Stereospecific enzymatic transformation of alpha-ketoglutarate to (2S,3R)-3-methyl glutamate during acidic lipopeptide biosynthesis.

PubMed

Mahlert, Christoph; Kopp, Florian; Thirlway, Jenny; Micklefield, Jason; Marahiel, Mohamed A

2007-10-03

The acidic lipopeptides, including the calcium-dependent antibiotics (CDA), daptomycin, and A54145, are important macrocyclic peptide natural products produced by Streptomyces species. All three compounds contain a 3-methyl glutamate (3-MeGlu) as the penultimate C-terminal residue, which is important for bioactivity. Here, biochemical in vitro reconstitution of the 3-MeGlu biosynthetic pathway is presented, using exclusively enzymes from the CDA producer Streptomyces coelicolor. It is shown that the predicted 3-MeGlu methyltransferase GlmT and its homologues DptI from the daptomycin producer Streptomyces roseosporus and LptI from the A54145 producer Streptomyces fradiae do not methylate free glutamic acid, PCP-bound glutamate, or Glu-containing CDA in vitro. Instead, GlmT, DptI, and LptI are S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-dependent alpha-ketoglutarate methyltransferases that catalyze the stereospecific methylation of alpha-ketoglutarate (alphaKG) leading to (3R)-3-methyl-2-oxoglutarate. Subsequent enzyme screening identified the branched chain amino acid transaminase IlvE (SCO5523) as an efficient catalyst for the transformation of (3R)-3-methyl-2-oxoglutarate into (2S,3R)-3-MeGlu. Comparison of reversed-phase HPLC retention time of dabsylated 3-MeGlu generated by the coupled enzymatic reaction with dabsylated synthetic standards confirmed complete stereocontrol during enzymatic catalysis. This stereospecific two-step conversion of alphaKG to (2S,3R)-3-MeGlu completes our understanding of the biosynthesis and incorporation of beta-methylated amino acids into the nonribosomal lipopeptides. Finally, understanding this pathway may provide new possibilities for the production of modified peptides in engineered microbes.

Alp7/TACC recruits kinesin-8–PP1 to the Ndc80 kinetochore protein for timely mitotic progression and chromosome movement

PubMed Central

Tang, Ngang Heok; Toda, Takashi

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Upon establishment of proper kinetochore–microtubule attachment, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) must be silenced to allow onset of anaphase, which is when sister chromatids segregate equally to two daughter cells. However, how proper kinetochore–microtubule attachment leads to timely anaphase onset remains elusive. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of chromosome movement during anaphase A remain unclear. In this study, we show that the fission yeast Alp7/TACC protein recruits a protein complex consisting of the kinesin-8 (Klp5–Klp6) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to the kinetochore upon kinetochore–microtubule attachment. Accumulation of this complex at the kinetochore, on the one hand, facilitates SAC inactivation through PP1, and, on the other hand, accelerates polewards chromosome movement driven by the Klp5–Klp6 motor. We identified an alp7 mutant that had specific defects in binding to the Klp5–Klp6–PP1 complex but with normal localisation to the microtubule and kinetochore. Consistent with our proposition, this mutant shows delayed anaphase onset and decelerated chromosome movement during anaphase A. We propose that the recruitment of kinesin-8–PP1 to the kinetochore through Alp7/TACC interaction plays a crucial role in regulation of timely mitotic progression and chromosome movement during anaphase A. PMID:25472718

Cell transformation mediated by chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid of polyoma virus-transformed cells.

PubMed Central

Della Valle, G; Fenton, R G; Basilico, C

1981-01-01

To study the mechanism of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-mediated gene transfer, normal rat cells were transfected with total cellular DNA extracted from polyoma virus-transformed cells. This resulted in the appearance of the transformed phenotype in 1 X 10(-6) to 3 X 10(-6) of the transfected cells. Transformation was invariably associated with the acquisition of integrated viral DNA sequences characteristic of the donor DNA. This was caused not by the integration of free DNA molecules, but by the transfer of large DNA fragments (10 to 20 kilobases) containing linked cellular and viral sequences. Although Southern blot analysis showed that integration did not appear to occur in a homologous region of the recipient chromosome, the frequency of transformation was rather high when compared with that of purified polyoma DNA, perhaps due to "position" effects or to the high efficiency of recombination of large DNA fragments. Images PMID:6100965

Photodegradation kinetics, transformation, and toxicity prediction of ketoprofen, carprofen, and diclofenac acid in aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Li, Jian; Ma, Li-Yun; Li, Lu-Shuang; Xu, Li

2017-12-01

Photodegradation of 3 commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ketoprofen, carprofen, and diclofenac acid, was conducted under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The kinetic results showed that the 3 pharmaceuticals obeyed the first-order reaction with decreasing rate constants of 1.54 × 10 -4 , 5.91 × 10 -5 , and 7.78 × 10 -6  s -1 for carprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac acid, respectively. Moreover, the main transformation products were identified by ion-pair liquid-liquid extraction combined with injection port derivatization-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometric analysis. There were 8, 3, and 6 transformation products identified for ketoprofen, carprofen, and diclofenac acid, respectively. Decarboxylation, dechlorination, oxidation, demethylation, esterification, and cyclization were proposed to be associated with the transformation of the 3 pharmaceuticals. Toxicity prediction of the transformation products was conducted on the EPI Suite software based on ECOSAR model, and the results indicate that some of the transformation products were more toxic than the parent compounds. The present study provides the foundation to understand the transformation behavior of the studied pharmaceuticals under UV irradiation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3232-3239. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

Acid transformation of bauxite residue: Conversion of its alkaline characteristics.

PubMed

Kong, Xiangfeng; Li, Meng; Xue, Shengguo; Hartley, William; Chen, Chengrong; Wu, Chuan; Li, Xiaofei; Li, Yiwei

2017-02-15

Bauxite residue (BR) is a highly alkaline solid hazardous waste produced from bauxite processing for alumina production. Alkaline transformation appears to reduce the environmental risk of bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDAs) whilst potentially providing opportunities for the sustainable reuse and on-going management of BR. Mineral acids, a novel citric acid and a hybrid combination of acid-gypsum treatments were investigated for their potential to reduce residue pH and total alkalinity and transform the alkaline mineral phase. XRD results revealed that with the exception of andradite, the primary alkaline solid phases of cancrinite, grossular and calcite were transformed into discriminative products based on the transformation used. Supernatants separated from BR and transformed bauxite residue (TBR) displayed distinct changes in soluble Na, Ca and Al, and a reduction in pH and total alkalinity. SEM images suggest that mineral acid transformations promote macro-aggregate formation, and the positive promotion of citric acid, confirming the removal or reduction in soluble and exchangeable Na. NEXAFS analysis of Na K-edge revealed that the chemical speciation of Na in TBRs was consistent with BR. Three acid treatments and gypsum combination had no effect on Na speciation, which affects the distribution of Na revealed by sodium STXM imaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Paradigm shift - Metabolic transformation of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids to bioactives exemplify the promise of fatty acid drug discovery.

PubMed

Halade, Ganesh V; Black, Laurence M; Verma, Mahendra Kumar

Fatty acid drug discovery (FADD) is defined as the identification of novel, specialized bioactive mediators that are derived from fatty acids and have precise pharmacological/therapeutic potential. A number of reports indicate that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and limited intake of omega-6 promotes overall health benefits. In 1929, Burr and Burr indicated the significant role of essential fatty acids for survival and functional health of many organs. In reference to specific dietary benefits of differential omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (DHA and EPA) are transformed to monohydroxy, dihydroxy, trihydroxy, and other complex mediators during infection, injury, and exercise to resolve inflammation. The presented FADD approach describes the metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA in response to injury, infection, and exercise to govern uncontrolled inflammation. Metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA into a number of pro-resolving molecules exemplifies a novel, inexpensive approach compared to traditional, expensive drug discovery. DHA and EPA have been recommended for prevention of cardiovascular disease since 1970. Therefore, the FADD approach is relevant to cardiovascular disease and resolution of inflammation in many injury models. Future research demands identification of novel action targets, receptors for biomolecules, mechanism(s), and drug-interactions with resolvins in order to maintain homeostasis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Plants having modified response to ethylene by transformation with an ETR nucleic acid

DOEpatents

Meyerowitz, Elliott M.; Chang, Caren; Bleecker, Anthony B.

2001-01-01

The invention includes transformed plants having at least one cell transformed with a modified ETR nucleic acid. Such plants have a phenotype characterized by a decrease in the response of at least one transformed plant cell to ethylene as compared to a plant not containing the transformed plant cell. Tissue and/or temporal specificity for expression of the modified ETR nucleic acid is controlled by selecting appropriate expression regulation sequences to target the location and/or time of expression of the transformed nucleic acid. The plants are made by transforming at least one plant cell with an appropriate modified ETR nucleic acid, regenerating plants from one or more of the transformed plant cells and selecting at least one plant having the desired phenotype.

Microbial Transformation of Esters of Chlorinated Carboxylic Acids

PubMed Central

Paris, D. F.; Wolfe, N. L.; Steen, W. C.

1984-01-01

Two groups of compounds were selected for microbial transformation studies. In the first group were carboxylic acid esters having a fixed aromatic moiety and an increasing length of the alkyl component. Ethyl esters of chlorine-substituted carboxylic acids were in the second group. Microorganisms from environmental waters and a pure culture of Pseudomonas putida U were used. The bacterial populations were monitored by plate counts, and disappearance of the parent compound was followed by gas-liquid chromatography as a function of time. The products of microbial hydrolysis were the respective carboxylic acids. Octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow) for the compounds were measured. These values spanned three orders of magnitude, whereas microbial transformation rate constants (kb) varied only 50-fold. The microbial rate constants of the carboxylic acid esters with a fixed aromatic moiety increased with an increasing length of alkyl substituents. The regression coefficient for the linear relationships between log kb and log Kow was high for group 1 compounds, indicating that these parameters correlated well. The regression coefficient for the linear relationships for group 2 compounds, however, was low, indicating that these parameters correlated poorly. PMID:16346459

Microbial Transformation of Dicarboxylic Acids by Airborne Bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cote, V.; Ariya, P.

2004-05-01

Organic aerosols are assumed to be key players in driving climatic changes and can cause health problems for human. Dicarboxylic acids (DCA) include a large fraction of identified important class of organic aerosols. In addition to direct sources, DCA are partly formed as the result of ozonolysis of terpenes and cyclic alkenes. Previous works in our laboratory show that airborne fungi collected from urban and suburban air play an important role in the transformation of severals organic aerosols such as DCA. Our present study focuses on understanding the potential chemical transformation induced by airborne bacteria and on identification of the transformation products. Airborne bacteria have been collected using a biosampler and cultivated on a solid media. Each bacterial colony is being tested by HPLC for their ability to transform DCA in liquid cultures. Also, GC-MS, SPME and NMR are being used to identify the metabolites generated from the transformation. We will present our preliminary results and we will discuss the application of bacterial activities on the chemical transformation of organics in atmosphere.

Strongly Acidic Auxin Indole-3-Methanesulfonic Acid

PubMed Central

Cohen, Jerry D.; Baldi, Bruce G.; Bialek, Krystyna

1985-01-01

A radiochemical synthesis is described for [14C]indole-3-methanesulfonic acid (IMS), a strongly acidic auxin analog. Techniques were developed for fractionation and purification of IMS using normal and reverse phase chromatography. In addition, the utility of both Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry for analysis of IMS has been demonstrated. IMS was shown to be an active auxin, stimulating soybean hypocotyl elongation, bean first internode curvature, and ethylene production. IMS uptake by thin sections of soybean hypocotyl was essentially independent of solution pH and, when applied at a 100 micromolar concentration, IMS exhibited a basipetal polarity in its transport in both corn coleoptile and soybean hypocotyl sections. [14C]IMS should, therefore, be a useful compound to study fundamental processes related to the movement of auxins in plant tissues and organelles. PMID:16664007

Copper coordination polymers constructed from thiazole-5-carboxylic acid: Synthesis, crystal structures, and structural transformation

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

Meundaeng, Natthaya; Rujiwatra, Apinpus; Prior, Timothy J., E-mail: t.prior@hull.ac.uk

2017-01-15

We have successfully prepared crystals of thiazole-5-carboxylic acid (5-Htza) (L) and three new thiazole-5-carboxylate-based Cu{sup 2+} coordination polymers with different dimensionality, namely, 1D [Cu{sub 2}(5-tza){sub 2}(1,10-phenanthroline){sub 2}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}] (1), 2D [Cu(5-tza){sub 2}(MeOH){sub 2}] (2), and 3D [Cu(5-tza){sub 2}]·H{sub 2}O (3). These have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry. Interestingly, the 2D network structure of 2 can directly transform into the 3D framework of 3 upon removal of methanol molecules at room temperature. 2 can also undergo structural transformation to produce the same 2D network present in the known [Cu(5-tza){sub 2}]·1.5H{sub 2}O upon heat treatment for 2more » h. This 2D network can adsorb water and convert to 3 upon exposure to air. - Highlights: • Rare examples of coordination polymers of thiazole-5-carboxylic acid were prepared. • Non-covalent interactions play a key role on the assembly of the complexes in solid state. • Structural transformation of a 2D framework to a 3D upon removal of methanol is observed.« less

Simultaneous determination of furfural and its degradation products, furoic acid and maleic acid, in transformer oil by the reversed-phase vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Wang, Yifan; Li, Haiyan; Yang, Zhen; Zhang, Weijie; Hua, Jia

2017-12-01

To explore why the use of furfural as a transformer oil-paper insulation aging characteristic is problematic in real world application, we developed a method for the simultaneous determination of furfural, furoic acid, and maleic acid in transformer oil by reversed-phase vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography. The conditions for the proposed method were optimized, and the obtained extract can be directly analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) of the method ranged from 1.0 to 4.6 μg/L, the enrichment factors for furfural, furoic acid, maleic acid, and fumaric acid were 4.6, 25.1, 15.6, and 17.5, respectively, and the recovery rates for three analytes (fumaric acid was undetected) range from 82.1 to 106.2%. The contents of furfural, furoic acid, and maleic acid resulted from accelerated aging of transformer insulation oil-paper were measured using the present method for the first time, and the aging samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for the identification of furoic acid and maleic acid in the aging transformer oil samples. Using the optimal method, the target products of samples at different aging time were tracked and measured. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Insights into the role of humic acid on Pd-catalytic electro-Fenton transformation of toluene in groundwater.

PubMed

Liao, Peng; Al-Ani, Yasir; Malik Ismael, Zainab; Wu, Xiaohui

2015-03-18

A recently developed Pd-based electro-Fenton (E-Fenton) process enables efficient in situ remediation of organic contaminants in groundwater. In the process, H₂O₂, Fe(II), and acidic conditions (~pH 3) are produced in situ to facilitate the decontamination, but the role of ubiquitous natural organic matters (NOM) remain unclear. This study investigated the effect of Aldrich humic acid (HA) on the transformation of toluene by the Pd-based E-Fenton process. At pH 3 with 50 mA current, the presence of HA promoted the efficiency of toluene transformation, with pseudo-first-order rate constants increase from 0.01 to 0.016 as the HA concentration increases from 0 to 20 mg/L. The HA-enhanced toluene transformation was attributed to the accelerated thermal reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II), which led to production of more hydroxyl radicals. The correlation of the rate constants of toluene transformation and HA decomposition validated hydroxyl radical (·OH) as the predominant reactive species for HA decomposition. The finding of this study highlighted that application of the novel Pd-based E-Fenton process in groundwater remediation may not be concerned by the fouling from humic substances.

Catalytic transformation of functionalized carboxylic acids using multifunctional rhenium complexes.

PubMed

Naruto, Masayuki; Agrawal, Santosh; Toda, Katsuaki; Saito, Susumu

2017-06-13

Carboxylic acids (CAs) are one of the most ubiquitous and important chemical feedstocks available from biorenewable resources, CO 2 , and the petrochemical industry. Unfortunately, chemoselective catalytic transformations of CH n CO 2 H (n = 1-3) groups into other functionalities remain a significant challenge. Herein, we report rhenium V complexes as extremely effective precatalysts for this purpose. Compared to previously reported heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts derived from high- or low-valent metals, the present method involves a α-C-H bond functionalization, a hydrogenation, and a hydrogenolysis, which affords functionalized alcohols with a wide substrate scope and high chemoselectivity under relatively mild reaction conditions. The results represent an important step toward a paradigm shift from 'low-valent' to 'high-valent' metal complexes by exploring a new portfolio of selective functional group transformations of highly oxygenated organic substrates, as well as toward the exploitation of CAs as a valuable biorenewable feedstock.

The ratio of cancer cells to stroma after induction therapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Goto, Masaki; Naito, Masahito; Saruwatari, Koichi; Hisakane, Kakeru; Kojima, Motohiro; Fujii, Satoshi; Kuwata, Takeshi; Ochiai, Atsushi; Nomura, Shogo; Aokage, Keiju; Hishida, Tomoyuki; Yoshida, Junji; Yokoi, Kohei; Tsuboi, Masahiro; Ishii, Genichiro

2017-02-01

Induction therapy induces degenerative changes of various degrees in both cancerous and non-cancerous cells of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The effect of induction therapy on histological characteristics, in particular the ratio of residual cancer cells to non-cancerous components, is unknown. Seventy-four NSCLC patients treated with induction therapy followed by surgery were enrolled. Residual cancer cells were identified using anti-pan-cytokeratin antibody (AE1/AE3). We analyzed and quantified the following three factors via digital image analysis; (1) the tumor area containing cancer cells and non-cancerous components (TA), (2) the total area of AE1/AE3 positive cancer cells (TACC), (3) the percentage of TACC to TA (%TACC). These factors were also analyzed in a matched control group (surgery alone, n = 80). The median TACC of the induction therapy group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, the median %TACC of the induction therapy group (5.9 %) was significantly lower than that of the control group (58.6 %) (p < 0.01). TACC had a strong positive correlation with TA in the control group (r = 0.93), but not in the induction therapy group. Conversely, TACC had a strong positive correlation with %TACC in the induction therapy group (r = 0.95), but not in the control group. Unlike the control group, the smaller the total area of residual cancer cells, the higher residual tumor contained non-cancerous components in the induction group, which may be the characteristic histological feature of NSCLC after induction therapy.

Mineralogical transformations controlling acid mine drainage chemistry

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

Peretyazhko, Tetyana; Zachara, John M.; Boily, Jean F.

2009-05-30

The role of Fe(III) minerals in controlling acid mine drainage (AMD) chemistry was studied using samples from two AMD sites [Gum Boot (GB) and Fridays-2 (FR)] located in northern Pennsylvania. Chemical extractions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify and characterize Fe(III) phases. The mineralogical analysis revealed that schwertmannite and goethite were the principal Fe(III) phases in the sediments. Schwertmannite transformation occurred at the GB site where poorly-crystallized goethite rich in surface-bound sulfate was initially formed. In contrast, no schwertmannite transformation occurred at the FR site. The goethite in GBmore » sediments had spherical morphology due to preservation of schwertmannite structure by adsorbed sulfate. Results of chemical extractions showed that poorly-crystallized goethite was subject to further crystallization accompanied by sulfate desorption. Changes in sulfate speciation preceded its desorption, with a conversion of bidentate- to monodentate-bound sulfate surface complexes. Laboratory sediment incubation experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of mineral transformation on water chemistry. Incubation experiments were carried out with schwertmannite-containing sediments and AMD waters with different pH and chemical composition. The pH decreased to 1.9-2.2 in all suspensions and the concentrations of dissolved Fe and S increased significantly. Regardless of differences in the initial water composition, pH, Fe and S were similar in suspensions of the same sediment. XRD measurements revealed that schwertmannite transformed into goethite in GB and FR sediments during laboratory incubation. The incubation experiment demonstrated that schwertmannite transformation controlled AMD water chemistry during “closed system” laboratory contact.« less

Morphology and phase transformations of tin oxide nanostructures synthesized by the hydrothermal method in the presence of dicarboxylic acids

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

Zima, Tatyana, E-mail: zima@solid.nsc.ru; Novosibirsk State Technical University, 20 K. Marx Prospect, Novosibirsk 630092; Bataev, Ivan

A new approach to the synthesis of non-stoichiometric tin oxide structures with different morphologies and the phase compositions has been evaluated. The nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of the mixtures of dicarboxylic acids ― aminoterephthalic or oxalic ― with nanocrystalline SnO{sub 2} powder, which was obtained via the sol-gel technology. The products were characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy, SEM, HRTEM, and XRD analysis. It was shown that the controlled addition of a dicarboxylic acid leads not only to a change in the morphology of the nanostructures, but also to SnO{sub 2}–SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–SnO phase transformations.more » A single-phase Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} in the form of the well-separated hexagonal nanoplates and mixed SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} phases in the form of hierarchical flower-like structures were obtained in the presence of organic additives. The effects of concentration, redox activity of the acids and heat treatment on the basic characteristics of the synthesized tin oxide nanostructures and phase transformations in the synthesized materials are discussed. - Graphical abstract: The controlled addition of aminoterephthalic or oxalic acid leads not only to a change in the morphology of the nanostructures, but also to SnO{sub 2}–SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4}–SnO phase transformations. - Highlights: • A new approach to the synthesis of non-stoichiometric tin oxide structures is studied. • Tin oxide structures are synthesized via hydrothermal method with dicarboxylic acids. • Morphology and phase composition are changed with redox activity and dosage of acid. • The redox activity of acid has an effect on ratio of SnO and SnO{sub 2} in crystal structure. • A pure phase Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoplates and SnO{sub 2}/Sn{sub 3}O{sub 4} hierarchical structures are formed.« less

3-D discrete analytical ridgelet transform.

PubMed

Helbert, David; Carré, Philippe; Andres, Eric

2006-12-01

In this paper, we propose an implementation of the 3-D Ridgelet transform: the 3-D discrete analytical Ridgelet transform (3-D DART). This transform uses the Fourier strategy for the computation of the associated 3-D discrete Radon transform. The innovative step is the definition of a discrete 3-D transform with the discrete analytical geometry theory by the construction of 3-D discrete analytical lines in the Fourier domain. We propose two types of 3-D discrete lines: 3-D discrete radial lines going through the origin defined from their orthogonal projections and 3-D planes covered with 2-D discrete line segments. These discrete analytical lines have a parameter called arithmetical thickness, allowing us to define a 3-D DART adapted to a specific application. Indeed, the 3-D DART representation is not orthogonal, It is associated with a flexible redundancy factor. The 3-D DART has a very simple forward/inverse algorithm that provides an exact reconstruction without any iterative method. In order to illustrate the potentiality of this new discrete transform, we apply the 3-D DART and its extension to the Local-DART (with smooth windowing) to the denoising of 3-D image and color video. These experimental results show that the simple thresholding of the 3-D DART coefficients is efficient.

Insights into the Role of Humic Acid on Pd-catalytic Electro-Fenton Transformation of Toluene in Groundwater

PubMed Central

Liao, Peng; Al-Ani, Yasir; Malik Ismael, Zainab; Wu, Xiaohui

2015-01-01

A recently developed Pd-based electro-Fenton (E-Fenton) process enables efficient in situ remediation of organic contaminants in groundwater. In the process, H2O2, Fe(II), and acidic conditions (~pH 3) are produced in situ to facilitate the decontamination, but the role of ubiquitous natural organic matters (NOM) remain unclear. This study investigated the effect of Aldrich humic acid (HA) on the transformation of toluene by the Pd-based E-Fenton process. At pH 3 with 50 mA current, the presence of HA promoted the efficiency of toluene transformation, with pseudo-first-order rate constants increase from 0.01 to 0.016 as the HA concentration increases from 0 to 20 mg/L. The HA-enhanced toluene transformation was attributed to the accelerated thermal reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II), which led to production of more hydroxyl radicals. The correlation of the rate constants of toluene transformation and HA decomposition validated hydroxyl radical (·OH) as the predominant reactive species for HA decomposition. The finding of this study highlighted that application of the novel Pd-based E-Fenton process in groundwater remediation may not be concerned by the fouling from humic substances. PMID:25783864

On 3-gauge transformations, 3-curvatures, and Gray-categories

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

Wang, Wei, E-mail: wwang@zju.edu.cn

In the 3-gauge theory, a 3-connection is given by a 1-form A valued in the Lie algebra g, a 2-form B valued in the Lie algebra h, and a 3-form C valued in the Lie algebra l, where (g,h,l) constitutes a differential 2-crossed module. We give the 3-gauge transformations from one 3-connection to another, and show the transformation formulae of the 1-curvature 2-form, the 2-curvature 3-form, and the 3-curvature 4-form. The gauge configurations can be interpreted as smooth Gray-functors between two Gray 3-groupoids: the path 3-groupoid P{sub 3}(X) and the 3-gauge group G{sup L} associated to the 2-crossed module L,more » whose differential is (g,h,l). The derivatives of Gray-functors are 3-connections, and the derivatives of lax-natural transformations between two such Gray-functors are 3-gauge transformations. We give the 3-dimensional holonomy, the lattice version of the 3-curvature, whose derivative gives the 3-curvature 4-form. The covariance of 3-curvatures easily follows from this construction. This Gray-categorical construction explains why 3-gauge transformations and 3-curvatures have the given forms. The interchanging 3-arrows are responsible for the appearance of terms with the Peiffer commutator (, )« less

FGFR1/3 tyrosine kinase fusions define a unique molecular subtype of non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Wang, Rui; Wang, Lei; Li, Yuan; Hu, Haichuan; Shen, Lei; Shen, Xuxia; Pan, Yunjian; Ye, Ting; Zhang, Yang; Luo, Xiaoyang; Zhang, Yiliang; Pan, Bin; Li, Bin; Li, Hang; Zhang, Jie; Pao, William; Ji, Hongbin; Sun, Yihua; Chen, Haiquan

2014-08-01

The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-3 fusion genes have been recently demonstrated in a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To aid in identification and treatment of these patients, we examined the frequency, clinicopathologic characteristics, and treatment outcomes of patients who had NSCLC with or without FGFR fusions. Fourteen known FGFR fusion variants, including FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3, were detected by RT-PCR and verified by direct sequencing in 1,328 patients with NSCLC. All patients were also analyzed for mutations in EGFR, KRAS, HER2, BRAF, ALK, RET, and ROS1. Clinical characteristics, including age, sex, smoking status, stage, subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma, relapse-free survival, and overall survival, were collected. Of 1,328 tumors screened, two (0.2%) were BAG4-FGFR1 fusion and 15 (1.1%) were FGFR3-TACC3 fusion. Six of 1,016 patients with lung adenocarcinoma were FGFR3-TACC3 fusions and 11 of 312 lung squamous cell carcinoma harbored BAG4-FGFR1 or FGFR3-TACC3 fusions. Compared with the FGFR fusion-negative group, patients with FGFR fusions were more likely to be smokers (94.1%, 16 of 17 patients, P < 0.001), significantly associated with larger tumor (>3 cm; 88.2%, 15 of 17 patients, P < 0.001) and with a tendency to be more poorly differentiated (53.9%, nine of 17 patients, P = 0.095). FGFR fusions define a molecular subset of NSCLC with distinct clinical characteristics. FGFR is a druggable target and patients with FGFR fusions may benefit from FGFR-targeted therapy, which needs further clinical investigation. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

Role of activator protein-1 on the effect of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid containing peptides on transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activity.

PubMed

Ruiz-Torres, M P; Perez-Rivero, G; Diez-Marques, M L; Griera, M; Ortega, R; Rodriguez-Puyol, M; Rodríguez-Puyol, D

2007-01-01

While arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-based peptidomimetics have been employed for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and cancer, their use in other contexts remains to be explored. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine induces Transforming growth factor-beta1 transcription in human mesangial cells, but the molecular mechanisms involved have not been studied extensively. We explored whether this effect could be due to Activator protein-1 activation and studied the potential pathways involved. Addition of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine promoted Activator protein-1 binding to its cognate sequence within the Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter as well as c-jun and c-fos protein abundance. Moreover, this effect was suppressed by curcumin, a c-Jun N terminal kinase inhibitor, and was absent when the Activator protein-1 cis-regulatory element was deleted. Activator protein-1 binding was dependent on the activity of integrin linked kinase, as transfection with a dominant negative mutant suppressed both Activator protein-1 binding and c-jun and c-fos protein increment. Integrin linked kinase was, in turn, dependent on Phosphoinositol-3 kinase activity. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine stimulated Phosphoinositol-3 kinase activity, and Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activation was abrogated by the use of Phosphoinositol-3 kinase specific inhibitors. In summary, we propose that arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine activates Integrin linked kinase via the Phosphoinositol-3 kinase pathway and this leads to activation of c-jun and c-fos and increased Activator protein-1 binding and Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activity. These data may contribute to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the cellular actions of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-related peptides and enhance their relevance as these products evolve into clinical therapeutic use.

A Single Amino Acid Substitution in the v-Eyk Intracellular Domain Results in Activation of Stat3 and Enhances Cellular Transformation

PubMed Central

Besser, Daniel; Bromberg, Jacqueline F.; Darnell, James E.; Hanafusa, Hidesaburo

1999-01-01

The receptor tyrosine kinase Eyk, a member of the Axl/Tyro3 subfamily, activates the STAT pathway and transforms cells when constitutively activated. Here, we compared the potentials of the intracellular domains of Eyk molecules derived from c-Eyk and v-Eyk to transform rat 3Y1 fibroblasts. The v-Eyk molecule induced higher numbers of transformants in soft agar and stronger activation of Stat3; levels of Stat1 activation by the two Eyk molecules were similar. A mutation in the sequence Y933VPL, present in c-Eyk, to the v-Eyk sequence Y933VPQ led to increased activation of Stat3 and increased transformation efficiency. However, altering another sequence, Y862VNT, present in both Eyk molecules to F862VNT markedly decreased transformation without impairing Stat3 activation. These results indicate that activation of Stat3 enhances transformation efficiency and cooperates with another pathway to induce transformation. PMID:9891073

[Effect of humic acids on migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N in saturated aquifer].

PubMed

Meng, Qing-Jun; Zhang, Yan; Feng, Qi-Yan; Zhang, Shuang-Sheng

2011-11-01

Isothermal adsorption experiment was used to study the adsorbing process of NH4(+) -N in quartz sands under the conditions with and without humic acid; the Langmuir and Freundlich equations were used to fit the absorption result and the maximum adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N by quarts sands was calculated. Through the soil column experiments, the concentration of NH4(+) -N, NO3(-) -N and NO2(-) -N in effluent water in the tested soil column was investigated, and the effect of humic acid on migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N in saturated aquifer was analyzed, and Pseudo-second-order Kinetics Equation and Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equation were applied to fit the kinetic processes. The results showed that both Langmuir and Freundlich models can well describe the isothermal adsorption process of NH4(+) -N on the surface of quartz sands, which means that NH4(+) -N adsorbed by the quartz sand was mainly in the form of monolayer adsorption. The humic acid could increase the adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N on quartz sand, and the saturated adsorption capacity was 0.354 mg x g(-1) under the condition with humic acid and 0.205 mg x g(-1) with the absence of humic acid. The experiment indicated that humic acid increased the adsorption capacity of NH4(+) -N on the surface of quartz sand by increasing adsorption space in the initial stage. After saturation, humic acid influenced the migration and transformation of NH4(+) -N to NO3(-) -N and NO2(-) -N probably through providing carbon source and energy for microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria and then resulting in lower NH4(+) -N concentration in effluent water. Both Pseudo-second-order Kinetics Equation and Two-step Adsorption Kinetics Rate Equations can well describe the process of NH4(+) -N adsorption kinetics on quartz sand (R2 = 0.997 7 and R2 = 0.998 1 with humic acid; R2 = 0.992 3 and R2 = 0.994 4 without humic acid), indicating that this process was chemical adsorption. By comparing the

Morphology and phase transformations of tin oxide nanostructures synthesized by the hydrothermal method in the presence of dicarboxylic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zima, Tatyana.; Bataev, Ivan

2016-11-01

A new approach to the synthesis of non-stoichiometric tin oxide structures with different morphologies and the phase compositions has been evaluated. The nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of the mixtures of dicarboxylic acids ― aminoterephthalic or oxalic ― with nanocrystalline SnO2 powder, which was obtained via the sol-gel technology. The products were characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy, SEM, HRTEM, and XRD analysis. It was shown that the controlled addition of a dicarboxylic acid leads not only to a change in the morphology of the nanostructures, but also to SnO2-SnO2/Sn3O4-Sn3O4-SnO phase transformations. A single-phase Sn3O4 in the form of the well-separated hexagonal nanoplates and mixed SnO2/Sn3O4 phases in the form of hierarchical flower-like structures were obtained in the presence of organic additives. The effects of concentration, redox activity of the acids and heat treatment on the basic characteristics of the synthesized tin oxide nanostructures and phase transformations in the synthesized materials are discussed.

[Raman spectroscopic analysis of dissolution and phase transformation of chloropinnoite in the boric acid aqueous solution].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Ping; Gao, Shi-Yang; Liu, Zhi-Hong; Hu, Man-Cheng; Xia, Shu-Ping

2005-01-01

Raman spectroscopy of dissolution and transformation of chloropinnoite in 4.5% (w.t.%) boric acid aqueous solution at 30 degrees C has been recorded. The Raman spectra of kinetics process have been obtained. The phase transformation product is kurnakovite (2MgO x 3B2O3 x 15H2O). The main polyborate anions and their interaction in aqueous solution have been proposed according to the Raman spectrum. Some assignments were tentatively given and the relations between the existing forms of polyborate anions and the crystallizing solid phases have been gained. A mechanisms of dissolution and crystallization reactions and the formation condition of kurnakovite in Qinghai-Tibet plateau were proposed and discussed.

3D printed magnetic polymer composite transformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bollig, Lindsey M.; Hilpisch, Peter J.; Mowry, Greg S.; Nelson-Cheeseman, Brittany B.

2017-11-01

The possibility of 3D printing a transformer core using fused deposition modeling methods is explored. With the use of additive manufacturing, ideal transformer core geometries can be achieved in order to produce a more efficient transformer. In this work, different 3D printed settings and toroidal geometries are tested using a custom integrated magnetic circuit capable of measuring the hysteresis loop of a transformer. These different properties are then characterized, and it was determined the most effective 3D printed transformer core requires a high fill factor along with a high concentration of magnetic particulate.

MRS3D: 3D Spherical Wavelet Transform on the Sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanusse, F.; Rassat, A.; Starck, J.-L.

2011-12-01

Future cosmological surveys will provide 3D large scale structure maps with large sky coverage, for which a 3D Spherical Fourier-Bessel (SFB) analysis is natural. Wavelets are particularly well-suited to the analysis and denoising of cosmological data, but a spherical 3D isotropic wavelet transform does not currently exist to analyse spherical 3D data. We present a new fast Discrete Spherical Fourier-Bessel Transform (DSFBT) based on both a discrete Bessel Transform and the HEALPIX angular pixelisation scheme. We tested the 3D wavelet transform and as a toy-application, applied a denoising algorithm in wavelet space to the Virgo large box cosmological simulations and found we can successfully remove noise without much loss to the large scale structure. The new spherical 3D isotropic wavelet transform, called MRS3D, is ideally suited to analysing and denoising future 3D spherical cosmological surveys; it uses a novel discrete spherical Fourier-Bessel Transform. MRS3D is based on two packages, IDL and Healpix and can be used only if these two packages have been installed.

Transformation and Stability of Dimethylmonothiolated Arsinic acid (DMMTAV) and Dimethyldithiolated Arsinic Acid (DMDTAV) in a Simulated Landfill Leachate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, H. O.; Lee, H.; Jeong, S.

2016-12-01

In environmental pollution concern, arsenic species (As) are the major concern because of its toxicity. The occurrence of thioarsenates, thiolated analogs of inorganic As species, are recently reported in groundwater, geothermal water, and landfill leachate. Dimethylmonothiolated arsinic acid (DMMTAV) and dimethyldithiolated arsinic acid (DMDTAV) have receiving increasing attention. Since there are difficulties of preparing of standards along with confirming DMMTAV and DMDTAV for verification prior to analysis of samples due to no available commercial standard, the accurate assessment of those As species was not resolved. is present and Moreover, there are limit studies on transformation and stability of thiolated As species under high sulfur condition such as landfill leachate to accurate assess their fate and toxicity in environment. In this study, DMMTAV and DMDTAV were artificially synthesized and identified using ESI-MS. Column test was conducted using the simulated landfill leachates (SLLs) to investigate their transformation under high sulfur conditions. The transformation mechanisms for DMMTAV and DMDTAV were also investigated to quantify what As species are existed and transformed in landfill leachate for determining their potential risk. The transformed As species were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study provides the transformation mechanism and stability of DMMTAV and DMDTAV in landfill leachate to determine their potential environmental risk. Acknowledgement: This research was supported by research project title "Development of response Technology for the Environment Disaster by Chemical Accident (project No. C36707) of the Korea Basic Science Institute.

Potential of endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari for transformation and degradation of recalcitrant pollutant sinapic acid.

PubMed

Xie, Xing-Guang; Huang, Chun-Yan; Fu, Wan-Qiu; Dai, Chuan-Chao

2016-03-01

The biodegradation potential of sinapic acid, one of the most representative methoxy phenolic pollutants presented in industrial wastewater, was first studied using an endophytic fungus called Phomopsis liquidambari. This strain can effectively degrade sinapic acid in flasks and in soil and the possible biodegradation pathway was first systematically proposed on the basis of the metabolite production patterns and the identification of the metabolites by GC-MS and HPLC-MS. Sinapic acid was first transformed to 2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol that was further degraded via 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, syringic acid, gallic acid, and citric acid which involved in the continuous catalysis by phenolic acid decarboxylase, laccase, and gallic acid dioxygenase. Moreover, their activities and gene expression levels exhibited a 'cascade induction' response with the changes in metabolic product concentrations and the generation of fungal laccase significantly improved the degradation process. This study is the first report of an endophytic fungus that has great potential to degrade xenobiotic sinapic acid, and also provide a basis for practical application of endophytic fungus in the bioremediation of sinapic acid-contaminated industrial wastewater and soils. Copyright © 2015 The British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organic Acids Regulation of Chemical-Microbial Phosphorus Transformations in Soils.

PubMed

Menezes-Blackburn, Daniel; Paredes, Cecilia; Zhang, Hao; Giles, Courtney D; Darch, Tegan; Stutter, Marc; George, Timothy S; Shand, Charles; Lumsdon, David; Cooper, Patricia; Wendler, Renate; Brown, Lawrie; Blackwell, Martin; Wearing, Catherine; Haygarth, Philip M

2016-11-01

We have used an integrated approach to study the mobility of inorganic phosphorus (P) from soil solid phase as well as the microbial biomass P and respiration at increasing doses of citric and oxalic acid in two different soils with contrasting agronomic P status. Citric or oxalic acids significantly increased soil solution P concentrations for doses over 2 mmol kg -1 . However, low organic acid doses (<2 mmol kg -1 ) were associated with a steep increase in microbial biomass P, which was not seen for higher doses. In both soils, treatment with the tribasic citric acid led to a greater increase in soil solution P than the dibasic oxalic acid, likely due to the rapid degrading of oxalic acids in soils. After equilibration of soils with citric or oxalic acids, the adsorbed-to-solution distribution coefficient (K d ) and desorption rate constants (k -1 ) decreased whereas an increase in the response time of solution P equilibration (T c ) was observed. The extent of this effect was shown to be both soil and organic acid specific. Our results illustrate the critical thresholds of organic acid concentration necessary to mobilize sorbed and precipitated P, bringing new insight on how the exudation of organic acids regulate chemical-microbial soil phosphorus transformations.

Picolinic and isonicotinic acids: a Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy study.

PubMed

Peña, Isabel; Varela, Marcelino; Franco, Vanina G; López, Juan C; Cabezas, Carlos; Alonso, José L

2014-12-04

The rotational spectra of laser ablated picolinic and isonicotinic acids have been studied using broadband chirped pulse (CP-FTMW) and narrowband molecular beam (MB-FTMW) Fourier transform microwave spectroscopies. Two conformers of picolinic acid, s-cis-I and s-cis-II, and one conformer of isonicotinic acid have been identified through the analysis of their rotational spectra. The values of the inertial defect and the quadrupole coupling constants obtained for the most stable s-cis-I conformer of picolinic acid, evidence the formation of an O-H···N hydrogen bond between the acid group and the endocyclic N atom. The stabilization provided by this hydrogen bond compensates the destabilization energy due to the adoption of a -COOH trans configuration in this conformer. Its rs structure has been derived from the rotational spectra of several (13)C, (15)N, and (18)O species observed in their natural abundances. Mesomeric effects have been revealed by comparing the experimental values of the (14)N nuclear quadrupole coupling constants in the isomeric series of picolinic, isonicotinic, and nicotinic acids.

Transformation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids/Esters to Corresponding Keto Fatty Acids/Esters by Aerobic Oxidation with Pd(II)/Lewis Acid Catalyst.

PubMed

Senan, Ahmed M; Zhang, Sicheng; Zeng, Miao; Chen, Zhuqi; Yin, Guochuan

2017-08-16

Utilization of renewable biomass to partly replace the fossil resources in industrial applications has attracted attention due to the limited fossil feedstock with the increased environmental concerns. This work introduced a modified Wacker-type oxidation for transformation of unsaturated fatty acids/esters to the corresponding keto fatty acids/esters, in which Cu 2+ cation was replaced with common nonredox metal ions, that is, a novel Pd(II)/Lewis acid (LA) catalyst. It was found that adding nonredox metal ions can effectively promote Pd(II)-catalyzed oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids/esters to the corresponding keto fatty acids/esters, even much better than Cu 2+ , and the promotional effect is highly dependent on the Lewis acidity of added nonredox metal ions. The improved catalytic efficiency is attributed to the formation of heterobimetallic Pd(II)/LA species, and the oxidation mechanism of this Pd(II)/LA catalyst is also briefly discussed.

Effect of thiosulfate on rapid start-up of sulfur-based reduction of high concentrated perchlorate: A study of kinetics, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and bacterial community structure.

PubMed

Guo, Jianbo; Zhang, Chao; Lian, Jing; Lu, Caicai; Chen, Zhi; Song, Yuanyuan; Guo, Yankai; Xing, Yajuan

2017-11-01

Perchlorate (ClO 4 - ) contamination is more and more concerned due to the hazards to humans. Based on the common primary bacterium (Helicobacteraceae) of both thiosulfate-acclimated sludge (T-Acc) and sulfur-acclimated sludge (S-Acc) for perchlorate reduction, the rapid start-up of sulfur-based perchlorate reduction reactor (SBPRR) was hypothesized by inoculating T-Acc. Furthermore, the performance of SBPRR, the SO 4 2- yield, kinetics of ClO 4 - reduction and the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of biofilm confirmed the hypothesis. The start-up time of R3 (reactor inoculating T-Acc) was 0.18 and 0.21 times that of R1 (control) and R2 (reactor with the influent containing thiosulfate), respectively. The SO 4 2- yield of R3 was lower than that of R2 and R1 with perchlorate removal rate 166.7mg/(Lh). The kinetic study and EPS demonstrated that inoculating T-Acc was beneficial for the development of biofilm. Consequently, the present study indicated that SBPRR can be rapidly and successfully started-up via inoculation of T-Acc. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxidation of benzoic acid by heat-activated persulfate: Effect of temperature on transformation pathway and product distribution.

PubMed

Zrinyi, Nick; Pham, Anh Le-Tuan

2017-09-01

Heat activates persulfate (S 2 O 8 2- ) into sulfate radical (SO 4 - ), a powerful oxidant capable of transforming a wide variety of contaminants. Previous studies have shown that an increase in temperature accelerates the rates of persulfate activation and contaminant transformation. However, few studies have considered the effect of temperature on contaminant transformation pathway. The objective of this study was to determine how temperature (T = 22-70 °C) influences the activation of persulfate, the transformation of benzoic acid (i.e., a model compound), and the distribution of benzoic acid oxidation products. The time-concentration profiles of the products suggest that benzoic acid was transformed via decarboxylation and hydroxylation mechanisms, with the former becoming increasingly important at elevated temperatures. The pathway through which the products were further oxidized was also influenced by the temperature of persulfate activation. Our findings suggest that the role of temperature in the persulfate-based treatment systems is not limited only to controlling the rates of sulfate and hydroxyl radical generation. The ability of sulfate radical to initiate decarboxylation reactions and, more broadly, fragmentation reactions, as well as the effect of temperature on these transformation pathways could be important to the transformation of a number of organic contaminants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Features of the damage produced by proflavine on transforming deoxyribonucleic acid.

PubMed Central

Cabrera-Juárez, E; Sánchez-Rincón, D A

1979-01-01

Proflavine formed a complex with transforming deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Haemophilus influenzae, with optimal formation at a ratio of proflavine to DNA of 0.06. The rate of dissociation of the complex by dialysis increased in the order: native, denatured, renatured DNA. The transforming activity of the DNA was reduced by its interaction with proflavine. This inactivation was dependent on the physical state of the DNA, the proflavine concentration, and the temperature. DNA that had been denatured and renatured was most sensitive; native DNA was much less sensitive. The inactivation remained after dialysis and was stable to prolonged storage. It is concluded that the inactivation of transforming DNA by proflavine takes place by a mechanism different from that of DNA-proflavine complex formation. PMID:312284

Features of the damage produced by proflavine on transforming deoxyribonucleic acid.

PubMed

Cabrera-Juárez, E; Sánchez-Rincón, D A

1979-03-01

Proflavine formed a complex with transforming deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Haemophilus influenzae, with optimal formation at a ratio of proflavine to DNA of 0.06. The rate of dissociation of the complex by dialysis increased in the order: native, denatured, renatured DNA. The transforming activity of the DNA was reduced by its interaction with proflavine. This inactivation was dependent on the physical state of the DNA, the proflavine concentration, and the temperature. DNA that had been denatured and renatured was most sensitive; native DNA was much less sensitive. The inactivation remained after dialysis and was stable to prolonged storage. It is concluded that the inactivation of transforming DNA by proflavine takes place by a mechanism different from that of DNA-proflavine complex formation.

Metabolism of the 18O-methoxy substituent of 3-methoxybenzoic acid and other unlabeled methoxybenzoic acids by anaerobic bacteria.

