebleeding from acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms, the underlying biological and mechanical mechanisms have not been characterized. We sought to determine if microcoil-dependent interactions with thrombus induce structural and mechanical changes in the adjacent fibrin network. Such changes could play an important role in the prevention of aneurysm rebleeding. Methods The stiffness of in vitro human blood clots and coil–clot complexes implanted into aneurysm phantoms were measured immediately after formation and after retraction for 3 days using unconfined uniaxial compression assays. Scanning electron microscopy of the coil–clot complexes showed the effect of coiling on clot structure. Results The coil packing densities achieved were in the range of clinical practice. Bare platinum coils increased clot stiffness relative to clot alone (Young’s modulus 6.9 kPa and 0.83 kPa, respectively) but did not affect fibrin structure. Hydrogel-coated coils prevented formation of a clot and had no significant effect on clot stiffness (Young’s modulus 2 kPa) relative to clot alone. Clot age decreased fiber density by 0.2 fibers/µm2 but not the stiffness of the bare platinum coil–clot complex. Conclusions The stiffness of coil–clot complexes is related to the summative stiffness of the fibrin network and associated microcoils. Hydrogel-coated coils exhibit significantly less stiffness due to the mechanical properties of the hydrogel and the inhibition of fibrin network formation by the hydrogel. These findings have important implications for the design and engineering of aneurysm occlusion devices. PMID:24668257

The role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.

PubMed

Węgielska, Iwona; Suliburska, Joanna

2016-01-01

The incidence of metabolic diseases is increasing rapidly all over the world. This situation has led researchers to attempt to explain the pathomechanisms of these disorders and to develop specific recommendations for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Recent studies show clear evidence of the role of human intestinal microbiota in health and in predispositions to diseases. Gut microbiota affect a number of complex metabolic reactions, significantly altering the functioning of the human body. Numerous experiments have shown the key role played by the formation process of the intestinal ecosystem in the early stages of human life for programming its metabolic health. The following article is a compilation of the literature available on the formation of the complex intestinal ecosystem and its impact on the incidence of diseases such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

Mutations of RNA splicing factors in hematological malignancies.

PubMed

Shukla, Girish C; Singh, Jagjit

2017-11-28

Systematic large-scale cancer genomic studies have produced numerous significant findings. These studies have not only revealed new cancer-promoting genes, but they also have identified cancer-promoting functions of previously known "housekeeping" genes. These studies have identified numerous mutations in genes which play a fundamental role in nuclear precursor mRNA splicing. Somatic mutations and copy number variation in many of the splicing factors which participate in the formation of multiple spliceosomal complexes appear to play a role in many cancers and in particular in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Mutated proteins seem to interfere with the recognition of the authentic splice sites (SS) leading to utilization of suboptimal alternative splicing sites generating aberrantly spliced mRNA isoforms. This short review is focusing on the function of the splice factors involved in the formation of splicing complexes and potential mechanisms which affect usage of the authentic splice site recognition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cytoskeletal self-organization in neuromorphogenesis.

PubMed

Dehmelt, Leif

2014-01-01

Self-organization of dynamic microtubules via interactions with associated motors plays a critical role in spindle formation. The microtubule-based mechanisms underlying other aspects of cellular morphogenesis, such as the formation and development of protrusions from neuronal cells is less well understood. In a recent study, we investigated the molecular mechanism that underlies the massive reorganization of microtubules induced in non-neuronal cells by expression of the neuronal microtubule stabilizer MAP2c. In that study we directly observed cortical dynein complexes and how they affect the dynamic behavior of motile microtubules in living cells. We found that stationary dynein complexes transiently associate with motile microtubules near the cell cortex and that their rapid turnover facilitates efficient microtubule transport. Here, we discuss our findings in the larger context of cellular morphogenesis with specific focus on self-organizing principles from which cellular shape patterns such as the thin protrusions of neurons can emerge.

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

Yang, Dong; Xu, Pinghong; Browning, Nigel D.

The initial steps of rhodium cluster formation from zeolite-supported mononuclear Rh(C2H4)2 complexes in H2 at 373 K and 1 bar were investigated by infrared and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopies and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The data show that ethylene ligands on the rhodium react with H2 to give supported rhodium hydrides and trigger the formation of rhodium clusters. STEM provided the first images of the smallest rhodium clusters (Rh2) and their further conversion into larger clusters. The samples were investigated in a plug-flow reactor as catalysts for the conversion of ethylene + H2 in a molar ratiomore » of 4:1 at 1 bar and 298 K, with the results showing how the changes in catalyst structure affect the activity and selectivity; the rhodium clusters are more active for hydrogenation of ethylene than the single-site complexes, which are more selective for dimerization of ethylene to give butenes« less

Organic iron (III) complexing ligands during an iron enrichment experiment in the western subarctic North Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Yoshiko; Takeda, Shigenobu; Nishioka, Jun; Obata, Hajime; Furuya, Ken; Johnson, William Keith; Wong, C. S.

2008-06-01

Complexation of iron (III) with natural organic ligands was investigated during a mesoscale iron enrichment experiment in the western subarctic North Pacific (SEEDS II). After the iron infusions, ligand concentrations increased rapidly with subsequent decreases. While the increases of ligands might have been partly influenced by amorphous iron colloids formation (12-29%), most in-situ increases were attributable to the <200 kDa fraction. Dilution of the fertilized patch may have contributed to the rapid decreases of the ligands. During the bloom decline, ligand concentration increased again, and the high concentrations persisted for 10 days. The conditional stability constant was not different between inside and outside of the fertilized patch. These results suggest that the chemical speciation of the released iron was strongly affected by formation of the ligands; the production of ligands observed during the bloom decline will strongly impact the iron cycle and bioavailability in the surface water.

Cytoskeletal self-organization in neuromorphogenesis

PubMed Central

Dehmelt, Leif

2014-01-01

Self-organization of dynamic microtubules via interactions with associated motors plays a critical role in spindle formation. The microtubule-based mechanisms underlying other aspects of cellular morphogenesis, such as the formation and development of protrusions from neuronal cells is less well understood. In a recent study, we investigated the molecular mechanism that underlies the massive reorganization of microtubules induced in non-neuronal cells by expression of the neuronal microtubule stabilizer MAP2c. In that study we directly observed cortical dynein complexes and how they affect the dynamic behavior of motile microtubules in living cells. We found that stationary dynein complexes transiently associate with motile microtubules near the cell cortex and that their rapid turnover facilitates efficient microtubule transport. Here, we discuss our findings in the larger context of cellular morphogenesis with specific focus on self-organizing principles from which cellular shape patterns such as the thin protrusions of neurons can emerge. PMID:24847718

betaPIX controls cell motility and neurite extension by regulating the distribution of GIT1.

PubMed

Za, Lorena; Albertinazzi, Chiara; Paris, Simona; Gagliani, Mariacristina; Tacchetti, Carlo; de Curtis, Ivan

2006-07-01

Cell motility entails the reorganization of the cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking for effective protrusion. GIT1/p95-APP1 is a member of a family of GTPase-activating proteins for ARF GTPases that affect endocytosis, adhesion and migration. GIT1 associates with paxillin and a complex including the Rac/Cdc42 exchanging factors PIX/Cool and the kinase PAK. In this study, we show that overexpression of betaPIX induces the accumulation of endogenous and overexpressed GIT1 at large structures similar to those induced by an ArfGAP-defective mutant of GIT1 (p95-C2). Immunohistochemical analysis and immunoelectron microscopy reveal that these structures include the endogenous transferrin receptor. Time-lapse analysis during motogenic stimuli shows that the formation and perinuclear accumulation of the p95-C2-positive structures is paralleled by inhibition of lamellipodium formation and cell retraction. Both dimerization and a functional SH3 domain of betaPIX are required for the accumulation of GIT1 in fibroblasts, which is prevented by the monomeric PIX-PG-DeltaLZ. This mutant also prevents the formation of endocytic aggregates and inhibition of neurite outgrowth in retinal neurons expressing p95-C2. Our results indicate that betaPIX is an important regulator of the subcellular distribution of GIT1, and suggest that alteration in the level of expression of the complex affects the endocytic compartment and cell motility.

Dysfunctional nitric oxide signalling increases risk of myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Erdmann, Jeanette; Stark, Klaus; Esslinger, Ulrike B; Rumpf, Philipp Moritz; Koesling, Doris; de Wit, Cor; Kaiser, Frank J; Braunholz, Diana; Medack, Anja; Fischer, Marcus; Zimmermann, Martina E; Tennstedt, Stephanie; Graf, Elisabeth; Eck, Sebastian; Aherrahrou, Zouhair; Nahrstaedt, Janja; Willenborg, Christina; Bruse, Petra; Brænne, Ingrid; Nöthen, Markus M; Hofmann, Per; Braund, Peter S; Mergia, Evanthia; Reinhard, Wibke; Burgdorf, Christof; Schreiber, Stefan; Balmforth, Anthony J; Hall, Alistair S; Bertram, Lars; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Li, Shu-Chen; März, Winfried; Reilly, Muredach; Kathiresan, Sekar; McPherson, Ruth; Walter, Ulrich; Ott, Jurg; Samani, Nilesh J; Strom, Tim M; Meitinger, Thomas; Hengstenberg, Christian; Schunkert, Heribert

2013-12-19

Myocardial infarction, a leading cause of death in the Western world, usually occurs when the fibrous cap overlying an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery ruptures. The resulting exposure of blood to the atherosclerotic material then triggers thrombus formation, which occludes the artery. The importance of genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction is best documented by the predictive value of a positive family history. Next-generation sequencing in families with several affected individuals has revolutionized mutation identification. Here we report the segregation of two private, heterozygous mutations in two functionally related genes, GUCY1A3 (p.Leu163Phefs*24) and CCT7 (p.Ser525Leu), in an extended myocardial infarction family. GUCY1A3 encodes the α1 subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase (α1-sGC), and CCT7 encodes CCTη, a member of the tailless complex polypeptide 1 ring complex, which, among other functions, stabilizes soluble guanylyl cyclase. After stimulation with nitric oxide, soluble guanylyl cyclase generates cGMP, which induces vasodilation and inhibits platelet activation. We demonstrate in vitro that mutations in both GUCY1A3 and CCT7 severely reduce α1-sGC as well as β1-sGC protein content, and impair soluble guanylyl cyclase activity. Moreover, platelets from digenic mutation carriers contained less soluble guanylyl cyclase protein and consequently displayed reduced nitric-oxide-induced cGMP formation. Mice deficient in α1-sGC protein displayed accelerated thrombus formation in the microcirculation after local trauma. Starting with a severely affected family, we have identified a link between impaired soluble-guanylyl-cyclase-dependent nitric oxide signalling and myocardial infarction risk, possibly through accelerated thrombus formation. Reversing this defect may provide a new therapeutic target for reducing the risk of myocardial infarction.

Effects of expected-value information and display format on recognition of aircraft subsystem abnormalities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Michael T.; Abbott, Kathy H.

1994-01-01

This study identifies improved methods to present system parameter information for detecting abnormal conditions and to identify system status. Two workstation experiments were conducted. The first experiment determined if including expected-value-range information in traditional parameter display formats affected subject performance. The second experiment determined if using a nontraditional parameter display format, which presented relative deviation from expected value, was better than traditional formats with expected-value ranges included. The inclusion of expected-value-range information onto traditional parameter formats was found to have essentially no effect. However, subjective results indicated support for including this information. The nontraditional column deviation parameter display format resulted in significantly fewer errors compared with traditional formats with expected-value-ranges included. In addition, error rates for the column deviation parameter display format remained stable as the scenario complexity increased, whereas error rates for the traditional parameter display formats with expected-value ranges increased. Subjective results also indicated that the subjects preferred this new format and thought that their performance was better with it. The column deviation parameter display format is recommended for display applications that require rapid recognition of out-of-tolerance conditions, especially for a large number of parameters.

cAMP prevents TNF-induced apoptosis through inhibiting DISC complex formation in rat hepatocytes

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

Bhattacharjee, Rajesh; Xiang, Wenpei; Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China

2012-06-22

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer cAMP blocks cell death induced by TNF and actinomycin D in cultured hepatocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer cAMP blocks NF-{kappa}B activation induced by TNF and actinomycin D. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer cAMP blocks DISC formation following TNF and actinomycin D exposure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer cAMP blocks TNF signaling at a proximal step. -- Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor {alpha} (TNF) is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in immunity and the control of cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. The pleiotropic nature of TNF is due to the formation of different signaling complexes upon the binding of TNF to its receptor, TNF receptor type 1more » (TNFR1). TNF induces apoptosis in various mammalian cells when the cells are co-treated with a transcription inhibitor like actinomycin D (ActD). When TNFR1 is activated, it recruits an adaptor protein, TNF receptor-associated protein with death domain (TRADD), through its cytoplasmic death effector domain (DED). TRADD, in turn, recruits other signaling proteins, including TNF receptor-associated protein 2 (TRAF2) and receptor-associated protein kinase (RIPK) 1, to form a complex. Subsequently, this complex combines with FADD and procaspase-8, converts into a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) to induce apoptosis. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a second messenger that regulates various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, gene expression, and apoptosis. cAMP analogues are reported to act as anti-apoptotic agents in various cell types, including hepatocytes. We found that a cAMP analogue, dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP), inhibits TNF + ActD-induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT-5720 reverses this inhibitory effect of cAMP on apoptosis. Cytoprotection by cAMP involves down-regulation of various apoptotic signal regulators like TRADD and FADD and inhibition of caspase-8 and caspase-3 cleavage. We also found that cAMP exerts its affect at the proximal level of TNF signaling by inhibiting the formation of the DISC complex upon the binding of TNF to TNFR1. In conclusion, our study shows that cAMP prevents TNF + ActD-induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes by inhibiting DISC complex formation.« less

The Contrasting Effects of Alum-Treated Chicken Manures and KH2PO4 on Phosphorus Behavior in Soils.

PubMed

Huang, Lidong; Yang, Junming; Xu, Yuting; Lei, Jiayan; Luo, Xiaoshan; Cade-Menun, Barbara J

2018-03-01

Alum [KAl(SO)⋅12HO] is often added to chicken manure to limit P solubility after land application. This is generally ascribed to the formation of Al-PO complexes. However, Al-PO complex formation could be affected by the matrix of chicken manure, which varies with animal diet. Alum was added to KHPO (as a reference material) and two manures from typical chicken farms in China, one from an intensive farm (CMIF) and another from free-ranging chickens (CMFR). These were subsequently incubated with soils for 100 d to investigate P transformations. Alum reduced water-soluble colorimetrically reactive phosphorus (RP) from soils amended with manure more effectively than in soils amended with KHPO. Alum addition lowered Mehlich-3 RP in soils with CMFR but had no influence on Mehlich-3 RP in CMIF- or KHPO-amended soils. A comparison of P in digested Mehlich-3 extracts with RP in undigested samples showed significantly increased P in digests of alum-treated CMFR only. Fractionation data indicated that alum treatment increased P in the NHF-RP (Al-P) fraction only in soils with KHPO, but not in soils with manure treatments. Furthermore, NaOH-extracted nonreactive P was markedly higher in soil with alum-treated CMFR relative to normal CMFR. The CMFR manure was assumed to contain higher concentrations of organic P because these chickens were fed grains only. These results suggest that the formation of alum-organic P complexes may reduce P solubility. By comparing alum-treated KHPO and manures, it appears that organic matter in manure could interfere with the formation of Al-PO complexes. Copyright © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada.

A theoretical study of the hydrogen bonding between the vic-, cis- and trans-C 2H 2F 2 isomers and hydrogen fluoride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusu, Victor H.; da Silva, João Bosco P.; Ramos, Mozart N.

2009-04-01

MP2/6-31++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) theoretical calculations have been employed to investigate the hydrogen bonding formation involving the vic-, cis- and trans-C 2H 2F 2 isomers and hydrogen fluoride. Our calculations have revealed for each isomer the preferential existence of two possible hydrogen-bonded complexes: a non-cyclic complex and a cyclic complex. For all the three isomers the binding energies for the non-cyclic and cyclic hydrogen complexes are essentially equal using both the MP2 and B3LYP calculations, being that the cyclic structure is slightly more stable. For instance, the binding energies including BSSE and ZPE corrections for the non-cyclic and cyclic structures of cis-C 2H 2F···HF are 8.7 and 9.0 kJ mol -1, respectively, using B3LYP calculations. The cyclic complex formation reduces the polarity, in contrast to what occurs with the non-cyclic complex. This result is more accentuated in vic-C 2H 2F 2···HF. In this latter, Δ μ(cyclic) is -3.07 D, whereas Δ μ(non-cyclic) is +1.92 D using B3LYP calculations. Their corresponding MP2 values are +0.44 D and -1.89 D, respectively. As expected, the complexation produces an H sbnd F stretching frequency downward shift, whereas its IR intensity is enhanced. On the other hand, the vibrational modes of the vic-, cis- and trans-C 2H 2F 2 isomers are little affected by complexation. The new vibrational modes due to hydrogen bonding formation show several interesting features, in particular the HF bending modes which are pure rotations in the free molecule.

Deconstructing the simplification of jury instructions: How simplifying the features of complexity affects jurors' application of instructions.

PubMed

Baguley, Chantelle M; McKimmie, Blake M; Masser, Barbara M

2017-06-01

Research consistently shows that techniques currently used to simplify jury instructions do not always improve mock jurors' comprehension. If improvements are observed, these are limited and overall comprehension remains low. It is unclear, however, why this occurs. It is possible that current simplification techniques do not effectively simplify the features of complexity, present in standardized instructions, which have the greatest effect on jurors' comprehension. It is not yet known, however, how much each feature of complexity individually affects jurors' comprehension. To investigate this, the authors used existing data from published empirical studies to examine how simplifying each feature of complexity affects mock jurors' application of instructions, as jurors can only apply instructions to the extent they understand them. The results suggest that reducing the conceptual complexity and proportion of supplementary information was associated with increased application of the instructions; however, reducing both the linguistic complexity and amount of information, and providing the instructions in a written format was not. In addition, results showed an unexpected adverse effect of simplification-reducing the amount of information was associated with an increase in the punitiveness of mock jurors' verdicts, independently of the instruction content. Together, these results suggest a need to make jury instructions comprehensible, highlight the key principles in the decision-process, and identify a way to eliminate the negative effect of reducing the amount of information. Addressing these needs is essential for developing a simplification technique that maximizes jurors' comprehension and application of instructions, while minimizing the previously overlooked negative effects of simplification. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Processing complex pseudo-words in mild cognitive impairment: The interaction of preserved morphological rule knowledge with compromised cognitive ability.

PubMed

Manouilidou, Christina; Dolenc, Barbara; Marvin, Tatjana; Pirtošek, Zvezdan

2016-01-01

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects the cognitive performance of elderly adults. However, the level of severity is not high enough to be diagnosed with dementia. Previous research reports subtle language impairments in individuals with MCI specifically in domains related to lexical meaning. The present study used both off-line (grammaticality judgment) and on-line (lexical decision) tasks to examine aspects of lexical processing and how they are affected by MCI. 21 healthy older adults and 23 individuals with MCI saw complex pseudo-words that violated various principles of word formation in Slovenian and decided if each letter string was an actual word of their language. The pseudo-words ranged in their degree of violability. A task effect was found, with MCI performance to be similar to that of healthy controls in the off-line task but different in the on-line task. Overall, the MCI group responded slower than the elderly controls. No significant differences were observed in the off-line task, while the on-line task revealed a main effect of Violation type, a main effect of Group and a significant Violation × Group interaction reflecting a difficulty for the MCI group to process pseudo-words in real time. That is, while individuals with MCI seem to preserve morphological rule knowledge, they experience additional difficulties while processing complex pseudo-words. This was attributed to an executive dysfunction associated with MCI that delays the recognition of ungrammatical formations.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Formate with Nickel Diphosphane Dipeptide Complexes. Effect of Ligands Modified with Amino Acids

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

Galan, Brandon R.; Reback, Matthew L.; Jain, Avijita

2013-09-03

A series of nickel bis-diphosphine complexes with dipeptides appended to the ligands were investigated for the catalytic oxidation of formate. Typical rates of ~7 s -1 were found, similar to the parent complex (~8 s -1), with amino acid size and positioning contributing very little to rate or operating potential. Hydroxyl functionalities did result in lower rates, which were recovered by protecting the hydroxyl group. The results suggest that the overall dielectric introduced by the dipeptides does not play an important role in catalysis, but free hydroxyl groups do influence activity suggesting contributions from intra- or intermolecular interactions. These observationsmore » are important in developing a fundamental understanding of the affect that an enzyme-like outer coordination sphere can have upon molecular catalysts. This work was funded by the US DOE Basic Energy Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Geoscience and Biosciences Division (BRG, AJ, AMA, WJS), the US DOE Basic Energy Sciences, Physical Bioscience program (MLR). Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.« less

EPR spin probe and spin label studies of some low molecular and polymer micelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wasserman, A. M.; Kasaikin, V. A.; Timofeev, V. P.

1998-12-01

The rotational mobility of spin probes of different shape and size in low molecular and polymer micelles has been studied. Several probes having nitroxide fragment localized either in the vicinity of micelle interface or in the hydrocarbon core have been used. Upon increasing the number of carbon atoms in hydrocarbon chain of detergent from 7 to 13 (sodium alkyl sulfate micelles) or from 12 to 16 (alkyltrimethylammonium bromide micelles) the rotational mobility of spin probes is decreased by the factor 1.5-2.0. The spin probe rotational mobility in polymer micelles (the complexes of alkyltrimethylammonium bromides and polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acids) is less than mobility in free micelles of the same surfactants. The study of EPR-spectra of spin labeled polymethacrylic acid (PMA) indicated that formation of water soluble complexes of polymer and alkyltrimethylammonium bromides in alkaline solutions (pH 9) does not affect the polymer segmental mobility. On the other hand, the polymer complexes formation in slightly acidic water solution (pH 6) breaks down the compact PMA conformation, thus increasing the polymer segmental mobility. Possible structures of polymer micelles are discussed.

Dust and molecules in extra-galactic planetary nebulae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Hernandez, Domingo Aníbal

2015-08-01

Extra-galactic planetary nebulae (PNe) permit the study of dust and molecules in metallicity environments other than the Galaxy. Their known distances lower the number of free parameters in the observations vs. models comparison, providing strong constraints on the gas-phase and solid-state astrochemistry models. Observations of PNe in the Galaxy and other Local Group galaxies such as the Magellanic Clouds (MC) provide evidence that metallicity affects the production of dust as well as the formation of complex organic molecules and inorganic solid-state compounds in their circumstellar envelopes. In particular, the lower metallicity MC environments seem to be less favorable to dust production and the frequency of carbonaceous dust features and complex fullerene molecules is generally higher with decreasing metallicity. Here, I present an observational review of the dust and molecular content in extra-galactic PNe as compared to their higher metallicity Galactic counterparts. A special attention is given to the level of dust processing and the formation of complex organic molecules (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes, and graphene precursors) depending on metallicity.

Chemical complexity induced by efficient ice evaporation in the Barnard 5 molecular cloud

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taquet, V.; Wirström, E. S.; Charnley, S. B.; Faure, A.; López-Sepulcre, A.; Persson, C. M.

2017-10-01

Cold gas-phase water has recently been detected in a cold dark cloud, Barnard 5 located in the Perseus complex, by targeting methanol peaks as signposts for ice mantle evaporation. Observed morphology and abundances of methanol and water are consistent with a transient non-thermal evaporation process only affecting the outermost ice mantle layers, possibly triggering a more complex chemistry. Here we present the detection of the complex organic molecules (COMs) acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) and methyl formate (CH3OCHO), as well as formic acid (HCOOH) and ketene (CH2CO), and the tentative detection of di-methyl ether (CH3OCH3) towards the "methanol hotspot" of Barnard 5 located between two dense cores using the single dish OSO 20 m, IRAM 30 m, and NRO 45 m telescopes. The high energy cis-conformer of formic acid is detected, suggesting that formic acid is mostly formed at the surface of interstellar grains and then evaporated. The detection of multiple transitions for each species allows us to constrain their abundances through LTE and non-LTE methods. All the considered COMs show similar abundances between 1 and 10% relative to methanol depending on the assumed excitation temperature. The non-detection of glycolaldehyde, an isomer of methyl formate, with a [glycolaldehyde]/[methyl formate] abundance ratio lower than 6%, favours gas phase formation pathways triggered by methanol evaporation. According to their excitation temperatures derived in massive hot cores, formic acid, ketene, and acetaldehyde have been designated as "lukewarm" COMs whereas methyl formate and di-methyl ether were defined as "warm" species. Comparison with previous observations of other types of sources confirms that lukewarm and warm COMs show similar abundances in low-density cold gas whereas the warm COMs tend to be more abundant than the lukewarm species in warm protostellar cores. This abundance evolution suggests either that warm COMs are indeed mostly formed in protostellar environments and/or that lukewarm COMs are efficiently depleted by increased hydrogenation efficiency around protostars.

Immune complexes in serum of rats during infection with Plasmodium berghei.

PubMed

Alder, J D; Kreier, J P

1989-01-01

Large amounts of immune complexes were present in the serum of infected rats early in infection when parasitemias were low. As the infection progressed and parasitemia increased and then decreased, the amounts of immune complexes in the serum also fell. This result suggests that increased efficiency of complex clearance was an important factor in determining the levels of immune complexes in the serum. In high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the complexes in the serum migrated as a peak with material of 350 kDa and greater in mass. They sedimented in a sucrose gradient as a band with a sedimentation coefficient of 22 s, which was calculated to yield a mass of approximately 1100 kDa. Immunoelectrophoresis and radial immunodiffusion showed that IgG was the major immunoglobulin in the complexes. As the IgG content of the complexes increased, the levels of complexes in the serum generally decreased. HPLC analysis of precipitated complexes suggested that they contained loosely bound albumin. Serum proteins were affected by the infection. A depletion of free immunoglobulin was observed during the initial period of immune complex formation.

Kirromycin, an Inhibitor of Protein Biosynthesis that Acts on Elongation Factor Tu

PubMed Central

Wolf, Heinz; Chinali, Gianni; Parmeggiani, Andrea

1974-01-01

Kirromycin, a new inhibitor of protein synthesis, is shown to interfere with the peptide transfer reaction by acting on elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). All the reactions associated with this elongation factor are affected. Formation of the EF-Tu·GTP complex is strongly stimulated. Peptide bond formation is prevented only when Phe-tRNAPhe is bound enzymatically to ribosomes, presumably because GTP hydrolysis associated with enzymatic binding of Phe-tRNAPhe is not followed by release of EF-Tu·GDP from the ribosome. This antibiotic also enables EF-Tu to catalyze the binding of Phe-tRNAPhe to the poly(U)·ribosome complex even in the absence of GTP. EF-Tu activity in the GTPase reaction is dramatically affected by kirromycin: GTP hydrolysis, which normally requires ribosomes and aminoacyl-tRNA, takes place with the elongation factor alone. This GTPase shows the same Km for GTP as the one dependent on Phe-tRNAPhe and ribosomes in the absence of the antibiotic. Ribosomes and Phe-tRNAPhe, but not tRNAPhe or Ac-Phe-tRNAPhe, stimulate the kirromycin-induced EF-Tu GTPase. These results indicate that the catalytic center of EF-Tu GTPase that is dependent upon aminoacyl-tRNA and ribosomes is primarily located on the elongation factor. In conclusion, kirromycin can substitute for GTP, aminoacyl-tRNA, or ribosomes in various reactions involving EF-Tu, apparently by affecting the allosteric controls between the sites on the EF-Tu molecule interacting with these components. PMID:4373734

Type 4 pili are dispensable for biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus.

PubMed

Nagar, Elad; Zilberman, Shaul; Sendersky, Eleonora; Simkovsky, Ryan; Shimoni, Eyal; Gershtein, Diana; Herzberg, Moshe; Golden, Susan S; Schwarz, Rakefet

2017-07-01

The hair-like cell appendages denoted as type IV pili are crucial for biofilm formation in diverse eubacteria. The protein complex responsible for type IV pilus assembly is homologous with the type II protein secretion complex. In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, the gene Synpcc7942_2071 encodes an ATPase homologue of type II/type IV systems. Here, we report that inactivation of Synpcc7942_2071 strongly affected the suite of proteins present in the extracellular milieu (exo-proteome) and eliminated pili observable by electron microscopy. These results support a role for this gene product in protein secretion as well as in pili formation. As we previously reported, inactivation of Synpcc7942_2071 enables biofilm formation and suppresses the planktonic growth of S. elongatus. Thus, pili are dispensable for biofilm development in this cyanobacterium, in contrast to their biofilm-promoting function in type IV pili-producing heterotrophic bacteria. Nevertheless, pili removal is not required for biofilm formation as evident by a piliated mutant of S. elongatus that develops biofilms. We show that adhesion and timing of biofilm development differ between the piliated and non-piliated strains. The study demonstrates key differences in the process of biofilm formation between cyanobacteria and well-studied type IV pili-producing heterotrophic bacteria. © 2017 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Stomatal Complex Development and F-Actin Organization in Maize Leaf Epidermis Depend on Cellulose Synthesis.

PubMed

Panteris, Emmanuel; Achlati, Theonymphi; Daras, Gerasimos; Rigas, Stamatis

2018-06-06

Cellulose microfibrils reinforce the cell wall for morphogenesis in plants. Herein, we provide evidence on a series of defects regarding stomatal complex development and F-actin organization in Zea mays leaf epidermis, due to inhibition of cellulose synthesis. Formative cell divisions of stomatal complex ontogenesis were delayed or inhibited, resulting in lack of subsidiary cells and frequently in unicellular stomata, with an atypical stomatal pore. Guard cells failed to acquire a dumbbell shape, becoming rounded, while subsidiary cells, whenever present, exhibited aberrant morphogenesis. F-actin organization was also affected, since the stomatal complex-specific arrays were scarcely observed. At late developmental stages, the overall F-actin network was diminished in all epidermal cells, although thick actin bundles persisted. Taken together, stomatal complex development strongly depends on cell wall mechanical properties. Moreover, F-actin organization exhibits a tight relationship with the cell wall.

Concerted formation of macromolecular Suppressor–mutator transposition complexes

PubMed Central

Raina, Ramesh; Schläppi, Michael; Karunanandaa, Balasulojini; Elhofy, Adam; Fedoroff, Nina

1998-01-01

Transposition of the maize Suppressor–mutator (Spm) transposon requires two element-encoded proteins, TnpA and TnpD. Although there are multiple TnpA binding sites near each element end, binding of TnpA to DNA is not cooperative, and the binding affinity is not markedly affected by the number of binding sites per DNA fragment. However, intermolecular complexes form cooperatively between DNA fragments with three or more TnpA binding sites. TnpD, itself not a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein, binds to TnpA and stabilizes the TnpA–DNA complex. The high redundancy of TnpA binding sites at both element ends and the protein–protein interactions between DNA-bound TnpA complexes and between these and TnpD imply a concerted transition of the element from a linear to a protein crosslinked transposition complex within a very narrow protein concentration range. PMID:9671711

Kinetics of the CRISPR-Cas9 effector complex assembly and the role of 3′-terminal segment of guide RNA

PubMed Central

Mekler, Vladimir; Minakhin, Leonid; Semenova, Ekaterina; Kuznedelov, Konstantin; Severinov, Konstantin

2016-01-01

CRISPR-Cas9 is widely applied for genome engineering in various organisms. The assembly of single guide RNA (sgRNA) with the Cas9 protein may limit the Cas9/sgRNA effector complex function. We developed a FRET-based assay for detection of CRISPR–Cas9 complex binding to its targets and used this assay to investigate the kinetics of Cas9 assembly with a set of structurally distinct sgRNAs. We find that Cas9 and isolated sgRNAs form the effector complex efficiently and rapidly. Yet, the assembly process is sensitive to the presence of moderate concentrations of non-specific RNA competitors, which considerably delay the Cas9/sgRNA complex formation, while not significantly affecting already formed complexes. This observation suggests that the rate of sgRNA loading into Cas9 in cells can be determined by competition between sgRNA and intracellular RNA molecules for the binding to Cas9. Non-specific RNAs exerted particularly large inhibitory effects on formation of Cas9 complexes with sgRNAs bearing shortened 3′-terminal segments. This result implies that the 3′-terminal segment confers sgRNA the ability to withstand competition from non-specific RNA and at least in part may explain the fact that use of sgRNAs truncated for the 3′-terminal stem loops leads to reduced activity during genomic editing. PMID:26945042

Multiple Vibrio fischeri genes are involved in biofilm formation and host colonization

PubMed Central

Chavez-Dozal, Alba; Hogan, David; Gorman, Clayton; Quintanal-Villalonga, Alvaro; Nishiguchi, Michele K.

2012-01-01

Biofilms are increasingly recognized as the predominant form for survival in the environment for most bacteria. The successful colonization of Vibrio fischeri in its squid host Euprymna tasmanica, involves complex microbe-host interactions mediated by specific genes that are essential for biofilm formation and colonization. In the present investigation, structural and regulatory genes were selected to study their role in biofilm formation and host colonization. We have mutated several genes (pilT, pilU, flgF, motY, ibpA and mifB) by an insertional inactivation strategy. Results demonstrate that structural genes responsible for synthesis of type IV pili and flagella are crucial for biofilm formation and host infection. Moreover, regulatory genes affect colony aggregation by various mechanisms including alteration of synthesis of transcriptional factors and regulation of extracellular polysaccharide production. These results reflect the significance of how genetic alterations influence communal behavior, which is important in understanding symbiotic relationships. PMID:22486781

The Journey of Interstellar Dust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwek, Eliahu

2007-01-01

Interstellar dust particles undergo a complex journey in space. It commences with their formation in stellar outflows or outbursts, but may end in very different ways. Their fates range from sudden "death by destruction" promptly after their formation to maturity and inclusion in protoplanetary objects in stellar nursery homes. Throughout this journey dust grains are subjected to a host of interstellar processes in different astrophysical environments which leave their imprint on the dust and affects their surrounding environment. In this review I will summarize our current knowledge of the field, emphasizing what we still need to know to gain a full understanding of interstellar dust grains and their journey through the ISM.

Analysis of molecular interactions in solid dosage forms; challenge to molecular pharmaceutics.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Keiji; Limwikrant, Waree; Moribe, Kunikazu

2011-01-01

The molecular states of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in pharmaceutical dosage forms strongly affect the properties and quality of a drug. Various important fundamental physicochemical studies were reviewed from the standpoint of molecular pharmaceutics. Mechanochemical effects were evaluated in mixtures of APIs and pharmaceutical additives. Amorphization, complex formation and nanoparticle formation are observed after grinding process depending on the combination of APIs and pharmaceutical additives. Sealed-heating method and mesoporous materials have been used to investigate drug molecular interactions in dosage forms. Molecular states have been investigated using powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, IR, solid state fluorometry, and NMR. © 2011 Pharmaceutical Society of Japan

Thermodynamics and binding mode of novel structurally related 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives with native and modified cyclodextrins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terekhova, Irina V.; Chislov, Mikhail V.; Brusnikina, Maria A.; Chibunova, Ekaterina S.; Volkova, Tatyana V.; Zvereva, Irina A.; Proshin, Alexey N.

2017-03-01

Study of complex formation of cyclodextrins with 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives intended for Alzheimer's disease treatment was carried out using 1H NMR, ITC and phase solubility methods. Structure of cyclodextrins and thiadiazoles affects the binding mode and thermodynamics of complexation. The larger cavity of β- and γ-cyclodextrins is more appropriate for deeper insertion of 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives which is accompanied by intensive dehydration and solvent reorganization. Benzene ring of the thiadiazoles is located inside macrocyclic cavity while piperidine ring is placed outside the cavity and can form H-bonds with cyclodextrin exterior. Complexation with cyclodextrins induces the enhancement of aqueous solubility of 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives.

A divalent interaction between HPS1 and HPS4 is required for the formation of the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelle complex-3 (BLOC-3).

PubMed

Carmona-Rivera, Carmelo; Simeonov, Dimitre R; Cardillo, Nicholas D; Gahl, William A; Cadilla, Carmen L

2013-03-01

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding tendency, and sporadic pulmonary fibrosis, granulomatous colitis or infections. Nine HPS-causing genes have been identified in humans. HPS-1 is the most severe subtype with a prevalence of ~1/1800 in northwest Puerto Rico due to a founder mutation in the HPS1 gene. Mutations in HPS genes affect the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles such as melanosomes in melanocytes and platelet dense granules. Two of these genes (HPS1 and HPS4) encode the HPS1 and HPS4 proteins, which assemble to form a complex known as Biogenesis of Lysosome-related Organelle Complex 3 (BLOC-3). We report the identification of the interacting regions in HPS1 and HPS4 required for the formation of this complex. Two regions in HPS1, spanning amino acids 1-249 and 506-700 are required for binding to HPS4; the middle portion of HPS1 (residues 250-505) is not required for this interaction. Further interaction studies showed that the N-termini of HPS1 and HPS4 interact with each other and that a discrete region of HPS4 (residues 340-528) interacts with both the N- and C-termini of the HPS1 protein. Several missense mutations found in HPS-1 patients did not affect interaction with HPS4, but some mutations involving regions interacting with HPS4 caused instability of HPS1. These observations extend our understanding of BLOC-3 assembly and represent an important first step in the identification of domains responsible for the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth ring formation in the starch granules of potato tubers.

PubMed

Pilling, Emma; Smith, Alison M

2003-05-01

Starch granules from higher plants contain alternating zones of semicrystalline and amorphous material known as growth rings. The regulation of growth ring formation is not understood. We provide several independent lines of evidence that growth ring formation in the starch granules of potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers is not under diurnal control. Ring formation is not abolished by growth in constant conditions, and ring periodicity and appearance are relatively unaffected by a change from a 24-h to a 40-h photoperiod, and by alterations in substrate supply to the tuber that are known to affect the diurnal pattern of tuber starch synthesis. Some, but not all, of the features of ring formation are consistent with the involvement of a circadian rhythm. Such a rhythm might operate by changing the relative activities of starch-synthesizing enzymes: Growth ring formation is disrupted in tubers with reduced activity of a major isoform of starch synthase. We suggest that physical as well as biological mechanisms may contribute to the control of ring formation, and that a complex interplay of several factors may by involved.

Growth Ring Formation in the Starch Granules of Potato Tubers1

PubMed Central

Pilling, Emma; Smith, Alison M.

2003-01-01

Starch granules from higher plants contain alternating zones of semicrystalline and amorphous material known as growth rings. The regulation of growth ring formation is not understood. We provide several independent lines of evidence that growth ring formation in the starch granules of potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers is not under diurnal control. Ring formation is not abolished by growth in constant conditions, and ring periodicity and appearance are relatively unaffected by a change from a 24-h to a 40-h photoperiod, and by alterations in substrate supply to the tuber that are known to affect the diurnal pattern of tuber starch synthesis. Some, but not all, of the features of ring formation are consistent with the involvement of a circadian rhythm. Such a rhythm might operate by changing the relative activities of starch-synthesizing enzymes: Growth ring formation is disrupted in tubers with reduced activity of a major isoform of starch synthase. We suggest that physical as well as biological mechanisms may contribute to the control of ring formation, and that a complex interplay of several factors may by involved. PMID:12746541

Rig Diagnostic Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soileau, Kerry M.; Baicy, John W.

2008-01-01

Rig Diagnostic Tools is a suite of applications designed to allow an operator to monitor the status and health of complex networked systems using a unique interface between Java applications and UNIX scripts. The suite consists of Java applications, C scripts, Vx- Works applications, UNIX utilities, C programs, and configuration files. The UNIX scripts retrieve data from the system and write them to a certain set of files. The Java side monitors these files and presents the data in user-friendly formats for operators to use in making troubleshooting decisions. This design allows for rapid prototyping and expansion of higher-level displays without affecting the basic data-gathering applications. The suite is designed to be extensible, with the ability to add new system components in building block fashion without affecting existing system applications. This allows for monitoring of complex systems for which unplanned shutdown time comes at a prohibitive cost.

Triggers for β-sheet formation at the hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface: high concentration, in-plane orientational order, and metal ion complexation.

PubMed

Hoernke, Maria; Falenski, Jessica A; Schwieger, Christian; Koksch, Beate; Brezesinski, Gerald

2011-12-06

Amyloid formation plays a causative role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Soluble peptides form β-sheets that subsequently rearrange into fibrils and deposit as amyloid plaques. Many parameters trigger and influence the onset of the β-sheet formation. Early stages are recently discussed to be cell-toxic. Aiming at understanding various triggers such as interactions with hydrophobic-hydrophilic interfaces and metal ion complexation and their interplay, we investigated a set of model peptides at the air-water interface. We are using a general approach to a variety of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and type II diabetes that are connected to amyloid formation. Surface sensitive techniques combined with film balance measurements have been used to assess the conformation of the peptides and their orientation at the air-water interface (IR reflection-absorption spectroscopy). Additionally, the structures of the peptide layers were characterized by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and X-ray reflectivity. The peptides adsorb to the air-water interface and immediately adopt an α-helical conformation. This helical intermediate transforms into β-sheets upon further triggering. The factors that result in β-sheet formation are dependent on the peptide sequence. In general, the interface has the strongest effect on peptide conformation compared to high concentrations or metal ions. Metal ions are able to prevent aggregation in bulk but not at the interface. At the interface, metal ion complexation has only minor effects on the peptide secondary structure, influencing the in-plane structure that is formed in two dimensions. At the air-water interface, increased concentrations or a parallel arrangement of the α-helical intermediates are the most effective triggers. This study reveals the role of various triggers for β-sheet formation and their complex interplay. Our main finding is that the hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface largely governs the conformation of peptides. Therefore, the present study implies that special care is needed when interpreting data that may be affected by different amounts or types of interfaces during experimentation. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Pharyngeal arch deficiencies affect taste bud development in the circumvallate papilla with aberrant glossopharyngeal nerve formation.

PubMed

Okubo, Tadashi; Takada, Shinji

2015-07-01

The pharyngeal arches (PAs) generate cranial organs including the tongue. The taste placodes, formed in particular locations on the embryonic tongue surface, differentiate into taste buds harbored in distinct gustatory papillae. The developing tongue also has a complex supply of cranial nerves through each PA. However, the relationship between the PAs and taste bud development is not fully understood. Ripply3 homozygous mutant mice, which have impaired third/fourth PAs, display a hypoplastic circumvallate papilla and lack taste buds, although the taste placode is normally formed. Formation of the glossopharyngeal ganglia is defective and innervation toward the posterior tongue is completely missing in Ripply3 mutant embryos at E12.5. Moreover, the distribution of neuroblasts derived from the epibranchial placode is severely, but not completely, atenuated, and the neural crest cells are diminished in the third PA region of Ripply3 mutant embryos at E9.5-E10.5. In Tbx1 homozygous mutant embryos, which exhibit another type of deficiency in PA development, the hypoplastic circumvallate papilla is observed along with abnormal formation of the glossopharyngeal ganglia and severely impaired innervation. PA deficiencies affect multiple aspects of taste bud development, including formation of the cranial ganglia and innervation to the posterior tongue. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy for complex trauma: targets, focus, applications, and outcomes

PubMed Central

Spermon, Deborah; Darlington, Yvonne; Gibney, Paul

2010-01-01

Complex trauma describes that category of severe, chronic interpersonal trauma usually originating in the formative years of a child. In the adult, this can result in global dissociative difficulties across areas of cognitive, affective, somatic, and behavioral functions. Targeting this field of traumatic pathology, this article reviews the contributions and developments within one broad approach: psychodynamic theory and practice. Brief descriptions of aspects of analytical, Jungian, relational, object relations, and attachment therapeutic approaches are given, along with understandings of pathology and the formulation of therapeutic goals. Major practices within client sessions are canvassed and the issues of researching treatment outcomes are discussed. PMID:22110335

Molecular requirements for RNA-induced silencing complex assembly in the Drosophila RNA interference pathway.

PubMed

Pham, John W; Sontheimer, Erik J

2005-11-25

Complexes in the Drosophila RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) assembly pathway can be resolved using native gel electrophoresis, revealing an initiator called R1, an intermediate called R2, and an effector called R3 (now referred to as holo-RISC). Here we show that R1 forms when the Dicer-2/R2D2 heterodimer binds short interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes. The heterodimer alone can initiate RISC assembly, indicating that other factors are dispensable for initiation. During assembly, R2 requires Argonaute 2 to convert into holo-RISC. This requirement is reminiscent of the RISC-loading complex, which also requires Argonaute 2 for assembly into RISC. We have compared R2 to the RISC-loading complex and show that the two complexes are similar in their sensitivities to ATP and to chemical modifications on siRNA duplexes, indicating that they are likely to be identical. We have examined the requirements for RISC formation and show that the siRNA 5'-termini are repeatedly monitored during RISC assembly, first by the Dcr-2/R2D2 heterodimer and again after R2 formation, before siRNA unwinding. The 2'-position of the 5'-terminal nucleotide also affects RISC assembly, because an siRNA strand bearing a 2'-deoxyribose at this position can inhibit the cognate strand from entering holo-RISC; in contrast, the 2'-deoxyribose-modified strand has enhanced activity in the RNA interference pathway.

Reactive Transport Modeling and Changes in Porosity at Reactive Interfaces in a HLW repository in Clay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samper, J.; Mon, A.; Montenegro, L.; Naves, A.; Fernández, J.

2016-12-01

High-level radioactive waste disposal in a deep geological repository is based on a multibarrier concept which combines natural barriers such as the geological formation and artificial barriers such as metallic containers, bentonite and concrete buffers and sealing materials. The stability and performance of the bentonite barrier could be affected by the corrosion products at the canister-bentonite interface and the hyperalkaline conditions caused by the degradation of concrete at the bentonite-concrete interface. Additionally, the host clay formation could also be affected by the hyperalkaline plume at the concrete-clay interface. Here we present a nonisothermal reactive transport model of the long-term interactions of the compacted bentonite with the corrosion products of a carbon-steel canister and the concrete liner of the engineered barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository in clay. This problem involves large pH changes with a hyperalkaline high-pH plume, complex mineral dissolution/precipitation patterns, cation exchange reactions and proton surface complexation. These reactions lead to large changes in porosity which can even lead to pore clogging. Model results show that magnetite, the main corrosion product, precipitates and reduces significantly the porosity of the bentonite near the canister. The degradation of the concrete liner leads to the precipitation of secondary minerals and the reduction of the porosity of the bentonite and the clay formation at their interfaces with the concrete liner. The zones affected by pore clogging at the canister-bentonite, bentonite-concrete and concrete-clay interfaces at 1 Ma are equal to 10, 25 and 25 mm thick, respectively. The results of our simulations share many of the features of the models reported by others for engineered barrier systems at similar chemical conditions, including: 1) Narrow alteration zones; and 2) Pore clogging at the canister-bentonite, bentonite-concrete and concrete-clay interfaces.

Chemical modelling of glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol in star-forming regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coutens, A.; Viti, S.; Rawlings, J. M. C.; Beltrán, M. T.; Holdship, J.; Jiménez-Serra, I.; Quénard, D.; Rivilla, V. M.

2018-04-01

Glycolaldehyde (HOCH2CHO) and ethylene glycol ((CH2OH)2) are two complex organic molecules detected in the hot cores and hot corinos of several star-forming regions. The ethylene glycol/glycolaldehyde abundance ratio seems to show an increase with the source luminosity. In the literature, several surface-chemistry formation mechanisms have been proposed for these two species. With the UCLCHEM chemical code, we explored the different scenarios and compared the predictions for a range of sources of different luminosities with the observations. None of the scenarios reproduce perfectly the trend. A better agreement is, however, found for a formation through recombination of two HCO radicals followed by successive hydrogenations. The reaction between HCO and CH2OH could also contribute to the formation of glycolaldehyde in addition to the hydrogenation pathway. The predictions are improved when a trend of decreasing H2 density within the core region with T≥100 K as a function of luminosity is included in the model. Destruction reactions of complex organic molecules in the gas phase would also need to be investigated, since they can affect the abundance ratios once the species have desorbed in the warm inner regions of the star-forming regions.

How salt lakes affect atmospheric new particle formation: A case study in Western Australia.

PubMed

Kamilli, K A; Ofner, J; Krause, T; Sattler, T; Schmitt-Kopplin, P; Eitenberger, E; Friedbacher, G; Lendl, B; Lohninger, H; Schöler, H F; Held, A

2016-12-15

New particle formation was studied above salt lakes in-situ using a mobile aerosol chamber set up above the salt crust and organic-enriched layers of seven different salt lakes in Western Australia. This unique setup made it possible to explore the influence of salt lake emissions on atmospheric new particle formation, and to identify interactions of aqueous-phase and gas-phase chemistry. New particle formation was typically observed at enhanced air temperatures and enhanced solar irradiance. Volatile organic compounds were released from the salt lake surfaces, probably from a soil layer enriched in organic compounds from decomposed leaf litter, and accumulated in the chamber air. After oxidation of these organic precursor gases, the reaction products contributed to new particle formation with observed growth rates from 2.7 to 25.4nmh -1 . The presence of ferrous and ferric iron and a drop of pH values in the salt lake water just before new particle formation events indicated that organic compounds were also oxidized in the aqueous phase, affecting the new particle formation process in the atmosphere. The contribution of aqueous-phase chemistry to new particle formation is assumed, as a mixture of hundreds of oxidized organic compounds was characterized with several analytical techniques. This chemically diverse composition of the organic aerosol fraction contained sulfur- and nitrogen-containing organic compounds, and halogenated organic compounds. Coarse mode particles were analyzed using electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry was applied to analyze filter samples. A targeted mass spectral analysis revealed the formation of organosulfates from monoterpene precursors and two known tracers for secondary organic aerosol formation from atmospheric oxidation of 1,8-cineole, which indicates that a complex interplay of aqueous-phase and gas-phase oxidation of monoterpenes contributes to new particle formation in the investigated salt lake environment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Catalytic and inhibiting effect of amino acids on the porphyrin metallation reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamardashvili, Galina M.; Zhdanova, Daria Yu.; Mamardashvili, Nugzar Zh.; Koifman, Oskar I.; Dehaen, Wim

In the present work, using the interaction of tetra-(4-sulfophenyl)porphyrin with copper(II) chloride as an example, it has been shown how different amino acid additives (glycine, valine, leucine and tryptophan) catalyze or inhibit the formation of Cu-porphyrin as a function of the chemical environment (borate buffer (pH7.4), DMSO) and the concentration of the additive. It has been demonstrated that the type of amino acid affects the complexation reaction rate. Possible mechanisms of metalloporphyrin formation and the ways of their acceleration are discussed. Ways in which different amino acid additives catalyze or inhibit the interaction of tetra-(4-sulfophenyl)porphyrin with copper(II) chloride are examined.

Parental Understanding of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

PubMed

Samia, Pauline; Donald, Kirsten A; Schlegel, Birgit; Wilmshurst, Jo M

2015-09-01

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder with multisystem involvement that poses significant challenges to the affected child and family. Caregiver knowledge in the South African population has not previously been reported. A prospective study of the parents of 21 children with tuberous sclerosis complex was undertaken. Median parental age was 38 (interquartile range 34.5-45) years. Parents were randomly allocated to receive written information about the condition, or to receive verbal counseling already established in clinic. A significant difference (P = .001) was observed in the change in the mean knowledge scores for the parent group that received written information (34.2 at baseline, 51.7 at the second visit. This impact was higher in parents with an education level of at least grade 8 (P = .003). Parental understanding of tuberous sclerosis complex can be improved by provision of written information and should be routinely available in a readily understandable format. © The Author(s) 2014.

Time-Dependent ATR-FTIR Spectroscopic Studies on Fatty Acid Diffusion and the Formation of Metal Soaps in Oil Paint Model Systems.

PubMed

Baij, Lambert; Hermans, Joen J; Keune, Katrien; Iedema, Piet

2018-06-18

The formation of metal soaps (metal complexes of saturated fatty acids) is a serious problem affecting the appearance and structural integrity of many oil paintings. Tailored model systems for aged oil paint and time-dependent attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study the diffusion of palmitic acid and subsequent metal soap crystallization. The simultaneous presence of free saturated fatty acids and polymer-bound metal carboxylates leads to rapid metal soap crystallization, following a complex mechanism that involves both acid and metal diffusion. Solvent flow, water, and pigments all enhance metal soap crystallization in the model systems. These results contribute to the development of paint cleaning strategies, a better understanding of oil paint degradation, and highlight the potential of time-dependent ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for studying dynamic processes in polymer films. © 2018 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Molecular cloning and expression of a gene for a factor which stabilizes formation of inhibitor-mitochondrial ATPase complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Akashi, A; Yoshida, Y; Nakagoshi, H; Kuroki, K; Hashimoto, T; Tagawa, K; Imamoto, F

1988-10-01

Stabilizing factor, a 9 kDa protein, stabilizes and facilitates formation of the complex between mitochondrial ATP synthase and its intrinsic inhibitor protein. A clone containing the gene encoding the 9 kDa protein was selected from a yeast genomic library to determine the structure of its precursor protein. As deduced from the nucleotide sequence, the precursor of the yeast 9 kDa stabilizing factor contains 86 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 10,062. From the predicted sequence we infer that the stabilizing factor precursor contains a presequence of 23 amino acid residues at its amino terminus. We also used S1 mapping to determine the initiation site of transcription under glucose-repressed or derepressed conditions. These experiments suggest that transcription of this gene starts at three different sites and that only one of them is not affected by the presence of glucose.

Backbone conformation affects duplex initiation and duplex propagation in hybridisation of synthetic H-bonding oligomers.

PubMed

Iadevaia, Giulia; Núñez-Villanueva, Diego; Stross, Alexander E; Hunter, Christopher A

2018-06-06

Synthetic oligomers equipped with complementary H-bond donor and acceptor side chains form multiply H-bonded duplexes in organic solvents. Comparison of the duplex forming properties of four families of oligomers with different backbones shows that formation of an extended duplex with three or four inter-strand H-bonds is more challenging than formation of complexes that make only two H-bonds. The stabilities of 1 : 1 complexes formed between length complementary homo-oligomers equipped with either phosphine oxide or phenol recognition modules were measured in toluene. When the backbone is very flexible (pentane-1,5-diyl thioether), the stability increases uniformly by an order of magnitude for each additional base-pair added to the duplex: the effective molarities for formation of the first intramolecular H-bond (duplex initiation) and subsequent intramolecular H-bonds (duplex propagation) are similar. This flexible system is compared with three more rigid backbones that are isomeric combinations of an aromatic ring and methylene groups. One of the rigid systems behaves in exactly the same way as the flexible backbone, but the other two do not. For these systems, the effective molarity for formation of the first intramolecular H-bond is the same as that found for the other two backbones, but additional H-bonds are not formed between the longer oligomers. The effective molarities are too low for duplex propagation in these systems, because the oligomer backbones cannot adopt conformations compatible with formation of an extended duplex.

Project Final Report: Linking Plant Stress, Biogenic SOA, and CCN Production - A New Feedback in the Climate System?

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

VanReken, Timothy; Balasingam, Muhunthan

2017-05-01

This project worked toward understanding the role of variable biogenic emissions in the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), and in turn the potential for this aerosol to affect cloud droplet formation. It was premised on the idea that a changing climate could impose biogenic and abiogenic stresses on plants that would affect the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The transformation of these VOCs to SOA and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) implied the possibility of a feedback mechanism within the biosphere/atmosphere/climate system. The project’s activities centered on laboratory experiments to study the effects of stresses on plants and plant-derivedmore » material under controlled conditions, observing both the VOC emissions and the aerosol that formed from the oxidation of those VOCs. The results highlighted the potentially important contributions of stress and decomposition mechanisms to biogenic SOA formation. Related field measurements elucidated the conditions when these factors could be important in the ambient environment. The project also revealed repeated the complexity of the stress/VOC emission relationship, and the difficulty in expressing these relationships in a comprehensive manner.« less

Distinct mutations in yeast TAF(II)25 differentially affect the composition of TFIID and SAGA complexes as well as global gene expression patterns.

PubMed

Kirschner, Doris B; vom Baur, Elmar; Thibault, Christelle; Sanders, Steven L; Gangloff, Yann-Gaël; Davidson, Irwin; Weil, P Anthony; Tora, Làszlò

2002-05-01

The RNA polymerase II transcription factor TFIID, composed of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and TBP-associated factors (TAF(II)s), nucleates preinitiation complex formation at protein-coding gene promoters. SAGA, a second TAF(II)-containing multiprotein complex, is involved in transcription regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of the essential protein components common to SAGA and TFIID is yTAF(II)25. We define a minimal evolutionarily conserved 91-amino-acid region of TAF(II)25 containing a histone fold domain that is necessary and sufficient for growth in vivo. Different temperature-sensitive mutations of yTAF(II)25 or chimeras with the human homologue TAF(II)30 arrested cell growth at either the G(1) or G(2)/M cell cycle phase and displayed distinct phenotypic changes and gene expression patterns. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed that TAF(II)25 mutation-dependent gene expression and phenotypic changes correlated at least partially with the integrity of SAGA and TFIID. Genome-wide expression analysis revealed that the five TAF(II)25 temperature-sensitive mutant alleles individually affect the expression of between 18 and 33% of genes, whereas taken together they affect 64% of all class II genes. Thus, different yTAF(II)25 mutations induce distinct phenotypes and affect the regulation of different subsets of genes, demonstrating that no individual TAF(II) mutant allele reflects the full range of its normal functions.

Influenza A Virus Host Shutoff Disables Antiviral Stress-Induced Translation Arrest

PubMed Central

Khaperskyy, Denys A.; Emara, Mohamed M.; Johnston, Benjamin P.; Anderson, Paul; Hatchette, Todd F.; McCormick, Craig

2014-01-01

Influenza A virus (IAV) polymerase complexes function in the nucleus of infected cells, generating mRNAs that bear 5′ caps and poly(A) tails, and which are exported to the cytoplasm and translated by host machinery. Host antiviral defences include mechanisms that detect the stress of virus infection and arrest cap-dependent mRNA translation, which normally results in the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates of translationally stalled mRNA-protein complexes known as stress granules (SGs). It remains unclear how IAV ensures preferential translation of viral gene products while evading stress-induced translation arrest. Here, we demonstrate that at early stages of infection both viral and host mRNAs are sensitive to drug-induced translation arrest and SG formation. By contrast, at later stages of infection, IAV becomes partially resistant to stress-induced translation arrest, thereby maintaining ongoing translation of viral gene products. To this end, the virus deploys multiple proteins that block stress-induced SG formation: 1) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) inactivates the antiviral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated kinase PKR, thereby preventing eIF2α phosphorylation and SG formation; 2) nucleoprotein (NP) inhibits SG formation without affecting eIF2α phosphorylation; 3) host-shutoff protein polymerase-acidic protein-X (PA-X) strongly inhibits SG formation concomitant with dramatic depletion of cytoplasmic poly(A) RNA and nuclear accumulation of poly(A)-binding protein. Recombinant viruses with disrupted PA-X host shutoff function fail to effectively inhibit stress-induced SG formation. The existence of three distinct mechanisms of IAV-mediated SG blockade reveals the magnitude of the threat of stress-induced translation arrest during viral replication. PMID:25010204

Developing bones are differentially affected by compromised skeletal muscle formation

PubMed Central

Nowlan, Niamh C.; Bourdon, Céline; Dumas, Gérard; Tajbakhsh, Shahragim; Prendergast, Patrick J.; Murphy, Paula

2010-01-01

Mechanical forces are essential for normal adult bone function and repair, but the impact of prenatal muscle contractions on bone development remains to be explored in depth in mammalian model systems. In this study, we analyze skeletogenesis in two ‘muscleless’ mouse mutant models in which the formation of skeletal muscle development is disrupted; Myf5nlacZ/nlacZ:MyoD−/− and Pax3Sp/Sp (Splotch). Ossification centers were found to be differentially affected in the muscleless limbs, with significant decreases in bone formation in the scapula, humerus, ulna and femur, but not in the tibia. In the scapula and humerus, the morphologies of ossification centers were abnormal in muscleless limbs. Histology of the humerus revealed a decreased extent of the hypertrophic zone in mutant limbs but no change in the shape of this region. The elbow joint was also found to be clearly affected with a dramatic reduction in the joint line, while no abnormalities were evident in the knee. The humeral deltoid tuberosity was significantly reduced in size in the Myf5nlacZ/nlacZ:MyoD−/− mutants while a change in shape but not in size was found in the humeral tuberosities of the Pax3Sp/Sp mutants. We also examined skeletal development in a ‘reduced muscle’ model, the Myf5nlacZ/+:MyoD−/− mutant, in which skeletal muscle forms but with reduced muscle mass. The reduced muscle phenotype appeared to have an intermediate effect on skeletal development, with reduced bone formation in the scapula and humerus compared to controls, but not in other rudiments. In summary, we have demonstrated that skeletal development is differentially affected by the lack of skeletal muscle, with certain rudiments and joints being more severely affected than others. These findings indicate that the response of skeletal progenitor cells to biophysical stimuli may depend upon their location in the embryonic limb, implying a complex interaction between mechanical forces and location-specific regulatory factors affecting bone and joint development. PMID:19948261

The concept of bio-corona in modulating the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials (ENM)

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

Westmeier, Dana; Stauber, Roland H.; Docter, Dominic, E-mail: docter@uni-mainz.de

Besides the wide use of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) in technical products, their application spectrum in biotechnology and biomedicine is steadily increasing. In complex physiological environments the physico-chemical properties and the behavior of nanoparticles (NPs) are challenging to characterize. Biomolecules rapidly adsorb to the nanomaterial, leading to the formation of the protein/biomolecule corona, which critically affects the nanomaterials' (patho)biological and technical identities. This formation can trigger an immune response and affect nanoparticles' toxicity and targeting capabilities. In this review, we provide a survey of recent findings on the (protein)corona-nanoparticle interaction and discuss how the corona modulates both cytotoxicity and the immunemore » response as well as to improve the efficacy of targeted delivery of nanocarriers. - Highlights: • “Nanotoxicology” has emerged an autonomous field with an explosive growth. • Nanomaterials adsorb (bio)molecules forming the so-called (bio)molecule corona. • (Fine-)tune of the corona composition could enable new possibilities in nanomedicine.« less

Relationship between crystallographic structure of the Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}/MnS complex inclusion and microstructure in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in steel processed by oxide metallurgy route and impact toughness

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

Xiong, Zhihui; Liu, Shilong; Wang, Xuemin, E-mail: wxm@mater.ustb.edu.cn

2015-08-15

A new method based on electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) is proposed to determine the structure of titanium oxide/MnS complex inclusion which induced the formation of intragranular acicular ferrite (IAF) in heat-affected zone (HAZ) in steel processed by oxide metallurgy route. It was found that the complex inclusion was Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}/MnS, the orientation relationship between Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3} and MnS was also examined, and the crystallographic orientation relationship among IAF, Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}/MnS complex inclusion, austenite, bainite formed at lower temperature is researched systematically. It was observed that MnS precipitated on Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3} at specific habit plane andmore » direction and MnS had a specific orientation relationship ((0001) Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}//(111) MnS), <10–10> Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}//<110> MnS) with respect to Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Intragranular acicular ferrite (IAF) nucleated on MnS part of the Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}/MnS complex inclusion had no specific orientation relationship with MnS. IAF and the surrounding bainite had different Bain groups, so that there was an increase in high angle boundaries, which was beneficial for the toughness of HAZ. - Highlights: • The inclusion of TiO{sub x}/MnS that induced IAF formation is identified to be Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}/MnS. • The inclusion is identified based on electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD). • MnS and Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3} had specific orientation relationship of Ti{sub 2}O{sub 3}/MnS complex inclusion. • The IAFs formed on the same inclusion tend to be in one Bain group. • IAF and the surrounding bainite tend to be in different Bain groups.« less

A model of the complex between human {beta}-microseminoprotein and CRISP-3 based on NMR data

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

Ghasriani, Houman; Fernlund, Per; Udby, Lene

2009-01-09

{beta}-Microseminoprotein (MSP), a 10 kDa seminal plasma protein, forms a tight complex with cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP-3) from granulocytes. The 3D structure of human MSP has been determined but there is as yet no 3D structure for CRISP-3. We have now studied the complex between human MSP and CRISP-3 with multidimensional NMR. {sup 15}N-HSQC spectra show substantial differences between free and complexed hMSP. Using several 3D-NMR spectra of triply labeled hMSP in complex with a recombinant N-terminal domain of CRISP-3, most of the backbone of hMSP could be assigned. The data show that only one side of hMSP, comprisingmore » {beta}-strands 1, 4, 5, and 8 are affected by the complex formation, indicating that {beta}-strands 1 and 8 form the main binding surface. Based on this we present a tentative structure for the hMSP-CRISP-3 complex using the known crystal structure of triflin as a model of CRISP-3.« less

Characterization of the ternary Usher syndrome SANS/ush2a/whirlin protein complex.