PubMed Central

DeWeerd, K A; Saxena, A; Nagle, D P; Suflita, J M

1988-01-01

O-methyl substituents of aromatic compounds can provide C1 growth substrates for facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria isolated from diverse environments. The mechanism of the bioconversion of methoxylated benzoic acids to the hydroxylated derivatives was investigated with a model substrate and cultures of one anaerobic consortium, eight strict anaerobic bacteria, and one facultative anaerobic microorganism. Using high-pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectral analysis, we found that a haloaromatic dehalogenating consortium, a dehalogenating isolate from that consortium, Eubacterium limosum, and a strain of Acetobacterium woodii metabolized 3-[methoxy-18O]methoxybenzoic acid (3-anisic acid) to 3-[hydroxy-18O]hydroxybenzoic acid stoichiometrically at rates of 1.5, 3.2, 52.4, and 36.7 nmol/min per mg of protein, respectively. A different strain of Acetobacterium and strains of Syntrophococcus, Clostridium, Desulfotomaculum, Enterobacter, and an anaerobic bacterium, strain TH-001, were unable to transform this compound. The O-demethylating ability of E. limosum was induced only with appropriate methoxylated benzoates but not with D-glucose, lactate, isoleucine, or methanol. Cross-acclimation and growth experiments with E. limosum showed a rate of metabolism that was an order of magnitude slower and showed no growth with either 4-methoxysalicylic acid (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid) or 4-anisic acid (4-methoxybenzoic acid) when adapted to 3-anisic acid. However, A. woodii NZva-16 showed slower rates and no growth with 3- or 4-methoxysalicylic acid when adapted to 3-anisic acid in similar experiments. The results clearly indicate a methyl rather than methoxy group removal mechanism for such reactions. PMID:3389815

[Responses of rhizosphere nitrogen and phosphorus transformations to different acid rain intensities in a hilly red soil tea plantation].

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Chen, Fu-sheng; Ye, Su-qiong; Yu, Su-qin; Fang, Xiang-min; Hu, Xiao-fei

2015-01-01

Tea (Camellia sinensis) plantation in hilly red soil region has been long impacted by acid deposition, however its effects on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) transformations in rhizosphere soils remain unclear. A 25-year old tea plantation in a typical hilly red soil region was selected for an in situ simulation experiment treated by pH 4.5, pH 3.5, pH 2.5 and control. Rhizosihere and bulk soils were collected in the third year from the simulated acid deposition experiment. Soil mineral N, available P contents and major enzyme activities were analyzed using the chemical extraction and biochemical methods, and N and P mineralization rates were estimated using the indoor aerobic incubation methods. Our results showed that compared to the control, the treatments of pH 4.5, pH 3.5 and pH 2.5, respectively decreased 7.1%, 42.1% and 49.9% NO3(-)-N, 6.4%, 35.9% and 40.3% mineral N, 10.5%, 41.1% and 46.9% available P, 18.7%, 30.1% and 44.7% ammonification rate, 3.6%, 12.7% and 38.8% net N-mineralization rate, and 31.5%, 41.8% and 63.0% P mineralization rate in rhizosphere soils; however, among the 4 treatments, rhizosphere soil nitrification rate was not significantly different, the rhizosphere soil urease and acid phosphatase activities generally increased with the increasing intensity of acid rain (P<0.05). In bulk soil, compared with the control, the treatments of pH 4.5, pH 3.5 and pH 2.5 did not cause significant changes in NO3(-)-N, mineral N, available P as well as in the rates of nitrification, ammonification, net N-mineralization and P mineralization. With increasing the acid intensity, the rhizosphere effects of NH4+-N, NO3(-)-N, mineral N, ammonification and net N-mineralization rates were altered from positive to negative effects, those of urease and acid phosphatease showed the opposite trends, those of available P and P mineralization were negative and that of nitrification was positive. In sum, prolonged elevated acid rain could reduce N and P transformation

Sorting nexin 9 recruits clathrin heavy chain to the mitotic spindle for chromosome alignment and segregation.

PubMed

Ma, Maggie P C; Robinson, Phillip J; Chircop, Megan

2013-01-01

Sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) and clathrin heavy chain (CHC) each have roles in mitosis during metaphase. Since the two proteins directly interact for their other cellular function in endocytosis we investigated whether they also interact for metaphase and operate on the same pathway. We report that SNX9 and CHC functionally interact during metaphase in a specific molecular pathway that contributes to stabilization of mitotic spindle kinetochore (K)-fibres for chromosome alignment and segregation. This function is independent of their endocytic role. SNX9 residues in the clathrin-binding low complexity domain are required for CHC association and for targeting both CHC and transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3) to the mitotic spindle. Mutation of these sites to serine increases the metaphase plate width, indicating inefficient chromosome congression. Therefore SNX9 and CHC function in the same molecular pathway for chromosome alignment and segregation, which is dependent on their direct association.

Sorting Nexin 9 Recruits Clathrin Heavy Chain to the Mitotic Spindle for Chromosome Alignment and Segregation

PubMed Central

Ma, Maggie P. C.; Robinson, Phillip J.; Chircop, Megan

2013-01-01

Sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) and clathrin heavy chain (CHC) each have roles in mitosis during metaphase. Since the two proteins directly interact for their other cellular function in endocytosis we investigated whether they also interact for metaphase and operate on the same pathway. We report that SNX9 and CHC functionally interact during metaphase in a specific molecular pathway that contributes to stabilization of mitotic spindle kinetochore (K)-fibres for chromosome alignment and segregation. This function is independent of their endocytic role. SNX9 residues in the clathrin-binding low complexity domain are required for CHC association and for targeting both CHC and transforming acidic coiled-coil protein 3 (TACC3) to the mitotic spindle. Mutation of these sites to serine increases the metaphase plate width, indicating inefficient chromosome congression. Therefore SNX9 and CHC function in the same molecular pathway for chromosome alignment and segregation, which is dependent on their direct association. PMID:23861900

CaCO3 supplementation alleviates the inhibition of formic acid on acetone/butanol/ethanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum.

PubMed

Qi, Gaoxiang; Xiong, Lian; Lin, Xiaoqing; Huang, Chao; Li, Hailong; Chen, Xuefang; Chen, Xinde

2017-01-01

To investigate the inhibiting effect of formic acid on acetone/butanol/ethanol (ABE) fermentation and explain the mechanism of the alleviation in the inhibiting effect under CaCO 3 supplementation condition. From the medium containing 50 g sugars l -1 and 0.5 g formic acid l -1 , only 0.75 g ABE l -1 was produced when pH was adjusted by KOH and fermentation ended prematurely before the transformation from acidogenesis to solventogenesis. In contrast, 11.4 g ABE l -1 was produced when pH was adjusted by 4 g CaCO 3 l -1 . The beneficial effect can be ascribed to the buffering capacity of CaCO 3 . Comparative analysis results showed that the undissociated formic acid concentration and acid production coupled with ATP and NADH was affected by the pH buffering capacity of CaCO 3 . Four millimole undissociated formic acid was the threshold at which the transformation to solventogenesis occurred. The inhibiting effect of formic acid on ABE fermentation can be alleviated by CaCO 3 supplementation due to its buffering capacity.

Transformation of the Ionic X-Ray Contrast Agent Diatrizoate and Related Triiodinated Benzoates by Trametes versicolor

PubMed Central

Rode, Ulrike; Müller, Rudolf

1998-01-01

Iodinated X-ray contrast agents are considered to be nondegradable by microorganisms. The decomposition of the ionic X-ray contrast agents Diatrizoate (3,5-di(acetamido)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid) and Iodipamide (3,3′-adipoyl-diimino-di(2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid) and related triiodinated benzoates (Acetrizoate [3-acetylamino-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid] and Aminotrizoate [3-amino-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid]) by Trametes versicolor has been investigated. The fungus was able to transform all tested triiodinated benzoates cometabolically. During transformation of these compounds, iodide was released, but deiodination was not complete. T. versicolor liberated traces of 14CO2 from uniformly ring-14C-labeled Diatrizoate (3,5-di(acetamido)-2,4,6-triiodobenzoate). Various extracellular metabolites were detected during transformation of the different substances. In the transformation of Diatrizoate, the three main metabolites were identified as 3,5-di(acetamido)-2,6-diiodobenzoic acid, 3,5-di(acetamido)-2,4-diiodobenzoic acid, and 3,5-di(acetamido)-2-iodobenzoic acid, suggesting reductive deiodinations in steps as initial transformation steps. PMID:9687487

[Apply fourier transform infrared spectra coupled with two-dimensional correlation analysis to study the evolution of humic acids during composting].

PubMed

Bu, Gui-jun; Yu, Jing; Di, Hui-hui; Luo, Shi-jia; Zhou, Da-zhai; Xiao, Qiang

2015-02-01

The composition and structure of humic acids formed during composting play an important influence on the quality and mature of compost. In order to explore the composition and evolution mechanism, municipal solid wastes were collected to compost and humic and fulvic acids were obtained from these composted municipal solid wastes. Furthermore, fourier transform infrared spectra and two-dimensional correlation analysis were applied to study the composition and transformation of humic and fulvic acids during composting. The results from fourier transform infrared spectra showed that, the composition of humic acids was complex, and several absorbance peaks were observed at 2917-2924, 2844-2852, 2549, 1662, 1622, 1566, 1454, 1398, 1351, 990-1063, 839 and 711 cm(-1). Compared to humic acids, the composition of fulvci acids was simple, and only three peaks were detected at 1725, 1637 and 990 cm(-1). The appearance of these peaks showed that both humic and fulvic acids comprised the benzene originated from lignin and the polysaccharide. In addition, humic acids comprised a large number of aliphatic and protein which were hardly detected in fulvic acids. Aliphatic, polysaccharide, protein and lignin all were degraded during composting, however, the order of degradation was different between humic and fulvci acids. The result from two-dimensional correlation analysis showed that, organic compounds in humic acids were degraded in the following sequence: aliphatic> protein> polysaccharide and lignin, while that in fulvic acids was as following: protein> polysaccharide and aliphatic. A large number of carboxyl, alcohols and ethers were formed during the degradation process, and the carboxyl was transformed into carbonates. It can be concluded that, fourier transform infrared spectra coupled with two-dimensional correlation analysis not only can analyze the function group composition of humic substances, but also can characterize effectively the degradation sequence of these

[Effect of Ce3+ on volatile fatty acid concentrations during anaerobic granular sludge digestion].

PubMed

Liang, Rui; Xia, Qing; Ding, Li-Li; Shi, Xiao-Lei; Zhao, Ming-Yu; Ren, Hong-Qiang

2009-04-15

Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Ce3+ on volatile fatty acid(VFA) concentrations by anaerobic granular sludge digestion using D-Glucose and acetic sodium as substrate in the state of stabilization and restart-up. Results show that when the concentration of Ce3+ is lower than 1 mg/L, VFA concentration decreases, which suggests the transformation of butyric acid to acetic acid and acetic acid to methane is promoted. When the concentration of Ce3+ is 1-10 mg/L, the bacterial activity decreases and decomposition of the acetic acid and butyric acid becomes more difficult compared with the control. Adding Ce3+ brings little change in the constitution of VFA: 96% of VFA is acetic acid and butyric acid, while the propionic acid accounts for less than 3%. With the acetic sodium as the sole carbon and energy source, adding 0.05 mg/L Ce3+ could accelerate acetate degradation. After being conserved for 4 months, the activity of the Ce-containing anaerobic granular sludge is higher than that of the Ce-free sludge. The present of Ce contributes to the restart-up of anaerobic reactors.

Enhancement of Ganoderic Acid Accumulation by Overexpression of an N-Terminally Truncated 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Gene in the Basidiomycete Ganoderma lucidum

PubMed Central

Xu, Jun-Wei; Xu, Yi-Ning

2012-01-01

Ganoderic acids produced by Ganoderma lucidum, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom, exhibit antitumor and antimetastasis activities. Genetic modification of G. lucidum is difficult but critical for the enhancement of cellular accumulation of ganoderic acids. In this study, a homologous genetic transformation system for G. lucidum was developed for the first time using mutated sdhB, encoding the iron-sulfur protein subunit of succinate dehydrogenase, as a selection marker. The truncated G. lucidum gene encoding the catalytic domain of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) was overexpressed by using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system. The results showed that the mutated sdhB successfully conferred carboxin resistance upon transformation. Most of the integrated transfer DNA (T-DNA) appeared as a single copy in the genome. Moreover, deregulated constitutive overexpression of the HMGR gene led to a 2-fold increase in ganoderic acid content. It also increased the accumulation of intermediates (squalene and lanosterol) and the upregulation of downstream genes such as those of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, squalene synthase, and lanosterol synthase. This study demonstrates that transgenic basidiomycete G. lucidum is a promising system to achieve metabolic engineering of the ganoderic acid pathway. PMID:22941092

Surface-mediated nucleation in the solid-state polymorph transformation of terephthalic acid.

PubMed

Beckham, Gregg T; Peters, Baron; Starbuck, Cindy; Variankaval, Narayan; Trout, Bernhardt L

2007-04-18

A molecular mechanism for nucleation for the solid-state polymorph transformation of terephthalic acid is presented. New methods recently developed in our group, aimless shooting and likelihood maximization, are employed to construct a model for the reaction coordinate for the two system sizes studied. The reaction coordinate approximation is validated using the committor probability analysis. The transformation proceeds via a localized, elongated nucleus along the crystal edge formed by fluctuations in the supramolecular synthons, suggesting a nucleation and growth mechanism in the macroscopic system.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of the novel poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) films based on surface modification with lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yuewen; Chu, Yang; Yu, Zhenjiang; Hao, Haixia; Wu, Qingyao; Xie, Hongde

2017-10-01

Two kinds of novel fluorescent films have been successfully synthesized by surface modification on the poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) films using the lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+) complexes. The process consists of three steps: conversion of carboxylic acid groups on the surface of the poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) films to acid chloride groups, synthesis of the lanthanide complexes bearing amino groups, and amidation to form the modified films. To characterize the modified films, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, static water contact angle measurements and photoluminescence tests have been employed. Fourier transform infrared verifies the successful preparation of the lanthanide complexes and the modified poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) films. These films can emit strong characteristic red and green light under UV light excitation. In addition, the films both have short lifetime (1.14 ms and 1.21 ms), high thermal stability (Td = 408 °C and 411 °C) and, compared with unmodified ones, increased hydrophilicity. All these results suggest that the modified films have potential application as luminescent materials under high temperature.

Aqueous chlorination of mefenamic acid: kinetics, transformation by-products and ecotoxicity assessment.

PubMed

Adira Wan Khalit, Wan Nor; Tay, Kheng Soo

2016-05-18

Mefenamic acid (Mfe) is one of the most frequently detected nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the environment. This study investigated the kinetics and the transformation by-products of Mfe during aqueous chlorination. The potential ecotoxicity of the transformation by-products was also evaluated. In the kinetic study, the second-order rate constant (kapp) for the reaction between Mfe and free available chlorine (FAC) was determined at 25 ± 0.1 °C. The result indicated that the degradation of Mfe by FAC is highly pH-dependent. When the pH was increased from 6 to 8, it was found that the kapp for the reaction between Mfe and FAC was decreased from 16.44 to 4.4 M(-1) s(-1). Characterization of the transformation by-products formed during the chlorination of Mfe was carried out using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight accurate mass spectrometry. Four major transformation by-products were identified. These transformation by-products were mainly formed through hydroxylation, chlorination and oxidation reactions. Ecotoxicity assessment revealed that transformation by-products, particularly monohydroxylated Mfe which is more toxic than Mfe, can be formed during aqueous chlorination.

Lunasin-aspirin combination against NIH/3T3 cells transformation induced by chemical carcinogens.

PubMed

Hsieh, Chia-Chien; Hernández-Ledesma, Blanca; de Lumen, Ben O

2011-06-01

Carcinogenesis is a multistage process involving a number of molecular pathways sensitive to intervention. Chemoprevention is defined as the use of natural and/or synthetic substances to block, reverse, or retard the process of carcinogenesis. To achieve greater inhibitory effects on cancer cells, combination of two or more chemopreventive agents is commonly considered as a better preventive and/or therapeutic strategy. Lunasin is a promising cancer preventive peptide identified in soybean and other seeds. Its efficacy has been demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo models. This peptide has been found to inhibit human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells proliferation, suppressing cell cycle progress and inducing cell apoptosis. Moreover, lunasin potentiates the effects on these cells of different synthetic and natural compounds, such as aspirin and anacardic acid. This study explored the role of lunasin, alone and in combination with aspirin and anacardic acid on cell proliferation and foci formation of transformed NIH/3T3 cells induced by chemical carcinogens 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene or 3-methylcholanthrene. The results revealed that lunasin, acting as a single agent, inhibits cell proliferation and foci formation. When combined with aspirin, these effects were significantly increased, indicating that this combination might be a promising strategy to prevent/treat cancer induced by chemical carcinogens.

Transformation with Oncogenic Ras and the Simian Virus 40 T Antigens Induces Caspase-Dependent Sensitivity to Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Inhibition

PubMed Central

Xu, Shihao; Spencer, Cody M.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Oncogenesis is frequently accompanied by the activation of specific metabolic pathways. One such pathway is fatty acid biosynthesis, whose induction is observed upon transformation of a wide variety of cell types. Here, we explored how defined oncogenic alleles, specifically the simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigens and oncogenic Ras12V, affect fatty acid metabolism. Our results indicate that SV40/Ras12V-mediated transformation of fibroblasts induces fatty acid biosynthesis in the absence of significant changes in the concentration of fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes. This oncogene-induced activation of fatty acid biosynthesis was found to be mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) dependent, as it was attenuated by rapamycin treatment. Furthermore, SV40/Ras12V-mediated transformation induced sensitivity to treatment with fatty acid biosynthetic inhibitors. Pharmaceutical inhibition of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase (ACC), a key fatty acid biosynthetic enzyme, induced caspase-dependent cell death in oncogene-transduced cells. In contrast, isogenic nontransformed cells were resistant to fatty acid biosynthetic inhibition. This oncogene-induced sensitivity to fatty acid biosynthetic inhibition was independent of the cells' growth rates and could be attenuated by supplementing the medium with unsaturated fatty acids. Both the activation of fatty acid biosynthesis and the sensitivity to fatty acid biosynthetic inhibition could be conveyed to nontransformed breast epithelial cells through transduction with oncogenic Ras12V. Similar to what was observed in the transformed fibroblasts, the Ras12V-induced sensitivity to fatty acid biosynthetic inhibition was independent of the proliferative status and could be attenuated by supplementing the medium with unsaturated fatty acids. Combined, our results indicate that specific oncogenic alleles can directly confer sensitivity to inhibitors of fatty acid biosynthesis. IMPORTANCE Viral oncoproteins and cellular mutations

Transformation of NIH3T3 Cells with Synthetic c‐Ha‐ras Genes

PubMed Central

Kamiya, Hiroyuki; Miura, Kazunobu; Ohtomo, Noriko; Koda, Toshiaki; Kakinuma, Mitsuaki; Nishimura, Susumu

1989-01-01

Synthetic human c‐Ha‐ras genes in which amino acid codons were altered to those which are frequently used in highly expressed Escherichia coli genes were ligated to the 3′‐end of Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat. When NIH3T3 cells were transfected with the plasmids having those genes with valine at codon 12, leucine at codon 61 or arginine at codon 61, transformants were efficiently produced. These results indicated that the synthetic c‐Ha‐ras genes are expressed in a mammalian system even though their codon usage is altered to correspond with that of E. colt. This expression vector system should he useful for studies on the structure‐function relationships of c‐Ha‐ras, since the synthetic gene can be easily modified to have multiple base alterations, and can also be used simultaneously for the production of large amounts of p21 in E. coli for biochemical and biophysical studies. PMID:2542206

Photo-induced oxidative damage to dissolved free amino acids by the photosensitizer polycyclic musk tonalide: Transformation kinetics and mechanisms.

PubMed

Fang, Hansun; Gao, Yanpeng; Wang, Honghong; Yin, Hongliang; Li, Guiying; An, Taicheng

2017-05-15

Residue from the polycyclic musks (PCMs) in household and personal care products may harm human beings through skin exposure. To understand the health effects of PCMs when exposed to sunlight at molecular level, both experimental and computational methods were employed to investigate the photosensitized oxidation performance of 19 natural amino acids, the most basic unit of life. Results showed that a typical PCM, tonalide, acts as a photosensitizer to significantly increase photo-induced oxidative damage to amino acids. Both common and exceptional transformation pathways occurred during the photosensitization damage of amino acids. Experimental tests further identified the different mechanisms involved. The common transformation pathway occurred through the electron transfer from α amino-group of amino acids, accompanying with the formation of O 2 •- . This pathway was controlled by the electronic density of N atom in α amino-group. The exceptional transformation pathway was identified only for five amino acids, mainly due to the reactions with reactive oxygen species, e.g. 1 O 2 and excited triplet state molecules. Additionally, tonalide photo-induced transformation products could further accelerate the photosensitization of all amino acids with the common pathway. This study may support the protection of human health, and suggests the possible need to further restrict polycyclic musks use. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of hyaluronate binding proteins isolated from 3T3 and murine sarcoma virus transformed 3T3 cells

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

Turley, E.A.; Moore, D.; Hayden, L.J.

1987-06-02

A hyaluronic acid binding fraction was purified from the supernatant media of both 3T3 and murine sarcoma virus (MSV) transformed 3T3 cultures by hyaluronate and immunoaffinity chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved the hyaluronate affinity-purified fraction into three major protein bands of estimated molecular weight (M/sub r,e/) 70K, 66K, and 56K which contained hyaluronate binding activity and which were termed hyaluronate binding proteins (HABP). Hyaluronate affinity chromatography combined with immunoaffinity chromatography, using antibody directed against the larger HABP, allowed a 20-fold purification of HABP. Fractions isolated from 3T3 supernatant medium also contained additional binding molecules in the molecular weightmore » range of 20K. This material was present in vanishingly small amounts and was not detected with a silver stain or with (/sup 35/S)methionine label. The three protein species isolated by hyaluronate affinity chromatography (M/sub r,e/ 70K, 66K, and 56K) were related to one another since they shared antigenic determinants and exhibited similar pI values. In isocratic conditions, HABP occurred as aggregates of up to 580 kilodaltons. Their glycoprotein nature was indicated by their incorporation of /sup 3/H-sugars. Enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay showed they were antigenically distinct from other hyaluronate binding proteins such as fibronectin, cartilage link protein, and the hyaluronate binding region of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. The results are discussed with regard both to the functional significance of hyaluronate-cell surface interactions in transformed as well as normal cells and to the relationship of HABP to other reported hyaluronate binding proteins.« less

Acid or erythromycin stress significantly improves transformation efficiency through regulating expression of DNA binding proteins in Lactococcus lactis F44.

PubMed

Wang, Binbin; Zhang, Huawei; Liang, Dongmei; Hao, Panlong; Li, Yanni; Qiao, Jianjun

2017-12-01

Lactococcus lactis is a gram-positive bacterium used extensively in the dairy industry and food fermentation, and its biological characteristics are usually improved through genetic manipulation. However, poor transformation efficiency was the main restriction factor for the construction of engineered strains. In this study, the transformation efficiency of L. lactis F44 showed a 56.1-fold increase in acid condition (pH 5.0); meanwhile, erythromycin stress (0.04 μg/mL) promoted the transformation efficiency more significantly (76.9-fold). Notably, the transformation efficiency of F44e (L. lactis F44 harboring empty pLEB124) increased up to 149.1-fold under the synergistic stresses of acid and erythromycin. In addition, the gene expression of some DNA binding proteins (DprA, RadA, RadC, RecA, RecQ, and SsbA) changed correspondingly. Especially for radA, 25.1-fold improvement was detected when F44e was exposed to pH 5.0. Overexpression of some DNA binding proteins could improve the transformation efficiency. The results suggested that acid or erythromycin stress could improve the transformation efficiency of L. lactis through regulating gene expression of DNA binding proteins. We have proposed a simple but promising strategy for improving the transformation efficiency of L. lactis and other hard-transformed microorganisms. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photodynamic Action on Native and Denatured Transforming Deoxyribonucleic Acid from Haemophilus influenzae

PubMed Central

León, Manuel Ponce-De; Cabrera-Juárez, Emiliano

1970-01-01

The photodynamic inactivation of native or denatured transforming deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Haemophilus influenzae is described. The inactivation at the same pH was higher for denatured than native DNA. At acidic pH, the inactivation both for native and denatured DNA was faster than at alkaline pH. The guanine content of photoinactivated native DNA at neutral pH was less than untreated DNA. The inactivation of biological activity was more extensive than the alteration of guanine. The absorption spectrum of photoinactivated native or denatured DNA was only slightly different than the control DNA at the different experimental conditions. PMID:5309576

Valproic acid defines a novel class of HDAC inhibitors inducing differentiation of transformed cells

PubMed Central

Göttlicher, Martin; Minucci, Saverio; Zhu, Ping; Krämer, Oliver H.; Schimpf, Annemarie; Giavara, Sabrina; Sleeman, Jonathan P.; Lo Coco, Francesco; Nervi, Clara; Pelicci, Pier Giuseppe; Heinzel, Thorsten

2001-01-01

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play important roles in transcriptional regulation and pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, HDAC inhibitors are candidate drugs for differentiation therapy of cancer. Here, we show that the well-tolerated antiepileptic drug valproic acid is a powerful HDAC inhibitor. Valproic acid relieves HDAC-dependent transcriptional repression and causes hyperacetylation of histones in cultured cells and in vivo. Valproic acid inhibits HDAC activity in vitro, most probably by binding to the catalytic center of HDACs. Most importantly, valproic acid induces differentiation of carcinoma cells, transformed hematopoietic progenitor cells and leukemic blasts from acute myeloid leukemia patients. More over, tumor growth and metastasis formation are significantly reduced in animal experiments. Therefore, valproic acid might serve as an effective drug for cancer therapy. PMID:11742974

Microbial transformation of resibufogenin by Curvularia lunata AS 3.4381.

PubMed

Xin, Xiu-Lan; Sun, Jiang-Hao; Wang, Xiao-Bo; Xi, Rong-Gang; Wang, Gang; Lan, Rong; Su, Dong-Hai; Li, Hua; Huo, Xiao-Kui; Wang, Chao

2014-01-01

In this paper, the microbial transformation of resibufogenin by Curvularia lunata AS 3.4381 was investigated, and four transformed products were isolated and characterized as 3-epi-resibufogenin (2), 12α-hydroxy-3-epi-resibufogenin (3), 12-oxo-16β-hydroxy-3-epi-resibufogenin (4), and 12β,15-epoxy-3-epi-bufalin-14,15-ene (5). Among them, 4 and 5 are new compounds, and isomerization, hydroxylation, and oxidation reactions in microbial transformation process were observed. Additionally, the cytotoxicities of transformed products (2-5) were also investigated.

Xylenes transformation over zeolites ZSM-5 ruled by acidic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gołąbek, Kinga; Tarach, Karolina A.; Góra-Marek, Kinga

2018-03-01

The studies presented in this work offer an insight into xylene isomerization process, followed by 2D COS analysis, in the terms of different acidity of microporous zeolites ZSM-5. The isomerisation reaction proceeded effectively over zeolites ZSM-5 of Si/Al equal of 12 and 32. Among them, the Al-poorer zeolite (Si/Al = 32) was found to offer the highest conversion and selectivity to p-xylene with the lowest number of disproportionation products, both in ortho- and meta-xylene transformation. Further reduction of Brønsted acidity facilitated the disproportionation path (zeolites of Si/Al = 48 and 750). The formation of intermediate species induced by the diffusion constraints for m-xylene in 10-ring channels was rationalized in the terms of the methylbenzenium ions formation inside the rigid micropore environment. Finally, both microporous character of zeolite and the optimised acidity were found to be crucial for high selectivity to the most desired product i.e. p-xylene. The analysis of asynchronous maps allowed for concluding on the order of the appearance of the respective products on the zeolite surface.

Mechanistic consideration of the photochemical transformation of domoic acid (algal toxin) in DOM-Rich brackish water.

PubMed

Jin, Hangxing; Lian, Lushi; Zhou, Huaxi; Yan, Shuwen; Song, Weihua

2018-06-14

Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxin generated by several diatom species in harmful algae blooms (HABs). We report the photo-induced transformation products (TPs) and degradation mechanisms of DA in dissolved organic matter (DOM)-rich freshwater and brackish water. High-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) and the multivariate statistical strategy orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 36 and 23 potential TPs in DOM-rich freshwater and brackish water, respectively. The main reactive sites of DA are the conjugated double bond and proline ring. Isomerization is the predominant transformation pathway induced by excited-state triplet DOM ( 3 DOM ∗ ). The second-order rate constant of the isomerization reaction was measured as (3.8 ± 0.2) × 10 8  M -1  s -1 . The inverse correlation between the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and the rate of photo-induced DA isomerization was revealed. Furthermore, under halide-present conditions, halide radicals are mainly responsible for the differentiation of products by quenching hydroxyl radicals and generating unique organic peroxide products. Our results indicated that halide radicals could be important in the photochemical transformation of organic contaminants in high saline environments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rhizophagus irregularis as an elicitor of rosmarinic acid and antioxidant production by transformed roots of Ocimum basilicum in an in vitro co-culture system.

PubMed

Srivastava, Shivani; Conlan, Xavier A; Cahill, David M; Adholeya, Alok

2016-11-01

Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association formed between plant roots and soil borne fungi that alter and at times improve the production of secondary metabolites. Detailed information is available on mycorrhizal development and its influence on plants grown under various edapho-climatic conditions, however, very little is known about their influence on transformed roots that are rich reserves of secondary metabolites. This raises the question of how mycorrhizal colonization progresses in transformed roots grown in vitro and whether the mycorrhizal fungus presence influences the production of secondary metabolites. To fully understand mycorrhizal ontogenesis and its effect on root morphology, root biomass, total phenolics, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and antioxidant production under in vitro conditions, a co-culture was developed between three Agrobacterium rhizogenes-derived, elite-transformed root lines of Ocimum basilicum and Rhizophagus irregularis. We found that mycorrhizal ontogenesis in transformed roots was similar to mycorrhizal roots obtained from an in planta system. Mycorrhizal establishment was also found to be transformed root line-specific. Colonization of transformed roots increased the concentration of rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and antioxidant production while no effect was observed on root morphological traits and biomass. Enhancement of total phenolics and rosmarinic acid in the three mycorrhizal transformed root lines was found to be transformed root line-specific and age dependent. We reveal the potential of R. irregularis as a biotic elicitor in vitro and propose its incorporation into commercial in vitro secondary metabolite production via transformed roots.

[Construction of a recombinant Escherichia coli BL21/ pET-28a-lpgad and the optimization of transformation conditions for the efficient production of gamma-aminobutyric acid].

PubMed

Tian, Lingzhi; Xu, Meijuan; Rao, Zhiming

2012-01-01

In order to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid production from L-glutamate efficiently, we amplified the key enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) encoding gene lpgad from the strain Lactobacillus plantarum GB 01-21 which was obtained by way of multi-mutagenesis and overexpressed it in E. coli BL21. Then we purified GAD by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and characterized the enzyme to optimize the conditions of the whole-cell transformation. The results showed that the recombinant E. coli BL21 (pET-28a-lpgad) produced 8.53 U/mg GAD, which was increased by 3.24 fold compared with the GAD activity in L. plantarum. The optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were pH 4.8 and 37 degrees C, respectively. At the same time, we found that Ca2+ and Mg2+ could increase the activity significantly. Based on this, we investigated gamma-aminobutyric acid transformation in 5 L fermentor under the optimum transformation conditions. Accordingly, the yield of gamma-aminobutyric acid was 204.5 g/L at 24 h when the 600 g L-glutamate was added and the mole conversion rate had reached 97.92%. The production of gamma-aminobutyric acid was improved by 42.5% compared with that under the unoptimized transformation conditions. This paved a way for the gamma-aminobutyric acid construction of the industrial applications.

Ultraviolet-Induced Decrease in Integration of Haemophilus influenzae Transforming Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Sensitive and Resistant Cells

PubMed Central

Muhammed, Amir; Setlow, Jane K.

1970-01-01

The decrease in integration of transforming deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) caused by ultraviolet irradiation of the DNA was found to be independent of the presence or absence of excision repair in the recipient cell. Much of the ultraviolet-induced inhibition of integration resulted from the presence in the transforming DNA of pyrimidine dimers, as judged by the photoreactivability of the inhibition with yeast photoreactivating enzyme. The inhibition of integration made only a small contribution to the inactivation of transforming ability of the DNA by ultraviolet radiation. PMID:5308769

Surgery Goes Social: The Extent and Patterns of Social Media Utilization by Major Trauma, Acute and Critical Care Surgery Societies.

PubMed

Khalifeh, Jawad M; Kaafarani, Haytham M A

2017-01-01

The evolving influence of social media in trauma, acute, and critical care surgery (TACCS) cannot be ignored. We sought to investigate the extent and patterns of use of social networks by major regional, national and international TACCS societies. The two leading social networking sites, Facebook (FB) and Twitter (TW), were thoroughly examined for the presence of official accounts for each of the major TACCS societies. An official FB or TW account was defined as one which has a blue verified badge and/or is linked the society's official website. For societies with confirmed official accounts, the extent and patterns of use of the two platforms were systematically examined over a 2-week period through: (1) manual inspection of the societies' FB and TW pages, (2) the SQLite database containing downloaded samples of posts, and (3) the TW analytics database, symplur.com. Standardized social media metrics were calculated for each society. Posted content was categorized as being: (1) society news updates, (2) event announcements, or (3) general medical information. From a total of 64 TACCS societies, only 27 (42%) had FB and/or TW accounts. Ten out of the 12 American societies had accounts compared to 13/39 of European, 2/9 of Australasian, and 0/2 of international societies. For the societies with social media presence, the mean numbers of monthly tweets and FB posts per society were 22 and 8, respectively. We summarize the FB and TW activity of the studied TACCS societies. Most tweets/posts were society news updates and event announcements intended to the society's constituents not the general public. A text cloud was constructed to summarize the major featured topics. Less than half of the TACCS societies are currently using social media; those that do are arguably underutilizing its potential. Non-American societies in particular lag behind in their use of social networking.

Tacrolimus and mycophenolate regimen and subclinical tubulo-interstitial inflammation in low immunological risk renal transplants.

PubMed

Torres, Irina B; Reisaeter, Anna V; Moreso, Francesc; Âsberg, Anders; Vidal, Marta; Garcia-Carro, Clara; Midtvedt, Karsten; Reinholt, Finn P; Scott, Helge; Castellà, Eva; Salcedo, Maite; Dörje, Christina; Sellarés, Joana; Azancot, Maria A; Perello, Manel; Holdaas, Hallvard; Serón, Daniel

2017-11-01

The aim was to evaluate the relationship between maintenance immunosuppression, subclinical tubulo-interstitial inflammation and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in surveillance biopsies performed in low immunological risk renal transplants at two transplant centers. The Barcelona cohort consisted of 109 early and 66 late biopsies in patients receiving high tacrolimus (TAC-C 0 target at 1-year 6-10 ng/ml) and reduced MMF dose (500 mg bid at 1-year). The Oslo cohort consisted of 262 early and 237 late biopsies performed in patients treated with low TAC-C 0 (target 3-7 ng/ml) and standard MMF dose (750 mg bid). Subclinical inflammation, adjusted for confounders, was associated with low TAC-C 0 in the early (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61-0.92; P = 0.006) and late biopsies (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.95; P = 0.023) from Barcelona. In the Oslo cohort, it was associated with low MMF in early biopsies (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98; P = 0.0101) and with low TAC-C 0 in late biopsies (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.97; P = 0.0286). MMF dose was significantly reduced in Oslo between early and late biopsies. IF/TA was not associated with TAC-C 0 or MMF dose in the multivariate analysis. Our data suggest that in TAC- and MMF-based regimens, TAC-C 0 levels are associated with subclinical inflammation in patients receiving reduced MMF dose. © 2017 Steunstichting ESOT.

Production and transformation of dissolved neutral sugars and amino acids by bacteria in seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jørgensen, L.; Lechtenfeld, O. J.; Benner, R.; Middelboe, M.; Stedmon, C. A.

2014-10-01

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the ocean consists of a heterogeneous mixture of molecules, most of which are of unknown origin. Neutral sugars and amino acids are among the few recognizable biomolecules in DOM, and the molecular composition of these biomolecules is shaped primarily by biological production and degradation processes. This study provides insight into the bioavailability of biomolecules as well as the chemical composition of DOM produced by bacteria. The molecular compositions of combined neutral sugars and amino acids were investigated in DOM produced by bacteria and in DOM remaining after 32 days of bacterial degradation. Results from bioassay incubations with natural seawater (sampled from water masses originating from the surface waters of the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean) and artificial seawater indicate that the molecular compositions following bacterial degradation are not strongly influenced by the initial substrate or bacterial community. The molecular composition of neutral sugars released by bacteria was characterized by a high glucose content (47 mol %) and heterogeneous contributions from other neutral sugars (3-14 mol %). DOM remaining after bacterial degradation was characterized by a high galactose content (33 mol %), followed by glucose (22 mol %) and the remaining neutral sugars (7-11 mol %). The ratio of D-amino acids to L-amino acids increased during the experiments as a response to bacterial degradation, and after 32 days, the D/L ratios of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine and alanine reached around 0.79, 0.32, 0.30 and 0.51 in all treatments, respectively. The striking similarity in neutral sugar and amino acid compositions between natural (representing marine semi-labile and refractory DOM) and artificial (representing bacterially produced DOM) seawater samples, suggests that microbes transform bioavailable neutral sugars and amino acids into a common, more persistent form.

Coronary arteries segmentation based on the 3D discrete wavelet transform and 3D neutrosophic transform.

PubMed

Chen, Shuo-Tsung; Wang, Tzung-Dau; Lee, Wen-Jeng; Huang, Tsai-Wei; Hung, Pei-Kai; Wei, Cheng-Yu; Chen, Chung-Ming; Kung, Woon-Man

2015-01-01

Most applications in the field of medical image processing require precise estimation. To improve the accuracy of segmentation, this study aimed to propose a novel segmentation method for coronary arteries to allow for the automatic and accurate detection of coronary pathologies. The proposed segmentation method included 2 parts. First, 3D region growing was applied to give the initial segmentation of coronary arteries. Next, the location of vessel information, HHH subband coefficients of the 3D DWT, was detected by the proposed vessel-texture discrimination algorithm. Based on the initial segmentation, 3D DWT integrated with the 3D neutrosophic transformation could accurately detect the coronary arteries. Each subbranch of the segmented coronary arteries was segmented correctly by the proposed method. The obtained results are compared with those ground truth values obtained from the commercial software from GE Healthcare and the level-set method proposed by Yang et al., 2007. Results indicate that the proposed method is better in terms of efficiency analyzed. Based on the initial segmentation of coronary arteries obtained from 3D region growing, one-level 3D DWT and 3D neutrosophic transformation can be applied to detect coronary pathologies accurately.

A microbial transformation using Bacillus subtilis B7-S to produce natural vanillin from ferulic acid

PubMed Central

Chen, Peng; Yan, Lei; Wu, Zhengrong; Li, Suyue; Bai, Zhongtian; Yan, Xiaojuan; Wang, Ningbo; Liang, Ning; Li, Hongyu

2016-01-01

Bacillus subtilis strain B7-S screened from18 strains is an aerobic, endospore-forming, model organism of Gram-positive bacteria which is capable to form vanillin during ferulic acid bioconversion. The bioconversion of ferulic acid to vanillin by Bacillus subtilis B7-S (B. subtilis B7-S) was investigated. Based on our results, the optimum bioconversion conditions for the production of vanillin by B. subtilis B7-S can be summarized as follows: temperature 35 °C; initial pH 9.0; inoculum volume 5%; ferulic acid concentration 0.6 g/L; volume of culture medium 20%; and shaking speed 200 r/min. Under these conditions, several repeated small-scale batch experiments showed that the maximum conversion efficiency was 63.30% after 3 h of bioconversion. The vanillin products were confirmed by spectral data achieved from UV–vis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscope (ICP-AES) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) spectra. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) results confirmed that the cell surface of B. subtilis plays a role in the induction of ferulic acid tolerance. These results demonstrate that B. subtilis B7-S has the potential for use in vanillin production through bioconversion of ferulic acid. PMID:26841717

A microbial transformation using Bacillus subtilis B7-S to produce natural vanillin from ferulic acid.

PubMed

Chen, Peng; Yan, Lei; Wu, Zhengrong; Li, Suyue; Bai, Zhongtian; Yan, Xiaojuan; Wang, Ningbo; Liang, Ning; Li, Hongyu

2016-02-04

Bacillus subtilis strain B7-S screened from18 strains is an aerobic, endospore-forming, model organism of Gram-positive bacteria which is capable to form vanillin during ferulic acid bioconversion. The bioconversion of ferulic acid to vanillin by Bacillus subtilis B7-S (B. subtilis B7-S) was investigated. Based on our results, the optimum bioconversion conditions for the production of vanillin by B. subtilis B7-S can be summarized as follows: temperature 35 °C; initial pH 9.0; inoculum volume 5%; ferulic acid concentration 0.6 g/L; volume of culture medium 20%; and shaking speed 200 r/min. Under these conditions, several repeated small-scale batch experiments showed that the maximum conversion efficiency was 63.30% after 3 h of bioconversion. The vanillin products were confirmed by spectral data achieved from UV-vis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscope (ICP-AES) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) spectra. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) results confirmed that the cell surface of B. subtilis plays a role in the induction of ferulic acid tolerance. These results demonstrate that B. subtilis B7-S has the potential for use in vanillin production through bioconversion of ferulic acid.

Efficient transformation of corn stover to furfural using p-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde resin solid acid.

PubMed

Zhang, Tingwei; Li, Wenzhi; An, Shengxin; Huang, Feng; Li, Xinzhe; Liu, Jingrong; Pei, Gang; Liu, Qiying

2018-05-24

In this work, p-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde resin acid catalyst (MSPFR), was synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and employed for the furfural production from raw corn stover. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 adsorption-desorption, elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the MSPFR. The effects of reaction time, temperature, solvents and corn stover loading were investigated. The MSPFR presented high catalytic activity for the formation of furfural from corn stover. When the MSPFR/corn stover mass loading ratio was 0.5, a higher furfural yield of 43.4% could be achieved at 190 °C in 100 min with 30.7% 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) yield. Additionally, quite importantly, the recyclability of the MSPFR for xylose dehydration is good, and for the conversion of corn stover was reasonable. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging parameters describing acid phosphate substitution in biologic hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Spevak, Lyudmila; Flach, Carol R; Hunter, Tracey; Mendelsohn, Richard; Boskey, Adele

2013-05-01

Acid phosphate substitution into mineralized tissues is an important determinant of their mechanical properties and their response to treatment. This study identifies and validates Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging (FTIRI) spectral parameters that provide information on the acid phosphate (HPO4) substitution into hydroxyapatite in developing mineralized tissues. Curve fitting and Fourier self-deconvolution were used to identify subband positions in model compounds (with and without HPO4). The intensity of subbands at 1127 and 1110 cm(-1) correlated with the acid phosphate content in these models. Peak height ratios of these subbands to the ν3 vibration at 1096 cm(-1) found in stoichiometric apatite were evaluated in the model compounds and mixtures thereof. FTIRI spectra of bones and teeth at different developmental ages were analyzed using these spectral parameters. Factor analysis (a chemometric technique) was also conducted on the tissue samples and resulted in factor loadings with spectral features corresponding to the HPO4 vibrations described above. Images of both factor correlation coefficients and the peak height ratios 1127/1096 and 1112/1096 cm(-1) demonstrated higher acid phosphate content in younger vs. more mature regions in the same specimen. Maps of the distribution of acid phosphate content will be useful for characterizing the extent of new bone formation, the areas of potential decreased strength, and the effects of therapies such as those used in metabolic bone diseases (osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease) on mineral composition. Because of the wider range of values obtained with the 1127/1096 cm(-1) parameter compared to the 1110/1096 cm(-1) parameter and the smaller scatter in the slope, it is suggested that this ratio should be the parameter of choice.

Inhibition of monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III))-induced cell malignant transformation through restoring dysregulated histone acetylation.

PubMed

Ge, Yichen; Gong, Zhihong; Olson, James R; Xu, Peilin; Buck, Michael J; Ren, Xuefeng

2013-10-04

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) and its high toxic metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)), are able to induce malignant transformation of human cells. Chronic exposure to these chemicals is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple cancers in human. However, the mechanisms contributing to iAs/MMA(III)-induced cell malignant transformation and carcinogenesis are not fully elucidated. We recently showed that iAs/MMA(III) exposure to human cells led to a decreased level of histone acetylation globally, which was associated with an increased sensitivity to arsenic cytotoxicity. In the current study, it demonstrated that prolonged exposure to low-level MMA(III) in human urothelial cells significantly increased the expression and activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) with an associated reduction of histone acetylation levels both globally and lysine specifically. Administration of the HDAC inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), at 4 weeks after the initial MMA(III) treatment inhibited the MMA(III)-mediated up-regulation of the expression and activities of HDACs, leading to increase histone acetylation and prevention of MMA(III)-induced malignant transformation. These new findings suggest that histone acetylation dysregulation may be a key mechanism in MMA(III)-induced malignant transformation and carcinogenesis, and that HDAC inhibitors could be targeted to prevent or treat iAs-related cancers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microbial catabolism of sterols: focus on the enzymes that transform the sterol 3β-hydroxy-5-en into 3-keto-4-en.

PubMed

Kreit, Joseph

2017-02-01

An overview on the microbial sterol catabolism is described with a focus on the catabolic step of the 3β-hydroxy-5-en structure. Cholesterol oxidase transforms this structure into the corresponding 3-keto-4-en feature, and thus initiates the sterol molecule catabolism. The oxidase has been found in a large number of microorganisms, especially in Actinobacteria as species of Rhodococcus and Streptomyces. Other Actinobacteria as species of Mycobacterium and Nocardia possess NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenase for this catabolic step. In Rhodococcus jostii, oxidation of the C26 of the sterol side chain is the initiating step. The resulting stenone or sterol-C26-oic acid is then catabolized according to two subpathways: cleavage of the sterol side chain and degradation of the steroid nucleus. Divergent items concerned with the enzymes that transform the sterol 3β-hydroxy-5-en are discussed. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

High-efficiency transformation of Pichia stipitis based on its URA3 gene and a homologous autonomous replication sequence, ARS2.