PubMed

Sorusch, Nasrin; Bauß, Katharina; Plutniok, Janet; Samanta, Ananya; Knapp, Barbara; Nagel-Wolfrum, Kerstin; Wolfrum, Uwe

2017-03-15

The Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of inherited deaf-blindness, accompanied by vestibular dysfunction. Due to the heterogeneous manifestation of the clinical symptoms, three USH types (USH1-3) and additional atypical forms are distinguished. USH1 and USH2 proteins have been shown to function together in multiprotein networks in photoreceptor cells and hair cells. Mutations in USH proteins are considered to disrupt distinct USH protein networks and finally lead to the development of USH.To get novel insights into the molecular pathomechanisms underlying USH, we further characterize the periciliary USH protein network in photoreceptor cells. We show the direct interaction between the scaffold protein SANS (USH1G) and the transmembrane adhesion protein ush2a and that both assemble into a ternary USH1/USH2 complex together with the PDZ-domain protein whirlin (USH2D) via mutual interactions. Immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assays demonstrate co-localization of complex partners and complex formation, respectively, in the periciliary region, the inner segment and at the synapses of rodent and human photoreceptor cells. Protein-protein interaction assays and co-expression of complex partners reveal that pathogenic mutations in USH1G severely affect formation of the SANS/ush2a/whirlin complex. Translational read-through drug treatment, targeting the c.728C > A (p.S243X) nonsense mutation, restored SANS scaffold function. We conclude that USH1 and USH2 proteins function together in higher order protein complexes. The maintenance of USH1/USH2 protein complexes depends on multiple USH1/USH2 protein interactions, which are disrupted by pathogenic mutations in USH1G protein SANS. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Time-dependent density functional theory study of the luminescence properties of gold phosphine thiolate complexes.

PubMed

Guidez, Emilie B; Aikens, Christine M

2015-04-09

The origin of the emission of the gold phosphine thiolate complex (TPA)AuSCH(CH3)2 (TPA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantanetriylphosphine) is investigated using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). This system absorbs light at 3.6 eV, which corresponds mostly to a ligand-to-metal transition with some interligand character. The P-Au-S angle decreases upon relaxation in the S1 and T1 states. Our calculations show that these two states are strongly spin-orbit coupled at the ground state geometry. Ligand effects on the optical properties of this complex are also discussed by looking at the simple AuP(CH3)3SCH3 complex. The excitation energies differ by several tenths of an electronvolt. Excited state optimizations show that the excited singlet and triplet of the (TPA)AuSCH(CH3)2 complex are bent. On the other hand, the Au-S bond breaks in the excited state for the simple complex, and TDDFT is no longer an adequate method. The excited state energy landscape of gold phosphine thiolate systems is very complex, with several state crossings. This study also shows that the formation of the [(TPA)AuSCH(CH3)2]2 dimer is favorable in the ground state. The inclusion of dispersion interactions in the calculations affects the optimized geometries of both ground and excited states. Upon excitation, the formation of a Au-Au bond occurs, which results in an increase in energy of the low energy excited states in comparison to the monomer. The experimentally observed emission of the (TPA)AuSCH(CH3)2 complex at 1.86 eV cannot be unambiguously assigned and may originate from several excited states.

A model complex of a possible intermediate in the mechanism of action of peptide deformylase: first example of an (N2S)zinc(II)-formate complex.

PubMed

Chang, S C; Sommer, R D; Rheingold, A L; Goldberg, D P

2001-11-21

The synthesis and crystallographic characterization of a new (N2S)zinc-alkyl complex and (N2S)zinc-formate complex is described; the bonding mode of the formate complex has implications for the mechanism of action of the enzyme peptide deformylase.

A Chaperone Complex Formed by HSP47, FKBP65 and BiP Modulates Telopeptide Lysyl Hydroxylation of Type I Procollagen

PubMed Central

Duran, Ivan; Martin, Jorge H.; Weis, Mary Ann; Krejci, Pavel; Konik, Peter; Li, Bing; Alanay, Yasemin; Lietman, Caressa; Lee, Brendan; Eyre, David; Cohn, Daniel H.; Krakow, Deborah

2017-01-01

Lysine hydroxylation of type I collagen telopeptides varies from tissue to tissue and these distinct hydroxylation patterns modulate collagen crosslinking to generate a unique extracellular matrix. Abnormalities in these patterns contribute to pathologies that include osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), fibrosis and cancer. Telopeptide procollagen modifications are carried out by lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2), however, little is known regarding how this enzyme regulates hydroxylation patterns. We identified an ER complex of resident chaperones that includes HSP47, FKBP65 and BiP regulating the activity of LH2. Our findings show that FKBP65 and HSP47 modulate the activity of LH2 to either favor or repress its activity. BiP was also identified as a member of the complex, playing a role in enhancing the formation of the complex. This newly identified ER chaperone complex contributes to our understanding of how LH2 regulates lysyl hydroxylation of type I collagen C-telopeptides to affect the quality of connective tissues. PMID:28177155

REE speciation in low-temperature acidic waters and the competitive effects of aluminum

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gimeno, Serrano M.J.; Auque, Sanz L.F.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk

2000-01-01

The effect of simultaneous competitive speciation of dissolved rare earth elements (REEs) in acidic waters (pH 3.3 to 5.2) has been evaluated by applying the PHREEQE code to the speciation of water analyses from Spain, Brazil, USA, and Canada. The main ions that might affect REE are Al3+, F-, SO42-, and PO43-. Fluoride, normally a significant complexer of REEs, is strongly associated with Al3+ in acid waters and consequently has little influence on REEs. The inclusion of aluminum concentrations in speciation calculations for acidic waters is essential for reliable speciation of REEs. Phosphate concentrations are too low (10-4 to 10-7 m) to affect REE speciation. Consequently, SO42- is the only important complexing ligand for REEs under these conditions. According to Millero [Millero, F.J., 1992. Stability constants for the formation of rare earth inorganic complexes as a function of ionic strength. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 56, 3123-3132], the lanthanide sulfate stability constants are nearly constant with increasing atomic number so that no REE fractionation would be anticipated from aqueous complexation in acidic waters. Hence, REE enrichments or depletions must arise from mass transfer reactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Emotion, Affect, and Risk Communication with Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities

PubMed Central

Finucane, Melissa L.

2008-01-01

Recent research suggests that emotion, affect, and cognition play important roles in risk perception and that their roles in judgment and decision-making processes may change over the lifespan. This paper discusses how emotion and affect might help or hinder risk communication with older adults. Currently, there are few guidelines for developing effective risk messages for the world’s aging population, despite the array of complex risk decisions that come with increasing age and the importance of maintaining good decision making in later life. Age-related declines in cognitive abilities such as memory and processing speed, increased reliance on automatic processes, and adaptive motivational shifts toward focusing more on affective (especially positive) information mean that older and younger adults may respond differently to risk messages. Implications for specific risk information formats (probabilities, frequencies, visual displays, and narratives) are discussed and directions for future research are highlighted. PMID:19169420

Dnmts and Tet target memory-associated genes after appetitive olfactory training in honey bees

PubMed Central

Biergans, Stephanie D.; Giovanni Galizia, C.; Reinhard, Judith; Claudianos, Charles

2015-01-01

DNA methylation and demethylation are epigenetic mechanisms involved in memory formation. In honey bees DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) function is necessary for long-term memory to be stimulus specific (i.e. to reduce generalization). So far, however, it remains elusive which genes are targeted and what the time-course of DNA methylation is during memory formation. Here, we analyse how DNA methylation affects memory retention, gene expression, and differential methylation in stimulus-specific olfactory long-term memory formation. Out of 30 memory-associated genes investigated here, 9 were upregulated following Dnmt inhibition in trained bees. These included Dnmt3 suggesting a negative feedback loop for DNA methylation. Within these genes also the DNA methylation pattern changed during the first 24 hours after training. Interestingly, this was accompanied by sequential activation of the DNA methylation machinery (i.e. Dnmts and Tet). In sum, memory formation involves a temporally complex epigenetic regulation of memory-associated genes that facilitates stimulus specific long-term memory in the honey bee. PMID:26531238

Temperature Effects on Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) from the Dark Ozonolysis and Photo-Oxidation of Isoprene.

PubMed

Clark, Christopher H; Kacarab, Mary; Nakao, Shunsuke; Asa-Awuku, Akua; Sato, Kei; Cocker, David R

2016-06-07

Isoprene is globally the most ubiquitous nonmethane hydrocarbon. The biogenic emission is found in abundance and has a propensity for SOA formation in diverse climates. It is important to characterize isoprene SOA formation with varying reaction temperature. In this work, the effect of temperature on SOA formation, physical properties, and chemical nature is probed. Three experimental systems are probed for temperature effects on SOA formation from isoprene, NO + H2O2 photo-oxidation, H2O2 only photo-oxidation, and dark ozonolysis. These experiments show that isoprene readily forms SOA in unseeded chamber experiments, even during dark ozonolysis, and also reveal that temperature affects SOA yield, volatility, and density formed from isoprene. As temperature increases SOA yield is shown to generally decrease, particle density is shown to be stable (or increase slightly), and formed SOA is shown to be less volatile. Chemical characterization is shown to have a complex trend with both temperature and oxidant, but extensive chemical speciation are provided.

Brief ultrasonication improves detection of biofilm-formative bacteria around a metal implant.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Naomi; Bauer, Thomas W; Tuohy, Marion J; Fujishiro, Takaaki; Procop, Gary W

2007-04-01

Biofilms are complex microenvironments produced by microorganisms on surfaces. Ultrasonication disrupts biofilms and may make the microorganism or its DNA available for detection. We determined whether ultrasonication could affect our ability to detect bacteria adherent to a metal substrate. A biofilm-formative Staphylococcus aureus strain was used for an in vitro implant infection model (biofilm-formative condition). We used quantitative culture and real time-polymerase chain reaction to determine the influence of different durations of ultrasound on bacterial adherence and viability. Sonication for 1 minute increased the yield of bacteria. Sonication longer than 5 minutes led to fewer bacterial colonies by conventional culture but not by polymerase chain reaction. This suggests short periods of sonication help release bacteria from the metal substrate by disrupting the biofilm, but longer periods of sonication lyse bacteria prohibiting their detection in microbiologic cultures. A relatively short duration of sonication may be desirable for maximizing detection of biofilm-formative bacteria around implants by culture or polymerase chain reaction.

Formation of the acrosome complex in the bush cricket Gampsocleis gratiosa (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae).

PubMed

Su, Cai Xia; Chen, Jie; Shi, Fu Ming; Guo, Ming Shen; Chang, Yan Lin

2017-07-01

The acrosome complex plays an indispensable role in the normal function of mature spermatozoa. However, the dynamic process of acrosome complex formation in insect remains poorly understood. Gampsocleis gratiosa Brunner von Wattenwyl possesses the typical characteristic of insect sperms, which is tractable in terms of size, and therefore was selected for the acrosome formation study in this report. The results show that acrosome formation can be divided into six phases: round, rotating, rhombic, cylindrical, transforming and mature phase, based on the morphological dynamics of acrosome complex and nucleus. In addition, the cytoskeleton plays a critical role in the process of acrosome formation. The results from this study indicate that: (1) glycoprotein is the major component of the acrosome proper; (2) the microfilament is one element of the acrosome complex, and may mediate the morphologic change of the acrosome complex; (3) the microtubules might also shape the nucleus and acrosome complex during the acrosome formation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Starburst in the Core of a Galaxy Cluster: the Dwarf Irregular NGC 1427A in Fornax

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mora, Marcelo D.; Chanamé, Julio; Puzia, Thomas H.

2015-09-01

Gas-rich galaxies in dense environments such as galaxy clusters and massive groups are affected by a number of possible types of interactions with the cluster environment, which make their evolution radically different than that of field galaxies. The dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 1427A, presently infalling toward the core of the Fornax galaxy cluster for the first time, offers a unique opportunity to study those processes at a level of detail not possible to achieve for galaxies at higher redshifts, when galaxy-scale interactions were more common. Using the spatial resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys and auxiliary Very Large Telescope/FORS1 ground-based observations, we study the properties of the most recent episodes of star formation in this gas-rich galaxy, the only one of its type near the core of the Fornax cluster. We study the structural and photometric properties of young star cluster complexes in NGC 1427A, identifying 12 bright such complexes with exceptionally blue colors. The comparison of our broadband near-UV/optical photometry with simple stellar population models yields ages below ˜ 4× {10}6 years and stellar masses from a few 1000 up to ˜ 3× {10}4{M}⊙ , slightly dependent on the assumption of cluster metallicity and initial mass function. Their grouping is consistent with hierarchical and fractal star cluster formation. We use deep Hα imaging data to determine the current star formation rate in NGC 1427A and estimate the ratio, Γ, of star formation occurring in these star cluster complexes to that in the entire galaxy. We find Γ to be among the largest such values available in the literature, consistent with starburst galaxies. Thus a large fraction of the current star formation in NGC 1427A is occurring in star clusters, with the peculiar spatial arrangement of such complexes strongly hinting at the possibility that the starburst is being triggered by the passage of the galaxy through the cluster environment. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under programme ID 70.B-0695.

An analysis of packaging formats for complex digtal objects: review of principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekaert, Jeroen L.; Hochstenbach, Patrick; De Kooning, Emiel; Van de Walle, Rik

2003-11-01

During recent years, the number of organizations making digital information available has massively increased. This evolution encouraged the development of standards for packaging and encoding digital representations of complex objects (such as a digital music albums or digitized books and photograph albums). The primary goal of this article is to offer a method to compare these packaging standards and best practices tailored to the needs of the digital library community and the rising digital preservation programs. The contribution of this paper is the definition of an integrated reference model, based on both the OAIS framework and some additional significant properties that affect the quality, usability, encoding and behavior of the digital objects.

Acacia gum as modifier of thermal stability, solubility and emulsifying properties of α-lactalbumin.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Fabíola Cristina; Dos Reis Coimbra, Jane Sélia; de Oliveira, Eduardo Basílio; Rodrigues, Marina Quadrio Raposo Branco; Sabioni, Rachel Campos; de Souza, Bartolomeu Warlene Silva; Santos, Igor José Boggione

2015-03-30

Protein-polysaccharide conjugates often display improved techno-functional properties when compared to their individual involved biomolecules. α-Lactalbumin:acacia gum (α-la:AG) conjugates were prepared via Maillard reaction by the dry-heating method. Conjugate formation was confirmed using results of absorbance, o-phthalaldehyde test, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and size exclusion chromatography. Techno-functional properties (emulsifying characteristics, solubility, and thermal stability) were evaluated for α-la, α-la/AG mixtures and α-la:AG conjugates. Conjugate thermal stability was improved compared to pure α-la treated at the same conditions of conjugate formation. Response surface methodology was used to establish models to predict solubility and emulsifying activity as functions of the salt concentration, pH and reaction time. α-la:AG conjugate solubility is affected in a complex manner by the three factors analyzed. Emulsifying activity index (EAI) of α-la is significantly affected by pH, while the α-la:AG EAI is affected by the three analyzed factors. Both solubility and EAI are maximized with pH 8.0, NaCl concentration of 0.3 mol L(-1) and two days of Maillard reaction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuromechanical factors involved in the formation and propulsion of fecal pellets in the guinea-pig colon.

PubMed

Costa, M; Wiklendt, L; Simpson, P; Spencer, N J; Brookes, S J; Dinning, P G

2015-10-01

The neuromechanical processes involved in the formation and propulsion of fecal pellets remain incompletely understood. We analyzed motor patterns in isolated segments of the guinea-pig proximal and distal colon, using video imaging, during oral infusion of liquid, viscous material, or solid pellets. Colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in the proximal colon divided liquid or natural semisolid contents into elongated shallow boluses. At the colonic flexure these boluses were formed into shorter, pellet-shaped boluses. In the non-distended distal colon, spontaneous CMMCs produced small dilations. Both high- and low-viscosity infusions evoked a distinct motor pattern that produced pellet-shaped boluses. These were propelled at speeds proportional to their surface area. Solid pellets were propelled at a speed that increased with diameter, to a maximum that matched the diameter of natural pellets. Pellet speed was reduced by increasing resistive load. Tetrodotoxin blocked all propulsion. Hexamethonium blocked normal motor patterns, leaving irregular propagating contractions, indicating the existence of neural pathways that did not require nicotinic transmission. Colonic migrating motor complexes are responsible for the slow propulsion of the soft fecal content in the proximal colon, while the formation of pellets at the colonic flexure involves a content-dependent mechanism in combination with content-independent spontaneous CMMCs. Bolus size and consistency affects propulsion speed suggesting that propulsion is not a simple reflex but rather a more complex process involving an adaptable neuromechanical loop. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Multi-stage origin of the Coast Range ophiolite, California: Implications for the life cycle of supra-subduction zone ophiolites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shervais, J.W.; Kimbrough, D.L.; Renne, P.; Hanan, B.B.; Murchey, B.; Snow, C.A.; Zoglman, Schuman M.M.; Beaman, J.

2004-01-01

The Coast Range ophiolite of California is one of the most extensive ophiolite terranes in North America, extending over 700 km from the northernmost Sacramento Valley to the southern Transverse Ranges in central California. This ophiolite, and other ophiolite remnants with similar mid-Jurassic ages, represent a major but short-lived episode of oceanic crust formation that affected much of western North America. The history of this ophiolite is important for models of the tectonic evolution of western North America during the Mesozoic, and a range of conflicting interpretations have arisen. Current petrologic, geochemical, stratigraphic, and radiometric age data all favor the interpretation that the Coast Range ophiolite formed to a large extent by rapid extension in the forearc region of a nascent subduction zone. Closer inspection of these data, however, along with detailed studies of field relationships at several locales, show that formation of the ophiolite was more complex, and requires several stages of formation. Our work shows that exposures of the Coast Range ophiolite preserve evidence for four stages of magmatic development. The first three stages represent formation of the ophiolite above a nascent subduction zone. Rocks associated with the first stage include ophiolite layered gabbros, a sheeted complex, and volcanic rocks vith arc tholeiitic or (roore rarely) low-K calc-alkaline affinities. The second stage is characterized by intrusive wehrlite-clinopyroxenite complexes, intrusive gabbros, Cr-rich diorites, and volcanic rocks with high-Ca boninitic or tholeiitic ankaramite affinities. The third stage includes diorite and quartz diorite plutons, felsic dike and sill complexes, and calc-alkaline volcanic rocks. The first three stages of ophiolite formation were terminated by the intrusion of mid-ocean ridge basalt dikes, and the eruption of mid-ocean ridge basalt or ocean-island basalt volcanic suites. We interpret this final magmatic event (MORB dikes) to represent the collision of an active spreading ridge. Subsequent reorganization of relative plate motions led to sinistral transpression, along with renewed subduction and accretion of the Franciscan Complex. The latter event resulted in uplift and exhumation of the ophiolite by the process of accretionary uplift. ?? 2004 by V. H. Winston and Son, Inc. All rights reserved.

Motivational valence alters memory formation without altering exploration of a real-life spatial environment.

PubMed

Chiew, Kimberly S; Hashemi, Jordan; Gans, Lee K; Lerebours, Laura; Clement, Nathaniel J; Vu, Mai-Anh T; Sapiro, Guillermo; Heller, Nicole E; Adcock, R Alison

2018-01-01

Volitional exploration and learning are key to adaptive behavior, yet their characterization remains a complex problem for cognitive science. Exploration has been posited as a mechanism by which motivation promotes memory, but this relationship is not well-understood, in part because novel stimuli that motivate exploration also reliably elicit changes in neuromodulatory brain systems that directly alter memory formation, via effects on neural plasticity. To deconfound interrelationships between motivation, exploration, and memory formation we manipulated motivational state prior to entering a spatial context, measured exploratory responses to the context and novel stimuli within it, and then examined motivation and exploration as predictors of memory outcomes. To elicit spontaneous exploration, we used the physical space of an art exhibit with affectively rich content; we expected motivated exploration and memory to reflect multiple factors, including not only motivational valence, but also individual differences. Motivation was manipulated via an introductory statement framing exhibit themes in terms of Promotion- or Prevention-oriented goals. Participants explored the exhibit while being tracked by video. They returned 24 hours later for recall and spatial memory tests, followed by measures of motivation, personality, and relevant attitude variables. Promotion and Prevention condition participants did not differ in terms of group-level exploration time or memory metrics, suggesting similar motivation to explore under both framing contexts. However, exploratory behavior and memory outcomes were significantly more closely related under Promotion than Prevention, indicating that Prevention framing disrupted expected depth-of-encoding effects. Additionally, while trait measures predicted exploration similarly across framing conditions, traits interacted with motivational framing context and facial affect to predict memory outcomes. This novel characterization of motivated learning implies that dissociable behavioral and biological mechanisms, here varying as a function of valence, contribute to memory outcomes in complex, real-life environments.

Motivational valence alters memory formation without altering exploration of a real-life spatial environment

PubMed Central

Hashemi, Jordan; Gans, Lee K.; Lerebours, Laura; Clement, Nathaniel J.; Vu, Mai-Anh T.; Sapiro, Guillermo; Heller, Nicole E.; Adcock, R. Alison

2018-01-01

Volitional exploration and learning are key to adaptive behavior, yet their characterization remains a complex problem for cognitive science. Exploration has been posited as a mechanism by which motivation promotes memory, but this relationship is not well-understood, in part because novel stimuli that motivate exploration also reliably elicit changes in neuromodulatory brain systems that directly alter memory formation, via effects on neural plasticity. To deconfound interrelationships between motivation, exploration, and memory formation we manipulated motivational state prior to entering a spatial context, measured exploratory responses to the context and novel stimuli within it, and then examined motivation and exploration as predictors of memory outcomes. To elicit spontaneous exploration, we used the physical space of an art exhibit with affectively rich content; we expected motivated exploration and memory to reflect multiple factors, including not only motivational valence, but also individual differences. Motivation was manipulated via an introductory statement framing exhibit themes in terms of Promotion- or Prevention-oriented goals. Participants explored the exhibit while being tracked by video. They returned 24 hours later for recall and spatial memory tests, followed by measures of motivation, personality, and relevant attitude variables. Promotion and Prevention condition participants did not differ in terms of group-level exploration time or memory metrics, suggesting similar motivation to explore under both framing contexts. However, exploratory behavior and memory outcomes were significantly more closely related under Promotion than Prevention, indicating that Prevention framing disrupted expected depth-of-encoding effects. Additionally, while trait measures predicted exploration similarly across framing conditions, traits interacted with motivational framing context and facial affect to predict memory outcomes. This novel characterization of motivated learning implies that dissociable behavioral and biological mechanisms, here varying as a function of valence, contribute to memory outcomes in complex, real-life environments. PMID:29558526

Transcription Profiles Reveal Sugar and Hormone Signaling Pathways Mediating Flower Induction in Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.).

PubMed

Xing, Li-Bo; Zhang, Dong; Li, You-Mei; Shen, Ya-Wen; Zhao, Cai-Ping; Ma, Juan-Juan; An, Na; Han, Ming-Yu

2015-10-01

Flower induction in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is regulated by complex gene networks that involve multiple signal pathways to ensure flower bud formation in the next year, but the molecular determinants of apple flower induction are still unknown. In this research, transcriptomic profiles from differentiating buds allowed us to identify genes potentially involved in signaling pathways that mediate the regulatory mechanisms of flower induction. A hypothetical model for this regulatory mechanism was obtained by analysis of the available transcriptomic data, suggesting that sugar-, hormone- and flowering-related genes, as well as those involved in cell-cycle induction, participated in the apple flower induction process. Sugar levels and metabolism-related gene expression profiles revealed that sucrose is the initiation signal in flower induction. Complex hormone regulatory networks involved in cytokinin (CK), abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid pathways also induce apple flower formation. CK plays a key role in the regulation of cell formation and differentiation, and in affecting flowering-related gene expression levels during these processes. Meanwhile, ABA levels and ABA-related gene expression levels gradually increased, as did those of sugar metabolism-related genes, in developing buds, indicating that ABA signals regulate apple flower induction by participating in the sugar-mediated flowering pathway. Furthermore, changes in sugar and starch deposition levels in buds can be affected by ABA content and the expression of the genes involved in the ABA signaling pathway. Thus, multiple pathways, which are mainly mediated by crosstalk between sugar and hormone signals, regulate the molecular network involved in bud growth and flower induction in apple trees. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists.

The significance of ACTH for the process of formation of complex heparin compounds in the blood during immobilization stress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kudryashov, B. A.; Shapiro, F. B.; Lomovskaya, F. B.; Lyapina, L. A.

1979-01-01

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) was administered to rats at different times following adrenalectomy. Adrenocorticotropin caused a significant increase in the formation of heparin complexes even in the absence of stress factor. When ACTH secretion is blocked, immobilization stress is not accompanied by an increase in the process of complex formation. The effect of ACTH on the formation of heparin complexes was mediated through its stimulation of the adrenal cortex.

Galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides are assumed to affect tracheary element formation via interaction with auxin in Zinnia xylogenic cell culture.

PubMed

Kákošová, Anna; Digonnet, Catherine; Goffner, Deborah; Lišková, Desana

2013-04-01

Galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides seem to interact with auxin in xylogenic cell culture, thus influencing mainly metaxylem-like tracheary element differentiation depending on timing with hormones and the process kinetics. Complex mapping of Zinnia mesophyll cell transdifferentiation into tracheary elements with or without prior cell division was documented after palisade and spongy parenchyma cell immobilization during the first 4 days of culture. Here, we report a positive effect of galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides on cell viability and density and higher metaxylem-like tracheary element formation in xylogenic cell culture. The maximal positive effect was achieved by the simultaneous addition of the oligosaccharides and growth hormones (auxin, cytokinin) to the cell culture medium. Moreover, a large number of metaxylem-like tracheary elements were observed in a low-auxin medium supplemented with oligosaccharides, but not in a low-cytokinin medium, suggesting a close relationship between auxin and the oligosaccharides during tracheary element formation.

Effect of Surfaces on Amyloid Fibril Formation

PubMed Central

Moores, Bradley; Drolle, Elizabeth; Attwood, Simon J.; Simons, Janet; Leonenko, Zoya

2011-01-01

Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) we investigated the interaction of amyloid beta (Aβ) (1–42) peptide with chemically modified surfaces in order to better understand the mechanism of amyloid toxicity, which involves interaction of amyloid with cell membrane surfaces. We compared the structure and density of Aβ fibrils on positively and negatively charged as well as hydrophobic chemically-modified surfaces at physiologically relevant conditions. We report that due to the complex distribution of charge and hydrophobicity amyloid oligomers bind to all types of surfaces investigated (CH3, COOH, and NH2) although the charge and hydrophobicity of surfaces affected the structure and size of amyloid deposits as well as surface coverage. Hydrophobic surfaces promote formation of spherical amorphous clusters, while charged surfaces promote protofibril formation. We used the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation (PBE) approach to analyze the electrostatic interactions of amyloid monomers and oligomers with modified surfaces to complement our AFM data. PMID:22016789

The alignment of molecular cloud magnetic fields with the spiral arms in M33.

PubMed

Li, Hua-bai; Henning, Thomas

2011-11-16

The formation of molecular clouds, which serve as stellar nurseries in galaxies, is poorly understood. A class of cloud formation models suggests that a large-scale galactic magnetic field is irrelevant at the scale of individual clouds, because the turbulence and rotation of a cloud may randomize the orientation of its magnetic field. Alternatively, galactic fields could be strong enough to impose their direction upon individual clouds, thereby regulating cloud accumulation and fragmentation, and affecting the rate and efficiency of star formation. Our location in the disk of the Galaxy makes an assessment of the situation difficult. Here we report observations of the magnetic field orientation of six giant molecular cloud complexes in the nearby, almost face-on, galaxy M33. The fields are aligned with the spiral arms, suggesting that the large-scale field in M33 anchors the clouds. ©2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved

Learning and memory: Steroids and epigenetics.

PubMed

Colciago, Alessandra; Casati, Lavinia; Negri-Cesi, Paola; Celotti, Fabio

2015-06-01

Memory formation and utilization is a complex process involving several brain structures in conjunction as the hippocampus, the amygdala and the adjacent cortical areas, usually defined as medial temporal lobe structures (MTL). The memory processes depend on the formation and modulation of synaptic connectivity affecting synaptic strength, synaptic plasticity and synaptic consolidation. The basic neurocognitive mechanisms of learning and memory are shortly recalled in the initial section of this paper. The effect of sex hormones (estrogens, androgens and progesterone) and of adrenocortical steroids on several aspects of memory processes are then analyzed on the basis of animal and human studies. A specific attention has been devoted to the different types of steroid receptors (membrane or nuclear) involved and on local metabolic transformations when required. The review is concluded by a short excursus on the steroid activated epigenetic mechanisms involved in memory formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exposure to nitric oxide increases the nitrosyl-iron complexes content in sorghum embryonic axes.

PubMed

Simontacchi, Marcela; Buet, Agustina; Lamattina, Lorenzo; Puntarulo, Susana

2012-02-01

This work was aimed to investigate nitrosyl-Fe complexes formation by reaction of endogenous ligands and Fe, in sorghum embryonic axes exposed to NO-donors. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was employed to detect the presence of nitrosyl-Fe complexes in plant embryos, as well as changes in labile iron pool (LIP). Nitrosyl-Fe complexes formation was detected in sorghum embryonic axes homogenates incubated in vitro in the presence of 1 mM of NO donors: diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). In axes isolated from seeds incubated in vivo in the presence of 1 mM SNP for 24 h, the content of NO was increased by 2-fold, and the EPR spectrum from mononitrosyl-Fe complexes (MNIC) was observed with a concomitant increase in the fresh weight of sorghum axes. The simultaneous exposure to deferoxamine and the NO donor precluded the increase in fresh weight observed in the presence of excess NO. While total Fe content in the axes isolated from seeds exposed to 1mM SNP was not significantly affected as compared to control axes, the LIP was increased by over 2-fold.The data reported suggest a critical role for the generation of complexes between Fe and NO when cells faced a situation leading to a significant increase in NO content. Moreover, demonstrate the presence of MNICs as one of the important components of the LIP, which could actively participate in Fe cellular mobilization. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic Analysis of Human Chymotrypsin-Like Elastases 3A and 3B (CELA3A and CELA3B) to Assess the Role of Complex Formation between Proelastases and Procarboxypeptidases in Chronic Pancreatitis.

PubMed

Párniczky, Andrea; Hegyi, Eszter; Tóth, Anna Zsófia; Szücs, Ákos; Szentesi, Andrea; Vincze, Áron; Izbéki, Ferenc; Németh, Balázs Csaba; Hegyi, Péter; Sahin-Tóth, Miklós

2016-12-20

Human chymotrypsin-like elastases 3A and 3B (CELA3A and CELA3B) are the products of gene duplication and share 92% identity in their primary structure. CELA3B forms stable complexes with procarboxypeptidases A1 and A2 whereas CELA3A binds poorly due to the evolutionary substitution of Ala241 with Gly in exon 7. Since position 241 is polymorphic both in CELA3A (p.G241A) and CELA3B (p.A241G), genetic analysis can directly assess whether individual variability in complex formation might alter risk for chronic pancreatitis. Here we sequenced exon 7 of CELA3A and CELA3B in a cohort of 225 subjects with chronic pancreatitis (120 alcoholic and 105 non-alcoholic) and 300 controls of Hungarian origin. Allele frequencies were 2.5% for CELA3A p.G241A and 1.5% for CELA3B p.A241G in controls, and no significant difference was observed in patients. Additionally, we identified six synonymous variants, two missense variants, a gene conversion event and ten variants in the flanking intronic regions. Variant c.643-7G>T in CELA3B showed an association with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis with a small protective effect (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.89, p = 0.01). Functional analysis of missense variants revealed no major defects in secretion or activity. We conclude that variants affecting amino-acid position 241 in CELA3A and CELA3B are not associated with chronic pancreatitis, indicating that changes in complex formation between proelastases and procarboxypeptidases do not alter pancreatitis risk.

DNA purification by triplex-affinity capture and affinity capture electrophoresis

DOEpatents

Cantor, Charles R.; Ito, Takashi; Smith, Cassandra L.

1996-01-01

The invention provides a method for purifying or isolating double stranded DNA intact using triple helix formation. The method includes the steps of complexing an oligonucleotide and double stranded DNA to generate a triple helix and immobilization of the triple helix on a solid phase by means of a molecular recognition system such as avidin/biotin. The purified DNA is then recovered intact by treating the solid phase with a reagent that breaks the bonds between the oligonucleotide and the intact double stranded DNA while not affecting the Watson-Crick base pairs of the double helix. The present invention also provides a method for purifying or isolating double stranded DNA intact by complexing the double stranded DNA with a specific binding partner and recovering the complex during electrophoresis by immobilizing it on a solid phase trap imbedded in an electrophoretic gel.

Enantioseparation of mandelic acid derivatives by high performance liquid chromatography with substituted β-cyclodextrin as chiral mobile phase additive and evaluation of inclusion complex formation

PubMed Central

Tong, Shengqiang; Zhang, Hu; Shen, Mangmang

2014-01-01

The enantioseparation of ten mandelic acid derivatives was performed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) or sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) as chiral mobile phase additives, in which inclusion complex formations between cyclodextrins and enantiomers were evaluated. The effects of various factors such as the composition of mobile phase, concentration of cyclodextrins and column temperature on retention and enantioselectivity were studied. The peak resolutions and retention time of the enantiomers were strongly affected by the pH, the organic modifier and the type of β-cyclodextrin in the mobile phase, while the concentration of buffer solution and temperature had a relatively low effect on resolutions. Enantioseparations were successfully achieved on a Shimpack CLC-ODS column (150×4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm). The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.10 mol L-1 of phosphate buffer at pH 2.68 containing 20 mmol L-1 of HP-β-CD or SBE-β-CD. Semi-preparative enantioseparation of about 10 mg of α-cyclohexylmandelic acid and α-cyclopentylmandelic acid were established individually. Cyclodextrin-enantiomer complex stoichiometries as well as binding constants were investigated. Results showed that stoichiomertries for all the inclusion complex of cyclodextrin-enantiomers were 1:1. PMID:24893270

Human I-mfa domain proteins specifically interact with KSHV LANA and affect its regulation of Wnt signaling-dependent transcription

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

Kusano, Shuichi, E-mail: skusano@m2.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp; Eizuru, Yoshito

2010-06-04

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV)-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) protein has been reported to interact with glycogen synthase kinase 3{beta} (GSK-3{beta}) and to negatively regulate its activity, leading to stimulation of GSK-3{beta}-dependent {beta}-catenin degradation. We show here that the I-mfa domain proteins, HIC (human I-mfa domain-containing protein) and I-mfa (inhibitor of MyoD family a), interacted in vivo with LANA through their C-terminal I-mfa domains. This interaction affected the intracellular localization of HIC, inhibited the LANA-dependent transactivation of a {beta}-catenin-regulated reporter construct, and decreased the level of the LANA.GSK-3{beta} complex. These data reveal for the first time that I-mfa domain proteinsmore » interact with LANA and negatively regulate LANA-mediated activation of Wnt signaling-dependent transcription by inhibiting the formation of the LANA.GSK-3{beta} complex.« less

Interactions between tea catechins and casein micelles and their impact on renneting functionality.

PubMed

Haratifar, Sanaz; Corredig, Milena

2014-01-15

Many studies have shown that tea catechins bind to milk proteins. This research focused on the association of tea polyphenols with casein micelles, and the consequences of the interactions on the renneting behaviour of skim milk. It was hypothesized that epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), the main catechin present in green tea, forms complexes with the casein micelles and that the association modifies the processing functionality of casein micelles. The binding of EGCG to casein micelles was quantified using HPLC. The formation of catechin-casein micelles complexes affected the rennet induced gelation of milk, and the effect was concentration dependent. Both the primary as well as the secondary stage of gelation were affected. These experiments clearly identify the need for a better understanding of the effect of tea polyphenols on the processing functionality of casein micelles, before milk products can be used as an appropriate platform for delivery of bioactive compounds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microbial diversity and methanogenic activity of Antrim Shale formation waters from recently fractured wells

PubMed Central

Wuchter, Cornelia; Banning, Erin; Mincer, Tracy J.; Drenzek, Nicholas J.; Coolen, Marco J. L.

2013-01-01

The Antrim Shale in the Michigan Basin is one of the most productive shale gas formations in the U.S., but optimal resource recovery strategies must rely on a thorough understanding of the complex biogeochemical, microbial, and physical interdependencies in this and similar systems. We used Illumina MiSeq 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze the diversity and relative abundance of prokaryotic communities present in Antrim shale formation water of three closely spaced recently fractured gas-producing wells. In addition, the well waters were incubated with a suite of fermentative and methanogenic substrates in an effort to stimulate microbial methane generation. The three wells exhibited substantial differences in their community structure that may arise from their different drilling and fracturing histories. Bacterial sequences greatly outnumbered those of archaea and shared highest similarity to previously described cultures of mesophiles and moderate halophiles within the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and δ- and ε-Proteobacteria. The majority of archaeal sequences shared highest sequence similarity to uncultured euryarchaeotal environmental clones. Some sequences closely related to cultured methylotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens were also present in the initial well water. Incubation with methanol and trimethylamine stimulated methylotrophic methanogens and resulted in the largest increase in methane production in the formation waters, while fermentation triggered by the addition of yeast extract and formate indirectly stimulated hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The addition of sterile powdered shale as a complex natural substrate stimulated the rate of methane production without affecting total methane yields. Depletion of methane indicative of anaerobic methane oxidation (AMO) was observed over the course of incubation with some substrates. This process could constitute a substantial loss of methane in the shale formation. PMID:24367357

Charge-Transfer Complexes and Photochemistry of Ozone with Ferrocene and n-Butylferrocene: A UV-vis Matrix-Isolation Study.

PubMed

Pinelo, Laura F; Kugel, Roger W; Ault, Bruce S

2015-10-15

The reactions of ozone with ferrocene (cp2Fe) and with n-butylferrocene (n-butyl cp2Fe) were studied using matrix isolation, UV-vis spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. The codeposition of cp2Fe with O3 and of n-butyl cp2Fe with O3 into an argon matrix led to the production of 1:1 charge-transfer complexes with absorptions at 765 and 815 nm, respectively. These absorptions contribute to the green matrix color observed upon initial deposition. The charge-transfer complexes underwent photochemical reactions upon irradiation with red light (λ ≥ 600 nm). Theoretical UV-vis spectra of the charge-transfer complexes and photochemical products were calculated using TD-DFT at the B3LYP/6-311G++(d,2p) level of theory. The calculated UV-vis spectra were in good agreement with the experimental results. MO analysis of these long-wavelength transitions showed them to be n→ π* on the ozone subunit in the complex and indicated that the formation of the charge-transfer complex between ozone and cp2Fe or n-butyl cp2Fe affects how readily the π* orbital on O3 is populated when red light (λ ≥ 600 nm) is absorbed. 1:1 complexes of cp2Fe and n-butyl cp2Fe with O2 were also observed experimentally and calculated theoretically. These results support and enhance previous infrared studies of the mechanism of photooxidation of ferrocene by ozone, a reaction that has considerable significance for the formation of iron oxide thin films for a range of applications.

Influence of Countercation Hydration Enthalpies on the Formation of Molecular Complexes: A Thorium–Nitrate Example

DOE PAGES

Jin, Geng Bang; Lin, Jian; Estes, Shanna L.; ...

2017-11-17

Here, the influence of countercations (A n+) in directing the composition of monomeric metal–ligand (ML) complexes that precipitate from solution are often overlooked despite the wide usage of A n+ in materials synthesis. Herein, we describe a correlation between the composition of ML complexes and A + hydration enthalpies found for two related series of thorium (Th)–nitrate molecular compounds obtained by evaporating acidic aqueous Th–nitrate solutions in the presence of A + counterions. Analyses of their chemical composition and solid-state structures demonstrate that A + not only affects the overall solid-state packing of the Th–nitrato complexes but also influences themore » composition of the Th–nitrato monomeric anions themselves. Trends in composition and structure are found to correlate with A + hydration enthalpies, such that the A + with smaller hydration enthalpies associate with less hydrated and more anionic Th–nitrato complexes. This perspective, broader than the general assumption of size and charge as the dominant influence of A n+, opens a new avenue for the design and synthesis of targeted metal–ligand complexes.« less

Influence of Countercation Hydration Enthalpies on the Formation of Molecular Complexes: A Thorium–Nitrate Example

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

Jin, Geng Bang; Lin, Jian; Estes, Shanna L.

Here, the influence of countercations (A n+) in directing the composition of monomeric metal–ligand (ML) complexes that precipitate from solution are often overlooked despite the wide usage of A n+ in materials synthesis. Herein, we describe a correlation between the composition of ML complexes and A + hydration enthalpies found for two related series of thorium (Th)–nitrate molecular compounds obtained by evaporating acidic aqueous Th–nitrate solutions in the presence of A + counterions. Analyses of their chemical composition and solid-state structures demonstrate that A + not only affects the overall solid-state packing of the Th–nitrato complexes but also influences themore » composition of the Th–nitrato monomeric anions themselves. Trends in composition and structure are found to correlate with A + hydration enthalpies, such that the A + with smaller hydration enthalpies associate with less hydrated and more anionic Th–nitrato complexes. This perspective, broader than the general assumption of size and charge as the dominant influence of A n+, opens a new avenue for the design and synthesis of targeted metal–ligand complexes.« less

Cenozoic granitoids in the Dinarides of southern Serbia: age of intrusion, isotope geochemistry, exhumation history and significance for the geodynamic evolution of the Balkan Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schefer, Senecio; Cvetković, Vladica; Fügenschuh, Bernhard; Kounov, Alexandre; Ovtcharova, Maria; Schaltegger, Urs; Schmid, Stefan M.

2011-07-01

Two age groups were determined for the Cenozoic granitoids in the Dinarides of southern Serbia by high-precision single grain U-Pb dating of thermally annealed and chemically abraded zircons: (1) Oligocene ages (Kopaonik, Drenje, Željin) ranging from 31.7 to 30.6 Ma (2) Miocene ages (Golija and Polumir) at 20.58-20.17 and 18.06-17.74 Ma, respectively. Apatite fission-track central ages, modelling combined with zircon central ages and additionally, local structural observations constrain the subsequent exhumation history of the magmatic rocks. They indicate rapid cooling from above 300°C to ca. 80°C between 16 and 10 Ma for both age groups, induced by extensional exhumation of the plutons located in the footwall of core complexes. Hence, Miocene magmatism and core-complex formation not only affected the Pannonian basin but also a part of the mountainous areas of the internal Dinarides. Based on an extensive set of existing age data combined with our own analyses, we propose a geodynamical model for the Balkan Peninsula: The Late Eocene to Oligocene magmatism, which affects the Adria-derived lower plate units of the internal Dinarides, was caused by delamination of the Adriatic mantle from the overlying crust, associated with post-collisional convergence that propagated outward into the external Dinarides. Miocene magmatism, on the other hand, is associated with core-complex formation along the southern margin of the Pannonian basin, probably associated with the W-directed subduction of the European lithosphere beneath the Carpathians and interfering with ongoing Dinaridic-Hellenic back-arc extension.

Formation, Migration, and Reactivity of Au CO Complexes on Gold Surfaces

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

Wang, Jun; McEntee, Monica; Tang, Wenjie

2016-01-12

Here, we report experimental as well as theoretical evidence that suggests Au CO complex formation upon the exposure of CO to active sites (step edges and threading dislocations) on a Au(111) surface. Room-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission infrared spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations point to Au CO complex formation and migration. Room-temperature STM of the Au(111) surface at CO pressures in the range from 10^ 8 to 10^ 4 Torr (dosage up to 10^6 langmuir) indicates Au atom extraction from dislocation sites of the herringbone reconstruction, mobile Au CO complex formation and diffusion, and Aumore » adatom cluster formation on both elbows and step edges on the Au surface. The formation and mobility of the Au CO complex result from the reduced Au Au bonding at elbows and step edges leading to stronger Au CO bonding and to the formation of a more positively charged CO (CO +) on Au. These studies indicate that the mobile Au CO complex is involved in the Au nanoparticle formation and reactivity, and that the positive charge on CO increases due to the stronger adsorption of CO at Au sites with lower coordination numbers.« less

Affinity and specificity of serine endopeptidase-protein inhibitor interactions. Empirical free energy calculations based on X-ray crystallographic structures.

PubMed

Krystek, S; Stouch, T; Novotny, J

1993-12-05

An empirical function was used to calculate free energy change (delta G) of complex formation between the following inhibitors and enzymes: Kunitz inhibitor (BPTI) with trypsin, trypsinogen and kallikrein; turkey ovomucoid 3rd domain (OMTKY3) with alpha-chymotrypsin and the Streptomyces griseus protease B; the potato chymotrypsin inhibitor with the protease B; and the barely chymotrypsin inhibitor and eglin-c with subtilisin and thermitase. Using X-ray coordinates of the nine complexes, we estimated the contributions that hydrophobic effect, electrostatic interactions and side-chain conformational entropy make towards the stability of the complexes. The calculated delta G values showed good agreement with the experimentally measured ones, the only exception being the kallikrein/BPTI complex whose X-ray structure was solved at an exceptionally low pH. In complexes with different enzymes, the same inhibitor residues contributed identically towards complex formation (delta G(residue) Spearman rank correlation coefficient 0.7 to 1.0). The most productive enzyme-contacting residues in OMTKY3, eglin-c, and the chymotrypsin inhibitors were found in analogous positions on their respective binding loops; thus, our calculations identified a functional (energetic) motif that parallels the well-known structural similarity of the binding loops. The delta G values calculated for BPTI complexed with trypsin (-21.7 kcal) and trypsinogen (-23.4 kcal) were similar and close to the experimental delta G value of the trypsin/BPTI complex (-18.1 kcal), lending support to the suggestion that the 10(7) difference in the observed stabilities (KA) of these two complexes reflects the energetic cost of conformational changes induced in trypsinogen during the pre-equilibrium stages of complex formation. In almost all of the complexes studied, the stabilization free energy contributed by the inhibitors was larger than that donated by the enzymes. In the trypsin-BPTI complex, the calculated delta G contribution of the amino group from the BPTI residue Lys15 (9.7 kcal) was somewhat higher than that arrived at in experiments with semisynthetic inhibitor analogs (7.5 kcal). In OMTKY3, different binding loop residues are known to affect differently the binding (delta delta G) to alpha-chymotrypsin and protease B; a good qualitative agreement was found between the calculated delta G(residue) estimates and the experimental delta delta G data (correlation coefficient 0.7). Large variations were observed in local surface complementarity and related interfacial volume in the two OMTKY3 complexes (by 20 to 60% for some side-chains).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Nucleation promoting factors regulate the expression and localization of Arp2/3 complex during meiosis of mouse oocytes.

PubMed

Liu, Jun; Wang, Qiao-Chu; Wang, Fei; Duan, Xing; Dai, Xiao-Xin; Wang, Teng; Liu, Hong-Lin; Cui, Xiang-Shun; Kim, Nam-Hyung; Sun, Shao-Chen

2012-01-01

The actin nucleation factor Arp2/3 complex is a main regulator of actin assembly and is involved in multiple processes like cell migration and adhesion, endocytosis, and the establishment of cell polarity in mitosis. Our previous work showed that the Arp2/3 complex was involved in the actin-mediated mammalian oocyte asymmetric division. However, the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathway of Arp2/3 complex in meiosis is still unclear. In the present work, we identified that the nucleation promoting factors (NPFs) JMY and WAVE2 were necessary for the expression and localization of Arp2/3 complex in mouse oocytes. RNAi of both caused the degradation of actin cap intensity, indicating the roles of NPFs in the formation of actin cap. Moreover, JMY and WAVE2 RNAi decreased the expression of ARP2, a key component of Arp2/3 complex. However, knock down of Arp2/3 complex by Arpc2 and Arpc3 siRNA microinjection did not affect the expression and localization of JMY and WAVE2. Our results indicate that the NPFs, JMY and WAVE2, are upstream regulators of Arp2/3 complex in mammalian oocyte asymmetric division.

The long-term carbon cycle, fossil fuels and atmospheric composition.

PubMed

Berner, Robert A

2003-11-20

The long-term carbon cycle operates over millions of years and involves the exchange of carbon between rocks and the Earth's surface. There are many complex feedback pathways between carbon burial, nutrient cycling, atmospheric carbon dioxide and oxygen, and climate. New calculations of carbon fluxes during the Phanerozoic eon (the past 550 million years) illustrate how the long-term carbon cycle has affected the burial of organic matter and fossil-fuel formation, as well as the evolution of atmospheric composition.

Rare bone diseases and their dental, oral, and craniofacial manifestations.

PubMed

Foster, B L; Ramnitz, M S; Gafni, R I; Burke, A B; Boyce, A M; Lee, J S; Wright, J T; Akintoye, S O; Somerman, M J; Collins, M T

2014-07-01

Hereditary diseases affecting the skeleton are heterogeneous in etiology and severity. Though many of these conditions are individually rare, the total number of people affected is great. These disorders often include dental-oral-craniofacial (DOC) manifestations, but the combination of the rarity and lack of in-depth reporting often limit our understanding and ability to diagnose and treat affected individuals. In this review, we focus on dental, oral, and craniofacial manifestations of rare bone diseases. Discussed are defects in 4 key physiologic processes in bone/tooth formation that serve as models for the understanding of other diseases in the skeleton and DOC complex: progenitor cell differentiation (fibrous dysplasia), extracellular matrix production (osteogenesis imperfecta), mineralization (familial tumoral calcinosis/hyperostosis hyperphosphatemia syndrome, hypophosphatemic rickets, and hypophosphatasia), and bone resorption (Gorham-Stout disease). For each condition, we highlight causative mutations (when known), etiopathology in the skeleton and DOC complex, and treatments. By understanding how these 4 foci are subverted to cause disease, we aim to improve the identification of genetic, molecular, and/or biologic causes, diagnoses, and treatment of these and other rare bone conditions that may share underlying mechanisms of disease. © International & American Associations for Dental Research.

Rare Bone Diseases and Their Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Manifestations

PubMed Central

Foster, B.L.; Ramnitz, M.S.; Gafni, R.I.; Burke, A.B.; Boyce, A.M.; Lee, J.S.; Wright, J.T.; Akintoye, S.O.; Somerman, M.J.; Collins, M.T.

2014-01-01

Hereditary diseases affecting the skeleton are heterogeneous in etiology and severity. Though many of these conditions are individually rare, the total number of people affected is great. These disorders often include dental-oral-craniofacial (DOC) manifestations, but the combination of the rarity and lack of in-depth reporting often limit our understanding and ability to diagnose and treat affected individuals. In this review, we focus on dental, oral, and craniofacial manifestations of rare bone diseases. Discussed are defects in 4 key physiologic processes in bone/tooth formation that serve as models for the understanding of other diseases in the skeleton and DOC complex: progenitor cell differentiation (fibrous dysplasia), extracellular matrix production (osteogenesis imperfecta), mineralization (familial tumoral calcinosis/hyperostosis hyperphosphatemia syndrome, hypophosphatemic rickets, and hypophosphatasia), and bone resorption (Gorham-Stout disease). For each condition, we highlight causative mutations (when known), etiopathology in the skeleton and DOC complex, and treatments. By understanding how these 4 foci are subverted to cause disease, we aim to improve the identification of genetic, molecular, and/or biologic causes, diagnoses, and treatment of these and other rare bone conditions that may share underlying mechanisms of disease. PMID:24700690

Discrete element simulation of charging and mixed layer formation in the ironmaking blast furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, Tamoghna; Saxén, Henrik

2016-11-01

The burden distribution in the ironmaking blast furnace plays an important role for the operation as it affects the gas flow distribution, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions in the shaft. This work studies certain aspects of burden distribution by small-scale experiments and numerical simulation by the discrete element method (DEM). Particular attention is focused on the complex layer-formation process and the problems associated with estimating the burden layer distribution by burden profile measurements. The formation of mixed layers is studied, and a computational method for estimating the extent of the mixed layer, as well as its voidage, is proposed and applied on the results of the DEM simulations. In studying a charging program and its resulting burden distribution, the mixed layers of coke and pellets were found to show lower voidage than the individual burden layers. The dynamic evolution of the mixed layer during the charging process is also analyzed. The results of the study can be used to gain deeper insight into the complex charging process of the blast furnace, which is useful in the design of new charging programs and for mathematical models that do not consider the full behavior of the particles in the burden layers.

Meander morphodynamics over self-formed floodplains: can the migration history affect the future morphology of the river?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogoni, M.; Lanzoni, S.; Putti, M.

2017-12-01

Floodplains, and rivers therein, constitute complex systems whose simulation involves modeling of hydrodynamic, morphodynamic, chemical, and biological processes which act over a wide range of time scales (from days to centuries) and affect each other. Self-formed floodplains are produced by the sedimentary processes associated with the migration of river bends and the formation of abandoned oxbow lakes consequent to the cutoff of mature meanders. The erosion and deposition processes at the banks lead to heterogeneities in the surface composition, thus the river may experience faster or slower migration rates depending on the spatial distribution of the erosional resistance. As a consequence, the past spatial configurations of the river (i.e. the migration history) play a key role in shaping the successive river paths.We recently published a paper addressing the modeling of meander morphodynamics over self-formed heterogeneous floodplain. Results show that the heterogeneity in floodplain composition associated with the formation of geomorphic units (i.e., scroll bars and oxbow lakes) and the choice of a reliable flow field model to drive channel migration are two fundamental ingredients for reproducing correctly the long-term morphodynamics of alluvial meanders. We compare numerically generated planforms obtained for different scenarios of floodplain heterogeneity to natural meandering paths, through half meander metrics and spatial distribution of channel curvatures. Statistical and spectral tools disclose the complexity embedded in meandering geometry and the crucial differences between apparently similar configurations.Floodplain heterogeneity affects both the temporal and spatial distributions of meander geometry, and eventually leads to a closer statistical similarity between simulated and natural planform shapes when scroll bars and oxbow lakes left behind are harder to erode than the surrounding floodplain.

Social cognition in a case of amnesia with neurodevelopmental mechanisms.

PubMed

Staniloiu, Angelica; Borsutzky, Sabine; Woermann, Friedrich G; Markowitsch, Hans J

2013-01-01

Episodic-autobiographical memory (EAM) is considered to emerge gradually in concert with the development of other cognitive abilities (such as executive functions, personal semantic knowledge, emotional knowledge, theory of mind (ToM) functions, language, and working memory). On the brain level its emergence is accompanied by structural and functional reorganization of different components of the so-called EAM network. This network includes the hippocampal formation, which is viewed as being vital for the acquisition of memories of personal events for long-term storage. Developmental studies have emphasized socio-cultural-linguistic mechanisms that may be unique to the development of EAM. Furthermore it was hypothesized that one of the main functions of EAM is the social one. In the research field, the link between EAM and social cognition remains however debated. Herein we aim to bring new insights into the relation between EAM and social information processing (including social cognition) by describing a young adult patient with amnesia with neurodevelopmental mechanisms due to perinatal complications accompanied by hypoxia. The patient was investigated medically, psychiatrically, and with neuropsychological and neuroimaging methods. Structural high resolution magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant bilateral hippocampal atrophy as well as indices for degeneration in the amygdalae, basal ganglia, and thalamus, when a less conservative threshold was applied. In addition to extensive memory investigations and testing other (non-social) cognitive functions, we employed a broad range of tests that assessed social information processing (social perception, social cognition, social regulation). Our results point to both preserved (empathy, core ToM functions, visual affect selection, and discrimination, affective prosody discrimination) and impaired domains of social information processing (incongruent affective prosody processing, complex social judgments). They support proposals for a role of the hippocampal formation in processing more complex social information that likely requires multimodal relational handling.

Social cognition in a case of amnesia with neurodevelopmental mechanisms

PubMed Central

Staniloiu, Angelica; Borsutzky, Sabine; Woermann, Friedrich G.; Markowitsch, Hans J.

2013-01-01

Episodic–autobiographical memory (EAM) is considered to emerge gradually in concert with the development of other cognitive abilities (such as executive functions, personal semantic knowledge, emotional knowledge, theory of mind (ToM) functions, language, and working memory). On the brain level its emergence is accompanied by structural and functional reorganization of different components of the so-called EAM network. This network includes the hippocampal formation, which is viewed as being vital for the acquisition of memories of personal events for long-term storage. Developmental studies have emphasized socio-cultural-linguistic mechanisms that may be unique to the development of EAM. Furthermore it was hypothesized that one of the main functions of EAM is the social one. In the research field, the link between EAM and social cognition remains however debated. Herein we aim to bring new insights into the relation between EAM and social information processing (including social cognition) by describing a young adult patient with amnesia with neurodevelopmental mechanisms due to perinatal complications accompanied by hypoxia. The patient was investigated medically, psychiatrically, and with neuropsychological and neuroimaging methods. Structural high resolution magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant bilateral hippocampal atrophy as well as indices for degeneration in the amygdalae, basal ganglia, and thalamus, when a less conservative threshold was applied. In addition to extensive memory investigations and testing other (non-social) cognitive functions, we employed a broad range of tests that assessed social information processing (social perception, social cognition, social regulation). Our results point to both preserved (empathy, core ToM functions, visual affect selection, and discrimination, affective prosody discrimination) and impaired domains of social information processing (incongruent affective prosody processing, complex social judgments). They support proposals for a role of the hippocampal formation in processing more complex social information that likely requires multimodal relational handling. PMID:23805111

CD8+ T cell recognition of an endogenously processed epitope is regulated primarily by residues within the epitope

PubMed Central

1992-01-01

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize short antigenic peptides associated with cell surface class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This association presumably occurs between newly synthesized class I MHC molecules and peptide fragments in a pre-Golgi compartment. Little is known about the factors that regulate the formation of these antigenic peptide fragments within the cell. To examine the role of residues within a core epitope and in the flanking sequences for the generation and presentation of the newly synthesized peptide fragment recognized by CD8+ CTL, we have mutagenized the coding sequence for the CTL epitope spanning residues 202-221 in the influenza A/Japan/57 hemagglutinin (HA). In this study over 60 substitution mutations in the epitope were tested for their effects on target cell sensitization using a cytoplasmic viral expression system. The HA202- 221 site contains two overlapping subsites defined by CTL clones 11-1 and 40-2. Mutations in HA residues 204-213 or residues 210-219 often abolished target cell lysis by CTL clones 11-1 and 40-2, respectively. Although residues outside the core epitope did not usually affect the ability to be lysed by CTL clones, substitution of a Gly residue for Val-214 abolished lysis by clone 11-1. These data suggest that residues within a site that affect MHC binding and T cell receptor recognition appear to play the predominant role in dictating the formation of the antigenic complex recognized by CD8+ CTL, and therefore the antigenicity of the protein antigen presented to CD8+ T cells. Most alterations in residues flanking the endogenously expressed epitope do not appreciably affect the generation and recognition of the site. PMID:1383384

Visual light effects on mitochondria: The potential implications in relation to glaucoma.

PubMed

Osborne, Neville N; Núñez-Álvarez, Claudia; Del Olmo-Aguado, Susana; Merrayo-Lloves, Jesús

2017-09-01

Light of different wave-lengths have the potential to interact with four major mitochondrial protein complexes that are involved in the generation of ATP. Neurones of the central nervous system have an absolute dependence on mitochondrial generated ATP. Laboratory studies show that short-wave or blue light (400-480nm) that impinges on the retina affect flavin and cytochrome constituents associated with mitochondria to decrease the rate of ATP formation, stimulate ROS and results in cell death. This suggests that blue light could potentially have a negative influence on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) mitochondria that are abundant and not shielded by macular pigments as occurs for photoreceptor mitochondria. This might be of significance in glaucoma where it is likely that RGC mitochondria are already affected and therefore be more susceptible to blue light. Thus simply filtering out some natural blue light from entering the eye might be beneficial for the treatment of glaucoma. Long-wave or red light (650-800nm) affects mitochondrial complex IV or cytochrome oxidase to increase the rate of formation of ATP and ROS causing the generation of a number of beneficial factors. Significantly, laboratory studies show that increasing the normal amount of natural red light reaching rat RGC mitochondria in situ, subjected to ischemia, proved to be beneficial. A challenge now is to test whether extra red light delivered to the human retina can slow-down RGC loss in glaucoma. Such a methodology has also the advantage of being non-invasive. One very exciting possibility might be in the production of a lens where solar UV light is convertes to add to the amount of natural red light entering the eye. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved.