PubMed Central

Yang, V W; Marks, J A; Davis, B P; Jeffries, T W

1994-01-01

This paper describes the first high-efficiency transformation system for the xylose-fermenting yeast Pichia stipitis. The system includes integrating and autonomously replicating plasmids based on the gene for orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase (URA3) and an autonomous replicating sequence (ARS) element (ARS2) isolated from P. stipitis CBS 6054. Ura- auxotrophs were obtained by selecting for resistance to 5-fluoroorotic acid and were identified as ura3 mutants by transformation with P. stipitis URA3. P. stipitis URA3 was cloned by its homology to Saccharomyces cerevisiae URA3, with which it is 69% identical in the coding region. P. stipitis ARS elements were cloned functionally through plasmid rescue. These sequences confer autonomous replication when cloned into vectors bearing the P. stipitis URA3 gene. P. stipitis ARS2 has features similar to those of the consensus ARS of S. cerevisiae and other ARS elements. Circular plasmids bearing the P. stipitis URA3 gene with various amounts of flanking sequences produced 600 to 8,600 Ura+ transformants per micrograms of DNA by electroporation. Most transformants obtained with circular vectors arose without integration of vector sequences. One vector yielded 5,200 to 12,500 Ura+ transformants per micrograms of DNA after it was linearized at various restriction enzyme sites within the P. stipitis URA3 insert. Transformants arising from linearized vectors produced stable integrants, and integration events were site specific for the genomic ura3 in 20% of the transformants examined. Plasmids bearing the P. stipitis URA3 gene and ARS2 element produced more than 30,000 transformants per micrograms of plasmid DNA. Autonomously replicating plasmids were stable for at least 50 generations in selection medium and were present at an average of 10 copies per nucleus. Images PMID:7811063

Enantioselective Metabolism of Chiral 3-Phenylbutyric Acid, an Intermediate of Linear Alkylbenzene Degradation, by Rhodococcus rhodochrous PB1

PubMed Central

Simoni, S.; Klinke, S.; Zipper, C.; Angst, W.; Kohler, H. E.

1996-01-01

Rhodococcus rhodochrous PB1 was isolated from compost soil by selective culture with racemic 3-phenylbutyric acid as the sole carbon and energy source. Growth experiments with the single pure enantiomers as well as with the racemate showed that only one of the two enantiomers, (R)-3-phenylbutyric acid, supported growth of strain PB1. Nevertheless, (S)-3-phenylbutyric acid was cometabolically transformed to, presumably, (S)-3-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)butyric acid (the absolute configuration at the C-3 atom is not known yet) by (R)-3-phenylbutyric acid-grown cells of strain PB1, as shown by (sup1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the partially purified compound and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivative. Oxygen uptake rates suggest that either 3-phenylpropionic acid or cinnamic acid (trans-3-phenyl-2-propenoic acid) is the substrate for aromatic ring hydroxylation. This view is substantiated by the fact that 3-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid was a substrate for meta cleavage in cell extracts of (R)-3-phenylbutyric acid-grown cells of strain PB1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of trimethylsilane-treated ethyl acetate extracts of incubation mixtures showed that both the meta-cleavage product, 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-2,4-nonadiene-1,9-dicarboxylic acid, and succinate, a hydrolysis product thereof, were formed during such incubations. PMID:16535265

On the formation of niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridine carboxylic acids in interstellar model ices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMurtry, Brandon M.; Turner, Andrew M.; Saito, Sean E. J.; Kaiser, Ralf I.

2016-06-01

The formation of pyridine carboxylic acids in interstellar ice grains was simulated by electron exposures of binary pyridine (C5H5N)-carbon dioxide (CO2) ice mixtures at 10 K under contamination-free ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Chemical processing of the pristine ice and subsequent warm-up phase was monitored on line and in situ via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to probe for the formation of new radiation induced species. In the infrared spectra of the irradiated ice, bands assigned to nicotinic acid (niacin; vitamin B3; m-C5H4NCOOH) along with 2,3-, 2,5-, 3,4-, and 3,5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid (C5H3N(COOH)2) were unambiguously identified along with the hydroxycarbonyl (HOCO) radical. Our study suggests that the reactive pathway responsible for pyridine carboxylic acids formation involves a HOCO intermediate, which forms through the reaction of suprathermal hydrogen ejected from pyridine with carbon dioxide. The newly formed pyridinyl radical may then undergo radical-radical recombination with a hydroxycarbonyl radical to form a pyridine carboxylic acid.

Oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid and oxindole-3-acetic acid to 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2-oxo-1H indole-3-acetic acid-7'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside in Zea mays seedlings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nonhebel, H. M.; Bandurski, R. S.

1984-01-01

Radiolabeled oxindole-3-acetic acid was metabolized by roots, shoots, and caryopses of dark grown Zea mays seedlings to 2,3-dihydro-7-hydroxy-2-oxo-1H indole-3-acetic acid-7'-O-beta-D-glycopyranoside with the simpler name of 7-hydroxyoxindole-3-acetic acid-glucoside. This compound was also formed from labeled indole-3-acetic acid supplied to intact seedlings and root segments. The glucoside of 7-hydroxyoxindole-3-acetic acid was also isolated as an endogenous compound in the caryopses and shoots of 4-day-old seedlings. It accumulates to a level of 4.8 nanomoles per plant in the kernel, more than 10 times the amount of oxindole-3-acetic acid. In the shoot it is present at levels comparable to that of oxindole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-acetic acid (62 picomoles per shoot). We conclude that 7-hydroxyoxindole-3-acetic acid-glucoside is a natural metabolite of indole-3-acetic acid in Z. mays seedlings. From the data presented in this paper and in previous work, we propose the following route as the principal catabolic pathway for indole-3-acetic acid in Zea seedlings: Indole-3-acetic acid --> Oxindole-3-acetic acid --> 7-Hydroxyoxindole-3-acetic acid --> 7-Hydroxyoxindole-3-acetic acid-glucoside.

Evidence for an Ionic Intermediate in the Transformation of Fatty Acid Hydroperoxide by a Catalase-related Allene Oxide Synthase from the Cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina*

PubMed Central

Gao, Benlian; Boeglin, William E.; Zheng, Yuxiang; Schneider, Claus; Brash, Alan R.

2009-01-01

Allene oxides are reactive epoxides biosynthesized from fatty acid hydroperoxides by specialized cytochrome P450s or by catalase-related hemoproteins. Here we cloned, expressed, and characterized a gene encoding a lipoxygenase-catalase/peroxidase fusion protein from Acaryochloris marina. We identified novel allene oxide synthase (AOS) activity and a by-product that provides evidence of the reaction mechanism. The fatty acids 18.4ω3 and 18.3ω3 are oxygenated to the 12R-hydroperoxide by the lipoxygenase domain and converted to the corresponding 12R,13-epoxy allene oxide by the catalase-related domain. Linoleic acid is oxygenated to its 9R-hydroperoxide and then, surprisingly, converted ∼70% to an epoxyalcohol identified spectroscopically and by chemical synthesis as 9R,10S-epoxy-13S-hydroxyoctadeca-11E-enoic acid and only ∼30% to the 9R,10-epoxy allene oxide. Experiments using oxygen-18-labeled 9R-hydroperoxide substrate and enzyme incubations conducted in H218O indicated that ∼72% of the oxygen in the epoxyalcohol 13S-hydroxyl arises from water, a finding that points to an ionic intermediate (epoxy allylic carbocation) during catalysis. AOS and epoxyalcohol synthase activities are mechanistically related, with a reacting intermediate undergoing a net hydrogen abstraction or hydroxylation, respectively. The existence of epoxy allylic carbocations in fatty acid transformations is widely implicated although for AOS reactions, without direct experimental support. Our findings place together in strong association the reactions of allene oxide synthesis and an ionic reaction intermediate in the AOS-catalyzed transformation. PMID:19531485

The 3-D unstructured mesh generation using local transformations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barth, Timothy J.

1993-01-01

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: 3D combinatorial edge swapping; 3D incremental triangulation via local transformations; a new approach to multigrid for unstructured meshes; surface mesh generation using local transforms; volume triangulations; viscous mesh generation; and future directions.

Endonuclease from Micrococcus luteus Which Has Activity Toward Ultraviolet-Irradiated Deoxyribonucleic Acid: Its Action on Transforming Deoxyribonucleic Acid

PubMed Central

Setlow, R. B.; Setlow, Jane K.; Carrier, W. L.

1970-01-01

An endonuclease purified from Micrococcus luteus makes single-strand breaks in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated, native deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The purified endonuclease is able to reactivate UV-inactivated transforming DNA of Haemophilus influenzae, especially when the DNA is assayed on a UV-sensitive mutant of H. influenzae. After extensive endonuclease action, there is a loss of transforming DNA when assayed on both UV-sensitive and -resistant cells. The endonuclease does not affect unirradiated DNA. The results indicate that the endonuclease function is involved in the repair of biological damage resulting from UV irradiation and that the UV-sensitive mutant is deficient in this step. We interpret the data as indicating that the various steps in the repair of DNA must be well coordinated if repair is to be effective. PMID:4314478

Metabolism of the /sup 18/O-methoxy substituent of 3-methoxybenzoic acid and other unlabeled methoxybenzoic acids by anaerobic bacteria. [Eubacterium limosum; Acetobacterium woodil; Syntrophococcus; Clostridium; Desulfotomaculum; Enterobacter

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

DeWeerd, J.A.; Saxena, A.; Nagle, D.P. Jr.

1988-05-01

The mechanism of the bioconversion of methoxylated benzoic acids to the hydroxylated derivatives was investigated with a model substrate and cultures of one anaerobic consortium, eight strict anaerobic bacteria, and one facultative anaerobic microorganism. We found that a haloaromatic dehalogenating consortium, a dehalogenating isolate from that consortium, Eubacterium, limosum, and a strain of Acetobacterium woodii metabolized 3-(methoxy-/sup 18/O)methoxybenzoic acid (3-anisic acid) to 3-(hydroxy-/sup 18/O)hydroxybenzoic acid stoichiometrically at rates of 1.5, 3.2, 52.4, and 36.7 nmol/min per mg of protein, respectively. A different strain of Acetobacterium and strains of Syntrophococcus, Clostridium Desulfotomaculum, Enterobacter, and an anaerobic bacterium, strain TH-001, were unablemore » to transform this compound. The O-demethylating ability of E. limosum was induced only with appropriate methoxylated benzoates but not with D-glucose, lactate, isoleucine, or methanol. Cross-acclimation and growth experiments with E. limosum showed a rate of metabolism that was an order of magnitude slower and showed no growth with either 4-methoxysalicylic acid (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid) or 4-anisic acid (4-methoxybenzoic acid) when adapted to 3-anisic acid. However, A. woodii NZva-16 showed slower rates and no growth with 3- or 4-methoxysalicylic acid when adapted to 3-anisic acid in similar experiments.« less

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

MedlinePlus

Omega-3 fatty acids are used together with lifestyle changes (diet, weight-loss, exercise) to reduce the amount ... the blood in people with very high triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids are in a class of medications ...

Identification Of Fatty Acid Isomers By Gas Chromatography / Matrix Isolation / Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mossoba, Magdi M.; McDonald, Richard E.; Chen, Jo-Yun T.; Page, Samuel W.

1989-12-01

Geometric and positional isomers of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) derived from hydrogenated soybean oil and margarines were separated by silver nitrate-thin layer chromatography (AgNO3-TLC) followed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and identified by matrix isolation / Fourier transform infrared (MI/FTIR) spectroscopyi,2. Because of the high specificity of the MI technique, it was possible to distinguish between different 18-carbon aliphatic chains of FAME positional isomers with cis or trans configuration, and to determine their degree of unsaturation. For the first time mid-IR spectra were observed for methylene-interrupted or isolated trans, trans or cis/ trans C18 FAME positional isomers. These spectra could be readily differentiated based on unique MI/FTIR spectral characteristics.

3-D discrete shearlet transform and video processing.

PubMed

Negi, Pooran Singh; Labate, Demetrio

2012-06-01

In this paper, we introduce a digital implementation of the 3-D shearlet transform and illustrate its application to problems of video denoising and enhancement. The shearlet representation is a multiscale pyramid of well-localized waveforms defined at various locations and orientations, which was introduced to overcome the limitations of traditional multiscale systems in dealing with multidimensional data. While the shearlet approach shares the general philosophy of curvelets and surfacelets, it is based on a very different mathematical framework, which is derived from the theory of affine systems and uses shearing matrices rather than rotations. This allows a natural transition from the continuous setting to the digital setting and a more flexible mathematical structure. The 3-D digital shearlet transform algorithm presented in this paper consists in a cascade of a multiscale decomposition and a directional filtering stage. The filters employed in this decomposition are implemented as finite-length filters, and this ensures that the transform is local and numerically efficient. To illustrate its performance, the 3-D discrete shearlet transform is applied to problems of video denoising and enhancement, and compared against other state-of-the-art multiscale techniques, including curvelets and surfacelets.

Martensitelike spontaneous relaxor-normal ferroelectric transformation in Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbLa(ZrTi)O3 system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Guochu; Ding, Aili; Li, Guorong; Zheng, Xinsen; Cheng, Wenxiu; Qiu, Pingsun; Yin, Qingrui

2005-11-01

The spontaneous relaxor-normal ferroelectric transformation was found in the tetragonal composition of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbLa(ZrTi)O3 (0.3PZN-0.7PLZT) complex ABO3 system. The corresponding dielectric permittivities and losses of different compositions located near the morphotrophic phase boundary were analyzed. By reviewing all of the results about this type of transformation in previous references, the electric, compositional, structural, and thermodynamic characteristics of the spontaneous relaxor-normal transformation were proposed. Additionally, the adaptive phase model for martensite transformation proposed by Khachaturyan et al. [Phys. Rev. B 43, 10832 (1991)] was introduced into this ferroelectric transformation to explain the unique transformation pathway and associated features such as the tweedlike domain patterns and the dielectric dispersion under the critical transition temperature. Due to the critical compositions near the MPB, the ferroelectric materials just fulfill the condition, in which the adaptive phases can form in the transformation procedure. The formation of the adaptive phases, which are composed of stress-accommodating twinned domains, makes the system bypass the energy barrier encountered in conventional martensite transformations. The twinned adaptive phase corresponds to the tweedlike domain pattern under a transmission electronic microscope. At lower temperature, these precursor phases transform into the conventional ferroelectric state with macrodomains by the movement of domain walls, which causes a weak dispersion in dielectric permittivity.

Stability of pathogenic colony types of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in liquid culture by using the parameters of colonial morphology and deoxyribonucleic acid transformation.

PubMed Central

La Scolea, L J; Dul, M J; Young, F E

1975-01-01

This investigation describes the surveillance of the colonial stability of the pathogenic type 1 from the gonococcal strain F62 to the nonvirulent types 3 and 4 in different liquid media. The maintenance of the colony types was monitored by the parameters of colonial morphology and deoxyribonucleic acid-mediated transformation. During growth in a complex medium, Mueller-Hinton broth, only 46.7% of the gonococcal population remained as type 1 after 12 h. The greatest change in the type 1 colony-forming units correlated with the decline in viable count. The conversion process could not be prevented by the continual maintenance of the gonococcus in logarithmic growth. The frequency of transformation from PRO(minus) (proline) to PRO(plus) was proportional to this decrease in type 1 colony-forming units. In contrast to Mueller-Hinton medium, the chemically defined minimal medium Gonococcal Genetic Medium (GGM) was capable of maintaining approximately 90% of the gonococcal population in the type 1 colonial form after 16 h of growth, despite a decrease in the viable count. Although the percentage of type 1 appeared to remain constant in GGM, the apparent transformation frequency increased approximately 24-fold from 0 to 12 h of growth. GGM appears to stimulate or maintain competence, as evidenced by an eightfold increase in transformation when cells are exposed to deoxyribonucleic acid in GGM as compared to Mueller-Hinton. PMID:809469

Effect of tricarboxylic acid cycle regulator on carbon retention and organic component transformation during food waste composting.

PubMed

Lu, Qian; Zhao, Yue; Gao, Xintong; Wu, Junqiu; Zhou, Haixuan; Tang, Pengfei; Wei, Qingbin; Wei, Zimin

2018-05-01

Composting is an environment friendly method to recycling organic waste. However, with the increasing concern about greenhouse gases generated in global atmosphere, it is significant to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). This study analyzes tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle regulators on the effect of reducing CO 2 emission, and the relationship among organic component (OC) degradation and transformation and microorganism during composting. The results showed that adding adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) could enhance the transformation of OC and increase the diversity of microorganism community. Malonic acid (MA) as a competitive inhibitor could decrease the emission of CO 2 by inhibiting the TCA cycle. A structural equation model was established to explore effects of different OC and microorganism on humic acid (HA) concentration during composting. Furthermore, added MA provided an environmental benefit in reducing the greenhouse gas emission for manufacture sustainable products. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic Transformation of Streptococcus mutans

PubMed Central

Perry, Dennis; Kuramitsu, Howard K.

1981-01-01

Three strains of Streptococcus mutans belonging to serotypes a, c, and f were transformed to streptomycin resistance by deoxyribonucleic acids derived from homologous and heterologous streptomycin-resistant strains of S. mutans and Streptococcus sanguis strain Challis. Homologous transformation of S. mutans was less efficient than heterologous transformation by deoxyribonucleic acids from other strains of S. mutans. PMID:7251168

Surgery Goes Social: The Extent and Patterns of Social Media Utilization by Major Trauma, Acute and Critical Care Surgery Societies

PubMed Central

Khalifeh, Jawad M.; Kaafarani, Haytham M. A.

2017-01-01

Context and Aims: The evolving influence of social media in trauma, acute, and critical care surgery (TACCS) cannot be ignored. We sought to investigate the extent and patterns of use of social networks by major regional, national and international TACCS societies. Materials and Methods: The two leading social networking sites, Facebook (FB) and Twitter (TW), were thoroughly examined for the presence of official accounts for each of the major TACCS societies. An official FB or TW account was defined as one which has a blue verified badge and/or is linked the society's official website. For societies with confirmed official accounts, the extent and patterns of use of the two platforms were systematically examined over a 2-week period through: (1) manual inspection of the societies’ FB and TW pages, (2) the SQLite database containing downloaded samples of posts, and (3) the TW analytics database, symplur.com. Standardized social media metrics were calculated for each society. Posted content was categorized as being: (1) society news updates, (2) event announcements, or (3) general medical information. Results: From a total of 64 TACCS societies, only 27 (42%) had FB and/or TW accounts. Ten out of the 12 American societies had accounts compared to 13/39 of European, 2/9 of Australasian, and 0/2 of international societies. For the societies with social media presence, the mean numbers of monthly tweets and FB posts per society were 22 and 8, respectively. We summarize the FB and TW activity of the studied TACCS societies. Most tweets/posts were society news updates and event announcements intended to the society's constituents not the general public. A text cloud was constructed to summarize the major featured topics. Conclusion: Less than half of the TACCS societies are currently using social media; those that do are arguably underutilizing its potential. Non-American societies in particular lag behind in their use of social networking. PMID:28855771

[Molecular docking of chlorogenic acid, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid with human serum albumin].

PubMed

Zhou, Jing; Ma, Hong-yue; Fan, Xin-sheng; Xiao, Wei; Wang, Tuan-jie

2012-10-01

To investigate the mechanism of binding of human serum albumin (HSA) with potential sensitinogen, including chlorogenic acid and two isochlorogenic acids (3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid). By using the docking algorithm of computer-aided molecular design and the Molegro Virtual Docker, the crystal structures of HSA with warfarin and diazepam (Protein Data Bank ID: 2BXD and 2BXF) were selected as molecular docking receptors of HSA sites I and II. According to docking scores, key residues and H-bond, the molecular docking mode was selected and confirmed. The molecular docking of chlorogenic acid and two isochlorogenic acids on sites I and II was compared based on the above design. The results from molecular docking indicated that chlorogenic acid, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid could bind to HSA site I by high affinity scores of -112.3, -155.3 and -153.1, respectively. They could bind to site II on HSA by high affinity scores of -101.7, -138.5 and -133.4, respectively. In site I, two isochlorogenic acids interacted with the key apolar side-chains of Leu238 and Ala291 by higher affinity scores than chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, the H-bonds of isochlorogenic acids with polar residues inside the pocket and at the entrance of the pocket were different from chlorogenic acid. Moreover, the second coffee acyl of isochlorogenic acid occupied the right-hand apolar compartment in the pocket of HSA site I. In site I, the second coffee acyl of isochlorogenic acid formed the H-bonds with polar side-chains, which contributed isochlorogenic acid to binding with site II of HSA. The isochlorogenic acids with two coffee acyls have higher binding abilities with HSA than chlorogenic acid with one coffee acyl, suggesting that isochlorogenic acids binding with HSA may be sensitinogen.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right main bronchus showing squamous differentiation and mimicking mucoepidermoid carcinoma: a case report.

PubMed

Tajima, Shogo; Koda, Kenji

2015-01-01

Complete dissection of tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) by surgery alone is sometimes difficult and has a greater propensity than tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma (TMEC) for its surgical margin to become positive. In addition, TACC is more likely to present distant metastases than TMEC. Considering these facts, TACC and TMEC should be differentiated based on histopathological examination of biopsy specimens. Herein, we present a case of 54-year-old woman with a tumor in the right main bronchus, whose biopsy specimen was difficult to diagnose as TACC or TMEC. The specimen from the rounded protrusion of the tumor showed squamous differentiation, along with the presence of glandular and basaloid cells, making morphological examination alone ineffective in rendering a definite diagnosis. Thus, the addition of immunohistochemical analysis, αSMA and CD43 expression in basaloid cells and c-kit expression in glandular cells, was useful for accurately diagnosing TACC in this case. The squamous component was considered to be neoplastic because of its increased expression of cyclin D1 and overexpression of p16. The surgically resected specimen contained typical morphology of ACC, and the diagnosis of TACC was definitely confirmed.

Mechanism of Indole-3-acetic Acid Conjugation

PubMed Central

Goren, Raphael; Bukovac, Martin J.; Flore, James A.

1974-01-01

Formation of indole-3-acetic acid-aspartate in detached primary leaves of cowpea (Vigna sinensis Endl.) floating on 14C-indole-3-acetic acid (3 μc; 3.15 μm, phosphate-citrate buffer, pH 4.75), almost doubled when leaves were pretreated with 31.5 μm12C-indole-3-acetic acid for 17 hr and then transferred to 14C-indole-3-acetic acid for 4 hours as compared with leaves preincubated in buffer only. When leaves were preincubated with ethylene (11.0 and 104 μl/l) instead of 12C-indole-3-acetic acid, no induction of indole-3-acetylaspartic acid formation was observed, and the rate of indole-3-acetylaspartic acid formation decreased as compared with control leaves. Rhizobitoxine (1.87 μm) inhibited indole-3-acetic acid-induced ethylene production but did not prevent the formation of indole-3-acetylaspartic acid. In view of the similarity of these results and those previously obtained with α-naphthaleneacetic acid, it is concluded that ethylene has no role in the auxin-induced indole-3-acetylaspartic acid formation in cowpea leaves. PMID:16658669

Bijective transformation circular codes and nucleotide exchanging RNA transcription.

PubMed

Michel, Christian J; Seligmann, Hervé

2014-04-01

The C(3) self-complementary circular code X identified in genes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes is a set of 20 trinucleotides enabling reading frame retrieval and maintenance, i.e. a framing code (Arquès and Michel, 1996; Michel, 2012, 2013). Some mitochondrial RNAs correspond to DNA sequences when RNA transcription systematically exchanges between nucleotides (Seligmann, 2013a,b). We study here the 23 bijective transformation codes ΠX of X which may code nucleotide exchanging RNA transcription as suggested by this mitochondrial observation. The 23 bijective transformation codes ΠX are C(3) trinucleotide circular codes, seven of them are also self-complementary. Furthermore, several correlations are observed between the Reading Frame Retrieval (RFR) probability of bijective transformation codes ΠX and the different biological properties of ΠX related to their numbers of RNAs in GenBank's EST database, their polymerization rate, their number of amino acids and the chirality of amino acids they code. Results suggest that the circular code X with the functions of reading frame retrieval and maintenance in regular RNA transcription, may also have, through its bijective transformation codes ΠX, the same functions in nucleotide exchanging RNA transcription. Associations with properties such as amino acid chirality suggest that the RFR of X and its bijective transformations molded the origins of the genetic code's machinery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acid-base equilibrium in aqueous solutions of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid as studied by 13C NMR spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gryff-Keller, A.; Kraska-Dziadecka, A.

2011-12-01

13C NMR spectra of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid in aqueous solutions of various acidities and for various solute concentrations have been recorded and interpreted. The spectra recorded at pH = 2 and below contain the signals of the neutral solute molecule exclusively, while the ones recorded at pH = 7 and above only the signals of the appropriate anion, which has been confirmed by theoretical GIAO-DFT calculations. The signals in the spectra recorded for solutions of pH < 7 show dynamic broadenings. The lineshape analysis of these signals has provided information on the kinetics of the processes running in the dynamic acid-base equilibrium. The kinetic data determined this way have been used to clarify the mechanisms of these processes. The numerical analysis has shown that under the investigated conditions deprotonation of the neutral solute molecules undergoes not only via a simple transfer of the C-H proton to water molecules but also through a process with participation of the barbiturate anions. Moreover, the importance of tautomerism, or association, or both these phenomena for the kinetics of the acid-base transformations in the investigated system has been shown. Qualitatively similar changes of 13C NMR spectra with the solution pH variation have been observed for the parent barbituric acid.

New insights into Cu/SSZ-13 SCR catalyst acidity. Part I: Nature of acidic sites probed by NH 3 titration

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

Luo, Jinyong; Gao, Feng; Kamasamudram, Krishna

In this work we investigated an unusual acidity feature of a Cu/SSZ-13 catalyst used in selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 (NH3-SCR). In particular, this catalyst showed two distinct NH3 desorption peaks in NH3-TPD measurements, in contrast to single, unresolved desorption peaks observed for other Cu-exchanged zeolites conventionally used in the SCR studies, including its isostructural but chemically different analogue Cu/SAPO-34. We further observed that the intensities of the two TPD peaks, which represented the amount of stored NH3, changed in opposite directions in response to progressive mild hydrothermal aging, while the total storage capacity was preserved. We proposedmore » an explanation for this remarkable behavior, by using model reference samples and additional characterization techniques. At least three NH3 storage sites were identified: two distinct populations of Cu sites responsible for low-temperature NH3 storage, and Brønsted acid sites responsible for high-temperature NH3 storage. Contrary to the commonly accepted mechanism that Brønsted acid site loss during hydrothermal aging is driven by dealumination, we concluded that the decline in the number of Brønsted acid sites upon mild hydrothermal aging for Cu/SSZ-13 was not due to dealumination, but rather transformation of Cu sites, i.e., gradual conversion of ZCuOH (Cu2+ singly coordinated with Zeolite) to Z2Cu (Cu2+ doubly coordinated with Zeolite). This transformation was responsible for the increased low-temperature desorption peak in NH3-TPD since each ZCuOH adsorbed ~1 NH3 molecule while each Z2Cu adsorbed ~2 NH3 molecules under the conditions used here. These findings were used in Part II of this series of studies to develop a method for quantifying hydrothermal ageing of industrial Cu/SSZ-13 SCR catalysts. Authors would like to thank Randall Jines for his help with collecting the reactor data, Nancy W. Washton for measuring the NMR data and Tamas Varga for in-situ XRD

Conditions affecting transformation of a group H streptococcus.

PubMed

Schlissel, H J; Sword, C P

1966-11-01

Schlissel, Harvey J. (The University of Kansas, Lawrence), and C. P. Sword. Conditions affecting transformation of a group H streptococcus. J. Bacteriol. 92:1357-1363. 1966.-A defined transforming medium (DTM) containing buffer and 5 to 10 mug per ml of deoxyribonucleic acid was developed to study the physical and chemical requirements for optimal transformation in streptococcal strain SBE. Optimal transformation in DTM occurred at pH 7.5 and 7.0 in 0.07 m sodium phosphate buffer and 0.05 m tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, respectively. In the presence of either a monovalent or a divalent cation, transformation was stimulated maximally by Mn(+2) (10(-3)m) and K(+) (0.05 m). Other cations tested (Na(+), Mg(+2), Ca(+2)) were less stimulatory. A mixture of K(+) and Mn(+2) stimulated transformation to a level higher than either cation alone. Kinetic studies showed that the stimulating effect of cations was greatest during the early part of the transformation reaction and decreased with time. Transformation was inhibited by Cu(+2) (10(-5)m) and Mn(+2) (10(-2)m). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) inhibited transformation at 10(-5)m. The inhibition by EDTA could be overcome by Mn(+2) during the early part of the transformation reaction.

Observing HNO3 release dependent upon metal complexes in malonic acid/nitrate droplets.

PubMed

Shao, Xu; Wu, Feng-Min; Yang, Hui; Pang, Shu-Feng; Zhang, Yun-Hong

2018-05-09

Although the dicarboxylic acid has been reported to react with nitrate for aged internally mixed aerosols in atmosphere, the quantitative nitrate depletion dependent upon composition in particles is still not well constrained. The chemical composition evolutions for malonic acid/sodium nitrate (MA/SN), malonic acid/magnesium nitrate (MA/MN) and malonic acid/calcium nitrate (MA/CN) particles with the organic to inorganic molar ratio (OIR) of 1:1 are investigated by vacuum Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Upon dehydration, the intensity of the asymmetric stretching mode of COO - group (ν as -COO - ) increases, accompanying the decrease in OH feather band and COOH band and NO 3 - band. These band changes suggest malonate salts formation and HNO 3 release. The quantitative NO 3 - depletion data shows that the reactivity of MA-MN is most and that of MA-SN is least. Analysis of the stretching mode of COO - indicates the different bond type between metal cation and carboxylate anion. In addition, water content in particles decreases at the constant RH, implying water loss with the chemical reaction. When the RH changes very quickly, water uptake delay during the humidification process reveals that water mass transport is limited below 37% RH. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for monitoring short-chain free fatty acids in Swiss cheese.

PubMed

Koca, N; Rodriguez-Saona, L E; Harper, W J; Alvarez, V B

2007-08-01

Short-chain free fatty acids (FFA) are important sources of cheese flavor and have been reported to be indicators for assessing quality. The objective of this research was to develop a simple and rapid screening tool for monitoring the short-chain FFA contents in Swiss cheese by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Forty-four Swiss cheese samples were evaluated by using a MIRacle three-reflection diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory. Two different sampling techniques were used for FTIR/ATR measurement: direct measurement of Swiss cheese slices (approximately 0.5 g) and measurement of a water-soluble fraction of cheese. The amounts of FFA (propionic, acetic, and butyric acids) in the water-soluble fraction of samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ion-ization detection as a reference method. Calibration models for both direct measurement and the water-soluble fraction of cheese were developed based on a cross-validated (leave-one-out approach) partial least squares regression by using the regions of 3,000 to 2,800, 1,775 to 1,680, and 1,500 to 900 cm(-1) for short-chain FFA in cheese. Promising performance statistics were obtained for the calibration models of both direct measurement and the water-soluble fraction, with improved performance statistics obtained from the water-soluble extract, particularly for propionic acid. Partial least squares models generated from FTIR/ATR spectra by direct measurement of cheeses gave standard errors of cross-validation of 9.7 mg/100 g of cheese for propionic acid, 9.3 mg/100 g of cheese for acetic acid, and 5.5 mg/100 g of cheese for butyric acid, and correlation coefficients >0.9. Standard error of cross-validation values for the water-soluble fraction were 4.4 mg/100 g of cheese for propionic acid, 9.2 mg/100 g of cheese for acetic acid, and 5.2 mg/100 g of cheese for butyric acid with correlation coefficients of 0.98, 0.95, and 0.92, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy and

Synergistic Interactions with PI3K Inhibition that Induce Apoptosis. | Office of Cancer Genomics

Cancer.gov

Activating mutations involving the PI3K pathway occur frequently in human cancers. However, PI3K inhibitors primarily induce cell cycle arrest, leaving a significant reservoir of tumor cells that may acquire or exhibit resistance. We searched for genes that are required for the survival of PI3K mutant cancer cells in the presence of PI3K inhibition by conducting a genome scale shRNA-based apoptosis screen in a PIK3CA mutant human breast cancer cell. We identified 5 genes (PIM2, ZAK, TACC1, ZFR, ZNF565) whose suppression induced cell death upon PI3K inhibition.

Nutrient supplements boost yeast transformation efficiency

PubMed Central

Yu, Sheng-Chun; Dawson, Alexander; Henderson, Alyssa C.; Lockyer, Eloise J.; Read, Emily; Sritharan, Gayathri; Ryan, Marjah; Sgroi, Mara; Ngou, Pok M.; Woodruff, Rosie; Zhang, Ruifeng; Ren Teen Chia, Travis; Liu, Yu; Xiang, Yiyu; Spanu, Pietro D.

2016-01-01

Efficiency of yeast transformation is determined by the rate of yeast endocytosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of introducing amino acids and other nutrients (inositol, adenine, or p-aminobenzoic acid) in the transformation medium to develop a highly efficient yeast transformation protocol. The target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) kinase signalling complex influences the rate of yeast endocytosis. TORC signaling is induced by amino acids in the media. Here, we found that increasing the concentration of amino acids and other nutrients in the growth media lead to an increase yeast transformation efficiency up to 107 CFU per μg plasmid DNA and per 108 cells with a 13.8 kb plasmid DNA. This is over 130 times that of current published methods. This improvement may facilitate more efficient experimentation in which transformation efficiency is critical, such as yeast two-hybrid screening. PMID:27760994

Identification and evaluation of ω-3 fatty acid desaturase genes for hyperfortifying α-linolenic acid in transgenic rice seed.

PubMed

Liu, Hua Liang; Yin, Zhi Jie; Xiao, Li; Xu, Yi Nong; Qu, Le Qing

2012-05-01

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency and a skewed of ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratio in the diet are a major explanation for the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. There is a need to enhance the ALA content and to reduce the ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to ALA. Six ω-3 (Δ-15) fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes were cloned from rice and soybean. The subcellular localizations of the proteins were identified. The FAD genes were introduced into rice under the control of an endosperm-specific promoter, GluC, or a Ubi-1 promoter to evaluate their potential in increasing the ALA content in seeds. The ALA contents in the seeds of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized GmFAD3-1 and OsFAD3 overexpression lines increased from 0.36 mg g⁻¹ to 8.57 mg g⁻¹ and 10.06 mg g⁻¹, respectively, which was 23.8- and 27.9-fold higher than that of non-transformants. The trait of high ALA content was stably inheritable over three generations. Homologous OsFAD3 is more active than GmFAD3-1 in catalysing LA conversion to ALA in rice seeds. Overexpression of ER-localized GmFAD3-2/3 and chloroplast-localized OsFAD7/8 had less effect on increasing the ALA content in rice seeds. The GluC promoter is advantageous compared with Ubi-1 in this experimental system. The enhanced ALA was preferentially located at the sn-2 position in triacylglycerols. A meal-size portion of high ALA rice would meet >80% of the daily adult ALA requirement. The ALA-rich rice could be expected to ameliorate much of the global dietary ALA deficiency.

IL-3 induces apoptosis in a ras-transformed myeloid cell line.

PubMed

Ahmed, N; Anderson, S M; Berridge, M V

1999-04-01

Growth factors promote cell survival and proliferation. Homeostasis is maintained by programmed cell death which occurs when the growth stimulus is withdrawn, in response to negative growth regulators such as interferons, TNF-alpha and CD95 ligand, or following differentiation. Although acutely-transforming oncogenes often overcome the need for growth factors, growth regulatory cytokines can influence proliferative responses of transformed cells. In this study we investigated the effects of IL-3 on the proliferative responses of parental bone marrow-derived 32D cells and cells transformed with ras and abl oncogenes. We show that treatment of ras-transformed 32D cells with IL-3 reduced proliferative responses and decreased colony-forming ability. These effects were exacerbated in the absence of serum and associated with inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity, down-regulation of RAS and MYC expression, and induction of apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation. In contrast, treatment of parental 32D cells with IL-3, which is obligatory for cell survival and proliferation, increased tyrosine kinase activity, upregulated MYC and RAS expression and maintained DNA integrity. With abl-transformed cells, proliferation and colony-forming ability were also inhibited by IL-3. Tyrosine kinase activity and MYC expression were reduced, but early apoptosis was not evident. Calcium uptake however, was stimulated by IL-3 in both parental and oncogene-transformed cells. These results suggest that threshold levels of tyrosine kinase activity are necessary for cell survival and proliferation and that with ras-transformed cells, IL-3 treatment may result in this threshold being breached. We conclude that in some situations, growth-promoting cytokines can inhibit proliferation of transformed cells and induce cell death by apoptosis.

Omega-3 fatty acids: new insights into the pharmacology and biology of docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid.

PubMed

Davidson, Michael H

2013-12-01

Fish oil contains a complex mixture of omega-3 fatty acids, which are predominantly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Each of these omega-3 fatty acids has distinct biological effects that may have variable clinical effects. In addition, plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids are affected not only by dietary intake, but also by the polymorphisms of coding genes fatty acid desaturase 1-3 for the desaturase enzymes that convert short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The clinical significance of this new understanding regarding the complexity of omega-3 fatty acid biology is the purpose of this review. FADS polymorphisms that result in either lower levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids or higher levels of long-chain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, are associated with dyslipidemia and other cardiovascular risk factors. EPA and DHA have differences in their effects on lipoprotein metabolism, in which EPA, with a more potent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha effect, decreases hepatic lipogenesis, whereas DHA not only enhances VLDL lipolysis, resulting in greater conversion to LDL, but also increases HDL cholesterol and larger, more buoyant LDL particles. Overall, these results emphasize that blood concentrations of individual long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which reflect both dietary intake and metabolic influences, may have independent, but also complementary- biological effects and reinforce the need to potentially provide a complex mixture of omega-3 fatty acids to maximize cardiovascular risk reduction.

Map-based cloning of a gene controlling Omega-3 fatty acid desaturation in Arabidopsis

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

Arondel, V.; Lemieux, B.; Hwang, I.

1992-11-20

A gene from the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana that encodes an omega-3 desaturase was cloned on the basis of the genetic map position of a mutation affecting membrane and storage lipid fatty acid composition. Yeast artificial chromosomes covering the genetic locus were identified and used to probe a seed complementary DNA library. A complementary DNA clone for the desaturase was identified and introduced into roots of both wild-type and mutant plants by Ti plasmid-mediated transformation. Transgenic tissues of both mutant and wild-type plants had significantly increased amounts of the fatty acid produced by this desaturase. 24 refs., 2 figs., 1more » tabs.« less

Preparation of the 3-monosulphates of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid.

PubMed Central

Haslewood, E S; Haslewood, G A

1976-01-01

1. The 3-sulphates of cholic, chenodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids were prepared as crystalline disodium salts. 2. The method described shows that it is possible to prepare specific sulphate esters of polyhydroxy bile acids and to remove protecting acyl groups without removing the sulphate. 3. A study of bile acid sulphate solvolysis showed that none of the usual methods give the original bile acid in major yield in a single step. 4. An understanding of the preparation, properties and methods of solvolysis of bile acid sulphates is basic for investigations of cholestasis and liver disease. PMID:938488

Building Capacity Through Hands-on Computational Internships to Assure Reproducible Results and Implementation of Digital Documentation in the ICERT REU Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, R.; Gentle, J.

2015-12-01

Modern data pipelines and computational processes require that meticulous methodologies be applied in order to insure that the source data, algorithms, and results are properly curated, managed and retained while remaining discoverable, accessible, and reproducible. Given the complexity of understanding the scientific problem domain being researched, combined with the overhead of learning to use advanced computing technologies, it becomes paramount that the next generation of scientists and researchers learn to embrace best-practices. The Integrative Computational Education and Research Traineeship (ICERT) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC). During Summer 2015, two ICERT interns joined the 3DDY project. 3DDY converts geospatial datasets into file types that can take advantage of new formats, such as natural user interfaces, interactive visualization, and 3D printing. Mentored by TACC researchers for ten weeks, students with no previous background in computational science learned to use scripts to build the first prototype of the 3DDY application, and leveraged Wrangler, the newest high performance computing (HPC) resource at TACC. Test datasets for quadrangles in central Texas were used to assemble the 3DDY workflow and code. Test files were successfully converted into a stereo lithographic (STL) format, which is amenable for use with a 3D printers. Test files and the scripts were documented and shared using the Figshare site while metadata was documented for the 3DDY application using OntoSoft. These efforts validated a straightforward set of workflows to transform geospatial data and established the first prototype version of 3DDY. Adding the data and software management procedures helped students realize a broader set of tangible results (e.g. Figshare entries), better document their progress and the final state of their work for the research group and community

Omega-3 fatty acids (image)

MedlinePlus

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fat that the body derives from food. Omega-3s (and omega-6s) are known as essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are important for good health. ...

Pork as a Source of Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids

PubMed Central

Dugan, Michael E.R.; Vahmani, Payam; Turner, Tyler D.; Mapiye, Cletos; Juárez, Manuel; Prieto, Nuria; Beaulieu, Angela D.; Zijlstra, Ruurd T.; Patience, John F.; Aalhus, Jennifer L.

2015-01-01

Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world, but typical feeding practices give it a high omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio and make it a poor source of n-3 fatty acids. Feeding pigs n-3 fatty acids can increase their contents in pork, and in countries where label claims are permitted, claims can be met with limited feeding of n-3 fatty acid enrich feedstuffs, provided contributions of both fat and muscle are included in pork servings. Pork enriched with n-3 fatty acids is, however, not widely available. Producing and marketing n-3 fatty acid enriched pork requires regulatory approval, development costs, quality control costs, may increase production costs, and enriched pork has to be tracked to retail and sold for a premium. Mandatory labelling of the n-6/n-3 ratio and the n-3 fatty acid content of pork may help drive production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork, and open the door to population-based disease prevention polices (i.e., food tax to provide incentives to improve production practices). A shift from the status-quo, however, will require stronger signals along the value chain indicating production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork is an industry priority. PMID:26694475

Pork as a Source of Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids.

PubMed

Dugan, Michael E R; Vahmani, Payam; Turner, Tyler D; Mapiye, Cletos; Juárez, Manuel; Prieto, Nuria; Beaulieu, Angela D; Zijlstra, Ruurd T; Patience, John F; Aalhus, Jennifer L

2015-12-16

Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world, but typical feeding practices give it a high omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio and make it a poor source of n-3 fatty acids. Feeding pigs n-3 fatty acids can increase their contents in pork, and in countries where label claims are permitted, claims can be met with limited feeding of n-3 fatty acid enrich feedstuffs, provided contributions of both fat and muscle are included in pork servings. Pork enriched with n-3 fatty acids is, however, not widely available. Producing and marketing n-3 fatty acid enriched pork requires regulatory approval, development costs, quality control costs, may increase production costs, and enriched pork has to be tracked to retail and sold for a premium. Mandatory labelling of the n-6/n-3 ratio and the n-3 fatty acid content of pork may help drive production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork, and open the door to population-based disease prevention polices (i.e., food tax to provide incentives to improve production practices). A shift from the status-quo, however, will require stronger signals along the value chain indicating production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork is an industry priority.

Growth of nitric acid hydrates on thin sulfuric acid films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iraci, Laura T.; Middlebrook, Ann M.; Wilson, Margaret A.; Tolbert, Margaret A.

1994-01-01

Type I polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are thought to nucleate and grow on stratospheric sulfate aerosols (SSAs). To model this system, thin sulfuric acid films were exposed to water and nitric acid vapors (1-3 x 10(exp -4) Torr H2O and 1-2.5 x 10(exp -6) Torr HNO3) and subjected to cooling and heating cycles. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to probe the phase of the sulfuric acid and to identify the HNO3/H2O films that condensed. Nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) was observed to grow on crystalline sulfuric acid tetrahydrate (SAT) films. NAT also condensed in/on supercooled H2SO4 films without causing crystallization of the sulfuric acid. This growth is consistent with NAT nucleation from ternary solutions as the first step in PSC formation.

Better Rooting Procedure to Enhance Survival Rate of Field Grown Malaysian Eksotika Papaya Transformed with 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Oxidase Gene

PubMed Central

Sekeli, Rogayah; Abdullah, Janna Ong; Namasivayam, Parameswari; Muda, Pauziah; Abu Bakar, Umi Kalsom

2013-01-01

A high survival rate for transformed papaya plants when transferred to the field is useful in the quest for improving the commercial quality traits. We report in this paper an improved rooting method for the production of transformed Malaysian Eksotika papaya with high survival rate when transferred to the field. Shoots were regenerated from embryogenic calli transformed with antisense and RNAi constructs of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) genes using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method. Regenerated transformed shoots, each measuring approximately 3-4 cm in height, were cultured in liquid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium or sterile distilled water, and with either perlite or vermiculite supplementation. All the culturing processes were conducted either under sterile or nonsterile condition. The results showed that rooting under sterile condition was better. Shoots cultured in half-strength MS medium supplemented with vermiculite exhibited a 92.5% rooting efficiency while perlite showed 77.5%. The survival rate of the vermiculite-grown transformed papaya plantlets after transfer into soil, contained in polybags, was 94%, and the rate after transfer into the ground was 92%. Morpho-histological analyses revealed that the tap roots were more compact, which might have contributed to the high survival rates of the plantlets. PMID:25969786

Better rooting procedure to enhance survival rate of field grown malaysian eksotika papaya transformed with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid oxidase gene.

PubMed

Sekeli, Rogayah; Abdullah, Janna Ong; Namasivayam, Parameswari; Muda, Pauziah; Abu Bakar, Umi Kalsom

2013-01-01

A high survival rate for transformed papaya plants when transferred to the field is useful in the quest for improving the commercial quality traits. We report in this paper an improved rooting method for the production of transformed Malaysian Eksotika papaya with high survival rate when transferred to the field. Shoots were regenerated from embryogenic calli transformed with antisense and RNAi constructs of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) genes using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method. Regenerated transformed shoots, each measuring approximately 3-4 cm in height, were cultured in liquid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium or sterile distilled water, and with either perlite or vermiculite supplementation. All the culturing processes were conducted either under sterile or nonsterile condition. The results showed that rooting under sterile condition was better. Shoots cultured in half-strength MS medium supplemented with vermiculite exhibited a 92.5% rooting efficiency while perlite showed 77.5%. The survival rate of the vermiculite-grown transformed papaya plantlets after transfer into soil, contained in polybags, was 94%, and the rate after transfer into the ground was 92%. Morpho-histological analyses revealed that the tap roots were more compact, which might have contributed to the high survival rates of the plantlets.

Preparation and characterization Al3+-bentonite Turen Malang for esterification fatty acid (palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdulloh, Abdulloh; Aminah, Nanik Siti; Triyono, Mudasir, Trisunaryanti, Wega

2016-03-01

Catalyst preparation and characterization of Al3+-bentonite for esterification of palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid has been done. Al3+-bentonite catalyst was prepared from natural bentonite of Turen Malang through cation exchange reaction using AlCl3 solution. The catalysts obtained were characterized by XRD, XRF, pyridine-FTIR and surface area analyser using the BET method. Catalyst activity test of Al3+-bentonite for esterification reaction was done at 65°C using molar ratio of metanol-fatty acid of 30:1 and 0.25 g of Al3+-bentonite catalyst for the period of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. Based on the characterization results, the Al3+-bentonite Turen Malang catalyst has a d-spacing of 15.63 Ǻ, acid sites of Brönsted and Lewis respectively of 230.79 µmol/g and 99.39 µmol/g, surface area of 507.3 m2/g and the average of radius pore of 20.09 Å. GC-MS analysis results of the oil phase after esterification reaction showed the formation of biodiesel (FAME: Fatty acid methyl ester), namely methyl palmitate, methyl oleate and methyl linoleate. The number of conversions resulted in esterification reaction using Al3+-bentonite Turen Malang catalyst was 74.61%, 37.75%, and 20, 93% for the esterification of palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid respectively.

Thin-Film Transformation of NH4 PbI3 to CH3 NH3 PbI3 Perovskite: A Methylamine-Induced Conversion-Healing Process.

PubMed

Zong, Yingxia; Zhou, Yuanyuan; Ju, Minggang; Garces, Hector F; Krause, Amanda R; Ji, Fuxiang; Cui, Guanglei; Zeng, Xiao Cheng; Padture, Nitin P; Pang, Shuping

2016-11-14

Methylamine-induced thin-film transformation at room-temperature is discovered, where a porous, rough, polycrystalline NH 4 PbI 3 non-perovskite thin film converts stepwise into a dense, ultrasmooth, textured CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite thin film. Owing to the beneficial phase/structural development of the thin film, its photovoltaic properties undergo dramatic enhancement during this NH 4 PbI 3 -to-CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 transformation process. The chemical origins of this transformation are studied at various length scales. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pectin functionalised by fatty acids: Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopic characterisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamnev, Alexander A.; Calce, Enrica; Tarantilis, Petros A.; Tugarova, Anna V.; De Luca, Stefania

2015-01-01

Chemically modified pectin derivatives obtained by partial esterification of its hydroxyl moieties with fatty acids (FA; oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids), as well as the initial apple peel pectin were comparatively characterised using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. Characteristic changes observed in DRIFT spectra in going from pectin to its FA esters are related to the corresponding chemical modifications. Comparing the DRIFT spectra with some reported data on FTIR spectra of the same materials measured in KBr or NaCl matrices has revealed noticeable shifts of several polar functional groups both in pectin and in its FA-esterified products induced by the halide salts. The results obtained have implications for careful structural analyses of biopolymers with hydrophilic functional groups by means of different FTIR spectroscopic methodologies.

Acetic Acid Ketonization over Fe3O4/SiO2 for Pyrolysis Bio-Oil Upgrading.

PubMed

Bennett, James A; Parlett, Christopher M A; Isaacs, Mark A; Durndell, Lee J; Olivi, Luca; Lee, Adam F; Wilson, Karen

2017-05-10

A family of silica-supported, magnetite nanoparticle catalysts was synthesised and investigated for continuous-flow acetic acid ketonisation as a model pyrolysis bio-oil upgrading reaction. The physico-chemical properties of Fe 3 O 4 /SiO 2 catalysts were characterised by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and porosimetry. The acid site densities were inversely proportional to the Fe 3 O 4 particle size, although the acid strength and Lewis character were size-invariant, and correlated with the specific activity for the vapour-phase acetic ketonisation to acetone. A constant activation energy (∼110 kJ mol -1 ), turnover frequency (∼13 h -1 ) and selectivity to acetone of 60 % were observed for ketonisation across the catalyst series, which implies that Fe 3 O 4 is the principal active component of Red Mud waste.

Omega-3 fatty acids (ῳ-3 fatty acids) in epilepsy: animal models and human clinical trials.

PubMed

DeGiorgio, Christopher M; Taha, Ameer Y

2016-10-01

There is growing interest in alternative and nutritional therapies for drug resistant epilepsy. ῳ-3 fatty acids such as fish or krill oil are widely available supplements used to lower triglycerides and enhance cardiovascular health. ῳ-3 fatty acids have been studied extensively in animal models of epilepsy. Yet, evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials in epilepsy is at an early stage. This report focuses on the key ῳ-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, their incorporation into the lipid bilayer, modulation of ion channels, and mechanisms of action in reducing excitability within the central nervous system. This paper presents pre-clinical evidence from mouse, rat, and canine models, and reports the efficacy of n-3 fatty acids in randomized controlled clinical trials. An English language search of PubMed and Google scholar for the years 1981-2016 was performed for animal studies and human randomized controlled clinical trials. Expert commentary: Basic science and animal models provide a cogent rationale and substantial evidence for a role of ῳ-3 fatty acids in reducing seizures. Results in humans are limited. Recent Phase II RCT evidence suggests that low to moderate dose of ῳ-3 fatty acids reduce seizures; however, larger multicenter randomized trials are needed to confirm or refute the evidence. The safety, health effects, low cost and ease of use make ῳ-3 fatty acids an intriguing alternative therapy for drug resistant epilepsy. Though safety of profile is excellent, the human data is not yet sufficient to support efficacy in drug resistant epilepsy at this time.

Ionothermal synthesis and structural transformation targeted by ion exchange in metal-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate compounds

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

Xu, Qing-Qing; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002; Liu, Bing

Ionothermal reactions of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate acid (H{sub 3}BTC) and Ni(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}, Co(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} and Cu(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} gave two discrete 32-membered ring-like allomers, [M{sub 2}(HBTC){sub 2}(NH{sub 2}CONH{sub 2}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}]·3H{sub 2}O (M=Ni(1), Co(2)) and one layered [Cu{sub 2}(BTC)Cl(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}] (3). The weak interactions in 1 can be deconstructed to some degree in ion exchange by exploring the factors of divalent and trivalent metal species, metal concentration and soaking time, which are demonstrated by PXRD and N{sub 2} absorption. Cu{sup 2+} has the highest N{sub 2} adsorbance when soaking with 1, and 1 can keep structure stable whenmore » Cu{sup 2+} below 0.16 mol L{sup −1} and the soaking time within 24d. As Cu{sup 2+} beyond 0.16 mol L{sup −1} and the soaking time beyond 24d, the structure of compound 1 starts to transform with the crystal morphology from clear pale green to opaque blue. Ionothermal reactions of compound 1 with different Cu{sup 2+} amounts obtained Ni{sup 2+}-Cu{sup 2+} hetero complexes, whose PXRD patterns are similar to that of 3 and EDS indicates Cu{sup 2+}% increases with Cu{sup 2+} additions and close to 100% as Cu{sup 2+} being 1.6 mmol. It suggests that 3 is a controlled product and Cu{sup 2+} can transform discrete compound 1 into 2D compound 3. - Graphical abstract: Three compounds were synthesized through ionothermal reactions. The weak interactions in compound 1 can be deconstructed by ion exchange and discrete compound 1 can be transformed into layered compound 3. - Highlights: • Two discrete ring-like and one layered compounds were ionothermally synthesized. • Metal species, metal concentration and soaking time deconstruct the H-bondings in 1. • 1 can be transformed to 3 through ionothermal reaction, otherwise forbidden.« less

Nitrating reactive nitric oxygen species transform acetaminophen to 3-nitroacetaminophen.

PubMed

Lakshmi, V M; Hsu, F F; Davis, B B; Zenser, T V

2000-09-01

Nitrating reactive nitric oxygen species (RNOS) elicit many of the deleterious effects of the inflammatory response. Their high reactivity and short half-life make RNOS analysis difficult. Reaction of acetaminophen (APAP) with RNOS generated by various conditions was evaluated by HPLC. When [(14)C]APAP was incubated at pH 7.4, the same new product (3NAP) was produced by at least three separate pathways represented by the following conditions: myeloperoxidase oxidation of NO(2)(-), NO(2)Cl, and ONOO(-) or Sin-1. Diethylamine NONO and spermine NONO did not convert APAP to 3NAP. 3NAP was stable at pH 5, 7.4, or 9, and at pH 7.4 with ONOO(-), spermine NONO, Sin-1, or H(2)O(2). HOCl transformed 3NAP, which was prevented by APAP, ascorbic acid, taurine, or NO(2)(-). ONOO(-)-derived 3NAP was identified by (1)H NMR as 3-nitroacetaminophen or 3-nitro-N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, and the product mass was verified by EI/ESI mass spectrometry. Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils incubated with [(14)C]APAP and stimulated with beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate produced 3NAP in the presence of NO(2)(-). Neutrophil 3NAP formation was verified by mass spectrometry and was consistent with myeloperoxidase oxidation of NO(2)(-). Spermine NONO supported 3NAP formation by stimulated cells in the absence of NO(2)(-). Results demonstrate that 3NAP is a product of nitrating RNOS generated by at least three separate pathways and may be a biomarker for nitrating mediators of inflammation.

Modification of Occupational Exposures on Bladder Cancer Risk by Common Genetic Polymorphisms.

PubMed

Figueroa, Jonine D; Koutros, Stella; Colt, Joanne S; Kogevinas, Manolis; Garcia-Closas, Montserrat; Real, Francisco X; Friesen, Melissa C; Baris, Dalsu; Stewart, Patricia; Schwenn, Molly; Johnson, Alison; Karagas, Margaret R; Armenti, Karla R; Moore, Lee E; Schned, Alan; Lenz, Petra; Prokunina-Olsson, Ludmila; Banday, A Rouf; Paquin, Ashley; Ylaya, Kris; Chung, Joon-Yong; Hewitt, Stephen M; Nickerson, Michael L; Tardón, Adonina; Serra, Consol; Carrato, Alfredo; García-Closas, Reina; Lloreta, Josep; Malats, Núria; Fraumeni, Joseph F; Chanock, Stephen J; Chatterjee, Nilanjan; Rothman, Nathaniel; Silverman, Debra T

2015-11-01

Few studies have demonstrated gene/environment interactions in cancer research. Using data on high-risk occupations for 2258 case patients and 2410 control patients from two bladder cancer studies, we observed that three of 16 known or candidate bladder cancer susceptibility variants displayed statistically significant and consistent evidence of additive interactions; specifically, the GSTM1 deletion polymorphism (P interaction ≤ .001), rs11892031 (UGT1A, P interaction = .01), and rs798766 (TMEM129-TACC3-FGFR3, P interaction = .03). There was limited evidence for multiplicative interactions. When we examined detailed data on a prevalent occupational exposure associated with increased bladder cancer risk, straight metalworking fluids, we also observed statistically significant additive interaction for rs798766 (TMEM129-TACC3-FGFR3, P interaction = .02), with the interaction more apparent in patients with tumors positive for FGFR3 expression. All statistical tests were two-sided. The interaction we observed for rs798766 (TMEM129-TACC3-FGFR3) with specific exposure to straight metalworking fluids illustrates the value of integrating germline genetic variation, environmental exposures, and tumor marker data to provide insight into the mechanisms of bladder carcinogenesis. Published by Oxford University Press 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Insulin-IGF signaling affects cell transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell model

PubMed Central

Poburski, Doerte; Leovsky, Christiane; Boerner, Josefine Barbara; Szimmtenings, Luisa; Ristow, Michael; Glei, Michael; Thierbach, René

2016-01-01

The increased cancer mortality of diabetes type 2 patients is most likely an evidence of the tight connection between tumor development and energy metabolism. A major focus of today’s research is still the identification of key proteins of both diseases and the development of corresponding inhibitors. In this study we combined the two-stage BALB/c-3T3 cell transformation assay (BALB-CTA) with the IR/IGF-1R inhibitor OSI-906 (linsitinib) and analyzed alterations in protein activity and energy parameters in non-transformed as well as transformed cells. OSI-906 successfully inhibited the phosphorylation of IR/IGF-1R and decreased cell growth in non-transformed cells. In the BALB-CTA, a permanent treatment with OSI-906 reduced cellular transformation dose-dependently, whereas a temporary treatment gave evidence for a preventive effect in the promotion phase. Furthermore, even though several key proteins were affected, it was possible to show that the phosphorylation of GSK3, Erk 1/2 and the S6 protein are not crucial for the cell foci reducing effect of OSI-906. Taken together, the BALB-CTA confirmed results of OSI-906 from animal studies and enhanced the knowledge of its mode of action. Therefore, the BALB-CTA offers the opportunity to analyze alterations in the transformation process more precisely and will be helpful to identify effective cancer treatments. PMID:27849005

Insulin-IGF signaling affects cell transformation in the BALB/c 3T3 cell model.

PubMed

Poburski, Doerte; Leovsky, Christiane; Boerner, Josefine Barbara; Szimmtenings, Luisa; Ristow, Michael; Glei, Michael; Thierbach, René

2016-11-16

The increased cancer mortality of diabetes type 2 patients is most likely an evidence of the tight connection between tumor development and energy metabolism. A major focus of today's research is still the identification of key proteins of both diseases and the development of corresponding inhibitors. In this study we combined the two-stage BALB/c-3T3 cell transformation assay (BALB-CTA) with the IR/IGF-1R inhibitor OSI-906 (linsitinib) and analyzed alterations in protein activity and energy parameters in non-transformed as well as transformed cells. OSI-906 successfully inhibited the phosphorylation of IR/IGF-1R and decreased cell growth in non-transformed cells. In the BALB-CTA, a permanent treatment with OSI-906 reduced cellular transformation dose-dependently, whereas a temporary treatment gave evidence for a preventive effect in the promotion phase. Furthermore, even though several key proteins were affected, it was possible to show that the phosphorylation of GSK3, Erk 1/2 and the S6 protein are not crucial for the cell foci reducing effect of OSI-906. Taken together, the BALB-CTA confirmed results of OSI-906 from animal studies and enhanced the knowledge of its mode of action. Therefore, the BALB-CTA offers the opportunity to analyze alterations in the transformation process more precisely and will be helpful to identify effective cancer treatments.

Effects of short-term acid and aluminum exposure on the parr-smolt transformation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Disruption of seawater tolerance and endocrine status

USGS Publications Warehouse

Monette, M.Y.; Bjornsson, Bjorn Thrandur; McCormick, S.D.

2008-01-01

Episodic acidification resulting in increased acidity and inorganic aluminum (Ali) is known to interfere with the parr-smolt transformation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and has been implicated as a possible cause of population decline. To determine the extent and mechanism(s) by which short-term acid/Al exposure compromises smolt development, Atlantic salmon smolts were exposed to either control (pH 6.7-6.9) or acid/Al (pH 5.4-6.3, 28-64 ??g l-1 Ali) conditions for 2 and 5 days, and impacts on freshwater (FW) ion regulation, seawater (SW) tolerance, plasma hormone levels and stress response were examined. Gill Al concentrations were elevated in all smolts exposed to acid/Al relative to controls confirming exposure to increased Ali. There was no effect of acid/Al on plasma ion concentrations in FW however, smolts exposed to acid/Al followed by a 24 h SW challenge exhibited greater plasma Cl- levels than controls, indicating reduced SW tolerance. Loss of SW tolerance was accompanied by reductions in gill Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) activity and Na+,K+,2Cl- (NKCC) cotransporter protein abundance. Acid/Al exposure resulted in decreased plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and 3,3???,5???-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) levels, whereas no effect of treatment was seen on plasma cortisol, growth hormone (GH), or thyroxine (T4) levels. Acid/Al exposure resulted in increased hematocrit and plasma glucose levels in FW, but both returned to control levels after 24 h in SW. The results indicate that smolt development and SW tolerance are compromised by short-term exposure to acid/Al in the absence of detectable impacts on FW ion regulation. Loss of SW tolerance during short-term acid/Al exposure likely results from reductions in gill NKA and NKCC, possibly mediated by decreases in plasma IGF-I and T3. ?? 2008 Elsevier Inc.

75 FR 41760 - Safety Zone; Transformers 3 Movie Filming, Chicago River, Chicago, IL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-19

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Transformers 3 Movie Filming, Chicago River, Chicago, IL AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... vessels from the hazards associated with the filming of the major motion picture, Transformers 3. The... Safety Zone; Transformers 3 Movie Filming, Chicago River, Chicago, IL (a) Location. The safety zone will...

Clostridium species strain BOH3 tolerates and transforms inhibitors from horticulture waste hydrolysates.

PubMed

Yan, Yu; He, Jianzhong

2017-08-01

Conversion of lignocellulosic hydrolysate to biofuels is impeded by the toxic effects of inhibitors that are generated during pretreatment and hydrolysis processes. Here we describe a wild-type Clostridium sp. strain BOH3 with high tolerance to the lignocellulose-derived inhibitors and its capability to transform these inhibitors. Strain BOH3 is capable of tolerating over 60 mM furfural, 60 mM hydroxymethylfurfural, and 6.6 mM vanillin, respectively, and is able to convert 53.74 ± 0.37 mM furfural into furfuryl alcohol within 90 h. The high furfural tolerance and its biotransformation by strain BOH3, which is correlated to the high transcription levels of two short-chain dehydrogenase/reductases, enable strain BOH3 to produce 5.15 ± 0.52 g/L butanol from dilute sulfuric acid pretreated horticultural waste hydrolysate (HWH) that bypassed the detoxification step. The capability of strain BOH3 to produce butanol from un-detoxified HWH lays the foundation of cost-effective biofuel production from lignocellulosic materials.

75 FR 45478 - Safety Zone; Transformers 3 Movie Filming, Chicago River, Chicago, IL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-03

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Transformers 3 Movie Filming, Chicago River, Chicago, IL AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... portion of the Chicago River due to the filming of a major motion picture, Transformers 3. These temporary..., Transformers 3. The Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, has determined that the stunts associated with...

Synthesis oftrans-3-hexadecenoic acid and oftrans-3-hexadecenoic-1-C(14) acid.

PubMed

Knipprath, W G; Stein, R A

1966-01-01

Thetrans-3-hexadecenoic acid has been synthesized. Physical properties and chemical degradation prove its identity with the acid earlier isolated from several plant lipids. In the sequence of the synthesis, the introduction of a terminal triple bond into commercially available 1-tetradecene was performed by bromination and debromination with KOH and NaNH(2). Chain elongation by a Grignard reaction with CO(2) gave a carboxylic acid with a triple bond in the 2-position. Reduction with LiAlH(4) yielded the corresponding alcohol, and reduction of the triple to thetrans double bond was accomplished with Na in ethanol. Bromination of the alcohol with PBr(3) and conversion of the bromide to the nitrile with KCN or KC(14)N elongated the carbon chain to the desired length. Methanolysis with HCl in methanol and saponification with KOH formed the acid with acceptable yields, and in the case of the C(14)-labeled carboxyl, group, with high specific activity.

40 CFR 721.3031 - Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3... Substances § 721.3031 Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3) (PMN P...

40 CFR 721.3031 - Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3... Substances § 721.3031 Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3). (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3) (PMN P...

Nucleic Acid analysis by fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry at the beginning of the twenty-first century.

PubMed

Frahm, J L; Muddiman, D C

2005-01-01

Mass spectrometers measure an intrinsic property (i.e., mass) of a molecule, which makes it an ideal platform for nucleic acid analysis. Importantly, the unparalleled capabilities of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry further extend its usefulness for nucleic acid analysis. The beginning of the twenty-first century has been marked with notable advances in the field of FT-ICR mass spectrometry analysis of nucleic acids. Some of these accomplishments include fundamental studies of nucleic acid properties, improvements in sample clean up and preparation, better methods to obtain higher mass measurement accuracy, analysis of noncovalent complexes, tandem mass spectrometry, and characterization of peptide nucleic acids. This diverse range of studies will be presented herein.

Mobile phone base station radiation does not affect neoplastic transformation in BALB/3T3 cells.

PubMed

Hirose, H; Suhara, T; Kaji, N; Sakuma, N; Sekijima, M; Nojima, T; Miyakoshi, J

2008-01-01

A large-scale in vitro study focusing on low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields affect malignant transformation or other cellular stress responses. Our group previously reported that DNA strand breaks were not induced in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) radiation up to 800 mW/kg from mobile radio base stations employing the IMT-2000 cellular system. In the current study, BALB/3T3 cells were continuously exposed to 2.1425 GHz W-CDMA RF fields at specific absorption rates (SARs) of 80 and 800 mW/kg for 6 weeks and malignant cell transformation was assessed. In addition, 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-treated cells were exposed to RF fields in a similar fashion, to assess for effects on tumor promotion. Finally, the effect of RF fields on tumor co-promotion was assessed in BALB/3T3 cells initiated with MCA and co-exposed to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At the end of the incubation period, transformation dishes were fixed, stained with Giemsa, and scored for morphologically transformed foci. No significant differences in transformation frequency were observed between the test groups exposed to RF signals and the sham-exposed negative controls in the non-, MCA-, or MCA plus TPA-treated cells. Our studies found no evidence to support the hypothesis that RF fields may affect malignant transformation. Our results suggest that exposure to low-level RF radiation of up to 800 mW/kg does not induce cell transformation, which causes tumor formation. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Enantioselective Bronsted Acid Catalysis with Chiral Pentacarboxycyclopentadienes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheewala, Chirag

This thesis details the design and development of pentacarboxycyclopentadienes (PCCPs) as a new platform for enantioselective Bronsted acid catalysis. Prior to this research, enantioselective Bronsted acid catalysis was limited to the BINOL (and variations thereof) framework. While this catalyst platform has paved the way for a myriad of novel asymmetric chemical transformations, the utility of this catalyst scaffold has suffered from its lengthy and expensive preparations. As an alternative, starting from readily available 1,2,3,4,5-pentacarbomethoxycyclopentadiene and various chiral alcohols and amines, the synthesis of a library of strongly acidic chiral catalysts is described. The utility of these novel acid catalysts is explored in various transformations. As a prelude to the heart of this work, Chapter 1 focuses on the advancements made in asymmetric Bronsted acid catalysis through BINOL-phosphate derived catalysts, focusing on the major accomplishments made by researchers since 2004. The provided review highlights the utility of these chiral acid catalysts but also reveals the need for a new scaffold that is more affordable and accessible. Chapter 2 discusses the background of PCCPs, including its initial discovery and subsequent applications. Our work in developing novel transesterified and amidated derivatives is discussed with accompanying crystal structures of achiral and chiral PCCPs. pKa measurements demonstrate the capacity of PCCPs to be used as strong Bronsted acid catalysts and are compared to literature values of known Bronsted acid catalysts. Chapter 3 focuses on the utility of PCCPs as enantioselective Bronsted acid catalysts in a variety of chemical transformations including the Mukaiyama-Mannich reaction, transfer hydrogenation, Pictet-Spengler reaction, diaryl alcohol substitution, Mukayaiama oxocarbenium aldol reaction, and [4+2]-cycloaddition. Catalyst loadings down to 0.01 mol% and reaction scale up to 25 grams in the Mukaiyama

Ionothermal synthesis and structural transformation targeted by ion exchange in metal-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Qing-Qing; Liu, Bing; Xu, Ling; Jiao, Huan

2017-03-01

Ionothermal reactions of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate acid (H3BTC) and Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2 and Cu(NO3)2 gave two discrete 32-membered ring-like allomers, [M2(HBTC)2(NH2CONH2)2(H2O)4]·3H2O (M=Ni(1), Co(2)) and one layered [Cu2(BTC)Cl(H2O)4] (3). The weak interactions in 1 can be deconstructed to some degree in ion exchange by exploring the factors of divalent and trivalent metal species, metal concentration and soaking time, which are demonstrated by PXRD and N2 absorption. Cu2+ has the highest N2 adsorbance when soaking with 1, and 1 can keep structure stable when Cu2+ below 0.16 mol L-1 and the soaking time within 24d. As Cu2+ beyond 0.16 mol L-1 and the soaking time beyond 24d, the structure of compound 1 starts to transform with the crystal morphology from clear pale green to opaque blue. Ionothermal reactions of compound 1 with different Cu2+ amounts obtained Ni2+-Cu2+ hetero complexes, whose PXRD patterns are similar to that of 3 and EDS indicates Cu2+% increases with Cu2+ additions and close to 100% as Cu2+ being 1.6 mmol. It suggests that 3 is a controlled product and Cu2+ can transform discrete compound 1 into 2D compound 3.

Measurement of the rates of oxindole-3-acetic acid turnover, and indole-3-acetic acid oxidation in Zea mays seedlings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nonhebel, H. M.; Bandurski, R. S. (Principal Investigator)

1986-01-01

Oxindole-3-acetic acid is the principal catabolite of indole-3-acetic acid in Zea mays seedlings. In this paper measurements of the turnover of oxindole-3-acetic acid are presented and used to calculate the rate of indole-3-acetic acid oxidation. [3H]Oxindole-3-acetic acid was applied to the endosperm of Zea mays seedlings and allowed to equilibrate for 24 h before the start of the experiment. The subsequent decrease in its specific activity was used to calculate the turnover rate. The average half-life of oxindole-3-acetic acid in the shoots was found to be 30 h while that in the kernels had an average half-life of 35h. Using previously published values of the pool sizes of oxindole-3-acetic acid in shoots and kernels from seedlings of the same age and variety, and grown under the same conditions, the rate of indole-3-acetic acid oxidation was calculated to be 1.1 pmol plant-1 h-1 in the shoots and 7.1 pmol plant-1 h-1 in the kernels.

A novel strategy for discriminating marine oils by using the positional distribution (sn-1, sn-2, sn-3) of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in triacylglycerols.

PubMed

Araujo, Pedro; Tilahun, Ephrem; Zeng, Yingxu

2018-05-15

A novel strategy for discriminating genuine and adulterated marine oils is proposed. The strategy consists of i) determining the stereospecific distribution (sn-1, sn-2 and sn-3) of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) on the backbone of triacylglycerols by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry; ii) transforming the qualitative stereospecific information into quantitative data by means of a novel strategy; iii) analyzing the transformed data by principal component analysis. The proposed strategy was tested on pure oils (seal, salmon, cod liver, sandeel, blue whiting, herring), a mixture of blue whiting, herring, sandeel and Norway pout and some intentionally adulterated oils. In addition, some published krill oil data were analyzed to confirm the reliability of the new approach. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microbial transformation of nitroaromatic compounds in sewage effluent.

PubMed

Hallas, L E; Alexander, M

1983-04-01

The transformation of mono- and dinitroaromatic compounds was measured in sewage effluent maintained under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Most of the nitrobenzene, 3- and 4-nitrobenzoic acids, and 3- and 4-nitrotoluenes and much of the 1,2- and 1,3-dinitrobenzenes disappeared both in the presence and absence of oxygen. Under anaerobiosis, 2,6-dinitrotoluene and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid disappeared slowly, but no loss was evident in 28 days in aerated sewage. Aromatic amines did not accumulate during the aerobic decomposition of the mononitro compounds. They did appear in nonsterile, but not in sterile, sewage incubated aerobically with the dinitro compounds and anaerobically with all the chemicals. Analysis by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that aniline was formed from nitrobenzene, toluidine was formed from 3- and 4-nitrotoluenes, and aminobenzoic acid was formed from 3- and 4-nitrobenzoic acids under anaerobiosis, and that nitroaniline was formed from 1,2- and 1,3-dinitrobenzenes, aminonitrotoluene resulted from 2,6-dinitrotoluene, and aminonitrobenzoic acid was a product of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid under both conditions. The isomeric forms of the metabolites were not established. Aniline, 4-toluidine, and 4-aminobenzoic acid added to sewage disappeared from aerated nonsterile, but not from sterile, sewage or sewage in the absence of oxygen. 2-Nitroaniline, 2-amino-3-nitrotoluene, and 2-amino-5-nitrobenzoic acid added to sewage persisted for at least 60 days in aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses demonstrated that acetanilide and 2-methylquinoline were formed from aniline, 4-methylformanilide and 4-methylacetanilide were formed from 4-toluidine, 2-methylbenzimidazole was a product of 2-nitroaniline, and unidentified benzimidazoles were formed from 2-amino-3-nitrotoluene in the absence of oxygen, and that 2-nitroacetanilide and 2-methyl-6

Microbial Transformation of Nitroaromatic Compounds in Sewage Effluent

PubMed Central

Hallas, Laurence E.; Alexander, Martin

1983-01-01

The transformation of mono- and dinitroaromatic compounds was measured in sewage effluent maintained under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Most of the nitrobenzene, 3- and 4-nitrobenzoic acids, and 3- and 4-nitrotoluenes and much of the 1,2- and 1,3-dinitrobenzenes disappeared both in the presence and absence of oxygen. Under anaerobiosis, 2,6-dinitrotoluene and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid disappeared slowly, but no loss was evident in 28 days in aerated sewage. Aromatic amines did not accumulate during the aerobic decomposition of the mononitro compounds. They did appear in nonsterile, but not in sterile, sewage incubated aerobically with the dinitro compounds and anaerobically with all the chemicals. Analysis by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that aniline was formed from nitrobenzene, toluidine was formed from 3- and 4-nitrotoluenes, and aminobenzoic acid was formed from 3- and 4-nitrobenzoic acids under anaerobiosis, and that nitroaniline was formed from 1,2- and 1,3-dinitrobenzenes, aminonitrotoluene resulted from 2,6-dinitrotoluene, and aminonitrobenzoic acid was a product of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid under both conditions. The isomeric forms of the metabolites were not established. Aniline, 4-toluidine, and 4-aminobenzoic acid added to sewage disappeared from aerated nonsterile, but not from sterile, sewage or sewage in the absence of oxygen. 2-Nitroaniline, 2-amino-3-nitrotoluene, and 2-amino-5-nitrobenzoic acid added to sewage persisted for at least 60 days in aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses demonstrated that acetanilide and 2-methylquinoline were formed from aniline, 4-methylformanilide and 4-methylacetanilide were formed from 4-toluidine, 2-methylbenzimidazole was a product of 2-nitroaniline, and unidentified benzimidazoles were formed from 2-amino-3-nitrotoluene in the absence of oxygen, and that 2-nitroacetanilide and 2-methyl-6

Optimization of Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation in Soybean

PubMed Central

Li, Shuxuan; Cong, Yahui; Liu, Yaping; Wang, Tingting; Shuai, Qin; Chen, Nana; Gai, Junyi; Li, Yan

2017-01-01

High transformation efficiency is a prerequisite for study of gene function and molecular breeding. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation is a preferred method in many plants. However, the transformation efficiency in soybean is still low. The objective of this study is to optimize Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in soybean by improving the infection efficiency of Agrobacterium and regeneration efficiency of explants. Firstly, four factors affecting Agrobacterium infection efficiency were investigated by estimation of the rate of GUS transient expression in soybean cotyledonary explants, including Agrobacterium concentrations, soybean explants, Agrobacterium suspension medium, and co-cultivation time. The results showed that an infection efficiency of over 96% was achieved by collecting the Agrobacterium at a concentration of OD650 = 0.6, then using an Agrobacterium suspension medium containing 154.2 mg/L dithiothreitol to infect the half-seed cotyledonary explants (from mature seeds imbibed for 1 day), and co-cultured them for 5 days. The Agrobacterium infection efficiencies for soybean varieties Jack Purple and Tianlong 1 were higher than the other six varieties. Secondly, the rates of shoot elongation were compared among six different concentration combinations of gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The shoot elongation rate of 34 and 26% was achieved when using the combination of 1.0 mg/L GA3 and 0.1 mg/L IAA for Jack Purple and Tianlong 1, respectively. This rate was higher than the other five concentration combinations of GA3 and IAA, with an 18 and 11% increase over the original laboratory protocol (a combination of 0.5 mg/L GA3 and 0.1 mg/L IAA), respectively. The transformation efficiency was 7 and 10% for Jack Purple and Tianlong 1 at this optimized hormone concentration combination, respectively, which was 2 and 6% higher than the original protocol, respectively. Finally, GUS histochemical staining, PCR, herbicide

Optimization of Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation in Soybean.

PubMed

Li, Shuxuan; Cong, Yahui; Liu, Yaping; Wang, Tingting; Shuai, Qin; Chen, Nana; Gai, Junyi; Li, Yan

2017-01-01

High transformation efficiency is a prerequisite for study of gene function and molecular breeding. Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation is a preferred method in many plants. However, the transformation efficiency in soybean is still low. The objective of this study is to optimize Agrobacterium -mediated transformation in soybean by improving the infection efficiency of Agrobacterium and regeneration efficiency of explants. Firstly, four factors affecting Agrobacterium infection efficiency were investigated by estimation of the rate of GUS transient expression in soybean cotyledonary explants, including Agrobacterium concentrations, soybean explants, Agrobacterium suspension medium, and co-cultivation time. The results showed that an infection efficiency of over 96% was achieved by collecting the Agrobacterium at a concentration of OD 650 = 0.6, then using an Agrobacterium suspension medium containing 154.2 mg/L dithiothreitol to infect the half-seed cotyledonary explants (from mature seeds imbibed for 1 day), and co-cultured them for 5 days. The Agrobacterium infection efficiencies for soybean varieties Jack Purple and Tianlong 1 were higher than the other six varieties. Secondly, the rates of shoot elongation were compared among six different concentration combinations of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The shoot elongation rate of 34 and 26% was achieved when using the combination of 1.0 mg/L GA 3 and 0.1 mg/L IAA for Jack Purple and Tianlong 1, respectively. This rate was higher than the other five concentration combinations of GA 3 and IAA, with an 18 and 11% increase over the original laboratory protocol (a combination of 0.5 mg/L GA 3 and 0.1 mg/L IAA), respectively. The transformation efficiency was 7 and 10% for Jack Purple and Tianlong 1 at this optimized hormone concentration combination, respectively, which was 2 and 6% higher than the original protocol, respectively. Finally, GUS histochemical staining, PCR

Genetic engineering of Ganoderma lucidum for the efficient production of ganoderic acids

PubMed Central

Xu, Jun-Wei; Zhong, Jian-Jiang

2015-01-01

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known traditional medicinal mushroom that produces ganoderic acids with numerous interesting bioactivities. Genetic engineering is an efficient approach to improve ganoderic acid biosynthesis. However, reliable genetic transformation methods and appropriate genetic manipulation strategies remain underdeveloped and thus should be enhanced. We previously established a homologous genetic transformation method for G. lucidum; we also applied the established method to perform the deregulated overexpression of a homologous 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene in G. lucidum. Engineered strains accumulated more ganoderic acids than wild-type strains. In this report, the genetic transformation systems of G. lucidum are described; current trends are also presented to improve ganoderic acid production through the genetic manipulation of G. lucidum. PMID:26588475

Genetic engineering of Ganoderma lucidum for the efficient production of ganoderic acids.

PubMed

Xu, Jun-Wei; Zhong, Jian-Jiang

2015-01-01

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known traditional medicinal mushroom that produces ganoderic acids with numerous interesting bioactivities. Genetic engineering is an efficient approach to improve ganoderic acid biosynthesis. However, reliable genetic transformation methods and appropriate genetic manipulation strategies remain underdeveloped and thus should be enhanced. We previously established a homologous genetic transformation method for G. lucidum; we also applied the established method to perform the deregulated overexpression of a homologous 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene in G. lucidum. Engineered strains accumulated more ganoderic acids than wild-type strains. In this report, the genetic transformation systems of G. lucidum are described; current trends are also presented to improve ganoderic acid production through the genetic manipulation of G. lucidum.

Health benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

PubMed

Siriwardhana, Nalin; Kalupahana, Nishan S; Moustaid-Moussa, Naima

2012-01-01

Marine-based fish and fish oil are the most popular and well-known sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These n-3 PUFAs are known to have variety of health benefits against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including well-established hypotriglyceridemic and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, various studies indicate promising antihypertensive, anticancer, antioxidant, antidepression, antiaging, and antiarthritis effects. Moreover, recent studies also indicate anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects of these fatty acids in metabolic disorders. Classically, n-3 PUFAs mediate some of these effects by antagonizing n-6 PUFA (arachidonic acid)-induced proinflammatory prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) formation. Another well-known mechanism by which n-3 PUFAs impart their anti-inflammatory effects is via reduction of nuclear factor-κB activation. This transcription factor is a potent inducer of proinflammatory cytokine production, including interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, both of which are decreased by EPA and DHA. Other evidence also demonstrates that n-3 PUFAs repress lipogenesis and increase resolvins and protectin generation, ultimately leading to reduced inflammation. Finally, beneficial effects of EPA and DHA in insulin resistance include their ability to increase secretion of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine. In summary, n-3 PUFAs have multiple health benefits mediated at least in part by their anti-inflammatory actions; thus their consumption, especially from dietary sources, should be encouraged. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Palmitic acid (16:0) competes with omega-6 linoleic and omega-3 ɑ-linolenic acids for FADS2 mediated Δ6-desaturation.

PubMed

Park, Hui Gyu; Kothapalli, Kumar S D; Park, Woo Jung; DeAllie, Christian; Liu, Lei; Liang, Allison; Lawrence, Peter; Brenna, J Thomas

2016-02-01

Sapienic acid, 16:1n-10 is the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid on human skin where its synthesis is mediated by FADS2 in the sebaceous glands. The FADS2 product introduces a double bond at the Δ6, Δ4 and Δ8 positions by acting on at least ten substrates, including 16:0, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3. Our aim was to characterize the competition for accessing FADS2 mediated Δ6 desaturation between 16:0 and the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the human diet, 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, to evaluate whether competition may be relevant in other tissues and thus linked to metabolic abnormalities associated with FADS2 or fatty acid levels. MCF7 cells stably transformed with FADS2 biosynthesize 16:1n-10 from exogenous 16:0 in preference to 16:1n-7, the immediate product of SCD highly expressed in cancer cell lines, and 16:1n-9 via partial β-oxidation of 18:1n-9. Increasing availability of 18:2n-6 or 18:3n-3 resulted in decreased bioconversion of 16:0 to 16:1n-10, simultaneously increasing the levels of highly unsaturated products. FADS2 cells accumulate the desaturation-elongation products 20:3n-6 and 20:4n-3 in preference to the immediate desaturation products 18:3n-6 and 18:4n-3 implying prompt/coupled elongation of the nascent desaturation products. MCF7 cells incorporate newly synthesized 16:1n-10 into phospholipids. These data suggest that excess 16:0 due to, for instance, de novo lipogenesis from high carbohydrate or alcohol consumption, inhibits synthesis of highly unsaturated fatty acids, and may in part explain why supplemental preformed EPA and DHA in some studies improves insulin resistance and other factors related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome aggravated by excess calorie consumption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serum long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acids and future blood pressure in an ageing population.

PubMed

Nyantika, A N; Tuomainen, T-P; Kauhanen, J; Voutilainen, S; Virtanen, J K

2015-05-01

To investigate the associations of serum long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and hair mercury with future blood pressure in an ageing population. Prospective study with baseline measurements in 1998-2001 and follow-up measurements in 2005-2008. The linear relationships (β) of baseline serum fatty acids and hair mercury with future systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were analyzed with multiple linear regression models, using log-transformed values. 181 men and 200 women aged 53-73 y from the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) population in Eastern Finland, who were free of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension at baseline. Total serum esterified and nonesterified fatty acids and pubic hair mercury were used as markers for exposure. Anthropometric and other lifestyle and health-related data were collected. The mean serum concentrations were 1.67% (SD 0.92) for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 0.79% (SD 0.16) for docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and 2.78 (SD 0.92) for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), of all serum fatty acids. The mean hair mercury concentration was 1.5 µg/g (SD 1.6). We did not find statistically significant associations between the baseline serum long-chain omega-3 PUFA concentrations or hair mercury content and future blood pressure. Hair mercury did not modify the associations with the long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, either. Higher serum long-chain omega-3 PUFA concentration, a biomarker of fish or fish oil consumption, may not have an impact on future blood pressure in an ageing population.

Oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid to oxindole-3-acetic acid by an enzyme preparation from Zea mays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinecke, D. M.; Bandurski, R. S.

1988-01-01

Indole-3-acetic acid is oxidized to oxindole-3-acetic acid by Zea mays tissue extracts. Shoot, root, and endosperm tissues have enzyme activities of 1 to 10 picomoles per hour per milligram protein. The enzyme is heat labile, is soluble, and requires oxygen for activity. Cofactors of mixed function oxygenase, peroxidase, and intermolecular dioxygenase are not stimulatory to enzymic activity. A heat-stable, detergent-extractable component from corn enhances enzyme activity 6- to 10-fold. This is the first demonstration of the in vitro enzymic oxidation of indole-3-acetic acid to oxindole-3-acetic acid in higher plants.

[Functional expression of an omega-3 fatty acid desaturase gene from Glycine max in Saccharomyces cerevisiae].

PubMed

Zhang, Hong-Tao; Yang, Jia-Sen; Shan, Lei; Bi, Yu-Ping

2006-01-01

Alpha-linolenic acid(ALA, C18:3delta9,12,15 ) is an essential fatty acid which has many sanitary functions to human. However, its contents in diets are often not enough. In plants, omega-3 fatty acid desaturases(FAD) catalyze linoleic acid(LA, C18:2delta9,12) into ALA. The seed oil of Glycine max contains high level of ALA. To investigate the functions of Glycine max omega-3FAD, the cDNA of GmFAD3 C was amplified by RT-PCR from immature seeds, then cloned into the shuttle expression vector p416 to generate the recombinant vector p4GFAD3C. The resulting vector was transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae K601 throuth LiAc method. The positive clones were screened on the CM(Ura-) medium and identified by PCR, and then cultured in CM (Ura-) liquid medium with exogenous LA in 20 degrees C for three days. The intracellular fatty acid composition of the engineering strain Kp416 and Kp4GFAD3C was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). A novel peak in strain Kp4GFAD3C was detected,which was not detectable in control, Comparison of the retention times of the newly yielded peak with that of authentic standard indicated that the fatty acid is ALA. The content of ALA reached to 3.1% of the total fatty acid in recombinant strain, the content of LA correspondingly decreased from 22% to 16.2% by contrast. It was suggested that the protein encoded by GmFAD3 C can specifically catalyze 18 carbon PUFA substrate of LA into ALA by taking off hydrogen atoms at delta15 location. In this study, we expressed a Glycine max omega-3 fatty acid desaturase gene in S. cerevisiae; An efficient and economical yeast expressing system(K601-p416 system) which is suitable for the expression of FAD was built.

Multiple-stage structure transformation of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3

DOE PAGES

Chen, Qiong; Liu, Henan; Kim, Hui -Seon; ...

2016-09-15

In this study, by performing spatially resolved Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy with varying excitation wavelength, density, and data acquisition parameters, we achieve a unified understanding towards the spectroscopy signatures of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite, transforming from the pristine state (CH 3NH 3PbI 3) to the fully degraded state (i.e., PbI 2) for samples with varying crystalline domain size from mesoscopic scale (approximately 100 nm) to macroscopic size (centimeters), synthesized by three different techniques. We show that the hybrid perovskite exhibits multiple stages of structure transformation occurring either spontaneously or under light illumination, with exceptionally high sensitivity to the illumination conditionsmore » (e.g., power, illumination time, and interruption pattern). We highlight four transformation stages (stages I-IV, with stage I being the pristine state) along either the spontaneous or photoinduced degradation path exhibiting distinctly different Raman spectroscopy features at each stage, and point out that previously reported Raman spectra in the literature reflect highly degraded structures of either stage III or stage IV. Additional characteristic optical features of partially degraded materials under the joint action of spontaneous and photodegradation are also given. This study offers reliable benchmark results for understanding the intrinsic material properties and structure transformation of this unique category of hybrid materials, and the findings are pertinently important to a wide range of potential applications where the hybrid material is expected to function in greatly different environment and light-matter interaction conditions.« less

Multiple-Stage Structure Transformation of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qiong; Liu, Henan; Kim, Hui-Seon; Liu, Yucheng; Yang, Mengjin; Yue, Naili; Ren, Gang; Zhu, Kai; Liu, Shengzhong; Park, Nam-Gyu; Zhang, Yong

2016-07-01

By performing spatially resolved Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy with varying excitation wavelength, density, and data acquisition parameters, we achieve a unified understanding towards the spectroscopy signatures of the organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite, transforming from the pristine state (CH3NH3PbI3 ) to the fully degraded state (i.e., PbI2 ) for samples with varying crystalline domain size from mesoscopic scale (approximately 100 nm) to macroscopic size (centimeters), synthesized by three different techniques. We show that the hybrid perovskite exhibits multiple stages of structure transformation occurring either spontaneously or under light illumination, with exceptionally high sensitivity to the illumination conditions (e.g., power, illumination time, and interruption pattern). We highlight four transformation stages (stages I-IV, with stage I being the pristine state) along either the spontaneous or photoinduced degradation path exhibiting distinctly different Raman spectroscopy features at each stage, and point out that previously reported Raman spectra in the literature reflect highly degraded structures of either stage III or stage IV. Additional characteristic optical features of partially degraded materials under the joint action of spontaneous and photodegradation are also given. This study offers reliable benchmark results for understanding the intrinsic material properties and structure transformation of this unique category of hybrid materials, and the findings are pertinently important to a wide range of potential applications where the hybrid material is expected to function in greatly different environment and light-matter interaction conditions.

Watermarking on 3D mesh based on spherical wavelet transform.