Structural and functional features of formate hydrogen lyase, an enzyme of mixed-acid fermentation from Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Bagramyan, K; Trchounian, A

2003-11-01

Formate hydrogen lyase from Escherichia coli is a membrane-bound complex that oxidizes formic acid to carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen. Under anaerobic growth conditions and fermentation of sugars (glucose), it exists in two forms. One form is constituted by formate dehydrogenase H and hydrogenase 3, and the other one is the same formate dehydrogenase and hydrogenase 4; the presence of small protein subunits, carriers of electrons, is also probable. Other proteins may also be involved in formation of the enzyme complex, which requires the presence of metal (nickel-cobalt). Its formation also depends on the external pH and the presence of formate. Activity of both forms requires F(0)F(1)-ATPase; this explains dependence of the complex functioning on proton-motive force. It is also possible that the formate hydrogen lyase complex will exhibit its own proton-translocating function.

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

Walker, Lisa May; Johnson, Kelsey E.; Gallagher, Sarah C.

Compact groups of galaxies provide a unique environment to study the evolution of galaxies amid frequent gravitational encounters. These nearby groups have conditions similar to those in the earlier universe when galaxies were assembled and give us the opportunity to witness hierarchical formation in progress. To understand how the compact group environment affects galaxy evolution, we examine the gas and dust in these groups. We present new single-dish GBT neutral hydrogen (H i) observations of 30 compact groups and define a new way to quantify the group H i content as the H i-to-stellar mass ratio of the group asmore » a whole. We compare the H i content with mid-IR indicators of star formation and optical [g − r] color to search for correlations between group gas content and star formation activity of individual group members. Quiescent galaxies tend to live in H i-poor groups, and galaxies with active star formation are more commonly found in H i-rich groups. Intriguingly, we also find “rogue” galaxies whose star formation does not correlate with group H i content. In particular, we identify three galaxies (NGC 2968 in RSCG 34, KUG 1131+202A in RSCG 42, and NGC 4613 in RSCG 64) whose mid-IR activity is discrepant with the H i. We speculate that this mismatch between mid-IR activity and H i content is a consequence of strong interactions in this environment that can strip H i from galaxies and abruptly affect star formation. Ultimately, characterizing how and on what timescales the gas is processed in compact groups will help us understand the interstellar medium in complex, dense environments similar to the earlier universe.« less

Directing the phase behavior of polyelectrolyte complexes using chiral patterned peptides

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

Pacalin, Naomi M.; Leon, Lorraine; Tirrell, Matthew

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) have a broad range of promising applications as soft materials due to their self-assembly and diversity of structure and chemical composition. Peptide polymer PECs are highly biocompatible and biodegradable, making them particularly useful for encapsulation of food additives and flavors, micellar drug delivery, medical and underwater adhesives, fetal membrane patches, and scaffolds for cell growth in tissue engineering. While parameters affecting PEC formation and stability in regards to charge effects are well researched, little is known about the effects of van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding, and secondary structure in these materials. Peptide chirality provides a uniquemore » opportunity to manipulate PEC phase to modulate the amount of solid-like (precipitate) or liquid-like (coacervate) character by influencing hydrogen bonding interactions among peptide chains. In previous work, we showed that chiral peptides form solid complexes, while complexes with even one racemic peptide were fluid. This raised the interesting question of how long a homochiral sequence must be to result in solid phase formation. In this work, we designed chiral patterned peptides of polyglutamic acid and polylysine ranging from 50 to 90% L-chiral residues with increasing numbers of sequential L-chiral residues before a chirality change. These polymers were mixed together to form PECs. We observed that 8 or more sequential L-chiral residues are necessary to achieve both the appearance of a precipitate phase and sustained beta-sheets in the complex, as determined by optical imaging and FTIR Spectroscopy. Less homochiral content results in formation of a coacervate phase. Thus, we show that chiral sequence can be used to control the phase transition of PECs. Understanding how to manipulate PEC phase using chiral sequence as presented here may enable tuning of the material properties to achieve the desired mechanical strength for coatings and polymer brushes, or the most effective molecular release kinetics for drug delivery applications, for example.« less

Directing the phase behavior of polyelectrolyte complexes using chiral patterned peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacalin, Naomi M.; Leon, Lorraine; Tirrell, Matthew

2016-10-01

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) have a broad range of promising applications as soft materials due to their self-assembly and diversity of structure and chemical composition. Peptide polymer PECs are highly biocompatible and biodegradable, making them particularly useful for encapsulation of food additives and flavors, micellar drug delivery, medical and underwater adhesives, fetal membrane patches, and scaffolds for cell growth in tissue engineering. While parameters affecting PEC formation and stability in regards to charge effects are well researched, little is known about the effects of van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding, and secondary structure in these materials. Peptide chirality provides a unique opportunity to manipulate PEC phase to modulate the amount of solid-like (precipitate) or liquid-like (coacervate) character by influencing hydrogen bonding interactions among peptide chains. In previous work, we showed that chiral peptides form solid complexes, while complexes with even one racemic peptide were fluid. This raised the interesting question of how long a homochiral sequence must be to result in solid phase formation. In this work, we designed chiral patterned peptides of polyglutamic acid and polylysine ranging from 50 to 90% L-chiral residues with increasing numbers of sequential L-chiral residues before a chirality change. These polymers were mixed together to form PECs. We observed that 8 or more sequential L-chiral residues are necessary to achieve both the appearance of a precipitate phase and sustained β-sheets in the complex, as determined by optical imaging and FTIR Spectroscopy. Less homochiral content results in formation of a coacervate phase. Thus, we show that chiral sequence can be used to control the phase transition of PECs. Understanding how to manipulate PEC phase using chiral sequence as presented here may enable tuning of the material properties to achieve the desired mechanical strength for coatings and polymer brushes, or the most effective molecular release kinetics for drug delivery applications, for example.

Tree-ring anatomy and carbon isotope ratio show both direct and legacy effects of climate on bimodal xylem formation in Pinus pinea.

PubMed

Castagneri, Daniele; Battipaglia, Giovanna; von Arx, Georg; Pacheco, Arturo; Carrer, Marco

2018-04-24

Understanding how climate affects xylem formation is critical for predicting the impact of future conditions on tree growth and functioning in the Mediterranean region, which is expected to face warmer and drier conditions. However, mechanisms of growth response to climate at different temporal scales are still largely unknown, being complicated by separation between spring and autumn xylogenesis (bimodal temporal pattern) in most species such as Mediterranean pines. We investigated wood anatomical characteristics and carbon stable isotope composition in Mediterranean Pinus pinea L. along tree-ring series at intra-ring resolution to assess xylem formation processes and responses to intra-annual climate variability. Xylem anatomy was strongly related to environmental conditions occurring a few months before and during the growing season, but was not affected by summer drought. In particular, the lumen diameter of the first earlywood tracheids was related to winter precipitation, whereas the size of tracheids produced later was influenced by mid-spring precipitation. Diameter of latewood tracheids was associated with precipitation in mid-autumn. In contrast, tree-ring carbon isotope composition was mostly related to climate of the previous seasons. Earlywood was likely formed using both recently and formerly assimilated carbon, while latewood relied mostly on carbon accumulated many months prior to its formation. Our integrated approach provided new evidence on the short-term and carry-over effects of climate on the bimodal temporal xylem formation in P. pinea. Investigations on different variables and time scales are necessary to disentangle the complex climate influence on tree growth processes under Mediterranean conditions.

Biofilms of vaginal Lactobacillus reuteri CRL 1324 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1332: kinetics of formation and matrix characterization.

PubMed

Leccese Terraf, María Cecilia; Juárez Tomás, María Silvina; Rault, Lucie; Le Loir, Yves; Even, Sergine; Nader-Macías, María Elena Fátima

2016-09-01

Adhesion and biofilm formation are strain properties that reportedly contribute to the permanence of lactobacilli in the human vagina. The kinetics of biofilm formation and the chemical nature of the biofilm matrix formed by Lactobacillus reuteri CRL (Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos Culture Collection) 1324 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1332, vaginal beneficial strains, were evaluated in this work. Crystal violet-stained microplate assay and techniques of epifluorescence, electron and confocal microscopy were applied. The highest density and complexity of biofilms of both vaginal lactobacilli were observed at 72 h of incubation. Protease, proteinase K, α-chymotrypsin and trypsin treatments efficiently detached L. reuteri CRL 1324 biofilm that was also partially affected by α-amylase. However, L. rhamnosus CRL 1332 biofilm was slightly affected by protease, proteinase K and α-amylase. Confocal microscopy revealed greater amount of polysaccharides in L. rhamnosus CRL 1332 biofilm matrix than in L. reuteri CRL 1324 biofilm matrix. The results indicate that proteins are one of the main components of the L. reuteri CRL 1324 biofilm, while the biofilm matrix of L. rhamnosus CRL 1332 is composed of carbohydrates and proteins. The results obtained support the knowledge, understanding and characterization of two biofilm-forming vaginal Lactobacillus strains.

Efficient Isoprene Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from a Non-IEPOX Pathway

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

Liu, Jiumeng; D’Ambro, Emma L.; Lee, Ben H.

2016-09-20

With a large global emission rate and high reactivity, isoprene has a profound effect upon atmospheric chemistry and composition. The atmospheric pathways by which isoprene converts to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and how anthropogenic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur affect this process are a subject of intense research because particles affect Earth’s climate and local air quality. In the absence of both nitrogen oxides and reactive aqueous seed particles, we measure SOA mass yields from isoprene photochemical oxidation of up to 15%, which are factors of 2, or more, higher than those typically used in coupled chemistry-climate models.more » SOA yield is initially constant with the addition of increasing amounts of nitric oxide (NO) but then sharply decreases for input concentrations above 10 ppbv. Online measurements of aerosol molecular composition show that the fate of second-generation RO2 radicals is key to understanding the efficient SOA formation and the NOx dependent yields described here and in the literature. These insights allow for improved quantitative estimates of SOA formation in the pre-industrial atmosphere and in biogenic-rich regions with limited anthropogenic impacts and suggest a more complex representation of NOx dependent SOA yields may be important in models.« less

Determination of arsenic species in rice samples using CPE and ETAAS.

PubMed

Costa, Bruno Elias Dos Santos; Coelho, Nívia Maria Melo; Coelho, Luciana Melo

2015-07-01

A highly sensitive and selective procedure for the determination of arsenate and total arsenic in food by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction (ETAAS/CPE) was developed. The procedure is based on the formation of a complex of As(V) ions with molybdate in the presence of 50.0 mmol L(-1) sulfuric acid. The complex was extracted into the surfactant-rich phase of 0.06% (w/v) Triton X-114. The variables affecting the complex formation, extraction and phase separation were optimized using factorial designs. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.05-10.0 μg L(-1). The detection and quantification limits were 10 and 33 ng L(-1), respectively and the corresponding value for the relative standard deviation for 10 replicates was below 5%. Recovery values of between 90.8% and 113.1% were obtained for spiked samples. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by comparison with the results obtained for the analysis of a rice flour sample (certified material IRMM-804) and no significant difference at the 95% confidence level was observed. The method was successfully applied to the determination of As(V) and total arsenic in rice samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laboratory investigation of shale rock to identify fracture propagation in vertical direction to bedding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Tan; Yan, Jin; Bing, Hou; Yingcao, Zhou; Ruxin, Zhang; Zhi, Chang; Meng, Fan

2018-06-01

Affected by beddings and natural fractures, fracture geometry in the vertical plane is complex in shale formation, which differs from a simple fracture in homogeneous sandstone reservoirs. However, the propagation mechanism of a hydraulic fracture in the vertical plane has not been well understood. In this paper, a true tri-axial pressure machine was deployed for shale horizontal well fracturing simulation experiments of shale outcrops. The effects of multiple factors on hydraulic fracture vertical propagation were studied. The results revealed that hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation displayed four basic patterns in the vertical plane of laminated shale formation. A hydraulic fracture would cross the beddings under the high vertical stress difference between a vertical stress and horizontal minimum stress of 12 MPa, while a hydraulic fracture propagates along the beddings under a low vertical stress difference of 3 MPa. Four kinds of fracture geometry, including a single main fracture, a nonplanar fracture, a complex fracture, and a complex fracture network, were observed due to the combined effects of flow rate and viscosity. Due to the influence of binding strength (or cementing strength) on the fracture communication effects between a hydraulic fracture and the beddings, the opening region of the beddings takes the shape of an ellipse.

Mediator independently orchestrates multiple steps of preinitiation complex assembly in vivo

PubMed Central

Eyboulet, Fanny; Wydau-Dematteis, Sandra; Eychenne, Thomas; Alibert, Olivier; Neil, Helen; Boschiero, Claire; Nevers, Marie-Claire; Volland, Hervé; Cornu, David; Redeker, Virginie; Werner, Michel; Soutourina, Julie

2015-01-01

Mediator is a large multiprotein complex conserved in all eukaryotes, which has a crucial coregulator function in transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). However, the molecular mechanisms of its action in vivo remain to be understood. Med17 is an essential and central component of the Mediator head module. In this work, we utilised our large collection of conditional temperature-sensitive med17 mutants to investigate Mediator's role in coordinating preinitiation complex (PIC) formation in vivo at the genome level after a transfer to a non-permissive temperature for 45 minutes. The effect of a yeast mutation proposed to be equivalent to the human Med17-L371P responsible for infantile cerebral atrophy was also analyzed. The ChIP-seq results demonstrate that med17 mutations differentially affected the global presence of several PIC components including Mediator, TBP, TFIIH modules and Pol II. Our data show that Mediator stabilizes TFIIK kinase and TFIIH core modules independently, suggesting that the recruitment or the stability of TFIIH modules is regulated independently on yeast genome. We demonstrate that Mediator selectively contributes to TBP recruitment or stabilization to chromatin. This study provides an extensive genome-wide view of Mediator's role in PIC formation, suggesting that Mediator coordinates multiple steps of a PIC assembly pathway. PMID:26240385

C-Cbl reverses HER2-mediated tamoxifen resistance in human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Xu, Ling; Che, Xiaofang; Li, Haizhou; Zhang, Ye; Song, Na; Wen, Ti; Hou, Kezuo; Yang, Yi; Zhou, Lu; Xin, Xing; Xu, Lu; Zeng, Xue; Shi, Sha; Liu, Yunpeng; Qu, Xiujuan; Teng, Yuee

2018-05-02

Tamoxifen is a frontline therapy for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer in premenopausal women. However, many patients develop resistance to tamoxifen, and the mechanism underlying tamoxifen resistance is not well understood. Here we examined whether ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation is involved in tamoxifen resistance. MTT and colony formation assays were used to measure cell viability and proliferation. Western blot was used to detect protein expression and protein complex formations were detected by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. SiRNA was used to examine the function of HER2 in of BT474 cells. An in vivo xenograft animal model was established to examine the role of c-Cbl in tumor growth. MTT and colony formation assay showed that BT474 cells are resistant to tamoxifen and T47D cells are sensitive to tamoxifen. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation in BT474 cells but not in T47D cells. However, ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation was detected after overexpressing HER2 in T47D cells and these cells were more resistant to tamoxifen. HER2 knockdown by siRNA in BT474 cells reduced ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation and reversed tamoxifen resistance. ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation was also disrupted and tamoxifen resistance was reversed in BT474 cells by the c-Src inhibitor PP2 and HER2 antibody trastuzumab. Nystatin, a lipid raft inhibitor, reduced ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation and partially reversed tamoxifen resistance. ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation was disrupted by overexpression of c-Cbl but not by the c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase mutant. In addition, c-Cbl could reverse tamoxifen resistance in BT474 cells, but the ubiquitin ligase mutant had no effect. The effect of c-Cbl was validated in BT474 tumor-bearing nude mice in vivo. Immunofluorescence also revealed ER-c-Src-HER2 complex formation was reduced in tumor tissues of nude mice with c-Cbl overexpression. Our results suggested that c-Cbl can reverse tamoxifen resistance in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells by inhibiting the formation of the ER-c-Src-HER2 complex.

Pacopampa: Early evidence of violence at a ceremonial site in the northern Peruvian highlands.

PubMed

Nagaoka, Tomohito; Uzawa, Kazuhiro; Seki, Yuji; Morales Chocano, Daniel

2017-01-01

Pacopampa, a ceremonial complex in Peru's northern highlands, reveals early evidence of trauma in the Middle to Late Formative Period coinciding with the emergence of social stratification in the area. We examine the prevalence of trauma in human remains found at the site and present evidence of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of individuals who lived during the early stages of Andean civilization. The materials are the remains of 104 individuals (38 non-adult and 66 adult) from the Middle to Late Formative Periods. We explored trauma macroscopically and recorded patterns based on skeletons' locations, age at death, sex, social class, and chronology. We detected trauma in remains over the Middle to Late Formative Periods. While the prevalence of trauma was minimal in the Middle Formative Period, skeletons from the subsequent era exhibit more severe disturbances. However, all the skeletons show signs of healing and affected individuals experienced a low degree of trauma. Given the archaeological context (the remains were recovered from sites of ceremonial practices), as well as the equal distribution of trauma among both sexes and a lack of defensive architecture, it is plausible that rituals, rather than organized warfare or raids, caused most of the exhibited trauma. Pacopampa was home to a complex society founded on ritual activity in a ceremonial center: this is indicated by the presence of ritual violence in a society that built impressively large, ceremonial architecture and developed social stratification without any political control of surplus agricultural goods.

The effect of organic compounds in the oxidation kinetics of Cr(III) by H 2O 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettine, Maurizio; Gennari, Francesca; Campanella, Luigi; Millero, Frank J.

2008-12-01

The oxidation of Cr(III) has been studied in NaCl solutions in the presence of two siderophore models, acetohydroxamic acid (Aha) and benzohydroxamic acid (Bha), the natural siderophore Desferal (DFOB) and the synthetic aminocarboxilate (ethylenedinitrilo)-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as a function of pH (8-9), ionic strength (0.01-2 M) and temperature (10-50 °C), at different Cr(III)-organic compound ratios. The addition of Aha and Bha caused the rates to increase at low ligand/Cr(III) ratios and decrease at high ratios. The variation of the pseudo first order rate constant ( k1) as a function of the ligand concentration has been attributed to the formation of three Cr(III)-organo species (1:1, 1:2, 1:3), which can form in the presence of monohydroxamic acids. A kinetic model has been developed that gives a value of 600 (min -1) for the pseudo first order rate constant k and values approaching zero for k and k. These kinetic results demonstrate that these monohydroxamic acids are able to bind with Cr(III) under experimental conditions that may occur in natural waters and can increase the oxidation rates of Cr(III) with H 2O 2 by a factor of 3.5 at an Aha/Cr(III) ratio of about 50-100. The monohydroxamic acids also affect the rates on aged products of Cr(III), suggesting that these ligands are able to affect the oxidation rates by releasing reactive Cr(III). DFOB and EDTA do not have a great effect on the oxidation of Cr(III) with H 2O 2. This is thought to be due to the much longer times they need to form complexes with Cr(III) compared to Aha and Bha. The rates for the formation of DFOB and EDTA complexes with Cr(III) are not competitive with the rates of the formation of aged Cr(III). After allowing Cr(III) and DFOB to react for 5 days to form the complex, reaction rates of Cr(III) with H 2O 2 appear to be lowered probably because of steric hindrance of the chelated Cr(III).

Eu(III) sorption to TiO2 (anatase and rutile): batch, XPS, and EXAFS studies.

PubMed

Tan, Xiaoli; Fan, Qiaohui; Wang, Xiangke; Grambow, Bernd

2009-05-01

The sorption of Eu(III) on anatase and rutile was studied as a function of ionic strength, humic acid (HA, 7.5 mg/L), and electrolyte anions over a large range of pH (2-12). The presence of HA significantly affected Eu(III) sorption to anatase and rutile. The sorption of Eu(III) on anatase and rutile was independent of ionic strength. Results of an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that Eu(III) was chemically present within the near-surface of TiO2 due to the formation of triple bond SOEu and triple bond SOHAEu complexes. An extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) technique was applied to characterize the local structural environment of the adsorbed Eu(III), and the results indicated that Eu(III) was bound to about seven or eight O atoms at a distance of about 2.40 A. The functional groups of surface-bound HA were expected to be involved in the sorption process. The measured Eu-Ti distance confirmed the formation of inner-sphere sorption complexes on a TiO2 surface.

Reconstitution of the yeast RNA polymerase III transcription system with all recombinant factors.

PubMed

Ducrot, Cécile; Lefebvre, Olivier; Landrieux, Emilie; Guirouilh-Barbat, Josée; Sentenac, André; Acker, Joel

2006-04-28

Transcription factor TFIIIC is a multisubunit complex required for promoter recognition and transcriptional activation of class III genes. We describe here the reconstitution of complete recombinant yeast TFIIIC and the molecular characterization of its two DNA-binding domains, tauA and tauB, using the baculovirus expression system. The B block-binding module, rtauB, was reconstituted with rtau138, rtau91, and rtau60 subunits. rtau131, rtau95, and rtau55 formed also a stable complex, rtauA, that displayed nonspecific DNA binding activity. Recombinant rTFIIIC was functionally equivalent to purified yeast TFIIIC, suggesting that the six recombinant subunits are necessary and sufficient to reconstitute a transcriptionally active TFIIIC complex. The formation and the properties of rTFIIIC-DNA complexes were affected by dephosphorylation treatments. The combination of complete recombinant rTFIIIC and rTFIIIB directed a low level of basal transcription, much weaker than with the crude B'' fraction, suggesting the existence of auxiliary factors that could modulate the yeast RNA polymerase III transcription system.

The ins and outs of breath holding: simple demonstrations of complex respiratory physiology.

PubMed

Skow, Rachel J; Day, Trevor A; Fuller, Jonathan E; Bruce, Christina D; Steinback, Craig D

2015-09-01

The physiology of breath holding is complex, and voluntary breath-hold duration is affected by many factors, including practice, psychology, respiratory chemoreflexes, and lung stretch. In this activity, we outline a number of simple laboratory activities or classroom demonstrations that illustrate the complexity of the integrative physiology behind breath-hold duration. These activities require minimal equipment and are easily adapted to small-group demonstrations or a larger-group inquiry format where students can design a protocol and collect and analyze data from their classmates. Specifically, breath-hold duration is measured during a number of maneuvers, including after end expiration, end inspiration, voluntary prior hyperventilation, and inspired hyperoxia. Further activities illustrate the potential contribution of chemoreflexes through rebreathing and repeated rebreathing after a maximum breath hold. The outcome measures resulting from each intervention are easily visualized and plotted and can comprise a comprehensive data set to illustrate and discuss complex and integrated cardiorespiratory physiology. Copyright © 2015 The American Physiological Society.

Regulation of NADH/CoQ oxidoreductase: do phosphorylation events affect activity?

PubMed

Maj, Mary C; Raha, Sandeep; Myint, Tomoko; Robinson, Brian H

2004-01-01

We had previously suggested that phosphorylation of proteins by mitochondrial kinases regulate the activity of NADH/CoQ oxidoreductase. Initial data showed that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylate mitochondrial membrane proteins. Upon phosphorylation with crude PDK, mitochondria appeared to be deficient in NADH/cytochrome c reductase activity associated with increased superoxide production. Conversely, phosphorylation by PKA resulted in increased NADH/cytochrome c reductase activity and decreased superoxide formation. Current data confirms PKA involvement in regulating Complex I activity through phosphorylation of an 18 kDa subunit. Beef heart NADH/ cytochrome c reductase activity increases to 150% of control upon incubation with PKA and ATP-gamma-S. We have cloned the four human isoforms of PDK and purified beef heart Complex I. Incubation of mitochondria with PDK isoforms and ATP did not alter Complex I activity or superoxide production. Radiolabeling of mitochondria and purified Complex I with PDK failed to reveal phosphorylated proteins.

Unravelling the nanostructure of strawberry fruit pectins by endo-polygalacturonase digestion and atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Paniagua, Candelas; Kirby, Andrew R; Gunning, A Patrick; Morris, Victor J; Matas, Antonio J; Quesada, Miguel A; Mercado, José A

2017-06-01

Pectins analysed by AFM are visualized as individual chains, branched or unbranched, and aggregates. To investigate the nature of these structures, sodium carbonate soluble pectins from strawberry fruits were digested with endo-polygalacturonase M2 from Aspergillus aculeatus and visualized by AFM. A gradual decrease in the length of chains was observed as result of the treatment, reaching a minimum L N value of 22nm. The branches were not visible after 2h of enzymatic incubation. The size of complexes also diminished significantly with the enzymatic digestion. A treatment to hydrolyse rhamnogalacturonan II borate diester bonds neither affected chains length or branching nor complex size but reduced the density of aggregates. These results suggest that chains are formed by a mixture of homogalacturonan and more complex molecules composed by a homogalacturonan unit linked to an endo-PG resistant unit. Homogalacturonan is a structural component of the complexes and rhamnogalacturonan II could be involved in their formation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Membrane-targeted WAVE mediates photoreceptor axon targeting in the absence of the WAVE complex in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Stephan, Raiko; Gohl, Christina; Fleige, Astrid; Klämbt, Christian; Bogdan, Sven

2011-01-01

A tight spatial-temporal coordination of F-actin dynamics is crucial for a large variety of cellular processes that shape cells. The Abelson interactor (Abi) has a conserved role in Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization, regulating Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) and WASP family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE). In this paper, we report that Abi exerts nonautonomous control of photoreceptor axon targeting in the Drosophila visual system through WAVE. In abi mutants, WAVE is unstable but restored by reexpression of Abi, confirming that Abi controls the integrity of the WAVE complex in vivo. Remarkably, expression of a membrane-tethered WAVE protein rescues the axonal projection defects of abi mutants in the absence of the other subunits of the WAVE complex, whereas cytoplasmic WAVE only slightly affects the abi mutant phenotype. Thus complex formation not only stabilizes WAVE, but also provides further membrane-recruiting signals, resulting in an activation of WAVE. PMID:21900504

Unusual Complex Formation and Chemical Reaction of Haloacetate Anion on the Exterior Surface of Cucurbit[6]uril in the Gas Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Tae Su; Ko, Jae Yoon; Heo, Sung Woo; Ko, Young Ho; Kim, Kimoon; Kim, Hugh I.

2012-10-01

Noncovalent interactions of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) with haloacetate and halide anions are investigated in the gas phase using electrospray ionization ion mobility mass spectrometry. Strong noncovalent interactions of monoiodoacetate, monobromoacetate, monochloroacetate, dichloroacetate, and trichloroacetate on the exterior surface of CB[6] are observed in the negative mode electrospray ionization mass spectra. The strong binding energy of the complex allows intramolecular SN2 reaction of haloacetate, which yields externally bound CB[6]-halide complex, by collisional activation. Utilizing ion mobility technique, structures of exteriorly bound CB[6] complexes of haloacetate and halide anions are confirmed. Theoretically determined low energy structures using density functional theory (DFT) further support results from ion mobility studies. The DFT calculation reveals that the binding energy and conformation of haloacetate on the CB[6] surface affect the efficiency of the intramolecular SN2 reaction of haloacetate, which correlate well with the experimental observation.

A ternary AppA-PpsR-DNA complex mediates light regulation of photosynthesis-related gene expression.

PubMed

Winkler, Andreas; Heintz, Udo; Lindner, Robert; Reinstein, Jochen; Shoeman, Robert L; Schlichting, Ilme

2013-07-01

The anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides uses different energy sources, depending on environmental conditions including aerobic respiration or, in the absence of oxygen, photosynthesis. Photosynthetic genes are repressed at high oxygen tension, but at intermediate levels their partial expression prepares the bacterium for using light energy. Illumination, however, enhances repression under semiaerobic conditions. Here, we describe molecular details of two proteins mediating oxygen and light control of photosynthesis-gene expression: the light-sensing antirepressor AppA and the transcriptional repressor PpsR. Our crystal structures of both proteins and their complex and hydrogen/deuterium-exchange data show that light activation of AppA-PpsR2 affects the PpsR effector region within the complex. DNA binding studies demonstrate the formation of a light-sensitive ternary AppA-PpsR-DNA complex. We discuss implications of these results for regulation by light and oxygen, highlighting new insights into blue light-mediated signal transduction.

The Kto-Skd complex can regulate ptc expression by interacting with Cubitus interruptus (Ci) in the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

PubMed

Mao, Feifei; Yang, Xiaofeng; Fu, Lin; Lv, Xiangdong; Zhang, Zhao; Wu, Wenqing; Yang, Siqi; Zhou, Zhaocai; Zhang, Lei; Zhao, Yun

2014-08-08

The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a very important role in metazoan development by controlling pattern formation. Drosophila imaginal discs are subdivided into anterior and posterior compartments that derive from adjacent cell populations. The anterior/posterior (A/P) boundaries, which are critical to maintaining the position of organizers, are established by a complex mechanism involving Hh signaling. Here, we uncover the regulation of ptc in the Hh signaling pathway by two subunits of mediator complex, Kto and Skd, which can also regulate boundary location. Collectively, we provide further evidence that Kto-Skd affects the A/P-axial development of the whole wing disc. Kto can interact with Cubitus interruptus (Ci), bind to the Ci-binding region on ptc promoter, which are both regulated by Hh signals to down-regulate ptc expression. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

DNA purification by triplex-affinity capture and affinity capture electrophoresis

DOEpatents

Cantor, C.R.; Ito, Takashi; Smith, C.L.

1996-01-09

The invention provides a method for purifying or isolating double stranded DNA intact using triple helix formation. The method includes the steps of complexing an oligonucleotide and double stranded DNA to generate a triple helix and immobilization of the triple helix on a solid phase by means of a molecular recognition system such as avidin/biotin. The purified DNA is then recovered intact by treating the solid phase with a reagent that breaks the bonds between the oligonucleotide and the intact double stranded DNA while not affecting the Watson-Crick base pairs of the double helix. The present invention also provides a method for purifying or isolating double stranded DNA intact by complexing the double stranded DNA with a specific binding partner and recovering the complex during electrophoresis by immobilizing it on a solid phase trap imbedded in an electrophoretic gel. 6 figs.

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

Perriot, Romain; Uberuaga, Blas P.; Zamora, Richard J.

Diffusion in complex oxides is critical to ionic transport, radiation damage evolution, sintering, and aging. In complex oxides such as pyrochlores, anionic diffusion is dramatically affected by cation disorder. However, little is known about how disorder influences cation transport. Here, we report results from classical and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of vacancy-mediated cation diffusion in Gd 2Ti 2O 7 pyrochlore, on the microsecond timescale. We find that diffusion is slow at low levels of disorder, while higher disorder allows for fast diffusion, which is then accompanied by antisite annihilation and reordering, and thus a slowing of cation transport. Cation diffusivitymore » is therefore not constant, but decreases as the material reorders. We also show that fast cation diffusion is triggered by the formation of a percolation network of antisites. This is in contrast with observations from other complex oxides and disordered media models, suggesting a fundamentally different relation between disorder and mass transport.« less

Coordination properties of tridentate (N,O,O) heterocyclic alcohol (PDC) with Cu(II). Mixed ligand complex formation reactions of Cu(II) with PDC and some bio-relevant ligands.

PubMed

El-Sherif, Ahmed A; Shoukry, Mohamed M

2007-03-01

The formation equilibria of copper(II) complexes and the ternary complexes Cu(PDC)L (PDC=2,6-bis-(hydroxymethyl)-pyridine, HL=amino acid, amides or DNA constituents) have been investigated. Ternary complexes are formed by a simultaneous mechanism. The results showed the formation of Cu(PDC)L, Cu(PDC, H(-1))(L) and Cu(PDC, H(-2))(L) complexes. The concentration distribution of the complexes in solution is evaluated as a function of pH. The effect of dioxane as a solvent on the protonation constant of PDC and the formation constants of Cu(II) complexes are discussed. The thermodynamic parameters DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees calculated from the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants are investigated.

Positronium formation studies in solid molecular complexes: Triphenylphosphine oxide-triphenylmethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, F. C.; Denadai, A. M. L.; Fulgêncio, F. H.; Magalhães, W. F.; Alcântara, A. F. C.; Windmöller, D.; Machado, J. C.

2012-06-01

Positronium formation in triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), triphenylmethanol (TPM), and systems [TPPO(1-X)ṡTPMX] has been studied. The low probability of positronium formation in complex [TPPO0.5ṡTPM0.5] was attributed to strong hydrogen bond and sixfold phenyl embrace interactions. These strong interactions in complex reduce the possibility of the n- and π-electrons to interact with positrons on the spur and consequently, the probability of positronium formation is lower. The τ3 parameter and free volume (correlated to τ3) were also sensitive to the formation of hydrogen bonds and sixfold phenyl embrace interactions within the complex. For physical mixture the positron annihilation parameters remained unchanged throughout the composition range.

Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Extruded Instant Functional Rice Porridge Powder as Affected by the Addition of Soybean or Mung Bean.

PubMed

Mayachiew, Pornpimon; Charunuch, Chulaluck; Devahastin, Sakamon

2015-12-01

Legumes contain protein, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, which provide various health benefits. In this study, soybean or mung bean was mixed in rice flour to produce by extrusion instant functional legume-rice porridge powder. The effects of the type and percentage (10%, 20%, or 30%, w/w) of legumes on the expansion ratio of the extrudates were first evaluated. Amino acid composition, color, and selected physicochemical (bulk density, water absorption index, and water solubility index), thermal (onset temperature, peak temperature, and transition enthalpy), and pasting (peak viscosity, trough viscosity, and final viscosity) properties of the powder were determined. The crystalline structure and formation of amylose-lipid complexes and the total phenolics content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the powder were also measured. Soybean-blended porridge powder exhibited higher TPC, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, amino acid, and fat contents than the mung bean-blended porridge powder. Incorporating either legume affected the product properties by decreasing the lightness and bulk density, while increasing the greenness and yellowness and the peak temperature and transition enthalpy. Expansion capacity of the extrudates increased with percentage of mung bean in the mixture but decreased as the percentage of soybean increased. Amylose-lipid complexes formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis results. Addition of soybean or mung bean resulted in significant pasting property changes of the porridge powder. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Survival protein anoctamin-6 controls multiple platelet responses including phospholipid scrambling, swelling, and protein cleavage.

PubMed

Mattheij, Nadine J A; Braun, Attila; van Kruchten, Roger; Castoldi, Elisabetta; Pircher, Joachim; Baaten, Constance C F M J; Wülling, Manuela; Kuijpers, Marijke J E; Köhler, Ralf; Poole, Alastair W; Schreiber, Rainer; Vortkamp, Andrea; Collins, Peter W; Nieswandt, Bernhard; Kunzelmann, Karl; Cosemans, Judith M E M; Heemskerk, Johan W M

2016-02-01

Scott syndrome is a rare bleeding disorder, characterized by altered Ca(2+)-dependent platelet signaling with defective phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and microparticle formation, and is linked to mutations in the ANO6 gene, encoding anoctamin (Ano)6. We investigated how the complex platelet phenotype of this syndrome is linked to defective expression of Anos or other ion channels. Mice were generated with heterozygous of homozygous deficiency in Ano6, Ano1, or Ca(2+)-dependent KCa3.1 Gardos channel. Platelets from these mice were extensively analyzed on molecular functions and compared with platelets from a patient with Scott syndrome. Deficiency in Ano1 or Gardos channel did not reduce platelet responses compared with control mice (P > 0.1). In 2 mouse strains, deficiency in Ano6 resulted in reduced viability with increased bleeding time to 28.6 min (control 6.4 min, P < 0.05). Platelets from the surviving Ano6-deficient mice resembled platelets from patients with Scott syndrome in: 1) normal collagen-induced aggregate formation (P > 0.05) with reduced PS exposure (-65 to 90%); 2) lowered Ca(2+)-dependent swelling (-80%) and membrane blebbing (-90%); 3) reduced calpain-dependent protein cleavage (-60%); and 4) moderately affected apoptosis-dependent PS exposure. In conclusion, mouse deficiency of Ano6 but not of other channels affects viability and phenocopies the complex changes in platelets from hemostatically impaired patients with Scott syndrome. © FASEB.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-encapsulated black pepper oleoresin using hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin for antioxidant and antimicrobial applications.

PubMed

Teixeira, Bruna N; Ozdemir, Necla; Hill, Laura E; Gomes, Carmen L

2013-12-01

Previous studies have reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of black pepper oleoresin which is associated to its phenolic compounds and piperine. The ability of cyclodextrins to form an inclusion complex with a guest molecule could improve black pepper oleoresin application, bioavailability, and stability in foods. Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) inclusion complex with black pepper olereosin were synthesized using the kneading method and characterized for its physico-chemical properties and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Inclusion complex size was 103.9 ± 7.6 nm and indicated to be a polydisperse system. The entrapment efficiency was 78.3 ± 3.6%, which suggests that other constituents in black pepper oleoresin have higher affinities for HPBCD than piperine (major compound in black pepper oleoresin). Thermograms showed the disappearance of oxidation peaks of black pepper oleoresin, proving complex formation with HPBCD. Phase solubility results indicated 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complex formation and an increase of black pepper oleoresin aqueous solubility with HPBCD concentration. Nano-encapsulation with HPBCD did not affect (P > 0.05) total phenolic content; however, it enhanced (P < 0.05) black pepper oleoresin antioxidant activity. Black pepper oleoresin and its inclusion complex were analyzed for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2. Both free and encapsulated black pepper oleoresin effectively inhibited bacterial growth within the concentration range tested. Black pepper oleoresin encapsulated in HPBCD was able to inhibit Salmonella at lower (P < 0.05) concentrations than its corresponding free extract. Therefore, black pepper oleoresin-HPBCD nanocapsules could have important applications in the food industry as antimicrobial and antioxidant system. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Update on human health effects of boron.

PubMed

Nielsen, Forrest H

2014-10-01

In vitro, animal, and human experiments have shown that boron is a bioactive element in nutritional amounts that beneficially affects bone growth and central nervous system function, alleviates arthritic symptoms, facilitates hormone action and is associated with a reduced risk for some types of cancer. The diverse effects of boron suggest that it influences the formation and/or activity of substances that are involved in numerous biochemical processes. Several findings suggest that this influence is through the formation of boroesters in biomolecules containing cis-hydroxyl groups. These biomolecules include those that contain ribose (e.g., S-adenosylmethionine, diadenosine phosphates, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). In addition, boron may form boroester complexes with phosphoinositides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids that affect cell membrane integrity and function. Both animal and human data indicate that an intake of less than 1.0mg/day inhibits the health benefits of boron. Dietary surveys indicate such an intake is not rare. Thus, increasing boron intake by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses should be recognized as a reasonable dietary recommendation to enhance health and well-being. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Mercury reduction and complexation by natural organic matter in anoxic environments.

PubMed

Gu, Baohua; Bian, Yongrong; Miller, Carrie L; Dong, Wenming; Jiang, Xin; Liang, Liyuan

2011-01-25

Mercuric Hg(II) species form complexes with natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) such as humic acid (HA), and this binding is known to affect the chemical and biological transformation and cycling of mercury in aquatic environments. Dissolved elemental mercury, Hg(0), is also widely observed in sediments and water. However, reactions between Hg(0) and DOM have rarely been studied in anoxic environments. Here, under anoxic dark conditions we show strong interactions between reduced HA and Hg(0) through thiolate ligand-induced oxidative complexation with an estimated binding capacity of ~3.5 μmol Hg/g HA and a partitioning coefficient >10(6) mL/g. We further demonstrate that Hg(II) can be effectively reduced to Hg(0) in the presence of as little as 0.2 mg/L reduced HA, whereas production of Hg(0) is inhibited by complexation as HA concentration increases. This dual role played by DOM in the reduction and complexation of mercury is likely widespread in anoxic sediments and water and can be expected to significantly influence the mercury species transformations and biological uptake that leads to the formation of toxic methylmercury.

A Conformational Change of the γ Subunit Indirectly Regulates the Activity of Cyanobacterial F1-ATPase*

PubMed Central

Sunamura, Ei-Ichiro; Konno, Hiroki; Imashimizu, Mari; Mochimaru, Mari; Hisabori, Toru

2012-01-01

The central shaft of the catalytic core of ATP synthase, the γ subunit consists of a coiled-coil structure of N- and C-terminal α-helices, and a globular domain. The γ subunit of cyanobacterial and chloroplast ATP synthase has a unique 30–40-amino acid insertion within the globular domain. We recently prepared the insertion-removed α3β3γ complex of cyanobacterial ATP synthase (Sunamura, E., Konno, H., Imashimizu-Kobayashi, M., and Hisabori, T. (2010) Plant Cell Physiol. 51, 855–865). Although the insertion is thought to be located in the periphery of the complex and far from catalytic sites, the mutant complex shows a remarkable increase in ATP hydrolysis activity due to a reduced tendency to lapse into ADP inhibition. We postulated that removal of the insertion affects the activity via a conformational change of two central α-helices in γ. To examine this hypothesis, we prepared a mutant complex that can lock the relative position of two central α-helices to each other by way of a disulfide bond formation. The mutant obtained showed a significant change in ATP hydrolysis activity caused by this restriction. The highly active locked complex was insensitive to N-dimethyldodecylamine-N-oxide, suggesting that the complex is resistant to ADP inhibition. In addition, the lock affected ϵ inhibition. In contrast, the change in activity caused by removal of the γ insertion was independent from the conformational restriction of the central axis component. These results imply that the global conformational change of the γ subunit indirectly regulates complex activity by changing both ADP inhibition and ϵ inhibition. PMID:23012354

Bias, belief, and consensus: Collective opinion formation on fluctuating networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngampruetikorn, Vudtiwat; Stephens, Greg J.

2016-11-01

With the advent of online networks, societies have become substantially more interconnected with individual members able to easily both maintain and modify their own social links. Here, we show that active network maintenance exposes agents to confirmation bias, the tendency to confirm one's beliefs, and we explore how this bias affects collective opinion formation. We introduce a model of binary opinion dynamics on a complex, fluctuating network with stochastic rewiring and we analyze these dynamics in the mean-field limit of large networks and fast link rewiring. We show that confirmation bias induces a segregation of individuals with different opinions and stabilizes the consensus state. We further show that bias can have an unusual, nonmonotonic effect on the time to consensus and this suggests a novel avenue for large-scale opinion manipulation.

Synaptic clustering within dendrites: an emerging theory of memory formation

PubMed Central

Kastellakis, George; Cai, Denise J.; Mednick, Sara C.; Silva, Alcino J.; Poirazi, Panayiota

2015-01-01

It is generally accepted that complex memories are stored in distributed representations throughout the brain, however the mechanisms underlying these representations are not understood. Here, we review recent findings regarding the subcellular mechanisms implicated in memory formation, which provide evidence for a dendrite-centered theory of memory. Plasticity-related phenomena which affect synaptic properties, such as synaptic tagging and capture, synaptic clustering, branch strength potentiation and spinogenesis provide the foundation for a model of memory storage that relies heavily on processes operating at the dendrite level. The emerging picture suggests that clusters of functionally related synapses may serve as key computational and memory storage units in the brain. We discuss both experimental evidence and theoretical models that support this hypothesis and explore its advantages for neuronal function. PMID:25576663

Oxidative Stress and the Homeodynamics of Iron Metabolism

PubMed Central

Bresgen, Nikolaus; Eckl, Peter M.

2015-01-01

Iron and oxygen share a delicate partnership since both are indispensable for survival, but if the partnership becomes inadequate, this may rapidly terminate life. Virtually all cell components are directly or indirectly affected by cellular iron metabolism, which represents a complex, redox-based machinery that is controlled by, and essential to, metabolic requirements. Under conditions of increased oxidative stress—i.e., enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—however, this machinery may turn into a potential threat, the continued requirement for iron promoting adverse reactions such as the iron/H2O2-based formation of hydroxyl radicals, which exacerbate the initial pro-oxidant condition. This review will discuss the multifaceted homeodynamics of cellular iron management under normal conditions as well as in the context of oxidative stress. PMID:25970586

Bias, belief, and consensus: Collective opinion formation on fluctuating networks.

PubMed

Ngampruetikorn, Vudtiwat; Stephens, Greg J

2016-11-01

With the advent of online networks, societies have become substantially more interconnected with individual members able to easily both maintain and modify their own social links. Here, we show that active network maintenance exposes agents to confirmation bias, the tendency to confirm one's beliefs, and we explore how this bias affects collective opinion formation. We introduce a model of binary opinion dynamics on a complex, fluctuating network with stochastic rewiring and we analyze these dynamics in the mean-field limit of large networks and fast link rewiring. We show that confirmation bias induces a segregation of individuals with different opinions and stabilizes the consensus state. We further show that bias can have an unusual, nonmonotonic effect on the time to consensus and this suggests a novel avenue for large-scale opinion manipulation.

Formation kinetics and mechanism of metastable vacancy-dioxygen complex in neutron irradiated Czochralski silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Peng; Wang, Rong; Yu, Xuegong; Chen, Lin; Ma, Xiangyang; Yang, Deren

2017-07-01

We have quantitatively investigated the formation kinetics of metastable vacancy-dioxygen (VO2) complex in a structure of [VO + Oi], where a VO complex is trapped in a next-neighbor position to an interstitial oxygen atom (Oi). It is found that the VO annihilation is accompanied by the generation of metastable [VO + Oi] complex during annealing in the temperature range of 220-250 °C. The activation energy for [VO + Oi] generation appears at around 0.48 eV, which is much lower than the counterpart of stable VO2 complex. This indicates that the formation of [VO + Oi] complex originates from the reaction between VO and Oi. The ab initio calculations show that the formation energy of [VO + Oi] complex is larger than that of VO2 complex, which means that [VO + Oi] complex is thermodynamically unfavorable as compared to VO2 complex. However, the binding energy of [VO + Oi] complex is positive, indicating that [VO + Oi] complex is stable against decomposition of VO and Oi in silicon. It is believed that [VO + Oi] complex serves as the intermediate for VO to VO2 conversion.

Display format, highlight validity, and highlight method: Their effects on search performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donner, Kimberly A.; Mckay, Tim D.; Obrien, Kevin M.; Rudisill, Marianne

1991-01-01

Display format and highlight validity were shown to affect visual display search performance; however, these studies were conducted on small, artificial displays of alphanumeric stimuli. A study manipulating these variables was conducted using realistic, complex Space Shuttle information displays. A 2x2x3 within-subjects analysis of variance found that search times were faster for items in reformatted displays than for current displays. Responses to valid applications of highlight were significantly faster than responses to non or invalidly highlighted applications. The significant format by highlight validity interaction showed that there was little difference in response time to both current and reformatted displays when the highlight validity was applied; however, under the non or invalid highlight conditions, search times were faster with reformatted displays. A separate within-subject analysis of variance of display format, highlight validity, and several highlight methods did not reveal a main effect of highlight method. In addition, observed display search times were compared to search time predicted by Tullis' Display Analysis Program. Benefits of highlighting and reformatting displays to enhance search and the necessity to consider highlight validity and format characteristics in tandem for predicting search performance are discussed.

Influence of dissolved organic matter on the complexation of mercury under sulfidic conditions.

PubMed

Miller, Carrie L; Mason, Robert P; Gilmour, Cynthia C; Heyes, Andrew

2007-04-01

The complexation of Hg under sulfidic conditions influences its bioavailability for microbial methylation. Neutral dissolved Hg-sulfide complexes are readily available to Hg-methylating bacteria in culture, and thermodynamic models predict that inorganic Hg-sulfide complexes dominate dissolved Hg speciation under natural sulfidic conditions. However, these models have not been validated in the field. To examine the complexation of Hg in natural sulfidic waters, octanol/water partitioning methods were modified for use under environmentally relevant conditions, and a centrifuge ultrafiltration technique was developed. These techniques demonstrated much lower concentrations of dissolved Hg-sulfide complexes than predicted. Furthermore, the study revealed an interaction between Hg, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and sulfide that is not captured by current thermodynamic models. Whereas Hg forms strong complexes with DOM under oxic conditions, these complexes had not been expected to form in the presence of sulfide because of the stronger affinity of Hg for sulfide relative to its affinity for DOM. The observed interaction between Hg and DOM in the presence of sulfide likely involves the formation of a DOM-Hg-sulfide complex or results from the hydrophobic partitioning of neutral Hg-sulfide complexes into the higher-molecular-weight DOM. An understanding of the mechanism of this interaction and determination of complexation coefficients for the Hg-sulfide-DOM complex are needed to adequately assess how our new finding affects Hg bioavailability, sorption, and flux.

Analysis of compaction shock interactions during DDT of low density HMX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Pratap T.; Gonthier, Keith A.

2017-01-01

Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (DDT) in confined, low density granular HMX occurs by a complex mechanism that involves compaction shock interactions within the material. Piston driven DDT experiments indicate that detonation is abruptly triggered by the interaction of a strong combustion-supported secondary shock and a piston-supported primary (input) shock, where the nature of the interaction depends on initial packing density and primary shock strength. These interactions influence transition by affecting dissipative heating within the microstructure during pore collapse. Inert meso-scale simulations of successive shock loading of low density HMX are performed to examine how dissipation and hot-spot formation are affected by the initial density, and the primary and secondary shock strengths. This information is used to formulate an ignition and burn model for low density HMX that accounts for the effect of shock densensitization on burn. Preliminary DDT predictions are presented that illustrate how primary shock strength affects the transition mechanism.

Dismantling processes of basaltic shield volcanoes - origin of the Piton des Neiges breccias - Reunion Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnaud, A.; Bachèlery, B.; Cruchet, C.

2003-04-01

Reunion Island is mainly composed by two volcanic massifs: the active Piton de la Fournaise to the southeast and the Piton des Neiges to the northwest that has been inactive for about 12000 years. The latter corresponds to a dismantled volcanic massif, deeply cut by valleys and by three vast depressions, called “cirques” around the centre of the volcano. They offer the opportunity to observe the inside of a basaltic shield volcano. The first work dealing with the origin of the “cirques” very quickly showed the existence of a significant cover of breccia deposits. These breccias were often interpreted as the result of a major stage of erosion considered as partly at the origin of the “cirques” formation. Geological campaigns mainly achieved in the “cirque de Salazie” (eastern of the Piton des Neiges), allow to establish a first typology based on morphological, phenomenological and sedimentary features of the deposits. Two main complexes of breccias have been distinguished. An old complex outcropping in the internal parts of the cirque and an upper complex generally overlaying the lower complex. The old complex comprises two main units of breccias. These units show a strong alteration marked by the presence of clays, chlorites, serpentines and zeolites. In the inner part of the cirque, these breccias are closely related to the old lava formations from which they come. These units show frequent jigsaw-cracks, a chaotic stratigraphy, as well as large amounts of chlorite. The upper complex is constituted by four main units which are more or less geographically separated in the cirque of Salazie. Their limits are not yet well identified because of the significant relief and a strong vegetable cover. Several units display a very strong fracturation, jigsaw-cracks and a chaotic stratigraphy whereas many lava flows are pulverised and locally injected in scoria levels. Recent work on Saint-Gilles breccias (Fèvre et al., this meeting) allowed to identify several sub-aerials deposits of debris avalanches. These new data, the analysis of geology and sedimentary figures observed within the breccia units in the “cirque de Salazie”, evidence several major gravitational collapse affecting the northeast flank of Piton des Neiges volcano. Considering that, the “cirque de Salazie” appears as partly bounded by gravitational collapse affecting the flanks of the volcano.

Stabilization and activation of alpha-chymotrypsin in water-organic solvent systems by complex formation with oligoamines.

PubMed

Kudryashova, Elena V; Artemova, Tatiana M; Vinogradov, Alexei A; Gladilin, Alexander K; Mozhaev, Vadim V; Levashov, Andrey V

2003-04-01

Formation of enzyme-oligoamine complexes was suggested as an approach to obtain biocatalysts with enhanced resistance towards inactivation in water-organic media. Complex formation results in broadening (by 20-40% v/v ethanol) of the range of cosolvent concentrations where the enzyme retains its catalytic activity (stabilization effect). At moderate cosolvent concentrations (20-40% v/v) complex formation activates the enzyme (by 3-6 times). The magnitude of activation and stabilization effects increases with the number of possible electrostatic contacts between the protein surface and the molecules of oligoamines (OA). Circular dichroism spectra in the far-UV region show that complex formation stabilizes protein conformation and prevents aggregation in water-organic solvent mixtures. Two populations of the complexes with different thermodynamic stabilities were found in alpha-chymotrypsin (CT)-OA systems depending on the CT/OA ratio. The average dissociation constants and stoichiometries of both low- and high-affinity populations of the complexes were estimated. It appears that it is the low-affinity sites on the CT surface that are responsible for the activation effect.

HIV-1 Nef limits communication between linker of activated T cells and SLP-76 to reduce formation of SLP-76-signaling microclusters following TCR stimulation.

PubMed

Abraham, Libin; Bankhead, Peter; Pan, Xiaoyu; Engel, Ulrike; Fackler, Oliver T

2012-08-15

Signal initiation by engagement of the TCR triggers actin rearrangements, receptor clustering, and dynamic organization of signaling complexes to elicit and sustain downstream signaling. Nef, a pathogenicity factor of HIV, disrupts early TCR signaling in target T cells. To define the mechanism underlying this Nef-mediated signal disruption, we employed quantitative single-cell microscopy following surface-mediated TCR stimulation that allows for dynamic visualization of distinct signaling complexes as microclusters (MCs). Despite marked inhibition of actin remodeling and cell spreading, the induction of MCs containing TCR-CD3 or ZAP70 was not affected significantly by Nef. However, Nef potently inhibited the subsequent formation of MCs positive for the signaling adaptor Src homology-2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76) to reduce MC density in Nef-expressing and HIV-1-infected T cells. Further analyses suggested that Nef prevents formation of SLP-76 MCs at the level of the upstream adaptor protein, linker of activated T cells (LAT), that couples ZAP70 to SLP-76. Nef did not disrupt pre-existing MCs positive for LAT. However, the presence of the viral protein prevented de novo recruitment of active LAT into MCs due to retargeting of LAT to an intracellular compartment. These modulations in MC formation and composition depended on Nef's ability to simultaneously disrupt both actin remodeling and subcellular localization of TCR-proximal machinery. Nef thus employs a dual mechanism to disturb early TCR signaling by limiting the communication between LAT and SLP-76 and preventing the dynamic formation of SLP-76-signaling MCs.

Planet formation: is it good or bad to have a stellar companion?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marzari, F.; Thebault, P.; Scholl, H.

2010-04-01

Planet formation in binary star systems is a complex issue due to the gravitational perturbations of the companion star. One of the crucial steps of the core-accretion model is planetesimal accretion into large protoplanets which finally coalesce into planets. In a planetesimal swarm surrounding the primary star, the average mutual impact velocity determines if larger bodies form or if the population is grinded down to dust, halting the planet formation process. This velocity is strongly influenced by the companion gravitational pull and by gas drag. The combined effect of these two forces may act in favour of or against planet formation, setting a lower or equal probability of the existence of extrasolar planets around single or binary stars. Planetesimal accretion in binaries has been studied so far with two different approaches. N-body codes based on the assumption that the disk is axisymmetric are very cost-effective since they allow the study of the mutual relative velocity with limited CPU usage. A large amount of planetesimal trajectories can be computed making it possible to outline the regions around the star where planet formation is possible. The main limitation of the N-body codes is the axisymmetric assumption. The companion perturbations affect not only the planetesimal orbits, but also the gaseous disk, by forcing spiral density waves. In addition, the overall shape of the disk changes from circular to elliptic. Hybrid codes have been recently developed which solve the equations for the disk with a hydrodynamical grid code and use the computed gas density and velocity vector to calculate an accurate value of the gas drag force on the planetesimals. These codes are more complex and may compute the trajectories of only a limited number of planetesimals.

Proteomic analysis of proteins related to rice grain chalkiness using iTRAQ and a novel comparison system based on a notched-belly mutant with white-belly

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Grain chalkiness is a complex trait adversely affecting appearance and milling quality, and therefore has been one of principal targets for rice improvement. Eliminating chalkiness from rice has been a daunting task due to the complex interaction between genotype and environment and the lack of molecular markers. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying grain chalkiness formation are still imperfectly understood. Results We identified a notched-belly mutant (DY1102) with high percentage of white-belly, which only occurs in the bottom part proximal to the embryo. Using this mutant, a novel comparison system that can minimize the effect of genetic background and growing environment was developed. An iTRAQ-based comparative display of the proteins between the bottom chalky part and the upper translucent part of grains of DY1102 was performed. A total of 113 proteins responsible for chalkiness formation was identified. Among them, 70 proteins are up-regulated and 43 down-regulated. Approximately half of these differentially expressed proteins involved in central metabolic or regulatory pathways including carbohydrate metabolism (especially cell wall synthesis) and protein synthesis, folding and degradation, providing proteomic confirmation of the notion that chalkiness formation involves diverse but delicately regulated pathways. Protein metabolism was the most abundant category, accounting for 27.4% of the total differentially expressed proteins. In addition, down regulation of PDIL 2–3 and BiP was detected in the chalky tissue, indicating the important role of protein metabolism in grain chalkiness formation. Conclusions Using this novel comparison system, our comprehensive survey of endosperm proteomics in the notched-belly mutant provides a valuable proteomic resource for the characterization of pathways contributing to chalkiness formation at molecular and biochemical levels. PMID:24924297

Protocol for Identifying Natural Agents That Selectively Affect Adhesion, Thickness, Architecture, Cellular Phenotypes, Extracellular Matrix, and Human White Blood Cell Impenetrability of Candida albicans Biofilms

PubMed Central

Park, Yang-Nim; Srikantha, Thyagarajan; Daniels, Karla J.; Jacob, Melissa R.; Agarwal, Ameeta K.; Li, Xing-Cong

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT In the screening of natural plant extracts for antifungal activity, assessment of their effects on the growth of cells in suspension or in the wells of microtiter plates is expedient. However, microorganisms, including Candida albicans, grow in nature as biofilms, which are organized cellular communities with a complex architecture capable of conditioning their microenvironment, communicating, and excluding low- and high-molecular-weight molecules and white blood cells. Here, a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) protocol for testing the effects of large numbers of agents on biofilm development is described. The protocol assessed nine parameters from a single z-stack series of CLSM scans for each individual biofilm analyzed. The parameters included adhesion, thickness, formation of a basal yeast cell polylayer, hypha formation, the vertical orientation of hyphae, the hyphal bend point, pseudohypha formation, calcofluor white staining of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and human white blood cell impenetrability. The protocol was applied first to five plant extracts and derivative compounds and then to a collection of 88 previously untested plant extracts. They were found to cause a variety of phenotypic profiles, as was the case for 64 of the 88 extracts (73%). Half of the 46 extracts that did not affect biofilm thickness affected other biofilm parameters. Correlations between specific effects were revealed. The protocol will be useful not only in the screening of chemical libraries but also in the analysis of compounds with known effects and mutations. PMID:28893778

Single site mutations in the hetero-oligomeric Mrp antiporter from alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 that affect Na+/H+ antiport activity, sodium exclusion, individual Mrp protein levels, or Mrp complex formation.

PubMed

Morino, Masato; Natsui, Shinsuke; Ono, Tomohiro; Swartz, Talia H; Krulwich, Terry A; Ito, Masahiro

2010-10-01

Mrp systems are widely distributed and structurally complex cation/proton antiporters. Antiport activity requires hetero-oligomeric complexes of all six or seven hydrophobic Mrp proteins (MrpA-MrpG). Here, a panel of site-directed mutants in conserved or proposed motif residues was made in the Mrp Na(+)(Li(+))/H(+) antiporter from an alkaliphilic Bacillus. The mutant operons were expressed in antiporter-deficient Escherichia coli KNabc and assessed for antiport properties, support of sodium resistance, membrane levels of each Mrp protein, and presence of monomeric and dimeric Mrp complexes. Antiport did not depend on a VFF motif or a conserved tyrosine pair, but a role for a conserved histidine in a potential quinone binding site of MrpA was supported. The importance of several acidic residues for antiport was confirmed, and the importance of additional residues was demonstrated (e.g. three lysine residues conserved across MrpA, MrpD, and membrane-bound respiratory Complex I subunits (NuoL/M/N)). The results extended indications that MrpE is required for normal membrane levels of other Mrp proteins and for complex formation. Moreover, mutations in several other Mrp proteins lead to greatly reduced membrane levels of MrpE. Thus, changes in either of the two Mrp modules, MrpA-MrpD and MrpE-MrpG, influence the other. Two mutants, MrpB-P37G and MrpC-Q70A, showed a normal phenotype but lacked the MrpA-MrpG monomeric complex while retaining the dimeric hetero-oligomeric complex. Finally, MrpG-P81A and MrpG-P81G mutants exhibited no antiport activity but supported sodium resistance and a low [Na(+)](in). Such mutants could be used to screen hypothesized but uncharacterized sodium efflux functions of Mrp apart from Na(+) (Li(+))/H(+) antiport.

Application of ion exchange resin in floating drug delivery system.

PubMed

Upadhye, Abhijeet A; Ambike, Anshuman A; Mahadik, Kakasaheb R; Paradkar, Anant

2008-10-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the application of low-density ion exchange resin (IER) Tulsion(R) 344, for floating drug delivery system (FDDS), and study the effect of its particle size on rate of complexation, water uptake, drug release, and in situ complex formation. Batch method was used for the preparation of complexes, which were characterized by physical methods. Tablet containing resin with high degree of crosslinking showed buoyancy lag time (BLT) of 5-8 min. Decreasing the particle size of resin showed decrease in water uptake and drug release, with no significant effect on the rate of complexation and in situ complex formation for both preformed complexes (PCs) and physical mixtures (PMs). Thus, low-density and high degree of crosslinking of resin and water uptake may be the governing factor for controlling the initial release of tablet containing PMs but not in situ complex formation. However, further sustained release may be due to in situ complex formation.

Absorption spectrometric study of charge transfer complex formation between 4-acetamidophenol (paracetamol) and a series of quinones including Vitamin K 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Avijit; Mukherjee, Asok K.

2004-07-01

The formation of charge transfer (CT) complexes of 4-acetamidophenol (commonly called 'paracetamol') and a series of quinones (including Vitamin K 3) has been studied spectrophotometrically in ethanol medium. The vertical ionisation potential of paracetamol and the degrees of charge transfer of the complexes in their ground state has been estimated from the trends in the charge transfer bands. The oscillator and transition dipole strengths of the complexes have been determined from the CT absorption spectra at 298 K. The complexes have been found by Job's method of continuous variation to have the uncommon 2:1 (paracetamol:quinone) stoichiometry in each case. The enthalpies and entropies of formation of the complexes have been obtained by determining their formation constants at five different temperatures.

Bacterial formate hydrogenlyase complex.