PubMed

Jin, Jian-Qiu; Dai, Min-Ya; Bao, Hu-Jun; Peng, Qun-Sheng

2004-03-01

In this paper we propose a robust watermarking algorithm for 3D mesh. The algorithm is based on spherical wavelet transform. Our basic idea is to decompose the original mesh into a series of details at different scales by using spherical wavelet transform; the watermark is then embedded into the different levels of details. The embedding process includes: global sphere parameterization, spherical uniform sampling, spherical wavelet forward transform, embedding watermark, spherical wavelet inverse transform, and at last resampling the mesh watermarked to recover the topological connectivity of the original model. Experiments showed that our algorithm can improve the capacity of the watermark and the robustness of watermarking against attacks.

Synthesis and characterization of 3-ketohexadecanoic acid-1-14-C, DL-3-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid-1-14-C, and trans-2-hexadecenoic acid-1-14-C.

PubMed

Jones, J A; Blecher, M

1966-05-01

The chemical synthesis and characterization of three intermediates in the Beta oxidation of palmitic acid-1-(14)C by rat liver mitochondria, namely, 3-ketohexadecanoic acid-1-(14)C, DL-3-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid-1-(14)C, and trans-2-hexadecenoic acid-1-(14)C, are described.

Thermal transformation of bioactive caffeic acid on fumed silica seen by UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry and quantum chemical methods.

PubMed

Kulik, Tetiana V; Lipkovska, Natalia O; Barvinchenko, Valentyna M; Palyanytsya, Borys B; Kazakova, Olga A; Dudik, Olesia O; Menyhárd, Alfréd; László, Krisztina

2016-05-15

Thermochemical studies of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and their surface complexes are important for the pharmaceutical industry, medicine and for the development of technologies of heterogeneous biomass pyrolysis. In this study, structural and thermal transformations of caffeic acid complexes on silica surfaces were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS) and quantum chemical methods. Two types of caffeic acid surface complexes are found to form through phenolic or carboxyl groups. The kinetic parameters of the chemical reactions of caffeic acid on silica surface are calculated. The mechanisms of thermal transformations of the caffeic chemisorbed surface complexes are proposed. Thermal decomposition of caffeic acid complex chemisorbed through grafted ester group proceeds via three parallel reactions, producing ketene, vinyl and acetylene derivatives of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. Immobilization of phenolic acids on the silica surface improves greatly their thermal stability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Docosahexaenoic acid synthesis from n-3 fatty acid precursors in rat hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Kaduce, Terry L; Chen, Yucui; Hell, Johannes W; Spector, Arthur A

2008-05-01

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most abundant n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain, has important functions in the hippocampus. To better understand essential fatty acid homeostasis in this region of the brain, we investigated the contributions of n-3 fatty acid precursors in supplying hippocampal neurons with DHA. Primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons incorporated radiolabeled 18-, 20-, 22-, and 24-carbon n-3 fatty acid and converted some of the uptake to DHA, but the amounts produced from either [1-14C]alpha-linolenic or [1-14C]eicosapentaenoic acid were considerably less than the amounts incorporated when the cultures were incubated with [1-14C]22:6n-3. Most of the [1-14C]22:6n-3 uptake was incorporated into phospholipids, primarily ethanolamine phosphoglycerides. Additional studies demonstrated that the neurons converted [1-14C]linoleic acid to arachidonic acid, the main n-6 fatty acid in the brain. These findings differ from previous results indicating that cerebral and cerebellar neurons cannot convert polyunsaturated fatty acid precursors to DHA or arachidonic acid. Fatty acid compositional analysis demonstrated that the hippocampal neurons contained only 1.1-2.5 mol% DHA under the usual low-DHA culture conditions. The relatively low-DHA content suggests that some responses obtained with these cultures may not be representative of neuronal function in the brain.

Image denoising by sparse 3-D transform-domain collaborative filtering.

PubMed

Dabov, Kostadin; Foi, Alessandro; Katkovnik, Vladimir; Egiazarian, Karen

2007-08-01

We propose a novel image denoising strategy based on an enhanced sparse representation in transform domain. The enhancement of the sparsity is achieved by grouping similar 2-D image fragments (e.g., blocks) into 3-D data arrays which we call "groups." Collaborative filtering is a special procedure developed to deal with these 3-D groups. We realize it using the three successive steps: 3-D transformation of a group, shrinkage of the transform spectrum, and inverse 3-D transformation. The result is a 3-D estimate that consists of the jointly filtered grouped image blocks. By attenuating the noise, the collaborative filtering reveals even the finest details shared by grouped blocks and, at the same time, it preserves the essential unique features of each individual block. The filtered blocks are then returned to their original positions. Because these blocks are overlapping, for each pixel, we obtain many different estimates which need to be combined. Aggregation is a particular averaging procedure which is exploited to take advantage of this redundancy. A significant improvement is obtained by a specially developed collaborative Wiener filtering. An algorithm based on this novel denoising strategy and its efficient implementation are presented in full detail; an extension to color-image denoising is also developed. The experimental results demonstrate that this computationally scalable algorithm achieves state-of-the-art denoising performance in terms of both peak signal-to-noise ratio and subjective visual quality.

Pyrazole amino acids: hydrogen bonding directed conformations of 3-amino-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid residue.

PubMed

Kusakiewicz-Dawid, Anna; Porada, Monika; Ochędzan-Siodłak, Wioletta; Broda, Małgorzata A; Bujak, Maciej; Siodłak, Dawid

2017-09-01

A series of model compounds containing 3-amino-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid residue with N-terminal amide/urethane and C-terminal amide/hydrazide/ester groups were investigated by using NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods, additionally supported by theoretical calculations. The studies demonstrate that the most preferred is the extended conformation with torsion angles ϕ and ψ close to ±180°. The studied 1H-pyrazole with N-terminal amide/urethane and C-terminal amide/hydrazide groups solely adopts this energetically favored conformation confirming rigidity of that structural motif. However, when the C-terminal ester group is present, the second conformation with torsion angles ϕ and ψ close to ±180° and 0°, respectively, is accessible. The conformational equilibrium is observed in NMR and Fourier transform infrared studies in solution in polar environment as well as in the crystal structures of other related compounds. The observed conformational preferences are clearly related to the presence of intramolecular interactions formed within the studied residue. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Leaching behavior of heavy metals and transformation of their speciation in polluted soil receiving simulated acid rain.

PubMed

Zheng, Shun-an; Zheng, Xiangqun; Chen, Chun

2012-01-01

Heavy metals that leach from contaminated soils under acid rain are of increasing concern. In this study, simulated acid rain (SAR) was pumped through columns of artificially contaminated purple soil. Column leaching tests and sequential extraction were conducted for the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn to determine the extent of their leaching as well as to examine the transformation of their speciation in the artificially contaminated soil columns. Results showed that the maximum leachate concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were less than those specified in the Chinese Quality Standards for Groundwater (Grade IV), thereby suggesting that the heavy metals that leached from the polluted purple soil receiving acid rain may not pose as risks to water quality. Most of the Pb and Cd leachate concentrations were below their detection limits. By contrast, higher Cu and Zn leachate concentrations were found because they were released by the soil in larger amounts as compared with those of Pb and Cd. The differences in the Cu and Zn leachate concentrations between the controls (SAR at pH 5.6) and the treatments (SAR at pH 3.0 and 4.5) were significant. Similar trends were observed in the total leached amounts of Cu and Zn. The proportions of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn in the EXC and OX fractions were generally increased after the leaching experiment at three pH levels, whereas those of the RES, OM, and CAR fractions were slightly decreased. Acid rain favors the leaching of heavy metals from the contaminated purple soil and makes the heavy metal fractions become more labile. Moreover, a pH decrease from 5.6 to 3.0 significantly enhanced such effects.

Leaching Behavior of Heavy Metals and Transformation of Their Speciation in Polluted Soil Receiving Simulated Acid Rain

PubMed Central

Zheng, Shun-an; Zheng, Xiangqun; Chen, Chun

2012-01-01

Heavy metals that leach from contaminated soils under acid rain are of increasing concern. In this study, simulated acid rain (SAR) was pumped through columns of artificially contaminated purple soil. Column leaching tests and sequential extraction were conducted for the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn to determine the extent of their leaching as well as to examine the transformation of their speciation in the artificially contaminated soil columns. Results showed that the maximum leachate concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were less than those specified in the Chinese Quality Standards for Groundwater (Grade IV), thereby suggesting that the heavy metals that leached from the polluted purple soil receiving acid rain may not pose as risks to water quality. Most of the Pb and Cd leachate concentrations were below their detection limits. By contrast, higher Cu and Zn leachate concentrations were found because they were released by the soil in larger amounts as compared with those of Pb and Cd. The differences in the Cu and Zn leachate concentrations between the controls (SAR at pH 5.6) and the treatments (SAR at pH 3.0 and 4.5) were significant. Similar trends were observed in the total leached amounts of Cu and Zn. The proportions of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn in the EXC and OX fractions were generally increased after the leaching experiment at three pH levels, whereas those of the RES, OM, and CAR fractions were slightly decreased. Acid rain favors the leaching of heavy metals from the contaminated purple soil and makes the heavy metal fractions become more labile. Moreover, a pH decrease from 5.6 to 3.0 significantly enhanced such effects. PMID:23185399

Andrographis paniculata Diterpenoids Protect against Radiation-Induced Transformation in BALB/3T3 Cells.

PubMed

Nantajit, Danupon; Jetawattana, Suwimol; Suriyo, Tawit; Grdina, David J; Satayavivad, Jutamaad

2017-07-01

One of the most concerning side effects of exposure to radiation are the carcinogenic risks. To reduce the negative effects of radiation, both cytoprotective and radioprotective agents have been developed. However, little is known regarding their potential for suppressing carcinogenesis. Andrographis paniculata , a plant, with multiple medicinal uses that is commonly used in traditional medicine, has three major constituents known to have cellular antioxidant activity: andrographolide (AP1); 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (AP3); and neoandrographolide (AP4). In our study, we tested these elements for their radioprotective properties as well as their anti-neoplastic effects on transformation using the BALB/3T3 cell model. All three compounds were able to reduce radiation-induced DNA damage. However, AP4 appeared to have superior radioprotective properties compared to the other two compounds, presumably by protecting mitochondrial function. The compound was able to suppress radiation-induced cellular transformation through inhibition of STAT3. Treatment with AP4 also reduced expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. These results suggest that AP4 could be further studied and developed into an anti-transformation/carcinogenic drug as well as a radioprotective agent.

Direct detection of diverse metabolic changes in virally transformed and tax-expressing cells by mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Sripadi, Prabhakar; Shrestha, Bindesh; Easley, Rebecca L; Carpio, Lawrence; Kehn-Hall, Kylene; Chevalier, Sebastien; Mahieux, Renaud; Kashanchi, Fatah; Vertes, Akos

2010-09-07

Viral transformation of a cell starts at the genetic level, followed by changes in the proteome and the metabolome of the host. There is limited information on the broad metabolic changes in HTLV transformed cells. Here, we report the detection of key changes in metabolites and lipids directly from human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 and type 3 (HTLV1 and HTLV3) transformed, as well as Tax1 and Tax3 expressing cell lines by laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) mass spectrometry (MS). Comparing LAESI-MS spectra of non-HTLV1 transformed and HTLV1 transformed cells revealed that glycerophosphocholine (PC) lipid components were dominant in the non-HTLV1 transformed cells, and PC(O-32:1) and PC(O-34:1) plasmalogens were displaced by PC(30:0) and PC(32:0) species in the HTLV1 transformed cells. In HTLV1 transformed cells, choline, phosphocholine, spermine and glutathione, among others, were downregulated, whereas creatine, dopamine, arginine and AMP were present at higher levels. When comparing metabolite levels between HTLV3 and Tax3 transfected 293T cells, there were a number of common changes observed, including decreased choline, phosphocholine, spermine, homovanillic acid, and glycerophosphocholine and increased spermidine and N-acetyl aspartic acid. These results indicate that the lipid metabolism pathway as well as the creatine and polyamine biosynthesis pathways are commonly deregulated after expression of HTLV3 and Tax3, indicating that the noted changes are likely due to Tax3 expression. N-acetyl aspartic acid is a novel metabolite that is upregulated in all cell types and all conditions tested. We demonstrate the high throughput in situ metabolite profiling of HTLV transformed and Tax expressing cells, which facilitates the identification of virus-induced perturbations in the biochemical processes of the host cells. We found virus type-specific (HTLV1 vs. HTLV3), expression-specific (Tax1 vs. Tax3) and cell-type-specific (T lymphocytes vs. kidney

Numerical modeling of polymorphic transformation of oleic acid via near-infrared spectroscopy and factor analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Ling; Cheng, Yuliang; Sun, Xiulan; Pi, Fuwei

2018-05-15

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a tool for direct and quantitatively screening the minute polymorphic transitions of bioactive fatty acids was assessed basing on a thermal heating process of oleic acid. Temperature-dependent NIR spectral profiles indicate that dynamical variances of COOH group dominate its γ → α phase transition, while the transition from active α to β phase mainly relates to the conformational transfer of acyl chain. Through operating multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares with factor analysis, instantaneous contribution of each active polymorph during the transition process was illustrated for displaying the progressive evolutions of functional groups. Calculated contributions reveal that the α phase of oleic acid initially is present at around -18 °C, but sharply grows up around -2.2 °C from the transformation of γ phase and finally disappears at the melting point. On the other hand, the β phase of oleic acid is sole self-generation after melt even it embryonically appears at -2.2 °C. Such mathematical approach based on NIR spectroscopy and factor analysis calculation provides a volatile strategy in quantitatively exploring the transition processes of bioactive fatty acids; meanwhile, it maintains promising possibility for instantaneous quantifying each active polymorph of lipid materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical modeling of polymorphic transformation of oleic acid via near-infrared spectroscopy and factor analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ling; Cheng, Yuliang; Sun, Xiulan; Pi, Fuwei

2018-05-01

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a tool for direct and quantitatively screening the minute polymorphic transitions of bioactive fatty acids was assessed basing on a thermal heating process of oleic acid. Temperature-dependent NIR spectral profiles indicate that dynamical variances of COOH group dominate its γ → α phase transition, while the transition from active α to β phase mainly relates to the conformational transfer of acyl chain. Through operating multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares with factor analysis, instantaneous contribution of each active polymorph during the transition process was illustrated for displaying the progressive evolutions of functional groups. Calculated contributions reveal that the α phase of oleic acid initially is present at around -18 °C, but sharply grows up around -2.2 °C from the transformation of γ phase and finally disappears at the melting point. On the other hand, the β phase of oleic acid is sole self-generation after melt even it embryonically appears at -2.2 °C. Such mathematical approach based on NIR spectroscopy and factor analysis calculation provides a volatile strategy in quantitatively exploring the transition processes of bioactive fatty acids; meanwhile, it maintains promising possibility for instantaneous quantifying each active polymorph of lipid materials.

Lewis acid catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of ketenimines with donor-acceptor cyclopropanes: an approach to 2-alkylidenepyrrolidine derivatives.

PubMed

Alajarin, Mateo; Egea, Adrian; Orenes, Raul-Angel; Vidal, Angel

2016-11-02

The [3 + 2] annulation reaction of C,C,N-trisubstituted ketenimines with donor-acceptor cyclopropanes bearing aryl, styryl and vinyl substituents at the C2 position, triggered by the Lewis acid Sc(OTf) 3 , supplies highly substituted pyrrolidines. Activated cyclopropanes fused to naphthalene and [1]benzopyrane nuclei are also suitable substrates in similar transformations, yielding partially saturated benz[g]indoles and [1]benzopyran[4,3-b]pyrroles. An intramolecular version of this ketenimine/cyclopropane [3 + 2] annulation has also been developed leading to the pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoindole framework.

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids for women.

PubMed

Bourre, Jean-Marie

2007-01-01

This review details the specific needs of women for omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and the very long chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acid (dietary or in capsules) ensures that a woman's adipose tissue contains a reserve of these fatty acids for the developing fetus and the breast-fed newborn infant. This ensures the optimal cerebral and cognitive development of the infant. The presence of large quantities of EPA and DHA in the diet slightly lengthens pregnancy, and improves its quality. Human milk contains both ALA and DHA, unlike that of other mammals. Conditions such as diabetes can alter the fatty acid profile of mother's milk, while certain diets, like those of vegetarians, vegans, or even macrobiotic diets, can have the same effect, if they do not include seafood. ALA, DHA and EPA, are important for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease in women of all ages. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extend, age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids could play a positive role in the prevention of menstrual syndrome and postmenopausal hot flushes. The normal western diet contains little ALA (less than 50% of the RDA). The only adequate sources are rapeseed oil (canola), walnuts and so-called "omega-3" eggs (similar to wild-type or Cretan eggs). The amounts of EPA and DHA in the diet vary greatly from person to person. The only good sources are fish and seafood, together with "omega-3" eggs.

Objective scoring of transformed foci in BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay by statistical image descriptors.

PubMed

Urani, C; Corvi, R; Callegaro, G; Stefanini, F M

2013-09-01

In vitro cell transformation assays (CTAs) have been shown to model important stages of in vivo carcinogenesis and have the potential to predict carcinogenicity in humans. Advantages of CTAs are their ability of revealing both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens while reducing both experimental costs and the number of animals used. The endpoint of the CTA is foci formation, and requires classification under light microscopy based on morphology. Thus current limitations for the wide adoption of the assay partially depend on a fair degree of subjectivity in foci scoring. An objective evaluation may be obtained after separating foci from background monolayer in the digital image, and quantifying values of statistical descriptors which are selected to capture eye-scored morphological features. The aim of this study was to develop statistical descriptors to be applied to transformed foci of BALB/c 3T3, which cover foci size, multilayering and invasive cell growth into the background monolayer. Proposed descriptors were applied to a database of 407 foci images to explore the numerical features, and to illustrate open problems and potential solutions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parameter estimation in 3D affine and similarity transformation: implementation of variance component estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiri-Simkooei, A. R.

2018-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) coordinate transformations, generally consisting of origin shifts, axes rotations, scale changes, and skew parameters, are widely used in many geomatics applications. Although in some geodetic applications simplified transformation models are used based on the assumption of small transformation parameters, in other fields of applications such parameters are indeed large. The algorithms of two recent papers on the weighted total least-squares (WTLS) problem are used for the 3D coordinate transformation. The methodology can be applied to the case when the transformation parameters are generally large of which no approximate values of the parameters are required. Direct linearization of the rotation and scale parameters is thus not required. The WTLS formulation is employed to take into consideration errors in both the start and target systems on the estimation of the transformation parameters. Two of the well-known 3D transformation methods, namely affine (12, 9, and 8 parameters) and similarity (7 and 6 parameters) transformations, can be handled using the WTLS theory subject to hard constraints. Because the method can be formulated by the standard least-squares theory with constraints, the covariance matrix of the transformation parameters can directly be provided. The above characteristics of the 3D coordinate transformation are implemented in the presence of different variance components, which are estimated using the least squares variance component estimation. In particular, the estimability of the variance components is investigated. The efficacy of the proposed formulation is verified on two real data sets.

Metallaphotoredox-catalysed sp3-sp3 cross-coupling of carboxylic acids with alkyl halides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, Craig P.; Smith, Russell T.; Allmendinger, Simon; MacMillan, David W. C.

2016-08-01

In the past 50 years, cross-coupling reactions mediated by transition metals have changed the way in which complex organic molecules are synthesized. The predictable and chemoselective nature of these transformations has led to their widespread adoption across many areas of chemical research. However, the construction of a bond between two sp3-hybridized carbon atoms, a fundamental unit of organic chemistry, remains an important yet elusive objective for engineering cross-coupling reactions. In comparison to related procedures with sp2-hybridized species, the development of methods for sp3-sp3 bond formation via transition metal catalysis has been hampered historically by deleterious side-reactions, such as β-hydride elimination with palladium catalysis or the reluctance of alkyl halides to undergo oxidative addition. To address this issue, nickel-catalysed cross-coupling processes can be used to form sp3-sp3 bonds that utilize organometallic nucleophiles and alkyl electrophiles. In particular, the coupling of alkyl halides with pre-generated organozinc, Grignard and organoborane species has been used to furnish diverse molecular structures. However, the manipulations required to produce these activated structures is inefficient, leading to poor step- and atom-economies. Moreover, the operational difficulties associated with making and using these reactive coupling partners, and preserving them through a synthetic sequence, has hindered their widespread adoption. A generically useful sp3-sp3 coupling technology that uses bench-stable, native organic functional groups, without the need for pre-functionalization or substrate derivatization, would therefore be valuable. Here we demonstrate that the synergistic merger of photoredox and nickel catalysis enables the direct formation of sp3-sp3 bonds using only simple carboxylic acids and alkyl halides as the nucleophilic and electrophilic coupling partners, respectively. This metallaphotoredox protocol is suitable for

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of lipomyces

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

Dai, Ziyu; Magnuson, Jon K.; Deng, Shuang

This disclosure provides Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods for the oil-producing (oleaginous) yeast Lipomyces sp., as well as yeast produced by the method. Such methods utilize Agrobacterium sp. cells that have a T-DNA binary plasmid, wherein the T-DNA binary plasmid comprises a first nucleic acid molecule encoding a first protein and a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a selective marker that permits growth of transformed Lipomyces sp. cells in selective culture media comprising an antibiotic.

An Improved Syringe Agroinfiltration Protocol to Enhance Transformation Efficiency by Combinative Use of 5-Azacytidine, Ascorbate Acid and Tween-20.

PubMed

Zhao, Huimin; Tan, Zilong; Wen, Xuejing; Wang, Yucheng

2017-02-14

Syringe infiltration is an important transient transformation method that is widely used in many molecular studies. Owing to the wide use of syringe agroinfiltration, it is important and necessary to improve its transformation efficiency. Here, we studied the factors influencing the transformation efficiency of syringe agroinfiltration. The pCAMBIA1301 was transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves for investigation. The effects of 5-azacytidine (AzaC), Ascorbate acid (ASC) and Tween-20 on transformation were studied. The β-glucuronidase ( GUS ) expression and GUS activity were respectively measured to determine the transformation efficiency. AzaC, ASC and Tween-20 all significantly affected the transformation efficiency of agroinfiltration, and the optimal concentrations of AzaC, ASC and Tween-20 for the transgene expression were identified. Our results showed that 20 μM AzaC, 0.56 mM ASC and 0.03% ( v / v ) Tween-20 is the optimal concentration that could significantly improve the transformation efficiency of agroinfiltration. Furthermore, a combined supplement of 20 μM AzaC, 0.56 mM ASC and 0.03% Tween-20 improves the expression of transgene better than any one factor alone, increasing the transgene expression by more than 6-fold. Thus, an optimized syringe agroinfiltration was developed here, which might be a powerful method in transient transformation analysis.

Liquid lipases for enzymatic concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in monoacylglycerols via ethanolysis: Catalytic specificity and parameterization.

PubMed

He, Yongjin; Li, Jingbo; Kodali, Sitharam; Balle, Thomas; Chen, Bilian; Guo, Zheng

2017-01-01

This work examined catalytic specificity and fatty acid selectivity of five liquid lipases C. antarctica lipase A and B (CAL-A/B), and lipase TL (T. lanuginosus), Eversa Transfrom and NS in ethanolysis of fish oil with the aim to concentrate n-3 PUFAs into monoacylglycerols (MAGs) products. Lipase TL, Eversa Transform & NS entail a much faster reaction and produce higher MAGs yield (>30%); whereas CAL-A obtains the highest concentration of n-3 PUFAs/DHA/EPA into MAGs products (88.30%); followed by lipase NS (81.02%). 13 C NMR analysis indicates that CAL-B and lipase TL are sn-1,3 specific; but CAL-A and lipase Eversa Transform are non-regiospecific or weak sn-2 specific; which plausibly explains high enrichment effect of the latter two lipases. All liquid lipases are observed reusable for a certain times (lipase Eversa Transform up to 12 times), demonstrating their competitive advantage over immobilized form for industrial application because of their higher activity and cheaper operation cost. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mammalian evolution: timing and implications from using the LogDeterminant transform for proteins of differing amino acid composition.

PubMed

Penny, D; Hasegawa, M; Waddell, P J; Hendy, M D

1999-03-01

We explore the tree of mammalian mtDNA sequences, using particularly the LogDet transform on amino acid sequences, the distance Hadamard transform, and the Closest Tree selection criterion. The amino acid composition of different species show significant differences, even within mammals. After compensating for these differences, nearest-neighbor bootstrap results suggest that the tree is locally stable, though a few groups show slightly greater rearrangements when a large proportion of the constant sites are removed. Many parts of the trees we obtain agree with those on published protein ML trees. Interesting results include a preference for rodent monophyly. The detection of a few alternative signals to those on the optimal tree were obtained using the distance Hadamard transform (with results expressed as a Lento plot). One rearrangement suggested was the interchange of the position of primates and rodents on the optimal tree. The basic stability of the tree, combined with two calibration points (whale/cow and horse/rhinoceros), together with a distant secondary calibration from the mammal/bird divergence, allows inferences of the times of divergence of putative clades. Allowing for sampling variances due to finite sequence length, most major divergences amongst lineages leading to modern orders, appear to occur well before the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary. Implications arising from these early divergences are discussed, particularly the possibility of competition between the small dinosaurs and the new mammal clades.

Synthesis of stereodefined piperidines from aziridines and their transformation into conformationally constrained amino acids, amino alcohols and 2,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes.

PubMed

Vervisch, Karel; D'hooghe, Matthias; Törnroos, Karl W; De Kimpe, Norbert

2010-11-19

2-(2-Cyano-2-phenylethyl)aziridines were converted into novel cis- and trans-2-chloromethyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carbonitriles via alkylation with 1-bromo-2-chloroethane followed by microwave-assisted 6-exo-tet cyclization and regiospecific ring opening. The latter piperidines were used as eligible substrates for the synthesis of stereodefined 2-chloromethyl-, 2-hydroxymethyl-, and 2-carboxymethyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acids, 2-hydroxymethyl-4-phenylpiperidine-4-carbonitriles, 3-hydroxy-5-phenylazepane-5-carbonitriles, and 5-phenyl-2,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes.

Preparation and testing of a tetra-amine copper(II) chitosan bead system for enhanced phosphate remediation.

PubMed

Kumar, Ilango Aswin; Viswanathan, Natrayasamy

2018-03-01

A tetra-amine copper(II) chitosan bead system (TAC@CS composite beads) was developed by grafting tetra-amine copper(II) (TAC) with chitosan (CS) and utilized for phosphate removal. The prepared TAC@CS composite beads possess enhanced phosphate sorption capacity (SC) of 41.42 ± 0.071 mg/g than copper grafted chitosan (Cu@CS) composite, TAC and chitosan which were found to be 37.01 ± 0.803, 33.20 ± 0.650 and 7.24 ± 0.059 mg/g respectively. In batch mode, various adsorption influencing parameters like contact time, initial phosphate concentration, solution pH, co-anions and temperature were optimized for maximum phosphate sorption. The prepared adsorbents were characterized by FTIR, XRD, UV-Visible, SEM and EDAX analysis. The adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic parameters of the adsorbent were studied. The feasible phosphate uptake mechanism of TAC@CS biocomposite beads was reported. The reusability studies of TAC@CS composite beads were carried out using NaOH as elutant. The suitability of TAC@CS composite beads at field conditions was tested with phosphate contaminated field water samples collected from nearby areas of Dindigul district. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved l1-SPIRiT using 3D walsh transform-based sparsity basis.

PubMed

Feng, Zhen; Liu, Feng; Jiang, Mingfeng; Crozier, Stuart; Guo, He; Wang, Yuxin

2014-09-01

l1-SPIRiT is a fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method which combines parallel imaging (PI) with compressed sensing (CS) by performing a joint l1-norm and l2-norm optimization procedure. The original l1-SPIRiT method uses two-dimensional (2D) Wavelet transform to exploit the intra-coil data redundancies and a joint sparsity model to exploit the inter-coil data redundancies. In this work, we propose to stack all the coil images into a three-dimensional (3D) matrix, and then a novel 3D Walsh transform-based sparsity basis is applied to simultaneously reduce the intra-coil and inter-coil data redundancies. Both the 2D Wavelet transform-based and the proposed 3D Walsh transform-based sparsity bases were investigated in the l1-SPIRiT method. The experimental results show that the proposed 3D Walsh transform-based l1-SPIRiT method outperformed the original l1-SPIRiT in terms of image quality and computational efficiency. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Omega-3 fatty acids for cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Oliver, Colleen; Watson, Helen

2016-01-05

Studies suggest that a diet rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. This is an updated version of a previously published review. To determine whether there is evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces morbidity and mortality and to identify any adverse events associated with supplementation. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Authors and persons interested in the subject of the review were contacted.Date of last search: 13 August 2013. Randomised controlled trials in people with cystic fibrosis comparing omega-3 fatty acid supplements with placebo. Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the studies. The searches identified 15 studies; four studies with 91 participants (children and adults) were included; duration of studies ranged from six weeks to six months. Two studies were judged to be at low risk of bias based on adequate randomisation but this was unclear in the other two studies. Three of the studies adequately blinded patients, however, the risk of bias was unclear in all studies with regards to allocation concealment and selective reporting.Two studies compared omega-3 fatty acids to olive oil for six weeks. One study compared a liquid dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids to one without for six months. One study compared omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids to a control (capsules with customised fatty acid blends) for three months. Only one short-term study (19 participants) comparing omega-3 to placebo reported a significant improvement in lung function and Shwachman score and a reduction in sputum volume in the omega-3 group. Another

Energy Barriers and Hysteresis in Martensitic Phase Transformations

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

glacial acetic acid (CH3COOH) and 10-15% perchloric acid (HCLO4) by volume, the cathode was stainless steel , the anode was stainless steel or Ti, the...Submitted to Acta Materialia Energy barriers and hysteresis in martensitic phase transformations Zhiyong Zhang, Richard D. James and Stefan Müller...hysteresis based on the growth from a small scale of fully developed austenite martensite needles. In this theory the energy of the transition layer plays a

Synthesis and mutagenicity of a ring-A-aromatized bile acid, 3-hydroxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-oic acid.

PubMed

Namba, T; Hirota, T; Hayakawa, S

1988-06-01

It has been presumed that ring-A-aromatized bile acids are produced from biliary bile acids by intestinal flora and the acids thus formed participate in the large bowel carcinogenesis. One of these acids is probably 3-hydroxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-oic acid, judged from the literatures. Consequently, this acid was synthesized from previously prepared 3-methoxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-ol. The phenolic ether was successively oxidized with pyridinium chlorochromate and wet silver oxide to give 3-methoxy-19-nor-1,3,5(10)-cholatrien-24-oic acid in high yield, which, after successive treatments with methanol containing a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid, a combination of aluminum chloride and ethanethiol, and alkali, gave the desired compound in satisfactory yield. The compound was not mutagenic in Salmonella tester strains TA 98 and TA 100, but it increased the mutagenicity of 2-aminoanthracene when both were applied to plates together. When compared with cholic, deoxycholic, and lithocholic acids, the investigated compound exhibited about two to threefold increase of mutagenicity in the latter assay.

Induction of mutagenesis and transformation in BALB/c-3T3 clone A31-1 cells by diverse chemical carcinogens

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

Lubet, R.A.; Kouri, R.E.; Curren, R.A.

1990-01-01

BALB/c-3T3 cells were employed to examine the genotoxic potential of a variety of known chemical carcinogens. BALB/c-3T3 cells displayed a dose-dependent transformation response to a variety of carcinogens (polycyclic hydrocarbons, methylating agents, ethylating agents, aflatoxin B{sub 1} (AFT{sub 1}), and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO)). When the ability of these compounds to induce mutagenesis to resistance to the cardiac glycoside ouabain (OUA{sup R}) was examined, the authors found the short chain alkylating agents to be particularly effective mutagens, causing biologic effects at doses below those necessary to induce a transformation response. In contrast, the polycyclic hydrocarbons which were potent transforming agents were weaker,more » albeit significant, mutagens for the OUA{sup R} locus in this system, while AFB{sub 1} was quite weak. Further studies were performed with 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) and the nongenotoxic carcinogen cinnamyl anthranilate (CIN). 5-AZA was a potent transforming agent, but failed to cause mutagenesis. CIN similarly caused in vitro transformation. When a series of eight structurally diverse compounds were examined in both the BALB/c-3T3 and C3H10T1/2 mouse fibroblast transformation systems, the BALB/c-3T3 system was shown to be sensitive to a wide variety of potential carcinogens, whereas the C3H10T1/2 system proved routinely sensitive only to the polycyclic hydrocarbons.« less

Inhibitory effect of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene on rabdosiin and rosmarinic acid production in Eritrichium sericeum and Lithospermum erythrorhizon transformed cell cultures.

PubMed

Bulgakov, Victor P; Veselova, M V; Tchernoded, G K; Kiselev, K V; Fedoreyev, S A; Zhuravlev, Yu N

2005-06-01

Rabdosiin and related caffeic acid metabolites have been proposed as active pharmacological agents demonstrating potent anti-HIV and antiallergic activities. We transformed Eritrichium sericeum and Lithospermum erythrorhizon seedlings by the rolC gene, which has been recently described as an activator of plant secondary metabolism. Surprisingly, the rolC-transformed cell cultures of both plants yielded two- to threefold less levels of rabdosiin and rosmarinic acid (RA) than respective control cultures. This result establishes an interesting precedent when the secondary metabolites are differently regulated by a single gene. We show that the rolC gene affects production of rabdosiin and RA irrespective of the methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-mediated and the Ca(2+)-dependent NADPH oxidase pathways. Cantharidin, an inhibitor of serine/threonine phosphatases, partly diminishes the rolC-gene inhibitory effect that indicates involvement of the rolC-gene-mediated signal in plant regulatory controls, mediated by protein phosphatases. We also show that the control MeJA-stimulated E. sericeum root culture produces (-)-rabdosiin up to 3.41% dry weight, representing the highest level of this substance for plant cell cultures reported so far.

Biodegradation of the xenobiotic organic disulphide 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid by Rhodococcus erythropolis strain MI2 and comparison with the microbial utilization of 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid and 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid.

PubMed

Wübbeler, Jan Hendrik; Bruland, Nadine; Wozniczka, Milena; Steinbüchel, Alexander

2010-04-01

Application of the non-toxic 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid (TDP) and 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid (DTDP) as precursors for the microbial production of polythioesters (PTEs), a class of biologically persistent biopolymers containing sulphur in the backbone, was successfully established previously. However, synthesis of PTEs containing 4-mercaptobutyrate (4MB) as building blocks could not be achieved. The very harmful 4MB is not used as a PTE precursor or as the carbon source for growth by any known strain. As a promising alternative, the harmless oxidized disulfide of two molecules of 4MB, 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid (DTDB), was employed for enrichments of bacterial strains capable of biodegradation. Investigation of novel precursor substrates for PTEs and comparison of respective strains growing on TDP, DTDP and DTDB as sole carbon source was accomplished. A broad variety of bacteria capable of using one of these organic sulphur compounds were isolated and compared. TDP and DTDP were degraded by several strains belonging to different genera, whereas all DTDB-utilizing strains were affiliated to the species Rhodococcus erythropolis. Transposon mutagenesis of R. erythropolis strain MI2 and screening of 7500 resulting mutants yielded three mutants exhibiting impaired growth on DTDB. Physiological studies revealed production of volatile hydrogen sulphide and accumulation of significant amounts of 4MB, 4-oxo-4-sulphanylbutanoic acid and succinic acid in the culture supernatants. Based on this knowledge, a putative pathway for degradation of DTDB was proposed: DTDB could be cleaved into two molecules of 4MB, followed by an oxidation yielding 4-oxo-4-sulphanylbutanoic acid. A putative desulphydrase probably catalyses the abstraction of sulphur, thereby generating succinic acid and hydrogen sulphide.

[Enhanced electro-chemical oxidation of Acid Red 3R solution with phosphotungstic acid supported on gamma-Al2O3].

PubMed

Yue, Lin; Wang, Kai-Hong; Guo, Jian-Bo; Yang, Jing-Liang; Liu, Bao-You; Lian, Jing; Wang, Tao

2013-03-01

Supported phosphotungstic acid catalysts on gamma-Al2O3 (HPW/gamma-Al2O3) were prepared by solution impregnation and characterized by FTIR, XRD, TG-DTA and SEM. The heteropolyanion shows a Keggin structure. Electro-chemical oxidation of Acid Red 3R was investigated in the presence of HPW supported on gamma-Al2O3 as packing materials in the reactor. The results show that HPW/gamma-Al2O3 has a good catalytic activity for decolorization of Acid Red 3R. When HPW loading was 4.6%, pH value of Acid Red 3R was 3, the voltage was 25.0 V, air-flow was 0.04 m3 x h(-1), and electrode span was 3.0 cm, the decolorization efficiency of Acid Red 3R can reach 97.6%. The removal rate of color had still about 80% in this electro-chemical oxidation system, after HPW/gamma-Al2O3 was used for 10 times, but active component loss existed. The interim product was analyzed by means of Vis-UV absorption spectrum. It shows that the conjugated structure of dye is destroyed primarily.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits.

PubMed

Shahidi, Fereidoon; Ambigaipalan, Priyatharini

2018-03-25

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) include α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 ω-3), stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4 ω-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 ω-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5 ω-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 ω-3). In the past few decades, many epidemiological studies have been conducted on the myriad health benefits of omega-3 PUFAs. In this review, we summarized the structural features, properties, dietary sources, metabolism, and bioavailability of omega-3 PUFAs and their effects on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, depression, visual and neurological development, and maternal and child health. Even though many health benefits of omega-3 PUFAs have been reported in the literature, there are also some controversies about their efficacy and certain benefits to human health.

Free radical mediated formation of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) fatty acid diesters.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaowei; Gao, Boyan; Qin, Fang; Shi, Haiming; Jiang, Yuangrong; Xu, Xuebing; Yu, Liangli Lucy

2013-03-13

The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that a free radical was formed and mediated the formation of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) fatty acid diesters, a group of food contaminants, from diacylglycerols at high temperature under a low-moisture condition for the first time. The presence of free radicals in a vegetable oil kept at 120 °C for 20 min was demonstrated using an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy examination with 5,5-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as the spin trap agent. ESR investigation also showed an association between thermal treatment degree and the concentration of free radicals. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of sn-1,2-stearoylglycerol (DSG) at 25 and 120 °C suggested the possible involvement of an ester carbonyl group in forming 3-MCPD diesters. On the basis of these results, a novel free radical mediated chemical mechanism was proposed for 3-MCPD diester formation. Furthermore, a quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF) MS/MS investigation was performed and detected the DMPO adducts with the cyclic acyloxonium free radical (CAFR) and its product MS ions, proving the presence of CAFR. Furthermore, the free radical mechanism was validated by the formation of 3-MCPD diesters through reacting DSG with a number of organic and inorganic chlorine sources including chlorine gas at 120 and 240 °C. The findings of this study might lead to the improvement of oil and food processing conditions to reduce the level of 3-MCPD diesters in foods and enhance food safety.

Isolation and characterization of racemase from Ensifer sp. 23-3 that acts on α-aminolactams and α-amino acid amides.

PubMed

Matsui, Daisuke; Fuhshuku, Ken-Ichi; Nagamori, Shingo; Takata, Momoko; Asano, Yasuhisa

2017-11-01

Limited information is available on α-amino-ε-caprolactam (ACL) racemase (ACLR), a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme that acts on ACL and α-amino acid amides. In the present study, eight bacterial strains with the ability to racemize α-amino-ε-caprolactam were isolated and one of them was identified as Ensifer sp. strain 23-3. The gene for ACLR from Ensifer sp. 23-3 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant ACLR was then purified to homogeneity from the E. coli transformant harboring the ACLR gene from Ensifer sp. 23-3, and its properties were characterized. This enzyme acted not only on ACL but also on α-amino-δ-valerolactam, α-amino-ω-octalactam, α-aminobutyric acid amide, and alanine amide.

Omega-3 fatty acids upregulate adult neurogenesis

PubMed Central

Beltz, Barbara S.; Tlusty, Michael F.; Benton, Jeannie L.; Sandeman, David C.

2007-01-01

Omega-3 fatty acids play crucial roles in the development and function of the central nervous system. These components, which must be obtained from dietary sources, have been implicated in a variety of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, the presence of omega-6 fatty acids may interfere with omega-3 fatty acid metabolism. The present study investigated whether changes in dietary ratios of omega-3:omega-6 fatty acids influence neurogenesis in the lobster (Homarus americanus) brain where, as in many vertebrate species, neurogenesis persists throughout life. The factors that regulate adult neurogenesis are highly conserved among species, and the crustacean brain has been successfully utilized as a model for investigating this process. In this study, lobsters were fed one of three diets that differed in fatty acid content. These animals were subsequently incubated in 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to detect cells in S-phase of the cell cycle. A quantitative analysis of the resulting BrdU-labeled cells in the projection neuron cluster in the brain shows that short-term augmentation of dietary omega-3 relative to omega-6 fatty acids results in significant increases in the numbers of S-phase cells, and that the circadian pattern of neurogenesis is also altered. It is proposed that the ratio of omega-3:omega-6 fatty acids may alter neurogenesis via modulatory influences on membrane proteins, cytokines and/or neurotrophins. PMID:17240063

Short-Chain Fatty Acids Enhance the Lipid Accumulation of 3T3-L1 Cells by Modulating the Expression of Enzymes of Fatty Acid Metabolism.

PubMed

Yu, Haining; Li, Ran; Huang, Haiyong; Yao, Ru; Shen, Shengrong

2018-01-01

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid are produced by fermentation by gut microbiota. In this paper, we investigate the effects of SCFA on 3T3-L1 cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The cells were treated with acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid when cells were induced to differentiate into adipocytes. MTT assay was employed to detect the viability of 3T3-L1 cells. Oil Red O staining was used to visualize the lipid content in 3T3-L1 cells. A triglyceride assay kit was used to detect the triacylglycerol content in 3T3-L1 cells. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of metabolic enzymes. MTT results showed that safe concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were less than 6.4, 3.2, and 0.8 mM, respectively. Oil Red O staining and triacylglycerols detection results showed that treatment with acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid accelerated the 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. qRT-PCR and Western blot results showed that the expressions of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (FATP4), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were significantly increased by acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid treatment during adipose differentiation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SCFA promoted lipid accumulation by modulating the expression of enzymes of fatty acid metabolism. © 2018 AOCS.

3. VIEW NORTH FROM TOP OF DIKE, WITH FORMER TRANSFORMER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. VIEW NORTH FROM TOP OF DIKE, WITH FORMER TRANSFORMER BUILDING AND SERVICE SHED - Middle Creek Hydroelectric Dam, On Middle Creek, West of U.S. Route 15, 3 miles South of Selinsgrove, Selinsgrove, Snyder County, PA

Detoxification system for inorganic arsenic: transformation of As2O3 into TMAO by vitamin B12 derivatives and conversion of TMAO into arsenobetaine.

PubMed

Nakamura, Koichiro; Hisaeda, Yoshio; Pan, Ling; Yamauchi, Hiroshi

2008-11-07

A new two-step synthetic pathway developed for the transformation of arsenic trioxide [iAs(III); As(2)O(3)] into arsenobetaine (AB; Me(3)As(+)CH(2)CO(2)(-)) involves treatment of iAs(III) with native B(12) or biomimetic B(12) in the presence of glutathione (GSH) to give TMAO with a high selectivity and a high conversion rate; subsequent treatment of TMAO with iodoacetic acid in the presence of GSH gives arsenobetaine.

40 CFR 721.3031 - Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3). 721.3031 Section 721.3031 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3031 Boric acid (H3BO...

40 CFR 721.3031 - Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3). 721.3031 Section 721.3031 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3031 Boric acid (H3BO...

40 CFR 721.3031 - Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Boric acid (H3BO3), zinc salt (2=3). 721.3031 Section 721.3031 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.3031 Boric acid (H3BO...

Enantiomerically pure 3-aryl- and 3-hetaryl-2-hydroxypropanoic acids by chemoenzymatic reduction of 2-oxo acids.

PubMed

Sivanathan, Sivatharushan; Körber, Florian; Tent, Jannis Aron; Werner, Svenja; Scherkenbeck, Jürgen

2015-03-06

Phenyllactic acids are found in numerous natural products as well as in active substances used in medicine or plant protection. Enantiomerically pure phenyllactic acids are available by transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogenations or chemoenzymatic reductions of the corresponding 3-aryl-2-oxopropanoic acids. We show here that d-lactate dehydrogenase from Staphylococcus epidermidis reduces a broad spectrum of 2-oxo acids, which are difficult substrates for transition-metal-catalyzed reactions, with excellent enantioselectivities in a simple experimental setup.

Automatic needle segmentation in 3D ultrasound images using 3D Hough transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Hua; Qiu, Wu; Ding, Mingyue; Zhang, Songgeng

2007-12-01

3D ultrasound (US) is a new technology that can be used for a variety of diagnostic applications, such as obstetrical, vascular, and urological imaging, and has been explored greatly potential in the applications of image-guided surgery and therapy. Uterine adenoma and uterine bleeding are the two most prevalent diseases in Chinese woman, and a minimally invasive ablation system using an RF button electrode which is needle-like is being used to destroy tumor cells or stop bleeding currently. Now a 3D US guidance system has been developed to avoid accidents or death of the patient by inaccurate localizations of the electrode and the tumor position during treatment. In this paper, we described two automated techniques, the 3D Hough Transform (3DHT) and the 3D Randomized Hough Transform (3DRHT), which is potentially fast, accurate, and robust to provide needle segmentation in 3D US image for use of 3D US imaging guidance. Based on the representation (Φ , θ , ρ , α ) of straight lines in 3D space, we used the 3DHT algorithm to segment needles successfully assumed that the approximate needle position and orientation are known in priori. The 3DRHT algorithm was developed to detect needles quickly without any information of the 3D US images. The needle segmentation techniques were evaluated using the 3D US images acquired by scanning water phantoms. The experiments demonstrated the feasibility of two 3D needle segmentation algorithms described in this paper.

A novel omega3-fatty acid desaturase involved in the biosynthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid.