PubMed

McDowall, Jennifer S; Murphy, Bonnie J; Haumann, Michael; Palmer, Tracy; Armstrong, Fraser A; Sargent, Frank

2014-09-23

Under anaerobic conditions, Escherichia coli can carry out a mixed-acid fermentation that ultimately produces molecular hydrogen. The enzyme directly responsible for hydrogen production is the membrane-bound formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex, which links formate oxidation to proton reduction and has evolutionary links to Complex I, the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase. Although the genetics, maturation, and some biochemistry of FHL are understood, the protein complex has never been isolated in an intact form to allow biochemical analysis. In this work, genetic tools are reported that allow the facile isolation of FHL in a single chromatographic step. The core complex is shown to comprise HycE (a [NiFe] hydrogenase component termed Hyd-3), FdhF (the molybdenum-dependent formate dehydrogenase-H), and three iron-sulfur proteins: HycB, HycF, and HycG. A proportion of this core complex remains associated with HycC and HycD, which are polytopic integral membrane proteins believed to anchor the core complex to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. As isolated, the FHL complex retains formate hydrogenlyase activity in vitro. Protein film electrochemistry experiments on Hyd-3 demonstrate that it has a unique ability among [NiFe] hydrogenases to catalyze production of H2 even at high partial pressures of H2. Understanding and harnessing the activity of the FHL complex is critical to advancing future biohydrogen research efforts.

Conformational heterogeneity and bubble dynamics in single bacterial transcription initiation complexes

PubMed Central

Duchi, Diego; Gryte, Kristofer; Robb, Nicole C; Morichaud, Zakia; Sheppard, Carol; Wigneshweraraj, Sivaramesh

2018-01-01

Abstract Transcription initiation is a major step in gene regulation for all organisms. In bacteria, the promoter DNA is first recognized by RNA polymerase (RNAP) to yield an initial closed complex. This complex subsequently undergoes conformational changes resulting in DNA strand separation to form a transcription bubble and an RNAP-promoter open complex; however, the series and sequence of conformational changes, and the factors that influence them are unclear. To address the conformational landscape and transitions in transcription initiation, we applied single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) on immobilized Escherichia coli transcription open complexes. Our results revealed the existence of two stable states within RNAP–DNA complexes in which the promoter DNA appears to adopt closed and partially open conformations, and we observed large-scale transitions in which the transcription bubble fluctuated between open and closed states; these transitions, which occur roughly on the 0.1 s timescale, are distinct from the millisecond-timescale dynamics previously observed within diffusing open complexes. Mutational studies indicated that the σ70 region 3.2 of the RNAP significantly affected the bubble dynamics. Our results have implications for many steps of transcription initiation, and support a bend-load-open model for the sequence of transitions leading to bubble opening during open complex formation. PMID:29177430

Nucleation Promoting Factors Regulate the Expression and Localization of Arp2/3 Complex during Meiosis of Mouse Oocytes

PubMed Central

Liu, Jun; Wang, Qiao-Chu; Wang, Fei; Duan, Xing; Dai, Xiao-Xin; Wang, Teng; Liu, Hong-Lin; Cui, Xiang-Shun; Kim, Nam-Hyung; Sun, Shao-Chen

2012-01-01

The actin nucleation factor Arp2/3 complex is a main regulator of actin assembly and is involved in multiple processes like cell migration and adhesion, endocytosis, and the establishment of cell polarity in mitosis. Our previous work showed that the Arp2/3 complex was involved in the actin-mediated mammalian oocyte asymmetric division. However, the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathway of Arp2/3 complex in meiosis is still unclear. In the present work, we identified that the nucleation promoting factors (NPFs) JMY and WAVE2 were necessary for the expression and localization of Arp2/3 complex in mouse oocytes. RNAi of both caused the degradation of actin cap intensity, indicating the roles of NPFs in the formation of actin cap. Moreover, JMY and WAVE2 RNAi decreased the expression of ARP2, a key component of Arp2/3 complex. However, knock down of Arp2/3 complex by Arpc2 and Arpc3 siRNA microinjection did not affect the expression and localization of JMY and WAVE2. Our results indicate that the NPFs, JMY and WAVE2, are upstream regulators of Arp2/3 complex in mammalian oocyte asymmetric division. PMID:23272233

Analytical techniques for characterization of cyclodextrin complexes in aqueous solution: a review.

PubMed

Mura, Paola

2014-12-01

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides endowed with a hydrophilic outer surface and a hydrophobic inner cavity, able to form inclusion complexes with a wide variety of guest molecules, positively affecting their physicochemical properties. In particular, in the pharmaceutical field, cyclodextrin complexation is mainly used to increase the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs, and to enhance their bioavailability and stability. Analytical characterization of host-guest interactions is of fundamental importance for fully exploiting the potential benefits of complexation, helping in selection of the most appropriate cyclodextrin. The assessment of the actual formation of a drug-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and its full characterization is not a simple task and often requires the use of different analytical methods, whose results have to be combined and examined together. The purpose of the present review is to give, as much as possible, a general overview of the main analytical tools which can be employed for the characterization of drug-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes in solution, with emphasis on their respective potential merits, disadvantages and limits. Further, the applicability of each examined technique is illustrated and discussed by specific examples from literature. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of a novel mitochondrial complex I assembly factor ACDH-12 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Chuaijit, Sirithip; Boonyatistan, Worawit; Boonchuay, Pichsinee; Metheetrairut, Chanatip; Suthammarak, Wichit

2018-03-11

Assembly of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) requires not only structural subunits for electron transport, but also assembly factors. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, NUAF-1 and NUAF-3 are the only two assembly factors that have been characterized. In this study, we identify ACDH-12 as an assembly factor of the respiratory complex I. We demonstrate for the first time that a deficiency of ACDH-12 affects the formation and function of complex I. RNAi knockdown of acdh-12 also shortens lifespan and decreases fecundity. Although ACDH-12 has long been recognized as a very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD), the knockdown nematodes did not exhibit any change in body fat content. We suggested that in Caenorhabditis elegans, ACDH-12 is required for the assembly of the respiratory complex I, but may not be crucial to fatty acid oxidation. Interestingly, sequence analysis shows high homology between ACDH-12 and the human ACAD9, a protein that has initially been identified as a VLCAD, but later found to also be involved in the assembly of complex I in human. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved.

Downstream DNA Tension Regulates the Stability of the T7 RNA Polymerase Initiation Complex

PubMed Central

Skinner, Gary M.; Kalafut, Bennett S.; Visscher, Koen

2011-01-01

Gene transcription by the enzyme RNA polymerase is tightly regulated. In many cases, such as in the lac operon in Escherichia coli, this regulation is achieved through the action of protein factors on DNA. Because DNA is an elastic polymer, its response to enzymatic processing can lead to mechanical perturbations (e.g., linear stretching and supercoiling) that can affect the operation of other DNA processing complexes acting elsewhere on the same substrate molecule. Using an optical-tweezers assay, we measured the binding kinetics between single molecules of bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase and DNA, as a function of tension. We found that increasing DNA tension under conditions that favor formation of the open complex results in destabilization of the preinitiation complex. Furthermore, with zero ribonucleotides present, when the closed complex is favored, we find reduced tension sensitivity, implying that it is predominantly the open complex that is sensitive. This result strongly supports the “scrunching” model for T7 transcription initiation, as the applied tension acts against the movement of the DNA into the scrunched state, and introduces linear DNA tension as a potential regulatory quantity for transcription initiation. PMID:21320448

Star Clusters in the Magellanic Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallagher, J. S., III

2014-09-01

The Magellanic Clouds (MC) are prime locations for studies of star clusters covering a full range in age and mass. This contribution briefly reviews selected properties of Magellanic star clusters, by focusing first on young systems that show evidence for hierarchical star formation. The structures and chemical abundance patterns of older intermediate age star clusters in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) are a second topic. These suggest a complex history has affected the chemical enrichment in the SMC and that low tidal stresses in the SMC foster star cluster survival.

Improving Joint Formation and Tensile Properties of Dissimilar Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys by Solving the Pin Adhesion Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhenlei; Ji, Shude; Meng, Xiangchen

2018-03-01

Friction stir welding (FSW), as a solid-state welding technology invented by TWI in 1991, has potential to join dissimilar Al/Mg alloys. In this study, the pin adhesion phenomenon affecting joint quality during FSW of 6061-T6 aluminum and AZ31B magnesium alloys was investigated. The adhesion phenomenon induced by higher heat input easily transformed the tapered-and-screwed pin into a tapered pin, which greatly reduced the tool's ability to drive the plasticized materials and further deteriorated joint formation. Under the condition without the pin adhesion, the complex intercalated interlayer at the bottom of stir zone was beneficial to mechanical interlocking of Al/Mg alloys, improving tensile properties. However, the formation of intermetallic compounds was still the main reason of the joint fracture, significantly deteriorating tensile properties. Under the welding speed of 60 mm/min without the pin adhesion phenomenon, the maximum tensile strength of 107 MPa and elongation of 1.2% were achieved.

Cellular v-ATPase is required for virion assembly compartment formation in human cytomegalovirus infection

PubMed Central

Pavelin, Jonathan; McCormick, Dominique; Chiweshe, Stephen; Ramachandran, Saranya; Lin, Yao-Tang

2017-01-01

Successful generation of virions from infected cells is a complex process requiring orchestrated regulation of host and viral genes. Cells infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) undergo a dramatic reorganization of membrane organelles resulting in the formation of the virion assembly compartment, a process that is not fully understood. Here we show that acidification of vacuoles by the cellular v-ATPase is a crucial step in the formation of the virion assembly compartment and disruption of acidification results in mis-localization of virion components and a profound reduction in infectious virus levels. In addition, knockdown of ATP6V0C blocks the increase in nuclear size, normally associated with HCMV infection. Inhibition of the v-ATPase does not affect intracellular levels of viral DNA synthesis or gene expression, consistent with a defect in assembly and egress. These studies identify a novel host factor involved in virion production and a potential target for antiviral therapy. PMID:29093211

ANTIGEN-INDUCED CHANGES IN LYMPHOID CELL HISTONES

PubMed Central

Black, Maurice M.; Ansley, Hudson R.

1967-01-01

In this study we have examined the solubility of deoxyribonucleoprotein (DNP) isolated from control and antigen-affected thymocytes. 2-M sodium chloride extracts containing the DNP of rat thymus glands were serially diluted. A comparison was made of the effect of dilution on fiber formation in the control and test series. Fiber formation is usually complete for the control material at a salt concentration between 0.63 and 0.57 M. The test material shows some fiber formation within this range. However, a significant portion of the DNP is precipitated at dilutions of 0.54–0.48 M. Ammoniacal silver (A-S) stains the control fibers a characteristic yellowish color. With the test material, those fibers formed within the control range tended to be stained yellowish brown by A-S, whereas those formed only after greater dilution stained blackish. These data, coupled with our previous observations on altered A-S staining, clearly demonstrate an antigen-induced physical and/or chemical alteration of the histone or histone-DNA complex of lymphoid cell chromatin. PMID:4168881

Vitamin C supplementation enhances compact morulae formation but reduces the hatching blastocyst rate of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.

PubMed

Li, Qian; Wang, Yong-Sheng; Wang, Li-Jun; Zhang, Hui; Li, Rui-Zhe; Cui, Chen-Chen; Li, Wen-Zhe; Zhang, Yong; Jin, Ya-Ping

2014-08-01

Vitamin C, an antioxidant that reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, is capable of significantly improving the developmental competence of porcine and mouse somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, the effects of vitamin C on the developmental competence of bovine SCNT embryos were investigated. The results indicated that vitamin C (40 μg/mL) positively affected the scavenging of intracellular ROS, cleavage rate at 24 h (76.67 vs. 68.26%, p<0.05), compact morulae formation (60.83 vs. 51.30%, p<0.05), and the blastomere apoptosis index (3.70 ± 1.41 vs. 4.43% ± 1.65, p<0.05) of bovine SCNT embryos. However, vitamin C supplementation did not significantly affect the blastocyst formation rate and proportion of inner cell mass over total cells per blastocyst on day 7. Moreover, vitamin C supplementation obviously impaired the total cell numbers per blastocyst (97.20 ± 11.35 vs. 88.57 ± 10.43, p<0.05) on day 7 and the hatching blastocysts formation rate on day 9 (26.51 vs. 50.65%, p<0.05) compared with that of the untreated group. Vitamin C supplementation preferentially improved the viability of bovine SCNT embryos prior to the blastocyst stage, but did not enhance the formation and quality of blastocysts in vitro. In conclusion, the effect of vitamin C on the development of bovine SCNT embryos is complex, and vitamin C is not a suitable antioxidant chemical for the in vitro culture of bovine SCNT embryos.

Investigating the role of gas bubble formation and entrapment in contaminated aquifers: Reactive transport modelling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Amos, Richard T.; Mayer, K. Ulrich

2006-01-01

In many natural and contaminated aquifers, geochemical processes result in the production or consumption of dissolved gases. In cases where methanogenesis or denitrification occurs, the production of gases may result in the formation and growth of gas bubbles below the water table. Near the water table, entrapment of atmospheric gases during water table rise may provide a significant source of O2 to waters otherwise depleted in O2. Furthermore, the presence of bubbles will affect the hydraulic conductivity of an aquifer, resulting in changes to the groundwater flow regime. The interactions between physical transport, biogeochemical processes, and gas bubble formation, entrapment and release is complex and requires suitable analysis tools. The objective of the present work is the development of a numerical model capable of quantitatively assessing these processes. The multicomponent reactive transport code MIN3P has been enhanced to simulate bubble growth and contraction due to in-situ gas production or consumption, bubble entrapment due to water table rise and subsequent re-equilibration of the bubble with ambient groundwater, and permeability changes due to trapped gas phase saturation. The resulting formulation allows for the investigation of complex geochemical systems where microbially mediated redox reactions both produce and consume gases as well as affect solution chemistry, alkalinity, and pH. The enhanced model has been used to simulate processes in a petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated aquifer where methanogenesis is an important redox process. The simulations are constrained by data from a crude oil spill site near Bemidji, MN. Our results suggest that permeability reduction in the methanogenic zone due to in-situ formation of gas bubbles, and dissolution of entrapped atmospheric bubbles near the water table, both work to attenuate the dissolved gas plume emanating from the source zone. Furthermore, the simulations demonstrate that under the given conditions more than 50% of all produced CH4 partitions to the gas phase or is aerobically oxidised near the water table, suggesting that these processes should be accounted for when assessing the rate and extent of methanogenic degradation of hydrocarbons.

Investigating the role of gas bubble formation and entrapment in contaminated aquifers: Reactive transport modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amos, Richard T.; Ulrich Mayer, K.

2006-09-01

In many natural and contaminated aquifers, geochemical processes result in the production or consumption of dissolved gases. In cases where methanogenesis or denitrification occurs, the production of gases may result in the formation and growth of gas bubbles below the water table. Near the water table, entrapment of atmospheric gases during water table rise may provide a significant source of O 2 to waters otherwise depleted in O 2. Furthermore, the presence of bubbles will affect the hydraulic conductivity of an aquifer, resulting in changes to the groundwater flow regime. The interactions between physical transport, biogeochemical processes, and gas bubble formation, entrapment and release is complex and requires suitable analysis tools. The objective of the present work is the development of a numerical model capable of quantitatively assessing these processes. The multicomponent reactive transport code MIN3P has been enhanced to simulate bubble growth and contraction due to in-situ gas production or consumption, bubble entrapment due to water table rise and subsequent re-equilibration of the bubble with ambient groundwater, and permeability changes due to trapped gas phase saturation. The resulting formulation allows for the investigation of complex geochemical systems where microbially mediated redox reactions both produce and consume gases as well as affect solution chemistry, alkalinity, and pH. The enhanced model has been used to simulate processes in a petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated aquifer where methanogenesis is an important redox process. The simulations are constrained by data from a crude oil spill site near Bemidji, MN. Our results suggest that permeability reduction in the methanogenic zone due to in-situ formation of gas bubbles, and dissolution of entrapped atmospheric bubbles near the water table, both work to attenuate the dissolved gas plume emanating from the source zone. Furthermore, the simulations demonstrate that under the given conditions more than 50% of all produced CH 4 partitions to the gas phase or is aerobically oxidised near the water table, suggesting that these processes should be accounted for when assessing the rate and extent of methanogenic degradation of hydrocarbons.

The zebrafish mutant vps18 as a model for vesicle-traffic related hypopigmentation diseases.

PubMed

Maldonado, Ernesto; Hernandez, Fabiola; Lozano, Carlos; Castro, Marta E; Navarro, Rosa E

2006-08-01

Hypopigmentation is a characteristic of several diseases associated with vesicle traffic defects, like the Hermansky-Pudlak, Chediak-Higashi, and Griscelli syndromes. Hypopigmentation is also a characteristic of the zebrafish mutant vps18(hi2499A), which is affected in the gene vps18, a component of the homotypic fusion and protein sorting complex that is involved in tethering during vesicular traffic. Vps18, as part of this complex, participates in the formation of early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes. Here, we show that Vps18 is also involved in the formation of melanosomes. In the zebrafish mutant vps18(hi2499A) the retroviral insertion located at exon 4 of vps18, leads to the formation of two abnormal splicing variants lacking the coding sequence for the clathrin repeat and the RING finger conserved domains. A deficiency of Vps18 in zebrafish larvae results in hepatomegaly and skin hypopigmentation. We also observed a drastic reduction in the number of melanosomes in the eye's retinal pigmented epithelium along with the accumulation of immature melanosomes. A significant reduction in the vps18(hi2499A) larvae visual system capacity was found using the optokinetic response assay. We propose that the insertional mutant vps18(hi2499A) can be used as a model for studying hypopigmentation diseases in which vesicle traffic problems exist.

PMCA activity and membrane tubulin affect deformability of erythrocytes from normal and hypertensive human subjects.

PubMed

Monesterolo, Noelia E; Nigra, Ayelen D; Campetelli, Alexis N; Santander, Verónica S; Rivelli, Juan F; Arce, Carlos A; Casale, Cesar H

2015-11-01

Our previous studies demonstrated formation of a complex between acetylated tubulin and brain plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA), and the effect of the lipid environment on structure of this complex and on PMCA activity. Deformability of erythrocytes from hypertensive human subjects was reduced by an increase in membrane tubulin content. In the present study, we examined the regulation of PMCA activity by tubulin in normotensive and hypertensive erythrocytes, and the effect of exogenously added diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidic acid (PA) on erythrocyte deformability. Some of the key findings were that: (i) PMCA was associated with tubulin in normotensive and hypertensive erythrocytes, (ii) PMCA enzyme activity was directly correlated with erythrocyte deformability, and (iii) when tubulin was present in the erythrocyte membrane, treatment with DAG or PA led to increased deformability and associated PMCA activity. Taken together, our findings indicate that PMCA activity is involved in deformability of both normotensive and hypertensive erythrocytes. This rheological property of erythrocytes is affected by acetylated tubulin and its lipid environment because both regulate PMCA activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical, thermal and morphological study of ZnS doped PVA polymer nano composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guruswamy, B.; Ravindrachary, V.; Shruthi, C.; Sagar, Rohan N.; Hegde, Shreedatta

2018-05-01

The effect of ZnS nano particle doping on optical, thermal properties and morphological study of the PVA polymer has been investigated using FTIR, UV-Visible and TGA, FESEM techniques. Nano sized ZnS particles were synthesized by a simple wet chemical route. Pure and ZnS/PVA nano composites were prepared using solution casting technique. The FTIR study confirms that the ZnS nano particles interacts with the OH group of PVA polymer and forms the complex. The formation of these complexes affects the optical and thermal properties of the composite. The changes in optical properties were studied using UV-Vis absorption method. The variation in thermal property was analysed using TGA results. The modified surface morphology analysis was carried out using FESEM.

Mechanistic investigation of the formation of H2 from HCOOH with a dinuclear Ru model complex for formate hydrogen lyase.

PubMed

Tokunaga, Taisuke; Yatabe, Takeshi; Matsumoto, Takahiro; Ando, Tatsuya; Yoon, Ki-Seok; Ogo, Seiji

2017-01-01

We report the mechanistic investigation of catalytic H 2 evolution from formic acid in water using a formate-bridged dinuclear Ru complex as a formate hydrogen lyase model. The mechanistic study is based on isotope-labeling experiments involving hydrogen isotope exchange reaction.

Denitrification-derived nitric oxide modulates biofilm formation in Azospirillum brasilense.

PubMed

Arruebarrena Di Palma, Andrés; Pereyra, Cintia M; Moreno Ramirez, Lizbeth; Xiqui Vázquez, María L; Baca, Beatriz E; Pereyra, María A; Lamattina, Lorenzo; Creus, Cecilia M

2013-01-01

Azospirillum brasilense is a rhizobacterium that provides beneficial effects on plants when they colonize roots. The formation of complex bacterial communities known as biofilms begins with the interaction of planktonic cells with surfaces in response to appropriate signals. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule implicated in numerous processes in bacteria, including biofilm formation or dispersion, depending on genera and lifestyle. Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 produces NO by denitrification having a role in root growth promotion. We analyzed the role of endogenously produced NO on biofilm formation in A. brasilense Sp245 and in a periplasmic nitrate reductase mutant (napA::Tn5; Faj164) affected in NO production. Cells were statically grown in media with nitrate or ammonium as nitrogen sources and examined for biofilm formation using crystal violet and by confocal laser microscopy. Both strains formed biofilms, but the mutant produced less than half compared with the wild type in nitrate medium showing impaired nitrite production in this condition. NO measurements in biofilm confirmed lower values in the mutant strain. The addition of a NO donor showed that NO influences biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner and reverses the mutant phenotype, indicating that Nap positively regulates the formation of biofilm in A. brasilense Sp245. © 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pacopampa: Early evidence of violence at a ceremonial site in the northern Peruvian highlands

PubMed Central

Uzawa, Kazuhiro; Seki, Yuji; Morales Chocano, Daniel

2017-01-01

Objectives Pacopampa, a ceremonial complex in Peru’s northern highlands, reveals early evidence of trauma in the Middle to Late Formative Period coinciding with the emergence of social stratification in the area. We examine the prevalence of trauma in human remains found at the site and present evidence of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of individuals who lived during the early stages of Andean civilization. Materials and methods The materials are the remains of 104 individuals (38 non-adult and 66 adult) from the Middle to Late Formative Periods. We explored trauma macroscopically and recorded patterns based on skeletons’ locations, age at death, sex, social class, and chronology. Results We detected trauma in remains over the Middle to Late Formative Periods. While the prevalence of trauma was minimal in the Middle Formative Period, skeletons from the subsequent era exhibit more severe disturbances. However, all the skeletons show signs of healing and affected individuals experienced a low degree of trauma. Discussion Given the archaeological context (the remains were recovered from sites of ceremonial practices), as well as the equal distribution of trauma among both sexes and a lack of defensive architecture, it is plausible that rituals, rather than organized warfare or raids, caused most of the exhibited trauma. Pacopampa was home to a complex society founded on ritual activity in a ceremonial center: this is indicated by the presence of ritual violence in a society that built impressively large, ceremonial architecture and developed social stratification without any political control of surplus agricultural goods. PMID:28957380

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic evidence for bacteria-enhanced dissolution of hornblende

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinowski, B. E.; Liermann, L. J.; Brantley, S. L.; Barnes, A.; Pantano, C. G.

2000-04-01

An Arthrobacter species capable of extracting Fe from hornblende was isolated from a soil from the Adirondacks, NY (USA). This bacteria isolate, used in batch experiments with hornblende, accelerated the release of Fe from hornblende without measurably affecting Al release. The isolate produces both low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) and a catecholate siderophore. Polished hornblende (glass and crystal) discs were analyzed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after incubation with growing Arthrobacter sp. to investigate whether the bacteria caused a distinguishable chemical signature on the upper 100 Å of mineral surface. After removal of the arthrobacter grown on hornblende crystal or glass substrates using lysozyme, XPS revealed surface depletion of Fe for samples grown for several days in buffered (crystal) and unbuffered (crystal and glass) media. Fe/Si ratios of hornblende surfaces dissolved under biotic conditions are significantly lower than Fe/Si ratios on surfaces dissolved under abiotic conditions for similar amounts of time. Enhanced Fe release and the formation of Fe-depleted surfaces is inferred to be caused by catechol complexation at the mineral surface. Because natural siderophore was not isolated in sufficient quantities to run bacteria-free leaching experiments, parallel investigations were run with a commercially available siderophore (desferrioxamine B). Desferrioxamine B was observed to enhance release of Fe, Si, and Al from hornblende both with and without added bacteria. Formation of desferrioxamine-Fe surface complexes were probed by studying the multiple splitting and shift in intensities of the N 1s line analyzed by XPS on siderophore ± Fe on gold surfaces and siderophore + hornblende crystal surfaces. Based upon the observed formation of an hydroxamate (desferrioxamine) surface complex on hornblende, we infer that catecholate siderophores, such as those produced by the arthrobacter, also complex on the hornblende surface. Surface complexation is favored because of the extremely high association constants for siderophore + Fe(III). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic data is therefore consistent with a model wherein enhanced Fe release by these bacteria or desferrioxamine B is caused by Fe-siderophore complexation at the silicate surface. Such complexation presumably weakens bonds between the Fe and the oxide lattice, causing enhanced Fe leaching and an Fe-depleted surface. Some leaching may also be due to LMWOA, although this is interpreted to be of secondary importance.

Cytotoxic effects of nanosilver are highly dependent on the chloride concentration and the presence of organic compounds in the cell culture media.

PubMed

Kaiser, Jean-Pierre; Roesslein, Matthias; Diener, Liliane; Wichser, Adrian; Nowack, Bernd; Wick, Peter

2017-01-06

Nanosilver shows great promise for use in industrial, consumer or medical products because of its antimicrobial properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of the effects of silver nanoparticles on human cells are still controversial. Therefore, in the present study the influence of the chloride concentration and different serum content of culture media on the cytotoxic effects of nanosilver was systematically evaluated. Our results show that nanosilver toxicity was strongly affected by the composition of the culture media. The chloride concentration, as well as the carbon content affected the silver agglomeration and the complex formation. But also the dissolution of nanosilver and the availability of free silver ions (Ag + ) were severely affected by the compositions of the culture media. Cells, only exposed to silver particles in suspension and dissolved silver complexes, did not show any effects under all conditions. Nanosilver agglomerates and silver complexes were not very soluble. Thus, cells growing on the bottom of the culture dishes were exposed to sedimented nanosilver agglomerates and precipitated silver complexes. Locally, the concentration of silver on the cell surface was very high, much higher compared the silver concentration in the bulk solution. The cytotoxic effects of nanosilver are therefore a combination of precipitated silver complexes and organic silver compounds rather than free silver ions. Silver coatings are used in health care products due to their bacteriostatic or antibacterial properties. The assessment of the toxicity of a certain compound is mostly done using in vitro assays. Therefore, cytotoxicity studies of nanosilver using human cell cultures have to be undertaken under well controlled and understood cultivations conditions in order to improve the compatibility of different studies. Especially when eukaryotic versus prokaryotic systems are compared for the evaluation of the use of nanosilver as antibacterial coatings for implants in order to prevent bacterial colonization.

Adaptor Protein Complex 4 Deficiency Causes Severe Autosomal-Recessive Intellectual Disability, Progressive Spastic Paraplegia, Shy Character, and Short Stature

PubMed Central

Abou Jamra, Rami; Philippe, Orianne; Raas-Rothschild, Annick; Eck, Sebastian H.; Graf, Elisabeth; Buchert, Rebecca; Borck, Guntram; Ekici, Arif; Brockschmidt, Felix F.; Nöthen, Markus M.; Munnich, Arnold; Strom, Tim M.; Reis, Andre; Colleaux, Laurence

2011-01-01

Intellectual disability inherited in an autosomal-recessive fashion represents an important fraction of severe cognitive-dysfunction disorders. Yet, the extreme heterogeneity of these conditions markedly hampers gene identification. Here, we report on eight affected individuals who were from three consanguineous families and presented with severe intellectual disability, absent speech, shy character, stereotypic laughter, muscular hypotonia that progressed to spastic paraplegia, microcephaly, foot deformity, decreased muscle mass of the lower limbs, inability to walk, and growth retardation. Using a combination of autozygosity mapping and either Sanger sequencing of candidate genes or next-generation exome sequencing, we identified one mutation in each of three genes encoding adaptor protein complex 4 (AP4) subunits: a nonsense mutation in AP4S1 (NM_007077.3: c.124C>T, p.Arg42∗), a frameshift mutation in AP4B1 (NM_006594.2: c.487_488insTAT, p.Glu163_Ser739delinsVal), and a splice mutation in AP4E1 (NM_007347.3: c.542+1_542+4delGTAA, r.421_542del, p.Glu181Glyfs∗20). Adaptor protein complexes (AP1-4) are ubiquitously expressed, evolutionarily conserved heterotetrameric complexes that mediate different types of vesicle formation and the selection of cargo molecules for inclusion into these vesicles. Interestingly, two mutations affecting AP4M1 and AP4E1 have recently been found to cause cerebral palsy associated with severe intellectual disability. Combined with previous observations, these results support the hypothesis that AP4-complex-mediated trafficking plays a crucial role in brain development and functioning and demonstrate the existence of a clinically recognizable syndrome due to deficiency of the AP4 complex. PMID:21620353

Analysis of the Enhanced Stability of R(+)-Alpha Lipoic Acid by the Complex Formation with Cyclodextrins

PubMed Central

Ikuta, Naoko; Sugiyama, Hironori; Shimosegawa, Hiroshi; Nakane, Rie; Ishida, Yoshiyuki; Uekaji, Yukiko; Nakata, Daisuke; Pallauf, Kathrin; Rimbach, Gerald; Terao, Keiji; Matsugo, Seiichi

2013-01-01

R(+)-alpha lipoic acid (RALA) is one of the cofactors for mitochondrial enzymes and, therefore, plays a central role in energy metabolism. RALA is unstable when exposed to low pH or heat, and therefore, it is difficult to use enantiopure RALA as a pharma- and nutra-ceutical. In this study, we have aimed to stabilize RALA through complex formation with cyclodextrins (CDs). α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD were used for the formation of these RALA-CD complexes. We confirmed the complex formation using differential scanning calorimetry and showed by using HPLC analysis that complexed RALA is more stable than free RALA when subjected to humidity and high temperature or acidic pH conditions. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the particle size and shape differed depending on the cyclodextrin used for complexation. Further, the complexes of CD and RALA showed a different particle size distribution pattern compared with that of CD itself or that of the physical mixture of RALA and CD. PMID:23434662

Cl-doping of Te-rich CdTe: Complex formation, self-compensation and self-purification from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindström, A.; Klintenberg, M.; Sanyal, B.; Mirbt, S.

2015-08-01

The coexistence in Te-rich CdTe of substitutional Cl-dopants, ClTe, which act as donors, and Cd vacancies, VC d - 1 , which act as electron traps, was studied from first principles utilising the HSE06 hybrid functional. We find ClTe to preferably bind to VC d - 1 and to form an acceptor complex, (ClTe-VCd)-1. The complex has a (0,-1) charge transfer level close to the valence band and shows no trap state (deep level) in the band gap. During the complex formation, the defect state of VCd-1 is annihilated and leaves the Cl-doped CdTe bandgap without any trap states (self-purification). We calculate Cl-doped CdTe to be semi-insulating with a Fermi energy close to midgap. We calculate the formation energy of the complex to be sufficiently low to allow for spontanous defect formation upon Cl-doping (self-compensation). In addition, we quantitatively analyse the geometries, DOS, binding energies and formation energies of the (ClTe-VCd) complexes.

Disruption of Specific RNA-RNA Interactions in a Double-Stranded RNA Virus Inhibits Genome Packaging and Virus Infectivity

PubMed Central

Fajardo, Teodoro; Sung, Po-Yu; Roy, Polly

2015-01-01

Bluetongue virus (BTV) causes hemorrhagic disease in economically important livestock. The BTV genome is organized into ten discrete double-stranded RNA molecules (S1-S10) which have been suggested to follow a sequential packaging pathway from smallest to largest segment during virus capsid assembly. To substantiate and extend these studies, we have investigated the RNA sorting and packaging mechanisms with a new experimental approach using inhibitory oligonucleotides. Putative packaging signals present in the 3’untranslated regions of BTV segments were targeted by a number of nuclease resistant oligoribonucleotides (ORNs) and their effects on virus replication in cell culture were assessed. ORNs complementary to the 3’ UTR of BTV RNAs significantly inhibited virus replication without affecting protein synthesis. Same ORNs were found to inhibit complex formation when added to a novel RNA-RNA interaction assay which measured the formation of supramolecular complexes between and among different RNA segments. ORNs targeting the 3’UTR of BTV segment 10, the smallest RNA segment, were shown to be the most potent and deletions or substitution mutations of the targeted sequences diminished the RNA complexes and abolished the recovery of viable viruses using reverse genetics. Cell-free capsid assembly/RNA packaging assay also confirmed that the inhibitory ORNs could interfere with RNA packaging and further substitution mutations within the putative RNA packaging sequence have identified the recognition sequence concerned. Exchange of 3’UTR between segments have further demonstrated that RNA recognition was segment specific, most likely acting as part of the secondary structure of the entire genomic segment. Our data confirm that genome packaging in this segmented dsRNA virus occurs via the formation of supramolecular complexes formed by the interaction of specific sequences located in the 3’ UTRs. Additionally, the inhibition of packaging in-trans with inhibitory ORNs suggests this that interaction is a bona fide target for the design of compounds with antiviral activity. PMID:26646790

Disruption of Specific RNA-RNA Interactions in a Double-Stranded RNA Virus Inhibits Genome Packaging and Virus Infectivity.

PubMed

Fajardo, Teodoro; Sung, Po-Yu; Roy, Polly

2015-12-01

Bluetongue virus (BTV) causes hemorrhagic disease in economically important livestock. The BTV genome is organized into ten discrete double-stranded RNA molecules (S1-S10) which have been suggested to follow a sequential packaging pathway from smallest to largest segment during virus capsid assembly. To substantiate and extend these studies, we have investigated the RNA sorting and packaging mechanisms with a new experimental approach using inhibitory oligonucleotides. Putative packaging signals present in the 3'untranslated regions of BTV segments were targeted by a number of nuclease resistant oligoribonucleotides (ORNs) and their effects on virus replication in cell culture were assessed. ORNs complementary to the 3' UTR of BTV RNAs significantly inhibited virus replication without affecting protein synthesis. Same ORNs were found to inhibit complex formation when added to a novel RNA-RNA interaction assay which measured the formation of supramolecular complexes between and among different RNA segments. ORNs targeting the 3'UTR of BTV segment 10, the smallest RNA segment, were shown to be the most potent and deletions or substitution mutations of the targeted sequences diminished the RNA complexes and abolished the recovery of viable viruses using reverse genetics. Cell-free capsid assembly/RNA packaging assay also confirmed that the inhibitory ORNs could interfere with RNA packaging and further substitution mutations within the putative RNA packaging sequence have identified the recognition sequence concerned. Exchange of 3'UTR between segments have further demonstrated that RNA recognition was segment specific, most likely acting as part of the secondary structure of the entire genomic segment. Our data confirm that genome packaging in this segmented dsRNA virus occurs via the formation of supramolecular complexes formed by the interaction of specific sequences located in the 3' UTRs. Additionally, the inhibition of packaging in-trans with inhibitory ORNs suggests this that interaction is a bona fide target for the design of compounds with antiviral activity.

Developing advanced X-ray scattering methods combined with crystallography and computation.

PubMed

Perry, J Jefferson P; Tainer, John A

2013-03-01

The extensive use of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) over the last few years is rapidly providing new insights into protein interactions, complex formation and conformational states in solution. This SAXS methodology allows for detailed biophysical quantification of samples of interest. Initial analyses provide a judgment of sample quality, revealing the potential presence of aggregation, the overall extent of folding or disorder, the radius of gyration, maximum particle dimensions and oligomerization state. Structural characterizations include ab initio approaches from SAXS data alone, and when combined with previously determined crystal/NMR, atomistic modeling can further enhance structural solutions and assess validity. This combination can provide definitions of architectures, spatial organizations of protein domains within a complex, including those not determined by crystallography or NMR, as well as defining key conformational states of a protein interaction. SAXS is not generally constrained by macromolecule size, and the rapid collection of data in a 96-well plate format provides methods to screen sample conditions. This includes screening for co-factors, substrates, differing protein or nucleotide partners or small molecule inhibitors, to more fully characterize the variations within assembly states and key conformational changes. Such analyses may be useful for screening constructs and conditions to determine those most likely to promote crystal growth of a complex under study. Moreover, these high throughput structural determinations can be leveraged to define how polymorphisms affect assembly formations and activities. This is in addition to potentially providing architectural characterizations of complexes and interactions for systems biology-based research, and distinctions in assemblies and interactions in comparative genomics. Thus, SAXS combined with crystallography/NMR and computation provides a unique set of tools that should be considered as being part of one's repertoire of biophysical analyses, when conducting characterizations of protein and other macromolecular interactions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reductive Elimination Leading to C-C Bond Formation in Gold(III) Complexes: A Mechanistic and Computational Study.

PubMed

Rocchigiani, Luca; Fernandez-Cestau, Julio; Budzelaar, Peter H M; Bochmann, Manfred

2018-06-21

The factors affecting the rates of reductive C-C cross-coupling reactions in gold(III) aryls were studied by using complexes that allow easy access to a series of electronically modified aryl ligands, as well as to gold methyl and vinyl complexes, by using the pincer compounds [(C^N^C)AuR] (R=C 6 F 5 , CH=CMe 2 , Me and p-C 6 H 4 X, where X=OMe, F, H, tBu, Cl, CF 3 , or NO 2 ) as starting materials (C^N^C=2,6-(4'-tBuC 6 H 3 ) 2 pyridine dianion). Protodeauration followed by addition of one equivalent SMe 2 leads to the quantitative generation of the thioether complexes [(C^N-CH)AuR(SMe 2 )] + . Upon addition of a second SMe 2 pyridine is displaced, which triggers the reductive aryl-R elimination. The rates for these cross-couplings increase in the sequence k(vinyl)>k(aryl)≫k(C 6 F 5 )>k(Me). Vinyl-aryl coupling is particularly fast, 1.15×10 -3  L mol -1  s -1 at 221 K, whereas both C 6 F 5 and Me couplings encountered higher barriers for the C-C bond forming step. The use of P(p-tol) 3 in place of SMe 2 greatly accelerates the C-C couplings. Computational modelling shows that in the C^N-bonded compounds displacement of N by a donor L is required before the aryl ligands can adopt a conformation suitable for C-C bond formation, so that elimination takes place from a four-coordinate intermediate. The C-C bond formation is the rate-limiting step. In the non-chelating case, reductive C(sp 2 )-C(sp 2 ) elimination from three-coordinate ions [(Ar 1 )(Ar 2 )AuL] + is almost barrier-free, particularly if L=phosphine. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of myristic acid on furosemide binding to bovine serum albumin. Comparison with furosemide-human serum albumin complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojko, B.; Sułkowska, A.; Maciążek-Jurczyk, M.; Równicka, J.; Sułkowski, W. W.

2010-06-01

Fluorescence studies on furosemide (FUR) binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed the existence of three or four binding sites in the tertiary structure of the protein. Two of them are located in subdomain IIA, while the others in subdomains IB and/or IIIA. Furosemide binding in subdomain IB is postulated on the basis of run of Stern-Volmer plot indicating the existence of two populations of tryptophans involved in the interaction with FUR. In turn, the significant participation of tyrosil residues in complex formation leads to the consideration of the subdomain IIIA as furosemide low-affinity binding site. The effect of increasing concentration of fatty acid on FUR binding in all studied binding sites was also investigated and compared with the previous results obtained for human serum albumin (HSA). For BSA the lesser impact of fatty acid on affinity between drug and albumin was observed. This is probably a result of more significant role of tyrosines in the complex formation and different polarity of microenvironment of the fluorophores when compared HSA and BSA. The most distinct differences between FUR-BSA and FUR-HSA binding parameters are observed when third fatty acid molecule is bound with the protein and rotation of domains I and II occurs. However these structural changes mostly affect FUR low affinity binding sites.

Adsorption of weak polyelectrolytes on charged nanoparticles. Impact of salt valency, pH, and nanoparticle charge density. Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Carnal, Fabrice; Stoll, Serge

2011-10-27

Complex formation between a weak flexible polyelectrolyte chain and one positively charged nanoparticle in presence of explicit counterions and salt particles is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. The influence of parameters such as the nanoparticle surface charge density, salt valency, and solution property such as the pH on the chain protonation/deprotonation process and monomer adsorption at the nanoparticle surface are systematically investigated. It is shown that the nanoparticle presence significantly modifies chain acid/base and polyelectrolyte conformational properties. The importance of the attractive electrostatic interactions between the chain and the nanoparticle clearly promotes the chain deprotonation leading, at high pH and nanoparticle charge density, to fully wrapped polyelectrolyte at the nanoparticle surface. When the nanoparticle bare charge is overcompensated by the polyelectrolyte charges, counterions and salt particles condense at the surface of the polyelectrolyte-nanoparticle complex to compensate for the excess of charges providing from the adsorbed polyelectrolyte chain. It is also shown that the complex formation is significantly affected by the salt valency. Indeed, with the presence of trivalent salt cations, competition is observed between the nanoparticle and the trivalent cations. As a result, the amount of adsorbed monomers is less important than in the monovalent and divalent case and chain conformations are different due to the collapse of polyelectrolyte segments around trivalent cations out of the nanoparticle adsorption layer.

Biochemical and structural characterisation of the second oxidative crosslinking step during the biosynthesis of the glycopeptide antibiotic A47934.

PubMed

Ulrich, Veronika; Brieke, Clara; Cryle, Max J

2016-01-01

The chemical complexity and biological activity of the glycopeptide antibiotics (GPAs) stems from their unique crosslinked structure, which is generated by the actions of cytochrome P450 (Oxy) enzymes that affect the crosslinking of aromatic side chains of amino acid residues contained within the GPA heptapeptide precursor. Given the crucial role peptide cyclisation plays in GPA activity, the characterisation of this process is of great importance in understanding the biosynthesis of these important antibiotics. Here, we report the cyclisation activity and crystal structure of StaF, the D- O -E ring forming Oxy enzyme from A47934 biosynthesis. Our results show that the specificity of StaF is reduced when compared to Oxy enzymes catalysing C- O -D ring formation and that this activity relies on interactions with the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase via the X-domain. Despite the interaction of StaF with the A47934 X-domain being weaker than for the preceding Oxy enzyme StaH, StaF retains higher levels of in vitro activity: we postulate that this is due to the ability of the StaF/X-domain complex to allow substrate reorganisation after initial complex formation has occurred. These results highlight the importance of testing different peptide/protein carrier constructs for in vitro GPA cyclisation assays and show that different Oxy homologues can display significantly different catalytic propensities despite their overall similarities.

Mediator independently orchestrates multiple steps of preinitiation complex assembly in vivo.

PubMed

Eyboulet, Fanny; Wydau-Dematteis, Sandra; Eychenne, Thomas; Alibert, Olivier; Neil, Helen; Boschiero, Claire; Nevers, Marie-Claire; Volland, Hervé; Cornu, David; Redeker, Virginie; Werner, Michel; Soutourina, Julie

2015-10-30

Mediator is a large multiprotein complex conserved in all eukaryotes, which has a crucial coregulator function in transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). However, the molecular mechanisms of its action in vivo remain to be understood. Med17 is an essential and central component of the Mediator head module. In this work, we utilised our large collection of conditional temperature-sensitive med17 mutants to investigate Mediator's role in coordinating preinitiation complex (PIC) formation in vivo at the genome level after a transfer to a non-permissive temperature for 45 minutes. The effect of a yeast mutation proposed to be equivalent to the human Med17-L371P responsible for infantile cerebral atrophy was also analyzed. The ChIP-seq results demonstrate that med17 mutations differentially affected the global presence of several PIC components including Mediator, TBP, TFIIH modules and Pol II. Our data show that Mediator stabilizes TFIIK kinase and TFIIH core modules independently, suggesting that the recruitment or the stability of TFIIH modules is regulated independently on yeast genome. We demonstrate that Mediator selectively contributes to TBP recruitment or stabilization to chromatin. This study provides an extensive genome-wide view of Mediator's role in PIC formation, suggesting that Mediator coordinates multiple steps of a PIC assembly pathway. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Exploring inclusion complexes of ionic liquids with α- and β- cyclodextrin by NMR, IR, mass, density, viscosity, surface tension and conductance study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barman, Biraj Kumar; Rajbanshi, Biplab; Yasmin, Ananya; Roy, Mahendra Nath

2018-05-01

The formation of the host-guest inclusion complexes of ionic liquids namely [BMIm]Cl and [HMIm]Cl with α-CD and β-CD were studied by means of physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. Conductivity and surface tension study were in good agreement with the 1H NMR and FT-IR studies which confirm the formation of the inclusion complexes. The Density and viscosity study also supported the formation of the ICs. Further the stoichiometry was determined 1:1 for each case and the association constants and thermodynamic parameters derived supported the most feasible formation of the [BMIm]Cl- β-CD inclusion complex.

Importance of Nonclassical σ-Hole Interactions for the Reactivity of λ3-Iodane Complexes.

PubMed

Pinto de Magalhães, Halua; Togni, Antonio; Lüthi, Hans Peter

2017-11-17

Key for the observed reactivity of λ 3 -iodanes, powerful reagents for the selective transfer of functional groups to nucleophiles, are the properties of the 3-center-4-electron bond involving the iodine atom and the two linearly arranged ligands. This bond is also involved in the formation of the initial complex between the λ 3 -iodane and a nucleophile, which can be a solvent molecule or a reactant. The bonding in such complexes can be described by means of σ-hole interactions. In halogen compounds, σ-hole interaction was identified as a force in crystal packing or in the formation of supramolecular chains. More recently, σ-hole interactions were also shown to affect the reactivity of the iodine-based hypervalent reagents. Relative to their monovalent counterparts, where the σ-hole is located on the extension of the sigma-bond, in the hypervalent species our DFT calculations reveal the formation of a nonclassical σ-hole region with one or even two maxima. This observation is also made in fully relativistic calculations. The SAPT analysis shows that the σ-hole bond between the λ 3 -iodane and the nucleophile is not necessarily of purely electrostatic nature but may also contain a significant covalent component. This covalent component may facilitate chemical transformation of the compound by means of reductive elimination or other mechanisms and is therefore an indicator for its reactivity. Here, we also show that the shape, location, and strength of the σ-holes can be tuned by the choice of ligands and measures such as Brønsted activation of the iodane reagent. At the limit, the tuning transforms the nonclassical σ-hole regions into coordination sites, which allows us to control how a nucleophile will bind and react with the iodane.

A depth versus diameter scaling relationship for the best-preserved melt-bearing complex craters on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tornabene, Livio L.; Watters, Wesley A.; Osinski, Gordon R.; Boyce, Joseph M.; Harrison, Tanya N.; Ling, Victor; McEwen, Alfred S.

2018-01-01

We use topographic data to show that impact craters with pitted floor deposits are among the deepest on Mars. This is consistent with the interpretation of pitted materials as primary crater-fill impactite deposits emplaced during crater formation. Our database consists of 224 pitted material craters ranging in size from ∼1 to 150 km in diameter. Our measurements are based on topographic data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). We have used these craters to measure the relationship between crater diameter and the initial post-formation depth. Depth was measured as maximum rim-to-floor depth, (dr), but we also report the depth measured using other definitions. The database was down-selected by refining or removing elevation measurements from ;problematic; craters affected by processes and conditions that influenced their dr/D, such as pre-impact slopes/topography and later overprinting craters. We report a maximum (deepest) and mean scaling relationship of dr = (0.347 ± 0.021)D0.537 ± 0.017 and dr = (0.323 ± 0.017)D0.538 ± 0.016, respectively. Our results suggest that significant variations between previously-reported MOLA-based dr vs. D relationships may result from the inclusion of craters that: 1) are influenced by atypical processes (e.g., highly oblique impact), 2) are significantly degraded, 3) reside within high-strength regions, and 4) are transitional (partially collapsed). By taking such issues into consideration and only measuring craters with primary floor materials, we present the best estimate to date of a MOLA-based relationship of dr vs. D for the least-degraded complex craters on Mars. This can be applied to crater degradation studies and provides a useful constraint for models of complex crater formation.

Apatite Fission-Track Analysis of the Middle Jurassic Todos Santos Formation from Chiapas, Mexico.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullin, Fanis; Solé, Jesús; Shchepetilnikova, Valentina; Solari, Luigi; Ortega-Obregón, Carlos

2014-05-01

The Sierra de Chiapas (SCH), located in the south of Mexico, is a complex geological province that can be divided on four different lithological or tectonic areas: (1) the Chiapas Massif Complex (CMC); (2) the Central Depression; (3) the Strike-slip Fault Province, and (4) the Chiapas Fold-and-thrust Belt. The CMC mostly consists of Permian granitoids and meta-granitoids, and represents the basement of the SCH. During the Jurassic period red beds and salt were deposited on this territory, related to the main pulse of rifting and opening of the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the Cretaceous stratigraphy contains limestones and dolomites deposited on a marine platform setting during the postrift stage of the Gulf of Mexico rift. During the Cenozoic Era took place the major clastic sedimentation along the SCH. According the published low-temperature geochronology data (Witt et al., 2012), SCH has three main phases of thermo-tectonic history: (1) slow exhumation between 35 and 25 Ma, that affected mainly the basement (CMC) and is probably related to the migration of the Chortís block; (2) fast exhumation during the Middle-Late Miocene caused by strike-slip deformation that affects almost all Chiapas territory; (3) period of rapid cooling from 6 to 5 Ma, that affects the Chiapas Fold-and-thrust Belt, coincident with the landward migration of the Caribbean-North America plate boundaries. The two last events were the most significant on the formation of the present-day topography of the SCH. However, the stratigraphy of the SCH shows traces of the existence of earlier tectonic events. This study presents preliminary results of apatite fission-track (AFT) dating of sandstones from the Todos Santos Formation (Middle Jurassic). The analyses are performed with in situ uranium determination using LA-ICP-MS (e.g., Hasebe et al., 2004). The AFT data indicate that this Formation has suffered high-grade diagenesis (probably over 150 ºC) and the obtained cooling ages, about 70-60 Ma, correspond to a Late Cretaceous event. This tectonic event is contemporaneous with a startup of the Laramide Orogeny occurred in North America. The constructed time-temperature paths show the rapid cooling during the Middle-Late Miocene (15-10 Ma), like other published data. References: Hasebe et al. (2004) Chemical Geology, 207, 135-145 Witt et al. (2012) Tectonics, 31, TC6001, doi:10.1029/2012TC003141

Effect of cerulenin on fatty acid composition and gene expression pattern of DHA-producing strain Colwellia psychrerythraea strain 34H.

PubMed

Wan, Xia; Peng, Yun-Feng; Zhou, Xue-Rong; Gong, Yang-Min; Huang, Feng-Hong; Moncalián, Gabriel

2016-02-06

Colwellia psychrerythraea 34H is a psychrophilic bacterium able to produce docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Polyketide synthase pathway is assumed to be responsible for DHA production in marine bacteria. Five pfa genes from strain 34H were confirmed to be responsible for DHA formation by heterogeneous expression in Escherichia coli. The complexity of fatty acid profile of this strain was revealed by GC and GC-MS. Treatment of cells with cerulenin resulted in significantly reduced level of C16 monounsaturated fatty acid (C16:1(Δ9t), C16:1(Δ7)). In contrast, the amount of saturated fatty acids (C10:0, C12:0, C14:0), hydroxyl fatty acids (3-OH C10:0 and 3-OH C12:0), as well as C20:4ω3, C20:5ω3 and C22:6ω3 were increased. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) revealed the altered gene expression pattern when C. psychrerythraea cells were treated with cerulenin. Genes involved in polyketide synthase pathway and fatty acid biosynthesis pathway were not obviously affected by cerulenin treatment. In contrast, several genes involved in fatty acid degradation or β-oxidation pathway were dramatically reduced at the transcriptional level. Genes responsible for DHA formation in C. psychrerythraea was first cloned and characterized. We revealed the complexity of fatty acid profile in this DHA-producing strain. Cerulenin could substantially change the fatty acid composition by affecting the fatty acid degradation at transcriptional level. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene family involved in the first step of β-oxidation pathway may be important to the selectivity of degraded fatty acids. In addition, inhibition of FabB protein by cerulenin may lead to the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, which is the substrate for DHA formation.

Surface-active ionic liquids for palladium-catalysed cross coupling in water: effect of ionic liquid concentration on the catalytically active species† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7ra07757b

PubMed Central

Taskin, Meltem; Cognigni, Alice; Zirbs, Ronald; Reimhult, Erik

2017-01-01

We report the design and synthesis of surface-active ionic liquids for application in palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions. A series of dodecylimidazolium-based ionic liquids were applied as additives in the Heck reaction of ethyl acrylate and iodobenzene, and high yields of >90% could be obtained in water without the addition of further ligands. Our results indicate that the ionic liquid concentration in water is the key factor affecting the formation of the catalytically active species and hence the yield. Moreover, imidazolium-based ionic liquids that are able to form a carbene species differ significantly from conventional cationic surfactants, as a concentration dependent formation of the N-heterocyclic carbene complex was observed. PMID:29308189

Mechanobiology of Platelets: Techniques to Study the Role of Fluid Flow and Platelet Retraction Forces at the Micro- and Nano-Scale

PubMed Central

Feghhi, Shirin; Sniadecki, Nathan J.

2011-01-01

Coagulation involves a complex set of events that are important in maintaining hemostasis. Biochemical interactions are classically known to regulate the hemostatic process, but recent evidence has revealed that mechanical interactions between platelets and their surroundings can also play a substantial role. Investigations into platelet mechanobiology have been challenging however, due to the small dimensions of platelets and their glycoprotein receptors. Platelet researchers have recently turned to microfabricated devices to control these physical, nanometer-scale interactions with a higher degree of precision. These approaches have enabled exciting, new insights into the molecular and biomechanical factors that affect platelets in clot formation. In this review, we highlight the new tools used to understand platelet mechanobiology and the roles of adhesion, shear flow, and retraction forces in clot formation. PMID:22272117

Chenier plain genesis explained by feedbacks between waves, mud, and sand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nardin, William; Fagherazzi, Sergio

2017-04-01

Cheniers are sandy ridges parallel to the coast established by high energy waves. Here we discuss ontogeny of chenier plains through dimensional analysis and numerical results from the morphodynamic model Delft3D-SWAN. Our results show that wave energy and inner-shelf slope play an important role in the formation of chenier plains. In our numerical experiments, waves affect chenier plain development in three ways: by winnowing coarse sediment from the mudflat, by eroding mud and accumulating sand over the beach during extreme wave events. We further show that different sediment characteristics and wave climates can lead to three alternative coastal landscapes: strand plains, mudflats, or the more complex chenier plains. Low inner-shelf slopes are the most favorable for strand plain and chenier plain formation, while high slopes decrease the likelihood of mudflat development and preservation.

Chenier plain development: feedbacks between waves, mud and sand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nardin, W.; Fagherazzi, S.

2015-12-01

Cheniers are sandy ridges parallel to the coast established by high energy waves. Here we discuss Chenier plains ontogeny through dimensional analysis and numerical results from the morphodynamic model Delft3D-SWAN. Our results show that wave energy and shelf slope play an important role in the formation of Chenier plains. In our numerical experiments waves affect Chenier plain development in three ways: by winnowing sediment from the mudflat, by eroding mud and accumulating sand over the beach during extreme wave events. We further show that different sediment characteristics and wave climates can lead to three alternative coastal landscapes: strand plains, mudflats, or the more complex Chenier plains. Low inner-shelf slopes are the most favorable for strand plain and Chenier plain formation, while high slopes decrease the likelihood of mudflat development and preservation.

Formation and enhanced biocidal activity of water-dispersable organic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haifei; Wang, Dong; Butler, Rachel; Campbell, Neil L.; Long, James; Tan, Bien; Duncalf, David J.; Foster, Alison J.; Hopkinson, Andrew; Taylor, David; Angus, Doris; Cooper, Andrew I.; Rannard, Steven P.

2008-08-01

Water-insoluble organic compounds are often used in aqueous environments in various pharmaceutical and consumer products. To overcome insolubility, the particles are dispersed in a medium during product formation, but large particles that are formed may affect product performance and safety. Many techniques have been used to produce nanodispersions-dispersions with nanometre-scale dimensions-that have properties similar to solutions. However, making nanodispersions requires complex processing, and it is difficult to achieve stability over long periods. Here we report a generic method for producing organic nanoparticles with a combination of modified emulsion-templating and freeze-drying. The dry powder composites formed using this method are highly porous, stable and form nanodispersions upon simple addition of water. Aqueous nanodispersions of Triclosan (a commercial antimicrobial agent) produced with this approach show greater activity than organic/aqueous solutions of Triclosan.

Rapamycin-induced oligomer formation system of FRB-FKBP fusion proteins.

PubMed

Inobe, Tomonao; Nukina, Nobuyuki

2016-07-01

Most proteins form larger protein complexes and perform multiple functions in the cell. Thus, artificial regulation of protein complex formation controls the cellular functions that involve protein complexes. Although several artificial dimerization systems have already been used for numerous applications in biomedical research, cellular protein complexes form not only simple dimers but also larger oligomers. In this study, we showed that fusion proteins comprising the induced heterodimer formation proteins FRB and FKBP formed various oligomers upon addition of rapamycin. By adjusting the configuration of fusion proteins, we succeeded in generating an inducible tetramer formation system. Proteins of interest also formed tetramers by fusing to the inducible tetramer formation system, which exhibits its utility in a broad range of biological applications. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of FGF2 in migration and tubulogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells in relation to pro-angiogenic growth factor production.

PubMed

Litwin, Monika; Radwańska, Agata; Paprocka, Maria; Kieda, Claudine; Dobosz, Tadeusz; Witkiewicz, Wojciech; Baczyńska, Dagmara

2015-12-01

In recent years, special attention has been paid to finding new pro-angiogenic factors which could be used in gene therapy of vascular diseases such as critical limb ischaemia (CLI). Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a complex process dependent on different cytokines, matrix proteins, growth factors and other pro- or anti-angiogenic stimuli. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that key mediators of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) together with fibroblast growth factor2 (FGF2) are involved in regulation of the normal and pathological process of angiogenesis. However, less information is available on the complex interactions between these and other angiogenic factors. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of fibroblast growth factor2 on biological properties of human endothelial progenitor cells with respect to the expression level of other regulatory cytokines. Ectopic expression of FGF2 in EP cells stimulates their pro-angiogenic behaviour, leading to increased proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities. Moreover, we show that the expression profile of VEGF and other pro-angiogenic cytokines, such as HGF, MCP2, and interleukins, is affected differently by FGF2 in EPC. In conclusion, we provide evidence that FGF2 directly affects not only the biological properties of EP cells but also the expression pattern and secretion of numerous chemocytokines. Our results suggest that FGF2 could be applied in therapeutic approaches for CLI and other ischaemic diseases of the vascular system in vivo.

Emotional tagging--a simple hypothesis in a complex reality.

PubMed

Bergado, Jorge A; Lucas, Morgan; Richter-Levin, Gal

2011-06-01

At the psychological level, the notion that emotional events may be better remembered is a long accepted view. Its translation into neurobiological mechanisms has led to the proposal of the 'emotional tag' concept, according to which, the activation of the amygdala by emotionality would result in modulation of neural plasticity in brain regions (e.g. hippocampus) involved in forming memory of the emotional event. In line with this idea, amygdala activation (by electrical stimulation or exposure to an emotional event) has been demonstrated to affect synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the mechanisms associated with the formation of a 'synaptic tag', which is a mechanism proposed to explain the specificity of synaptic plasticity, could subserve the effects of the 'emotional tag' on synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The literature reviewed here supports this view but points also to additional factors that should be taken into consideration, such as intensity, duration, controllability of the emotional experience, age of exposure and relations between the emotional aspects of the experience and the event-to-be-remembered. These factors do not only affect the behavioral outcome of the stressful experience but also find their expression in variations in the neuronal and biochemical pathways that are activated, and in the way those will interact with memory formation mechanisms. While adding complexity to the notion of the 'emotional tag', taking such factors into consideration is likely to bring us closer to elucidating the neural mechanisms involved in emotional memory modulation and to our understanding of the neurobiology of associated disorders, such as PTSD. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SEPT12/SPAG4/LAMINB1 complexes are required for maintaining the integrity of the nuclear envelope in postmeiotic male germ cells.

PubMed

Yeh, Chung-Hsin; Kuo, Pao-Lin; Wang, Ya-Yun; Wu, Ying-Yu; Chen, Mei-Feng; Lin, Ding-Yen; Lai, Tsung-Hsuan; Chiang, Han-Sun; Lin, Ying-Hung

2015-01-01

Male infertility affects approximately 50% of all infertile couples. The male-related causes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure include the absence of sperm, immotile or immature sperm, and sperm with structural defects such as those caused by premature chromosomal condensation and DNA damage. Our previous studies based on a knockout mice model indicated that SEPT12 proteins are critical for the terminal morphological formation of sperm. SEPT12 mutations in men result in teratozospermia and oligozospermia. In addition, the spermatozoa exhibit morphological defects of the head and tail, premature chromosomal condensation, and nuclear damage. However, the molecular functions of SEPT12 during spermatogenesis remain unclear. To determine the molecular functions of SEPT12, we applied a yeast 2-hybrid system to identify SEPT12 interactors. Seven proteins that interact with SEPT12 were identified: SEPT family proteins (SEPT4 and SEPT6), nuclear or nuclear membrane proteins (protamine 2, sperm-associated antigen 4, and NDC1 transmembrane nucleoproine), and sperm-related structural proteins (pericentriolar material 1 and obscurin-like 1). Sperm-associated antigen 4 (SPAG4; also known as SUN4) belongs to the SUN family of proteins and acts as a linker protein between nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton proteins and localizes in the nuclear membrane. We determined that SEPT12 interacts with SPAG4 in a male germ cell line through coimmunoprecipitation. During human spermiogenesis, SEPT12 is colocalized with SPAG4 near the nuclear periphery in round spermatids and in the centrosome region in elongating spermatids. Furthermore, we observed that SEPT12/SPAG4/LAMINB1 formed complexes and were coexpressed in the nuclear periphery of round spermatids. In addition, mutated SEPT12, which was screened from an infertile man, affected the integration of these nuclear envelope complexes through coimmunoprecipitation. This was the first study that suggested that SEPT proteins link to the SUN/LAMIN complexes during the formation of nuclear envelopes and are involved in the development of postmeiotic germ cells.

Study of the formation of soluble complexes of sodium caseinate and xanthan in solution.

PubMed

Bouhannache, Bouchra; HadjSadok, Abdelkader; Touabet, Abdelkrim

2017-09-01

The main objective of this work was to determinate the optimum conditions for the formation of soluble complexes between sodium caseinate and xanthan in solution at neutral pH, in the presence of the NaCl. The study of the influence of the concentrations of these three substances showed that salt was the most influent factor. It worsens the thermodynamic incompatibility of the two biopolymers in solution, when they are present at large amounts. However, it contributes to soluble complexes formation, when sodium caseinate concentration is below 5.5%. In this case, gels with enhanced rheological properties were obtained. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the complexes formation within these gels involves hydrophobic interactions. On the other hand, dynamic light scattering revealed that dilution cause their dissociation. These soluble complexes are promising ingredients to ensure new texturing properties.

Kobuvirus VP3 protein restricts the IFN-β-triggered signaling pathway by inhibiting STAT2-IRF9 and STAT2-STAT2 complex formation

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

Peng, Qianqian; Lan, Xi; Wang, Chen

Emerged porcine kobuvirus (PKV) has adversely affected the global swine industry since 2008, but the etiological biology of PKV is unclear. Screening PKV-encoded structural and non-structural proteins with a type I IFN-responsive luciferase reporter showed that PKV VP3 protein inhibited the IFN-β-triggered signaling pathway, resulting in the decrease of VSV-GFP replication. QPCR data showed that IFN-β downstream cytokine genes were suppressed without cell-type specificity as well. The results from biochemical experiments indicated that PKV VP3 associated with STAT2 and IRF9, and interfered with the formation of the STAT2-IRF9 and STAT2-STAT2 complex, impairing nuclear translocation of STAT2 and IRF9. Taken together,more » these data reveal a new mechanism for immune evasion of PKV. - Highlights: •PKV VP3 inhibits the IFN-β-triggered signaling pathway. •VP3 associates with STAT2 and IRF9. •VP3 blocks the STAT2-IRF9 nuclear translocation. •VP3 utilizes a novel strategy for innate immune evasion.« less

Autophagy requires poly(adp-ribosyl)ation-dependent AMPK nuclear export

PubMed Central

Rodríguez-Vargas, José M; Rodríguez, María I; Majuelos-Melguizo, Jara; García-Diaz, Ángel; González-Flores, Ariannys; López-Rivas, Abelardo; Virág, László; Illuzzi, Giuditta; Schreiber, Valerie; Dantzer, Françoise; Oliver, F Javier

2016-01-01

AMPK is a central energy sensor linking extracellular milieu fluctuations with the autophagic machinery. In the current study we uncover that Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation), a post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins, accounts for the spatial and temporal regulation of autophagy by modulating AMPK subcellular localisation and activation. More particularly, we show that the minority AMPK pool needs to be exported to the cytosol in a PARylation-dependent manner for optimal induction of autophagy, including ULK1 phosphorylation and mTORC1 inactivation. PARP-1 forms a molecular complex with AMPK in the nucleus in non-starved cells. In response to nutrient deprivation, PARP-1 catalysed PARylation, induced the dissociation of the PARP-1/AMPK complex and the export of free PARylated nuclear AMPK to the cytoplasm to activate autophagy. PARP inhibition, its silencing or the expression of PARylation-deficient AMPK mutants prevented not only the AMPK nuclear-cytosolic export but also affected the activation of the cytosolic AMPK pool and autophagosome formation. These results demonstrate that PARylation of AMPK is a key early signal to efficiently convey extracellular nutrient perturbations with downstream events needed for the cell to optimize autophagic commitment before autophagosome formation. PMID:27689873

[Effect of heat shock on courtship behavior, sound production, and learning in comparison with the brain content of LIMK1 in Drosophila melanogaster males with altered structure of the LIMK1 gene].

PubMed

Nikitina, E A; Kaminskaya, A N; Molotkov, D A; Popov, A V; Savvateeva-Popova, E V

2014-01-01

In this paper we present results of a comprehensive analysis of the effect of heat shock at different stages of ontogenesis (adult stage, development of the mushroom bodies and the central complex) on courtship behavior (latency, duration and efficacy of courtship), sound production (pulse interval, dispersion of interpulse interval, the percentage of distorted pulses, the mean duration of the pulse parcels), learning and memory formation compared with the content of isoforms LIMK1 in Drosophila melanogaster male with altered structure of the limk1 gene. The heat shock is shown to affect the behavior parameters and LIMK1 content in analyzed strains of Drosophila. The most pronounced effect of the heat shock was observed at the stage of development of the central complex (CC). Heat shock at CC and adult restores the ability of learning and memory formation in the mutant strain agn(ts3), which normally is not able to learn and form memory. Correlations between changes of content of isoforms LIMK1 and behavioral parameters due to heat shock have not been established.

The elementome of calcium-based urinary stones and its role in urolithiasis

PubMed Central

Ramaswamy, Krishna; Killilea, David W.; Kapahi, Pankaj; Kahn, Arnold J.; Chi, Thomas; Stoller, Marshall L.

2016-01-01

Urolithiasis affects around 10% of the US population with an increasing rate of prevalence, recurrence and penetrance. The causes for the formation of most urinary calculi remain poorly understood, but obtaining the chemical composition of these stones might help identify key aspects of this process and new targets for treatment. The majority of urinary stones are composed of calcium that is complexed in a crystalline matrix with organic and inorganic components. Surprisingly, mitigation of urolithiasis risk by altering calcium homeostasis has not been very effective. Thus, studies to identify other therapeutic stone-specific targets, using proteomics, metabolomics and microscopy techniques, have been conducted, revealing a high level of complexity. The data suggest that numerous metals other than calcium and many nonmetals are present within calculi at measurable levels and several have distinct distribution patterns. Manipulation of the levels of some of these elemental components of calcium-based stones has resulted in clinically beneficial changes in stone chemistry and rate of stone formation. The elementome—the full spectrum of elemental content—of calcium-based urinary calculi is emerging as a new concept in stone research that continues to provide important insights for improved understanding and prevention of urinary stone disease. PMID:26334088

Transcription closed and open complex dynamics studies reveal balance between genetic determinants and co-factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sala, Adrien; Shoaib, Muhammad; Anufrieva, Olga; Mutharasu, Gnanavel; Jahan Hoque, Rawnak; Yli-Harja, Olli; Kandhavelu, Meenakshisundaram

2015-05-01

In E. coli, promoter closed and open complexes are key steps in transcription initiation, where magnesium-dependent RNA polymerase catalyzes RNA synthesis. However, the exact mechanism of initiation remains to be fully elucidated. Here, using single mRNA detection and dual reporter studies, we show that increased intracellular magnesium concentration affects Plac initiation complex formation resulting in a highly dynamic process over the cell growth phases. Mg2+ regulates transcription transition, which modulates bimodality of mRNA distribution in the exponential phase. We reveal that Mg2+ regulates the size and frequency of the mRNA burst by changing the open complex duration. Moreover, increasing magnesium concentration leads to higher intrinsic and extrinsic noise in the exponential phase. RNAP-Mg2+ interaction simulation reveals critical movements creating a shorter contact distance between aspartic acid residues and Nucleotide Triphosphate residues and increasing electrostatic charges in the active site. Our findings provide unique biophysical insights into the balanced mechanism of genetic determinants and magnesium ion in transcription initiation regulation during cell growth.

HIV-1 Vif promotes the formation of high molecular mass APOBEC3G complexes

PubMed Central

Goila-Gaur, Ritu; Khan, Mohammad A.; Miyagi, Eri; Kao, Sandra; Opi, Sandrine; Takeuchi, Hiroaki; Strebel, Klaus

2008-01-01

HIV-1 Vif inhibits the antiviral activity of APOBEC3G (APO3G) by inducing proteasomal degradation. Here, we studied the effects of Vif on APO3G in vitro. In this system, Vif did not cause APO3G degradation. Instead, Vif induced changes in APO3G that affected immunoprecipitation of the native protein. This effect required wt Vif and was reversed by heat-denaturation of APO3G. Sucrose gradient analysis demonstrated that wt Vif induced the gradual transition of APO3G translated in vitro or expressed in HeLa cells from a low molecular mass conformation to puromycin-sensitive high molecular mass (HMM) complexes. In the absence of Vif or the presence of biologically inactive Vif APO3G failed to form HMM complexes. Our results expose a novel function of Vif that promotes the assembly of APO3G into presumably packaging-incompetent HMM complexes and may explain how Vif can overcome the APO3G-imposed block to HIV replication under conditions of no or inefficient APO3G degradation. PMID:18023836

A Targeted Oligonucleotide Enhancer of SMN2 Exon 7 Splicing Forms Competing Quadruplex and Protein Complexes in Functional Conditions

PubMed Central

Smith, Lindsay D.; Dickinson, Rachel L.; Lucas, Christian M.; Cousins, Alex; Malygin, Alexey A.; Weldon, Carika; Perrett, Andrew J.; Bottrill, Andrew R.; Searle, Mark S.; Burley, Glenn A.; Eperon, Ian C.

2014-01-01

Summary The use of oligonucleotides to activate the splicing of selected exons is limited by a poor understanding of the mechanisms affected. A targeted bifunctional oligonucleotide enhancer of splicing (TOES) anneals to SMN2 exon 7 and carries an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) sequence. We show that it stimulates splicing specifically of intron 6 in the presence of repressing sequences in intron 7. Complementarity to the 5′ end of exon 7 increases U2AF65 binding, but the ESE sequence is required for efficient recruitment of U2 snRNP. The ESE forms at least three coexisting discrete states: a quadruplex, a complex containing only hnRNP F/H, and a complex enriched in the activator SRSF1. Neither hnRNP H nor quadruplex formation contributes to ESE activity. The results suggest that splicing limited by weak signals can be rescued by rapid exchange of TOES oligonucleotides in various complexes and raise the possibility that SR proteins associate transiently with ESEs. PMID:25263560

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase interactions with formate and methylammonium ion.

PubMed

Wendland, M F; Stevens, T H; Buttlaire, D H; Everett, G W; Himes, R H

1983-02-15

Using nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, we have measured the internuclear distances separating the nucleotide-bound metal from the carbon and hydrogen nuclei of formate as well as the carbon of methylammonium cation when bound to formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase. Measurements were made of the paramagnetic effect on the spin-lattice relaxation rates (1/T1) of 13C and 1H nuclei arising from the replacement of Mg2+ with Mn2+, which binds to the enzyme in the form of a metal-nucleotide complex. Distances from Mn2+ to the formate carbon and proton were found to be 6.3 and 7.4 A, respectively, in the E . ATP . Mn2+ . formate complex and 6.0 and 7.1 A, respectively, in the E . ADP . Mn2+ . formate complex. When tetrahydrofolate was added to the latter complex, the exchange of formate was greatly reduced and became rate limiting for relaxation. These results are consistent with substantial conformational effects produced by the binding of the cofactor. The distance from Mn2+ to the methylammonium carbon in the E . ADP . Mn2+ . CH3NH+3, E . ADP . Mn2+ . formate . CH3NH3+, and E . ADP . Mn2+ . tetrahydrofolate . CH3NH3+ complexes was estimated to be in the range of 7.4-12 A. However, in the E . ADP . Mn2+ formate . tetrahydrofolate . CH3NH3+ complex, the data suggest that exchange of cation contributes significantly to relaxation. These results, combined with other known features of the enzyme, suggest that there may be a monovalent cation site within the active site of the enzyme.

SEPALLATA3: the 'glue' for MADS box transcription factor complex formation

PubMed Central

Immink, Richard GH; Tonaco, Isabella AN; de Folter, Stefan; Shchennikova, Anna; van Dijk, Aalt DJ; Busscher-Lange, Jacqueline; Borst, Jan W; Angenent, Gerco C

2009-01-01

Background Plant MADS box proteins play important roles in a plethora of developmental processes. In order to regulate specific sets of target genes, MADS box proteins dimerize and are thought to assemble into multimeric complexes. In this study a large-scale yeast three-hybrid screen is utilized to provide insight into the higher-order complex formation capacity of the Arabidopsis MADS box family. SEPALLATA3 (SEP3) has been shown to mediate complex formation and, therefore, special attention is paid to this factor in this study. Results In total, 106 multimeric complexes were identified; in more than half of these at least one SEP protein was present. Besides the known complexes involved in determining floral organ identity, various complexes consisting of combinations of proteins known to play a role in floral organ identity specification, and flowering time determination were discovered. The capacity to form this latter type of complex suggests that homeotic factors play essential roles in down-regulation of the MADS box genes involved in floral timing in the flower via negative auto-regulatory loops. Furthermore, various novel complexes were identified that may be important for the direct regulation of the floral transition process. A subsequent detailed analysis of the APETALA3, PISTILLATA, and SEP3 proteins in living plant cells suggests the formation of a multimeric complex in vivo. Conclusions Overall, these results provide strong indications that higher-order complex formation is a general and essential molecular mechanism for plant MADS box protein functioning and attribute a pivotal role to the SEP3 'glue' protein in mediating multimerization. PMID:19243611

A Simple Explanation of Complexation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, J. Richard

2010-01-01

The topics of solution thermodynamics, activity coefficients, and complex formation are introduced through computational exercises and sample applications. The presentation is designed to be accessible to freshmen in a chemical engineering computations course. The MOSCED model is simplified to explain complex formation in terms of hydrogen…

Effects of Pedogenic Fe Oxides on Soil Aggregate-Associated Carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asefaw Berhe, A.; Jin, L.

2017-12-01

Carbon sequestration is intimately related to the soil structure, mainly soil aggregate dynamics. Carbon storage in soil aggregates has been recognized as an important carbon stabilization mechanism in soils. Organic matter and pedogenic Fe oxides are major binding agents that facilitate soil aggregate formation and stability. However, few studies have investigated how different forms of pedogenic Fe oxides can affect soil carbon distribution in different aggregate-size fractions. We investigated sequentially extracted pedogenic Fe oxides (in the order of organically complexed Fe extracted with sodium pyrophosphate, poorly-crystalline Fe oxides extracted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and crystalline Fe oxides extracted with dithionite hydrochloride) and determined the amount and nature of C in macroaggregates (2-0.25mm), microaggregates (0.25-0.053mm), and two silt and clay fractions (0.053-0.02mm, and <0.02mm) in Musick soil from Sierra Nevada mountain in California. We also determined how pedogenic Fe oxides affect soil carbon distribution along soil depth gradients. Findings of our study revealed that the proportion of organic matter complexed Fe decreased, but the proportion of crystalline Fe increased with increasing soil depths. Poorly crystalline Fe oxides (e.g. ferrihydrite) was identified as a major Fe oxide in surface soil, whereas crystalline Fe oxides (e.g. goethite) were found in deeper soil layers. These results suggest that high concentration of organic matter in surface soil suppressed Fe crystallization. Calcium cation was closely related to the pyrophosphate extractable Fe and C, which indicates that calcium may be a major cation that contribute to the organic matter complexed Fe and C pool. Increasing concentrations of extractable Fe and C with decreasing aggregate size fractions also suggests that Fe oxides play an important role in formation and stability of silt and clay fractions, and leading to further stabilization of carbon in soil. Our findings provide mechanistic understanding of how pedogenic Fe oxides play important role in carbon stabilization in different aggregate-size fractions in soil.

Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in plant mitochondria: origin and redundant regulatory systems.

PubMed

Blokhina, Olga; Fagerstedt, Kurt V

2010-04-01

Plant mitochondria differ from their mammalian counterparts in many respects, which are due to the unique and variable surroundings of plant mitochondria. In green leaves, plant mitochondria are surrounded by ample respiratory substrates and abundant molecular oxygen, both resulting from active photosynthesis, while in roots and bulky rhizomes and fruit carbohydrates may be plenty, whereas oxygen levels are falling. Several enzymatic complexes in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) are capable of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation under physiological and pathological conditions. Inherently connected parameters such as the redox state of electron carriers in the ETC, ATP synthase activity and inner mitochondrial membrane potential, when affected by external stimuli, can give rise to ROS formation via complexes I and III, and by reverse electron transport (RET) from complex II. Superoxide radicals produced are quickly scavenged by superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and the resulting H(2)O(2) is detoxified by peroxiredoxin-thioredoxin system or by the enzymes of ascorbate-glutathione cycle, found in the mitochondrial matrix. Arginine-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-releasing activity of enzymatic origin has been detected in plant mitochondria. The molecular identity of the enzyme is not clear but the involvement of mitochondria-localized enzymes responsible for arginine catabolism, arginase and ornithine aminotransferase has been shown in the regulation of NO efflux. Besides direct control by antioxidants, mitochondrial ROS production is tightly controlled by multiple redundant systems affecting inner membrane potential: NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenases, alternative oxidase (AOX), uncoupling proteins, ATP-sensitive K(+) channel and a number of matrix and intermembrane enzymes capable of direct electron donation to ETC. NO removal, on the other hand, takes place either by reactions with molecular oxygen or superoxide resulting in peroxynitrite, nitrite or nitrate ions or through interaction with non-symbiotic hemoglobins or glutathione. Mitochondrial ROS and NO production is tightly controlled by multiple redundant systems providing the regulatory mechanism for redox homeostasis and specific ROS/NO signaling.

Curcumin complexation with cyclodextrins by the autoclave process: Method development and characterization of complex formation.

PubMed

Hagbani, Turki Al; Nazzal, Sami

2017-03-30

One approach to enhance curcumin (CUR) aqueous solubility is to use cyclodextrins (CDs) to form inclusion complexes where CUR is encapsulated as a guest molecule within the internal cavity of the water-soluble CD. Several methods have been reported for the complexation of CUR with CDs. Limited information, however, is available on the use of the autoclave process (AU) in complex formation. The aims of this work were therefore to (1) investigate and evaluate the AU cycle as a complex formation method to enhance CUR solubility; (2) compare the efficacy of the AU process with the freeze-drying (FD) and evaporation (EV) processes in complex formation; and (3) confirm CUR stability by characterizing CUR:CD complexes by NMR, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and XRD. Significant differences were found in the saturation solubility of CUR from its complexes with CD when prepared by the three complexation methods. The AU yielded a complex with expected chemical and physical fingerprints for a CUR:CD inclusion complex that maintained the chemical integrity and stability of CUR and provided the highest solubility of CUR in water. Physical and chemical characterizations of the AU complexes confirmed the encapsulated of CUR inside the CD cavity and the transformation of the crystalline CUR:CD inclusion complex to an amorphous form. It was concluded that the autoclave process with its short processing time could be used as an alternate and efficient methods for drug:CD complexation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validated spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate based on charge transfer complexation reactions.

PubMed

Belal, Tarek S; El-Kafrawy, Dina S; Mahrous, Mohamed S; Abdel-Khalek, Magdi M; Abo-Gharam, Amira H

2016-02-15

This work presents the development, validation and application of four simple and direct spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate (VP) through charge transfer complexation reactions. The first method is based on the reaction of the drug with p-chloranilic acid (p-CA) in acetone to give a purple colored product with maximum absorbance at 524nm. The second method depends on the reaction of VP with dichlone (DC) in dimethylformamide forming a reddish orange product measured at 490nm. The third method is based upon the interaction of VP and picric acid (PA) in chloroform resulting in the formation of a yellow complex measured at 415nm. The fourth method involves the formation of a yellow complex peaking at 361nm upon the reaction of the drug with iodine in chloroform. Experimental conditions affecting the color development were studied and optimized. Stoichiometry of the reactions was determined. The proposed spectrophotometric procedures were effectively validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. Calibration curves of the formed color products with p-CA, DC, PA and iodine showed good linear relationships over the concentration ranges 24-144, 40-200, 2-20 and 1-8μg/mL respectively. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the assay of sodium valproate in tablets and oral solution dosage forms with good accuracy and precision. Assay results were statistically compared to a reference pharmacopoeial HPLC method where no significant differences were observed between the proposed methods and reference method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validated spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate based on charge transfer complexation reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belal, Tarek S.; El-Kafrawy, Dina S.; Mahrous, Mohamed S.; Abdel-Khalek, Magdi M.; Abo-Gharam, Amira H.

2016-02-01

This work presents the development, validation and application of four simple and direct spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate (VP) through charge transfer complexation reactions. The first method is based on the reaction of the drug with p-chloranilic acid (p-CA) in acetone to give a purple colored product with maximum absorbance at 524 nm. The second method depends on the reaction of VP with dichlone (DC) in dimethylformamide forming a reddish orange product measured at 490 nm. The third method is based upon the interaction of VP and picric acid (PA) in chloroform resulting in the formation of a yellow complex measured at 415 nm. The fourth method involves the formation of a yellow complex peaking at 361 nm upon the reaction of the drug with iodine in chloroform. Experimental conditions affecting the color development were studied and optimized. Stoichiometry of the reactions was determined. The proposed spectrophotometric procedures were effectively validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. Calibration curves of the formed color products with p-CA, DC, PA and iodine showed good linear relationships over the concentration ranges 24-144, 40-200, 2-20 and 1-8 μg/mL respectively. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the assay of sodium valproate in tablets and oral solution dosage forms with good accuracy and precision. Assay results were statistically compared to a reference pharmacopoeial HPLC method where no significant differences were observed between the proposed methods and reference method.

PMS2 inactivation by a complex rearrangement involving an HERV retroelement and the inverted 100-kb duplicon on 7p22.1.

PubMed

Vogt, Julia; Wernstedt, Annekatrin; Ripperger, Tim; Pabst, Brigitte; Zschocke, Johannes; Kratz, Christian; Wimmer, Katharina

2016-11-01

Biallelic PMS2 mutations are responsible for more than half of all cases of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), a recessively inherited childhood cancer predisposition syndrome. The mismatch repair gene PMS2 is partly embedded within one copy of an inverted 100-kb low-copy repeat (LCR) on 7p22.1. In an individual with CMMRD syndrome, PMS2 was found to be homozygously inactivated by a complex chromosomal rearrangement, which separates the 5'-part from the 3'-part of the gene. The rearrangement involves sequences of the inverted 100-kb LCR and a human endogenous retrovirus element and may be associated with an inversion that is indistinguishable from the known inversion polymorphism affecting the ~0.7-Mb sequence intervening the LCR. Its formation is best explained by a replication-based mechanism (RBM) such as fork stalling and template switching/microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (FoSTeS/MMBIR). This finding supports the hypothesis that the inverted LCR can not only facilitate the formation of the non-allelic homologous recombination-mediated inversion polymorphism but it also promotes the occurrence of more complex rearrangements that can be associated with a large inversion, as well, but are mediated by a RBM. This further suggests that among the inversion polymorphism on 7p22.1, more complex rearrangements might be hidden. Furthermore, as the locus is embedded in a common fragile site (CFS) region, this rearrangement also supports the recently raised hypothesis that CFS sequence motifs may facilitate replication-based rearrangement mechanisms.

PMS2 inactivation by a complex rearrangement involving an HERV retroelement and the inverted 100-kb duplicon on 7p22.1

PubMed Central

Vogt, Julia; Wernstedt, Annekatrin; Ripperger, Tim; Pabst, Brigitte; Zschocke, Johannes; Kratz, Christian; Wimmer, Katharina

2016-01-01

Biallelic PMS2 mutations are responsible for more than half of all cases of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), a recessively inherited childhood cancer predisposition syndrome. The mismatch repair gene PMS2 is partly embedded within one copy of an inverted 100-kb low-copy repeat (LCR) on 7p22.1. In an individual with CMMRD syndrome, PMS2 was found to be homozygously inactivated by a complex chromosomal rearrangement, which separates the 5′-part from the 3′-part of the gene. The rearrangement involves sequences of the inverted 100-kb LCR and a human endogenous retrovirus element and may be associated with an inversion that is indistinguishable from the known inversion polymorphism affecting the ~0.7-Mb sequence intervening the LCR. Its formation is best explained by a replication-based mechanism (RBM) such as fork stalling and template switching/microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (FoSTeS/MMBIR). This finding supports the hypothesis that the inverted LCR can not only facilitate the formation of the non-allelic homologous recombination-mediated inversion polymorphism but it also promotes the occurrence of more complex rearrangements that can be associated with a large inversion, as well, but are mediated by a RBM. This further suggests that among the inversion polymorphism on 7p22.1, more complex rearrangements might be hidden. Furthermore, as the locus is embedded in a common fragile site (CFS) region, this rearrangement also supports the recently raised hypothesis that CFS sequence motifs may facilitate replication-based rearrangement mechanisms. PMID:27329736

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Formate by [Ni(P R 2N R' 2) 2(CH 3CN)] 2+ Complexes

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

Galan, Brandon R.; Schöffel, Julia; Linehan, John C.

2011-08-17

[Ni(P R 2N R' 2) 2(CH 3CN)] 2+ complexes with R = Ph, R' = 4-MeOPh or R = Cy, R' = Ph , and a mixed-ligand [Ni(P R 2N R' 2)(P R" 2N R' 2)(CH 3CN)] 2+ with R = Cy, R' = Ph, R" = Ph, have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. These and previously reported complexes are shown to be electrocatalysts for the oxidation of formate in solution to produce CO 2, protons, and electrons, with rates that are first-order in catalyst and formate at formate concentrations below ~0.04 M (34 equiv). At concentrationsmore » above ~0.06 M formate (52 equiv), catalytic rates become nearly independent of formate concentration. For the catalysts studied, maximum observed turnover frequencies vary from <1.1 to 15.8 s –1 at room temperature, which are the highest rates yet reported for formate oxidation by homogeneous catalysts. These catalysts are the only base-metal electrocatalysts as well as the only homogeneous electrocatalysts reported to date for the oxidation of formate. An acetate complex demonstrating an η 1-OC(O)CH 3 binding mode to nickel has also been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Based on this structure and the electrochemical and spectroscopic data, a mechanistic scheme for electrocatalytic formate oxidation is proposed which involves formate binding followed by a rate-limiting proton and two-electron transfer step accompanied by CO 2 liberation. Finally, the pendant amines have been demonstrated to be essential for electrocatalysis, as no activity toward formate oxidation was observed for the similar [Ni(depe) 2] 2+ (depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) complex.« less

Electrocatalytic oxidation of formate by [Ni(P(R)2N(R')2)2(CH3CN)]2+ complexes.

PubMed

Galan, Brandon R; Schöffel, Julia; Linehan, John C; Seu, Candace; Appel, Aaron M; Roberts, John A S; Helm, Monte L; Kilgore, Uriah J; Yang, Jenny Y; DuBois, Daniel L; Kubiak, Clifford P

2011-08-17

[Ni(P(R)(2)N(R')(2))(2)(CH(3)CN)](2+) complexes with R = Ph, R' = 4-MeOPh or R = Cy, R' = Ph , and a mixed-ligand [Ni(P(R)(2)N(R')(2))(P(R''(2))N(R'(2)))(CH(3)CN)](2+) with R = Cy, R' = Ph, R'' = Ph, have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. These and previously reported complexes are shown to be electrocatalysts for the oxidation of formate in solution to produce CO(2), protons, and electrons, with rates that are first-order in catalyst and formate at formate concentrations below ∼0.04 M (34 equiv). At concentrations above ∼0.06 M formate (52 equiv), catalytic rates become nearly independent of formate concentration. For the catalysts studied, maximum observed turnover frequencies vary from <1.1 to 15.8 s(-1) at room temperature, which are the highest rates yet reported for formate oxidation by homogeneous catalysts. These catalysts are the only base-metal electrocatalysts as well as the only homogeneous electrocatalysts reported to date for the oxidation of formate. An acetate complex demonstrating an η(1)-OC(O)CH(3) binding mode to nickel has also been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Based on this structure and the electrochemical and spectroscopic data, a mechanistic scheme for electrocatalytic formate oxidation is proposed which involves formate binding followed by a rate-limiting proton and two-electron transfer step accompanied by CO(2) liberation. The pendant amines have been demonstrated to be essential for electrocatalysis, as no activity toward formate oxidation was observed for the similar [Ni(depe)(2)](2+) (depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) complex.

Properties of compact HII regions and their host clumps in the inner vs outer Galaxy - early results from SASSy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djordjevic, Julie; Thompson, Mark; Urquhart, James S.

2017-01-01

We present a catalog of compact and ultracompact HII regions for all Galactocentric radii. Previous catalogs focus on the inner Galaxy (Rgal ≤ 8 kpc) but the recent SASSy 870 µm survey allows us to identify regions out to ~20 kpc. Early samples are also filled with false classifications leading to uncertainty when deriving star formation efficiencies in Galactic models. These objects have similar mid-IR colours to HII regions. Urquhart et al. (2013) found that they could use mid-IR, submm, and radio data to identify the genuine compact HII regions, avoiding confusion. They used this method on a small portion of the Galaxy (10 < l < 60), identifying 213 HII regions embedded in 170 clumps. We use ATLASGAL and SASSy, crossmatched with RMS, to sample the remaining galactic longitudes out to Rgal = 20 kpc. We derive the properties of the identified compact HII regions and their host clumps while addressing the implications for recent massive star formation in the outer Galaxy. Observations towards nearby galaxies are biased towards massive stars, affecting simulations and overestimating models for galactic evolution and star formation rates. The Milky Way provides the ideal template for studying factors affecting massive star formation rates and efficiencies at high resolution, thus fine-tuning those models. We find that there is no significant change in the rate of massive star formation in the outer vs inner Galaxy. Despite some peaks in known complexes and possible correlation with spiral arms, the outer Galaxy appears to produce massive stars as efficiently as the inner regions. However, many of the potential star forming SASSy clumps have no available radio counterpart to confirm the presence of an HII region or other star formation tracer. Follow-up observations will be required to verify this conclusion and are currently in progress.

Thermodynamics of complexation in an aqueous solution of Tb(III) nitrate at 298 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobacheva, O. L.; Berlinskii, I. V.; Dzhevaga, N. V.

2017-01-01

The pH of the formation of hydroxo complexes and hydrates in an aqueous solution of terbium Tb(III) is determined using combined means of potentiometric and conductometric titration. The stability constants of the hydroxo complexes, the products of hydroxide solubility, and the Gibbs energy of terbium hydroxo complex formation are calculated.

The Effect of Complex Formation upon the Redox Potentials of Metallic Ions. Cyclic Voltammetry Experiments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ibanez, Jorge G.; And Others

1988-01-01

Describes experiments in which students prepare in situ soluble complexes of metal ions with different ligands and observe and estimate the change in formal potential that the ion undergoes upon complexation. Discusses student formation and analysis of soluble complexes of two different metal ions with the same ligand. (CW)

Mercury reduction and complexation by natural organic matter in anoxic environments

PubMed Central

Gu, Baohua; Bian, Yongrong; Miller, Carrie L.; Dong, Wenming; Jiang, Xin; Liang, Liyuan

2011-01-01

Mercuric Hg(II) species form complexes with natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) such as humic acid (HA), and this binding is known to affect the chemical and biological transformation and cycling of mercury in aquatic environments. Dissolved elemental mercury, Hg(0), is also widely observed in sediments and water. However, reactions between Hg(0) and DOM have rarely been studied in anoxic environments. Here, under anoxic dark conditions we show strong interactions between reduced HA and Hg(0) through thiolate ligand-induced oxidative complexation with an estimated binding capacity of ~3.5 μmol Hg/g HA and a partitioning coefficient >106 mL/g. We further demonstrate that Hg(II) can be effectively reduced to Hg(0) in the presence of as little as 0.2 mg/L reduced HA, whereas production of Hg(0) is inhibited by complexation as HA concentration increases. This dual role played by DOM in the reduction and complexation of mercury is likely widespread in anoxic sediments and water and can be expected to significantly influence the mercury species transformations and biological uptake that leads to the formation of toxic methylmercury. PMID:21220311

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoparticle β-Cyclodextrin:Geraniol Inclusion Complexes.

PubMed

Hadian, Zahra; Maleki, Majedeh; Abdi, Khosro; Atyabi, Fatemeh; Mohammadi, Abdoreza; Khaksar, Ramin

2018-01-01

The aim of the present study was to formulate β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanoparticles loaded with geraniol (GR) essential oil (EO) with appropriate physicochemical properties. Complexation of GR with β-CD was optimized by evaluation of four formulations, using the co-precipitation method, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading, size, particle size distribution (PDI) and zeta potential were investigated. Further characterization was performed with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infra-red (IR) spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were affected by GR content in formulations that yielded nanoscale-size particles ranging from 111 to 258 nm. The highest encapsulation efficiency (79.4 ± 5.4%) was obtained when the molar ratio of EO to β-CD was 0.44: 0.13 with negative zeta potential (-21.1 ± 0.5 mV). The 1 H-NMR spectrum confirmed the formation structure of the EO and β-CD nanoparticle complex. Complexation with geraniol resulted in changes of IR profile, NMR chemical shifts, DSC properties, and SEM of β-cyclodextrin. Inclusion complex of essential oil with β-cyclodextrin was considered as promising bioactive materials for designing functional food.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoparticle β-Cyclodextrin:Geraniol Inclusion Complexes

PubMed Central

Hadian, Zahra; Maleki, Majedeh; Abdi, Khosro; Atyabi, Fatemeh; Mohammadi, Abdoreza; Khaksar, Ramin

2018-01-01

The aim of the present study was to formulate β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanoparticles loaded with geraniol (GR) essential oil (EO) with appropriate physicochemical properties. Complexation of GR with β-CD was optimized by evaluation of four formulations, using the co-precipitation method, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading, size, particle size distribution (PDI) and zeta potential were investigated. Further characterization was performed with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infra-red (IR) spectroscopy analysis. Results showed that the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were affected by GR content in formulations that yielded nanoscale-size particles ranging from 111 to 258 nm. The highest encapsulation efficiency (79.4 ± 5.4%) was obtained when the molar ratio of EO to β-CD was 0.44: 0.13 with negative zeta potential (-21.1 ± 0.5 mV). The 1H-NMR spectrum confirmed the formation structure of the EO and β-CD nanoparticle complex. Complexation with geraniol resulted in changes of IR profile, NMR chemical shifts, DSC properties, and SEM of β-cyclodextrin. Inclusion complex of essential oil with β-cyclodextrin was considered as promising bioactive materials for designing functional food.

Controlled assembly of artificial protein-protein complexes via DNA duplex formation.

PubMed

Płoskoń, Eliza; Wagner, Sara C; Ellington, Andrew D; Jewett, Michael C; O'Reilly, Rachel; Booth, Paula J

2015-03-18

DNA-protein conjugates have found a wide range of applications. This study demonstrates the formation of defined, non-native protein-protein complexes via the site specific labeling of two proteins of interest with complementary strands of single-stranded DNA in vitro. This study demonstrates that the affinity of two DNA-protein conjugates for one another may be tuned by the use of variable lengths of DNA allowing reversible control of complex formation.

Statistical analysis of dimer formation in supersaturated metal vapor based on molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korenchenko, Anna E.; Vorontsov, Alexander G.; Gelchinski, Boris R.; Sannikov, Grigorii P.

2018-04-01

We discuss the problem of dimer formation during the homogeneous nucleation of atomic metal vapor in an inert gas environment. We simulated nucleation with molecular dynamics and carried out the statistical analysis of double- and triple-atomic collisions as the two ways of long-lived diatomic complex formation. Close pair of atoms with lifetime greater than the mean time interval between atom-atom collisions is called a long-lived diatomic complex. We found that double- and triple-atomic collisions gave approximately the same probabilities of long-lived diatomic complex formation, but internal energy of the resulted state was essentially lower in the second case. Some diatomic complexes formed in three-particle collisions are stable enough to be a critical nucleus.

Climatic Impact of a Change in North Atlantic Deep Water Formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rind, D.

1984-01-01

The response of the ocean to climate changes is one of the most uncertain questions regarding the impact of increasing CO2 on climate and society. North Atlantic deep water (NADW) formation apparently depends on a complex confluence of different water masses originating in different areas, all of which will presumably be affected by changes in wind, evaporation, etc., as the atmosphere warms. To analyze from first principles what the effect will be on NADW formation is a task which requires an ocean modeling capability not yet available. As a substitute, past climates can be investigated to see if there is any evidence for alterations in NADW formation. In addition, the possible impact of such changes on climate can be explored. An estimate of NADW sensitivity (at least in the past) and of the climate consequences can be studied. The North Atlantic surface water temperatures can be reconstructed to indicate a substantial cooling between 11,000 and 10,000 years B.P. Were NADW formation to have ceased, it would have resulted in cooler surface waters; whether the reconstructed temperatures were due to this or some other effect cannot be determined at this time. Nevertheless, it was decided that it would be useful to see what the effect these colder temperatures would have had on the climate.

β-Arrestin1 regulates γ-secretase complex assembly and modulates amyloid-β pathology

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaosong; Zhao, Xiaohui; Zeng, Xianglu; Bossers, Koen; Swaab, Dick F; Zhao, Jian; Pei, Gang

2013-01-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and complex neurodegenerative disease in which the γ-secretase-mediated amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology plays an important role. We found that a multifunctional protein, β-arrestin1, facilitated the formation of NCT/APH-1 (anterior pharynx-defective phenotype 1) precomplex and mature γ-secretase complex through its functional interaction with APH-1. Deficiency of β-arrestin1 or inhibition of binding of β-arrestin1 with APH-1 by small peptides reduced Aβ production without affecting Notch processing. Genetic ablation of β-arrestin1 diminished Aβ pathology and behavioral deficits in transgenic AD mice. Moreover, in brains of sporadic AD patients and transgenic AD mice, the expression of β-arrestin1 was upregulated and correlated well with neuropathological severity and senile Aβ plaques. Thus, our study identifies a regulatory mechanism underlying both γ-secretase assembly and AD pathogenesis, and indicates that specific reduction of Aβ pathology can be achieved by regulation of the γ-secretase assembly. PMID:23208420

Evidence for percolation diffusion of cations and reordering in disordered pyrochlore from accelerated molecular dynamics

DOE PAGES

Perriot, Romain; Uberuaga, Blas P.; Zamora, Richard J.; ...

2017-09-20

Diffusion in complex oxides is critical to ionic transport, radiation damage evolution, sintering, and aging. In complex oxides such as pyrochlores, anionic diffusion is dramatically affected by cation disorder. However, little is known about how disorder influences cation transport. Here, we report results from classical and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of vacancy-mediated cation diffusion in Gd 2Ti 2O 7 pyrochlore, on the microsecond timescale. We find that diffusion is slow at low levels of disorder, while higher disorder allows for fast diffusion, which is then accompanied by antisite annihilation and reordering, and thus a slowing of cation transport. Cation diffusivitymore » is therefore not constant, but decreases as the material reorders. We also show that fast cation diffusion is triggered by the formation of a percolation network of antisites. This is in contrast with observations from other complex oxides and disordered media models, suggesting a fundamentally different relation between disorder and mass transport.« less

Biochemical Characterization of Glutamate Racemase-A New Candidate Drug Target against Burkholderia cenocepacia Infections.

PubMed

Israyilova, Aygun; Buroni, Silvia; Forneris, Federico; Scoffone, Viola Camilla; Shixaliyev, Namiq Q; Riccardi, Giovanna; Chiarelli, Laurent Roberto

2016-01-01

The greatest obstacle for the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients infected with the Burkholderia species is their intrinsic antibiotic resistance. For this reason, there is a need to develop new effective compounds. Glutamate racemase, an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall, is an excellent candidate target for the design of new antibacterial drugs. To this aim, we recombinantly produced and characterized glutamate racemase from Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315. From the screening of an in-house library of compounds, two Zn (II) and Mn (III) 1,3,5-triazapentadienate complexes were found to efficiently inhibit the glutamate racemase activity with IC50 values of 35.3 and 10.0 μM, respectively. Using multiple biochemical approaches, the metal complexes have been shown to affect the enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme-substrate complex and promoting the formation of an inhibited dimeric form of the enzyme. Our results corroborate the value of glutamate racemase as a good target for the development of novel inhibitors against Burkholderia.

Equilibration of a polycation - anionic surfactant mixture at the water/vapor interface.

PubMed

Akanno, Andrew; Guzmán, Eduardo; Fernández-Peña, Laura; Llamas, Sara; Ortega, Francisco; Rubio, Ramon Gonzalez

2018-06-01

The adsorption of concentrated poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) - sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) mixtures at the water / vapor interface has been studied by different surface tension techniques and dilational visco-elasticity measurements. This work tries to shed light on the way in which the formation of polyelectrolyte - surfactant complexes in the bulk affects to the interfacial properties of mixtures formed by a polycation and an oppositely charged surfactant. The results are discussed in terms of a two-step adsorption-equilibration of PDADMAC - SLES complexes at the interface, with the initial stages involving the diffusion of kinetically trapped aggregates formed in the bulk to the interface followed by the dissociation and spreading of such aggregates at the interface. This latter process becomes the main contribution to the surface tension decrease. This work helps on the understanding of the most fundamental bases of the physico-chemical behavior of concentrated polyelectrolyte - surfactant mixtures which present complex bulk and interfacial interactions with interest in both basic and applied sciences.

New approach on volatile contents determination in silicate melt inclusions: A coupling X-ray microtomography and geochemical approach in Los Humeros caldera complex (Eastern Mexican Volcanic Belt)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creon, L.; Levresse, G.; Carrasco Nuñez, G.

2016-12-01

Volatile contents and magma degassing behavior are known to affect the style, frequency, and intensity of near-surface magmatic processes. For this reason, much effort have been devoted to characterize the volatile evolution of shallow magmatic systems to better constrain volcanic history. Silicate melt inclusions (SMI) represent samples of melt that were isolated from the bulk magma at depth, thus preserving the PTX conditions of the pre-eruptive material. SMI are often affected by the formation of a bubble after trapping; this is a natural consequence of the PVTX properties of crystal-melt-volatile systems. Previous workers have recognized that bubble formation is an obstacle, which affects the interpretation of SMI trapping conditions based only on analysis of the glass phase. Indeed, they explained that bubbles can contain a significant percentage of the volatiles, particularly for those with low solubility in the melt (e.g. CO2). In this study, we propose to define the pre-eruptive PTX conditions of Los Humeros magma chamber using SMI from the various eruption events within 460 and 30 Ka. An innovative analytical coupling has been used in order to determine: (1) the volume of the SMI glass and bubble, using high resolution 3D X-ray microtomography; (2) the density and composition of the bubbles, using Raman spectroscopy; (3) the volatile element contents in glass, using NanoSIMS; and, (4) the major elements composition of the glass, using EPMA. The recalculated volatile concentrations of the total SMI (glass + bubble), illustrate clearly that the volatile content determinations using only the glass phase, underestimate drastically the total volatile content and therefore induce significant error on the determination of the pre-eruptive volcanic budget and on the constrain on the volcanic and thermal history. This study had moreover highlighted the complex evolution of Los Humeros composite magma chamber and, gave constrains for geothermal exploration purpose.

Deprotonated Dicarboxylic Acid Homodimers: Hydrogen Bonds and Atmospheric Implications

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

Hou, Gao-Lei; Valiev, Marat; Wang, Xue-Bin

Dicarboxylic acids represent an important class of water-soluble organic compounds found in the atmosphere. In this work we are studying properties of dicarboxylic acid homodimer complexes (HO 2(CH 2) nCO 2 -[HO 2(CH 2) nCO 2H], n = 0-12), as potentially important intermediates in aerosol formation processes. Our approach is based on experimental data from negative ion photoelectron spectra of the dimer complexes combined with updated measurements of the corresponding monomer species. These results are analyzed with quantum-mechanical calculations, which provide further information about equilibrium structures, thermochemical parameters associated with the complex formation, and evaporation rates. We find that uponmore » formation of the dimer complexes the electron binding energies increase by 1.3–1.7 eV (30.0–39.2 kcal/mol), indicating increased stability of the dimerized complexes. Calculations indicate that these dimer complexes are characterized by the presence of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with high binding energies and are thermodynamically favorable to form with low evaporation rates. Comparison with previously studied HSO 4 -[HO 2(CH 2) 2CO 2H] complex (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2013, 4, 779-785) shows that HO 2(CH 2) 2CO 2 -[HO 2(CH 2) 2CO 2H] has very similar thermochemical properties. These results imply that dicarboxylic acids not only can contribute to the heterogeneous complexes formation involving sulfuric acid and dicarboxylic acids, but also can promote the formation of homogenous complexes by involving dicarboxylic acids themselves.« less

Dynamics of nanoparticle-protein corona complex formation: analytical results from population balance equations.

PubMed

Darabi Sahneh, Faryad; Scoglio, Caterina; Riviere, Jim

2013-01-01

Nanoparticle-protein corona complex formation involves absorption of protein molecules onto nanoparticle surfaces in a physiological environment. Understanding the corona formation process is crucial in predicting nanoparticle behavior in biological systems, including applications of nanotoxicology and development of nano drug delivery platforms. This paper extends the modeling work in to derive a mathematical model describing the dynamics of nanoparticle corona complex formation from population balance equations. We apply nonlinear dynamics techniques to derive analytical results for the composition of nanoparticle-protein corona complex, and validate our results through numerical simulations. The model presented in this paper exhibits two phases of corona complex dynamics. In the first phase, proteins rapidly bind to the free surface of nanoparticles, leading to a metastable composition. During the second phase, continuous association and dissociation of protein molecules with nanoparticles slowly changes the composition of the corona complex. Given sufficient time, composition of the corona complex reaches an equilibrium state of stable composition. We find analytical approximate formulae for metastable and stable compositions of corona complex. Our formulae are very well-structured to clearly identify important parameters determining corona composition. The dynamics of biocorona formation constitute vital aspect of interactions between nanoparticles and living organisms. Our results further understanding of these dynamics through quantitation of experimental conditions, modeling results for in vitro systems to better predict behavior for in vivo systems. One potential application would involve a single cell culture medium related to a complex protein medium, such as blood or tissue fluid.

Non-random mate choice in humans: insights from a genome scan.

PubMed

Laurent, R; Toupance, B; Chaix, R

2012-02-01

Little is known about the genetic factors influencing mate choice in humans. Still, there is evidence for non-random mate choice with respect to physical traits. In addition, some studies suggest that the Major Histocompatibility Complex may affect pair formation. Nowadays, the availability of high density genomic data sets gives the opportunity to scan the genome for signatures of non-random mate choice without prior assumptions on which genes may be involved, while taking into account socio-demographic factors. Here, we performed a genome scan to detect extreme patterns of similarity or dissimilarity among spouses throughout the genome in three populations of African, European American, and Mexican origins from the HapMap 3 database. Our analyses identified genes and biological functions that may affect pair formation in humans, including genes involved in skin appearance, morphogenesis, immunity and behaviour. We found little overlap between the three populations, suggesting that the biological functions potentially influencing mate choice are population specific, in other words are culturally driven. Moreover, whenever the same functional category of genes showed a significant signal in two populations, different genes were actually involved, which suggests the possibility of evolutionary convergences. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

CaMKII knockdown affects both early and late phases of olfactory long-term memory in the honeybee.

PubMed

Scholl, Christina; Kübert, Natalie; Muenz, Thomas S; Rössler, Wolfgang

2015-12-01

Honeybees are able to solve complex learning tasks and memorize learned information for long time periods. The molecular mechanisms mediating long-term memory (LTM) in the honeybee Apis mellifera are, to a large part, still unknown. We approached this question by investigating the potential function of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), an enzyme known as a 'molecular memory switch' in vertebrates. CaMKII is able to switch to a calcium-independent constitutively active state, providing a mechanism for a molecular memory and has further been shown to play an essential role in structural synaptic plasticity. Using a combination of knockdown by RNA interference and pharmacological manipulation, we disrupted the function of CaMKII during olfactory learning and memory formation. We found that learning, memory acquisition and mid-term memory were not affected, but all manipulations consistently resulted in an impaired LTM. Both early LTM (24 h after learning) and late LTM (72 h after learning) were significantly disrupted, indicating the necessity of CaMKII in two successive stages of LTM formation in the honeybee. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Surface microtopography modulates sealing zone development in osteoclasts cultured on bone

PubMed Central

Addadi, Lia; Geiger, Benjamin

2017-01-01

Bone homeostasis is continuously regulated by the coordinated action of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Imbalance between these two cell populations leads to pathological bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteopetrosis. Osteoclast functionality relies on the formation of sealing zone (SZ) rings that define the resorption lacuna. It is commonly assumed that the structure and dynamic properties of the SZ depend on the physical and chemical properties of the substrate. Considering the unique complex structure of native bone, elucidation of the relevant parameters affecting SZ formation and stability is challenging. In this study, we examined in detail the dynamic response of the SZ to the microtopography of devitalized bone surfaces, taken from the same area in cattle femur. We show that there is a significant enrichment in large and stable SZs (diameter larger than 14 µm; lifespan of hours) in cells cultured on rough bone surfaces, compared with small and fast turning over SZ rings (diameter below 7 µm; lifespan approx. 7 min) formed on smooth bone surfaces. Based on these results, we propose that the surface roughness of the physiologically relevant substrate of osteoclasts, namely bone, affects primarily the local stability of growing SZs. PMID:28202594

Heterogeneous Ice Nucleation: Interplay of Surface Properties and Their Impact on Water Orientations.

PubMed

Glatz, Brittany; Sarupria, Sapna

2018-01-23

Ice is ubiquitous in nature, and heterogeneous ice nucleation is the most common pathway of ice formation. How surface properties affect the propensity to observe ice nucleation on that surface remains an open question. We present results of molecular dynamics studies of heterogeneous ice nucleation on model surfaces. The models surfaces considered emulate the chemistry of kaolinite, an abundant component of mineral dust. We investigate the interplay of surface lattice and hydrogen bonding properties in affecting ice nucleation. We find that lattice matching and hydrogen bonding are necessary but not sufficient conditions for observing ice nucleation at these surfaces. We correlate this behavior to the orientations sampled by the metastable supercooled water in contact with the surfaces. We find that ice is observed in cases where water molecules not only sample orientations favorable for bilayer formation but also do not sample unfavorable orientations. This distribution depends on both surface-water and water-water interactions and can change with subtle modifications to the surface properties. Our results provide insights into the diverse behavior of ice nucleation observed at different surfaces and highlight the complexity in elucidating heterogeneous ice nucleation.

Who is Mr. HAMLET? Interaction of human alpha-lactalbumin with monomeric oleic acid.

PubMed

Knyazeva, Ekaterina L; Grishchenko, Valery M; Fadeev, Roman S; Akatov, Vladimir S; Permyakov, Sergei E; Permyakov, Eugene A

2008-12-09

A specific state of the human milk Ca(2+) binding protein alpha-lactalbumin (hLA) complexed with oleic acid (OA) prepared using an OA-pretreated ion-exchange column (HAMLET) triggers several cell death pathways in various tumor cells. The possibility of preparing a hLA-OA complex with structural and cytotoxic properties similar to those of the HAMLET but under solution conditions has been explored. The complex was formed by titration of hLA by OA at pH 8.3 up to OA critical micelle concentration. We have shown that complex formation strongly depends on calcium, ionic strength, and temperature; the optimal conditions were established. The spectrofluorimetrically estimated number of OA molecules irreversibly bound per hLA molecule (after dialysis of the OA-loaded preparation against water followed by lyophilization) depends upon temperature: 2.9 at 17 degrees C (native apo-hLA; resulting complex referred to as LA-OA-17 state) and 9 at 45 degrees C (thermally unfolded apo-hLA; LA-OA-45). Intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence measurements revealed substantially decreased thermal stability of Ca(2+)-free forms of HAMLET, LA-OA-45, and OA-saturated protein. The irreversibly bound OA does not affect the Ca(2+) association constant of the protein. Phase plot analysis of fluorimetric and CD data indicates that the OA binding process involves several hLA intermediates. The effective pseudoequilibrium OA association constants for Ca(2+)-free hLA were estimated. The far-UV CD spectra of Ca(2+)-free hLA show that all OA-bound forms of the protein are characterized by elevated content of alpha-helical structure. The various hLA-OA complexes possess similar cytotoxic activities against human epidermoid larynx carcinoma cells. Overall, the LA-OA-45 complex possesses physicochemical, structural, and cytotoxic properties closely resembling those of HAMLET. The fact that the HAMLET-like complex can be formed in aqueous solution makes the process of its preparation more transparent and controllable, opening up opportunities for formation of active complexes with specific properties.

Exercise habit formation in new gym members: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Kaushal, Navin; Rhodes, Ryan E

2015-08-01

Reasoned action approaches have primarily been applied to understand exercise behaviour for the past three decades, yet emerging findings in unconscious and Dual Process research show that behavior may also be predicted by automatic processes such as habit. The purpose of this study was to: (1) investigate the behavioral requirements for exercise habit formation, (2) how Dual Process approach predicts behaviour, and (3) what predicts habit by testing a model (Lally and Gardner in Health Psychol Rev 7:S137-S158, 2013). Participants (n = 111) were new gym members who completed surveys across 12 weeks. It was found that exercising for at least four bouts per week for 6 weeks was the minimum requirement to establish an exercise habit. Dual Process analysis using Linear Mixed Models (LMM) revealed habit and intention to be parallel predictors of exercise behavior in the trajectory analysis. Finally, the habit antecedent model in LLM showed that consistency (β = .21), low behavioral complexity (β = .19), environment (β = .17) and affective judgments (β = .13) all significantly (p < .05) predicted changes in habit formation over time. Trainers should keep exercises fun and simple for new clients and focus on consistency which could lead to habit formation in nearly 6 weeks.

A case study on the formation and sharing process of science classroom norms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jina; Song, Jinwoong

2016-03-01

The teaching and learning of science in school are influenced by various factors, including both individual factors, such as member beliefs, and social factors, such as the power structure of the class. To understand this complex context affected by various factors in schools, we investigated the formation and sharing process of science classroom norms in connection with these factors. By examining the developmental process of science classroom norms, we identified how the norms were realized, shared, and internalized among the members. We collected data through classroom observations and interviews focusing on two elementary science classrooms in Korea. From these data, factors influencing norm formation were extracted and developed as stories about norm establishment. The results indicate that every science classroom norm was established, shared, and internalized differently according to the values ingrained in the norms, the agent of norm formation, and the members' understanding about the norm itself. The desirable norms originating from values in science education, such as having an inquiring mind, were not established spontaneously by students, but were instead established through well-organized norm networks to encourage concrete practice. Educational implications were discussed in terms of the practice of school science inquiry, cultural studies, and value-oriented education.

Formative feedback and scaffolding for developing complex problem solving and modelling outcomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Brian; Simper, Natalie; Kaupp, James

2018-07-01

This paper discusses the use and impact of formative feedback and scaffolding to develop outcomes for complex problem solving in a required first-year course in engineering design and practice at a medium-sized research-intensive Canadian university. In 2010, the course began to use team-based, complex, open-ended contextualised problems to develop problem solving, communications, teamwork, modelling, and professional skills. Since then, formative feedback has been incorporated into: task and process-level feedback on scaffolded tasks in-class, formative assignments, and post-assignment review. Development in complex problem solving and modelling has been assessed through analysis of responses from student surveys, direct criterion-referenced assessment of course outcomes from 2013 to 2015, and an external longitudinal study. The findings suggest that students are improving in outcomes related to complex problem solving over the duration of the course. Most notably, the addition of new feedback and scaffolding coincided with improved student performance.

Keeping a Step Ahead: formative phase of a workplace intervention trial to prevent obesity.

PubMed

Zapka, Jane; Lemon, Stephenie C; Estabrook, Barbara B; Jolicoeur, Denise G

2007-11-01

Ecological interventions hold promise for promoting overweight and obesity prevention in worksites. Given the paucity of evaluative research in the hospital worksite setting, considerable formative work is required for successful implementation and evaluation. This paper describes the formative phases of Step Ahead, a site-randomized controlled trial of a multilevel intervention that promotes physical activity and healthy eating in six hospitals in central Massachusetts. The purpose of the formative research phase was to increase the feasibility, effectiveness, and likelihood of sustainability of the intervention. The Step Ahead ecological intervention approach targets change at the organization, interpersonal work environment, and individual levels. The intervention was developed using fundamental steps of intervention mapping and important tenets of participatory research. Formative research methods were used to engage leadership support and assistance and to develop an intervention plan that is both theoretically and practically grounded. This report uses observational data, program minutes and reports, and process tracking data. Leadership involvement (key informant interviews and advisory boards), employee focus groups and advisory boards, and quantitative environmental assessments cultivated participation and support. Determining multiple foci of change and designing measurable objectives and generic assessment tools to document progress are complex challenges encountered in planning phases. Multilevel trials in diverse organizations require flexibility and balance of theory application and practice-based perspectives to affect impact and outcome objectives. Formative research is an essential component.

Synthesis, crystal growth, structural and physicochemical studies of novel binary organic complex: 4-chloroaniline-3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, K. P.; Reddi, R. S. B.; Bhattacharya, S.; Rai, R. N.

2012-06-01

The solid-state reaction, which is solvent free and green synthesis, has been adopted to explore the novel compound. The phase diagram of 4-chloroaniline (CA) and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (HMB) system shows the formation of a novel 1:1 molecular complex, and two eutectics on either sides of complex. Thermochemical studies of complex and eutectics have been carried out for various properties such as heat of fusion, entropy of fusion, Jackson's parameters, interfacial energy and excess thermodynamic functions. The formation of molecular complex was also studied by IR, NMR, elemental analysis and UV-Vis absorption spectra. The single crystal of molecular complex was grown and its XRD study confirms the formation of complex and identifies the crystal structure and atomic packing of crystal of complex. Transmission spectra of grown crystal of the complex show 70% transmittance efficiency with cut off wavelength 412 nm. The band gap and refractive index of the crystal of complex have also been studied.

The effect of caffeine on the reactions of the excited singlet state of pyrene in micellar sodium lauryl sulfate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashimoto, Shuichi; Thomas, J. Kerry

1984-08-01

The effect of caffeine on a few photo-induced reactions of pyrene in micellar sodium lauryl sulfate (NaLS) has been studied. In these systems caffeine complexes with the pyrene (K asso = 85 ± 10 M -1 and also with the other reactants, e.g. Cu 2+ or TI +. The efficiencies of reactions which involve contact, i.e. pyrene excimer formation, and quenching by TI + ions to give the triplet state of pyrene, are significantly reduced in the presence of caffeine, due to geometric inhibitions formed by the complexation processes. The kinetics of photo-induced electron transfer, e.g. between excited pyrene and Cu 2+, are not affected. However, the subsequent reactions of the products are modified and the yield of ionic products is markedly increased.

Small RNA binding is a common strategy to suppress RNA silencing by several viral suppressors

PubMed Central

Lakatos, Lóránt; Csorba, Tibor; Pantaleo, Vitantonio; Chapman, Elisabeth J; Carrington, James C; Liu, Yu-Ping; Dolja, Valerian V; Calvino, Lourdes Fernández; López-Moya, Juan José; Burgyán, József

2006-01-01

RNA silencing is an evolutionarily conserved system that functions as an antiviral mechanism in higher plants and insects. To counteract RNA silencing, viruses express silencing suppressors that interfere with both siRNA- and microRNA-guided silencing pathways. We used comparative in vitro and in vivo approaches to analyse the molecular mechanism of suppression by three well-studied silencing suppressors. We found that silencing suppressors p19, p21 and HC-Pro each inhibit the intermediate step of RNA silencing via binding to siRNAs, although the molecular features required for duplex siRNA binding differ among the three proteins. None of the suppressors affected the activity of preassembled RISC complexes. In contrast, each suppressor uniformly inhibited the siRNA-initiated RISC assembly pathway by preventing RNA silencing initiator complex formation. PMID:16724105

Levels of control exerted by the Isc iron-sulfur cluster system on biosynthesis of the formate hydrogenlyase complex.

PubMed

Pinske, Constanze; Jaroschinsky, Monique; Sawers, R Gary

2013-06-01

The membrane-associated formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex of bacteria like Escherichia coli is responsible for the disproportionation of formic acid into the gaseous products carbon dioxide and dihydrogen. It comprises minimally seven proteins including FdhF and HycE, the catalytic subunits of formate dehydrogenase H and hydrogenase 3, respectively. Four proteins of the FHL complex have iron-sulphur cluster ([Fe-S]) cofactors. Biosynthesis of [Fe-S] is principally catalysed by the Isc or Suf systems and each comprises proteins for assembly and for delivery of [Fe-S]. This study demonstrates that the Isc system is essential for biosynthesis of an active FHL complex. In the absence of the IscU assembly protein no hydrogen production or activity of FHL subcomponents was detected. A deletion of the iscU gene also resulted in reduced intracellular formate levels partially due to impaired synthesis of pyruvate formate-lyase, which is dependent on the [Fe-S]-containing regulator FNR. This caused reduced expression of the formate-inducible fdhF gene. The A-type carrier (ATC) proteins IscA and ErpA probably deliver [Fe-S] to specific apoprotein components of the FHL complex because mutants lacking either protein exhibited strongly reduced hydrogen production. Neither ATC protein could compensate for the lack of the other, suggesting that they had independent roles in [Fe-S] delivery to complex components. Together, the data indicate that the Isc system modulates FHL complex biosynthesis directly by provision of [Fe-S] as well as indirectly by influencing gene expression through the delivery of [Fe-S] to key regulators and enzymes that ultimately control the generation and oxidation of formate.

Complex organic molecules and star formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacmann, A.; Faure, A.

2014-12-01

Star forming regions are characterised by the presence of a wealth of chemical species. For the past two to three decades, ever more complex organic species have been detected in the hot cores of protostars. The evolution of these molecules in the course of the star forming process is still uncertain, but it is likely that they are partially incorporated into protoplanetary disks and then into planetesimals and the small bodies of planetary systems. The complex organic molecules seen in star forming regions are particularly interesting since they probably make up building blocks for prebiotic chemistry. Recently we showed that these species were also present in the cold gas in prestellar cores, which represent the very first stages of star formation. These detections question the models which were until now accepted to account for the presence of complex organic molecules in star forming regions. In this article, we shortly review our current understanding of complex organic molecule formation in the early stages of star formation, in hot and cold cores alike and present new results on the formation of their likely precursor radicals.

Role of G protein signaling in the formation of the fibrin(ogen)-integrin αIIbβ3-actin cytoskeleton complex in platelets.

PubMed

Budnik, Ivan; Shenkman, Boris; Savion, Naphtali

2016-09-01

Effective platelet function requires formation of a physical link between fibrin(ogen), integrin αIIbβ3, and cytoplasmic actin filaments. We investigated the role of the Gαq, Gαi, and Gα12/13 families of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in the assembly of a ligand-αIIbβ3-actin cytoskeleton complex. Selective and combined activation of the G proteins was achieved by using combinations of various platelet agonists and inhibitors. Formation and stability of fibrinogen-αIIbβ3 interaction were evaluated by the extent of platelet aggregation and the rate of eptifibatide-induced platelet disaggregation; association of αIIbβ3 with the cytoskeleton was analyzed by western blot. Formation of the fibrin-αIIbβ3-actin cytoskeleton complex was evaluated by rotational thromboelastometry assay in which clot formation was induced by the mixture of reptilase and factor XIIIa. We demonstrated that involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in the formation of the ligand-αIIbβ3-cytoskeleton complex depends on whether fibrinogen or fibrin serves as the integrin ligand. Formation of the fibrinogen-αIIbβ3-cytoskeleton complex requires combined activation of at least two G protein pathways while the maximal αIIbβ3-cytoskeleton association and the strongest αIIbβ3-fibrinogen binding supporting irreversible platelet aggregation require combined activation of all three-Gαq, Gαi, and Gα12/13-G protein families. In contrast, formation of the fibrin-αIIbβ3-cytoskeleton complex mediating clot retraction is critically dependent on the activation of the Gαi family, especially on the activation of Gαz.