PubMed Central

Pereira, Suzette L; Huang, Yung-Sheng; Bobik, Emil G; Kinney, Anthony J; Stecca, Kevin L; Packer, Jeremy C L; Mukerji, Pradip

2004-01-01

Long-chain n-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid; 20:5 n-3) have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. In plants, cyanobacteria and nematodes, omega3-desaturases catalyse the formation of these n-3 fatty acids from n-6 fatty acid precursors. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a gene ( sdd17 ) derived from an EPA-rich fungus, Saprolegnia diclina, that encodes a novel omega3-desaturase. This gene was isolated by PCR amplification of an S. diclina cDNA library using oligonucleotide primers corresponding to conserved regions of known omega3-desaturases. Expression of this gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in the presence of various fatty acid substrates, revealed that the recombinant protein could exclusively desaturate 20-carbon n-6 fatty acid substrates with a distinct preference for ARA (arachidonic acid; 20:4 n-6), converting it into EPA. This activity differs from that of the known omega3-desaturases from any organism. Plant and cyanobacterial omega3-desaturases exclusively desaturate 18-carbon n-6 PUFAs, and a Caenorhabditis elegans omega3-desaturase preferentially desaturated 18-carbon PUFAs over 20-carbon substrates, and could not convert ARA into EPA when expressed in yeast. The sdd17 -encoded desaturase was also functional in transgenic somatic soya bean embryos, resulting in the production of EPA from exogenously supplied ARA, thus demonstrating its potential for use in the production of EPA in transgenic oilseed crops. PMID:14651475

Stability of monomeric Cro variants: Isoenergetic transformation of a type I' to a type II' beta-hairpin by single amino acid replacements.

PubMed

Mollah, A K M M; Stennis, Rhonda L; Mossing, Michael C

2003-05-01

The thermodynamic stabilities of three monomeric variants of the bacteriophage lambda Cro repressor that differ only in the sequence of two amino acids at the apex of an engineered beta-hairpin have been determined. The sequences of the turns are EVK-XX-EVK, where the two central residues are DG, GG, and GT, respectively. Standard-state unfolding free energies, determined from circular dichroism measurements as a function of urea concentration, range from 2.4 to 2.7 kcal/mole, while those determined from guanidine hydrochloride range from 2.8 to 3.3 kcal/mole for the three proteins. Thermal denaturation yields van't Hoff unfolding enthalpies of 36 to 40 kcal /mole at midpoint temperatures in the range of 53 to 58 degrees C. Extrapolation of the thermal denaturation free energies with heat capacities of 400 to 600 cal/mole deg gives good agreement with the parameters determined in denaturant titrations. As predicted from statistical surveys of amino acid replacements in beta-hairpins, energetic barriers to transformation from a type I' turn (DG) to a type II' turn (GT) can be quite small.

Fan filters, the 3-D Radon transform, and image sequence analysis.

PubMed

Marzetta, T L

1994-01-01

This paper develops a theory for the application of fan filters to moving objects. In contrast to previous treatments of the subject based on the 3-D Fourier transform, simplicity and insight are achieved by using the 3-D Radon transform. With this point of view, the Radon transform decomposes the image sequence into a set of plane waves that are parameterized by a two-component slowness vector. Fan filtering is equivalent to a multiplication in the Radon transform domain by a slowness response function, followed by an inverse Radon transform. The plane wave representation of a moving object involves only a restricted set of slownesses such that the inner product of the plane wave slowness vector and the moving object velocity vector is equal to one. All of the complexity in the application of fan filters to image sequences results from the velocity-slowness mapping not being one-to-one; therefore, the filter response cannot be independently specified at all velocities. A key contribution of this paper is to elucidate both the power and the limitations of fan filtering in this new application. A potential application of 3-D fan filters is in the detection of moving targets in clutter and noise. For example, an appropriately designed fan filter can reject perfectly all moving objects whose speed, irrespective of heading, is less than a specified cut-off speed, with only minor attenuation of significantly faster objects. A simple geometric construction determines the response of the filter for speeds greater than the cut-off speed.

Unusual transformation from strong negative to positive thermal expansion in PbTiO3-BiFeO3 perovskite.

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Fan, Longlong; Ren, Yang; Pan, Zhao; Deng, Jinxia; Yu, Ranbo; Xing, Xianran

2013-03-15

Tetragonal PbTiO(3)-BiFeO(3) exhibits a strong negative thermal expansion in the PbTiO(3)-based ferroelectrics that consist of one branch in the family of negative thermal expansion materials. Its strong negative thermal expansion is much weakened, and then unusually transforms into positive thermal expansion as the particle size is slightly reduced. This transformation is a new phenomenon in the negative termal expansion materials. The detailed structure, temperature dependence of unit cell volume, and lattice dynamics of PbTiO(3)-BiFeO(3) samples were studied by means of high-energy synchrotron powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Such unusual transformation from strong negative to positive thermal expansion is highly associated with ferroelectricity weakening. An interesting zero thermal expansion is achieved in a wide temperature range (30-500 °C) by adjusting particle size due to the negative-to-positive transformation character. The present study provides a useful method to control the negative thermal expansion not only for ferroelectrics but also for those functional materials such as magnetics and superconductors.

Structural similarity between β(3)-peptides synthesized from β(3)-homo-amino acids and aspartic acid monomers.

PubMed

Ahmed, Sahar; Sprules, Tara; Kaur, Kamaljit

2014-07-01

Formation of stable secondary structures by oligomers that mimic natural peptides is a key asset for enhanced biological response. Here we show that oligomeric β(3)-hexapeptides synthesized from L-aspartic acid monomers (β(3)-peptides 1, 5a, and 6) or homologated β(3)-amino acids (β(3)-peptide 2), fold into similar stable 14-helical secondary structures in solution, except that the former form right-handed 14-helix and the later form left-handed 14-helix. β(3)-Peptides from L-Asp monomers contain an additional amide bond in the side chains that provides opportunities for more hydrogen bonding. However, based on the NMR solution structures, we found that β(3)-peptide from L-Asp monomers (1) and from homologated amino acids (2) form similar structures with no additional side-chain interactions. These results suggest that the β(3)-peptides derived from L-Asp are promising peptide-mimetics that can be readily synthesized using L-Asp monomers as well as the right-handed 14-helical conformation of these β(3)-peptides (such as 1 and 6) may prove beneficial in the design of mimics for right-handed α-helix of α-peptides. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Animation Strategies for Smooth Transformations Between Discrete Lods of 3d Building Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kada, Martin; Wichmann, Andreas; Filippovska, Yevgeniya; Hermes, Tobias

2016-06-01

The cartographic 3D visualization of urban areas has experienced tremendous progress over the last years. An increasing number of applications operate interactively in real-time and thus require advanced techniques to improve the quality and time response of dynamic scenes. The main focus of this article concentrates on the discussion of strategies for smooth transformation between two discrete levels of detail (LOD) of 3D building models that are represented as restricted triangle meshes. Because the operation order determines the geometrical and topological properties of the transformation process as well as its visual perception by a human viewer, three different strategies are proposed and subsequently analyzed. The simplest one orders transformation operations by the length of the edges to be collapsed, while the other two strategies introduce a general transformation direction in the form of a moving plane. This plane either pushes the nodes that need to be removed, e.g. during the transformation of a detailed LOD model to a coarser one, towards the main building body, or triggers the edge collapse operations used as transformation paths for the cartographic generalization.

ω-3 fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid, and antioxidants: immunomodulators or inert dietary supplements?

PubMed

Schott, Christopher K; Huang, David T

2012-11-23

The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, along with γ-linolenic acid and antioxidants, may modulate systemic inflammatory response and improve oxygenation and outcomes in patients with acute lung injury. Objective: To determine if dietary supplementation of these substances to patients with acute lung injury would increase ventilator-free days to study day 28. Design: The OMEGA study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial conducted from January 2, 2008, through February 21, 2009. All participants had complete follow-up. Setting: This trial occurred at 44 hospitals in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ARDS Clinical Trials Network. Subjects: Participants were 272 adults within 48 hours of developing acute lung injury requiring mechanical ventilation whose physicians intended to start enteral nutrition. Intervention: Twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, γ -linolenic acid, and antioxidants compared with an isocaloric control. Enteral nutrition, directed by a protocol, was delivered separately from the study supplement. Outcomes: Ventilator-free days to study day 28. The study was stopped early for futility after 143 and 129 patients were enrolled in the n-3 and control groups. Despite an 8-fold increase in plasma eicosapentaenoic acid levels, patients receiving the n-3 supplement had fewer ventilator-free days (14.0 vs 17.2; P=.02) (difference, −3.2 [95% CI, −5.8 to −0.7]) and intensive care unit-free days (14.0 vs 16.7; P=.04). Patients in the n-3 group also had fewer nonpulmonary organ failure-free days (12.3 vs 15.5; P=.02). Sixty-day hospital mortality was 26.6% in the n 3 group vs 16.3% in the control group (P=.054), and adjusted 60-day mortality was 25.1% and 17.6% in the n-3 and control groups, respectively (P=.11). Use of the n-3 supplement resulted in more days with diarrhea (29% vs 21%; P=.001). Twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, �

Effect of Humic Acid on As Redox Transformation and Kinetic Adsorption onto Iron Oxide Based Adsorbent (IBA)

PubMed Central

Fakour, Hoda; Lin, Tsair-Fuh

2014-01-01

Due to the importance of adsorption kinetics and redox transformation of arsenic (As) during the adsorption process, the present study elucidated natural organic matter (NOM) effects on As adsorption-desorption kinetics and speciation transformation. The experimental procedures were conducted by examining interactions of arsenate and arsenite with different concentrations of humic acid (HA) as a model representative of NOM, in the presence of iron oxide based adsorbent (IBA), as a model solid surface in three environmentally relevant conditions, including the simultaneous adsorption of both As and HA onto IBA, HA adsorption onto As-presorbed IBA, and As adsorption onto HA-presorbed IBA. Experimental adsorption-desorption data were all fitted by original and modified Lagergren pseudo-first and -second order adsorption kinetic models, respectively. Weber’s intraparticle diffusion was also used to gain insight into the mechanisms and rate controlling steps, which the results suggested that intraparticle diffusion of As species onto IBA is the main rate-controlling step. Different concentrations of HA mediated the redox transformation of As species, with a higher oxidation ability than reduction. The overall results indicated the significant effect of organic matter on the adsorption kinetics and redox transformation of As species, and consequently, the fate, transport and mobility of As in different environmentally relevant conditions. PMID:25325357

Glass Bead-based Genetic Transformation:An Efficient Method for Transformation of Thraustochytrid Microorganisms.

PubMed

Adachi, Takumi; Sahara, Takehiko; Okuyama, Hidetoshi; Morita, Naoki

2017-07-01

Here, we describe a new method for genetic transformation of thraustochytrids, well-known producers of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like docosahexaenoic acid, by combining mild glass (zirconia) bead treatment and electroporation. Because the cell wall is a barrier against transfer of exogenous DNA into cells, gentle vortexing of cells with glass beads was performed prior to electroporation for partial cell wall disruption. G418-resistant transformants of thraustochytrid cells (Aurantiochytrium limacinum strain SR21 and thraustochytrid strain 12B) were successfully obtained with good reproducibility. The method reported here is simpler than methods using enzymes to generate spheroplasts and may provide advantages for PUFA production by using genetically modified thraustochytrids.

Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PubMed

Vanden Heuvel, John P

2012-01-01

Diets rich in ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) such as alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid are associated with decreased incidence and severity of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. At least some of the beneficial effects of these dietary fatty acids are via metabolites such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, and resolvins. The effects of ω3-PUFAs are in contrast to those of fatty acids with virtually identical structures, such as the ω6-PUFAs linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, and their corresponding metabolites. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss both the nutrigenomics (nutrient-gene interactions) and nutrigenetics (genetic variation in nutrition) of dietary fatty acids with a focus on the ω3-PUFAs (Gebauer et al., 2007(1)). Important in the biological response for these fatty acids or their metabolites are cognate receptors that are able to regulate gene expression and coordinately affect metabolic or signaling pathways associated with CVD and cancer. Four nuclear receptor (NR) subfamilies will be emphasized as receptors that respond to dietary and endogenous ligands: (1) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, (2) retinoid X receptors, (3) liver X receptors, and (4) farnesoid X receptor. In addition to the different responses elicited by varying structures of fatty acids, responses may vary because of genetic variation in enzymes that metabolize ω3- and ω6 fatty acids or that respond to them. In particular, polymorphisms in the fatty acid desaturases and the aforementioned NRs contribute to the complexity of nutritional effects seen with ω3-PUFAs. Following a brief introduction to the health benefits of ω3-PUFAs, the regulation of gene expression by these dietary fatty acids via NRs will be characterized. Subsequently, the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key enzymes involved in the metabolism and response to ω3-PUFAs will

Interplay between Vacuum-Grown Monolayers of Alkylphosphonic Acids and the Performance of Organic Transistors Based on Dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene.

PubMed

Hannah, Stuart; Cardona, Javier; Lamprou, Dimitrios A; Šutta, Pavol; Baran, Peter; Al Ruzaiqi, Afra; Johnston, Karen; Gleskova, Helena

2016-09-28

Monolayers of six alkylphosphonic acids ranging from C8 to C18 were prepared by vacuum evaporation and incorporated into low-voltage organic field-effect transistors based on dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT). Similar to solution-assembled monolayers, the molecular order for vacuum-deposited monolayers improved with increasing length of the aliphatic tail. At the same time, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements suggested lower molecular coverage for longer phosphonic acids. The comparison of FTIR and vibration frequencies calculated by density functional theory indicated that monodentate bonding does not occur for any phosphonic acid. All monolayers exhibited low surface energy of ∼17.5 mJ/m(2) with a dominating Lifshitz-van der Waals component. Their surface roughness was comparable, while the nanomechanical properties were varied but not correlated to the length of the molecule. However, large improvement in transistor performance was observed with increasing length of the aliphatic tail. Upon going from C8 to C18, the mean threshold voltage decreased from -1.37 to -1.24 V, the field-effect mobility increased from 0.03 to 0.33 cm(2)/(V·s), the off-current decreased from ∼8 × 10(-13) to ∼3 × 10(-13) A, and for transistors with L = 30 μm the on-current increased from ∼3 × 10(-8) to ∼2 × 10(-6) A, and the on/off-current ratio increased from ∼3 × 10(4) to ∼4 × 10(6). Similarly, transistors with longer phosphonic acids exhibited much better air and bias-stress stability. The achieved transistor performance opens up a completely "dry" fabrication route for ultrathin dielectrics and low-voltage organic transistors.

Decoding the cortical transformations for visually guided reaching in 3D space.

PubMed

Blohm, Gunnar; Keith, Gerald P; Crawford, J Douglas

2009-06-01

To explore the possible cortical mechanisms underlying the 3-dimensional (3D) visuomotor transformation for reaching, we trained a 4-layer feed-forward artificial neural network to compute a reach vector (output) from the visual positions of both the hand and target viewed from different eye and head orientations (inputs). The emergent properties of the intermediate layers reflected several known neurophysiological findings, for example, gain field-like modulations and position-dependent shifting of receptive fields (RFs). We performed a reference frame analysis for each individual network unit, simulating standard electrophysiological experiments, that is, RF mapping (unit input), motor field mapping, and microstimulation effects (unit outputs). At the level of individual units (in both intermediate layers), the 3 different electrophysiological approaches identified different reference frames, demonstrating that these techniques reveal different neuronal properties and suggesting that a comparison across these techniques is required to understand the neural code of physiological networks. This analysis showed fixed input-output relationships within each layer and, more importantly, within each unit. These local reference frame transformation modules provide the basic elements for the global transformation; their parallel contributions are combined in a gain field-like fashion at the population level to implement both the linear and nonlinear elements of the 3D visuomotor transformation.

Differences in the epigenetic regulation of MT-3 gene expression between parental and Cd+2 or As+3 transformed human urothelial cells

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Studies have shown that metallothionein 3 (MT-3) is not expressed in normal urothelium or in the UROtsa cell line, but is expressed in urothelial cancer and in tumors generated from the UROtsa cells that have been transformed by cadmium (Cd+2) or arsenite (As+3).The present study had two major goals. One, to determine if epigenetic modifications control urothelial MT-3 gene expression and if regulation is altered by malignant transformation by Cd+2 or As+3. Two, to determine if MT-3 expression might translate clinically as a biomarker for malignant urothelial cells released into the urine. Results The histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 induced MT-3 mRNA expression in both parental UROtsa cells and their transformed counterparts. The demethylating agent, 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZC) had no effect on MT-3 mRNA expression. ChIP analysis showed that metal-responsive transformation factor-1 (MTF-1) binding to metal response elements (MRE) elements of the MT-3 promoter was restricted in parental UROtsa cells, but MTF-1 binding to the MREs was unrestricted in the transformed cell lines. Histone modifications at acetyl H4, trimethyl H3K4, trimethyl H3K27, and trimethyl H3K9 were compared between the parental and transformed cell lines in the presence and absence of MS-275. The pattern of histone modifications suggested that the MT-3 promoter in the Cd+2 and As+3 transformed cells has gained bivalent chromatin structure, having elements of being "transcriptionally repressed" and "transcription ready", when compared to parental cells. An analysis of MT-3 staining in urinary cytologies showed that a subset of both active and non-active patients with urothelial cancer shed positive cells in their urine, but that control patients only rarely shed MT-3 positive cells. Conclusion The MT-3 gene is silenced in non-transformed urothelial cells by a mechanism involving histone modification of the MT-3 promoter. In contrast, transformation of the urothelial cells with

7 Things to Know about Omega-3 Fatty Acids

MedlinePlus

... X Y Z 7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids Share: Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty ... a number of functions in the body. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are found in ...

Hybrid molecularly imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-TRIM)-silica chemically modified with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane for the extraction of folic acid in aqueous medium.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Fernanda Midori; Segatelli, Mariana Gava; Tarley, César Ricardo Teixeira

2016-02-01

In the present study a hybrid molecularly imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate)-silica (MIP) was synthesized and modified with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) with posterior opening of epoxy ring to provide hydrophilic properties of material in the extraction of folic acid from aqueous medium. The chemical and structural aggregates of hybrid material were characterized by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and textural data. Selectivity data of MIP were compared to non-imprinted polymer (NIP) through competitive sorption studies in the presence of caffeine, paracetamol or 4-aminobenzamide yielding relative selectivity coefficients (k′) higher than one unit, thus confirming the selective character of MIP even in the presence of structurally smaller compounds than the folic acid. The lower hydrophobic sorption by bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the MIP as compared to unmodified MIP proves the hydrophilicity of polymer surface by using GPTMS with opening ring. Under acid medium(pH 1.5) the sorption of folic acid onto MIP from batch experiments was higher than the one achieved for NIP. Equilibrium sorption of folic acid was reached at 120 min for MIP, NIP and MIP without GPTMS and kinetic sorption data were well described by pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. Thus, these results indicate the existence of different binding energy sites in the polymers and a complex mechanism consisting of both surface sorption and intraparticle transport of folic acid within the pores of polymers.

Metabolism of trans-3-hexadecenoic acid in broad bean.

PubMed

Harwood, J L; James, A T

1975-01-02

1. Broad bean (Vicia faba) leaves contain rather high concentrations (about 4% of total fatty acids) of the trans-3-hexadecenoic acid. 2. Amounts of the acid increase with the age of the leaves and are absent from etiolated tissue. 3. Changes in the levels of trans-delta-4-hexadecenoic acid can be produced by subjecting the intact plants to various light/dark periods. 4. Chloroplasts isolated from broad-bean leaves show high rates of fatty acid synthesis from [1-14C]acetate. Synthesis is dependent on coenzyme A and ATP but is insensitive to the addition of exogenous acyl carrier protein. 5. The pattern of acids made includes about 20% palmitic, 5% hexadeconoic, 10% stearic and 60% oleic. trans-3-Hexadecenoic acid synthesis was most active in chloroplasts from plants exposed to the dark for 5 days and light for 3 days. 6. Arsenite addition inhibited stearate formation by isolated chloroplasts but resulted in a two-fold stimulation of overall synthesis. 7. The rate of fatty acid synthesis by isolated chloroplasts paralleled the changes in endogenous trans-3-hexadecenoic acid levels in the leaves from which they were isolated.

Lower omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower docosahexaenoic acid in men with pedophilia.

PubMed

Mincke, Elda; Cosyns, Paul; Christophe, Armand B; De Vriese, Stephanie; Maes, Michael

2006-12-01

Previous studies have suggested that abnormalities in plasma phospholipid fatty acids may play a role in aggressive behavior. Recently, it was suggested that a dysfunctional serotonergic turnover in the brain may be involved in the etiopathology of pedophilia. Depletion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may cause alterations in the serotonergic system that may be related to pedophilia and aggression. This study examines the serum phospholipid n-3 and n-6 PUFA fractions in pedophilia. Twenty-seven pedophilic men and eighteen healthy volunteers participated in this study. In pedophilia there was a significant depletion of the C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), total n-3 fractions and an increase in the total n-6/n-3 and C20:4n-6/C20:5n-3 (arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid) ratios. Using the NEO Personality Inventory, lower DHA in pedophiles is related to more impulsiveness and lower agreeableness (trust, altruism, straightforwardness, compliance) and conscientiousness (self-discipline). The results of this study suggest that a depletion of the serum phospholipid n-3 higher unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) and, in particular, of DHA may take part in the pathophysiology of pedophilia. One hypothesis is that a depletion of n-3 HUFAs and DHA may cause alterations in the serotonergic turnover, which are related to impulse discontrol and aggression-hostility, behaviors which are associated with pedophilia.

Overview of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapies

PubMed Central

Bradberry, J. Chris; Hilleman, Daniel E.

2013-01-01

The triglyceride (TG)-lowering benefits of the very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well documented. Available as prescription formulations and dietary supplements, EPA and DHA are recommended by the American Heart Association for patients with coronary heart disease and hypertriglyceridemia. Dietary supplements are not subject to the same government regulatory standards for safety, efficacy, and purity as prescription drugs are; moreover, supplements may contain variable concentrations of EPA and DHA and possibly other contaminants. Reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels remains the primary treatment goal in the management of dyslipidemia. Dietary supplements and prescription formulations that contain both EPA and DHA may lower TG levels, but they may also increase LDL-C levels. Two prescription formulations of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are available in the U.S. Although prescription omega-3 acid ethyl esters (OM-3-A EEs, Lovaza) contain high-purity EPA and DHA, prescription icosapent ethyl (IPE, Vascepa) is a high-purity EPA agent. In clinical trials of statin-treated and non–statin-treated patients with hypertriglyceridemia, both OM-3-A EE and IPE lowered TG levels and other atherogenic markers; however, IPE did not increase LDL-C levels. Results of recent outcomes trials of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, fibrates, and niacin have been disappointing, failing to show additional reductions in adverse cardiovascular events when combined with statins. Therefore, the REDUCE–IT study is being conducted to evaluate the effect of the combination of IPE and statins on cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients. The results of this trial are eagerly anticipated. PMID:24391388

Kinetics of Valeric Acid Ketonization and Ketenization in Catalytic Pyrolysis on Nanosized SiO2 , γ-Al2 O3 , CeO2 /SiO2 , Al2 O3 /SiO2 and TiO2 /SiO2.

PubMed

Kulyk, Kostiantyn; Palianytsia, Borys; Alexander, John D; Azizova, Liana; Borysenko, Mykola; Kartel, Mykola; Larsson, Mats; Kulik, Tetiana

2017-07-19

Valeric acid is an important renewable platform chemical that can be produced efficiently from lignocellulosic biomass. Upgrading of valeric acid by catalytic pyrolysis has the potential to produce value added biofuels and chemicals on an industrial scale. Understanding the different mechanisms involved in the thermal transformations of valeric acid on the surface of nanometer-sized oxides is important for the development of efficient heterogeneously catalyzed pyrolytic conversion techniques. In this work, the thermal decomposition of valeric acid on the surface of nanoscale SiO 2 , γ-Al 2 O 3 , CeO 2 /SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 and TiO 2 /SiO 2 has been investigated by temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has also been used to investigate the structure of valeric acid complexes on the oxide surfaces. Two main products of pyrolytic conversion were observed to be formed depending on the nano-catalyst used-dibutylketone and propylketene. Mechanisms of ketene and ketone formation from chemisorbed fragments of valeric acid are proposed and the kinetic parameters of the corresponding reactions were calculated. It was found that the activation energy of ketenization decreases in the order SiO 2 >γ-Al 2 O 3 >TiO 2 /SiO 2 >Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 , and the activation energy of ketonization decreases in the order γ-Al 2 O 3 >CeO 2 /SiO 2 . Nano-oxide CeO 2 /SiO 2 was found to selectively catalyze the ketonization reaction. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interaction between Al3+ and acrylic acid and polyacrylic acid in acidic aqueous solution: a model experiment for the behavior of Al3+ in acidified soil solution.

PubMed

Etou, Mayumi; Masaki, Yuka; Tsuji, Yutaka; Saito, Tomoyuki; Bai, Shuqin; Nishida, Ikuko; Okaue, Yoshihiro; Yokoyama, Takushi

2011-01-01

From the viewpoint of the phytotoxicity and mobility of Al(3+) released from soil minerals due to soil acidification, the interaction between Al(3+) and acrylic acid (AA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a model compound of fulvic acid was investigated. The interaction was examined at pH 3 so as to avoid the hydrolysis of Al(3+). The interaction between Al(3+) and AA was weak. However, the interaction between Al(3+) and PAA was strong and depended on the initial (COOH in PAA)/Al molar ratio (R(P)) of the solution. For the range of 1/R(P), the interaction between Al(3+) and PAA can be divided into three categories: (1) 1:1 Al-PAA-complex (an Al(3+) combines to a carboxyl group), (2) intermolecular Al-PAA-complex (an Al(3+) combines to more than 2 carboxyl groups of other Al-PAA-complexes) in addition to the 1:1 Al-PAA-complex and (3) precipitation of intermolecular complexes. In conclusion, R(P) is an important factor affecting the behavior of Al(3+) in acidic soil solution.

Vapor-phase hydrothermal transformation of HTiOF3 intermediates into {001} faceted anatase single-crystalline nanosheets.

PubMed

Liu, Porun; Wang, Yun; Zhang, Haimin; An, Taicheng; Yang, Huagui; Tang, Zhiyong; Cai, Weiping; Zhao, Huijun

2012-12-07

For the first time, a facile, one-pot hydrofluoric acid vapor-phase hydrothermal (HF-VPH) method is demonstrated to directly grow single-crystalline anatase TiO(2) nanosheets with 98.2% of exposed {001} faceted surfaces on the Ti substrate via a distinctive two-stage formation mechanism. The first stage produces a new intermediate crystal (orthorhombic HTiOF(3) ) that is transformed into anatase TiO(2) nanosheets during the second stage. The findings reveal that the HF-VPH reaction environment is unique and differs remarkably from that of liquid-phase hydrothermal processes. The uniqueness of the HF-VPH conditions can be readily used to effectively control the nanostructure growth. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Metal-free g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} photocatalyst by sulfuric acid activation for selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol under visible light

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

Zhang, Ligang; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Liu, Di

2014-11-15

Highlights: • A novel visible-light-driven acid-modified g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} was prepared. • The texture, electronic and surface property were tuned by acid modification. • Acid-modified g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} shows much higher activity for photocatalytic activity. • Acid sites on the surface of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} favor efficient charge separation. - Abstract: In this work, modification of graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst with acid was accomplished with a facile method through reflux in different acidic substances. The g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based material was found to be a metal-free photocatalyst useful for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol with dioxygen as the oxidant undermore » visible light irradiation. Acid modification had a significant influence on the photocatalytic performance of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. Among all acid tested, sulfuric acid-modified g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} showed the highest catalytic activity and gave benzaldehyde in 23% yield for 4 h under visible light irradiation, which was about 2.5 times higher than that of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}. The acid modification effectively improved surface area, reduced structural size, enlarged band gap, enhanced surface chemical state, and facilitated photoinduced charge separation, contributing to the enhanced photocatalytic activity. It is hoped that our work can open promising prospects for the utilization of metal free g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}-based semiconductor as visible-light photocatalyst for selective organic transformation.« less

Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the developing brain. I. Metabolic transformations of intracranially administered 1-/sup 14/C linolenic acid. [Rats

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

Dhopeshwarkar, G.A.; Subramanian, C.

1971-01-01

Thirteen-day old rats were given intracranial injections of 1-/sup 14/C linolenic acid (all cis 9, 12, 15 octadecatrienoic acid) and were sacrificed after 8 hr. Analysis of brain fatty acids showed that 16 : 0, 18 : 0, 18 : 1, 18 : 3, 20 : 3, 20 : 4, 20 : 5, 22 : 5 and 22 : 6 were labeled. The total fatty acid methyl esters were separated into classes according to degree of unsaturation on a AgNO/sub 3/ : SiO/sub 2/ impregnated plate. The bands were scraped off and the eluted fatty acds were first analyzed bymore » radio-gas liquid chromatography and then subjected to reductive ozonolysis to determine double bond position. The saturated acids, 16 : 0 and 18 : 0, as well as the monounsaturated 18 : 1, must have been formed from radioactive acetate produced by ..beta.. oxidation of the injected linolenate. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids, the triene fraction was characterized and identified as 18 : 3 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 9/,/sup 12/,/sup 15/), the starting material, and 20 : 3 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 11/,/sup 14/,/sup 17/); the tetraene fraction was identified as 20 : 4 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 8/,/sup 11/,/sup 14/,/sup 17/); the pentaene fraction was identified as 20 : 5 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 5/,/sup 8/,/sup 11/,/sup 14/,/sup 17/) and 22 : 5 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 7/,/sup 10/,/sup 13/,/sup 16/,/sup 19/); and, finally, the hexaene fraction was shown to be 22 : 6 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 4/,/sup 7/,/sup 10/,/sup 13/,/sup 16/,/sup 19/). The biosynthesis of these ..omega..3 family fatty acids in the brain in situ is discussed.« less

[Blood fluidity and omega-3 fatty acids].

PubMed

Ernst, E

1991-01-01

Omega-3 fatty acids are highly unsaturated fatty acids with a first (counted from the methyl end) double bound at the third carbon atom. Their biological effects--mainly changes of blood lipids and of the eicosanoid pattern--are due to a competitive inhibition of omega-6 fatty acids within the prostaglandin metabolism. Hemorheological effects have also been described repeatedly. A placebo-controlled, double blind study shows that red cell deformability is raised and blood viscosity decreased by omega-3 fatty acids in stepwise increasing doses. When the dose is further increased there is a drop of plasma viscosity and red cell aggregation. An open study with hyperlipoproteinemic patients confirms these effects: After 21 days of 8 capsules Ameu per day there is a significant reduction of plasma viscosity. After 56 days treatment (same dosage) blood viscosity drops and red cell deformability increases significantly. At present the evidence is growing to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can delay atherogenesis. The above data allow the hypothesis that hemorheology may be involved in this.

Prediction of valid acidity in intact apples with Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Liu, Yan-De; Ying, Yi-Bin; Fu, Xia-Ping

2005-03-01

To develop nondestructive acidity prediction for intact Fuji apples, the potential of Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) method with fiber optics in interactance mode was investigated. Interactance in the 800 nm to 2619 nm region was measured for intact apples, harvested from early to late maturity stages. Spectral data were analyzed by two multivariate calibration techniques including partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods. A total of 120 Fuji apples were tested and 80 of them were used to form a calibration data set. The influences of different data preprocessing and spectra treatments were also quantified. Calibration models based on smoothing spectra were slightly worse than that based on derivative spectra, and the best result was obtained when the segment length was 5 nm and the gap size was 10 points. Depending on data preprocessing and PLS method, the best prediction model yielded correlation coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.759, low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.0677, low root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 0.0562. The results indicated the feasibility of FT-NIR spectral analysis for predicting apple valid acidity in a nondestructive way.

Prediction of valid acidity in intact apples with Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy*

PubMed Central

Liu, Yan-de; Ying, Yi-bin; Fu, Xia-ping

2005-01-01

To develop nondestructive acidity prediction for intact Fuji apples, the potential of Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) method with fiber optics in interactance mode was investigated. Interactance in the 800 nm to 2619 nm region was measured for intact apples, harvested from early to late maturity stages. Spectral data were analyzed by two multivariate calibration techniques including partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods. A total of 120 Fuji apples were tested and 80 of them were used to form a calibration data set. The influences of different data preprocessing and spectra treatments were also quantified. Calibration models based on smoothing spectra were slightly worse than that based on derivative spectra, and the best result was obtained when the segment length was 5 nm and the gap size was 10 points. Depending on data preprocessing and PLS method, the best prediction model yielded correlation coefficient of determination (r 2) of 0.759, low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.0677, low root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 0.0562. The results indicated the feasibility of FT-NIR spectral analysis for predicting apple valid acidity in a nondestructive way. PMID:15682498

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in perinatal settings.

PubMed

Blanchard, Dawn S

2006-01-01

The purpose of this article is (a) to explain the role of omega-3 fatty acids in human health, specifically in fetal/neonatal development, (b) to summarize the recent research behind the innovations in infant formula manufacturing and advertisement of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for pregnant and lactating mothers, and (c) to relate the research findings to clinical practice. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in perinatal settings is discussed here from three vantage points: (a) supplementation of the third-trimester pregnant woman to enhance fetal development, (b) supplementation of the lactating mother to enhance development of the breastfeeding infant, and (c) supplementation of infant formulas to enhance development of the bottle-feeding infant. Supplementation can occur by increasing one's intake of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids or by ingesting fatty acid nutritional supplements. The challenge of supplementation for vegan and vegetarian women is also addressed.

Transforming activity of E5a protein of human papillomavirus type 6 in NIH 3T3 and C127 cells.

PubMed

Chen, S L; Mounts, P

1990-07-01

Human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV-6) is the etiologic agent of genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. We are investigating the mechanism by which this virus stimulates cell proliferation during infection. In this paper, we report that the E5a gene of HPV-6c, an independent isolate of HPV-11, is capable of transforming NIH 3T3 cells. The E5a open reading frame (ORF) was expressed under the control of the mouse metallothionein promoter in the expression vector pMt.neo.1, which also contains the gene for G418 resistance. Transfected cells were selected for G418 resistance and analyzed for a transformed phenotype. The transformed NIH 3T3 cells overgrew a confluent monolayer, had an accelerated generation time, and were anchorage independent. In contrast, E5a did not induce foci in C127 cells, but C127 cells expressing E5a did form small colonies in suspension. The presence of the 12-kilodalton E5a gene product in the transformed NIH 3T3 cells was shown by immunoprecipitation and was localized predominantly to nuclei by an immunoperoxidase assay. A mutation in the E5a ORF was engineered to terminate translation. This mutant was defective for transformation, demonstrating that translation of the E5a ORF is required for biological activity. This is the first demonstration of a transforming oncogene in HPV-6, and the differential activity of E5a in these two cell lines should facilitate future investigations on the mechanism of transformation.

Dissimilatory reduction and transformation of ferrihydrite-humic acid coprecipitates.

PubMed

Shimizu, Masayuki; Zhou, Jihai; Schröder, Christian; Obst, Martin; Kappler, Andreas; Borch, Thomas

2013-01-01

Organic matter (OM) is present in most terrestrial environments and is often found coprecipitated with ferrihydrite (Fh). Sorption or coprecipitation of OM with Fe oxides has been proposed to be an important mechanism for long-term C preservation. However, little is known about the impact of coprecipitated OM on reductive dissolution and transformation of Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides. Thus, we study the effect of humic acid (HA) coprecipitation on Fh reduction and secondary mineral formation by the dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens strain CN32. Despite similar crystal structure for all coprecipitates investigated, resembling 2-line Fh, the presence of coprecipitated HA resulted in lower specific surface areas. In terms of reactivity, coprecipitated HA resulted in slower Fh bioreduction rates at low C/Fe ratios (i.e., C/Fe ≤ 0.8), while high C/Fe ratios (i.e., C/Fe ≥ 1.8) enhanced the extent of bioreduction compared to pure Fh. The coprecipitated HA also altered the secondary Fe mineralization pathway by inhibiting goethite formation, reducing the amount of magnetite formation, and increasing the formation of a green rust-like phase. This study indicates that coprecipitated OM may influence the rates, pathway, and mineralogy of biogeochemical Fe cycling and anaerobic Fe respiration within soils.

Basal omega-3 fatty acid status affects fatty acid and oxylipin responses to high-dose n3-HUFA in healthy volunteers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Objective: Baseline concentrations of highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (n3-HUFA) may influence the ability of dietary n3-HUFA to affect changes in concentrations of esterified fatty acids and their metabolites. This study evaluates the influence of basal n3-HUFA and n3-HUFA metabolite status ...

40 CFR 76.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 76.3 Section 76.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions...

40 CFR 76.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 76.3 Section 76.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions...

40 CFR 76.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 76.3 Section 76.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions...

40 CFR 76.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 76.3 Section 76.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions...

40 CFR 76.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 76.3 Section 76.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) ACID RAIN NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM § 76.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions...

Epigenomic analysis in a cell-based model reveals the roles of H3K9me3 in breast cancer transformation.

PubMed

Li, Qing-Lan; Lei, Pin-Ji; Zhao, Quan-Yi; Li, Lianyun; Wei, Gang; Wu, Min

2017-08-01

Epigenetic marks are critical regulators of chromatin and gene activity. Their roles in normal physiology and disease states, including cancer development, still remain elusive. Herein, the epigenomic change of H3K9me3, as well as its potential impacts on gene activity and genome stability, was investigated in an in vitro breast cancer transformation model. The global H3K9me3 level was studied with western blotting. The distribution of H3K9me3 on chromatin and gene expression was studied with ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, respectively. The global H3K9me3 level decreases during transformation and its distribution on chromatin is reprogrammed. By combining with TCGA data, we identified 67 candidate oncogenes, among which five genes are totally novel. Our analysis further links H3K9me3 with transposon activity, and suggests H3K9me3 reduction increases the cell's sensitivity to DNA damage reagents. H3K9me3 reduction is possibly related with breast cancer transformation by regulating gene expression and chromatin stability during transformation.

(-)-3 beta,4 beta-epoxyvalerenic acid from Valeriana officinalis.

PubMed

Dharmaratne, H Ranjith; Nanayakkara, N P; Khan, Ikhlas A

2002-07-01

Chemical investigation of the root extract of Valeriana officinalis afforded a new bicyclic sesquiterpene acid, (-)-3 beta,4 beta-epoxyvalerenic acid together with valerenic acid and hexadecanoic acid. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by spectroscopic data and confirmed by partial synthesis of its methyl ester from valerenic acid. Methyl (-)-3 alpha,4 alpha-epoxyvalerenate was obtained as a minor product from the above reaction.

Erythrocyte stearidonic acid and other n-3 fatty acids and CHD in the Physicians’ Health Study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Intake of marine-based n-3 fatty acids (EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and DHA) is recommended to prevent CHD. Stearidonic acid (SDA), a plant-based n-3 fatty acid, is a precursor of EPA and may be more readily converted to EPA than a-linolenic acid (ALA). While transgenic soyabeans might supply SDA at ...

Multifunctional materials such as MCM-41÷Fe3O4÷folic acid as drug delivery system.

PubMed

Popescu, Simona; Ardelean, Ioana Lavinia; Gudovan, Dragoş; Rădulescu, Marius; Ficai, Denisa; Ficai, Anton; Vasile, Bogdan Ştefan; Andronescu, Ecaterina

2016-01-01

In this study, MCM-41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NPs) and MCM-41÷Fe3O4 mesoporous silica NPs were prepared by sol-gel method using CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) as template and TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) as silica precursor in order to use these materials as drug delivery system (DDS) for different biologically active agents. The MCM-41 and MCM-41÷Fe3O4 mesoporous silica NPs were characterized using specific physico-chemical methods [transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption and desorption studies - BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy], while the release studies were done by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-modified method. The pH dependence of the delivery of folic acid from the mesoporous structures was analyzed and found that the release is pH sensitive. The lower delivery at strongly acid pH comparing with neutral/slightly alkaline pH could be beneficial because in stomach the folic acid can be destroyed.

Metformin and phenformin deplete tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolytic intermediates during cell transformation and NTPs in cancer stem cells

PubMed Central

Janzer, Andreas; German, Natalie J.; Gonzalez-Herrera, Karina N.; Asara, John M.; Haigis, Marcia C.; Struhl, Kevin

2014-01-01

Metformin, a first-line diabetes drug linked to cancer prevention in retrospective clinical analyses, inhibits cellular transformation and selectively kills breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). Although a few metabolic effects of metformin and the related biguanide phenformin have been investigated in established cancer cell lines, the global metabolic impact of biguanides during the process of neoplastic transformation and in CSCs is unknown. Here, we use LC/MS/MS metabolomics (>200 metabolites) to assess metabolic changes induced by metformin and phenformin in an Src-inducible model of cellular transformation and in mammosphere-derived breast CSCs. Although phenformin is the more potent biguanide in both systems, the metabolic profiles of these drugs are remarkably similar, although not identical. During the process of cellular transformation, biguanide treatment prevents the boost in glycolytic intermediates at a specific stage of the pathway and coordinately decreases tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. In contrast, in breast CSCs, biguanides have a modest effect on glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediates, but they strongly deplete nucleotide triphosphates and may impede nucleotide synthesis. These metabolic profiles are consistent with the idea that biguanides inhibit mitochondrial complex 1, but they indicate that their metabolic effects differ depending on the stage of cellular transformation. PMID:25002509

Metformin and phenformin deplete tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolytic intermediates during cell transformation and NTPs in cancer stem cells.

PubMed

Janzer, Andreas; German, Natalie J; Gonzalez-Herrera, Karina N; Asara, John M; Haigis, Marcia C; Struhl, Kevin

2014-07-22

Metformin, a first-line diabetes drug linked to cancer prevention in retrospective clinical analyses, inhibits cellular transformation and selectively kills breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). Although a few metabolic effects of metformin and the related biguanide phenformin have been investigated in established cancer cell lines, the global metabolic impact of biguanides during the process of neoplastic transformation and in CSCs is unknown. Here, we use LC/MS/MS metabolomics (>200 metabolites) to assess metabolic changes induced by metformin and phenformin in an Src-inducible model of cellular transformation and in mammosphere-derived breast CSCs. Although phenformin is the more potent biguanide in both systems, the metabolic profiles of these drugs are remarkably similar, although not identical. During the process of cellular transformation, biguanide treatment prevents the boost in glycolytic intermediates at a specific stage of the pathway and coordinately decreases tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. In contrast, in breast CSCs, biguanides have a modest effect on glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediates, but they strongly deplete nucleotide triphosphates and may impede nucleotide synthesis. These metabolic profiles are consistent with the idea that biguanides inhibit mitochondrial complex 1, but they indicate that their metabolic effects differ depending on the stage of cellular transformation.

Metallaphotoredox-Catalyzed sp3–sp3 Cross-Coupling of Carboxylic Acids with Alkyl Halides

PubMed Central

Johnston, Craig P.; Smith, Russell T.; Allmendinger, Simon; MacMillan, David W. C.

2017-01-01

Over the last half-century, transition metal-mediated cross-coupling reactions have changed the way in which complex organic molecules are synthesized. Indeed, the predictable and chemoselective nature of these transformations has led to their widespread adoption across a vast array of chemical research areas1. However, the construction of sp3–sp3 bonds, a fundamental unit of organic chemistry, remains an important yet elusive objective for cross-coupling reaction engineering2. In comparison to related procedures with sp2-hybridized species, the development of methods for sp3–sp3 bond formation via transition metal catalysis has been historically hampered by deleterious side-reactions, such as β-hydride elimination with Pd-catalysis, and the reluctance of alkyl halides to undergo oxidative addition3,4. To address this issue, a number of research groups have demonstrated the feasibility of nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling processes to form sp3–sp3 bonds that utilize organometallic nucleophiles and alkyl electrophiles5–7. In particular, the coupling of alkyl halides with pregenerated organozinc8–10, Grignard11,12, and organoborane13 species has been used to furnish diverse molecular structures. However, the poor step and atom economies along with the operational difficulties associated with making, carrying, and using these sensitive coupling partners has hindered their widespread adoption. The prospect of establishing a generically useful sp3–sp3 coupling technology that employs bench-stable, native organic functional groups, without the need for pre-functionalization or substrate derivatization, would therefore be a valuable addition to fields of research that rely on organic molecule construction. Here, we demonstrate that the synergistic merger of photoredox and nickel catalysis enables the direct formation of sp3–sp3 bonds using only simple carboxylic acids and alkyl halides as the nucleophilic and electrophilic coupling partners, respectively. The

Fourier transform spectroscopy of the nu3 band of the N3 radical

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brazier, C. R.; Bernath, P. F.; Burkholder, James B.; Howard, Carleton J.

1988-01-01

The nu3 transitions of N3 radicals produced by HN3-Cl reactions in a multipass cell (effective path length 100 m) are investigated experimentally using a Fourier-transform spectrometer with maximum resolution 0.004/cm. A total of 176 rotation-vibration lines are listed in a table and used, in combination with published data on 240 optical lines (Douglas and Jones, 1965), to determine the nu3 molecular constants. The lower-than-expected value of the nu3 fundamental frequency (1644.6784/cm) is attributed to the vibronic interaction discussed by Kawaguchi et al. (1981).

The ν_3 and ν_4 Bands of Nitric Acid (HNO_3) at 7.6 μm for Atmospheric Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrin, A.; Flaud, J. M.; Ridolfi, M.; Carlotti, M.