Atypical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: parotitis and secondary Sjogren's syndrome. Case report.

PubMed

Criscov, Geanina Irina; Rugină, Aurica; Stana, A B; Azoicăi, Alice Nicoleta; Moraru, Eovelina

2014-01-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by auto antibodies directed against self-antigens, immune complex formation and immune deregulations and may affect joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, nervous system, and immune system. The onset can be variable and the symptoms can occur for many years. Parotitis as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare condition and can be associated with Sjogren's syndrome. In this article we present the case of a young patient who was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome retrospectively, after she met the criteria for SLE.

Polycation-sodium lauryl ether sulfate-type surfactant complexes: influence of ethylene oxide length.

PubMed

Vleugels, Leo F W; Pollet, Jennifer; Tuinier, Remco

2015-05-21

Polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes (PESC) are a class of materials which form spontaneously by self-assembly driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. PESC containing sodium lauryl ether sulfates (SLES) have found wide application in hair care products like shampoo. Typically, SLES with only one or two ethylene oxide (EO) groups are used for this application. We have studied the influence of the size of the EO block (ranging from 0 to 30 EO groups) on complexation with two model polycations: linear polyDADMAC and branched PEI. PESC size and electrostatic properties were determined during stepwise titration of buffered polycation solutions. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of PESC was determined by surface tension measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy. For polyDADMAC, there is no influence of the size of the EO block on the complexation behavior; the stiff polycation governs the structure formation. For PEI, it was seen that the EO block size does affect the structure of the complexes. The CAC value of the investigated complexes turns out to be rather independent of the EO block size; however, the CMC/CAC ratio decreases with increasing size of the EO block. This latter observation explains why the Lochhead-Goddard effect is most effective for small EO blocks.

The influence of water-ethanol mixture on the thermodynamics of complex formation between 18-crown-6 ether and L-phenylalanine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usacheva, T. R.; Sharnin, V. A.; Chernov, I. V.; Matteoli, E.; Terekhova, I. V.; Kumeev, R. S.

2012-08-01

The influence of water-ethanol mixture composition on the complex formation between 18-crown-6 ether and L-phenylalanine was studied by titration calorimetry at Т = 298.15 K. The standard thermodynamic parameters (ΔrGо, ΔrHо, ТΔrSо) of formation of [Phe18C6] molecular complex were calculated from data obtained by means of the microcalorimetric system TAM III (TA Instruments, USA) at X(EtOH) = 0.0/0.6 mol fraction. The stability of [Phe18C6] and the mechanism of complexation in water were investigated using the 1Н and 13С NMR spectroscopy. The increase of EtOH concentration results in an increase of the complex stability and of the exothermicity of complexation.

Future health-related behavioral intention formation: the role of affect and cognition.

PubMed

Richardson, Jessica G; Trafimow, David; Madson, Laura

2012-01-01

This study investigated the differential contribution of affect and cognition to behavioral intention formation during pursuit of future health-related goals. Cognitive evaluations, affective evaluations and behavioral intentions were measured for each of 32 health-related behaviors. The timeframes of the cognitive/affective measures and the behavioral intention measure were varied between current and future timeframes creating four different conditions. Within-participants correlations between affect and intentions and cognition and intentions were calculated to determine the contribution of each factor to behavioral intention formation in the different timeframes. Results did not support the hypothesis that a shift from a reliance on affect to a reliance on cognition would occur as temporal distance increased. Within-participants analyses revealed a decrease in the contribution of cognition to behavioral intention formation when forming attitudes in the future condition.

Structure of soybean serine acetyltransferase and formation of the cysteine regulatory complex as a molecular chaperone

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) catalyzes the limiting reaction in plant and microbial biosynthesis of cysteine. In addition to its enzymatic function, SAT forms a macromolecular complex with O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS). Formation of the cysteine regulatory complex (CRC) is a critical biochem...

NADP-Specific Electron-Bifurcating [FeFe]-Hydrogenase in a Functional Complex with Formate Dehydrogenase in Clostridium autoethanogenum Grown on CO

PubMed Central

Wang, Shuning; Huang, Haiyan; Kahnt, Jörg; Mueller, Alexander P.; Köpke, Michael

2013-01-01

Flavin-based electron bifurcation is a recently discovered mechanism of coupling endergonic to exergonic redox reactions in the cytoplasm of anaerobic bacteria and archaea. Among the five electron-bifurcating enzyme complexes characterized to date, one is a heteromeric ferredoxin- and NAD-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenase. We report here a novel electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenase that is NADP rather than NAD specific and forms a complex with a formate dehydrogenase. The complex was found in high concentrations (6% of the cytoplasmic proteins) in the acetogenic Clostridium autoethanogenum autotrophically grown on CO, which was fermented to acetate, ethanol, and 2,3-butanediol. The purified complex was composed of seven different subunits. As predicted from the sequence of the encoding clustered genes (fdhA/hytA-E) and from chemical analyses, the 78.8-kDa subunit (FdhA) is a selenocysteine- and tungsten-containing formate dehydrogenase, the 65.5-kDa subunit (HytB) is an iron-sulfur flavin mononucleotide protein harboring the NADP binding site, the 51.4-kDa subunit (HytA) is the [FeFe]-hydrogenase proper, and the 18.1-kDa (HytC), 28.6-kDa (HytD), 19.9-kDa (HytE1), and 20.1-kDa (HytE2) subunits are iron-sulfur proteins. The complex catalyzed both the reversible coupled reduction of ferredoxin and NADP+ with H2 or formate and the reversible formation of H2 and CO2 from formate. We propose the complex to have two functions in vivo, namely, to normally catalyze CO2 reduction to formate with NADPH and reduced ferredoxin in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and to catalyze H2 formation from NADPH and reduced ferredoxin when these redox mediators get too reduced during unbalanced growth of C. autoethanogenum on CO (E0′ = −520 mV). PMID:23893107

NADP-specific electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenase in a functional complex with formate dehydrogenase in Clostridium autoethanogenum grown on CO.

PubMed

Wang, Shuning; Huang, Haiyan; Kahnt, Jörg; Mueller, Alexander P; Köpke, Michael; Thauer, Rudolf K

2013-10-01

Flavin-based electron bifurcation is a recently discovered mechanism of coupling endergonic to exergonic redox reactions in the cytoplasm of anaerobic bacteria and archaea. Among the five electron-bifurcating enzyme complexes characterized to date, one is a heteromeric ferredoxin- and NAD-dependent [FeFe]-hydrogenase. We report here a novel electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenase that is NADP rather than NAD specific and forms a complex with a formate dehydrogenase. The complex was found in high concentrations (6% of the cytoplasmic proteins) in the acetogenic Clostridium autoethanogenum autotrophically grown on CO, which was fermented to acetate, ethanol, and 2,3-butanediol. The purified complex was composed of seven different subunits. As predicted from the sequence of the encoding clustered genes (fdhA/hytA-E) and from chemical analyses, the 78.8-kDa subunit (FdhA) is a selenocysteine- and tungsten-containing formate dehydrogenase, the 65.5-kDa subunit (HytB) is an iron-sulfur flavin mononucleotide protein harboring the NADP binding site, the 51.4-kDa subunit (HytA) is the [FeFe]-hydrogenase proper, and the 18.1-kDa (HytC), 28.6-kDa (HytD), 19.9-kDa (HytE1), and 20.1-kDa (HytE2) subunits are iron-sulfur proteins. The complex catalyzed both the reversible coupled reduction of ferredoxin and NADP(+) with H2 or formate and the reversible formation of H2 and CO2 from formate. We propose the complex to have two functions in vivo, namely, to normally catalyze CO2 reduction to formate with NADPH and reduced ferredoxin in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and to catalyze H2 formation from NADPH and reduced ferredoxin when these redox mediators get too reduced during unbalanced growth of C. autoethanogenum on CO (E0' = -520 mV).

Crystal structure and solution species of Ce(III) and Ce(IV) formates: from mononuclear to hexanuclear complexes.

PubMed

Hennig, Christoph; Ikeda-Ohno, Atsushi; Kraus, Werner; Weiss, Stephan; Pattison, Philip; Emerich, Hermann; Abdala, Paula M; Scheinost, Andreas C

2013-10-21

Cerium(III) and cerium(IV) both form formate complexes. However, their species in aqueous solution and the solid-state structures are surprisingly different. The species in aqueous solutions were investigated with Ce K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy. Ce(III) formate shows only mononuclear complexes, which is in agreement with the predicted mononuclear species of Ce(HCOO)(2+) and Ce(HCOO)2(+). In contrast, Ce(IV) formate forms in aqueous solution a stable hexanuclear complex of [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(HCOO)x(NO3)y](12-x-y). The structural differences reflect the different influence of hydrolysis, which is weak for Ce(III) and strong for Ce(IV). Hydrolysis of Ce(IV) ions causes initial polymerization while complexation through HCOO(-) results in 12 chelate rings stabilizing the hexanuclear Ce(IV) complex. Crystals were grown from the above-mentioned solutions. Two crystal structures of Ce(IV) formate were determined. Both form a hexanuclear complex with a [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4](12+) core in aqueous HNO3/HCOOH solution. The pH titration with NaOH resulted in a structure with the composition [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(HCOO)10(NO3)2(H2O)3]·(H2O)9.5, while the pH adjustment with NH3 resulted in [Ce6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(HCOO)10(NO3)4]·(NO3)3(NH4)5(H2O)5. Furthermore, the crystal structure of Ce(III) formate, Ce(HCOO)3, was determined. The coordination polyhedron is a tricapped trigonal prism which is formed exclusively by nine HCOO(-) ligands. The hexanuclear Ce(IV) formate species from aqueous solution is widely preserved in the crystal structure, whereas the mononuclear solution species of Ce(III) formate undergoes a polymerization during the crystallization process.

Quantum-Chemical Simulation of the Solvent Effect on Spontaneous Emission of Singlet Oxygen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivashin, N. V.; Shchupak, E. E.

2018-01-01

A molecular simulation of the solvent effect on radiative rate constant k r of singlet oxygen is carried out. This study included a search for the most probable conformations of the complexes of molecules of singlet oxygen and ten solvents and calculation of dipole moments M of transitions a 1Δ g -b1Σ g + ( M a-b ) and a 1Δ g - X 3Σ g - ( M a-X ) of the oxygen molecule for them. Averaging of M a-b by conformations, taking into account the probability of their formation for complexes without atoms with a large atomic number (Cl, S), yields values that, as a rule, correlate well with the behavior of k r in the experiment. Taking into account the possibility of decreasing the distance (compared to equilibrium) between molecules in a collision complex at room temperature made it possible to achieve satisfactory agreement of the calculated and experimental data also for complexes with CCl4, C2Cl4, and CS2. The obtained data indicate that a number of factors affect k r . The correlation of k r with molecular polarizability in a number of cases is due, on the one hand, to its effect on the strength of dispersion interactions in the complex and, on the other hand, to the fact that it to some extent reflects the position of the upper filled orbitals of the solvent molecule. Both factors affect the degree of mixing of the π orbitals of the singlet oxygen molecule with the orbitals of the solvent molecule, which, as was found earlier, facilitates the activation of the a 1Δ g -b1Σ g + transition and the borrowing of its intensity by the a 1Δ g - X 3Σ g - transition.

Protein/Protein Interactions in the Mammalian Heme Degradation Pathway

PubMed Central

Spencer, Andrea L. M.; Bagai, Ireena; Becker, Donald F.; Zuiderweg, Erik R. P.; Ragsdale, Stephen W.

2014-01-01

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the O2-dependent degradation of heme to biliverdin, CO, and iron with electrons delivered from NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Biliverdin reductase (BVR) then catalyzes conversion of biliverdin to bilirubin. We describe mutagenesis combined with kinetic, spectroscopic (fluorescence and NMR), surface plasmon resonance, cross-linking, gel filtration, and analytical ultracentrifugation studies aimed at evaluating interactions of HO-2 with CPR and BVR. Based on these results, we propose a model in which HO-2 and CPR form a dynamic ensemble of complex(es) that precede formation of the productive electron transfer complex. The 1H-15N TROSY NMR spectrum of HO-2 reveals specific residues, including Leu-201, near the heme face of HO-2 that are affected by the addition of CPR, implicating these residues at the HO/CPR interface. Alanine substitutions at HO-2 residues Leu-201 and Lys-169 cause a respective 3- and 22-fold increase in Km values for CPR, consistent with a role for these residues in CPR binding. Sedimentation velocity experiments confirm the transient nature of the HO-2·CPR complex (Kd = 15.1 μm). Our results also indicate that HO-2 and BVR form a very weak complex that is only captured by cross-linking. For example, under conditions where CPR affects the 1H-15N TROSY NMR spectrum of HO-2, BVR has no effect. Fluorescence quenching experiments also suggest that BVR binds HO-2 weakly, if at all, and that the previously reported high affinity of BVR for HO is artifactual, resulting from the effects of free heme (dissociated from HO) on BVR fluorescence. PMID:25196843

Rat Muc4 (sialomucin complex) reduces binding of anti-ErbB2 antibodies to tumor cell surfaces, a potential mechanism for herceptin resistance.

PubMed

Price-Schiavi, Shari A; Jepson, Scott; Li, Peter; Arango, Maria; Rudland, Philip S; Yee, Lisa; Carraway, Kermit L

2002-06-20

Muc4 (also called sialomucin complex), the rat homolog of human MUC4, is a heterodimeric glycoprotein complex that consists of a peripheral O-glycosylated mucin subunit, ASGP-1, tightly but noncovalently linked to a N-glycosylated transmembrane subunit, ASGP-2. The complex is expressed in a number of normal, vulnerable epithelial tissues, including mammary gland, uterus, colon, cornea and trachea. Muc4/SMC is also overexpressed or aberrantly expressed on a number of human tumors including breast tumors. Overexpression of Muc4/SMC has been shown to block cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, protect tumor cells from immune surveillance and promote metastasis. In addition, as a ligand for ErbB2, Muc4/SMC can potentiate phosphorylation of ErbB2 and potentially alter signals generated from this receptor. Using A375 human melanoma cells and MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells stably transfected with tetracycline regulatable Muc4, we have investigated whether overexpression of Muc4/SMC can repress antibody binding to cell surface-expressed ErbB2. Overexpression of Muc4/SMC does not affect the level of ErbB2 expression in either cell line, but it does reduce binding of a number of anti-ErbB2 antibodies, including Herceptin. Interestingly, overexpression of ErbB2 does not block binding of other unrelated antibodies of the same isotype, suggesting that the reduction in ErbB2 antibody binding is due to complex formation of Muc4/SMC and ErbB2. Furthermore, capping of Muc4/SMC with anti-Muc4/SMC antibodies reduces antibody binding to ErbB2 instead of increasing binding, again suggesting that reduced antibody binding to ErbB2 is due to steric hindrance from complex formation of Muc4/SMC and ErbB2. Thus, overexpression of Muc4/SMC on tumor cells may have both prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effects of acute caffeine withdrawal on Short Category Test performance in sleep-deprived individuals.

PubMed

Killgore, William D S; Kahn-Greene, Ellen T; Killgore, Desiree B; Kamimori, Gary H; Balkin, Thomas J

2007-12-01

Caffeine is a popular stimulant often used to counter the effects of sleep loss and fatigue. Withdrawal from caffeine may produce mild declines in simple cognitive capacities such as attention and concentration, but it is unclear whether more complex cognitive functions, such as abstract reasoning or concept formation, may be similarly affected. To assess the effect of acute caffeine withdrawal on executive functioning during sleep deprivation, 26 healthy volunteers were administered in double-blind form either repeated doses of caffeine or placebo over two nights of continuous wakefulness. The 108-item Short Category Test was administered after 56 hr. of total sleep deprivation (9 hr. post-caffeine administration). The caffeine group scored significantly more poorly, making approximately 57% more errors on the test than the placebo group. These findings suggest that acute caffeine withdrawal during prolonged sleep deprivation has an adverse effect on abstract reasoning and concept formation.

Nutritional and other types of oedema, albumin, complex carbohydrates and the interstitium - a response to Malcolm Coulthard's hypothesis: Oedema in kwashiorkor is caused by hypo-albuminaemia.

PubMed

Golden, Michael Henry

2015-05-01

The various types of oedema in man are considered in relation to Starling's hypothesis of fluid movement from capillaries, with the main emphasis on nutritional oedema and the nephrotic syndrome in children. It is concluded that each condition has sufficient anomalous findings to render Starling's hypothesis untenable. The finding that the endothelial glycocalyx is key to control of fluid movement from and into the capillaries calls for complete revision of our understanding of oedema formation. The factors so far known to affect the function of the glycocalyx are reviewed. As these depend upon sulphated proteoglycans and other glycosaminoglycans, the argument is advanced that the same abnormalities will extend to the interstitial space and that kwashiorkor is fundamentally related to a defect in sulphur metabolism which can explain all the clinical features of the condition, including the formation of oedema.

Hypoxia-driven angiogenesis: role of tip cells and extracellular matrix scaffolding.

PubMed

Germain, Stéphane; Monnot, Catherine; Muller, Laurent; Eichmann, Anne

2010-05-01

Angiogenesis is a highly coordinated tissue remodeling process leading to blood vessel formation. Hypoxia triggers angiogenesis via induction of expression of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF instructs endothelial cells to form tip cells, which lead outgrowing capillary sprouts, whereas Notch signaling inhibits sprout formation. Basement membrane deposition and mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) induced by hypoxia may participate to coordinated vessel sprouting in conjunction with the VEGF and Notch signaling pathways. Hypoxia regulates ECM composition, deposition, posttranslational modifications and rearrangement. In particular, hypoxia-driven vascular remodeling is dynamically regulated through modulation of ECM-modifying enzyme activities that eventually affect both matricellular proteins and growth factor availability. Better understanding of the complex interplay between endothelial cells and soluble growth factors and mechanical factors from the ECM will certainly have significant implications for understanding the regulation of developmental and pathological angiogenesis driven by hypoxia.

Analysis of Radiation Damage in Light Water Reactors: Comparison of Cluster Analysis Methods for the Analysis of Atom Probe Data.

PubMed

Hyde, Jonathan M; DaCosta, Gérald; Hatzoglou, Constantinos; Weekes, Hannah; Radiguet, Bertrand; Styman, Paul D; Vurpillot, Francois; Pareige, Cristelle; Etienne, Auriane; Bonny, Giovanni; Castin, Nicolas; Malerba, Lorenzo; Pareige, Philippe

2017-04-01

Irradiation of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels causes the formation of nanoscale microstructural features (termed radiation damage), which affect the mechanical properties of the vessel. A key tool for characterizing these nanoscale features is atom probe tomography (APT), due to its high spatial resolution and the ability to identify different chemical species in three dimensions. Microstructural observations using APT can underpin development of a mechanistic understanding of defect formation. However, with atom probe analyses there are currently multiple methods for analyzing the data. This can result in inconsistencies between results obtained from different researchers and unnecessary scatter when combining data from multiple sources. This makes interpretation of results more complex and calibration of radiation damage models challenging. In this work simulations of a range of different microstructures are used to directly compare different cluster analysis algorithms and identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Influence of ionic strength, anions, cations, and natural organic matter on the adsorption of pharmaceuticals to silica.

PubMed

Bui, Tung Xuan; Choi, Heechul

2010-08-01

The adsorption of four wide-use pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen) onto a porous silica was investigated under varied ionic strengths, different anions, divalent cations (Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)), trivalent cations (Al(3+) and Fe(3+)), and natural organic matter (NOM). The experiments demonstrated that at a given pH the adsorption was most affected by ionic strength, trivalent cations, and properties of pharmaceuticals. The increase of ionic strength resulted in an increase in the adsorption of ketoprofen, but a decrease in the adsorption of carbamazepine. Trivalent metal cations made intense increases in the adsorption of three acidic pharmaceuticals, which could be due to the formation of inner-sphere complex of the cations on the surface and/or complexation of the pharmaceuticals with both surface and aqueous metal species. It was found that the adsorption of carbamazepine was not affected by divalent and trivalent cations, whereas the adsorption of diclofenac was solely impacted by the presence of Al(3+). Moreover, divalent cations at low concentration could slightly enhance the adsorption of ibuprofen and ketoprofen, whereas NOM caused a reduction in the adsorption of the tested pharmaceuticals except for diclofenac. These results suggest that ionic strength, divalent cations, trivalent cations, and NOM are notable factors affecting the adsorption of pharmaceuticals and thus the ultimate fate of pharmaceuticals in the aqueous environment. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Significance of the DNA-Histone Complex Level as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis Patients: The Effect of Uremic Toxin on DNA-Histone Complex Formation.

PubMed

Jeong, Jong Cheol; Kim, Ji-Eun; Gu, Ja-Yoon; Yoo, Hyun Ju; Ryu, Ji Won; Kim, Dong Ki; Joo, Kwon Wook; Kim, Hyun Kyung

2016-01-01

Neutrophils can release the DNA-histone complex into circulation following exposure to inflammatory stimuli. This prospective study investigated whether the DNA-histone complex and other biomarkers could predict major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The levels of circulating DNA-histone complexes, cell-free DNA, interleukin (IL)-6, and neutrophil elastase were measured in 60 HD patients and 28 healthy controls. MACE was assessed at 24 months. Uremic toxin-induced neutrophil released contents were measured in vitro. Compared with controls, HD patients showed higher levels of DNA-histone complexes and IL-6. The DNA-histone complex level was inversely associated with the Kt/V. In a multivariable Cox analysis, the high level of DNA-histone complexes was a significant independent predictor of MACE. The uremic toxins induced DNA-histone complex formation in normal neutrophils in vitro. The DNA-histone complex is a potentially useful marker to predict MACE in HD patients. Uremic toxins induced DNA-histone complex formation in vitro. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Dynamics of Nanoparticle-Protein Corona Complex Formation: Analytical Results from Population Balance Equations

PubMed Central

Darabi Sahneh, Faryad; Scoglio, Caterina; Riviere, Jim

2013-01-01

Background Nanoparticle-protein corona complex formation involves absorption of protein molecules onto nanoparticle surfaces in a physiological environment. Understanding the corona formation process is crucial in predicting nanoparticle behavior in biological systems, including applications of nanotoxicology and development of nano drug delivery platforms. Method This paper extends the modeling work in to derive a mathematical model describing the dynamics of nanoparticle corona complex formation from population balance equations. We apply nonlinear dynamics techniques to derive analytical results for the composition of nanoparticle-protein corona complex, and validate our results through numerical simulations. Results The model presented in this paper exhibits two phases of corona complex dynamics. In the first phase, proteins rapidly bind to the free surface of nanoparticles, leading to a metastable composition. During the second phase, continuous association and dissociation of protein molecules with nanoparticles slowly changes the composition of the corona complex. Given sufficient time, composition of the corona complex reaches an equilibrium state of stable composition. We find analytical approximate formulae for metastable and stable compositions of corona complex. Our formulae are very well-structured to clearly identify important parameters determining corona composition. Conclusion The dynamics of biocorona formation constitute vital aspect of interactions between nanoparticles and living organisms. Our results further understanding of these dynamics through quantitation of experimental conditions, modeling results for in vitro systems to better predict behavior for in vivo systems. One potential application would involve a single cell culture medium related to a complex protein medium, such as blood or tissue fluid. PMID:23741371

Preparation, characterization and molecular modeling studies of the inclusion complex of Caffeine with Beta-cyclodextrin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabu, Samikannu; Swaminathan, Meenakshisundaram; Sivakumar, Krishnamoorthy; Rajamohan, Rajaram

2015-11-01

The formation through supramolecular interaction of a host-guest inclusion complex of caffeine (CA) with nano-hydrophobic cavity beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is achieved by a physical mixture, a kneading method and a co-precipitation method. The formation of the inclusion complex of CA with β-CD in solution state is confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectrophotometer and time-resolved fluorescence spectrophotometer. The stoichiometry of the inclusion complex is 1:1; the imidazole ring and pyrimidine ring of caffeine is deeply entrapped in the beta-cyclodextrin as confirmed by spectral shifts. The Benesi-Hildebrand plot is used to calculate the binding constant of the inclusion complex of CA with β-CD at room temperature. The Gibbs free energy change of the inclusion complex process is calculated and the process is found to be spontaneous. The thermal stability of the inclusion complex of CA with β-CD is analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry. The crystal structure modification of a solid inclusion complex is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy image analysis. The formation of the inclusion complex of CA with β-CD in the solid phase is also confirmed by FT-IR and XRD. The formation of the inclusion complex between CA and β-CD, as confirmed by molecular docking studies, is in good relationship with the results obtained through different experimental methods.

Attenuation of drug-stimulated topoisomerase II-DNA cleavable complex formation in wild-type HL-60 cells treated with an intracellular calcium buffer is correlated with decreased cytotoxicity and site-specific hypophosphorylation of topoisomerase IIalpha.

PubMed Central

Aoyama, M; Grabowski, D R; Dubyak, G R; Constantinou, A I; Rybicki, L A; Bukowski, R M; Ganapathi, M K; Hickson, I D; Ganapathi, R

1998-01-01

Topoisomerase II (topo II), an essential enzyme for cell viability, is also the target for clinically important anti-neoplastic agents that stimulate topo II-mediated DNA scission. The role of alterations in topo IIalpha phosphorylation and its effect on drug-induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity were investigated. Following loading of HL-60 cells with the calcium buffer 1, 2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA-AM), which abrogates intracellular Ca2+ transients, a significant decrease in etoposide (VP-16)- or amsacrine (m-AMSA)-stabilized topo II-DNA cleavable complex formation and a corresponding decrease in cytotoxicity was observed. In a cell-free system, nuclear extracts from BAPTA-AM-treated cells exhibited markedly less activity when assayed for VP-16-stabilized topo II-DNA complex formation, but not decatenation of kinetoplast DNA. In contrast, the loading of HL-60 cells with N,N,N', N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), which binds heavy metals without disturbing calcium or magnesium concentrations, did not significantly affect VP-16-stimulated topo II-DNA cleavable complex formation or cytotoxicity. In HL-60 cells the accumulation of BAPTA, but not TPEN, also led to the hypophosphorylation of topo IIalpha. Tryptic phosphopeptide mapping of topo IIalpha protein from HL-60 cells revealed: (a) eight major phosphorylation sites in untreated cells; (b) hypophosphorylation of two out of eight sites in BAPTA-AM-treated cells; and (c) hypophosphorylation of between two and four out of eight sites in topo II-poison-resistant HL-60 cells. The two hypophosphorylated sites present following BAPTA-AM treatment of wild-type cells were identical with the hypophosphorylated sites in the resistant cells, but were not the same as the sites that are substrates for casein kinase II [Wells, Addison, Fry, Ganapathi and Hickson (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 29746-29751]. In summary, changes in intracellular Ca2+ transients that lead to the site-specific hypophosphorylation of topo IIalpha are possibly involved in regulating the DNA damage caused by and the cytotoxic potential of topo II poisons. PMID:9841887

Comparing Emerging XML Based Formats from a Multi-discipline Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawyer, D. M.; Reich, L. I.; Nikhinson, S.

2002-12-01

This paper analyzes the similarity and differences among several examples of an emerging generation of Scientific Data Formats that are based on XML technologies. Some of the factors evaluated include the goals of these efforts, the data models, and XML technologies used, and the maturity of currently available software. This paper then investigates the practicality of developing a single set of structural data objects and basic scientific concepts, such as units, that could be used across discipline boundaries and extended by disciplines and missions to create Scientific Data Formats for their communities. This analysis is partly based on an effort sponsored by the ESDIS office at GSFC to compare the Earth Science Markup Language (ESML) and the eXtensible Data Format( XDF), two members of this new generation of XML based Data Description Languages that have been developed by NASA funded efforts in recent years. This paper adds FITSML and potentially CDFML to the list of XML based Scientific Data Formats discussed. This paper draws heavily a Formats Evolution Process Committee (http://ssdoo.gsfc.nasa.gov/nost/fep/) draft white paper primarily developed by Lou Reich, Mike Folk and Don Sawyer to assist the Space Science community in understanding Scientific Data Formats. One of primary conclusions of that paper is that a scientific data format object model should be examined along two basic axes. The first is the complexity of the computer/mathematical data types supported and the second is the level of scientific domain specialization incorporated. This paper also discusses several of the issues that affect the decision on whether to implement a discipline or project specific Scientific Data Format as a formal extension of a general purpose Scientific Data Format or to implement the APIs independently.

Effects of Visible Irradiation of Protoporphyrin IX on the Self Assembly of Tubulin Heterodimers

PubMed Central

Sagarra, Alicia Vall; McMicken, Brady; Nonell, Santi; Brancaleon, Lorenzo

2016-01-01

The formation and the effects of the laser irradiation of the complex formed by protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and tubulin was investigated. We have used tubulin as a model protein to investigate whether docked photoactive ligands can affect the structure and function of polypeptides upon exposure to visible light. We observed that laser irradiation in the Soret band prompts bleaching of the PPIX which is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the intensity and average fluorescence lifetime of the protein (dominated by the four tryptophan residues of the tubulin monomer). The kinetics indicate non-trivial effects and suggest that the photosensitization of the PPIX bound to tubulin prompts structural alterations of the protein. These modifications were also observed through changes in the energy transfer between Trp residues and PPIX. The result suggest that laser irradiation produces localized partial unfolding of tubulin and that the changes prompt modification of the formation of microtubules in vitro. Measurements of singlet oxygen formation were inconclusive in determining whether the changes are prompted by reactive oxygen species or other excited state mechanisms. PMID:27490308

Optimum hexametaphosphate concentration to inhibit efflorescence formation in dry fermented sausages.

PubMed

Walz, Felix H; Gibis, Monika; Fritz, Maren; Herrmann, Kurt; Hinrichs, Jörg; Weiss, Jochen

2018-05-01

The occurrence of efflorescences on the surface of dry fermented sausages represents a current issue for the meat processing industry. Preventing the efflorescence formation by the addition of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was shown to be promising in a previous study. The optimum SHMP addition was studied by adding SHMP (0.0, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0g/kg) directly to the sausage batter. Visual and chemical analyses were conducted during 8weeks of storage under modified atmosphere. Visual analyses revealed significant lower amounts of efflorescences on the sausage surface after 8weeks when 1.0 (27.1%), 3.0 (9.0%), and 5.0g/kg SHMP (3.4%) were added, compared to the control with 38.0% efflorescences. SHMP significantly affected the occurrence (8weeks) of magnesium on the surface: +85.5%, +23.7%, +3.5%, and -28.2% for 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0g/kg, respectively. The addition of 4.785g/kg was calculated to fully inhibit the formation of efflorescences by complexing magnesium ions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on medical implants: a review.

PubMed

Veerachamy, Suganthan; Yarlagadda, Tejasri; Manivasagam, Geetha; Yarlagadda, Prasad Kdv

2014-10-01

Biofilms are a complex group of microbial cells that adhere to the exopolysaccharide matrix present on the surface of medical devices. Biofilm-associated infections in the medical devices pose a serious problem to the public health and adversely affect the function of the device. Medical implants used in oral and orthopedic surgery are fabricated using alloys such as stainless steel and titanium. The biological behavior, such as osseointegration and its antibacterial activity, essentially depends on both the chemical composition and the morphology of the surface of the device. Surface treatment of medical implants by various physical and chemical techniques are attempted in order to improve their surface properties so as to facilitate bio-integration and prevent bacterial adhesion. The potential source of infection of the surrounding tissue and antimicrobial strategies are from bacteria adherent to or in a biofilm on the implant which should prevent both biofilm formation and tissue colonization. This article provides an overview of bacterial biofilm formation and methods adopted for the inhibition of bacterial adhesion on medical implants. © IMechE 2014.

COX16 promotes COX2 metallation and assembly during respiratory complex IV biogenesis

PubMed Central

Aich, Abhishek; Wang, Cong; Chowdhury, Arpita; Ronsör, Christin; Pacheu-Grau, David; Richter-Dennerlein, Ricarda; Dennerlein, Sven

2018-01-01

Cytochrome c oxidase of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system reduces molecular oxygen with redox equivalent-derived electrons. The conserved mitochondrial-encoded COX1- and COX2-subunits are the heme- and copper-center containing core subunits that catalyze water formation. COX1 and COX2 initially follow independent biogenesis pathways creating assembly modules with subunit-specific, chaperone-like assembly factors that assist in redox centers formation. Here, we find that COX16, a protein required for cytochrome c oxidase assembly, interacts specifically with newly synthesized COX2 and its copper center-forming metallochaperones SCO1, SCO2, and COA6. The recruitment of SCO1 to the COX2-module is COX16- dependent and patient-mimicking mutations in SCO1 affect interaction with COX16. These findings implicate COX16 in CuA-site formation. Surprisingly, COX16 is also found in COX1-containing assembly intermediates and COX2 recruitment to COX1. We conclude that COX16 participates in merging the COX1 and COX2 assembly lines. PMID:29381136

The effect of butterfly-scale inspired patterning on leading-edge vortex growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilroy, Jacob; Lang, Amy; Wahidi, Redha

2014-11-01

Leading edge vortices (LEVs) are important for generating thrust and lift in flapping flight, and the surface patterning (scales) on butterfly wings is hypothesized to play a role in the vortex formation of the LEV. To simplify this complex flow problem, we designed an experiment to focus on the alteration of 2-D vortex development with a variation in surface patterning. Specifically we are interested in the secondary vorticity generated by the LEV interacting at the patterned surface and how this can affect the growth rate of the circulation in the LEV. For this experiment we used rapid-prototyped longitudinal and transverse square grooves attached to a flat plate and compared the vortex formation as the plate moved vertically. The plate is impulsively started in quiescent water and flow fields at Re = 1500, 3000, and 6000 are examined using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV). The vortex formation time is 0.6 and is based on the flat plate travel length and chord length. Support for this research came from NSF REU Grant 1358991 and CBET 1335848.

The effect of butterfly-scale inspired patterning on leading-edge vortex growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilroy, Jacob; Lang, Amy

2015-11-01

Leading edge vortices (LEVs) are important for generating thrust and lift in flapping flight, and the surface patterning (scales) on butterfly wings is hypothesized to play a role in the vortex formation of the LEV. To simplify this complex flow problem, an experiment was designed to focus on the alteration of 2-D vortex development with a variation in surface patterning. Specifically, the secondary vorticity generated by the LEV interacting at the patterned surface was studied and the subsequent affect on the growth rate of the circulation in the LEV. For this experiment we used butterfly inspired grooves attached to a flat plate and compared the vortex formation to a smooth plate case as the plate moved vertically. The plate is impulsively started in quiescent water and flow fields at Re = 1500, 3000, and 6000 are examined using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV). The vortex formation time is 3.0 and is based on the flat plate travel length and chord length. We would like to thank the National Science Foundation REU Site Award 1358991 for funding this research.

Influence of memory effect on the state-of-charge estimation of large-format Li-ion batteries based on LiFePO4 cathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Wei; Wang, Jiulin; Zheng, Jianming; Jiang, Jiuchun; Viswanathan, Vilayanur; Zhang, Ji-Guang

2016-04-01

In this work, we systematically investigated the influence of the memory effect of LiFePO4 cathodes in large-format full batteries. The electrochemical performance of the electrodes used in these batteries was also investigated separately in half-cells to reveal their intrinsic properties. We noticed that the memory effect of LiFePO4/graphite cells depends not only on the maximum state of charge reached during the memory writing process, but is also affected by the depth of discharge reached during the memory writing process. In addition, the voltage deviation in a LiFePO4/graphite full battery is more complex than in a LiFePO4/Li half-cell, especially for a large-format battery, which exhibits a significant current variation in the region near its terminals. Therefore, the memory effect should be taken into account in advanced battery management systems to further extend the long-term cycling stabilities of Li-ion batteries using LiFePO4 cathodes.

Formation of {eta}-mesic nuclei by the ({pi},N) reaction and properties of N*(1535) in medium

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

Nagahiro, Hideko; Jido, Daisuke; Hirenzaki, Satoru

2009-08-15

We calculate formation spectra of the {eta}-nucleus systems in the ({pi},N) reactions with nuclear targets, which can be performed at existing and/or forthcoming facilities, including the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex, to investigate the {eta}-nucleus interaction. Based on the N*(1535) dominance in the {eta}N system, the {eta}-mesic nuclei are suitable systems for the study of in-medium properties of the N*(1535) baryon resonance, such as reduction of the mass difference of N and N* in the nuclear medium, which affects the level structure of the {eta} and N*-hole modes. We find that clear information on the in-medium N*- and {eta}-nucleus interactionsmore » can be obtained through the formation spectra of the {eta}-mesic nuclei. We also discuss the experimental feasibilities by showing several spectra of the ({pi},N) reactions calculated with possible experimental settings. Coincident measurements of the N{pi} pairs from the N* decays in nuclei help us to reduce backgrounds.« less

The Gβγ-Src signaling pathway regulates TNF-induced necroptosis via control of necrosome translocation

PubMed Central

Li, Lisheng; Chen, Wanze; Liang, Yaoji; Ma, Huabin; Li, Wenjuan; Zhou, Zhenru; Li, Jie; Ding, Yan; Ren, Junming; Lin, Juan; Han, Felicia; Wu, Jianfeng; Han, Jiahuai

2014-01-01

Formation of multi-component signaling complex necrosomes is essential for tumor necrosis factor α (TNF)-induced programmed necrosis (also called necroptosis). However, the mechanisms of necroptosis are still largely unknown. We isolated a TNF-resistant L929 mutant cell line generated by retrovirus insertion and identified that disruption of the guanine nucleotide-binding protein γ 10 (Gγ10) gene is responsible for this phenotype. We further show that Gγ10 is involved in TNF-induced necroptosis and Gβ2 is the partner of Gγ10. Src is the downstream effector of Gβ2γ10 in TNF-induced necroptosis because TNF-induced Src activation was impaired upon Gγ10 knockdown. Gγ10 does not affect TNF-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPKs and the formation of necrosomes, but is required for trafficking of necrosomes to their potential functioning site, an unidentified subcellular organelle that can be fractionated into heterotypic membrane fractions. The TNF-induced Gβγ-Src signaling pathway is independent of RIP1/RIP3 kinase activity and necrosome formation, but is required for the necrosome to function. PMID:24513853

Surface reactions of iron - enriched smectites: adsorption and transformation of hydroxy fatty acids and phenolic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polubesova, Tamara; Olshansky, Yaniv; Eldad, Shay; Chefetz, Benny

2014-05-01

Iron-enriched smectites play an important role in adsorption and transformation of soil organic components. Soil organo-clay complexes, and in particular humin contain hydroxy fatty acids, which are derived from plant biopolymer cutin. Phenolic acids belong to another major group of organic acids detected in soil. They participate in various soil processes, and are of concern due to their allelopathic activity. We studied the reactivity of iron-enriched smectites (Fe(III)-montmorillonite and nontronite) toward both groups of acids. We used fatty acids- 9(10),16-dihydroxypalmitic acid (diHPA), isolated from curtin, and 9,10,16-trihydroxypalmitic acid (triHPA); the following phenolic acids were used: ferulic, p-coumaric, syringic, and vanillic. Adsorption of both groups of acids was measured. The FTIR spectra of fatty acid-mineral complexes indicated inner-sphere complexation of fatty acids with iron-enriched smectites (versus outer-sphere complexation with Ca(II)-montmorillonite). The LC-MS results demonstrated enhanced esterification of fatty acids on the iron-enriched smectite surfaces (as compared to Ca(II)-montmorillonite). This study suggests that fatty acids can be esterified on the iron-enriched smectite surfaces, which results in the formation of stable organo-mineral complexes. These complexes may serve as a model for the study of natural soil organo-clay complexes and humin. The reaction of phenolic acids with Fe(III)-montmorillonite demonstrated their oxidative transformation by the mineral surfaces, which was affected by molecular structure of acids. The following order of their transformation was obtained: ferulic >syringic >p-coumaric >vanillic. The LC-MS analysis demonstrated the presence of dimers, trimers, and tetramers of ferulic acid on the surface of Fe(III)-montmorillonite. Oxidation and transformation of ferulic acid were more intense on the surface of Fe(III)-montmorillonite as compared to Fe(III) in solution due to stronger complexation on the Fe(III)-motnomrillonite surface. Our study demonstrate the importance of iron-enriched minerals for the abiotic formation of humic materials and for the transformation of aromatic (phenolic) pollutants.

The laforin-malin complex negatively regulates glycogen synthesis by modulating cellular glucose uptake via glucose transporters.

PubMed

Singh, Pankaj Kumar; Singh, Sweta; Ganesh, Subramaniam

2012-02-01

Lafora disease (LD), an inherited and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by increased cellular glycogen content and the formation of abnormally branched glycogen inclusions, called Lafora bodies, in the affected tissues, including neurons. Therefore, laforin phosphatase and malin ubiquitin E3 ligase, the two proteins that are defective in LD, are thought to regulate glycogen synthesis through an unknown mechanism, the defects in which are likely to underlie some of the symptoms of LD. We show here that laforin's subcellular localization is dependent on the cellular glycogen content and that the stability of laforin is determined by the cellular ATP level, the activity of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase, and the affinity of malin toward laforin. By using cell and animal models, we further show that the laforin-malin complex regulates cellular glucose uptake by modulating the subcellular localization of glucose transporters; loss of malin or laforin resulted in an increased abundance of glucose transporters in the plasma membrane and therefore excessive glucose uptake. Loss of laforin or malin, however, did not affect glycogen catabolism. Thus, the excessive cellular glucose level appears to be the primary trigger for the abnormally higher levels of cellular glycogen seen in LD.

Effect of Ion Streaming on Diffusion of Dust Grains in Dissipative System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begum, M.; Das, N.

2018-01-01

The presence of strong electric fields in the sheath region of laboratory complex plasma induces an ion drift and perturbs the field around dust grains. The downstream focusing of ions leads to the formation of oscillatory kind of attractive wake potential which superimpose with the normal Debye-Hückel (DH) potential. The structural properties of complex plasma and diffusion coefficient of dust grains in the presence of such a wake potential have been investigated using Langevin dynamics simulation in the subsonic regime of ion flow. The study reveals that the diffusion of dust grains is strongly affected by the ion flow, so that the diffusion changes its character in the wake potential to the DH potential dominant regimes. The dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the parameters, such as the neutral pressure, dust grain size, ion flow velocity, and Coulomb coupling parameter, have been calculated for the subsonic regime by using the Green-Kubo expression, which is based on the integrated velocity autocorrelation function. It is found that the diffusion and the structural property of the system is intimately connected with the interaction potential and significantly get affected in the presence of ion flow in the subsonic regime.

Dancing your moves away: How memory retrieval shapes complex motor action.

PubMed

Tempel, Tobias; Loran, Igor; Frings, Christian

2015-09-01

Human memory is subject to continuous change. Besides the accumulation of contents as a consequence of encoding new information, the accessing of memory influences later accessibility. The authors investigated how retrieval-related memory-shaping processes affect intentionally acquired complex motion patterns. Dance figures served as the material to be learned. The authors found that selectively retrieving a subset of dance moves facilitated later recall of the retrieved dance figures, whereas figures that were related to these but that did not receive selective practice suffered from forgetting. These opposing effects were shown in experiments with different designs involving either the learning of only 1 set of body movements or 2 sets of movements categorized into 2 dances. A 3rd experiment showed that selective restudy also entailed a recall benefit for restudied dance figures but did not induce forgetting for related nonrestudied dance figures. The results suggest that motor programs representing the motion patterns in a format closely corresponding to parameters of movement execution were affected. The reported experiments demonstrate how retrieval determines motor memory plasticity and emphasize the importance of separating restudy and retrieval practice when teaching people new movements. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

An unexpected semi-hydrogenation of a ligand in the complexation of 2,7-bispyridinyl-1,8-naphthyridine with Ru3(CO)12.

PubMed

Liao, Bei-Sih; Liu, Yi-Hung; Peng, Shie-Ming; Reddy, K Rajender; Liu, Shin-Hung; Chou, Pi-Tai; Liu, Shiuh-Tzung

2014-03-07

Thermal reaction of 2,7-bis(2-pyridinyl)-l,8-naphthyridine () with Ru3(CO)12 in the presence of moisture resulted in the formation of a formate-bridged diruthenium complex [(-H3)Ru2(μ-HCOO)(CO)4] (), in which the ligand was partially hydrogenated. Complex was fully characterized by spectroscopic analyses and X-ray single crystal determination. Regarding the partially reduced ligand in , it occurs through a water-gas shift type reduction. The bridging formate ligand can be substituted by other carboxylate ligands. Physical and chemical properties of the newly prepared complexes were investigated.

Practical modeling approaches for geological storage of carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Celia, Michael A; Nordbotten, Jan M

2009-01-01

The relentless increase of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and the associated concerns about climate change have motivated new ideas about carbon-constrained energy production. One technological approach to control carbon dioxide emissions is carbon capture and storage, or CCS. The underlying idea of CCS is to capture the carbon before it emitted to the atmosphere and store it somewhere other than the atmosphere. Currently, the most attractive option for large-scale storage is in deep geological formations, including deep saline aquifers. Many physical and chemical processes can affect the fate of the injected CO2, with the overall mathematical description of the complete system becoming very complex. Our approach to the problem has been to reduce complexity as much as possible, so that we can focus on the few truly important questions about the injected CO2, most of which involve leakage out of the injection formation. Toward this end, we have established a set of simplifying assumptions that allow us to derive simplified models, which can be solved numerically or, for the most simplified cases, analytically. These simplified models allow calculation of solutions to large-scale injection and leakage problems in ways that traditional multicomponent multiphase simulators cannot. Such simplified models provide important tools for system analysis, screening calculations, and overall risk-assessment calculations. We believe this is a practical and important approach to model geological storage of carbon dioxide. It also serves as an example of how complex systems can be simplified while retaining the essential physics of the problem.

Structural alteration of hexagonal birnessite by aqueous Mn(II): Impacts on Ni(II) sorption

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

Lefkowitz, Joshua P.; Elzinga, Evert J.

We studied the impacts of aqueous Mn(II) (1 mM) on the sorption of Ni(II) (200 μM) by hexagonal birnessite (0.1 g L- 1) at pH 6.5 and 7.5 with batch experiments and XRD, ATR-FTIR and Ni K-edge EXAFS analyses. In the absence of Mn(II)aq, sorbed Ni(II) was coordinated predominantly as triple corner-sharing complexes at layer vacancies at both pH values. Introduction of Mn(II)aq into Ni(II)-birnessite suspensions at pH 6.5 caused Ni(II) desorption and led to the formation of edge-sharing Ni(II) complexes. This was attributed to competitive displacement of Ni(II) from layer vacancies by either Mn(II) or by Mn(III) formed throughmore » interfacial Mn(II)-Mn(IV) comproportionation, and/or incorporation of Ni(II) into the birnessite lattice promoted by Mn(II)-catalyzed recrystallization of the sorbent. Similar to Mn(II)aq, the presence of HEPES or MES caused the formation of edge-sharing Ni(II) sorption complexes in Ni(II)-birnessite suspensions, which was attributed to partial reduction of the sorbent by the buffers. At pH 7.5, interaction with aqueous Mn(II) caused reductive transformation of birnessite into secondary feitknechtite that incorporated Ni(II), enhancing removal of Ni(II) from solution. These results demonstrate that reductive alteration of phyllomanganates may significantly affect the speciation and solubility of Ni(II) in anoxic and suboxic environments.« less

Elongator complex is critical for cell cycle progression and leaf patterning in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Xu, Deyang; Huang, Weihua; Li, Yang; Wang, Hua; Huang, Hai; Cui, Xiaofeng

2012-03-01

The mitotic cell cycle in higher eukaryotes is of pivotal importance for organ growth and development. Here, we report that Elongator, an evolutionarily conserved histone acetyltransferase complex, acts as an important regulator of mitotic cell cycle to promote leaf patterning in Arabidopsis. Mutations in genes encoding Elongator subunits resulted in aberrant cell cycle progression, and the altered cell division affects leaf polarity formation. The defective cell cycle progression is caused by aberrant DNA replication and increased DNA damage, which activate the DNA replication checkpoint to arrest the cell cycle. Elongator interacts with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and is required for efficient histone 3 (H3) and H4 acetylation coupled with DNA replication. Levels of chromatin-bound H3K56Ac and H4K5Ac known to associate with replicons during DNA replication were reduced in the mutants of both Elongator and chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1), another protein complex that physically interacts with PCNA for DNA replication-coupled chromatin assembly. Disruptions of CAF-1 also led to severe leaf polarity defects, which indicated that Elongator and CAF-1 act, at least partially, in the same pathway to promote cell cycle progression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Elongator is an important regulator of mitotic cell cycle, and the Elongator pathway plays critical roles in promoting leaf polarity formation. © 2011 The Authors. The Plant Journal © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Phosphorylation of NHE3-S719 regulates NHE3 activity through the formation of multiple signaling complexes

PubMed Central

Sarker, Rafiquel; Cha, Boyoung; Kovbasnjuk, Olga; Cole, Robert; Gabelli, Sandra; Tse, Chung Ming; Donowitz, Mark

2017-01-01

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) binds to the NHE3 C-terminus and constitutively phosphorylates a downstream site (S719) that accounts for 40% of basal NHE3 activity. The role of CK2 in regulation of NHE3 activity in polarized Caco-2/bbe cells was further examined by mutation of NHE3-S719 to A (not phosphorylated) or D (phosphomimetic). NHE3-S719A but not -S719D had multiple changes in NHE3 activity: 1) reduced basal NHE3 activity—specifically, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT-dependent component; 2) reduced acute stimulation of NHE3 activity by LPA/LPA5R stimulation; and 3) reduced acute inhibition of NHE3 activity—specifically, elevated Ca2+ related (carbachol/Ca2+ ionophore), but there was normal inhibition by forskolin and hyperosmolarity. The S719A mutant had reduced NHE3 complex size, reduced expression in lipid rafts, increased BB mobile fraction, and reduced binding to multiple proteins that bind throughout the NHE3 intracellular C-terminus, including calcineurin homologous protein, the NHERF family and SNX27 (related PDZ domains). These studies show that phosphorylation of the NHE3 at a single amino acid in the distal part of the C-terminus affects multiple aspects of NHE3 complex formation and changes the NHE3 lipid raft distribution, which cause changes in specific aspects of basal as well as acutely stimulated and inhibited Na+/H+ exchange activity. PMID:28495796

The role of NaCl in flame chemistry, in the deposition process, and in its reactions with protective oxides as related to hot corrosion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kohl, F. J.; Stearns, C. A.

1979-01-01

Sodium chloride is believed to be the primary source of turbine engine contamination that contributes to hot corrosion. The behavior of NaCl-containing aerosols ingested with turbine intake air is very complex; some of the NaCl may vaporize during combustion while some may remain as particulates. The NaCl can lead to Na2SO4 formation by several possible routes or it can contribute to corrosion directly. Hydrogen or oxygen atom reaction with NaCl(c) was shown to result in the release of Na(g). Gaseous NaCl in flames can be partially converted to gaseous Na2SO4 by homogeneous reactions. The remaining gaseous NaCl and other Na-containing molecules can act as sodium carriers for condensate deposition of Na2SO4 on cool surfaces. A frozen boundary layer theory was developed to predict the rates of deposition. The condensed phase NaCl can be converted directly to condensed Na2SO4 by reaction with sulfur oxides and O2. Reaction of gaseous NaCl with Cr2O3 results in the vapor phase transport of chromium by the formation of complex Cr-containing gaseous molecules. Similar gaseous complexes are formed with molybdenum. The presence of gaseous NaCl was shown to affect the oxidation kinetics of Ni-Cr alloys. It also causes changes in the surface morphology of Al2O3 scales formed on Al-containing alloys.

Electron-molecule chemistry and charging processes on organic ices and Titan's icy aerosol surrogates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirim, C.; Gann, R. D.; McLain, J. L.; Orlando, T. M.

2015-09-01

Electron-induced polymerization processes and charging events that can occur within Titan's atmosphere or on its surface were simulated using electron irradiation and dissociative electron attachment (DEA) studies of nitrogen-containing organic condensates. The DEA studies probe the desorption of H- from hydrogen cyanide (HCN), acetonitrile (CH3CN), and aminoacetonitrile (NH2CH2CN) ices, as well as from synthesized tholin materials condensed or deposited onto a graphite substrate maintained at low temperature (90-130 K). The peak cross sections for H- desorption during low-energy (3-15 eV) electron irradiation were measured and range from 3 × 10-21 to 2 × 10-18 cm2. Chemical and structural transformations of HCN ice upon 2 keV electron irradiation were investigated using X-ray photoelectron and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The electron-beam processed materials displayed optical properties very similar to tholins produced by conventional discharge methods. Electron and negative ion trapping lead to 1011 charges cm-2 on a flat surface which, assuming a radius of 0.05 μm for Titan aerosols, is ∼628 charges/radius (in μm). The facile charge trapping indicates that electron interactions with nitriles and complex tholin-like molecules could affect the conductivity of Titan's atmosphere due to the formation of large negative ion complexes. These negatively charged complexes can also precipitate onto Titan's surface and possibly contribute to surface reactions and the formation of dunes.

Mutual effects of copper and phosphate on their interaction with γ-Al2O3: combined batch macroscopic experiments with DFT calculations.

PubMed

Ren, Xuemei; Yang, Shitong; Tan, Xiaoli; Chen, Changlun; Sheng, Guodong; Wang, Xiangke

2012-10-30

The mutual effects of Cu(II) and phosphate on their interaction with γ-Al(2)O(3) are investigated by using batch experiments combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results of batch experiments show that coexisting phosphate promotes the retention of Cu(II) on γ-Al(2)O(3), whereas phosphate retention is not affected by coexisting Cu(II) at low initial phosphate concentrations (≤ 3.6 mg P/L). Cu-phosphate aqueous complexes control Cu(II) retention through the formation of type B ternary surface complexes (where phosphate bridges γ-Al(2)O(3) and Cu(II)) at pH 5.5. This deduction is further supported by the results of DFT calculations. More specifically, the DFT calculation results indicate that the type B ternary surface complexes prefer to form outer-sphere or monodentate inner-sphere binding mode under our experimental conditions. The enhancement of phosphate retention on γ-Al(2)O(3) in the presence of Cu(II) at high initial phosphate concentrations (>3.6 mg P/L) may be attributed to the formation of 1:2 Cu(II)-phosphate species and/or surface precipitates. Understanding the mutual effects of phosphate and Cu(II) on their mobility and transport in mineral/water environments is more realistic to design effective remediation strategies for reducing their negative impacts on aquatic/terrestrial environments. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complexation facilitated reduction of aromatic N-oxides by aqueous Fe(II)-tiron complex: reaction kinetics and mechanisms.

PubMed

Chen, Yiling; Zhang, Huichun

2013-10-01

Rapid reduction of carbadox (CDX), olaquindox and several other aromatic N-oxides were investigated in aqueous solution containing Fe(II) and tiron. Consistent with previous work, the 1:2 Fe(II)-tiron complex, FeL2(6-), is the dominant reactive species as its concentration linearly correlates with the observed rate constant kobs under various conditions. The N-oxides without any side chains were much less reactive, suggesting direct reduction of the N-oxides is slow. UV-vis spectra suggest FeL2(6-) likely forms 5- or 7-membered rings with CDX and olaquindox through the N and O atoms on the side chain. The formed inner-sphere complexes significantly facilitated electron transfer from FeL2(6-) to the N-oxides. Reduction products of the N-oxides were identified by HPLC/QToF-MS to be the deoxygenated analogs. QSAR analysis indicated neither the first electron transfer nor N-O bond cleavage is the rate-limiting step. Calculations of the atomic spin densities of the anionic N-oxides confirmed the extensive delocalization between the aromatic ring and the side chain, suggesting complex formation can significantly affect the reduction kinetics. Our results suggest the complexation facilitated N-oxide reduction by Fe(II)-tiron involves a free radical mechanism, and the subsequent deoxygenation might also benefit from the weak complexation of Fe(II) with the N-oxide O atom.

Effect of CMC Molecular Weight on Acid-Induced Gelation of Heated WPI-CMC Soluble Complex.

PubMed

Huan, Yan; Zhang, Sha; Vardhanabhuti, Bongkosh

2016-02-01

Acid-induced gelation properties of heated whey protein isolate (WPI) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) soluble complex were investigated as a function of CMC molecular weight (270, 680, and 750 kDa) and concentrations (0% to 0.125%). Heated WPI-CMC soluble complex with 6% protein was made by heating biopolymers together at pH 7.0 and 85 °C for 30 min and diluted to 5% protein before acid-induced gelation. Acid-induced gel formed from heated WPI-CMC complexes exhibited increased hardness and decreased water holding capacity with increasing CMC concentrations but gel strength decreased at higher CMC content. The highest gel strength was observed with CMC 750 k at 0.05%. Gels with low CMC concentration showed homogenous microstructure which was independent of CMC molecular weight, while increasing CMC concentration led to microphase separation with higher CMC molecular weight showing more extensive phase separation. When heated WPI-CMC complexes were prepared at 9% protein the acid gels showed improved gel hardness and water holding capacity, which was supported by the more interconnected protein network with less porosity when compared to complexes heated at 6% protein. It is concluded that protein concentration and biopolymer ratio during complex formation are the major factors affecting gel properties while the effect of CMC molecular weight was less significant. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Formation and characterization of chitosan-protein particles with fractal whey protein aggregates.

PubMed

Ahmed, Khouloud Fekih; Aschi, Adel; Nicolai, Taco

2018-05-15

Hybrid protein-polysaccharide particles were formed by complexation of fractal whey protein aggregates and the cationic polysaccharide chitosan. The fractal aggregates were preformed by heating native whey protein isolate at pH 7 and subsequently mixed with chitosan at pH 3 where these proteins and polysaccharides don't interact with each other. Stable dispersions of protein-polysaccharide particles were formed spontaneously when the pH was gradually increased between 4.1 and 6.8, whereas in the absence of chitosan the fractal aggregates precipitated between pH 4.1 and 5.4. Potentiometric titration of the mixtures showed that deprotonation of both components was affected by complexation. With increasing pH, the size of the complexes increased sharply between pH 4.1. and pH 4.5, remained constant up to pH 5.6 and then increased again. A minimum amount of chitosan was needed to form stable complexes at pH 5.0 and the size of the complexes decreased with increasing chitosan concentration. Light scattering showed that the complexes were stable to dilution and had a self similar structure with a fractal dimensions close to two. The effect of changing the pH on the size and stability of the complexes was investigated. Suspensions of complexes of preformed whey protein aggregates and chitosan are more stable up to high pH (6.8) than complexes between native WPI and chitosan as reported in the literature. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Inhibition of buckwheat starch digestion by the formation of starch/bile salt complexes: possibility of its occurrence in the intestine.

PubMed

Takahama, Umeo; Hirota, Sachiko

2011-06-08

During the digestion of starch in foods, starch is mixed with bile in the duodenum. Because fatty acids and some kinds of polyphenols could bind to starch, it was postulated that bile salts might also bind to starch. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of bile and bile salts on starch/iodine complex formation and pancreatin-induced starch digestion. Bile suppressed starch/iodine complex formation and inhibited pancreatin-induced starch digestion slightly in control buckwheat starch, but did so significantly in buckwheat starch from which fatty acids and polyphenols had been extracted. Such significant suppression and inhibition by bile were also observed in a reagent soluble starch. The effects of cholate and taurocholate on the starch/iodine complex formation and the pancreatin-induced starch digestion were essentially the same as those of bile. Bile, cholate, and taurocholate suppressed amylose/iodine complex formation more significantly than amylopectin/iodine complex formation and inhibited pancreatin-induced amylose digestion more effectively than the digestion of amylopectin. It is concluded from the results that bile salts could bind to starch, especially amylose, the helical structures of which were not occupied by other molecules such as fatty acids and polyphenols, and that the binding resulted in the inhibition of starch digestion by pancreatin. The conclusion suggests that the function of bile salts can be discussed from the point of not only lipid digestion but also starch digestion.

Characteristics of pattern formation and evolution in approximations of Physarum transport networks.

PubMed

Jones, Jeff

2010-01-01

Most studies of pattern formation place particular emphasis on its role in the development of complex multicellular body plans. In simpler organisms, however, pattern formation is intrinsic to growth and behavior. Inspired by one such organism, the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum, we present examples of complex emergent pattern formation and evolution formed by a population of simple particle-like agents. Using simple local behaviors based on chemotaxis, the mobile agent population spontaneously forms complex and dynamic transport networks. By adjusting simple model parameters, maps of characteristic patterning are obtained. Certain areas of the parameter mapping yield particularly complex long term behaviors, including the circular contraction of network lacunae and bifurcation of network paths to maintain network connectivity. We demonstrate the formation of irregular spots and labyrinthine and reticulated patterns by chemoattraction. Other Turing-like patterning schemes were obtained by using chemorepulsion behaviors, including the self-organization of regular periodic arrays of spots, and striped patterns. We show that complex pattern types can be produced without resorting to the hierarchical coupling of reaction-diffusion mechanisms. We also present network behaviors arising from simple pre-patterning cues, giving simple examples of how the emergent pattern formation processes evolve into networks with functional and quasi-physical properties including tensionlike effects, network minimization behavior, and repair to network damage. The results are interpreted in relation to classical theories of biological pattern formation in natural systems, and we suggest mechanisms by which emergent pattern formation processes may be used as a method for spatially represented unconventional computation.

Oil/water/rock wettability: Influencing factors and implications for low salinity water flooding in carbonate reservoirs

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yongqiang; Xie, Quan; Sari, Ahmad; ...