2012-06-01

Nitric acid (HNO_3) plays an important role as a reservoir molecule of the NO_x (nitrogen oxides) species in the stratosphere. The three strongest infrared bands of nitric acid are located at 11 μm (ν_5 and 2ν_9 bands), 7.6 μm (the ν_3 and ν_4 bands at 1326 and 1303 cm-1) and 5.8 μm (ν_2 band). Although two times weaker than those located at 7.6 and 5.8 μm, the 11 μm region is the only one which is used for nitric acid retrievals in the atmosphere by several satellite instruments like MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding on ENVISAT) or ACE-FTS (ACE Fourier transform spectrometer on SCISAT). This is because the available spectroscopic parameters for HNO_3 in the HITRAN and GEISA databases are of very good quality in this spectral region. Of the two remaining bands, the 7.6 μm one is only partly masked by water, and therefore can be used also for nitric acid retrievals in the upper stratosphere. Moreover, because of their large difference in band intensity, combining measurements at 11 μm and 7.6 μm could maximize informations on the vertical distribution of HNO_3 in the atmosphere. However at 7.6 μm the spectroscopic parameters available in the HITRAN and GEISA databases are are not so good. Indeed, these parameters originate from a list generated more than 20 years ago. The low quality of the list at 7.6 μm prevents HNO_3 retrievals and severely affects the retrievals of several species absorbing in the 7.5-7.7 μm region, like SO_2. This work is a new and more accurate investigation of the line positions and intensities for the ν_3 and ν_4 bands of nitric acid located at 1326.187 and 1303.074 cm-1). For this task, we used new infrared laboratory data combined with a new theoretical model. Examples showing substantial improvements will be given. [1] Rothman et al. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf., 110, 533-572, 2009 [2] Jacquinet et al. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transf., 112, 2395-2445, 2011 [3] A. Perrin, O. Lado

Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

PubMed

von Schacky, Clemens; Harris, William S

2007-01-15

Cardiac societies recommend the intake of 1 g/day of the two omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment after a myocardial infarction, prevention of sudden death, and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. These recommendations are based on a body of scientific evidence that encompasses literally thousands of publications. Of four large scale intervention studies three also support the recommendations of these cardiac societies. One methodologically questionable study with a negative result led a Cochrane meta-analysis to a null conclusion. This null conclusion, however, has not swayed the recommendations of the cardiac societies mentioned, and has been refuted with good reason by scientific societies. Based on the scientific evidence just mentioned, we propose a new risk factor to be considered for sudden cardiac death, the omega-3 index. It is measured in red blood cells, and is expressed as a percentage of EPA + DHA of total fatty acids. An omega-3 index of >8% is associated with 90% less risk for sudden cardiac death, as compared to an omega-3 index of <4%. The omega-3 index as a risk factor for sudden cardiac death has striking similarities to LDL as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Moreover, the omega-3 index reflects the omega-3 fatty acid status of a given individual (analogous to HbA1c reflecting glucose homeostasis). The omega-3 index can therefore be used as a goal for treatment with EPA and DHA. As is the case now for LDL, in the future, the cardiac societies might very well recommend treatment with EPA and DHA to become goal oriented (e.g. an omega-3 index>8%).

Effect of cell passage on the susceptibility of BALB/3T3 clone A31-1-1 cells to 3-methylcholanthrene-induced morphological transformation

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

Sheu, C.W.; Moreland, F.M.; Dunkel, V.C.

1987-01-01

The response of BALB/3T3 clone A31-1-1 cells to chemically induced morphological transformation was evaluated using 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA). Stock cultures were initiated from cryopreserved cells, grown in T25 flasks containing 5 ml of medium, and replated at subconfluency. Serially transferred cells were then subjected to transformation assay. After 24-hr seeding, cells were incubated 48 hr with MCA in a 5% CO/sub 2/ incubator. They were then rinsed and incubated for an additional 4 weeks with twice weekly medium change. Type III foci were scored after fixation and staining with Giemsa. With serial passage from the frozen state, cells of passages 3-14more » had a low level of spontaneous transformation; zero to 6 type III foci per 20 dishes were counted. In the MCA-treated cultures the number of transformed foci, however, increased with passage. Such passage-related sensitivity to MCA was demonstrated for cells cultured in two batches of sera: one from MA Bioproducts (Lot no. 2E052) and the other from Armour Pharmaceuticals (Lot no. Y65801). The passage-related increase in number of transformed foci was not related to doubling time, cloning efficiency, or MCA-induced growth inhibition.« less

Foxp3-dependent Transformation of Human Primary CD4+ T Lymphocytes by the Retroviral Protein Tax

PubMed Central

Chen, Li; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Yang; Zhang, Huan; Cheng, Hua

2015-01-01

The retroviral Tax proteins of human T cell leukemia virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and -2) are highly homologous viral transactivators. Both viral proteins can immortalize human primary CD4+ memory T cells, but when expressed alone they rarely transform T cells. In the present study, we found that the Tax proteins displayed a differential ability to immortalize human CD4+Foxp3+ T cells with characteristic expression of CTLA-4 and GITR. Because epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was reportedly expressed and activated in a subset of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells, we introduced an activated EGFR into Tax-immortalized CD4+Foxp3+ T cells. We observed that these modified cells were grown independently of exogenous IL-2, correlating with a T cell transformation phenotype. In Tax-immortalized CD4+Foxp3- T cells, ectopic expression of Foxp3 was a prerequisite for Tax transformation of T cells. Accordingly, treatment of the transformed T cells with erlotinib, a selective inhibitor of EGFR, induced degradation of EGFR in lysosome, consequently causing T cell growth inhibition. Further, we identified autophagy as a crucial cellular survival pathway for the transformed T cells. Silencing key autophagy molecules including Beclin1, Atg5 and PI3 kinase class III (PI3KC3) resulted in drastic impairment of T cell growth. Our data, therefore, unveiled a previously unidentified role of Foxp3 in T cell transformation, providing a molecular basis for HTLV-1 transformation of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells. PMID:26381169

Foxp3-dependent transformation of human primary CD4+ T lymphocytes by the retroviral protein tax.

PubMed

Chen, Li; Liu, Dan; Zhang, Yang; Zhang, Huan; Cheng, Hua

2015-10-23

The retroviral Tax proteins of human T cell leukemia virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and -2) are highly homologous viral transactivators. Both viral proteins can immortalize human primary CD4+ memory T cells, but when expressed alone they rarely transform T cells. In the present study, we found that the Tax proteins displayed a differential ability to immortalize human CD4+Foxp3+ T cells with characteristic expression of CTLA-4 and GITR. Because epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was reportedly expressed and activated in a subset of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells, we introduced an activated EGFR into Tax-immortalized CD4+Foxp3+ T cells. We observed that these modified cells were grown independently of exogenous IL-2, correlating with a T cell transformation phenotype. In Tax-immortalized CD4+Foxp3- T cells, ectopic expression of Foxp3 was a prerequisite for Tax transformation of T cells. Accordingly, treatment of the transformed T cells with erlotinib, a selective inhibitor of EGFR, induced degradation of EGFR in lysosome, consequently causing T cell growth inhibition. Further, we identified autophagy as a crucial cellular survival pathway for the transformed T cells. Silencing key autophagy molecules including Beclin1, Atg5 and PI3 kinase class III (PI3KC3) resulted in drastic impairment of T cell growth. Our data, therefore, unveiled a previously unidentified role of Foxp3 in T cell transformation, providing a molecular basis for HTLV-1 transformation of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biofortification of safflower: an oil seed crop engineered for ALA-targeting better sustainability and plant based omega-3 fatty acids.

PubMed

Rani, Arti; Panwar, Asha; Sathe, Manjary; Chandrashekhara, Karunakara Alageri; Kush, Anil

2018-05-11

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency and a skewed n6:n3 fatty acid ratio in the diet is a major explanation for the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. There is mounting evidence of the health benefits associated with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA's). Although present in abundance in fish, a number of factors limit our consumption of fish based omega-3 PUFA's. To name a few, overexploitation of wild fish stocks has reduced their sustainability due to increased demand of aquaculture for fish oil and meal; the pollution of marine food webs has raised concerns over the ingestion of toxic substances such as heavy metals and dioxins; vegetarians do not consider fish-based sources for supplemental nutrition. Thus alternative sources are being sought and one approach to the sustainable supply of LC-PUFAs is the metabolic engineering of transgenic plants with the capacity to synthesize n3 LC-PUFAs. The present investigation was carried out with the goal of developing transgenic safflower capable of producing pharmaceutically important alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3, n3). This crop was selected as the seeds accumulate ~ 78% of the total fatty acids as linoleic acid (LA, C18:2, n6), the immediate precursor of ALA. In the present work, ALA production was achieved successfully in safflower seeds by transforming safflower hypocotyls with Arabidopsis specific delta 15 desaturase (FAD3) driven by truncated seed specific promoter. Transgenic safflower fortified with ALA is not only potentially valuable nutritional superior novel oil but also has reduced ratio of LA to ALA which is required for good health.

3-D surface profilometry based on modulation measurement by applying wavelet transform method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Min; Chen, Feng; Xiao, Chao; Wei, Yongchao

2017-01-01

A new analysis of 3-D surface profilometry based on modulation measurement technique by the application of Wavelet Transform method is proposed. As a tool excelling for its multi-resolution and localization in the time and frequency domains, Wavelet Transform method with good localized time-frequency analysis ability and effective de-noizing capacity can extract the modulation distribution more accurately than Fourier Transform method. Especially for the analysis of complex object, more details of the measured object can be well remained. In this paper, the theoretical derivation of Wavelet Transform method that obtains the modulation values from a captured fringe pattern is given. Both computer simulation and elementary experiment are used to show the validity of the proposed method by making a comparison with the results of Fourier Transform method. The results show that the Wavelet Transform method has a better performance than the Fourier Transform method in modulation values retrieval.

Enteral omega-3 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidant supplementation in acute lung injury.

PubMed

Rice, Todd W; Wheeler, Arthur P; Thompson, B Taylor; deBoisblanc, Bennett P; Steingrub, Jay; Rock, Peter

2011-10-12

The omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, along with γ-linolenic acid and antioxidants, may modulate systemic inflammatory response and improve oxygenation and outcomes in patients with acute lung injury. To determine if dietary supplementation of these substances to patients with acute lung injury would increase ventilator-free days to study day 28. The OMEGA study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial conducted from January 2, 2008, through February 21, 2009. Participants were 272 adults within 48 hours of developing acute lung injury requiring mechanical ventilation whose physicians intended to start enteral nutrition at 44 hospitals in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute ARDS Clinical Trials Network. All participants had complete follow-up. Twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid, and antioxidants compared with an isocaloric control. Enteral nutrition, directed by a protocol, was delivered separately from the study supplement. Ventilator-free days to study day 28. The study was stopped early for futility after 143 and 129 patients were enrolled in the n-3 and control groups. Despite an 8-fold increase in plasma eicosapentaenoic acid levels, patients receiving the n-3 supplement had fewer ventilator-free days (14.0 vs 17.2; P = .02) (difference, -3.2 [95% CI, -5.8 to -0.7]) and intensive care unit-free days (14.0 vs 16.7; P = .04). Patients in the n-3 group also had fewer nonpulmonary organ failure-free days (12.3 vs 15.5; P = .02). Sixty-day hospital mortality was 26.6% in the n-3 group vs 16.3% in the control group (P = .054), and adjusted 60-day mortality was 25.1% and 17.6% in the n-3 and control groups, respectively (P = .11). Use of the n-3 supplement resulted in more days with diarrhea (29% vs 21%; P = .001). Twice-daily enteral supplementation of n-3 fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid, and antioxidants did not improve the primary end point of

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the modification of erythrocyte membrane fatty acid content including oleic acid in peritoneal dialysis patients.

PubMed

An, W S; Lee, S M; Son, Y K; Kim, S E; Kim, K H; Han, J Y; Bae, H R; Park, Y

2012-01-01

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids (FA), such as oleic acid, are related to acute coronary syndrome. There is no report about the effect of omega-3 FA on oleic acid in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We hypothesized that omega-3 FA can modify erythrocyte membrane FA, including oleic acid, in PD patients. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 18 patients who were treated with PD for at least 6 months were randomized to treatment for 12 weeks with omega-3 FA or placebo. Erythrocyte membrane FA content was measured by gas chromatography at baseline and after 12 weeks. The erythrocyte membrane content of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid was significantly increased and saturated FA and oleic acid were significantly decreased in the omega-3 FA supplementation group after 12 weeks compared to baseline. In conclusion, erythrocyte membrane FA content, including oleic acid, was significantly modified by omega-3 FA supplementation for 12 weeks in PD patients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Uric acid and transforming growth factor in fructose-induced production of reactive oxygen species in skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Maarman, Gerald J.; Ojuka, Edward

2016-01-01

The consumption of fructose, a major constituent of the modern diet, has raised increasing concern about the effects of fructose on health. Research suggests that excessive intake of fructose (>50 g/d) causes hyperuricemia, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, de novo lipogenesis by the liver, and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in muscle. In a number of tissues, uric acid has been shown to stimulate the production of ROS via activation of transforming growth factor β1 and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase 4. The role of uric acid in fructose-induced production of ROS in skeletal muscle, however, has not been investigated. This review examines the evidence for fructose-induced production of ROS in skeletal muscle, highlights proposed mechanisms, and identifies gaps in current knowledge. PMID:26946251

Photo and Thermal Behavior of New Reinforced Polyamide-nanocomposite Montmorillonite on 2,3-Pyrazin Dicarboxylic Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faghihi, Khalil; Samiei, Mojtaba; Hajibeygi, Mohsen

2012-06-01

Two new samples of reinforce polyamidemontmorillonite nanocomposites were synthesized by a convenient solution intercalation technique. Polyamide (PA) 3 as a source of polymer matrix was synthesized by the direct polycondensation reaction of pyrazine 2,3-dicarboxylic acid 1 with 4,4'-diamino diphenyl ether 2 in the presence of triphenyl phosphite (TPP), CaCl2, pyridine and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). The resulting nanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that organo-modified clay was dispersed homogeneously in PA matrix. TGA indicated an enhancement of thermal stability of new nanocomposites compared with the pure polymer.

A novel omega-3 free fatty acid formulation has dramatically improved bioavailability during a low-fat diet compared with omega-3-acid ethyl esters: the ECLIPSE (Epanova(®) compared to Lovaza(®) in a pharmacokinetic single-dose evaluation) study.

PubMed

Davidson, Michael H; Johnson, Judith; Rooney, Michael W; Kyle, Michael L; Kling, Douglas F

2012-01-01

Omega-3 (OM-3) fatty acid products are indicated for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia; however, the omega-3-acid ethyl ester (OM-3 EE) formulations require significant pancreatic lipase stimulation with high-fat meals for adequate intestinal absorption of the metabolites eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A novel omega-3 free fatty acid (OM-3 FFA) formulation (Epanova(®), Omthera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Princeton, NJ) was developed to maximize EPA and DHA bioavailability during a low-fat diet. To compare the relative bioavailability of EPA and DHA from single 4-gram doses of OM-3 FFA and a prescription OM-3 EE (Lovaza(®), GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC). This was a randomized, open-label, single dose, 4-way crossover, bioavailability study of OM-3 FFA and OM-3 EE administered during periods of low-fat and high-fat consumption to 54 overweight adults. Bioavailability was determined by the ln-transformed area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC(0-t)) during a 24-hour interval for EPA and DHA (baseline-adjusted). The baseline-adjusted AUC(0-t) for total EPA + DHA during the low-fat period was 4.0-fold greater with OM-3 FFA compared with OM-3 EE (2650.2 vs 662.0 nmol·h/mL, respectively; P < .0001). During the high-fat period, AUC(0-t) for OM-3 FFA was approximately 1.3-fold greater than OM-3 EE (P < .0001). During the low-fat period, 30 of 51 (58.8%) subjects dosed with OM-3 FFA maintained an AUC(0-t) that was ≥50% of the respective high-fat AUC(0-t) in contrast to only 3 of 50 (6.0%) subjects dosed with OM-3 EE. During a low-fat consumption period, the OM-3 FFA formulation provided dramatically improved bioavailability over the OM-3 EE formulation in overweight subjects. These findings offer a potential therapeutic advantage of the OM-3 FFA formulation for the treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia as these patients are expected to adhere to a low-fat diet. Copyright © 2012 National Lipid

Omega-3 fatty acids are oxygenated at the n-7 carbon by the lipoxygenase domain of a fusion protein in the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina

PubMed Central

Gao, Benlian; Boeglin, William E.; Brash, Alan R.

2009-01-01

Lipoxygenases (LOX) are found in most organisms that contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, usually existing as individual genes although occasionally encoded as a fusion protein with a catalase-related hemoprotein. Such a fusion protein occurs in the cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina and herein we report the novel catalytic activity of its LOX domain. The full-length protein and the C-terminal LOX domain were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the catalytic activities characterized by UV, HPLC, GC-MS, and CD. All omega-3 polyunsaturates were oxygenated by the LOX domain at the n-7 position and with R stereospecificity: α-linolenic and the most abundant fatty acid in A. marina, stearidonic acid (C18.4ω3), are converted to the corresponding 12R-hydroperoxides, eicosapentaenoic acid to its 14R-hydroperoxide, and docosahexaenoic acid to its 16R-hydroperoxide. Omega-6 polyunsaturates were oxygenated at the n-10 position, forming 9R-hydroperoxy-octadecadienoic acid from linoleic acid and 11R-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid from arachidonic acid. The metabolic transformation of stearidonic acid by the full-length fusion protein entails its 12R oxygenation with subsequent conversion by the catalase-related domain to a novel allene epoxide, a likely precursor of cyclopentenone fatty acids or other signaling molecules (Gao et al, J. Biol. Chem. 284:22087-98, 2009). Although omega-3 fatty acids and lipoxygenases are of widespread occurrence, this appears to be the first description of a LOX-catalyzed oxygenation that specifically utilizes the terminal pentadiene of omega-3 fatty acids. PMID:19786119

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Skeletal Muscle Health

PubMed Central

Jeromson, Stewart; Gallagher, Iain J.; Galloway, Stuart D. R.; Hamilton, D. Lee

2015-01-01

Skeletal muscle is a plastic tissue capable of adapting and mal-adapting to physical activity and diet. The response of skeletal muscle to adaptive stimuli, such as exercise, can be modified by the prior nutritional status of the muscle. The influence of nutrition on skeletal muscle has the potential to substantially impact physical function and whole body metabolism. Animal and cell based models show that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular those of marine origin, can influence skeletal muscle metabolism. Furthermore, recent human studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin can influence the exercise and nutritional response of skeletal muscle. These studies show that the prior omega-3 status influences not only the metabolic response of muscle to nutrition, but also the functional response to a period of exercise training. Omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin therefore have the potential to alter the trajectory of a number of human diseases including the physical decline associated with aging. We explore the potential molecular mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids may act in skeletal muscle, considering the n-3/n-6 ratio, inflammation and lipidomic remodelling as possible mechanisms of action. Finally, we suggest some avenues for further research to clarify how omega-3 fatty acids may be exerting their biological action in skeletal muscle. PMID:26610527

Lewis acid-Lewis acid heterobimetallic cooperative catalysis: mechanistic studies and application in enantioselective aza-Michael reaction.

PubMed

Yamagiwa, Noriyuki; Qin, Hongbo; Matsunaga, Shigeki; Shibasaki, Masakatsu

2005-09-28

The full details of a catalytic asymmetric aza-Michael reaction of methoxylamine promoted by rare earth-alkali metal heterobimetallic complexes are described, demonstrating the effectiveness of Lewis acid-Lewis acid cooperative catalysis. First, enones were used as substrates, and the 1,4-adducts were obtained in good yield (57-98%) and high ee (81-96%). Catalyst loading was successfully reduced to 0.3-3 mol % with enones. To broaden the substrate scope of the reaction to carboxylic acid derivatives, alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acylpyrroles were used as monodentate, carboxylic acid derivatives. With beta-alkyl-substituted N-acylpyrroles, the reaction proceeded smoothly and the products were obtained in high yield and good ee. Transformation of the 1,4-adducts from enones and alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acylpyrroles afforded corresponding chiral aziridines and beta-amino acids. Detailed mechanistic studies, including kinetics, NMR analysis, nonlinear effects, and rare earth metal effects, are also described. The Lewis acid-Lewis acid cooperative mechanism, including the substrate coordination mode, is discussed in detail.

Predictors of urinary levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, and pentachlorophenol in 121 adults in Ohio.

PubMed

Morgan, Marsha K

2015-07-01

Limited data exist on the driving factors that influence the non-occupational exposures of adults to pesticides using urinary biomonitoring. In this work, the objectives were to quantify the urinary levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) in 121 adults over a 48-h monitoring period and to examine the associations between selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and urinary levels of each pesticide biomarker. Adults, ages 20-49 years old, were recruited from six counties in Ohio (OH) in 2001. The participants collected 4-6 spot urine samples and completed questionnaires and diaries at home over a 48-h monitoring period. Urine samples were analyzed for 2,4-D, TCP, 3-PBA, and PCP by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Multiple regression modeling was used to determine the impact of selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the log-transformed (ln) levels of each pesticide biomarker in adults. The pesticide biomarkers were detected in ≥ 89% of the urine samples, except for 3-PBA (66%). Median urinary levels of 2,4-D, TCP, 3-PBA, and PCP were 0.7, 3.4, 0.3, and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. Results showed that 48-h sweet/salty snack consumption, 48-h time spend outside at home, and ln(creatinine) levels were significant predictors (p < 0.05), and race was a marginally significant predictor (p = 0.093) of the adults' ln(urinary 2,4-D) concentrations. Strong predictors (p < 0.05) of the adults' ln(urinary TCP) concentrations were urbanicity, employment status, sampling season, and ln(creatinine) levels. For 3-PBA, sampling season, pet ownership and removal of shoes before entering the home were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the adults' ln(urinary 3-PBA) levels. Finally for PCP, removal of shoes before entering the home and ln(creatinine) levels were significant predictors (p < 0.05), and pet ownership was a marginally significant predictor (p = 0

Prescription omega-3 fatty acid products containing highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

PubMed

Brinton, Eliot A; Mason, R Preston

2017-01-31

The omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has multiple actions potentially conferring cardiovascular benefit, including lowering serum triglyceride (TG) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels and potentially reducing key steps in atherogenesis. Dietary supplements are a common source of omega-3 fatty acids in the US, but virtually all contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in addition to EPA, and lipid effects differ between DHA and EPA. Contrary to popular belief, no over-the-counter omega-3 products are available in the US, only prescription products and dietary supplements. Among the US prescription omega-3 products, only one contains EPA exclusively (Vascepa); another closely related prescription omega-3 product also contains highly purified EPA, but is approved only in Japan and is provided in different capsule sizes. These high-purity EPA products do not raise low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, even in patients with TG levels >500 mg/dL, in contrast to the increase in LDL-C levels with prescription omega-3 products that also contain DHA. The Japanese prescription EPA product was shown to significantly reduce major coronary events in hypercholesterolemic patients when added to statin therapy in the Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study (JELIS). The effects of Vascepa on cardiovascular outcomes are being investigated in statin-treated patients with high TG levels in the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With EPA-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT).

Antimicrobial potential of bioconverted products of omega-3 fatty acids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PR3

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bioconverted omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (bEPA) and docosahexanoic acid (bDHA), obtained from the microbial conversion of non-bioconverted eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PR3 were evaluated for their antimicrobial potential. bEPA and bDHA at 5 µl/...

Short communication: Prediction of milk coagulation and acidity traits in Mediterranean buffalo milk using Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Manuelian, C L; Visentin, G; Boselli, C; Giangolini, G; Cassandro, M; De Marchi, M

2017-09-01

Milk coagulation and acidity traits are important factors to inform the cheesemaking process. Those traits have been deeply studied in bovine milk, whereas scarce information is available for buffalo milk. However, the dairy industry is interested in a method to determine milk coagulation and acidity features quickly and in a cost-effective manner, which could be provided by Fourier-transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of FT-MIR to predict coagulation and acidity traits of Mediterranean buffalo milk. A total of 654 records from 36 herds located in central Italy with information on milk yield, somatic cell score, milk chemical composition, milk acidity [pH, titratable acidity (TA)], and milk coagulation properties (rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, and curd firmness) were available for statistical analysis. Reference measures of milk acidity and coagulation properties were matched with milk spectral information, and FT-MIR prediction models were built using partial least squares regression. The data set was divided into a calibration set (75%) and a validation set (25%). The capacity of FT-MIR spectroscopy to correctly classify milk samples based on their renneting ability was evaluated by a canonical discriminant analysis. Average values for milk coagulation traits were 13.32 min, 3.24 min, and 39.27 mm for rennet coagulation time, curd firming time, and curd firmness, respectively. Milk acidity traits averaged 6.66 (pH) and 7.22 Soxhlet-Henkel degrees/100 mL (TA). All milk coagulation and acidity traits, except for pH, had high variability (17 to 46%). Prediction models of coagulation traits were moderately to scarcely accurate, whereas the coefficients of determination of external validation were 0.76 and 0.66 for pH and TA, respectively. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated that information on milk coagulating ability is present in the MIR spectra, and the model correctly classified as

Quantification of transformation rates of soil amino sugars and amino acids by a novel isotope pool dilution approach via liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yuntao; Zheng, Qing; Noll, Lisa; Zhang, Shasha; Wanek, Wolfgang

2017-04-01

Organic nitrogen transformation processes are the key driver of soil nitrogen availability, strongly affecting the nitrogen turnover and carbon cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. Low molecular weight organic nitrogen compounds (e.g. amino acids and amino sugars) that can be directly utilized by plants or microorganisms are released by the extracellular cleavage of high molecular weight organic nitrogen compounds (e.g. proteins, peptidoglycan, and chitin) by hydrolytic enzymes. This decomposition process is believed to be the rate-limiting step in the soil N cycle. Direct measurements of the in situ transformation rates of these small N compounds is highly challenging but can be realized by applying the isotope pool dilution (IPD) technique, in which the target compound pool is labeled with isotopic tracers and subsequently the dilution of the tracers is measured. We have recently pioneered the development of IPD assays to investigate the in situ flux of proteinaceous amino acids and glucose due to decomposition of organic matter and microbial utilization, but the roles of fluxes of amino sugars and amino acid enantiomers in soil nitrogen transformation processes are still unknown due to the lack of feasible extraction, purification, separation and detection methods. Here we developed a 15N IPD assay by utilizing a novel LC/HRMS (Orbitrap) platform, with the aim to measure transformation rates of amino sugars and amino acid enantiomers. After the tracer experiments soil extracts were purified by solid phase extraction prior to the analysis by MS. The utilization of Orbitrap-HRMS allowed us to resolve the mass signals of unlabeled analytes, and their 15N labeled (tracers) and 13C labeled (internal standards) analogues. The commercially unavailable 15N and 13C labeled amino sugars and amino acid enantiomers were produced from bacterial cell walls after batch culture in labeled growth media. This workflow was validated with soils from two sampling sites, allowing us to

SO2-NH3-particulate matter-H2O reaction system as related to the rainfall acidity

Treesearch

Nurtan A. Esmen; Robert B. Fergus

1976-01-01

Acidity of rain water is a major concern due to the progressive acidification of soils, its effect of flora and fauna and its corrosiveness to metals. Sulfur dioxide, through chemical transformations and atmospheric scavenging, is thought to be one of the major contributors to the acidity of rainwater. The straightforward oxidation of SO2 to SO...

Dietary n-3 fatty acid restriction during gestation in rats: neuronal cell body and growth-cone fatty acids.

PubMed

Auestad, N; Innis, S M

2000-01-01

Growth cones are membrane-rich structures found at the distal end of growing axons and are the predecessors of the synaptic membranes of nerve endings. This study examined whether n-3 fatty acid restriction during gestation in rats alters the composition of growth cone and neuronal cell body membrane fatty acids in newborns. Female rats were fed a standard control diet containing soy oil (8% of fatty acids as 18:3n-3 by wt) or a semisynthetic n-3 fatty acid-deficient diet with safflower oil (0.3% of fatty acids as 18:3n-3 by wt) throughout normal pregnancy. Experiments were conducted on postnatal day 2 to minimize the potential for contamination from synaptic membranes and glial cells. Dietary n-3 fatty acid restriction resulted in lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations and a corresponding higher docosapentaenoic acid concentration in neuronal growth cones, but had no effects on neuronal cell body fatty acid concentrations. These studies suggest that accretion of DHA in growth cones, but not neuronal cell bodies, is affected by n-3 fatty acid restriction during gestation. Differences in other fatty acids or components between the semisynthetic and the standard diet, however, could have been involved in the effects on growth-cone DHA content. The results also provide evidence to suggest that the addition of new membrane fatty acids to neurons during development occurs along the shaft of the axon or at the growth cone, rather than originating at the cell body.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) over-production and autocrine cell activation are key factors in monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)]-induced malignant transformation of urothelial cells

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

Escudero-Lourdes, C., E-mail: cescuder@uaslp.mx; Wu, T.; Camarillo, J.M.

2012-01-01

The association between chronic human exposure to arsenicals and bladder cancer development is well recognized; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. We propose that inflammatory responses can play a pathogenic role in arsenic-related bladder carcinogenesis. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that chronic exposure to 50 nM monomethylarsenous acid [MMA(III)] leads to malignant transformation of an immortalized model of urothelial cells (UROtsa), with only 3 mo of exposure necessary to trigger the transformation-related changes. In the three-month window of exposure, the cells over-expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8), consistent with the sustained activation of NFKβmore » and AP1/c-jun, ERK2, and STAT3. IL-8 was over-expressed within hours after exposure to MMA(III), and sustained over-expression was observed during chronic exposure. In this study, we profiled IL-8 expression in UROtsa cells exposed to 50 nM MMA(III) for 1 to 5 mo. IL-8 expression was increased mainly in cells after 3 mo MMA(III) exposure, and its production was also found increased in tumors derived from these cells after heterotransplantation in SCID mice. UROtsa cells do express both receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, suggesting that autocrine cell activation could be important in cell transformation. Supporting this observation and consistent with IL-8 over-expression, CXCR1 internalization was significantly increased after three months of exposure to MMA(III). The expression of MMP-9, cyclin D1, bcl-2, and VGEF was significantly increased in cells exposed to MMA(III) for 3 mo, but these mitogen-activated kinases were significantly decreased after IL-8 gene silencing, together with a decrease in cell proliferation rate and in anchorage-independent colony formation. These results suggest a relevant role of IL-8 in MMA(III)-induced UROtsa cell transformation. -- Highlights: ► IL-8 is over-expressed in human MMA

Ursolic acid suppresses TGF-β1-induced quiescent HSC activation and transformation by inhibiting NADPH oxidase expression and Hedgehog signaling

PubMed Central

Yu, Shan-Shan; Chen, Biao; Huang, Chen-Kai; Zhou, Juan-Juan; Huang, Xin; Wang, An-Jiang; Li, Bi-Min; He, Wen-Hua; Zhu, Xuan

2017-01-01

Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (q-HSCs) and their transformation to myofibroblasts (MFBs) is a key event in liver fibrosis. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling stimulates q-HSCs to differentiate into MFBs, and NADPH oxidase (NOX) may be involved in regulating Hh signaling. The author's preliminary study demonstrated that ursolic acid (UA) selectively induces apoptosis in activated HSCs and inhibits their proliferation in vitro via negative regulation of NOX activity and expression. However, the effect of UA on q-HSCs remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of UA on q-HSC activation and HSC transformation and to observe alterations in the NOX and Hh signaling pathways during q-HSC activation. q-HSC were isolated from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Following culture for 3 days, the cells were treated with or without transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1; 5 µg/l); intervention groups were pretreated with UA (40 µM) or diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI; 10 µM) for 30 min prior to addition of TGF-β1. mRNA and protein expression of NOX and Hh signaling components and markers of q-HSC activation were examined by western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. TGF-β1 induced activation of q-HSCs, with increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen. In addition, expression of NOX subunits (gp91phox, p67phox, p22phox, and Rac1) and Hh signaling components, including sonic Hh, sterol-4-alpha-methyl oxidase, and Gli family zinc finger 2, were upregulated in activated HSCs. Pretreatment of q-HSCs with UA or DPI prior to TGF-β1 significantly downregulated expression of NOX subunits and Hh signaling components and additionally inhibited expression of α-SMA and type I collagen, thereby preventing transformation to MFBs. UA inhibited TGF-β1-induced activation of q-HSCs and their transformation by inhibiting expression of NOX subunits and the downstream Hh pathway. PMID:29042951

BGL3 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same

DOEpatents

Dunn-Coleman, Nigel; Goedegebuur, Frits; Ward, Michael; Yao, Jian

2007-09-25

The present invention provides a novel .beta.-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl3, and the corresponding BGL3 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL3, recombinant BGL3 proteins and methods for producing the same.

BGL3 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same

DOEpatents

Dunn-Coleman, Nigel [Los Gatos, CA; Goedegebuur, Frits [Vlaardingen, NL; Ward, Michael [San Francisco, CA; Yao, Jian [Sunnyvale, CA

2008-04-01

The present invention provides a novel .beta.-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl3, and the corresponding BGL3 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL3, recombinant BGL3 proteins and methods for producing the same.

BGL3 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same

DOEpatents

Dunn-Coleman, Nigel [Los Gatos, CA; Goedegebuur, Frits [Vlaardingen, NL; Ward, Michael [San Francisco, CA; Yao, Jian [Sunnyvale, CA

2011-06-14

The present invention provides a novel .beta.-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl3, and the corresponding BGL3 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL3, recombinant BGL3 proteins and methods for producing the same.

BGL3 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same

DOEpatents

Dunn-Coleman, Nigel; Goedegebuur, Frits; Ward, Michael; Yao, Jian

2012-10-30

The present invention provides a novel .beta.-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl3, and the corresponding BGL3 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL3, recombinant BGL3 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Overexpression of variant PNPLA3 gene at I148M position causes malignant transformation of hepatocytes via IL-6-JAK2/STAT3 pathway in low dose free fatty acid exposure: a laboratory investigation in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

Liu, Zhengtao; Chen, Tianchi; Lu, Xiaoxiao; Xie, Haiyang; Zhou, Lin; Zheng, Shusen

2016-01-01

Epidemiological survey identified that the variant patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene at I148M position exerts direct effect in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under extraneous oxidative stress by interaction with obesity. However, the mechanism is still unknown. HepG2 cells were overexpressed by transinfection of PNPLA3 with wild-type 148I (PNPLA3WT) and mutant 148M (PNPLA3I148M), respectively. Variation in metabolic indicators, hepatic steatosis, biological behaviors and signaling molecules related to cancer promotion was measured in hepatocytes using low-dose free fatty acid (FFA) exposure. Effect of PNPLA3I148M on xenograft biology and its interaction with dietary obesity were also evaluated in animal study. Cells overexpresssing PNPLA3I148M in low-dose FFA incubation showed more proliferation, migration, invasion, and less apoptosis (P<0.05). Low-dose FFA specifically activated JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation of PNPLA3I148M cells via upregulation of interleukin-6. Animal study showed high-fat diet accelerated growth of xenografts derived from PNPLA3I148M cells incubated in low-dose FFA. In low oxidative stress, PNPLA3I148M initiated the hepatocyte malignant transformation through the activation of inflammation-mediated JAK/STAT pathway. Dietary obesity amplified the growth of tumor from PNPLA3I148M cells by interaction with local FFA incubation. Anti-inflammation and weight loss might be potential approaches for preventing HCC in high-risk population carrying PNPLA3 variant. PMID:27186262

Overexpression of variant PNPLA3 gene at I148M position causes malignant transformation of hepatocytes via IL-6-JAK2/STAT3 pathway in low dose free fatty acid exposure: a laboratory investigation in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Liu, Zhengtao; Chen, Tianchi; Lu, Xiaoxiao; Xie, Haiyang; Zhou, Lin; Zheng, Shusen

2016-01-01

Epidemiological survey identified that the variant patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene at I148M position exerts direct effect in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under extraneous oxidative stress by interaction with obesity. However, the mechanism is still unknown. HepG2 cells were overexpressed by transinfection of PNPLA3 with wild-type 148I (PNPLA3(WT)) and mutant 148M (PNPLA3(I148M)), respectively. Variation in metabolic indicators, hepatic steatosis, biological behaviors and signaling molecules related to cancer promotion was measured in hepatocytes using low-dose free fatty acid (FFA) exposure. Effect of PNPLA3(I148M) on xenograft biology and its interaction with dietary obesity were also evaluated in animal study. Cells overexpresssing PNPLA3(I148M) in low-dose FFA incubation showed more proliferation, migration, invasion, and less apoptosis (P<0.05). Low-dose FFA specifically activated JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation of PNPLA3(I148M) cells via upregulation of interleukin-6. Animal study showed high-fat diet accelerated growth of xenografts derived from PNPLA3(I148M) cells incubated in low-dose FFA. In low oxidative stress, PNPLA3(I148M) initiated the hepatocyte malignant transformation through the activation of inflammation-mediated JAK/STAT pathway. Dietary obesity amplified the growth of tumor from PNPLA3(I148M) cells by interaction with local FFA incubation. Anti-inflammation and weight loss might be potential approaches for preventing HCC in high-risk population carrying PNPLA3 variant.

Marine OMEGA-3 fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

PubMed

Mori, Trevor A

2017-11-01

Omega-6 (ω6) and omega-3 (ω3) fatty acids are two classes of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linoleic acid (18:2ω6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3ω3), respectively. Enzymatic metabolism of linoleic and α-linolenic acids generates arachidonic acid (20:4ω6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3; EPA), respectively, both of which are substrates for enzymes that yield eicosanoids with multiple and varying physiological functions. Further elongation and desaturation of EPA yields the 22-carbon fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (22:6ω3; DHA). The main dietary source of EPA and DHA for human consumption is fish, especially oily fish. There is considerable evidence that EPA and DHA are protective against cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke), particularly in individuals with pre-existing disease. ω3 Fatty acids benefit multiple risk factors including blood pressure, blood vessel function, heart function and blood lipids, and they have antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative actions. ω3 Fatty acids do not adversely interact with medications. Supplementation with ω3 fatty acids is recommended in individuals with elevated blood triglyceride levels and patients with coronary heart disease. A practical recommendation for the general population is to increase ω3 fatty acid intake by incorporating fish as part of a healthy diet that includes increased fruits and vegetables, and moderation of salt intake. Health authorities recommend the general population should consume at least two oily fish meals per week. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical effects on sulfite transformation in a lipid-rich Chlorella sp. strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Fang; Wen, Xiaobin; Luo, Liming; Geng, Yahong; Li, Yeguang

2014-11-01

SO2 is very rapidly hydrated to sulfurous acid in water solution at pH value above 6.0, whereby sulfite is yielded from the disassociation of protons. We aimed to improve the sulfite transformation efficiency and provide a basis for the direct utilization of SO2 from flue gas by a microalgal suspension. Chlorella sp. XQ-20044 was cultured in a medium with 20 mmol/L sodium sulfite under different physicochemical conditions. Under light conditions, sulfite concentration in the algal suspension reduced linearly over time, and was completely converted into sulfate within 8 h. The highest sulfite transformation rate (3.25 mmol/(L·h)) was obtained under the following conditions: 35°C, light intensity of 300 μmol/(m2·s), NaHCO3 concentration of 6 g/L, initial cell density (OD540) of 0.8 and pH of 9-10. There was a positive correlation between sulfite transformation rate and the growth of Chlorella, with the conditions favorable to algal growth giving better sulfite transformation. Although oxygen in the air plays a role in the transformation of SO2- 3 to SO2- 4, the transformation is mainly dependent on the metabolic activity of algal cells. Chlorella sp. XQ-20044 is capable of tolerating high sulfite concentration, and can utilize sulfite as the sole sulfur source for maintaining healthy growth. We found that sulfite ≤20 mmol/L had no obvious effect on the total lipid content and fatty acid profiles of the algae. Thus, the results suggest it is feasible to use flue gas for the mass production of feedstock for biodiesel using Chlorella sp. XQ-20044, without preliminary removal of SO2, assuming there is adequate control of the pH.

Oncogenic transformation induced by cell-free nucleic acids circulating in plasma (genometastasis) remains after the surgical resection of the primary tumor: a pilot study.

PubMed

García-Olmo, Damián; García-Olmo, Dolores C; Domínguez-Berzosa, Carolina; Guadalajara, Hector; Vega, Luz; García-Arranz, Mariano

2012-06-01

The oncogenic transformation by cell-free nucleic acids circulating in plasma has been named as genometastasis. The feasibility of this phenomenon has been demonstrated and now it is necessary to value the impact of this phenomenon and to determine what conditions could promote or inhibit it. The goal of this study was to examine the transforming ability of plasma from colorectal cancer patients in a long-term follow-up after the surgical excision of the primary tumor, and to try correlate it with the clinical picture of patients. Blood samples were taken from eight patients with K-ras-mutated colorectal tumors, who were under surgical primary tumor resection at least 2 years before. Plasma was isolated by two centrifugations and added to cultures of NIH-3T3 cells and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). In two cases, plasma was separated from cells by a membrane with 0.4-μm pores. The presence of mutated and non-mutated human K-ras sequences was tested by real-time PCR in cultured cells. After 30 days, cells were subcutaneously injected into athymic nude mice in order to test their ability to generate tumors. In four of the eight patients analyzed after surgery, tumor DNA was detected in plasma. Plasmas from three of them were able to oncogenically transform NIH-3T3 cells in culture and, when those cells were injected in mice, carcinomas were generated. After a 2-year follow-up, metastases were found in two of the three patients whose plasmas were able to transform cells, and in two of the four in whom plasma tumor DNA was not detected. Thus, after a mean follow-up of 29.5 months, only four of 13 patients (30.8%) were alive and disease-free. Primary tumor resection does not assure a complete clean of blood of circulating oncogenes, in spite of a disease-free clinical picture. Moreover, in some cases plasma kept their oncogenic capabilities. The value of these findings as prognosis factor remains unclear and needs further investigations.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) over-production and autocrine cell activation are key factors in monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)]-induced malignant transformation of urothelial cells.

PubMed

Escudero-Lourdes, C; Wu, T; Camarillo, J M; Gandolfi, A J

2012-01-01

The association between chronic human exposure to arsenicals and bladder cancer development is well recognized; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. We propose that inflammatory responses can play a pathogenic role in arsenic-related bladder carcinogenesis. In previous studies, it was demonstrated that chronic exposure to 50 nM monomethylarsenous acid [MMA(III)] leads to malignant transformation of an immortalized model of urothelial cells (UROtsa), with only 3 mo of exposure necessary to trigger the transformation-related changes. In the three-month window of exposure, the cells over-expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8), consistent with the sustained activation of NFKβ and AP1/c-jun, ERK2, and STAT3. IL-8 was over-expressed within hours after exposure to MMA(III), and sustained over-expression was observed during chronic exposure. In this study, we profiled IL-8 expression in UROtsa cells exposed to 50 nM MMA(III) for 1 to 5 mo. IL-8 expression was increased mainly in cells after 3 mo MMA(III) exposure, and its production was also found increased in tumors derived from these cells after heterotransplantation in SCID mice. UROtsa cells do express both receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, suggesting that autocrine cell activation could be important in cell transformation. Supporting this observation and consistent with IL-8 over-expression, CXCR1 internalization was significantly increased after three months of exposure to MMA(III). The expression of MMP-9, cyclin D1, bcl-2, and VGEF was significantly increased in cells exposed to MMA(III) for 3 mo, but these mitogen-activated kinases were significantly decreased after IL-8 gene silencing, together with a decrease in cell proliferation rate and in anchorage-independent colony formation. These results suggest a relevant role of IL-8 in MMA(III)-induced UROtsa cell transformation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Note: High-power piezoelectric transformer fabricated with ternary relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O3-Pb(In(1/2)Nb(1/2))O3-PbTiO3 single crystal.

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Ma, Chuanguo; Wang, Feifei; Liu, Bao; Chen, Jianwei; Luo, Haosu; Wang, Tao; Shi, Wangzhou

2016-03-01

A plate-shaped piezoelectric transformer was designed and fabricated using ternary relaxor ferroelectric single crystal Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O3-Pb(In(1/2)Nb(1/2))O3-PbTiO3. Both the input and output sections utilized the transverse-extensional vibration mode. The frequency and load dependences of the electrical properties for the proposed transformer were systematically studied. Results indicated that under a matching load resistance of 14.9 kΩ, a maximum output power of 2.56 W was obtained with the temperature rise less than 5 °C. The corresponding power density reached up to 50 W/cm(3). This ternary single-crystal transformer had potential applications in compact-size converters requiring high power density.

The Kinetics of Bainitic Transformation of Roll Steel 75Kh3MF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kletsova, O. A.; Krylova, S. E.; Priymak, E. Yu.; Gryzunov, V. I.; Kamantsev, S. V.

2018-01-01

The critical points of steel 75Kh3MF and the temperature of the start of martensitic transformation are determined by a dilatometric method. The thermokinetic and isothermal diagrams of decomposition of supercooled austenite are plotted. The microstructure and microhardness of steel specimens cooled at different rates are studied. The kinetics of the occurrence of bainitic transformation in the steel is calculated using the Austin-Ricket equation.

The impact of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoporosis.

PubMed

Maggio, M; Artoni, A; Lauretani, F; Borghi, L; Nouvenne, A; Valenti, G; Ceda, G P

2009-01-01

The essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) comprise 2 main classes: n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The most common source of n-6 fatty acids is linoleic acid (LA) which is found in high concentrations in various vegetable oils. Arachidonic acid (AA), the 20-carbon n-6 fatty acid, is obtained largely by synthesis from LA in the body. The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) are found in fish and fish oils. Long-Chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and lipid mediators derived from LCPUFAs have critical roles in the regulation of a variety of biological processes including bone metabolism. There are different mechanisms by which dietary fatty acids affect bone: effect on calcium balance, effect on osteoblastogenesis and osteoblast activity, change of membrane function, decrease in inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), modulation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). Animal studies have shown that a higher dietary omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids ratio is associated with beneficial effects on bone health. In spite of increasing evidence of the positive effects of dietary fats on bone metabolism from animal and in vitro studies, the few studies conducted in humans do not allow us to draw a definitive conclusion on their usefulness in clinical practice.

Omega-3 fatty acids: cardiovascular benefits, sources and sustainability.

PubMed

Lee, John H; O'Keefe, James H; Lavie, Carl J; Harris, William S

2009-12-01

The evidence for the cardioprotective nature of omega-3 fatty acids is abundant, and currently available data indicate that patients with known coronary heart disease should consume at least 1 g daily of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from either oily fish or fish-oil supplements, and that individuals without disease should consume at least 250-500 mg daily. However, this area of research poses two questions. Firstly, which is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids-fish or fish-oil supplements? Secondly, are recommendations for omega-3 supplementation warranted in view of the rapid depletion of world fish stocks? The argument that eating fish is better than taking fish-oil supplements stems from the fact that several important nutrients, such as vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants, are missing from the supplements. However, three major prevention trials have clearly indicated that omega-3 fatty acid capsules confer cardiovascular benefits and, therefore, that both are cardioprotective. Sustainable sources of omega-3 fatty acids will need to be identified if long-term cardiovascular risk reduction is to be achieved at the population level.