2017-11-21

Wettability of the oil/brine/rock system is an essential petro-physical parameter which governs subsurface multiphase flow behaviour and the distribution of fluids, thus directly affecting oil recovery. Recent studies [1–3] show that manipulation of injected brine composition can enhance oil recovery by shifting wettability from oil-wet to water-wet. However, what factor(s) control system wettability has not been completely elucidated due to incomplete understanding of the geochemical system. To isolate and identify the key factors at play we used in this paper SO 4 2—free solutions to examine the effect of salinity (formation brine/FB, 10 times diluted formation brine/10 dFB, and 100more » times diluted formation brine/100 dFB) on the contact angle of oil droplets at the surface of calcite. We then compared contact angle results with predictions of surface complexation by low salinity water using PHREEQC software. We demonstrate that the conventional dilution approach likely triggers an oil-wet system at low pH, which may explain why the low salinity water EOR-effect is not always observed by injecting low salinity water in carbonated reservoirs. pH plays a fundamental role in the surface chemistry of oil/brine interfaces, and wettability. Our contact angle results show that formation brine triggered a strong water-wet system (35°) at pH 2.55, yet 100 times diluted formation brine led to a strongly oil-wet system (contact angle = 175°) at pH 5.68. Surface complexation modelling correctly predicted the wettability trend with salinity; the bond product sum ([>CaOH 2 +][–COO -] + [>CO 3 -][–NH +] + [>CO 3 -][–COOCa +]) increased with decreasing salinity. Finally, at pH < 6 dilution likely makes the calcite surface oil-wet, particularly for crude oils with high base number. Yet, dilution probably causes water wetness at pH > 7 for crude oils with high acid number.« less

Oil/water/rock wettability: Influencing factors and implications for low salinity water flooding in carbonate reservoirs

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

Chen, Yongqiang; Xie, Quan; Sari, Ahmad

Wettability of the oil/brine/rock system is an essential petro-physical parameter which governs subsurface multiphase flow behaviour and the distribution of fluids, thus directly affecting oil recovery. Recent studies [1–3] show that manipulation of injected brine composition can enhance oil recovery by shifting wettability from oil-wet to water-wet. However, what factor(s) control system wettability has not been completely elucidated due to incomplete understanding of the geochemical system. To isolate and identify the key factors at play we used in this paper SO 4 2—free solutions to examine the effect of salinity (formation brine/FB, 10 times diluted formation brine/10 dFB, and 100more » times diluted formation brine/100 dFB) on the contact angle of oil droplets at the surface of calcite. We then compared contact angle results with predictions of surface complexation by low salinity water using PHREEQC software. We demonstrate that the conventional dilution approach likely triggers an oil-wet system at low pH, which may explain why the low salinity water EOR-effect is not always observed by injecting low salinity water in carbonated reservoirs. pH plays a fundamental role in the surface chemistry of oil/brine interfaces, and wettability. Our contact angle results show that formation brine triggered a strong water-wet system (35°) at pH 2.55, yet 100 times diluted formation brine led to a strongly oil-wet system (contact angle = 175°) at pH 5.68. Surface complexation modelling correctly predicted the wettability trend with salinity; the bond product sum ([>CaOH 2 +][–COO -] + [>CO 3 -][–NH +] + [>CO 3 -][–COOCa +]) increased with decreasing salinity. Finally, at pH < 6 dilution likely makes the calcite surface oil-wet, particularly for crude oils with high base number. Yet, dilution probably causes water wetness at pH > 7 for crude oils with high acid number.« less

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.

Does Leisure Time as a Stress Coping Resource Increase Affective Complexity? Applying the Dynamic Model of Affect (DMA).

PubMed

Qian, Xinyi Lisa; Yarnal, Careen M; Almeida, David M

2013-01-01

Affective complexity, a manifestation of psychological well-being, refers to the relative independence between positive and negative affect (PA, NA). According to the Dynamic Model of Affect (DMA), stressful situations lead to highly inverse PA-NA relationship, reducing affective complexity. Meanwhile, positive events can sustain affective complexity by restoring PA-NA independence. Leisure, a type of positive events, has been identified as a coping resource. This study used the DMA to assess whether leisure time helps restore affective complexity on stressful days. We found that on days with more leisure time than usual, an individual experienced less negative PA-NA relationship after daily stressful events. The finding demonstrates the value of leisure time as a coping resource and the DMA's contribution to coping research.

Insights into the Effects of Complement Factor H on the Assembly and Decay of the Alternative Pathway C3 Proconvertase and C3 Convertase*

PubMed Central

Bettoni, Serena; Bresin, Elena; Remuzzi, Giuseppe; Noris, Marina; Donadelli, Roberta

2016-01-01

The activated fragment of C3 (C3b) and factor B form the C3 proconvertase (C3bB), which is cleaved by factor D to C3 convertase (C3bBb). Older studies (Conrad, D. H., Carlo, J. R., and Ruddy, S. (1978) J. Exp. Med. 147, 1792–1805; Pangburn, M. K., and Müller-Eberhard, H. J. (1978) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 75, 2416–2420; Kazatchkine, M. D., Fearon, D. T., and Austen, K. F. (1979) J. Immunol. 122, 75–81) indicated that the complement alternative pathway regulator factor H (FH) competes with factor B for C3b binding; however, the capability of FH to prevent C3bB assembly has not been formally investigated. Moreover, in the few published studies FH did not favor C3bB dissociation. Whether FH may affect C3bBb formation from C3bB is unknown. We set up user-friendly assays based on combined microplate/Western blotting techniques that specifically detect either C3bB or C3bBb, with the aim of investigating the effect of FH on C3bB assembly and decay and C3bBb formation and decay. We document that FH does not affect C3bB assembly, indicating that FH does not efficiently compete with factor B for C3b binding. We also found that FH does not dissociate C3bB. FH showed a strong C3bBb decay-accelerating activity, as reported previously, and also exerted an apparent inhibitory effect on C3bBb formation. The latter effect was not fully attributable to a rapid FH-mediated dissociation of C3bBb complexes, because blocking decay with properdin and C3 nephritic factor did not restore C3bBb formation. FH almost completely prevented release of the smaller cleavage subunit of FB (Ba), without modifying the amount of C3bB complexes, suggesting that FH inhibits the conversion of C3bB to C3bBb. Thus, the inhibitory effect of FH on C3bBb formation is likely the sum of inhibition of C3bB conversion to C3bBb and of C3bBb decay acceleration. Further studies are required to confirm these findings in physiological cell-based settings. PMID:26903516

Spectrophotometric investigation on the kinetics of oxidation of adrenaline by dioxygen of μ-dioxytetrakis(histidinato)-dicobalt(II) complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafiquee, M. Z. A.; Siddiqui, Masoom R.; Ali, Mohd. Sajid; Al-Lohedan, Hamad A.

The cobalt(II)histidine complex binds molecular oxygen reversibly to form an oxygen adduct complex, μ-dioxytetrakis-(histidinato)dicobalt(II). The molecular oxygen can be released from the oxygenated complex by heating it or by passing N2, He or Ar gas through its solution. μ-Dioxytetrakis-(histidinato)dicobalt(II) complex oxidizes adrenaline into leucoadrenochrome at 25 °C while at higher temperature (>40 °C) adrenochrome with λmax at 490 nm is formed. The rate of formation of leucoadrenochrome was found to be independent of [bis(histidinato)cobalt(II)]. The rate of reaction for the formation of leucoadrenochrome and adrenochrome increased with the increase in [adrenaline] at its lower concentration but become independent at higher concentration. Similarly, the rate of formation of both leucoadrenochrome and adrenochrome was linearly dependent upon [NaOH]. The values of activation parameters i.e. ΔEa, ΔH‡ and ΔS‡ for the formation of leucoadrenochrome are reported.

Development of a Transnasal Delivery System for Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH): Effects of the Concentration and Molecular Weight of Poly-L-arginine on the Nasal Absorption of rhGH in Rats.

PubMed

Kawashima, Ryo; Uchida, Masaki; Yamaki, Tsutomu; Ohtake, Kazuo; Hatanaka, Tomomi; Uchida, Hiroyuki; Ueda, Hideo; Kobayashi, Jun; Morimoto, Yasunori; Natsume, Hideshi

2016-01-01

A novel system for delivering recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) that is noninvasive and has a simple method of administration is strongly desired to improve the compliance of children. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for the intranasal (i.n.) co-administration of rhGH with poly-L-arginine (PLA) as a novel delivery system by evaluating the effects of the concentration and molecular weight of PLA on the nasal absorption of rhGH. The influence of the formation of insoluble aggregates and a soluble complex in the dosage formulation on nasal rhGH absorption was also evaluated by size-exclusion chromatography and ultrafiltration. PLA enhanced the nasal absorption of rhGH at each concentration and molecular weight examined. Nasal rhGH absorption increased dramatically when the PLA concentration was 1.0 % (w/v) due to the improved solubility of rhGH in the formulation. A delay in rhGH absorption was observed when the molecular weight of PLA was increased. This appeared to be because the increase in molecular weight caused the formation of a soluble complex. It seems that the PLA concentration affects the absorption-enhancing effect on rhGH, while the molecular weight of PLA affects the time when the maximum plasma rhGH concentration was reached (Tmax) of rhGH after i.n. administration, mainly because of the interactions among rhGH, PLA, and additives. Therefore, the transnasal rhGH delivery system using PLA is considered to be a promising alternative to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection if these interactions are sufficiently controlled.

TGF-{beta} signals the formation of a unique NF1/Smad4-dependent transcription repressor-complex in human diploid fibroblasts

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

Luciakova, Katarina, E-mail: katarina.luciakova@savba.sk; Kollarovic, Gabriel; Kretova, Miroslava

2011-08-05

Highlights: {yields} TGF-{beta} induces the formation of unique nuclear NF1/Smad4 complexes that repress expression of the ANT-2 gene. {yields} Repression is mediated through an NF1-dependent repressor element in the promoter. {yields} The formation of NF1/Smad4 complexes and the repression of ANT2 are prevented by inhibitors of p38 kinase and TGF-{beta} RI. {yields} NF1/Smad complexes implicate novel role for NF1 and Smad proteins in the regulation of growth. -- Abstract: We earlier reported the formation of a unique nuclear NF1/Smad complex in serum-restricted fibroblasts that acts as an NF1-dependent repressor of the human adenine nucleotide translocase-2 gene (ANT2) [K. Luciakova, G.more » Kollarovic, P. Barath, B.D. Nelson, Growth-dependent repression of human adenine nucleotide translocator-2 (ANT2) transcription: evidence for the participation of Smad and Sp family proteins in the NF1-dependent repressor complex, Biochem. J. 412 (2008) 123-130]. In the present study, we show that TGF-{beta}, like serum-restriction: (a) induces the formation of NF1/Smad repressor complexes, (b) increases binding of the complexes to the repressor elements (Go elements) in the ANT2 promoter, and (c) inhibits ANT2 expression. Repression of ANT2 by TGF-{beta} is eliminated by mutating the NF1 binding sites in the Go repressor elements. All of the above responses to TGF-{beta} are prevented by inhibitors of TGF-{beta} RI and MAPK p38. These inhibitors also prevent NF1/Smad4 repressor complex formation and repression of ANT2 expression in serum-restricted cells, suggesting that similar signaling pathways are initiated by TGF-{beta} and serum-restriction. The present finding that NF1/Smad4 repressor complexes are formed through TGF-{beta} signaling pathways suggests a new, but much broader, role for these complexes in the initiation or maintenance of the growth-inhibited state.« less

Mutations in the BAF-Complex Subunit DPF2 Are Associated with Coffin-Siris Syndrome.

PubMed

Vasileiou, Georgia; Vergarajauregui, Silvia; Endele, Sabine; Popp, Bernt; Büttner, Christian; Ekici, Arif B; Gerard, Marion; Bramswig, Nuria C; Albrecht, Beate; Clayton-Smith, Jill; Morton, Jenny; Tomkins, Susan; Low, Karen; Weber, Astrid; Wenzel, Maren; Altmüller, Janine; Li, Yun; Wollnik, Bernd; Hoganson, George; Plona, Maria-Renée; Cho, Megan T; Thiel, Christian T; Lüdecke, Hermann-Josef; Strom, Tim M; Calpena, Eduardo; Wilkie, Andrew O M; Wieczorek, Dagmar; Engel, Felix B; Reis, André

2018-03-01

Variants affecting the function of different subunits of the BAF chromatin-remodelling complex lead to various neurodevelopmental syndromes, including Coffin-Siris syndrome. Furthermore, variants in proteins containing PHD fingers, motifs recognizing specific histone tail modifications, have been associated with several neurological and developmental-delay disorders. Here, we report eight heterozygous de novo variants (one frameshift, two splice site, and five missense) in the gene encoding the BAF complex subunit double plant homeodomain finger 2 (DPF2). Affected individuals share common clinical features described in individuals with Coffin-Siris syndrome, including coarse facial features, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, speech impairment, and hypoplasia of fingernails and toenails. All variants occur within the highly conserved PHD1 and PHD2 motifs. Moreover, missense variants are situated close to zinc binding sites and are predicted to disrupt these sites. Pull-down assays of recombinant proteins and histone peptides revealed that a subset of the identified missense variants abolish or impaire DPF2 binding to unmodified and modified H3 histone tails. These results suggest an impairment of PHD finger structural integrity and cohesion and most likely an aberrant recognition of histone modifications. Furthermore, the overexpression of these variants in HEK293 and COS7 cell lines was associated with the formation of nuclear aggregates and the recruitment of both wild-type DPF2 and BRG1 to these aggregates. Expression analysis of truncating variants found in the affected individuals indicated that the aberrant transcripts escape nonsense-mediated decay. Altogether, we provide compelling evidence that de novo variants in DPF2 cause Coffin-Siris syndrome and propose a dominant-negative mechanism of pathogenicity. Copyright © 2018 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An analysis of electrical conductivity model in saturated porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, J.; Wei, W.; Qin, X.; Hu, X.

2017-12-01

Electrical conductivity of saturated porous media has numerous applications in many fields. In recent years, the number of theoretical methods to model electrical conductivity of complex porous media has dramatically increased. Nevertheless, the process of modeling the spatial conductivity distributed function continues to present challenges when these models used in reservoirs, particularly in porous media with strongly heterogeneous pore-space distributions. Many experiments show a more complex distribution of electrical conductivity data than the predictions derived from the experiential model. Studies have observed anomalously-high electrical conductivity of some low-porosity (tight) formations compared to more- porous reservoir rocks, which indicates current flow in porous media is complex and difficult to predict. Moreover, the change of electrical conductivity depends not only on the pore volume fraction but also on several geometric properties of the more extensive pore network, including pore interconnection and tortuosity. In our understanding of electrical conductivity models in porous media, we study the applicability of several well-known methods/theories to electrical characteristics of porous rocks as a function of pore volume, tortuosity and interconnection, to estimate electrical conductivity based on the micro-geometrical properties of rocks. We analyze the state of the art of scientific knowledge and practice for modeling porous structural systems, with the purpose of identifying current limitations and defining a blueprint for future modeling advances. We compare conceptual descriptions of electrical current flow processes in pore space considering several distinct modeling approaches. Approaches to obtaining more reasonable electrical conductivity models are discussed. Experiments suggest more complex relationships between electrical conductivity and porosity than experiential models, particularly in low-porosity formations. However, the available theoretical models combined with simulations do provide insight to how microscale physics affects macroscale electrical conductivity in porous media.

Lysine acetyltransferase NuA4 and acetyl-CoA regulate glucose-deprived stress granule formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Huard, Sylvain; Morettin, Alan; Fullerton, Morgan D.; Côté, Jocelyn

2017-01-01

Eukaryotic cells form stress granules under a variety of stresses, however the signaling pathways regulating their formation remain largely unknown. We have determined that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysine acetyltransferase complex NuA4 is required for stress granule formation upon glucose deprivation but not heat stress. Further, the Tip60 complex, the human homolog of the NuA4 complex, is required for stress granule formation in cancer cell lines. Surprisingly, the impact of NuA4 on glucose-deprived stress granule formation is partially mediated through regulation of acetyl-CoA levels, which are elevated in NuA4 mutants. While elevated acetyl-CoA levels suppress the formation of glucose-deprived stress granules, decreased acetyl-CoA levels enhance stress granule formation upon glucose deprivation. Further our work suggests that NuA4 regulates acetyl-CoA levels through the Acetyl-CoA carboxylase Acc1. Altogether this work establishes both NuA4 and the metabolite acetyl-CoA as critical signaling pathways regulating the formation of glucose-deprived stress granules. PMID:28231279

Analysis of Immune Complex Structure by Statistical Mechanics and Light Scattering Techniques.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busch, Nathan Adams

1995-01-01

The size and structure of immune complexes determine their behavior in the immune system. The chemical physics of the complex formation is not well understood; this is due in part to inadequate characterization of the proteins involved, and in part by lack of sufficiently well developed theoretical techniques. Understanding the complex formation will permit rational design of strategies for inhibiting tissue deposition of the complexes. A statistical mechanical model of the proteins based upon the theory of associating fluids was developed. The multipole electrostatic potential for each protein used in this study was characterized for net protein charge, dipole moment magnitude, and dipole moment direction. The binding sites, between the model antigen and antibodies, were characterized for their net surface area, energy, and position relative to the dipole moment of the protein. The equilibrium binding graphs generated with the protein statistical mechanical model compares favorably with experimental data obtained from radioimmunoassay results. The isothermal compressibility predicted by the model agrees with results obtained from dynamic light scattering. The statistical mechanics model was used to investigate association between the model antigen and selected pairs of antibodies. It was found that, in accordance to expectations from thermodynamic arguments, the highest total binding energy yielded complex distributions which were skewed to higher complex size. From examination of the simulated formation of ring structures from linear chain complexes, and from the joint shape probability surfaces, it was found that ring configurations were formed by the "folding" of linear chains until the ends are within binding distance. By comparing the single antigen/two antibody system which differ only in their respective binding site locations, it was found that binding site location influences complex size and shape distributions only when ring formation occurs. The internal potential energy of a ring complex is considerably less than that of the non-associating system; therefore the ring complexes are quite stable and show no evidence of breaking, and collapsing into smaller complexes. The ring formation will occur only in systems where the total free energy of each complex may be minimized. Thus, ring formation will occur even though entropically unfavorable conformations result if the total free energy can be minimized by doing so.

Study of charge transfer complexes of menadione (vitamin K 3) with a series of anilines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Purnendu; Saha, Avijit; Mukherjee, Asok K.; Mukherjee, Dulal C.

2004-01-01

Menadione (vitamin K 3) has been shown to form charge transfer complexes with N, N-dimethyl aniline, N, N-dimethyl p-toluidine and N, N-dimethyl m-toluidine in CCl 4 medium. The CT transition energies are well correlated with the ionisation potentials of the anilines. The formation constants of the complexes have been determined at a number of temperatures from which the enthalpies and entropies of formation have been obtained. The formation constants exhibit a very good linear free energy relationship (Hammett) at all the temperatures studied.

Visual Complexity and Affect: Ratings Reflect More Than Meets the Eye.

PubMed

Madan, Christopher R; Bayer, Janine; Gamer, Matthias; Lonsdorf, Tina B; Sommer, Tobias

2017-01-01

Pictorial stimuli can vary on many dimensions, several aspects of which are captured by the term 'visual complexity.' Visual complexity can be described as, "a picture of a few objects, colors, or structures would be less complex than a very colorful picture of many objects that is composed of several components." Prior studies have reported a relationship between affect and visual complexity, where complex pictures are rated as more pleasant and arousing. However, a relationship in the opposite direction, an effect of affect on visual complexity, is also possible; emotional arousal and valence are known to influence selective attention and visual processing. In a series of experiments, we found that ratings of visual complexity correlated with affective ratings, and independently also with computational measures of visual complexity. These computational measures did not correlate with affect, suggesting that complexity ratings are separately related to distinct factors. We investigated the relationship between affect and ratings of visual complexity, finding an 'arousal-complexity bias' to be a robust phenomenon. Moreover, we found this bias could be attenuated when explicitly indicated but did not correlate with inter-individual difference measures of affective processing, and was largely unrelated to cognitive and eyetracking measures. Taken together, the arousal-complexity bias seems to be caused by a relationship between arousal and visual processing as it has been described for the greater vividness of arousing pictures. The described arousal-complexity bias is also of relevance from an experimental perspective because visual complexity is often considered a variable to control for when using pictorial stimuli.

Visual Complexity and Affect: Ratings Reflect More Than Meets the Eye

PubMed Central

Madan, Christopher R.; Bayer, Janine; Gamer, Matthias; Lonsdorf, Tina B.; Sommer, Tobias

2018-01-01

Pictorial stimuli can vary on many dimensions, several aspects of which are captured by the term ‘visual complexity.’ Visual complexity can be described as, “a picture of a few objects, colors, or structures would be less complex than a very colorful picture of many objects that is composed of several components.” Prior studies have reported a relationship between affect and visual complexity, where complex pictures are rated as more pleasant and arousing. However, a relationship in the opposite direction, an effect of affect on visual complexity, is also possible; emotional arousal and valence are known to influence selective attention and visual processing. In a series of experiments, we found that ratings of visual complexity correlated with affective ratings, and independently also with computational measures of visual complexity. These computational measures did not correlate with affect, suggesting that complexity ratings are separately related to distinct factors. We investigated the relationship between affect and ratings of visual complexity, finding an ‘arousal-complexity bias’ to be a robust phenomenon. Moreover, we found this bias could be attenuated when explicitly indicated but did not correlate with inter-individual difference measures of affective processing, and was largely unrelated to cognitive and eyetracking measures. Taken together, the arousal-complexity bias seems to be caused by a relationship between arousal and visual processing as it has been described for the greater vividness of arousing pictures. The described arousal-complexity bias is also of relevance from an experimental perspective because visual complexity is often considered a variable to control for when using pictorial stimuli. PMID:29403412

Strontium attenuates rhBMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation via formation of Sr-rhBMP-2 complex and suppression of Smad-dependent signaling pathway.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenjing; Tian, Yu; He, Hongyan; Chen, Rui; Ma, Yifan; Guo, Han; Yuan, Yuan; Liu, Changsheng

2016-03-01

Strontium (Sr(2+)) has pronounced effects on stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption in bone regeneration. In this current study, the effect and the underlying mechanism involved of Sr(2+) on the biological activity of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were studied in detail with pluripotent skeletal muscle myogenic progenitor C2C12 model cell line. The results indicated that Sr(2+) could bind recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) rapidly, even in the presence of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), and inhibited rhBMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation in vitro and osteogenetic efficiency in vivo. Further studies demonstrated that Sr(2+) treatment undermined the binding capacity of rhBMP-2 with its receptor BMPRIA and thus attenuated Smad 1/5/8 phosphorylation without affecting their dephosphorylation in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy all revealed that the inhibitory effect of Sr(2+) on the rhBMP-2 osteogenic activity was associated with the formation of Sr-rhBMP-2 complex and ensuing enhancement of β-sheet structure. Our work suggests the activity of rhBMP-2 to induce osteogenic differentiation was decreased by directly interaction with free Sr ions in solution, which should provide guide and assist for development of BMP-2-based materials for bone regeneration. Due to easy denaturation and ensuing the reduced activity of rhBMP-2, preserving/enhancing the capacity of rhBMP-2 to induce osteogenic differentiation is of critical importance in developing the protein-based therapy. Cations as effective elements influence the conformation and thereby the bioactivity of protein. Strontium (Sr(2+)), stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption, has been incorporated into biomaterials/scaffold to improve the bioactivity for bone-regeneration applications. However, Sr(2+)-induced changes in the conformation and bioactivity of BMP-2 have never been investigated. In this study, the formation of Sr-rhBMP-2 complex inhibited the osteogenic differentiation in vitro and osteogenetic efficiency in vivo through the inhibition of BMP/Smad signaling pathway, providing guidance for development of Sr-containing BMP-2-based bone scaffold/matrice and other Sr-dopped protein therapy. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Smad3/Smad4/CDK9 complex promotes renal fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction.

PubMed

Qu, Xinli; Jiang, Mengjie; Sun, Yu Bo Yang; Jiang, Xiaoyun; Fu, Ping; Ren, Yi; Wang, Die; Dai, Lie; Caruana, Georgina; Bertram, John F; Nikolic-Paterson, David J; Li, Jinhua

2015-12-01

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling has a central role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Smad3 and Smad4 are pro-fibrotic, while Smad2 is anti-fibrotic. However, these Smads form heterogeneous complexes, the functions of which are poorly understood. Here we studied Smad complex function in renal fibrosis using the mouse model of unilateral ureteric obstruction. Mice heterozygous for Smad3/4 (Smad3/4 +/- ) exhibited substantial protection from renal fibrosis through day 7 of obstruction, whereas Smad2/3 +/- and Smad2/4 +/- mice showed only modest protection. Formation of Smad3/Smad4/CDK9 complexes was an early event following obstruction in wild-type mice, which involved nuclear phosphorylation of the linker regions of Smad3. Significantly, Smad3 or Smad4 deficiency decreased the formation of Smad4/CDK9 or Smad3/CDK9 complex, Smad3 linker phosphorylation, and fibrosis but at different degrees. In vitro, TGF-β1 stimulation of collagen I promoter activity involved formation of Smad3/Smad4/CDK9 complexes, and overexpression of each component gave additive increases in collagen promoter activity. Co-administration of a CDK9 inhibitor and Smad3-specific inhibition achieved better protection from TGF-β1-induced fibrotic response in vitro and renal interstitial fibrosis in vivo. Thus formation of Smad3/Smad4/CDK9 complex drives renal fibrosis during ureteral obstruction. Formation of this complex represents a novel target for antifibrotic therapies.

STAR FORMATION ACROSS THE W3 COMPLEX

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

Román-Zúñiga, Carlos G.; Ybarra, Jason E.; Tapia, Mauricio

We present a multi-wavelength analysis of the history of star formation in the W3 complex. Using deep, near-infrared ground-based images combined with images obtained with Spitzer and Chandra observatories, we identified and classified young embedded sources. We identified the principal clusters in the complex and determined their structure and extension. We constructed extinction-limited samples for five principal clusters and constructed K-band luminosity functions that we compare with those of artificial clusters with varying ages. This analysis provided mean ages and possible age spreads for the clusters. We found that IC 1795, the centermost cluster of the complex, still hosts amore » large fraction of young sources with circumstellar disks. This indicates that star formation was active in IC 1795 as recently as 2 Myr ago, simultaneous to the star-forming activity in the flanking embedded clusters, W3-Main and W3(OH). A comparison with carbon monoxide emission maps indicates strong velocity gradients in the gas clumps hosting W3-Main and W3(OH) and shows small receding clumps of gas at IC 1795, suggestive of rapid gas removal (faster than the T Tauri timescale) in the cluster-forming regions. We discuss one possible scenario for the progression of cluster formation in the W3 complex. We propose that early processes of gas collapse in the main structure of the complex could have defined the progression of cluster formation across the complex with relatively small age differences from one group to another. However, triggering effects could act as catalysts for enhanced efficiency of formation at a local level, in agreement with previous studies.« less

Modeling Human Cancers in Drosophila.

PubMed

Sonoshita, M; Cagan, R L

2017-01-01

Cancer is a complex disease that affects multiple organs. Whole-body animal models provide important insights into oncology that can lead to clinical impact. Here, we review novel concepts that Drosophila studies have established for cancer biology, drug discovery, and patient therapy. Genetic studies using Drosophila have explored the roles of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes that when dysregulated promote cancer formation, making Drosophila a useful model to study multiple aspects of transformation. Not limited to mechanism analyses, Drosophila has recently been showing its value in facilitating drug development. Flies offer rapid, efficient platforms by which novel classes of drugs can be identified as candidate anticancer leads. Further, we discuss the use of Drosophila as a platform to develop therapies for individual patients by modeling the tumor's genetic complexity. Drosophila provides both a classical and a novel tool to identify new therapeutics, complementing other more traditional cancer tools. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Coordination chemistry in magnesium battery electrolytes: how ligands affect their performance.

PubMed

Shao, Yuyan; Liu, Tianbiao; Li, Guosheng; Gu, Meng; Nie, Zimin; Engelhard, Mark; Xiao, Jie; Lv, Dongping; Wang, Chongmin; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Liu, Jun

2013-11-04

Magnesium battery is potentially a safe, cost-effective, and high energy density technology for large scale energy storage. However, the development of magnesium battery has been hindered by the limited performance and the lack of fundamental understandings of electrolytes. Here, we present a study in understanding coordination chemistry of Mg(BH₄)₂ in ethereal solvents. The O donor denticity, i.e. ligand strength of the ethereal solvents which act as ligands to form solvated Mg complexes, plays a significant role in enhancing coulombic efficiency of the corresponding solvated Mg complex electrolytes. A new electrolyte is developed based on Mg(BH₄)₂, diglyme and LiBH₄. The preliminary electrochemical test results show that the new electrolyte demonstrates a close to 100% coulombic efficiency, no dendrite formation, and stable cycling performance for Mg plating/stripping and Mg insertion/de-insertion in a model cathode material Mo₆S₈ Chevrel phase.

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

Khan, F.A.; Iqbal, M.; Ghouse, A.K.M.

The Kasimpur Thermal Power Plant Complex (located in the District Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India) runs on a low grade, sulphur rich, bituminous type of coal with a daily average consumption rte of about 3,192 metric tons during winter season. Its effluents, mainly consisting of oxides of sulphur, nitrogen and carbon as well as particulate matters, were noted to affect the reproductive behavior of Melilotus indica-a winter season weed growing wild as a component of a grassland community. The samples consisting of 10 plants were collected at monthly intervals from 5 sites located about 0.5, 2, 6, 12 and 20 kmmore » leaward from the Complex. Emergence of inflorescence was delayed at the polluted sites. However, fruit formation started simultaneously (in March) at all the five sites. The pollution induced senescence of floral buds, flowers and fruits, but did not alter markedly weight of seed and fruit.« less

Study on vitamin K 3-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and analytical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhenming, Dong; Xiuping, Liu; Guomei, Zhang; Shaomin, Shuang; Jinghao, Pan

2003-07-01

The inclusion interaction of the complexes between Vitamin K3 (VK3) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) were studied by using steady-state fluorescence measurements. The various factors affecting the inclusion process were examined in detail. The formation constants and inclusion stoichiometry for VK3-CDs were determined. The results showed that the inclusion ability of β-CD and its derivatives was the order: SBE-β-CD>HP-β-CD>β-CD. The related inclusion mechanism is proposed to explain the inclusion process. A method of determining VK3 was established with the linear range was 2.5×10-6-5.0×10-4 M, and was used to determine the VK3 tablets. The recoveries were in the range of 97.52-103.5%. The results were satisfactory.

Coordination Chemistry in magnesium battery electrolytes: how ligands affect their performance

DOE PAGES

Shao, Yuyan; Liu, Tianbiao L.; Li, Guosheng; ...

2013-11-04

Magnesium battery is potentially a safe, cost-effective, and high energy density technology for large scale energy storage. However, the development of magnesium battery has been hindered by the limited performance and the lack of fundamental understandings of electrolytes. Here, we present a coordination chemistry study of Mg(BH 4) 2 in ethereal solvents. The O donor denticity, i.e. ligand strength of the ethereal solvents which act as ligands to form solvated Mg complexes, plays a significant role in enhancing coulombic efficiency of the corresponding solvated Mg complex electrolytes. A new and safer electrolyte is developed based on Mg(BH4)2, diglyme and optimizedmore » LiBH4 additive. The new electrolyte demonstrates 100% coulombic efficiency, no dendrite formation, and stable cycling performance with the cathode capacity retention of ~90% for 300 cycles in a prototype magnesium battery.« less

Supramolecular polymer formation by cyclic dinucleotides and intercalators affects dinucleotide enzymatic processing

PubMed Central

Nakayama, Shizuka; Zhou, Jie; Zheng, Yue; Szmacinski, Henryk; Sintim, Herman O

2016-01-01

Background: Cyclic dinucleotides form supramolecular aggregates with intercalators, and this property could be utilized in nanotechnology and medicine. Methods & results: Atomic force microscopy and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to show that cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) forms G-wires in the presence of intercalators. The average fluorescence lifetime of thiazole orange, when bound to c-di-GMP was greater than when bound to DNA G-quadruplexes or dsDNA. The stability of c-di-GMP supramolecular polymers is dependent on both the nature of the cation present and the intercalator. C-di-GMP or cyclic diadenylic acid/intercalator complexes are more resistant to cleavage by YybT, a phosphodiesterase, than the uncomplexed nucleotides. Conclusion: Cleavage of bacterial cyclic dinucleotides could be slowed down via complexation with small molecules and that this could be utilized for diverse applications in nanotechnology and medicine. PMID:28031943

Petrophysics and hydrocarbon potential of Paleozoic rocks in Kuwait

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, Fowzia; Shaaban, Fouad; Khalaf, Fikry; Bahaman, Fatma; Akbar, Bibi; Al-Khamiss, Awatif

2017-10-01

Well logs from nine deep exploratory and development wells in Kuwaiti oil fields have been used to study petrophysical characteristics and their effect on the reservoir quality of the subsurface Paleozoic Khuff and Unayzah formations. Petrophysical log data have been calibrated with core analysis available at some intervals. The study indicates a complex lithological facies of the Khuff Formation that is composed mainly of dolomite and anhydrite interbeds with dispersed argillaceous materials and few limestone intercalations. This facies greatly lowered the formation matrix porosity and permeability index. The porosity is fully saturated with water, which is reflected by the low resistivity logs responses, except at some intervals where few hydrocarbon shows are recorded. The impermeable anhydrites, massive (low-permeability) carbonate rock and shale at the lower part of the formation combine to form intraformational seals for the clastic reservoirs of the underlying Unayzah Formation. By contrast, the log interpretation revealed clastic lithological nature of the Unayzah Formation with cycles of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and shales. The recorded argillaceous materials are mainly of disseminated habit, which control, for some extent, the matrix porosity, that ranges from 2% to 15% with water saturation ranges from 65% to 100%. Cementation, dissolution, compaction and clay mineral authigenesis are the most significant diagenetic processes affecting the reservoir quality. Calibration with the available core analysis at some intervals of the formation indicates that the siliciclastic sequence is a fluvial with more than one climatic cycle changes from humid, semi-arid to arid condition and displays the impact of both physical and chemical diagenesis. In general, the study revealed that the Unyazah Formation has a better reservoir quality than the Khuff Formation and possible gas bearing zones.

Complex coacervates as a foundation for synthetic underwater adhesives

PubMed Central

Stewart, Russell J.; Wang, Ching Shuen; Shao, Hui

2011-01-01

Complex coacervation was proposed to play a role in the formation of the underwater bioadhesive of the Sandcastle worm (Phragmatopoma californica) based on the polyacidic and polybasic nature of the glue proteins and the balance of opposite charges at physiological pH. Morphological studies of the secretory system suggested the natural process does not involve complex coacervation as commonly defined. The distinction may not be important because electrostatic interactions likely play an important role in formation of the sandcastle glue. Complex coacervation has also been invoked in the formation of adhesive underwater silk fibers of caddisfly larvae and the adhesive plaques of mussels. A process similar to complex coacervation, that is, condensation and dehydration of biopolyelectrolytes through electrostatic associations, seems plausible for the caddisfly silk. This much is clear, the sandcastle glue complex coacervation model provided a valuable blueprint for the synthesis of a biomimetic, waterborne, underwater adhesive with demonstrated potential for repair of wet tissue. PMID:21081223

alpha-Lactalbumin species variation, HAMLET formation, and tumor cell death.

PubMed

Pettersson, Jenny; Mossberg, Ann-Kristin; Svanborg, Catharina

2006-06-23

HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) is a tumoricidal complex of apo alpha-lactalbumin and oleic acid, formed in casein after low pH treatment of human milk. This study examined if HAMLET-like complexes are present in casein from different species and if isolated alpha-lactalbumin from those species can form such complexes with oleic acid. Casein from human, bovine, equine, and porcine milk was separated by ion exchange chromatography and active complexes were only found in human casein. This was not explained by alpha-lactalbumin sequence variation, as purified bovine, equine, porcine, and caprine alpha-lactalbumins formed complexes with oleic acid with biological activity similar to HAMLET. We conclude that structural variation of alpha-lactalbumins does not preclude the formation of HAMLET-like complexes and that natural HAMLET formation in casein was unique to human milk, which also showed the highest oleic acid content.

Does Leisure Time as a Stress Coping Resource Increase Affective Complexity? Applying the Dynamic Model of Affect (DMA)

PubMed Central

Qian, Xinyi (Lisa); Yarnal, Careen M.; Almeida, David M.

2013-01-01

Affective complexity, a manifestation of psychological well-being, refers to the relative independence between positive and negative affect (PA, NA). According to the Dynamic Model of Affect (DMA), stressful situations lead to highly inverse PA-NA relationship, reducing affective complexity. Meanwhile, positive events can sustain affective complexity by restoring PA-NA independence. Leisure, a type of positive events, has been identified as a coping resource. This study used the DMA to assess whether leisure time helps restore affective complexity on stressful days. We found that on days with more leisure time than usual, an individual experienced less negative PA-NA relationship after daily stressful events. The finding demonstrates the value of leisure time as a coping resource and the DMA’s contribution to coping research. PMID:24659826

The AP2/ERF Transcription Factor DRNL Modulates Gynoecium Development and Affects Its Response to Cytokinin.

PubMed

Durán-Medina, Yolanda; Serwatowska, Joanna; Reyes-Olalde, J Irepan; de Folter, Stefan; Marsch-Martínez, Nayelli

2017-01-01

The gynoecium is the female reproductive system in flowering plants. It is a complex structure formed by different tissues, some that are essential for reproduction and others that facilitate the fertilization process and nurture and protect the developing seeds. The coordinated development of these different tissues during the formation of the gynoecium is important for reproductive success. Both hormones and genetic regulators guide the development of the different tissues. Auxin and cytokinin in particular have been found to play important roles in this process. On the other hand, the AP2/ERF2 transcription factor BOL/DRNL/ESR2/SOB is expressed at very early stages of aerial organ formation and has been proposed to be a marker for organ founder cells. In this work, we found that this gene is also expressed at later stages during gynoecium development, particularly at the lateral regions (the region related to the valves of the ovary). The loss of DRNL function affects gynoecium development. Some of the mutant phenotypes present similarities to those observed in plants treated with exogenous cytokinins, and AHP6 has been previously proposed to be a target of DRNL. Therefore, we explored the response of drnl-2 developing gynoecia to cytokinins, and found that the loss of DRNL function affects the response of the gynoecium to exogenously applied cytokinins in a developmental-stage-dependent manner. In summary, this gene participates during gynoecium development, possibly through the dynamic modulation of cytokinin homeostasis and response.

The AP2/ERF Transcription Factor DRNL Modulates Gynoecium Development and Affects Its Response to Cytokinin

PubMed Central

Durán-Medina, Yolanda; Serwatowska, Joanna; Reyes-Olalde, J. Irepan; de Folter, Stefan; Marsch-Martínez, Nayelli

2017-01-01

The gynoecium is the female reproductive system in flowering plants. It is a complex structure formed by different tissues, some that are essential for reproduction and others that facilitate the fertilization process and nurture and protect the developing seeds. The coordinated development of these different tissues during the formation of the gynoecium is important for reproductive success. Both hormones and genetic regulators guide the development of the different tissues. Auxin and cytokinin in particular have been found to play important roles in this process. On the other hand, the AP2/ERF2 transcription factor BOL/DRNL/ESR2/SOB is expressed at very early stages of aerial organ formation and has been proposed to be a marker for organ founder cells. In this work, we found that this gene is also expressed at later stages during gynoecium development, particularly at the lateral regions (the region related to the valves of the ovary). The loss of DRNL function affects gynoecium development. Some of the mutant phenotypes present similarities to those observed in plants treated with exogenous cytokinins, and AHP6 has been previously proposed to be a target of DRNL. Therefore, we explored the response of drnl-2 developing gynoecia to cytokinins, and found that the loss of DRNL function affects the response of the gynoecium to exogenously applied cytokinins in a developmental-stage-dependent manner. In summary, this gene participates during gynoecium development, possibly through the dynamic modulation of cytokinin homeostasis and response. PMID:29123539

Spectroscopic and thermodynamic study of charge transfer complex formation between cloxacillin sodium and riboflavin in aqueous ethanol media of varying composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Dalim Kumar; Saha, Avijit; Mukherjee, Asok K.

2006-03-01

Cloxacillin sodium has been shown to form a charge transfer complex of 2:1 stoichiometry with riboflavin (Vitamin B 2) in aqueous ethanol medium. The enthalpy and entropy of formation of this complex have been determined by estimating the formation constant spectrophotometrically at five different temperatures in pure water medium. Pronounced effect of dielectric constant of the medium on the magnitude of K has been observed by determining K in aqueous ethanol mixtures of varying composition. This has been rationalized in terms of ionic dissociation of the cloxacillin sodium (D -Na +), hydrolysis of the anion D - and complexation of the free acid, DH with riboflavin.

Chemistry and Chemical Equilibrium Dynamics of BMAA and Its Carbamate Adducts

PubMed Central

Diaz-parga, Pedro

2018-01-01

Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been demonstrated to contribute to the onset of the ALS/Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC) and is implicated in the progression of other neurodegenerative diseases. While the role of BMAA in these diseases is still debated, one of the suggested mechanisms involves the activation of excitatory glutamate receptors. In particular, the excitatory effects of BMAA are shown to be dependent on the presence of bicarbonate ions, which in turn forms carbamate adducts in physiological conditions. The formation of carbamate adducts from BMAA and bicarbonate is similar to the formation of carbamate adducts from non-proteinogenic amino acids. Structural, chemical, and biological information related to non-proteinogenic amino acids provide insight into the formation of and possible neurological action of BMAA. This article reviews the carbamate formation of BMAA in the presence of bicarbonate ions, with a particular focus on how the chemical equilibrium of BMAA carbamate adducts may affect the molecular mechanism of its function. Highlights of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based studies on the equilibrium process between free BMAA and its adducts are presented. The role of divalent metals on the equilibrium process is also explored. The formation and the equilibrium process of carbamate adducts of BMAA may answer questions on their neuroactive potency and provide strong motivation for further investigations into other toxic mechanisms. PMID:28921378

Chemistry and Chemical Equilibrium Dynamics of BMAA and Its Carbamate Adducts.

PubMed

Diaz-Parga, Pedro; Goto, Joy J; Krishnan, V V

2018-01-01

Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been demonstrated to contribute to the onset of the ALS/Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC) and is implicated in the progression of other neurodegenerative diseases. While the role of BMAA in these diseases is still debated, one of the suggested mechanisms involves the activation of excitatory glutamate receptors. In particular, the excitatory effects of BMAA are shown to be dependent on the presence of bicarbonate ions, which in turn forms carbamate adducts in physiological conditions. The formation of carbamate adducts from BMAA and bicarbonate is similar to the formation of carbamate adducts from non-proteinogenic amino acids. Structural, chemical, and biological information related to non-proteinogenic amino acids provide insight into the formation of and possible neurological action of BMAA. This article reviews the carbamate formation of BMAA in the presence of bicarbonate ions, with a particular focus on how the chemical equilibrium of BMAA carbamate adducts may affect the molecular mechanism of its function. Highlights of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based studies on the equilibrium process between free BMAA and its adducts are presented. The role of divalent metals on the equilibrium process is also explored. The formation and the equilibrium process of carbamate adducts of BMAA may answer questions on their neuroactive potency and provide strong motivation for further investigations into other toxic mechanisms.

The CCR4-NOT Complex Is Implicated in the Viability of Aneuploid Yeasts

PubMed Central

Tange, Yoshie; Kurabayashi, Atsushi; Goto, Bunshiro; Hoe, Kwang-Lae; Kim, Dong-Uk; Park, Han-Oh; Hayles, Jacqueline; Chikashige, Yuji; Tsutumi, Chihiro; Hiraoka, Yasushi; Yamao, Fumiaki; Nurse, Paul; Niwa, Osami

2012-01-01

To identify the genes required to sustain aneuploid viability, we screened a deletion library of non-essential genes in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, in which most types of aneuploidy are eventually lethal to the cell. Aneuploids remain viable for a period of time and can form colonies by reducing the extent of the aneuploidy. We hypothesized that a reduction in colony formation efficiency could be used to screen for gene deletions that compromise aneuploid viability. Deletion mutants were used to measure the effects on the viability of spores derived from triploid meiosis and from a chromosome instability mutant. We found that the CCR4-NOT complex, an evolutionarily conserved general regulator of mRNA turnover, and other related factors, including poly(A)-specific nuclease for mRNA decay, are involved in aneuploid viability. Defective mutations in CCR4-NOT complex components in the distantly related yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae also affected the viability of spores produced from triploid cells, suggesting that this complex has a conserved role in aneuploids. In addition, our findings suggest that the genes required for homologous recombination repair are important for aneuploid viability. PMID:22737087

Hsp70 enhances presentation of FMDV antigen to bovine CD4+ T cells in vitro

PubMed Central

McLaughlin, Kerry; Seago, Julian; Robinson, Lucy; Kelly, Charles; Charleston, Bryan

2010-01-01

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is the causative agent of a highly contagious acute vesicular disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs. The current vaccine induces a rapid humoral response, but the duration of the protective antibody response is variable, possibly associated with a variable specific CD4+ T cell response. We investigated the use of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) as a molecular chaperone to target viral antigen to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II pathway of antigen presenting cells and generate enhanced MHC II-restricted CD4+ T cell responses in cattle. Monocytes and CD4+ T cells from FMDV vaccinated cattle were stimulated in vitro with complexes of Hsp70 and FMDV peptide, or peptide alone. Hsp70 was found to consistently improve the presentation of a 25-mer FMDV peptide to CD4+ T cells, as measured by T cell proliferation. Complex formation was required for the enhanced effects and Hsp70 alone did not stimulate proliferation. This study provides further evidence that Hsp70:peptide complexes can enhance antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses in vitro for an important pathogen of livestock. PMID:20167197

Rheological and tribological study of complex soft gels containing polymer, phospholipids, oil, and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farias, Barbara; Hsiao, Lilian; Khan, Saad

Oil-in-water emulsions with polymers are widely used for personal care products. Since the accumulation of traditional surfactants on the skin can promote irritation, an alternative is the use of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine (HPC), a phospholipid that can form a lamellar structure similar to the skin barrier. This research aims to investigate the effect of composition on the rheological and tribological characteristics in complex systems containing HPC. For tribology experiments we used a soft model contacts made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), while for bulk rheology studies we used dynamic and steady shear experiments. We examine how the addition of polymer, HPC and oil affects friction coefficients, lubrication regimes, viscoelasticity, yield stress, and gel formation. The bulk rheology shows that the studied systems are shear thinning and have gel-like behavior. The effect of each component was investigated by going from simple to more complex systems. The Stribeck curves obtained are related to the bulk rheology results to obtain physical insights into these complex systems. The results suggest that the polymer and phospholipids are being adsorbed onto the PDMS surface, reducing the friction coefficient at lower entrainment speeds.

Silicon Promotes Exodermal Casparian Band Formation in Si-Accumulating and Si-Excluding Species by Forming Phenol Complexes

PubMed Central

Hinrichs, Martin; Specht, André; Waßmann, Friedrich; Schreiber, Lukas; Schenk, Manfred K.

2015-01-01

We studied the effect of Silicon (Si) on Casparian band (CB) development, chemical composition of the exodermal CB and Si deposition across the root in the Si accumulators rice and maize and the Si non-accumulator onion. Plants were cultivated in nutrient solution with and without Si supply. The CB development was determined in stained root cross-sections. The outer part of the roots containing the exodermis was isolated after enzymatic treatment. The exodermal suberin was transesterified with MeOH/BF3 and the chemical composition was measured using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) was used to determine the Si deposition across root cross sections. Si promoted CB formation in the roots of Si-accumulator and Si non-accumulator species. The exodermal suberin was decreased in rice and maize due to decreased amounts of aromatic suberin fractions. Si did not affect the concentration of lignin and lignin-like polymers in the outer part of rice, maize and onion roots. The highest Si depositions were found in the tissues containing CB. These data along with literature were used to suggest a mechanism how Si promotes the CB development by forming complexes with phenols. PMID:26383862

High-Throughput Effect-Directed Analysis Using Downscaled in Vitro Reporter Gene Assays To Identify Endocrine Disruptors in Surface Water

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Effect-directed analysis (EDA) is a commonly used approach for effect-based identification of endocrine disruptive chemicals in complex (environmental) mixtures. However, for routine toxicity assessment of, for example, water samples, current EDA approaches are considered time-consuming and laborious. We achieved faster EDA and identification by downscaling of sensitive cell-based hormone reporter gene assays and increasing fractionation resolution to allow testing of smaller fractions with reduced complexity. The high-resolution EDA approach is demonstrated by analysis of four environmental passive sampler extracts. Downscaling of the assays to a 384-well format allowed analysis of 64 fractions in triplicate (or 192 fractions without technical replicates) without affecting sensitivity compared to the standard 96-well format. Through a parallel exposure method, agonistic and antagonistic androgen and estrogen receptor activity could be measured in a single experiment following a single fractionation. From 16 selected candidate compounds, identified through nontargeted analysis, 13 could be confirmed chemically and 10 were found to be biologically active, of which the most potent nonsteroidal estrogens were identified as oxybenzone and piperine. The increased fractionation resolution and the higher throughput that downscaling provides allow for future application in routine high-resolution screening of large numbers of samples in order to accelerate identification of (emerging) endocrine disruptors. PMID:29547277

A stationary-phase protein of Escherichia coli that affects the mode of association between the trp repressor protein and operator-bearing DNA.

PubMed

Yang, W; Ni, L; Somerville, R L

1993-06-15

Highly purified preparations of trp repressor (TrpR) protein derived from Escherichia coli strains that were engineered to overexpress this material were found to contain another protein, of 21 kDa. The second protein, designated WrbA [for tryptophan (W) repressor-binding protein] remained associated with its namesake through several sequential protein fractionation steps. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the WrbA protein guided the design of two degenerate oligonucleotides that were used as probes in the cloning of the wrbA gene (198 codons). The WrbA protein, in purified form, was found by several criteria to enhance the formation and/or stability of noncovalent complexes between TrpR holorepressor and its primary operator targets. The formation of an operator-holorepressor-WrbA ternary complex was demonstrated by gel mobility-shift analysis. The WrbA protein alone does not interact with the trp operator. During the stationary phase, cells deficient in the WrbA protein were less efficient than wild type in their ability to repress the trp promoter. It is proposed that the WrbA protein functions as an accessory element in blocking TrpR-specific transcriptional processes that might be physiologically disadvantageous in the stationary phase of the bacterial life cycle.

The Highly Conserved Asp23 Family Protein YqhY Plays a Role in Lipid Biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

PubMed Central

Tödter, Dominik; Gunka, Katrin; Stülke, Jörg

2017-01-01

In most bacteria, fatty acid biosynthesis is an essential process that must be controlled by the availability of precursors and by the needs of cell division. So far, no mechanisms controlling synthesis of malonyl-coenzyme A (CoA), the committed step in fatty acid synthesis, have been identified in the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. We have studied the localization and function of two highly expressed proteins of unknown function, YqhY and YloU. Both proteins are members of the conserved and widespread Asp23 family. While the deletion of yloU had no effect, loss of the yqhY gene induced the rapid acquisition of suppressor mutations. The vast majority of these mutations affect subunits of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) complex, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of malonyl-CoA. Moreover, lack of yqhY is accompanied by the formation of lipophilic clusters in the polar regions of the cells indicating an increased activity of ACCase. Our results suggest that YqhY controls the activity of ACCase and that this control results in inhibition of ACCase activity. Hyperactivity of the enzyme complex in the absence of YqhY does then provoke mutations that cause reduced ACCase activity. PMID:28579978

Studying of kinetics of rear earth ion (REI) nanoscale complex formation by resonant energy transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ignatova, Tetyana; Pristinski, Denis; Rotkin, Slava V.

2011-03-01

We observed formation of nanoscale complexes between multivalent REIs (Tb and Eu) and negatively charged DNA wrapped SWNTs, ionized in the water solution. Foerster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) was found to be an ideal method to confirm the complex formation. Because of its high sensitivity and non-destructive characterization approach FRET can be used to trace the kinetics of the complex formation. Strong dependence of SWNT photoluminescence (PL) on the REI concentration was detected and interpreted as a competition between the REI absorption on the SWNTs and subsequent FRET enhanced PL and the SWNT agglomeration followed by PL quenching. We measured the distance between REI and SWNT which appears to be much shorter than the one from their relative concentration in solution. We speculate that Manning condensation of the REIs on the SWNT/DNA surface happens thereby significantly reducing their spacing and making FRET possible.

Geology of the Biwabik Iron Formation and Duluth Complex.

PubMed

Jirsa, Mark A; Miller, James D; Morey, G B

2008-10-01

The Biwabik Iron Formation is a approximately 1.9 billion year-old sequence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks that was metamorphosed at its eastern-most extent by approximately 1.1 billion year-old intrusions of the Duluth Complex. The metamorphic recrystallization of iron-formation locally produced iron-rich amphiboles and other fibrous iron-silicate minerals. The presence of these minerals in iron-formation along the eastern part of what is known as the Mesabi Iron Range, and their potential liberation by iron mining has raised environmental health concerns. We describe here the geologic setting and mineralogic composition of the Biwabik Iron Formation in and adjacent to the contact metamorphic aureole of the Duluth Complex. The effects of metamorphism are most pronounced within a few kilometers of the contact, and decrease progressively away from it. The contact aureole has been divided into four metamorphic zones-each characterized by the composition and crystal structure of the metamorphic minerals it contains. The recrystallization of iron-formation to iron-rich amphibole minerals (grunerite and cummingtonite) and iron-pyroxene minerals (hedenbergite and ferrohypersthene) is best developed in zones that are most proximal to the Duluth Complex contact.

Geology of the Biwabik Iron Formation and Duluth Complex

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jirsa, M.A.; Miller, J.D.; Morey, G.B.

2008-01-01

The Biwabik Iron Formation is a ???1.9 billion year-old sequence of iron-rich sedimentary rocks that was metamorphosed at its eastern-most extent by ???1.1 billion year-old intrusions of the Duluth Complex. The metamorphic recrystallization of iron-formation locally produced iron-rich amphiboles and other fibrous iron-silicate minerals. The presence of these minerals in iron-formation along the eastern part of what is known as the Mesabi Iron Range, and their potential liberation by iron mining has raised environmental health concerns. We describe here the geologic setting and mineralogic composition of the Biwabik Iron Formation in and adjacent to the contact metamorphic aureole of the Duluth Complex. The effects of metamorphism are most pronounced within a few kilometers of the contact, and decrease progressively away from it. The contact aureole has been divided into four metamorphic zones-each characterized by the composition and crystal structure of the metamorphic minerals it contains. The recrystallization of iron-formation to iron-rich amphibole minerals (grunerite and cummingtonite) and iron-pyroxene minerals (hedenbergite and ferrohypersthene) is best developed in zones that are most proximal to the Duluth Complex contact. ?? 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KEEPING A STEP AHEAD - FORMATIVE PHASE OF A WORKPLACE INTERVENTION TRIAL TO PREVENT OBESITY

PubMed Central

Zapka, Jane; Lemon, Stephenie C.; Estabrook, Barbara B.; Jolicoeur, Denise G.

2008-01-01

Background Ecological interventions hold promise for promoting overweight and obesity prevention in worksites. Given the paucity of evaluative research in the hospital worksite setting, considerable formative work is required for successful implementation and evaluation. Purpose This paper describes the formative phases of Step Ahead, a site-randomized controlled trial of a multi-level intervention that promotes physical activity and healthy eating in 6 hospitals in central Massachusetts. The purpose of the formative research phase was to increase the feasibility, effectiveness and likelihood of sustainability of the intervention. Design and Procedures The Step Ahead ecological intervention approach targets change at the organization, the interpersonal work environment and the individual levels. The intervention was developed using fundamental steps of intervention mapping and important tenets of participatory research. Formative research methods were used to engage leadership support and assistance and to develop an intervention plan that is both theoretically and practically grounded. This report uses observational data, program minutes and reports, and process tracking data. Developmental Strategies and Observations Leadership involvement (key informant interviews and advisory boards), employee focus groups and advisory boards, and quantitative environmental assessments cultivated participation and support. Determining multiple foci of change and designing measurable objectives and generic assessment tools to document progress are complex challenges encountered in planning phases. Lessons Learned Multi-level trials in diverse organizations require flexibility and balance of theory application and practice-based perspectives to affect impact and outcome objectives. Formative research is an essential component. PMID:18073339

Insight into Temperature Dependence of GTPase Activity in Human Guanylate Binding Protein-1

PubMed Central

Rahman, Safikur; Deep, Shashank; Sau, Apurba Kumar

2012-01-01

Interferon-γ induced human guanylate binding protein-1(hGBP1) belongs to a family of dynamin related large GTPases. Unlike all other GTPases, hGBP1 hydrolyzes GTP to a mixture of GDP and GMP with GMP being the major product at 37°C but GDP became significant when the hydrolysis reaction was carried out at 15°C. The hydrolysis reaction in hGBP1 is believed to involve with a number of catalytic steps. To investigate the effect of temperature in the product formation and on the different catalytic complexes of hGBP1, we carried out temperature dependent GTPase assays, mutational analysis, chemical and thermal denaturation studies. The Arrhenius plot for both GDP and GMP interestingly showed nonlinear behaviour, suggesting that the product formation from the GTP-bound enzyme complex is associated with at least more than one step. The negative activation energy for GDP formation and GTPase assay with external GDP together indicate that GDP formation occurs through the reversible dissociation of GDP-bound enzyme dimer to monomer, which further reversibly dissociates to give the product. Denaturation studies of different catalytic complexes show that unlike other complexes the free energy of GDP-bound hGBP1 decreases significantly at lower temperature. GDP formation is found to be dependent on the free energy of the GDP-bound enzyme complex. The decrease in the free energy of this complex at low temperature compared to at high is the reason for higher GDP formation at low temperature. Thermal denaturation studies also suggest that the difference in the free energy of the GTP-bound enzyme dimer compared to its monomer plays a crucial role in the product formation; higher stability favours GMP but lower favours GDP. Thus, this study provides the first thermodynamic insight into the effect of temperature in the product formation of hGBP1. PMID:22859948

The Peptidoglycan-Binding Protein SjcF1 Influences Septal Junction Function and Channel Formation in the Filamentous Cyanobacterium Anabaena.

PubMed

Rudolf, Mareike; Tetik, Nalan; Ramos-León, Félix; Flinner, Nadine; Ngo, Giang; Stevanovic, Mara; Burnat, Mireia; Pernil, Rafael; Flores, Enrique; Schleiff, Enrico

2015-06-30

Filamentous, heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria exchange nutrients and regulators between cells for diazotrophic growth. Two alternative modes of exchange have been discussed involving transport either through the periplasm or through septal junctions linking adjacent cells. Septal junctions and channels in the septal peptidoglycan are likely filled with septal junction complexes. While possible proteinaceous factors involved in septal junction formation, SepJ (FraG), FraC, and FraD, have been identified, little is known about peptidoglycan channel formation and septal junction complex anchoring to the peptidoglycan. We describe a factor, SjcF1, involved in regulation of septal junction channel formation in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. SjcF1 interacts with the peptidoglycan layer through two peptidoglycan-binding domains and is localized throughout the cell periphery but at higher levels in the intercellular septa. A strain with an insertion in sjcF1 was not affected in peptidoglycan synthesis but showed an altered morphology of the septal peptidoglycan channels, which were significantly wider in the mutant than in the wild type. The mutant was impaired in intercellular exchange of a fluorescent probe to a similar extent as a sepJ deletion mutant. SjcF1 additionally bears an SH3 domain for protein-protein interactions. SH3 binding domains were identified in SepJ and FraC, and evidence for interaction of SjcF1 with both SepJ and FraC was obtained. SjcF1 represents a novel protein involved in structuring the peptidoglycan layer, which links peptidoglycan channel formation to septal junction complex function in multicellular cyanobacteria. Nonetheless, based on its subcellular distribution, this might not be the only function of SjcF1. Cell-cell communication is central not only for eukaryotic but also for multicellular prokaryotic systems. Principles of intercellular communication are well established for eukaryotes, but the mechanisms and components involved in bacteria are just emerging. Filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria behave as multicellular organisms and represent an excellent model to study prokaryotic cell-cell communication. A path for intercellular metabolite exchange appears to involve transfer through molecular structures termed septal junctions. They are reminiscent of metazoan gap junctions that directly link adjacent cells. In cyanobacteria, such structures need to traverse the peptidoglycan layers in the intercellular septa of the filament. Here we describe a factor involved in the formation of channels across the septal peptidoglycan layers, thus contributing to the multicellular behavior of these organisms. Copyright © 2015 Rudolf et al.

Ellagic acid inhibits iron-mediated free radical formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalvi, Luana T.; Moreira, Daniel C.; Andrade, Roberto; Ginani, Janini; Alonso, Antonio; Hermes-Lima, Marcelo

2017-02-01

Polyphenols are reported to have some health benefits, which are link to their antioxidant properties. In the case of ellagic acid (EA), there is evidence that it has free radical scavenger properties and that it is able to form complexes with metal ions. However, information on a possible link between the formation of iron-EA complexes and their interference in Haber-Weiss/Fenton reactions was not yet determined. Thus, the present study investigated the in vitro antioxidant mechanism of EA in a system containing ascorbate, Fe(III) and different iron ligands (EDTA, citrate and NTA). Iron-mediated oxidative degradation of 2-deoxyribose was poorly inhibited (by 12%) in the presence of EA (50 μM) and EDTA. When citrate or NTA - which form weak iron complexes - were used, the 2-deoxyribose protection increased to 89-97% and 45%, respectively. EA also presented equivalent inhibitory effects on iron-mediated oxygen uptake and ascorbyl radical formation. Spectral analyses of iron-EA complexes show that EA removes Fe(III) from EDTA within hours, and from citrate within 1 min. This difference in the rate of iron-EA complex formation may explain the antioxidant effects of EA. Furthermore, the EA antioxidant effectiveness was inversely proportional to the Fe(III) concentration, suggesting a competition with EDTA. In conclusion, the results indicate that EA may prevent in vitro free radical formation when it forms a complex with iron ions.

Spatial pattern formation of microbes at the soil microscale affect soil C and N turnover in an individual-based microbial community model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaiser, Christina; Evans, Sarah; Dieckmann, Ulf; Widder, Stefanie

2016-04-01

At the μm-scale, soil is a highly structured and complex environment, both in physical as well as in biological terms, characterized by non-linear interactions between microbes, substrates and minerals. As known from mathematics and theoretical ecology, spatial structure significantly affects the system's behaviour by enabling synergistic dynamics, facilitating diversity, and leading to emergent phenomena such as self-organisation and self-regulation. Such phenomena, however, are rarely considered when investigating mechanisms of microbial soil organic matter turnover. Soil organic matter is the largest terrestrial reservoir for organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and plays a pivotal role in global biogeochemical cycles. Still, the underlying mechanisms of microbial soil organic matter buildup and turnover remain elusive. We explored mechanisms of microbial soil organic matter turnover using an individual-based, stoichiometrically and spatially explicit computer model, which simulates the microbial de-composer system at the soil microscale (i.e. on a grid of 100 x 100 soil microsites). Soil organic matter dynamics in our model emerge as the result of interactions among individual microbes with certain functional traits (f.e. enzyme production rates, growth rates, cell stoichiometry) at the microscale. By degrading complex substrates, and releasing labile substances microbes in our model continusly shape their environment, which in turn feeds back to spatiotemporal dynamics of the microbial community. In order to test the effect of microbial functional traits and organic matter input rate on soil organic matter turnover and C and N storage, we ran the model into steady state using continuous inputs of fresh organic material. Surprisingly, certain parameter settings that induce resource limitation of microbes lead to regular spatial pattern formation (f.e. moving spiral waves) of microbes and substrate at the μm-scale at steady-state. The occurrence of these pattern can be explained by the Turing mechanism. These pattern formation had strong consequences for process rates, as well as for C and N storage in the soil at the steady state: Scenarios that exhibited pattern formation were generally associated with higher C storage at steady state compared to those without pattern formation (i.e. at non-limiting conditions for microbes). Moreover, pattern formation lead to a spatial decoupling of C and N turnover processes, and to a spatial decoupling of microbial N mineralization and N immobilization. Taken together, our theoretical analysis shows that self-organisation may be a feature of the soil decomposer system, with consequences for process rates of microbial C and N turnover. Pattern formation through spatial self-organization, which has been observed on larger spatial scales in other resource-limited communities (e.g., vegetation patterns in arid or wetland eco-systems), may also occur at the soil microscale, leaving its mark on the soil's storage capacity for C and N.

Adaptor protein complex 4 deficiency causes severe autosomal-recessive intellectual disability, progressive spastic paraplegia, shy character, and short stature.

PubMed

Abou Jamra, Rami; Philippe, Orianne; Raas-Rothschild, Annick; Eck, Sebastian H; Graf, Elisabeth; Buchert, Rebecca; Borck, Guntram; Ekici, Arif; Brockschmidt, Felix F; Nöthen, Markus M; Munnich, Arnold; Strom, Tim M; Reis, Andre; Colleaux, Laurence

2011-06-10

Intellectual disability inherited in an autosomal-recessive fashion represents an important fraction of severe cognitive-dysfunction disorders. Yet, the extreme heterogeneity of these conditions markedly hampers gene identification. Here, we report on eight affected individuals who were from three consanguineous families and presented with severe intellectual disability, absent speech, shy character, stereotypic laughter, muscular hypotonia that progressed to spastic paraplegia, microcephaly, foot deformity, decreased muscle mass of the lower limbs, inability to walk, and growth retardation. Using a combination of autozygosity mapping and either Sanger sequencing of candidate genes or next-generation exome sequencing, we identified one mutation in each of three genes encoding adaptor protein complex 4 (AP4) subunits: a nonsense mutation in AP4S1 (NM_007077.3: c.124C>T, p.Arg42(∗)), a frameshift mutation in AP4B1 (NM_006594.2: c.487_488insTAT, p.Glu163_Ser739delinsVal), and a splice mutation in AP4E1 (NM_007347.3: c.542+1_542+4delGTAA, r.421_542del, p.Glu181Glyfs(∗)20). Adaptor protein complexes (AP1-4) are ubiquitously expressed, evolutionarily conserved heterotetrameric complexes that mediate different types of vesicle formation and the selection of cargo molecules for inclusion into these vesicles. Interestingly, two mutations affecting AP4M1 and AP4E1 have recently been found to cause cerebral palsy associated with severe intellectual disability. Combined with previous observations, these results support the hypothesis that AP4-complex-mediated trafficking plays a crucial role in brain development and functioning and demonstrate the existence of a clinically recognizable syndrome due to deficiency of the AP4 complex. Copyright © 2011 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Formate by [Ni(P R 2 N R' 2 ) 2 (CH 3 CN)] 2+ Complexes

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

Galan, Brandon R.; Schöffel, Julia; Linehan, John C.

2011-08-17

New [Ni(P R 2N R` 2) 2+(CH 3CN)] 2+ complexes with R = Ph, R` = 4-MeOPh; R = Cy, R` = Ph and a mixed ligand [Ni(P R 2N R` 2)(P R`` 2N R` 2)] 2+ with R = Cy, R` = Ph, R`` = Ph have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. These complexes are shown to be electrocatalysts for the oxidation of formate in solution to produce CO 2, protons, and electrons with rates which are first order in catalyst and in formate at formate concentrations below approximately 0.05 M. For the catalysts studied,more » maximum observed turnover frequencies vary from <1.1 s -1 to 12.5 s -1 at room temperature, which are the highest rates yet reported for formate oxidation by homogeneous catalysts. A mechanistic scheme is proposed which involves an initial nickel complex bound <1-OC(O)H followed by a rate limiting hydride transfer step. An acetate complex demonstrating the η 1-OC(O)CH 3 binding mode to nickel has also been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The pendant amines have been demonstrated to be essential for this electrocatalytic activity as no activity toward formate was found for the similar [Ni(depe) 2][BF 4] 2+ (depe = diethylphosphinoethane) complex. This work was supported by the US Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences' Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.« less

Laboratory complex for simulation of navigation signals of pseudosatellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratushniak, V. N.; Gladyshev, A. B.; Sokolovskiy, A. V.; Mikhov, E. D.

2018-05-01

In the article, features of the organization, structure and questions of formation of navigation signals of pseudosatellites of the short - range navigation system based on the hardware-software complex National Instruments are considered. A software model that performs the formation and management of a pseudo-random sequence of a navigation signal and the formation and management of the format transmitted pseudosatellite navigation information is presented. The variant of constructing the transmitting equipment of the pseudosatellite base stations is provided.

Detection of dysregulated protein-association networks by high-throughput proteomics predicts cancer vulnerabilities.

PubMed

Lapek, John D; Greninger, Patricia; Morris, Robert; Amzallag, Arnaud; Pruteanu-Malinici, Iulian; Benes, Cyril H; Haas, Wilhelm

2017-10-01

The formation of protein complexes and the co-regulation of the cellular concentrations of proteins are essential mechanisms for cellular signaling and for maintaining homeostasis. Here we use isobaric-labeling multiplexed proteomics to analyze protein co-regulation and show that this allows the identification of protein-protein associations with high accuracy. We apply this 'interactome mapping by high-throughput quantitative proteome analysis' (IMAHP) method to a panel of 41 breast cancer cell lines and show that deviations of the observed protein co-regulations in specific cell lines from the consensus network affects cellular fitness. Furthermore, these aberrant interactions serve as biomarkers that predict the drug sensitivity of cell lines in screens across 195 drugs. We expect that IMAHP can be broadly used to gain insight into how changing landscapes of protein-protein associations affect the phenotype of biological systems.

Contextualization: Memory Formation and Retrieval in a Nested Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piefke, Martina; Markowitsch, Hans J.

Episodic memory functions are highly context-dependent. This is true for both experimental and autobiographical episodic memory. We here review neuropsychological and neuroimaging evidence for effects of differential encoding and retrieval contexts on episodic memory performance as well as the underlying neurofunctional mechanisms. In studies of laboratory episodic memory, the influence of context parameters can be assessed by experimental manipulations. Such experiments suggest that contextual variables mainly affect prefrontal functions supporting executive processes involved in episodic learning and retrieval. Context parameters affecting episodic autobiographical memory are far more complex and cannot easily be controlled. Data support the view that not only prefrontal, but also further medial temporal and posterior parietal regions mediating the re-experience and emotional evaluation of personal memories are highly influenced by changing contextual variables of memory encoding and retrieval. Based on our review of available data, we thus suggest that experimental and autobiographical episodic memories are influenced by both overlapping and differential context parameters.

Cognitive Complexity, Attitudinal Affect, and Dispersion in Affect Ratings for Products.

PubMed

Durand, Richard M

1979-04-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive complexity, attitudinal affect, and dispersion of affect scores (N = 102 male business administration undergraduates). Models of automobiles and toothpaste brands were the content domains studied. Analysis using Pearson product-moment correlation supported the hypothesis that cognitive complex Ss had a lower level of affect and greater dispersion of affect scores than did simpler Ss.

The effect of interactions between a bacterial strain isolated from drinking water and a pathogen surrogate on biofilms formation diverged under static vs flow conditions.

PubMed

Dai, D; Raskin, L; Xi, C

2017-12-01

Interactions with water bacteria affect the incorporation of pathogens into biofilms and thus pathogen control in drinking water systems. This study was to examine the impact of static vs flow conditions on interactions between a pathogen and a water bacterium on pathogen biofilm formation under laboratory settings. A pathogen surrogate Escherichia coli and a drinking water isolate Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was selected for this study. Biofilm growth was examined under two distinct conditions, in flow cells with continuous medium supply vs in static microtitre plates with batch culture. E. coli biofilm was greatly stimulated (c. 2-1000 times faster) with the presence of S. maltophilia in flow cells, but surprisingly inhibited (c. 65-95% less biomass) in microtitre plates. These divergent effects were explained through various aspects including surface attachment, cellular growth, extracellular signals and autoaggregation. Interactions with the same water bacterium resulted in different effects on E. coli biofilm formation when culture conditions changed from static to flow. This study highlights the complexity of species interactions on biofilm formation and suggests that environmental conditions such as the flow regime can be taken into consideration for the management of microbial contamination in drinking water systems. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Actomyosin tension is required for correct recruitment of adherens junction components and zonula occludens formation.

PubMed

Miyake, Yuka; Inoue, Naoko; Nishimura, Koji; Kinoshita, Nagatoki; Hosoya, Hiroshi; Yonemura, Shigenobu

2006-05-15

The adherens junction (AJ) densely associated with actin filaments is a major cell-cell adhesion structure. To understand the importance of actin filament association in AJ formation, we first analyzed punctate AJs in NRK fibroblasts where one actin cable binds to one AJ structure unit. The accumulation of AJ components such as the cadherin/catenin complex and vinculin, as well as the formation of AJ-associated actin cables depended on Rho activity. Inhibitors for the Rho target, ROCK, which regulates myosin II activity, and for myosin II ATPase prevented the accumulation of AJ components, indicating that myosin II activity is more directly involved than Rho activity. Depletion of myosin II by RNAi showed similar results. The inhibition of myosin II activity in polarized epithelial MTD-1A cells affected the accumulation of vinculin to circumferential AJ (zonula adherens). Furthermore, correct zonula occludens (tight junction) formation along the apicobasal axis that requires cadherin activity was also impaired. Although MDCK cells which are often used as typical epithelial cells do not have a typical zonula adherens, punctate AJs formed dependently on myosin II activity by inducing wound closure in a MDCK cell sheet. These findings suggest that tension generated by actomyosin is essential for correct AJ assembly.

Formation of ethyl ferulate from feruloylated oligosaccharide by transesterification of rice koji enzyme under sake mash conditions.

PubMed

Suzuki, Nobukazu; Ito, Toshihiko; Hiroshima, Kai; Tokiwano, Tetsuo; Hashizume, Katsumi

2016-03-01

Formation of ethyl ferulate (EF) and ferulic acid (FA) under sake mash conditions was studied using feruloylated oligosaccharide (FO), prepared from rice grains, as the substrate for rice koji enzyme. EF and FA were produced from FO over six times faster than from alkyl ferulates however, under the same ethanol concentration, only small differences were observed between the EF/FA ratios when either FO or methyl ferulate were used as substrates. Esterification and hydrolysis of FO or methyl ferulate showed similar pH dependencies and similar EF/FA ratios for each substrate in all of the pH ranges tested. Ethanol concentration clearly affected the EF/FA ratio; the ratio increased as ethanol concentration increased. Formation of EF and FA in the sake mash simulated rice digest was accelerated by addition of exogenous FO. These results indicated that supply of FO to sake mash is a crucial step for EF and FA formation, and ethanol is an influencing factor in the EF/FA ratio. The rice koji enzyme reaction suggested that EF and FA are formed through a common feruloylated enzyme intermediate complex by transesterification or hydrolysis, and these reactions occur competitively. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The mechanism of interaction of polymethacrylic acid with sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate in aqueous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachko, A. V.; Zakordonskii, V. P.; Voloshinovskii, A. S.; Golod, T. Yu.

2009-07-01

A complex of physicochemical methods (light scattering, potentiometry, conductometry, viscometry, tensiometry, and fluorescence spectroscopy) were used to show the possibility of formation of intermolecular associates/complexes in systems with likely charged components. The driving forces of such interactions were analyzed and a possible scheme of complex formation between polymethacrylic acid and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate was suggested.

Metal-assisted in situ formation of a tridentate acetylacetone ligand for complexation of fac-Re(CO)3+ for radiopharmaceutical applications.

PubMed

Benny, Paul D; Fugate, Glenn A; Barden, Adam O; Morley, Jennifer E; Silva-Lopez, Elsa; Twamley, Brendan

2008-04-07

Reaction of [NEt4]2[ReBr3(CO)3] with 2,4-pentanedione (acac) yields a complex of the type fac-Re(acac)(OH2)(CO)3 (1) under aqueous conditions. 1 was further reacted with a monodentate ligand (pyridine) to yield a fac-Re(acac)(pyridine)(CO)3 complex (2). Complex 1 was found to react with primary amines to generate a Schiff base (imine) in aqueous solutions. When a mixed-nitrogen donor bidentate ligand, 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine, that has different coordination affinities for fac-Re(acac)(OH2)(CO)3 was utilized, a unique tridentate ligand was formed in situ utilizing a metal-assisted Schiff base formation to yield a complex fac-Re(CO)3(3[(2-phenylethyl)imino]-2-pentanone) (3). Tridentate ligand formation was found to occur only with the Re-coordinated acac ligand. Reactions of acac with fac-Re(CO)3Br(2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine) (4) or a mixture of [NEt4]2[ReBr3(CO)3], acac, and 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine did not yield the formation of complex 3 in water.

Sorption of Liquids on Impurities in Polymers, As Affected by the Sorption History

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ageev, E. P.; Strusovskaya, N. L.; Matushkina, N. N.

2018-02-01

An unusual effect is observed that occurs during the sorption of liquids by polymers: The sorption flux directed from the liquid into the polymer bulk transfers only the sorbate, while the spontaneously established backward flux carries a sorbate‒impurity complex into the liquid. It is shown that this effect can be used to remove hydrophilic impurities from a hydrophobic polymer. It is assumed that delocalized (and mobile) sorbent particles participate in this phenomenon and include them in the proposed mechanism of sorption. The inversion of gradient of chemical potential upon the formation of delocalized particles determines the backward material flow.

Mercury in mercury(II)-spiked soils is highly susceptible to plant bioaccumulation.

PubMed

Hlodák, Michal; Urík, Martin; Matúš, Peter; Kořenková, Lucia

2016-01-01

Heavy metal phytotoxicity assessments usually use soluble metal compounds in spiked soils to evaluate metal bioaccumulation, growth inhibition and adverse effects on physiological parameters. However, exampling mercury phytotoxicity for barley (Hordeum vulgare) this paper highlights unsuitability of this experimental approach. Mercury(II) in spiked soils is extremely bioavailable, and there experimentally determined bioaccumulation is significantly higher compared to reported mercury bioaccumulation efficiency from soils collected from mercury-polluted areas. Our results indicate this is not affected by soil sorption capacity, thus soil ageing and formation of more stable mercuric complexes with soil fractions is necessary for reasonable metal phytotoxicity assessments.

Women and a changing society: implications for transference/countertransference.

PubMed

Roeske, N C

1982-11-01

The word feminism conveys a variety of definitions, attitudes, and behaviours in contemporary society. Thus, the psychotherapist must clarify the woman's definition of this term and examine personal knowledge regarding the changing roles of women and men. Three categories of factors are discussed that affect the woman's self-determination, creativity, cooperativeness in therapy and her decision about goals. These factors include female identity formation within the family, level of autonomy development, and transference/countertransference issues. Four case histories illustrate the complex interactions of these factors. The vignettes emphasize the crucial importance of the psychotherapeutic alliance in a changing society where conflict exists about appropriate ways to express authenticity.

The Determination of Molecular Quantities from Measurements on Macroscopic Systems.V. Existence and Properties of 1:1 and 2:1-Electron-Donor-Acceptor Complexes of Hexamethylbenzene with Tetracyanoethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liptay, Wolfgang; Rehm, Torsten; Wehning, Detlev; Schanne, Lothar; Baumann, Wolfram; Lang, Werner

1982-12-01

The formation of electron-donor-acceptor complexes of hexamethylbenzene (HMB) with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) was investigated by measurements of the optical absorptions, the densities, the permittivities and the electro-optical absorptions of solutions in CCl4. The careful evaluation of data based on some previously reported models, has shown that the assumption of the formation of the 1: 1 and the 2 : 1 complex agrees with all experimental data, but that the assumption of the formation of only the 1: 1 complex is contradictory to experimental facts even if the activity effects on the equilibrium constant and of the solvent dependences of observed molar quantities are taken into account. The evaluation leads to the molar optical absorption coefficients and the molar volumes of both complexes and to their electric dipole moments in the electronic ground state and the considered excited state. According to these results the complexes are of the sandwich type HMB-TCNE and HMB-TCNE-HMB. In spite of the fact that the 2: 1 complex owns a center of symmetry, at least approximately, there is a rather large electric dipole moment in its excited state. Furthermore, values for the equilibrium constants and for the standard reaction enthalpies of both complex formation reactions are estimated from experimental data.

Elongation factor Ts directly facilitates the formation and disassembly of the Escherichia coli elongation factor Tu·GTP·aminoacyl-tRNA ternary complex.

PubMed

Burnett, Benjamin J; Altman, Roger B; Ferrao, Ryan; Alejo, Jose L; Kaur, Navdep; Kanji, Joshua; Blanchard, Scott C

2013-05-10

Aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) enters the ribosome in a ternary complex with the G-protein elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and GTP. EF-Tu·GTP·aa-tRNA ternary complex formation and decay rates are accelerated in the presence of the nucleotide exchange factor elongation factor Ts (EF-Ts). EF-Ts directly facilitates the formation and disassociation of ternary complex. This system demonstrates a novel function of EF-Ts. Aminoacyl-tRNA enters the translating ribosome in a ternary complex with elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and GTP. Here, we describe bulk steady state and pre-steady state fluorescence methods that enabled us to quantitatively explore the kinetic features of Escherichia coli ternary complex formation and decay. The data obtained suggest that both processes are controlled by a nucleotide-dependent, rate-determining conformational change in EF-Tu. Unexpectedly, we found that this conformational change is accelerated by elongation factor Ts (EF-Ts), the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor for EF-Tu. Notably, EF-Ts attenuates the affinity of EF-Tu for GTP and destabilizes ternary complex in the presence of non-hydrolyzable GTP analogs. These results suggest that EF-Ts serves an unanticipated role in the cell of actively regulating the abundance and stability of ternary complex in a manner that contributes to rapid and faithful protein synthesis.

Complex Organic Parents during Star-Forming Infall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drozdovskaya, Maria; Walsh, Catherine; Visser, Ruud; Harsono, Daniel; van Dishoeck, Ewine

2013-07-01

Stars are born upon the gravitation infall of clumps in molecular clouds. Complex organic compounds have been observed to accompany star formation and are also believed to be the simplest ingredients to life. Therefore understanding complex organics under star forming conditions is fundamentally interesting. This work models the formation and distribution of several potential parent species for complex organic compounds, such as formaldehyde (H2CO) and methanol (CH3OH), along trajectories of matter parcels, as they undergo infall from the cold outer envelope towards the hot core region and eventually onto the disk. The code from Visser et al. (2009, 2011) serves as the basis for this research. The gas-phase chemistry network has now been expanded with grain-surface reactions to form CH3OH and, ultimately, larger organics such as methyl formate (HCOOCH3) and dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3). The intention behind this work is to obtain information on complex organic parents in the star formation scenario by means of a physically and chemically robust model. The availability of complex organic compounds will vary depending on where the parent species are abundant, such as in the pre-stellar stage, hot-core, or only in the disk; and where they are available for a sufficient amount of time for the complexity enhancement. Such model-based conclusions can then be used in order to explain the observational data on complex organic compounds.

Assembly and mechanosensory function of focal adhesions: experiments and models.

PubMed

Bershadsky, Alexander D; Ballestrem, Christoph; Carramusa, Letizia; Zilberman, Yuliya; Gilquin, Benoit; Khochbin, Saadi; Alexandrova, Antonina Y; Verkhovsky, Alexander B; Shemesh, Tom; Kozlov, Michael M

2006-04-01

Initial integrin-mediated cell-matrix adhesions (focal complexes) appear underneath the lamellipodia, in the regions of the "fast" centripetal flow driven by actin polymerization. Once formed, these adhesions convert the flow behind them into a "slow", myosin II-driven mode. Some focal complexes then turn into elongated focal adhesions (FAs) associated with contractile actomyosin bundles (stress fibers). Myosin II inhibition does not suppress formation of focal complexes but blocks their conversion into mature FAs and further FA growth. Application of external pulling force promotes FA growth even under conditions when myosin II activity is blocked. Thus, individual FAs behave as mechanosensors responding to the application of force by directional assembly. We proposed a thermodynamic model for the mechanosensitivity of FAs, taking into account that an elastic molecular aggregate subject to pulling forces tends to grow in the direction of force application by incorporating additional subunits. This simple model can explain a variety of processes typical of FA behavior. Assembly of FAs is triggered by the small G-protein Rho via activation of two major targets, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and the formin homology protein, Dia1. ROCK controls creation of myosin II-driven forces, while Dia1 is involved in the response of FAs to these forces. Expression of the active form of Dia1, allows the external force-induced assembly of mature FAs, even in conditions when Rho is inhibited. Conversely, downregulation of Dia1 by siRNA prevents FA maturation even if Rho is activated. Dia1 and other formins cap barbed (fast growing) ends of actin filaments, allowing insertion of the new actin monomers. We suggested a novel mechanism of such "leaky" capping based on an assumption of elasticity of the formin/barbed end complex. Our model predicts that formin-mediated actin polymerization should be greatly enhanced by application of external pulling force. Thus, the formin-actin complex might represent an elementary mechanosensing device responding to force by enhancement of actin assembly. In addition to its role in actin polymerization, Dia1 seems to be involved in formation of links between actin filaments and microtubules affecting microtubule dynamics. Alpha-tubulin deacetylase HDAC6 cooperates with Dia1 in formation of such links. Since microtubules are known to promote FA disassembly, the Dia1-mediated effect on microtubule dynamics may possibly play a role in the negative feedback loop controlling size and turnover of FAs.

ParA and ParB coordinate chromosome segregation with cell elongation and division during Streptomyces sporulation

PubMed Central

Donczew, Magdalena; Mackiewicz, Paweł; Wróbel, Agnieszka; Flärdh, Klas; Zakrzewska-Czerwińska, Jolanta

2016-01-01

In unicellular bacteria, the ParA and ParB proteins segregate chromosomes and coordinate this process with cell division and chromosome replication. During sporulation of mycelial Streptomyces, ParA and ParB uniformly distribute multiple chromosomes along the filamentous sporogenic hyphal compartment, which then differentiates into a chain of unigenomic spores. However, chromosome segregation must be coordinated with cell elongation and multiple divisions. Here, we addressed the question of whether ParA and ParB are involved in the synchronization of cell-cycle processes during sporulation in Streptomyces. To answer this question, we used time-lapse microscopy, which allows the monitoring of growth and division of single sporogenic hyphae. We showed that sporogenic hyphae stop extending at the time of ParA accumulation and Z-ring formation. We demonstrated that both ParA and ParB affect the rate of hyphal extension. Additionally, we showed that ParA promotes the formation of massive nucleoprotein complexes by ParB. We also showed that FtsZ ring assembly is affected by the ParB protein and/or unsegregated DNA. Our results indicate the existence of a checkpoint between the extension and septation of sporogenic hyphae that involves the ParA and ParB proteins. PMID:27248800

Dysfunctional Autism Risk Genes Cause Circuit-Specific Connectivity Deficits With Distinct Developmental Trajectories.

PubMed

Zerbi, Valerio; Ielacqua, Giovanna D; Markicevic, Marija; Haberl, Matthias Georg; Ellisman, Mark H; A-Bhaskaran, Arjun; Frick, Andreas; Rudin, Markus; Wenderoth, Nicole

2018-07-01

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a set of complex neurodevelopmental disorders for which there is currently no targeted therapeutic approach. It is thought that alterations of genes regulating migration and synapse formation during development affect neural circuit formation and result in aberrant connectivity within distinct circuits that underlie abnormal behaviors. However, it is unknown whether deviant developmental trajectories are circuit-specific for a given autism risk-gene. We used MRI to probe changes in functional and structural connectivity from childhood to adulthood in Fragile-X (Fmr1-/y) and contactin-associated (CNTNAP2-/-) knockout mice. Young Fmr1-/y mice (30 days postnatal) presented with a robust hypoconnectivity phenotype in corticocortico and corticostriatal circuits in areas associated with sensory information processing, which was maintained until adulthood. Conversely, only small differences in hippocampal and striatal areas were present during early postnatal development in CNTNAP2-/- mice, while major connectivity deficits in prefrontal and limbic pathways developed between adolescence and adulthood. These findings are supported by viral tracing and electron micrograph approaches and define 2 clearly distinct connectivity endophenotypes within the autism spectrum. We conclude that the genetic background of ASD strongly influences which circuits are most affected, the nature of the phenotype, and the developmental time course of the associated changes.

VDR deficiency affects alveolar bone and cementum apposition in mice.

PubMed

Zhang, Xueming; Rahemtulla, Firoz; Zhang, Ping; Thomas, Huw F

2011-07-01

To compare the mineralisation density (MD), morphology and histology of alveolar bone and cementum amongst VDR +/+, VDR -/-, and VDR -/- groups supplemented with a diet TD 96348, containing 20% lactose, 2.0% calcium and 1.25% phosphorous. Four groups of mice (6 mice/group) were identified by genotyping: VDR +/+ mice (VDR wild type), VDR -/- mice (VDR deficient), VDR -/- offsprings derived from VDR -/- parents receiving a supplemental diet (early rescued), and VDR -/- mice fed with a supplemental diet beginning at age one month (late rescued). All mice were sacrificed at age 70.5 days. Micro-CT was used to compare MD and morphology of alveolar bone and cementum. H-E and Toluidine blue staining was used to examine the ultrastructure of the alveolar bone and cementum at matched locations. In VDR -/- group, alveolar bone and cementum failed to mineralise normally. Early rescue increased MD of alveolar bone in VDR -/- mice with excessive alveolar bone formation, but which not observed in late rescue group. MD and morphology of cementum-dentine complex in both early and late rescue groups were comparable with VDR +/+ group when feeding with high-calcium rescue diet. VDR affects alveolar bone mineralisation and formation systemically and locally. However, cementum apposition and mineralisation is mainly regulated by calcium concentrations in serum. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A New Insight to Bone Turnover: Role of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

PubMed Central

López-Frías, Magdalena; López-Aliaga, Inmaculada; Ochoa, Julio J.

2013-01-01

Background. Evidence has shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially the ω-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are beneficial for bone health and turnover. Objectives. This review summarizes findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies and the effects of LC PUFA on bone metabolism, as well as the relationship with the oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and obesity. Results. Some studies in humans indicate that LCPUFA can increase bone formation, affect peak bone mass in adolescents, and reduce bone loss. However, the cellular mechanisms of action of the LCPUFA are complex and involve modulation of fatty acid metabolites such as prostaglandins, resolvins and protectins, several signaling pathways, cytokines, and growth factors, although in certain aspects there is still some controversy. LCPUFA affect receptor activator of nuclear factor κ β (RANK), a receptor found on the osteoclast, causing bone resorption, which controls osteoclast formation. Conclusions. Since fatty acids are an endogenous source of reactive oxygen species, free radicals alter the process of bone turnover; however, although there are clinical evidences linking bone metabolism and dietary lipids, more clinical trials are necessary to prove whether ω-3 PUFA supplementation plays a major role in bone health. PMID:24302863

Integration between well logging and seismic reflection techniques for structural a

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Adel K.; Ghazala, Hosni H.; Mohamed, Lamees

2016-12-01

Abu El Gharadig basin is located in the northern part of the Western Desert, Egypt. Geophysical investigation in the form of thirty (3D) seismic lines and well logging data of five wells have been analyzed in the oil field BED-1 that is located in the northwestern part of Abu El Gharadig basin in the Western Desert of Egypt. The reflection sections have been used to shed more light on the tectonic setting of Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rocks. While the well logging data have been analyzed for delineating the petrophysical characteristics of the two main reservoirs, Bahariya and Kharita Formations. The constructed subsurface geologic cross sections, seismic sections, and the isochronous reflection maps indicate that the area is structurally controlled by tectonic trends affecting the current shape of Abu El Gharadig basin. Different types of faults are well represented in the area, particularly normal one. The analysis of the average and interval velocities versus depth has shown their effect by facies changes and/or fluid content. On the other hand, the derived petrophysical parameters of Bahariya and Kharita Formations vary from well to another and they have been affected by the gas effect and/or the presence of organic matter, complex lithology, clay content of dispersed habitat, and the pore volume.

Numerous nanopores developed in organo-clay complexes during the shale formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Q.; Wang, T.; Lu, H.; Liao, J.

2017-12-01

Shale gas as new energy resource is either stored in nano pores and microfractures or absorbed on the surface of kerogen and clay aggregate (Chalmers et al., 2012). Nano pores developed in organic matters is very important, because these organic pores have better connectivity than inorganic pores (Loucks et al., 2012) and can form an effective pore system where shale gas flows dominantly (Curtis et al., 2010). In order to figure out how the organic pores is affected by shale compositions, we conduct in-situ FE-SEM and EDS analysis on organic-rich Longmaxi shales. The data indicate that 1) organic matter, mixed with clay minerals, can form an organo-clay complex containing many nanopores; 2)furthermore, larger organic pores are developed in organo-clay complexes with higher clay content than in those with lower clay content(Wang et al., 2017). It seems that the presence of organo-clay complex raises the heterogeneous than pure organic matters. Organo-clay complex may bring in lots of intergranular nanopores between organic matter and clay minerals. Another potential interpretation is that clay minerals may influence kerogen thermal decomposition, generation of hydrocarbons and thus the development of organic pores. The presence of numerous nanopores in organo-clay complexes may promote the connectivity of the pore network and enhance the hydrocarbon production efficiency for shale gas field.

Synthesis and binding properties of arylethyne-linked porphyrin-zinc complexes for organic electronics applications.

PubMed

Reainthippayasakul, W; Paosawatyanyong, B; Bhanthumnavin, W

2013-05-01

Conjugated meso-alkynyl 5,15-dimesitylporphyrin metal complexes have been synthesized by Sonogashira coupling reaction in good yields. Alkynyl groups were chosen as a link at the meso positions in order to extend the pi-conjugated length of porphyrin rings. These synthesized porphyrin derivatives were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Moreover, UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy were also used to investigate their photophysical properties. It has been demonstrated that central metal ions as well as meso substituents on porphyrin rings affected the electronic absorption and emission spectra of the compounds. Spectroscopic results revealed that alkyne-linked porphyrin metal complexes showed higher pi-conjugation compared with porphyrin building blocks resulting in red shifts in both absorption and emission spectra. Coordination properties of synthesized porphyrins were preliminarily investigated by UV-visible absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopic titration with pyridine as axial ligand. The formation of porphyrin-pyridine complexes resulted in significant red shifts in absorption spectra and decrease of fluorescence intensity in emission spectra. Moreover, the 1H NMR titration experiments suggested that central metal ions play an important role to coordinate with pyridine and the coordination of porphyrin zinc(II) complex with pyridine occur in a 1:1 ratio. From these spectroscopic results, alkyne-linked porphyrin metal complexes offer potential applications as materials for optical organic nanosensors.

Low-complexity and modulation-format-independent carrier phase estimation scheme using linear approximation for elastic optical networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tao; Chen, Xue; Shi, Sheping; Sun, Erkun; Shi, Chen

2018-03-01

We propose a low-complexity and modulation-format-independent carrier phase estimation (CPE) scheme based on two-stage modified blind phase search (MBPS) with linear approximation to compensate the phase noise of arbitrary m-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (m-QAM) signals in elastic optical networks (EONs). Comprehensive numerical simulations are carried out in the case that the highest possible modulation format in EONs is 256-QAM. The simulation results not only verify its advantages of higher estimation accuracy and modulation-format independence, i.e., universality, but also demonstrate that the implementation complexity is significantly reduced by at least one-fourth in comparison with the traditional BPS scheme. In addition, the proposed scheme shows similar laser linewidth tolerance with the traditional BPS scheme. The slightly better OSNR performance of the scheme is also experimentally validated for PM-QPSK and PM-16QAM systems, respectively. The coexistent advantages of low-complexity and modulation-format-independence could make the proposed scheme an attractive candidate for flexible receiver-side DSP unit in EONs.

New 3D coordination polymers constructed from pillared metal-formate Kagomé layers exhibiting spin canting only in the nickel(II) complex.

PubMed

Li, Zuo-Xi; Zhao, Jiong-Peng; Sañudo, E C; Ma, Hong; Pan, Zhong-Da; Zeng, Yong-Fei; Bu, Xian-He

2009-12-21

Sparked by the strategy of pillared-layer MOFs, three formate coordination polymers, {[Ni(2)(HCO(2))(3)(L)(2)](NO(3)).2H(2)O}(infinity) (1), {[Co(2)(HCO(2))(3)(L)(2)](HCO(2)).2H(2)O}(infinity) (2), and {[Cu(2)(HCO(2))(3)(L)(2)](HCO(2)).2H(2)O}(infinity) (3), have been synthesized by employing the rodlike ligand 4,4'-bis(imidazol-1-yl)biphenyl (L) as the pillar. Structural analysis indicates that the title complexes 1-3 are isostructural compounds, which possess metal-formate 2D layers perpendicularly pillared by the ligand L to afford a 3D open framework. This is an interesting example of a Kagome lattice based on the formate mediator. Moreover, the formate anion of this 2D Kagome layer exhibits various bridging modes: anti-anti, syn-anti, and 3.21 modes. Their magnetic measurements reveals that only complex 1 presents the spin canting phenomenon, while its isostructural Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes are simply paramagnets with antiferromagnetic coupling.

Chronic endurance exercise affects paracrine action of CD31+ and CD34+ cells on endothelial tube formation

PubMed Central

Landers-Ramos, Rian Q.; Sapp, Ryan M.; Jenkins, Nathan T.; Murphy, Anna E.; Cancre, Lucile; Chin, Eva R.; Spangenburg, Espen E.

2015-01-01

We aimed to determine if chronic endurance-exercise habits affected redox status and paracrine function of CD34+ and CD34−/CD31+ circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). Subjects were healthy, nonsmoking men and women aged 18–35 yr and categorized by chronic physical activity habits. Blood was drawn from each subject for isolation and culture of CD34+ and CD34−/CD31+ CACs. No differences in redox status were found in any group across either cell type. Conditioned media (CM) was generated from the cultured CACs and used in an in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cell-based tube assay. CM from CD34+ cells from inactive individuals resulted in tube structures that were 29% shorter in length (P < 0.05) and 45% less complex (P < 0.05) than the endurance-trained group. CD34−/CD31+ CM from inactive subjects resulted in tube structures that were 26% shorter in length (P < 0.05) and 42% less complex (P < 0.05) than endurance-trained individuals. Proteomics analyses identified S100A8 and S100A9 in the CM. S100A9 levels were 103% higher (P < 0.05) and S100A8 was 97% higher in the CD34−/CD31+ CM of inactive subjects compared with their endurance-trained counterparts with no significant differences in either protein in the CM of CD34+ CACs as a function of training status. Recombinant S100A8/A9 treatment at concentrations detected in inactive subjects' CD34−/CD31+ CAC CM also reduced tube formation (P < 0.05). These findings are the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a differential paracrine role in CD34+ and CD34−/CD31+ CACs on tube formation as a function of chronic physical activity habits and identifies a differential secretion of S100A9 by CD34−/CD31+ CACs due to habitual exercise. PMID:26055789

Inhibition of amyloid peptide fibril formation by gold-sulfur complexes.

PubMed

Wang, Wenji; Zhao, Cong; Zhu, Dengsen; Gong, Gehui; Du, Weihong

2017-06-01

Amyloid-related diseases are characterized by protein conformational change and amyloid fibril deposition. Metal complexes are potential inhibitors of amyloidosis. Nitrogen-coordinated gold complexes have been used to disaggregate prion neuropeptide (PrP106-126) and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). However, the roles of metal complexes in peptide fibril formation and related bioactivity require further exploration. In this work, we investigated the interactions of amyloid peptides PrP106-126 and hIAPP with two tetracoordinated gold-sulfur complexes, namely, dichloro diethyl dithiocarbamate gold complex and dichloro pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate gold complex. We also determined the effects of these complexes on peptide-induced cytotoxicity. Thioflavin T assay, morphological characterization, and particle size analysis indicated that the two gold-sulfur complexes effectively inhibited the fibrillation of the amyloid peptides, which led to the formation of nanoscale particles. The complexes reduced the cytotoxicity induced by the amyloid peptides. Intrinsic fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry revealed that the complexes interacted with PrP106-126 and hIAPP via metal coordination and hydrophobic interaction, which improved the inhibition and binding of the two gold-sulfur compounds. Our study provided new insights into the use of tetracoordinated gold-sulfur complexes as drug candidates against protein conformational disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

17β-Estradiol regulates cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis by upregulating miR-9 and thus degrades MALAT-1 in osteosarcoma cell MG-63 in an estrogen receptor-independent manner

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

Fang, Dengfeng; Yang, Hui; Lin, Jing

2015-02-20

In bone, different concentration of estrogen leads to various of physiological processes in osteoblast, such as the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in an estrogen receptor-dependent manner. But little was known about the estrogen effects on osteosarcoma (OS). In this study, OS cell MG-63 was treated with low (1 nM) or high (100 nM) dose of 17β-Estradiol (E2) with the presence or absence of estrogen receptor α (ERα), for evaluating the E2 effects on proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation and apoptosis. Consistent with a previous study, high dose of E2 treatment dramatically downregulated expressing level of long non-coding RNA metastasis associated lung adenocarcinomamore » transcript 1 (MALAT-1). The observation of upregulation of miR-9 after a high dose of E2 treatment indicated the cause of MALAT-1 reduction. Downregulation of MALAT-1 promoted the combination of SFPQ/PTBP2 complex. It was also observed that the proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation and apoptosis of OS cells were remarkably affected by high dose of E2 treatment, but not by low dose, in an ERα independent manner. Furthermore, the abolishment of the effects on these physiological processes caused by ectopic expression of miR-9 ASOs suggested the necessity of miR-9 in MALAT-1 regulation. Here we found that the high dose of E2 treatment upregulated miR-9 thus posttranscriptionally regulated MALAT-1 RNA level in OS cells, and then the downregulation of MALAT-1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in the E2-dose dependent and ER-independent ways. - Highlights: • E2 affects osteosarcoma cell MG-63 in an Estrogen receptor-independent way. • High dose of E2 treatment upregulates miR-9 which target to MALAT-1 RNA. • Upregulated miR-9 degrades MALAT-1 and thus affects combination of SFPQ/PTBP2. • E2 treatment block cell proliferation, colony formation, mobility, and enhance apoptosis.« less

Pokemon (FBI-1) interacts with Smad4 to repress TGF-β-induced transcriptional responses.

PubMed

Yang, Yutao; Cui, Jiajun; Xue, Feng; Zhang, Chuanfu; Mei, Zhu; Wang, Yue; Bi, Mingjun; Shan, Dapeng; Meredith, Alex; Li, Hui; Xu, Zhi-Qing David

2015-03-01

Pokemon, an important proto-oncoprotein, is a transcriptional repressor that belongs to the POK (POZ and Krüppel) family. Smad4, a key component of TGF-β pathway, plays an essential role in TGF-β-induced transcriptional responses. In this study, we show that Pokemon can interact directly with Smad4 both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of Pokemon decreases TGF-β-induced transcriptional activities, whereas knockdown of Pokemon increases these activities. Interestingly, Pokemon does not affect activation of Smad2/3, formation of Smads complex, or DNA binding activity of Smad4. TGF-β1 treatment increases the interaction between Pokemon and Smad4, and also enhances the recruitment of Pokemon to Smad4-DNA complex. In addition, we also find that Pokemon recruits HDAC1 to Smad4 complex but decreases the interaction between Smad4 and p300/CBP. Taken together, all these data suggest that Pokemon is a new partner of Smad4 and plays a negative role in TGF-β pathway. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Stacking interactions in PUF-RNA complexes

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

Yiling Koh, Yvonne; Wang, Yeming; Qiu, Chen

2012-07-02

Stacking interactions between amino acids and bases are common in RNA-protein interactions. Many proteins that regulate mRNAs interact with single-stranded RNA elements in the 3' UTR (3'-untranslated region) of their targets. PUF proteins are exemplary. Here we focus on complexes formed between a Caenorhabditis elegans PUF protein, FBF, and its cognate RNAs. Stacking interactions are particularly prominent and involve every RNA base in the recognition element. To assess the contribution of stacking interactions to formation of the RNA-protein complex, we combine in vivo selection experiments with site-directed mutagenesis, biochemistry, and structural analysis. Our results reveal that the identities of stackingmore » amino acids in FBF affect both the affinity and specificity of the RNA-protein interaction. Substitutions in amino acid side chains can restrict or broaden RNA specificity. We conclude that the identities of stacking residues are important in achieving the natural specificities of PUF proteins. Similarly, in PUF proteins engineered to bind new RNA sequences, the identity of stacking residues may contribute to 'target' versus 'off-target' interactions, and thus be an important consideration in the design of proteins with new specificities.« less

Conformational co-dependence between Plasmodium berghei LCCL proteins promotes complex formation and stability.

PubMed

Saeed, Sadia; Tremp, Annie Z; Dessens, Johannes T

2012-10-01

Malaria parasites express a conserved family of LCCL-lectin adhesive-like domain proteins (LAPs) that have essential functions in sporozoite transmission. In Plasmodium falciparum all six family members are expressed in gametocytes and form a multi-protein complex. Intriguingly, knockout of P. falciparum LCCL proteins adversely affects expression of other family members at protein, but not at mRNA level, a phenomenon termed co-dependent expression. Here, we investigate this in Plasmodium berghei by crossing a PbLAP1 null mutant parasite with a parasite line expressing GFP-tagged PbLAP3 that displays strong fluorescence in gametocytes. Selected and validated double mutants show normal synthesis and subcellular localization of PbLAP3::GFP. However, GFP-based fluorescence is dramatically reduced without PbLAP1 present, indicating that PbLAP1 and PbLAP3 interact. Moreover, absence of PbLAP1 markedly reduces the half-life of PbLAP3, consistent with a scenario of misfolding. These findings unveil a potential mechanism of conformational interdependence that facilitates assembly and stability of the functional LCCL protein complex. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A study on adsorption mechanism of organoarsenic compounds on ferrihydrite by XAFS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, M.; Takahashi, Y.; Yamaguchi, N.

2013-04-01

Anthropogenic organoarsenic compounds which were used such as agrochemicals, pesticides, and herbicides can have a potential as a source of arsenic pollution in water. In the process, the adsorption of arsenic onto mineral surface in soil may play an important role to affect arsenic distribution in solid-water interface. However, adsorption structures of organoarsenic compounds on the iron-(oxyhydr)oxides are not well known. In this study, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy was employed to know the adsorption structure of methyl- and phenyl-substituted organoarsenic compounds (methylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), phenylarsonic acid (PAA), and diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA) onto ferrihydrite which can be a strong adsorbent of arsenic. EXAFS analysis suggests that the formation of inner-sphere surface complex for all organoarsenic compounds with ferrihydrite regardless of the organic functional groups and the number of substitution. The As-Fe distances are around 3.27 , which suggests both mono-and bi-dentate inner-sphere complexes by DFT calculations. The corresponding coordination numbers (CNs) are less than two, suggesting that coexistence of both structures of inner-sphere complexes.

Self-assembled micellar aggregates based monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(aminoethyl methacrylate) triblock copolymers as efficient gene delivery vectors.

PubMed

Ma, Ming; Li, Feng; Liu, Xiu-hong; Yuan, Zhe-fan; Chen, Fu-jie; Zhuo, Ren-xi

2010-10-01

Amphiphilic triblock copolymers monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-b-poly(aminoethyl methacrylate)s (PAMAs) (mPECAs) were synthesized as gene delivery vectors. They exhibited lower cytotoxicity and higher transfection efficiency in COS-7 cells in presence of serum compared to 25 kDa bPEI. The influence of mPEG and PCL segments in mPECAs was evaluated by comparing with corresponding diblock copolymers. The studies showed the incorporation of the hydrophobic PCL segment in triblock copolymers affected the binding capability to pDNA and surface charges of complexes due to the formation of micelles increasing the local charges. The presence of mPEG segment in gene vector decreased the surface charges of the complexes and increased the stability of the complexes in serum because of the steric hindrance effect. It was also found that the combination of PEG and PCL segments into one macromolecule might lead to synergistic effect for better transfection efficiency in serum.

Copper-phospholipid interaction at cell membrane model hydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Mlakar, Marina; Cuculić, Vlado; Frka, Sanja; Gašparović, Blaženka

2018-04-01

Detailed investigation of Cu (II) binding with natural lipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in aqueous solution was carried out by voltammetric measurements at the mercury drop electrode, complemented by monolayer studies in a Langmuir trough and electrophoretic measurements, all used as models for hydrophobic cell membranes. Penetration of copper ions into the PG layer was facilitated by the formation of hydrophilic Cu-Phenanthroline (Phen) complex in the subphase, followed by the mixed ligand Cu-Phen-PG complex formation at the hydrophobic interface. Electrophoretic measurements indicated a comparatively low abundance of the formed mixed ligand complex within the PG vesicles, resulting it the zeta potential change of +0.83mV, while monolayer studies confirmed their co-existence at the interface. The Cu-Phen-PG complex was identified in the pH range from 6 to 9. The stoichiometry of the complex ([PhenCuOHPG]), as well as its stability and kinetics of formation, were determined at the mercury drop electrode. Cu-Phen-PG reduces quasireversibly at about -0.7V vs. Ag/AgCl including reactant adsorption, followed by irreversible mixed complex dissociation, indicating a two-electron transfer - chemical reaction (EC mechanism). Consequently, the surface concentration (γ) of the adsorbed [PhenCuOHPG] complex at the hydrophobic electrode surface was calculated to be (3.35±0.67)×10 -11 molcm -2 . Information on the mechanism of Cu (II) - lipid complex formation is a significant contribution to the understanding of complex processes at natural cell membranes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Numerical Study of Factors Affecting Fracture-Fluid Cleanup and Produced Gas/Water in Marcellus Shale: Part II

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

Seales, Maxian B.; Dilmore, Robert; Ertekin, Turgay

Horizontal wells combined with successful multistage-hydraulic-fracture treatments are currently the most-established method for effectively stimulating and enabling economic development of gas-bearing organic-rich shale formations. Fracture cleanup in the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is critical to stimulation effectiveness and long-term well performance. But, fluid cleanup is often hampered by formation damage, and post-fracture well performance frequently falls to less than expectations. A systematic study of the factors that hinder fracture-fluid cleanup in shale formations can help optimize fracture treatments and better quantify long-term volumes of produced water and gas. Fracture-fluid cleanup is a complex process influenced by mutliphase flow through porousmore » media (relative permeability hysteresis, capillary pressure), reservoir-rock and -fluid properties, fracture-fluid properties, proppant placement, fracture-treatment parameters, and subsequent flowback and field operations. Changing SRV and fracture conductivity as production progresses further adds to the complexity of this problem. Numerical simulation is the best and most-practical approach to investigate such a complicated blend of mechanisms, parameters, their interactions, and subsequent effect on fracture-fluid cleanup and well deliverability. Here, a 3D, two-phase, dual-porosity model was used to investigate the effect of mutliphase flow, proppant crushing, proppant diagenesis, shut-in time, reservoir-rock compaction, gas slippage, and gas desorption on fracture-fluid cleanup and well performance in Marcellus Shale. Our findings have shed light on the factors that substantially constrain efficient fracture-fluid cleanup in gas shales, and we have provided guidelines for improved fracture-treatment designs and water management.« less

A biplanar X-ray approach for studying the 3D dynamics of human track formation.

PubMed

Hatala, Kevin G; Perry, David A; Gatesy, Stephen M

2018-05-09

Recent discoveries have made hominin tracks an increasingly prevalent component of the human fossil record, and these data have the capacity to inform long-standing debates regarding the biomechanics of hominin locomotion. However, there is currently no consensus on how to decipher biomechanical variables from hominin tracks. These debates can be linked to our generally limited understanding of the complex interactions between anatomy, motion, and substrate that give rise to track morphology. These interactions are difficult to study because direct visualization of the track formation process is impeded by foot and substrate opacity. To address these obstacles, we developed biplanar X-ray and computer animation methods, derived from X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), to analyze the 3D dynamics of three human subjects' feet as they walked across four substrates (three deformable muds and rigid composite panel). By imaging and reconstructing 3D positions of external markers, we quantified the 3D dynamics at the foot-substrate interface. Foot shape, specifically heel and medial longitudinal arch deformation, was significantly affected by substrate rigidity. In deformable muds, we found that depths measured across tracks did not directly reflect the motions of the corresponding regions of the foot, and that track outlines were not perfectly representative of foot size. These results highlight the complex, dynamic nature of track formation, and the experimental methods presented here offer a promising avenue for developing and refining methods for accurately inferring foot anatomy and gait biomechanics from fossil hominin tracks. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Numerical Study of Factors Affecting Fracture-Fluid Cleanup and Produced Gas/Water in Marcellus Shale: Part II

DOE PAGES

Seales, Maxian B.; Dilmore, Robert; Ertekin, Turgay; ...

2017-04-01

Horizontal wells combined with successful multistage-hydraulic-fracture treatments are currently the most-established method for effectively stimulating and enabling economic development of gas-bearing organic-rich shale formations. Fracture cleanup in the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) is critical to stimulation effectiveness and long-term well performance. But, fluid cleanup is often hampered by formation damage, and post-fracture well performance frequently falls to less than expectations. A systematic study of the factors that hinder fracture-fluid cleanup in shale formations can help optimize fracture treatments and better quantify long-term volumes of produced water and gas. Fracture-fluid cleanup is a complex process influenced by mutliphase flow through porousmore » media (relative permeability hysteresis, capillary pressure), reservoir-rock and -fluid properties, fracture-fluid properties, proppant placement, fracture-treatment parameters, and subsequent flowback and field operations. Changing SRV and fracture conductivity as production progresses further adds to the complexity of this problem. Numerical simulation is the best and most-practical approach to investigate such a complicated blend of mechanisms, parameters, their interactions, and subsequent effect on fracture-fluid cleanup and well deliverability. Here, a 3D, two-phase, dual-porosity model was used to investigate the effect of mutliphase flow, proppant crushing, proppant diagenesis, shut-in time, reservoir-rock compaction, gas slippage, and gas desorption on fracture-fluid cleanup and well performance in Marcellus Shale. Our findings have shed light on the factors that substantially constrain efficient fracture-fluid cleanup in gas shales, and we have provided guidelines for improved fracture-treatment designs and water management.« less

Amino Acid Availability and Age Affect the Leucine Stimulation of Protein Synthesis and eIF4F Formation in Muscle

PubMed Central

Escobar, Jeffery; Frank, Jason W.; Suryawan, Agus; Nguyen, Hanh V.; Davis, Teresa A.

2009-01-01

We have previously shown that a physiological increase in plasma leucine for 60- and 120-min increases translation initiation factor activation in muscle of neonatal pigs. Although muscle protein synthesis is increased by leucine at 60 min, it is not maintained at 120 min, perhaps due to the decrease in plasma amino acids (AA). In the current study, 7- and 26-day-old pigs were fasted overnight and infused with leucine (0 or 400 µmol· kg−1· h−1) for 120 min to raise leucine within the postprandial range. The leucine was infused in the presence or absence of a replacement AA mixture (without leucine) to maintain baseline plasma AA levels. AA administration prevented the leucine-induced reduction in plasma AA in both age groups. At 7 days, leucine infusion alone increased eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation, decreased inactive 4E-BP1·eIF4E complex abundance, and increased active eIF4G·eIF4E complex formation in skeletal muscle; leucine infusion with replacement AA also stimulated these, as well as S6K1, rpS6, and eIF4G phosphorylation. At 26 days, leucine infusion alone increased 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and decreased the inactive 4E-BP1·eIF4E complex only; leucine with AA also stimulated these, as well as S6K1 and rpS6 phosphorylation. Muscle protein synthesis was increased in 7-day-old (+60%) and 26-day-old (+40%) pigs infused with leucine and replacement AA, but not with leucine alone. Thus, the ability of leucine to stimulate eIF4F formation and protein synthesis in skeletal muscle is dependent on AA availability and age. PMID:17878223

Effects of calcium, magnesium, and sodium on alleviating cadmium toxicity to Hyalella azteca

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jackson, B.P.; Lasier, P.J.; Miller, W.P.; Winger, P.V.

2000-01-01

Toxicity of trace metal ions to aquatic organisms, arising through either anthropogenic inputs or acidification of surface waters, continues to be both a regulatory and environmental problem. It is generally accepted that the free metal ion is the major toxic species (Florence et a1.,1992) and that inorganic or organic complexation renders the metal ion non-bioavailable (Meador, 1991, Galvez and Wood, 1997). However, water chemistry parameters such as alkalinity, hardness, dissolved organic carbon and pH influence metal ion toxicity either directly by lowering free metal ion concentration or indirectly through synergistic or antagonistic effects. Alkalinity and salinity can affect the speciation of metal ions by increasing ion-pair formation, thus decreasing free metal ion concentration. For example, Cu was found to be less toxic to rainbow trout in waters of high alkalinity (Miller and Mackay, 1980), due to formation of CuCO3 ion pair, and corresponding reduction in free Cu2+ concentration. The influence of salinity on the toxicity of cadmium to various organisms has been demonstrated in a number of studies (Bervoets et al., 1995, Hall et al., 1995, Lin and Dunson, 1993, Blust et al., 1992). In all these studies the apparent toxicity of cadmium was lowered as salinity was increased due to increased formation of CdC1+ and CDCl2 aqueous complexes that are non-toxic or of much lower toxicity than the free Cd2+ ion. Changes in pH exert both a biological and chemical effect on metal ion toxicity (Campbell and Stokes, 1985). Low pH favors greater metal ion solubility, and, in the absence of complexing ions, reduced speciation of the metal ion, which tends to increase toxicity compared to higher pH. However, Iow pH also enhances competition between H+ and metal ion for cell surface binding sites, which tends to decrease metal ion toxicity.

Star-formation complexes in the `galaxy-sized' supergiant shell of the galaxy Holmberg I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorov, Oleg V.; Lozinskaya, Tatiana A.; Moiseev, Alexei V.; Smirnov-Pinchukov, Grigory V.

2018-05-01

We present the results of observations of the galaxy Holmberg I carried out at the Russian 6-m telescope in the narrow-band imaging, long-slit spectroscopy, and scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer modes. A detailed analysis of gas kinematics, ionization conditions, and metallicity of star-forming regions in the galaxy is presented. The aim of the paper is to analyse the propagation of star formation in the galaxy and to understand the role of the ongoing star formation in the evolution of the central `galaxy-sized' supergiant H I shell (SGS), where all regions of star formation are observed. We show that star formation in the galaxy occurs in large unified complexes rather than in individual giant H II regions. Evidence of the triggered star formation is observed both on scales of individual complexes and of the whole galaxy. We identified two supernova-remnant candidates and one late-type WN star and analysed their spectrum and surrounding-gas kinematics. We provide arguments indicating that the SGS in Holmberg I is destructing by the influence of star formation occurring on its rims.

Modeling the formation of ordered nano-assemblies comprised by dendrimers and linear polyelectrolytes: The role of Coulombic interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eleftheriou, E.; Karatasos, K.

2012-10-01

Models of mixtures of peripherally charged dendrimers with oppositely charged linear polyelectrolytes in the presence of explicit solvent are studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Under the influence of varying strength of electrostatic interactions, these systems appear to form dynamically arrested film-like interconnected structures in the polymer-rich phase. Acting like a pseudo-thermodynamic inverse temperature, the increase of the strength of the Coulombic interactions drive the polymeric constituents of the mixture to a gradual dynamic freezing-in. The timescale of the average density fluctuations of the formed complexes initially increases in the weak electrostatic regime reaching a finite limit as the strength of electrostatic interactions grow. Although the models are overall electrically neutral, during this process the dendrimer/linear complexes develop a polar character with an excess charge mainly close to the periphery of the dendrimers. The morphological characteristics of the resulted pattern are found to depend on the size of the polymer chains on account of the distinct conformational features assumed by the complexed linear polyelectrolytes of different length. In addition, the length of the polymer chain appears to affect the dynamics of the counterions, thus affecting the ionic transport properties of the system. It appears, therefore, that the strength of electrostatic interactions together with the length of the linear polyelectrolytes are parameters to which these systems are particularly responsive, offering thus the possibility for a better control of the resulted structure and the electric properties of these soft-colloidal systems.

Managing Your Wine Fermentation to Reduce the Risk of Biogenic Amine Formation

PubMed Central

Smit, Anita Yolandi; Engelbrecht, Lynn; du Toit, Maret

2012-01-01

Biogenic amines are nitrogenous organic compounds produced in wine from amino acid precursors mainly by microbial decarboxylation. The concentration of biogenic amines that can potentially be produced is dependent on the amount of amino acid precursors in the medium, the presence of decarboxylase positive microorganisms and conditions that enable microbial or biochemical activity such as the addition of nutrients to support the inoculated starter cultures for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation (MLF). MLF can be conducted using co-inoculation or an inoculation after the completion of alcoholic fermentation that may also affect the level of biogenic amines in wine. This study focused on the impact of the addition of complex commercial yeast and bacterial nutrients and the use of different MLF inoculation scenarios on the production of biogenic amines in wine. Results showed that the addition of complex nutrients to real grape must could potentially increase histamine concentrations in wine. The same experiment in synthetic grape must showed a similar trend for putrescine and cadaverine. The effect of different MLF inoculation scenarios was examined in two cultivars, Pinotage and Shiraz. Conflicting results was obtained. In the Shiraz, co-inoculation resulted in lower biogenic amine concentrations after MLF compared to before MLF, while the concentration was higher in the Pinotage. However, the production of biogenic amines was affected more by the presence of decarboxylase positive lactic acid bacteria than by the addition of complex nutrients or the inoculation scenario. PMID:22419915

Understanding pH Effects on Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene Adsorption to Iron in Permeable Reactive Barriers for Groundwater Remediation.

PubMed

Luo, Jing; Farrell, James

2013-01-01

Metallic iron filings are becoming increasing used in permeable reactive barriers for remediating groundwater contaminated by chlorinated solvents. Understanding solution pH effects on rates of reductive dechlorination in permeable reactive barriers is essential for designing remediation systems that can meet treatment objectives under conditions of varying groundwater properties. The objective of this research was to investigate how the solution pH value affects adsorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) on metallic iron surfaces. Because adsorption is first required before reductive dechlorination can occur, pH effects on halocarbon adsorption energies may explain pH effects on dechlorination rates. Adsorption energies for TCE and PCE were calculated via molecular mechanics simulations using the Universal force field and a self-consistent reaction field charge equilibration scheme. A range in solution pH values was simulated by varying the amount of atomic hydrogen adsorbed on the iron. The potential energies associated TCE and PCE complexes were dominated by electrostatic interactions, and complex formation with the surface was found to result in significant electron transfer from the iron to the adsorbed halocarbons. Adsorbed atomic hydrogen was found to lower the energies of TCE complexes more than those for PCE. Attractions between atomic hydrogen and iron atoms were more favorable when TCE versus PCE was adsorbed to the iron surface. These two findings are consistent with the experimental observation that changes in solution pH affect TCE reaction rates more than those for PCE.

[Characteristics of marketing complex formation in rendering of sanatorium resort services].

PubMed

Kemalov, R F

2006-01-01

Basic positions in sanatorium resort marketing and its evolution with description of its main components are considered. Marketing research management in sanatorium resort institutions, marketing theory, analysis of services market, characteristics of marketing complex formation are presented.

Positronium formation studies in crystalline molecular complexes: Triphenylphosphine oxide - Acetanilide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, F. C.; Denadai, A. M. L.; Guerra, L. D. L.; Fulgêncio, F. H.; Windmöller, D.; Santos, G. C.; Fernandes, N. G.; Yoshida, M. I.; Donnici, C. L.; Magalhães, W. F.; Machado, J. C.

2013-04-01

Hydrogen bond formation in the triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), acetanilide (ACN) supramolecular heterosynton system, named [TPPO0.5·ACN0.5], has been studied by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) and supported by several analytical techniques. In toluene solution, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) presented a 1:1 stoichiometry and indicated that the complexation process is driven by entropy, with low enthalpy contribution. X-ray structure determination showed the existence of a three-dimensional network of hydrogen bonds, allowing also the confirmation of the existence of a 1:1 crystalline molecular complex in solid state. The results of thermal analysis (TGA, DTA and DSC) and FTIR spectroscopy showed that the interactions in the complex are relatively weaker than those found in pure precursors, leading to a higher positronium formation probability at [TPPO0.5·ACN0.5]. These weak interactions in the complex enhance the possibility of the n- and π-electrons to interact with positrons and consequently, the probability of positronium formation is higher. Through the present work is shown that PALS is a sensible powerful tool to investigate intermolecular interactions in solid heterosynton supramolecular systems.

Neighbor effect in complexation of a conjugated polymer.

PubMed

Sosorev, Andrey; Zapunidi, Sergey

2013-09-19

Charge-transfer complex (CTC) formation between a conjugated polymer and low-molecular-weight organic acceptor is proposed to be driven by the neighbor effect. Formation of a CTC on the polymer chain results in an increased probability of new CTC formation near the existing one. We present an analytical model for CTC distribution considering the neighbor effect, based on the principles of statistical mechanics. This model explains the experimentally observed threshold-like dependence of the CTC concentration on the acceptor content in a polymer:acceptor blend. It also allows us to evaluate binding energies of the complexes.

Embedded Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ascenso, Joana

The past decade has seen an increase of star formation studies made at the molecular cloud scale, motivated mostly by the deployment of a wealth of sensitive infrared telescopes and instruments. Embedded clusters, long recognised as the basic units of coherent star formation in molecular clouds, are now seen to inhabit preferentially cluster complexes tens of parsecs across. This chapter gives an overview of some important properties of the embedded clusters in these complexes and of the complexes themselves, along with the implications of viewing star formation as a molecular-cloud scale process rather than an isolated process at the scale of clusters.

Control of cell fate by the formation of an architecturally complex bacterial community.

PubMed

Vlamakis, Hera; Aguilar, Claudio; Losick, Richard; Kolter, Roberto

2008-04-01

Bacteria form architecturally complex communities known as biofilms in which cells are held together by an extracellular matrix. Biofilms harbor multiple cell types, and it has been proposed that within biofilms individual cells follow different developmental pathways, resulting in heterogeneous populations. Here we demonstrate cellular differentiation within biofilms of the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis, and present evidence that formation of the biofilm governs differentiation. We show that motile, matrix-producing, and sporulating cells localize to distinct regions within the biofilm, and that the localization and percentage of each cell type is dynamic throughout development of the community. Importantly, mutants that do not produce extracellular matrix form unstructured biofilms that are deficient in sporulation. We propose that sporulation is a culminating feature of biofilm formation, and that spore formation is coupled to the formation of an architecturally complex community of cells.