Establishment and characterization of an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell line, KM/C8, from a patient with infantile sialic acid storage disease.

PubMed

Nagatsuka, Y; Nakano, C; Nemoto, N; Jike, T; Ono, Y; Hirabayashi, Y

1998-07-23

Nakano et al. have recently reported a Japanese case of infantile sialic acid storage disease [C. Nakano, Y. Hirabayashi, K. Ohno, T. Yano, T. Mito, M. Sakurai, Brain Dev., 18 (1996) 153-156]. For further etiological analysis of this disease, we prepared the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed cell line (LCL) from the peripheral lymphocytes of this patient and performed initial characterization of the cells. Electron microscopy of the cells showed that the cells contained many vacuoles and swelled lysosomes. Cytochemical staining with sialic acid-specific lectin, Limax flavus agglutinin (LFA), showed strong staining on membranes and subcellular organelles on the patient-derived cells, whereas LCL from a normal person was only weakly stained. The cells from the patient contained 5.5-7.3 nmol/107 cells of free N-acetyl neuraminic acid, whereas three strains of LCLs derived from normal persons contained 1 nmol/107 cells. The culture supernatant of LCL from the patient contained 144 nmol/ml of free N-acetyl neuraminic acid, whereas the LCL culture supernatant from normal persons contained 57-73 nmol/ml of free sialic acid, which was the same or only at a slightly higher level than the fresh medium. In addition, cellular acidic sialidase measured as 4-methylumbelliferyl sialidase was elevated (107 nmol 4-methylumbelliferon released/mg cellular protein/60 min). The EBV-LCL from an ISSD patient is considered to remain as the abnormality of the cell donor. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

[Studies on interaction of acid-treated nanotube titanic acid and amino acids].

PubMed

Zhang, Huqin; Chen, Xuemei; Jin, Zhensheng; Liao, Guangxi; Wu, Xiaoming; Du, Jianqiang; Cao, Xiang

2010-06-01

Nanotube titanic acid (NTA) has distinct optical and electrical character, and has photocatalysis character. In accordance with these qualities, NTA was treated with acid so as to enhance its surface activity. Surface structures and surface groups of acid-treated NTA were characterized and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). The interaction between acid-treated NTA and amino acids was investigated. Analysis results showed that the lengths of acid-treated NTA became obviously shorter. The diameters of nanotube bundles did not change obviously with acid-treating. Meanwhile, the surface of acid-treated NTA was cross-linked with carboxyl or esterfunction. In addition, acid-treated NTA can catch amino acid residues easily, and then form close combination.

Microbiological and chemical transformations of argentatin B.

PubMed

Maatooq, Galal T

2003-01-01

Argentatin B is a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpene isolated from Parthenium argentatum x P. tomentosa. It was microbiologically transformed to 16, 24-epoxycycloartan-3alpha, 25-diol, (isoargentatin D), by Nocardia corallina var. taoka ATCC 31338, Mycobacterium species NRRL B3683 and Septomyxa affinis ATCC 6737. The later microbe also produced 16, 24-epoxycycloartan-3beta, 25-diol (argentatin D) and 1, 2-didehydroargentatin B, (isoargentatin D). Sodium hydroxide converted argentatin B to argentatin D and isoargentatin D. Hydrochloric acid treatment gave cycloartan-25-ol-3, 24-dione. Cerium sulfate/sulfuric acid/aqueous methanol induced scission of the isopropanol moiety and provided an isomeric mixture of 24-methoxy-25-27-trinorargentatin B. Oxidation of this isomeric mixture with pyridinium chlorochromate, selectively, attacked the isomer with the equatorial proton at position-24 to give the corresponding lactone, 24-oxo-25-27-trinorargentatin B. The produced compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods.

Omega-3 fatty acids in the gravid pig uterus as affected by maternal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.

PubMed

Brazle, A E; Johnson, B J; Webel, S K; Rathbun, T J; Davis, D L

2009-03-01

Two experiments evaluated the ability of maternal fatty acid supplementation to alter conceptus and endometrial fatty acid composition. In Exp. 1, treatments were 1) the control, a corn-soybean meal diet; 2) flax, the control diet plus ground flax (3.75% of diet); and 3) protected fatty acids (PFA), the control plus a protected fish oil source rich in n-3 PUFA (Gromega, JBS United Inc., Sheridan, IN; 1.5% of diet). Supplements replaced equal parts of corn and soybean meal. When gilts reached 170 d of age, PG600 (PMSG and hCG, Intervet USA, Millsboro, DE) was injected to induce puberty, and dietary treatments (n = 8/treatment) were initiated. When detected in estrus, gilts were artificially inseminated. On d 40 to 43 of gestation, 7 gilts in the control treatment, 8 gilts in the PFA treatment, and 5 gilts in the flax treatment were pregnant and were slaughtered. Compared with the control treatment, the flax treatment tended to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA: C20:5n-3) in fetuses (0.14 vs. 0.25 +/- 0.03 mg/g of dry tissue; P = 0.055), whereas gilts receiving PFA had more (P < 0.05) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA: C22:6n-3) in their fetuses (5.23 vs. 4.04 +/- 0.078 mg/g) compared with gilts fed the control diet. Both the flax and PFA diets increased (P < 0.05) DHA (0.60, 0.82, and 0.85 +/- 0.078 mg/g for the control, flax, and PFA diet, respectively) in the chorioallantois. In the endometrium, EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n-3) were increased by the flax diet (P < 0.001; P < 0.05), whereas gilts receiving PFA had increased DHA (P < 0.001). The flax diet selectively increased EPA, and the PFA diet selectively increased DHA in the fetus and endometrium. In Exp. 2, gilts were fed diets containing PFA (1.5%) or a control diet beginning at approximately 170 of age (n = 13/treatment). A blood sample was collected after 30 d of treatment, and gilts were artificially inseminated when they were approximately 205 d old. Conceptus and endometrial samples were collected on

40 CFR 721.1705 - Benzoic acid, 3-amino-, diazotized, coupled with 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Benzoic acid, 3-amino-, diazotized, coupled with 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, diazotized, (3-aminophenyl)phosphonic acid and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.1705 Benzoic acid, 3-amino-, diazotized, coupled...

40 CFR 721.1705 - Benzoic acid, 3-amino-, diazotized, coupled with 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Benzoic acid, 3-amino-, diazotized, coupled with 6-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, diazotized, (3-aminophenyl)phosphonic acid and... Significant New Uses for Specific Chemical Substances § 721.1705 Benzoic acid, 3-amino-, diazotized, coupled...

Phase transformation pathways of ultrafast-laser-irradiated Ln2O3 (Ln =Er -Lu )

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rittman, Dylan R.; Tracy, Cameron L.; Chen, Chien-Hung; Solomon, Jonathan M.; Asta, Mark; Mao, Wendy L.; Yalisove, Steven M.; Ewing, Rodney C.

2018-01-01

Ultrafast laser irradiation causes intense electronic excitations in materials, leading to transient high temperatures and pressures. Here, we show that ultrafast laser irradiation drives an irreversible cubic-to-monoclinic phase transformation in Ln2O3 (Ln =Er -Lu ), and explore the mechanism by which the phase transformation occurs. A combination of grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy are used to determine the magnitude and depth-dependence of the phase transformation, respectively. Although all compositions undergo the same transformation, their transformation mechanisms differ. The transformation is pressure-driven for Ln =Tm -Lu , consistent with the material's phase behavior under equilibrium conditions. However, the transformation is thermally driven for Ln =Er , revealing that the nonequilibrium conditions of ultrafast laser irradiation can lead to novel transformation pathways. Ab initio molecular-dynamics simulations are used to examine the atomic-scale effects of electronic excitation, showing the production of oxygen Frenkel pairs and the migration of interstitial oxygen to tetrahedrally coordinated constitutional vacancy sites, the first step in a defect-driven phase transformation.

Raw data of the effects of Chlorogenic acid in 3-Nitropropionic acid induced toxicity and genotoxicity.

PubMed

Norberto, Alarcón-Herrera; Saúl, Flores-Maya; Belén, Bellido; García-Bores Ana, M; Ernesto, Mendoza; Guillermo, Ávila-Acevedo; Elizabeth, Hernández-Echeagaray

2017-10-01

The raw data showed in this article comes from the published research article entitled "Protective effects of Chlorogenic acid in 3-Nitropropionic acid induced toxicity and genotoxicity" Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 May 3. pii: S0278-6915(17)30226-0. DOI:10.1016/j.fct.2017.04.048. [1]. Data illustrates antitoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Chlorogenic acid (CGA) on toxicity and genotoxicity produced by the in vivo treatment with mitochondria toxin 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) in mice. Toxicity and genotoxicity was evaluated in erythrocytes of peripheral blood through the micronuclei assay. Data was share at the Elsevier repository under the reference number FCT9033.

Crystal structure and phase transformations of calcium yttrium orthophosphate, Ca 3Y(PO 4) 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuda, Koichiro; Iwata, Tomoyuki; Niwa, Takahiro

2006-11-01

Crystal structure and phase transformations of calcium yttrium orthophosphate Ca 3Y(PO 4) 3 were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The high-temperature phase is isostructural with eulytite, cubic (space group I4¯3d) with a=0.983320(5) nm, V=0.950790(8) nm 3, Z=4 and D x=3.45 Mg m -3. The crystal structure was refined with a split-atom model, in which the oxygen atoms are distributed over two partially occupied sites. Below the stable temperature range of eulytite, the crystal underwent a martensitic transformation, which is accompanied by the formation of platelike surface reliefs. The inverted crystal is triclinic (space group P1) with a=1.5726(1) nm, b=0.84267(9) nm, c=0.81244(8) nm, α=109.739(4)°, β=90.119(5)°, γ=89.908(7)°, V=1.0134(1) nm 3, Z=4 and D x=3.24 Mg m -3. The crystal grains were composed of pseudo-merohedral twins. The adjacent twin domains were related by the pseudo-symmetry mirror planes parallel to {101¯} with the composition surface {101¯}. When the eulytite was cooled relatively slowly from the stable temperature range, the decomposition reaction of Ca 3Y(PO 4) 3→ β-Ca 3(PO 4) 2+YPO 4 occurred.

21 CFR 862.1255 - 2,3-Diphosphoglyceric acid test system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... acid test system is a device intended to measure 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) in erythrocytes (red blood cells). Measurements of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid are used in the diagnosis and treatment... the quality of stored blood. (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from...

Lead facilitates foci formation in a Balb/c-3T3 two-step cell transformation model: role of Ape1 function.

PubMed

Hernández-Franco, Pablo; Silva, Martín; Franco, Rodrigo; Valverde, Mahara; Rojas, Emilio

2018-04-01

Several possible mechanisms have been examined to gain an understanding on the carcinogenic properties of lead, which include among others, mitogenesis, alteration of gene expression, oxidative damage, and inhibition of DNA repair. The aim of the present study was to explore if low concentrations of lead, relevant for human exposure, interfere with Ape1 function, a base excision repair enzyme, and its role in cell transformation in Balb/c-3T3. Lead acetate 5 and 30 μM induced APE1 mRNA and upregulation of protein expression. This increase in mRNA expression is consistent throughout the chronic exposure. Additionally, we also found an impaired function of Ape1 through molecular beacon-based assay. To evaluate the impact of lead on foci formation, a Balb/c-3T3 two-step transformation model was used. Balb/c-3T3 cells were pretreated 1 week with low concentrations of lead before induction of transformation with n-methyl-n-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) (0.5 μg/mL) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (0.1 μg/mL) (a classical two-step protocol). Morphological cell transformation increased in response to lead pretreatment that was paralleled with an increase in Ape1 mRNA and protein overexpression and an impairment of Ape1 activity and correlating with foci number. In addition, we found that lead pretreatment and MNNG (transformation initiator) increased DNA damage, determined by comet assay. Our data suggest that low lead concentrations (5, 30 μM) could play a facilitating role in cellular transformation, probably through the impaired function of housekeeping genes such as Ape1, leading to DNA damage accumulation and chromosomal instability, one of the most important hallmarks of cancer induced by chronic exposures.

Divergent shifts in lipid mediator profile following supplementation with n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.

PubMed

Markworth, James F; Kaur, Gunveen; Miller, Eliza G; Larsen, Amy E; Sinclair, Andrew J; Maddipati, Krishna Rao; Cameron-Smith, David

2016-11-01

In contrast to the well-characterized effects of specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs) derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), little is known about the metabolic fate of the intermediary long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). In this double blind crossover study, shifts in circulating levels of n-3 and n-6 PUFA-derived bioactive lipid mediators were quantified by an unbiased liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry lipidomic approach. Plasma was obtained from human subjects before and after 7 d of supplementation with pure n-3 DPA, n-3 EPA or placebo (olive oil). DPA supplementation increased the SPM resolvin D5 n -3DPA (RvD5 n -3DPA ) and maresin (MaR)-1, the DHA vicinal diol 19,20-dihydroxy-DPA and n-6 PUFA derived 15-keto-PG E 2 (15-keto-PGE 2 ). EPA supplementation had no effect on any plasma DPA or DHA derived mediators, but markedly elevated monohydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acids (HEPEs), including the e-series resolvin (RvE) precursor 18-HEPE; effects not observed with DPA supplementation. These data show that dietary n-3 DPA and EPA have highly divergent effects on human lipid mediator profile, with no overlap in PUFA metabolites formed. The recently uncovered biologic activity of n-3 DPA docosanoids and their marked modulation by dietary DPA intake reveals a unique and specific role of n-3 DPA in human physiology.-Markworth, J. F., Kaur, G., Miller, E. G., Larsen, A. E., Sinclair, A. J., Maddipati, K. R., Cameron-Smith, D. Divergent shifts in lipid mediator profile following supplementation with n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. © FASEB.

Role of microbial activity in Fe(III) hydroxysulfate mineral transformations in an acid mine drainage-impacted site from the Dabaoshan Mine.

PubMed

Bao, Yanping; Guo, Chuling; Lu, Guining; Yi, Xiaoyun; Wang, Han; Dang, Zhi

2018-03-01

Fe(III) hydroxysulfate minerals are secondary minerals commonly found in acid mine drainage (AMD) sites and have a major impact on water and soil quality in these environments. While previous studies showed that the Fe(III) hydroxysulfate mineral transformation could be mediated by some bacterial strains under laboratory conditions, the role of indigenous microbial activity in Fe(III) hydroxysulfate mineral transformation in natural environment has received little attention. In this study, microcosms were constructed with AMD-affected river water and sediment from the Dabaoshan Mine that was either left unamended or enriched with nutrients (lactate, nitrogen, and phosphorus (LNP)) and biosynthetic minerals (schwertmannite or jarosite). The results show that microbial activity played a decisive role in the mineralogical transformation of schwertmannite/jarosite in the AMD-contaminated site when organic carbon was available. The accumulation of Fe(II) and sulfide in microcosms amended with LNP indicates that schwertmannite/jarosite transformation is mediated by microbial reduction. XRD, SEM and FTIR analyses suggest that schwertmannite was completely transformed to goethite in the Sch-LNP microcosms at the end of their incubation. Jarosite in the Jar-LNP microcosms was also transformed to goethite, but at a much slower rate than schwertmannite. Bacterial community analysis reveals that the stimulated indigenous bacteria promote the mineralogical transformation of schwertmannite/jarosite. Most of these bacteria, including Geobacter, Desulfosporosinus, Geothrix, Desulfurispora, Desulfovibrio, and Anaeromyxobacter, are known to reduce iron and/or sulfate. The mineralogical transformation of schwertmannite and jarosite exerts significant control on the geochemistry of AMD-contaminated systems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

N-3 fatty acids reduced trans fatty acids retention and increased docosahexaenoic acid levels in the brain.

PubMed

Lavandera, Jimena Verónica; Saín, Juliana; Fariña, Ana Clara; Bernal, Claudio Adrián; González, Marcela Aída

2017-09-01

The levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) are critical for the normal structure and function of the brain. Trans fatty acids (TFA) and the source of the dietary fatty acids (FA) interfere with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TFA supplementation in diets containing different proportions of n-9, n-6, and n-3 FA on the brain FA profile, including the retention of TFA, LC-PUFA levels, and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios. These parameters were also investigated in the liver, considering that LC-PUFA are mainly bioconverted from their dietary precursors in this tissue and transported by serum to the brain. Also, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) gene expressions were evaluated. Male CF1 mice were fed (16 weeks) diets containing different oils (olive, corn, and rapeseed) with distinct proportions of n-9, n-6, and n-3 FA (55.2/17.2/0.7, 32.0/51.3/0.9, and 61.1/18.4/8.6), respectively, substituted or not with 0.75% of TFA. FA composition of the brain, liver, and serum was assessed by gas chromatography. TFA were incorporated into, and therefore retained in the brain, liver, and serum. However, the magnitude of retention was dependent on the tissue and type of isomer. In the brain, total TFA retention was lower than 1% in all diets. Dietary n-3 PUFA decreased TFA retention and increased DHA accretion in the brain. The results underscore the importance of the type of dietary FA on the retention of TFA in the brain and also on the changes of the FA profile.

40 CFR 75.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 75.3 Section 75.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING General § 75.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions. The...

40 CFR 75.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 75.3 Section 75.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING General § 75.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions. The...

40 CFR 75.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 75.3 Section 75.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING General § 75.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions. The...

40 CFR 75.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 16 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 75.3 Section 75.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING General § 75.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions. The...

40 CFR 75.3 - General Acid Rain Program provisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 17 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false General Acid Rain Program provisions. 75.3 Section 75.3 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) CONTINUOUS EMISSION MONITORING General § 75.3 General Acid Rain Program provisions. The...

Update on marine omega-3 fatty acids: management of dyslipidemia and current omega-3 treatment options.

PubMed

Weintraub, Howard

2013-10-01

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is currently the primary target in the management of dyslipidemia, and statins are first-line pharmacologic interventions. Adjunct therapy such as niacins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, or cholesterol absorption inhibitors may be considered to help reduce cardiovascular risk. This review discusses the need for alternative adjunct treatment options and the potential place for omega-3 fatty acids as such. The cardiovascular benefits of fish consumption are attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a variety of omega-3 fatty acid products are available with varied amounts of EPA and DHA. The product types include prescription drugs, food supplements, and medical foods sourced from fish, krill, algal and plant oils or purified from these oils. Two prescription omega-3 fatty acids are currently available, omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters (contains both EPA and DHA ethyl esters), and icosapent ethyl (IPE; contains high-purity EPA ethyl ester). A pharmaceutical containing free fatty acid forms of omega-3 is currently in development. Omega-3 fatty acid formulations containing EPA and DHA have been shown to increase LDL-C levels while IPE has been shown to lower triglyceride levels without raising LDL-C levels, alone or in combination with statin therapy. In addition, recent studies have not been able to demonstrate reduced cardiovascular risk following treatment with fibrates, niacins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or omega-3 fatty acid formulations containing both EPA and DHA in statin-treated patients; thus, there remains a need for further cardiovascular outcomes studies for adjunct therapy. Copyright © 2013 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Metabolism of fatty acids and lipid hydroperoxides in human body monitoring with Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Yoshida, Satoshi; Zhang, Qin-Zeng; Sakuyama, Shu; Matsushima, Satoshi

2009-07-24

The metabolism of dietary fatty acids in human has been measured so far using human blood cells and stable-isotope labeled fatty acids, however, no direct data was available for human peripheral tissues and other major organs. To realize the role of dietary fatty acids in human health and diseases, it would be eager to develop convenient and suitable method to monitor fatty acid metabolism in human. We have developed the measurement system in situ for human lip surface lipids using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) - attenuated total reflection (ATR) detection system with special adaptor to monitor metabolic changes of lipids in human body. As human lip surface lipids may not be much affected by skin sebum constituents and may be affected directly by the lipid constituents of diet, we could detect changes of FTIR-ATR spectra, especially at 3005 to approximately 3015 cm(-1), of lip surface polyunsaturated fatty acids in a duration time-dependent manner after intake of the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing triglyceride diet. The ingested DHA appeared on the lip surface and was detected by FTIR-ATR directly and non-invasively. It was found that the metabolic rates of DHA for male volunteer subjects with age 60s were much lower than those with age 20s. Lipid hydroperoxides were found in lip lipids which were extracted from the lip surface using a mixture of ethanol/ethylpropionate/iso-octane solvents, and were the highest in the content just before noon. The changes of lipid hydroperoxides were detected also in situ with FTIR-ATR at 968 cm(-1). The measurements of lip surface lipids with FTIR-ATR technique may advance the investigation of human lipid metabolism in situ non-invasively.

Effects of saturated palmitic acid and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on Sertoli cell apoptosis.

PubMed

Hu, Xuechun; Ge, Xie; Liang, Wei; Shao, Yong; Jing, Jun; Wang, Cencen; Zeng, Rong; Yao, Bing

2018-05-25

Obesity is believed to negatively affect male semen quality and is accompanied by dysregulation of free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism in plasma. However, the implication of dysregulated FFA on semen quality and the involvement of Sertoli cells remain unclear. In the present study, we report obesity decreased Sertoli cell viability through dysregulated FFAs. We observed an increased rate of apoptosis in Sertoli cells, accompanied with elevated FFA levels, in the testes of obese mice that were provided a high-fat diet (HFD). Moreover, the levels of reactive oxygen species were elevated. Furthermore, we demonstrated by in vitro assays that saturated palmitic acid (PA), which is the most common saturated FFA in plasma, led to decreased cell viability of TM4 Sertoli cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A similar finding was noted in primary mouse Sertoli cells. In contrast to saturated FFA, omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) protected Sertoli cells from PA-induced lipotoxicity at the physiologically relevant levels. These results indicated that the lipotoxicity of saturated fatty acids might be the cause of obesity-induced Sertoli cell apoptosis, which leads to decreased semen quality. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs could be classified as protective FFAs. FFA: free fatty acid; HFD: high-fat diet; SD: standard diet; PA: palmitic acid; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acid; AI: apoptotic index; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide; ROS: reactive oxygen species; HE: Hematoxylin and eosin; WT1: Wilm Tumor 1; NAFLD: non- alcoholic fatty liver disease; DCFH-DA: 2', 7' dichlorofluorescin diacetate; 36B4: acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0; SD: standard deviation; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; PI: propidium iodide; DHA: docosahexenoic acid.

n-3 fatty acids reduce plasma 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Barden, Anne E; Burke, Valerie; Mas, Emilie; Beilin, Lawrence J; Puddey, Ian B; Watts, Gerald F; Irish, Ashley B; Mori, Trevor A

2015-09-01

Metabolism of arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 ω-hydroxylase leads to the formation of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) that regulates vascular function, sodium homeostasis and blood pressure (BP). Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids is known to alter arachidonic acid metabolism and reduce the formation of the lipid peroxidation products F2-isoprostanes, but the effect of n-3 fatty acids on 20-HETE has not been studied. We previously reported a significant effect of n-3 fatty acids but not coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) to reduce BP in a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention, wherein patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were randomized to n-3 fatty acids (4 g), CoQ (200 mg), both supplements or control (4 g olive oil), daily for 8 weeks. This study examined the effect of n-3 fatty acids on plasma and urinary 20-HETE in the same study, as well as plasma and urinary F2-isoprostanes, and relate these to changes in BP. Seventy-four patients completed the 8-week intervention. n-3 fatty acids but not CoQ significantly reduced plasma 20-HETE (P = 0.001) and F2-isoprostanes (P < 0.001). In regression models adjusted for BP at baseline, postintervention plasma 20-HETE was a significant predictor of the fall in SBP (P < 0.0001) and DBP (P < 0.0001) after n-3 fatty acids. This is the first report that n-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces plasma 20-HETE in humans and that this associates with reduced BP. These results provide a plausible mechanism for the reduction in BP observed in patients with CKD following n-3 fatty acid supplementation.

Overexpression of Lactobacillus casei D-hydroxyisocaproic acid dehydrogenase in cheddar cheese.

PubMed

Broadbent, Jeffery R; Gummalla, Sanjay; Hughes, Joanne E; Johnson, Mark E; Rankin, Scott A; Drake, Mary Anne

2004-08-01

Metabolism of aromatic amino acids by lactic acid bacteria is an important source of off-flavor compounds in Cheddar cheese. Previous work has shown that alpha-keto acids produced from Trp, Tyr, and Phe by aminotransferase enzymes are chemically labile and may degrade spontaneously into a variety of off-flavor compounds. However, dairy lactobacilli can convert unstable alpha-keto acids to more-stable alpha-hydroxy acids via the action of alpha-keto acid dehydrogenases such as d-hydroxyisocaproic acid dehydrogenase. To further characterize the role of this enzyme in cheese flavor, the Lactobacillus casei d-hydroxyisocaproic acid dehydrogenase gene was cloned into the high-copy-number vector pTRKH2 and transformed into L. casei ATCC 334. Enzyme assays confirmed that alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase activity was significantly higher in pTRKH2:dhic transformants than in wild-type cells. Reduced-fat Cheddar cheeses were made with Lactococcus lactis starter only, starter plus L. casei ATCC 334, and starter plus L. casei ATCC 334 transformed with pTRKH2:dhic. After 3 months of aging, the cheese chemistry and flavor attributes were evaluated instrumentally by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and by descriptive sensory analysis. The culture system used significantly affected the concentrations of various ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, and esters and one sulfur compound in cheese. Results further indicated that enhanced expression of d-hydroxyisocaproic acid dehydrogenase suppressed spontaneous degradation of alpha-keto acids, but sensory work indicated that this effect retarded cheese flavor development.

Expression of the leukemia-associated CBF{beta}/SMMHC chimeric gene causes transformation of 3T3 cells

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

Hajra, A.; Liu, P.; Collins, E.S.

1994-09-01

A pericentric inversion of chromosome 16 (inv(16)(p13;q22)) is consistently seen in acute myeloid leukemia of the M4Eo subtype. This inversion fuses almost the entire coding region of the gene encoding of the {beta} subunit of the heterodimeric transcription factor CBF/PEBP2 to the region of the MYH11 gene encoding the rod domain for the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC). To investigate the biological properties of the CBF{beta}/SMMHC fusion protein, we have generated 3T3 cell lines that stably express the CBF{beta}/SMMHC chimeric cDNA or the normal, nonchimeric CBF{beta} and SMMHC cDNAs. 3T3 cells expressing CBF{beta}/SMMHC acquire a transformed phenotype, as indicatedmore » by altered cell morphology, formation of foci, and growth in soft agar. Cells constitutively overexpressing the normal CBF{beta} cDNA or the rod region of SMMHC remain nontransformed. Western blot analysis using antibodies to CBF{beta} and the SMMHC rod demonstrates that stably transfected cells express the appropriate chimeric or normal protein. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal that cells transformed by the chimeric cDNA do not have a CBF-DNA complex of the expected mobility, but instead contain a large complex with CBF DNA-binding activity that fails to migrate out of the gel wells. In order to define the regions of CBF{beta}/SMMHC necessary for 3T3 transformation, we have stably transfected cells with mutant CBF{beta}/SMMHC cDNAs containing various deletions of the coding region. Analysis of these cell lines indicates that the transformation property of CBF{beta}/SMMHC requires regions of CBF{beta} known to be necessary for association with the DNA-binding CBF{alpha} subunit, and also requires an intact SMMHC carboxyl terminus, which is necessary for formation of the coiled coil domain of the myosin rod.« less

Methods for genetic transformation of filamentous fungi.

PubMed

Li, Dandan; Tang, Yu; Lin, Jun; Cai, Weiwen

2017-10-03

Filamentous fungi have been of great interest because of their excellent ability as cell factories to manufacture useful products for human beings. The development of genetic transformation techniques is a precondition that enables scientists to target and modify genes efficiently and may reveal the function of target genes. The method to deliver foreign nucleic acid into cells is the sticking point for fungal genome modification. Up to date, there are some general methods of genetic transformation for fungi, including protoplast-mediated transformation, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, electroporation, biolistic method and shock-wave-mediated transformation. This article reviews basic protocols and principles of these transformation methods, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Continuous Cooling Transformation in Cast Duplex Stainless Steels CD3MN and CD3MWCuN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yoon-Jun; Chumbley, L. Scott; Gleeson, Brian

2008-04-01

The kinetics of brittle phase transformation in cast duplex stainless steels CD3MN and CD3MWCuN was investigated under continuous cooling conditions. Cooling rates slower than 5 °C/min. were obtained using a conventional tube furnace with a programable controller. In order to obtain controlled high cooling rates, a furnace equipped to grow crystals by means of the Bridgman method was used. Samples were soaked at 1100 °C for 30 min and cooled at different rates by changing the furnace position at various velocities. The velocity of the furnace movement was correlated to a continuous-cooling-temperature profile for the samples. Continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagrams were constructed based on experimental observations through metallographic sample preparations and optical microscopy. These are compared to calculated diagrams derived from previously determined isothermal transformation diagrams. The theoretical calculations employed a modified Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) equation (or Avrami equation) under assumption of the additivity rule. Rockwell hardness tests were made to present the correlation between hardness change and the amount of brittle phases (determined by tint-etching to most likely be a combination of sigma + chi) after cooling.

Morphological regulation of Aspergillus niger to improve citric acid production by chsC gene silencing.

PubMed

Sun, Xiaowen; Wu, Hefang; Zhao, Genhai; Li, Zhemin; Wu, Xihua; Liu, Hui; Zheng, Zhiming

2018-04-02

The mycelial morphology of Aspergillus niger, a major filamentous fungus used for citric acid production, is important for citric acid synthesis during submerged fermentation. To investigate the involvement of the chitin synthase gene, chsC, in morphogenesis and citric acid production in A. niger, an RNAi system was constructed to silence chsC and the morphological mutants were screened after transformation. The compactness of the mycelial pellets was obviously reduced in the morphological mutants, with lower proportion of dispersed mycelia. These morphological changes have caused a decrease in viscosity and subsequent improvement in oxygen and mass transfer efficiency, which may be conducive for citric acid accumulation. All the transformants exhibited improvements in citric acid production; in particular, chsC-3 showed 42.6% higher production than the original strain in the shake flask. Moreover, the high-yield strain chsC-3 exhibited excellent citric acid production potential in the scale-up process.The citric acid yield and the conversion rate of glucose of chsC-3 were both improved by 3.6%, when compared with that of the original strain in the stirred tank bioreactor.

Past and Present Insights on Alpha-linolenic Acid and the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Family.

PubMed

Stark, Aliza H; Reifen, Ram; Crawford, Michael A

2016-10-25

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the parent essential fatty acid of the omega-3 family. This family includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been conserved in neural signaling systems in the cephalopods, fish, amphibian, reptiles, birds, mammals, primates, and humans. This extreme conservation, in spite of wide genomic changes of over 500 million years, testifies to the uniqueness of this molecule in the brain and affirms the importance of omega-3 fatty acids. While DHA and its close precursor, eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA), have received much attention by the research community, ALA, as the precursor of both, has been considered of little interest. There are many papers on ALA requirements in experimental animals. Unlike humans, rats and mice can readily convert ALA to EPA and DHA, so it is unclear whether the effect is solely due to the conversion products or to ALA itself. The intrinsic role of ALA has yet to be defined. This paper will discuss both recent and historical findings related to this distinctive group of fatty acids, and will highlight the physiological significance of the omega-3 family.

Preparation and Characterization of Sulfonic Acid Functionalized Silica and Its Application for the Esterification of Ethanol and Maleic Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirsam, Rajkumar; Usmani, Ghayas

2016-04-01

The surface of commercially available silica gel, 60-200 mesh size, was modified with sulfonic acid through surface activation, grafting of 3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, oxidation and acidification of 3-Mercaptopropylsilica. Sulfonic Acid Functionalization of Silica (SAFS) was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. Acid-base titration was used to estimate the cation exchange capacity of the SAFS. Catalytic activity of SAFS was judged for the esterification of ethanol with maleic acid. An effect of different process parameters viz. molar ratio, catalyst loading, speed of agitation and temperature were studied and optimized by Box Behnken Design (BBD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Quadratic model developed by BBD-RSM reasonably satisfied an experimental and predicted values with correlation coefficient value R2 = 0.9504.

[Spectral Analysis about the Pharmaceutical Cocrystal Formation of Piracetam and 3-Hydroxybenzoic Acid].

PubMed

Zhang, Hui-li; Xia, Yi; Hong, Zhi; Du, Yong

2015-07-01

Pharmaceutical cocrystal can improve physical and chemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), meanwhile this feature has shown great potential in improving the pharmaceutical's properties and characteristics. In this study, cocrystal formation between piracetam and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3HBA) using grinding method has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman and terahertz (THz) spectroscopical techniques. The vibrational modes of different motions are obtained by the assignment of the peaks in the spectra of the starting materials and the cocrystal components. FTIR, Raman and THz spectroscopical results show that the vibrational modes of the cocrystal are different from those of the starting materials. In addition, the dynamic process of the above cocrystal formation is investigated in-depth with Raman and THz spec- tra. Piracetam-3HBA cocrystal is formed pretty fast in first several minutes, and then the formation rate becomes slow. After 35 minutes, such formation process has been completed. The results offer the theoretical benchmark and unique means for real-time monitoring pharmaceutical cocrystal formation and also the corresponding quantitative analysis in the pharmaceutical field.

Omega-3 fatty acids in baked freshwater fish from south of Brazil.

PubMed

Andrade, A D; Visentainer, J V; Matsushita, M; de Souza, N E

1997-03-01

Lipid and fatty acid levels in the edible flesh of 17 baked freshwater fish from Brazil's southern region were determined. Analyses of fatty acids methyl esters were performed by gas chromatography. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the predominant saturated fatty acid, accouting for 50-70% of total saturated acids. Linoleic acid (C18:2 omega 6), linolenic acid (C18:3 omega 3), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 omega 3) were the predominant polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFA). The data revealed that species such as barbado, corvina, pintado, and truta were good sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and that most freshwater fish examined were good sources of PUFA-omega 3.

Investigating Marine Dissolved Organic Matter Fluorescence Transformations with Organic Geochemical Proxies in a Growth and Degradation Experiment using Amino Acids, Amino Sugars, and Phenols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, M. R.; Bianchi, T. S.; Osburn, C. L.; Kinsey, J. D.; Ziervogel, K.; Schnetzer, A.

2017-12-01

The origin and mechanisms driving the formation of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) in the open ocean remain unclear. Although recent studies have attempted to deconvolve the chemical composition and source of marine FDOM, these studies have been qualitative in nature. Here, we investigate these transformations using a more quantitative biomarker approach in a controlled growth and degradation experiment. In this experiment, a natural assemblage of phytoplankton was collected off the coast of North Carolina and incubated within roller bottles containing 0.2 µm-filtered North Atlantic surface water amended with f/2 nutrients. Samples were collected at the beginning (day 0), during exponential growth (day 13), stationary (day 20), and degradation (day 62) phases of the phytoplankton incubation. Amino acids, amino sugars, and phenolic compounds of the dissolved (DOM) were measured in conjunction with enzyme assays and bacterial counts to track shifts in OM quality as FDOM formed and was then transformed throughout the experiment. The results from the chemical analyses showed that the OM composition changed significantly from the initial and exponential phases to the stationary and degradation phases of the experiment. The percentage of aromatic amino acids to the total amino acid pool increased significantly during the exponential phase of phytoplankton growth, but then decreased significantly during the stationary and degradation phases. This increase was positively correlated to the fractional contribution of the protein-like peak in fluorescence to the total FDOM fluorescence. An increase in the concentration of amino acid degradation products during the stationary and degradation phases suggests that compositional changes in OM were driven by microbial transformation. This was further supported by a concurrent increase in total enzyme activity and increase in "humic-like" components of the FDOM. These findings link the properties and formation of FDOM

Determination of transformation mechanisms for DMMTA and DMDTA in landfill leachate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, J.; Yoon, H.; Bae, J.; Jung, H.; Kong, M.; Kim, M.

2011-12-01

Dimethylmonothiolated arsinic acid (DMMTA) and dimethyldithiolated arsinic acid (DMDTA) have receiving increasing attention because of its high toxicity to human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells (Naranmandura et al., 2007) and bladder EJ-1 cells (Naranmandura et al., 2009). These findings require accurate assessment of arsenic species including thiolated compounds in environmental media. Recently, Li et al. (2010) found DMMTA and DMDTA was transformed from dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in landfill leachate with low redox potential and high bacterial biomass and concentrations of BOD and sulfide. Therefore, the transformation mechanisms for DMMTA and DMDTA were investigated to quantify what arsenic species are existed and transformed in landfill leachate for determining their potential risk. For this purpose, simulated leachate mimicking mature landfill condition was prepared under the concentrations of sulfide and volatile fatty acid (VFA) and redox potential controlled. The leachate was spiked with arsenite (iAs(III)), arsenate (iAs(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and DMA respectively and the transformed arsenic species were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Factors influencing arsenic transformations in landfill leachate were evaluated in present study and these results provide to us pathways for being generated thiolated arsenicals. Realistic risk in arsenic disposed landfill is able to calculate by using these results. Acknowledgement : This research was supported by the research grant T31603 from Korea Basic Science Institute.

The transformation of triclosan by laccase: Effect of humic acid on the reaction kinetics, products and pathway.

PubMed

Dou, Rong-Ni; Wang, Jing-Hao; Chen, Yuan-Cai; Hu, Yong-You

2018-03-01

This study systematically explored the effect of humic acid (HA) (as model of natural organic matter) on the kinetics, products and transformation pathway of triclosan (TCS) by laccase-catalyzed oxidation. It was found that TCS could be effectively transformed by laccase-catalysis, with the apparent second-order rate constant being 0.056 U -1 mL min -1 . HA inhibited the removal rate of TCS. HA-induced inhibition was negatively correlated with HA concentration in the range of 0-10 mg L -1 and pH-dependent from 3.5 to 9.5. FT-IR and 13 C NMR spectra showed a decrease of aromatic hydroxyl (phenolic) groups and an increase of aromatic ether groups, indicating the cross-linking of HA via C-O-C and C-N-C bonds during enzyme-catalyzed oxidation. Ten principle oxidative products, including two quinone-like products (2-chlorohydroquinone, 2-chloro-5-(2,4-dichlodichlorophenoxy)-(1,4)benzoquinone), one chlorinated phenol (2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP)), three dimers, two trimmers and two tetramers, were detected by gas chromatograghy/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (HPLC/Q-TOF/MS). The presence of HA induced significantly lesser generation of self-polymers and enhanced cross-coupling between HA and self-polymers via C-O-C, C-N-C and C-C coupling pathways. A plausible transformation pathway was proposed as follows: TCS was initially oxidized to form reactive phenoxyl radicals, which self-coupled to each other subsequently by C-C and C-O pathway, yielding self-polymers. In addition, the scission of ether bond was also observed. The presence of HA can promote scission of ether bond and further oxidation of phenoxyl radicals, forming hydroxylated or quinone-like TCS. This study shed light on the behavior of TCS in natural environment and engineered processes, as well provided a perspective for the water/wastewater treatment using enzyme-catalyzed oxidation techniques. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Structure in the 3D Galaxy Distribution. III. Fourier Transforming the Universe: Phase and Power Spectra

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scargle, Jeffrey D.; Way, M. J.; Gazis, P. G.

2017-01-01

We demonstrate the effectiveness of a relatively straightforward analysis of the complex 3D Fourier transform of galaxy coordinates derived from redshift surveys. Numerical demonstrations of this approach are carried out on a volume-limited sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey redshift survey. The direct unbinned transform yields a complex 3D data cube quite similar to that from the Fast Fourier Transform of finely binned galaxy positions. In both cases, deconvolution of the sampling window function yields estimates of the true transform. Simple power spectrum estimates from these transforms are roughly consistent with those using more elaborate methods. The complex Fourier transform characterizes spatial distributional properties beyond the power spectrum in a manner different from (and we argue is more easily interpreted than) the conventional multipoint hierarchy. We identify some threads of modern large-scale inference methodology that will presumably yield detections in new wider and deeper surveys.

Forecasting Demand for KC-135 Sorties: Deploy to Dwell Impacts

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

fighter movements from individual units are rampant (6 OSS/ OSOS , 2013). However, TACC directed missions in this category are scarce, if not non...existent (6 OSS/ OSOS , 2013). Recent TACC tasked missions that appear to support CONUS fighter movements were training related: pre-deployment preparation...and large scale exercises directed by the Joint Staff (6 OSS/ OSOS , 2013). Anecdotal evidence that AMC supports CONUS fighter movements was flawed

Noncatalytic transformation of the crude lipid of ChlorellaI vulgaris into fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) with charcoal via a thermo-chemical process.

PubMed

Kwon, Eilhann E; Jeon, Young Jae; Yi, Haakrho

2013-02-01

The noncatalytic transformation of the crude lipid of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) into fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) via a thermo-chemical process was mainly investigated in this work. The crude lipid of C. vulgaris was recovered by means of solvent extraction from C. vulgaris cultivated in a raceway pond. The conventional catalyzed transesterification of crude lipid of C. vulgaris is notably inhibited by the impurities contained in the crude lipid of C. vulgaris. These impurities are inevitably derived from the solvent extraction process for C. vulgaris. However, this work presents the noncatalytic transesterification of microalgal lipid into FAME, which could be an alternative option. For example, the noncatalytic transformation of microalgal lipid into FAME provides evidence that the esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) and the transesterification of triglycerides can be combined into a single step less susceptible to the impurities and with a high conversion efficiency (∼97%). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of hepatic gene transcription

PubMed Central

Jump, Donald B.

2009-01-01

Purpose of review The liver plays a central role in whole body lipid metabolism and adapts rapidly to changes in dietary fat composition. This adaption involves changes in the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, de-novo lipogenesis, fatty acid elongation, desaturation and oxidation. This review brings together metabolic and molecular studies that help explain n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of hepatic gene transcription. Recent findings Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid regulates hepatic gene expression by targeting three major transcriptional regulatory networks: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and the carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein/Max-like factor X heterodimer. 22 : 6,n-3, the most prominent n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in tissues, is a weak activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Hepatic metabolism of 22 : 6,n-3, however, generates 20 : 5,n-3, a strong peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α activator. In contrast to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, 22 : 6,n-3 is the most potent fatty acid regulator of hepatic sterol regulatory element binding protein-1. 22 : 6,n-3 suppresses sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 gene expression while enhancing degradation of nuclear sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 through 26S proteasome and Erk1/2-dependent mechanisms. Both n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid suppress carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein and Max-like factor X nuclear abundance and interfere with glucose-regulated hepatic metabolism. Summary These studies have revealed unique mechanisms by which specific polyunsaturated fatty acids control peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein/Max-like factor X function. As such, specific metabolic and signal transduction pathways contribute

Preference of Conjugated Bile Acids over Unconjugated Bile Acids as Substrates for OATP1B1 and OATP1B3

PubMed Central

Suga, Takahiro; Sato, Toshihiro; Maekawa, Masamitsu; Goto, Junichi; Mano, Nariyasu

2017-01-01

Bile acids, the metabolites of cholesterol, are signaling molecules that play critical role in many physiological functions. They undergo enterohepatic circulation through various transporters expressed in intestine and liver. Human organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3 contribute to hepatic uptake of bile acids such as taurocholic acid. However, the transport properties of individual bile acids are not well understood. Therefore, we selected HEK293 cells overexpressing OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 to evaluate the transport of five major human bile acids (cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid) together withtheir glycine and taurine conjugates via OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. The bile acids were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The present study revealed that cholic acid, chenodeoxyxcholic acid, and deoxycholic acid were transported by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, while ursodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were not significantly transported by OATPs. However, all the conjugated bile acids were taken up rapidly by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. Kinetic analyses revealed the involvement of saturable OATP1B1- and OATP1B3-mediated transport of bile acids. The apparent Km values for OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 of the conjugated bile acids were similar (0.74–14.7 μM for OATP1B1 and 0.47–15.3 μM for OATP1B3). They exhibited higher affinity than cholic acid (47.1 μM for OATP1B1 and 42.2 μM for OATP1B3). Our results suggest that conjugated bile acids (glycine and taurine) are preferred to unconjugated bile acids as substrates for OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. PMID:28060902

A Transformation-Defective Polyomavirus Middle T Antigen with a Novel Defect in PI3 Kinase Signaling.

PubMed

Denis, Deborah; Rouleau, Cecile; Schaffhausen, Brian S

2017-01-15

Middle T antigen (MT), the principal oncoprotein of murine polyomavirus, transforms by association with cellular proteins. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), YAP, Src family tyrosine kinases, Shc, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1) have all been implicated in MT transformation. Mutant dl1015, with deletion of residues 338 to 347 in the C-terminal region, has been an enigma, because the basis for its transformation defect has not been apparent. This work probes the dl1015 region of MT. Because the region is proline rich, the hypothesis that it targets Src homology domain 3 (SH3) domains was tested, but mutation of the putative SH3 binding motif did not affect transformation. During this work, two point mutants, W348R and E349K, were identified as transformation defective. Extensive analysis of the E349K mutant is described here. Similar to wild-type MT, the E349K mutant associates with PP2A, YAP, tyrosine kinases, Shc, PI3 kinase, and PLCγ1. The E349K mutant was examined to determine the mechanism for its transformation defect. Assays of cell localization and membrane targeting showed no obvious difference in localization. Src association was normal as assayed by in vitro kinase and MT phosphopeptide mapping. Shc activation was confirmed by its tyrosine phosphorylation. Association of type 1 PI3K with MT was demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation, showing both PI3K subunits and in vitro activity. Nonetheless, expression of the mutants failed to lead to the activation of two known downstream targets of PI3K, Akt and Rac-1. Strikingly, despite normal association of the E349K mutant with PI3K, cells expressing the mutant failed to elevate phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) in mutant-expressing cells. These results indicate a novel unsuspected aspect to PI3K control. The gene coding for middle T antigen (MT) is the murine polyomavirus oncogene most responsible for tumor formation. Its study has a history of uncovering novel