The Liver X Receptor Ligand T0901317 Down-regulates APOA5 GeneExpression through Activation of SREBP-1c

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Jakel, Heidelinde; Nowak, Maxime; Moitrot, Emanuelle; Dehondt, Helene; Hum, Dean W.; Pennacchio, Len A.; Fruchart-Najib, Jamila; Fruchart,Jean-Charles

2004-07-23

Alterations in the expression of the recently discovered apolipoprotein A5 gene strongly affect plasma triglyceride levels. In this study, we investigated the contribution of APOA5 to the liver X-receptor (LXR) ligand mediated effect on plasma triglyceride levels.Following treatment with the LXR ligand T0901317, we found that APOA5mRNA levels were decreased in hepatoma cell lines. The observation that no down-regulation of APOA5 promoter activity was obtained by LXR-retinoid X receptor (RXR) co-transfection prompted us to explore the possible involvement of the known LXR target gene SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c). In fact, we found that co-transfection with the active form of SREBP-1c down-regulated APOA5promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. We then scanned the human APOA5 promoter sequence and identified two putative E-box elements that were able to bind specifically SREBP-1c in gel-shift assays and were shown to be functional by mutation analysis. Subsequent suppression of SREBP-1 mRNA through small interfering RNA interference abolished the decrease of APOA5 mRNA in response to T0901317. Finally, administration of T0901317 to hAPOA5 transgenic mice revealed a significant decrease OF APOA5 mRNA in liver tissue and circulating apolipoprotein AV protein in plasma, confirming that the described down-regulation also occurs in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate that APOA5 gene expression is regulated by the LXR ligand T0901317 in a negative manner through SREBP-1c. These findings may provide a new mechanism responsible for the elevation of plasma triglyceride levels by LXR ligands and support the development of selective LXR agonists, not affecting SREBP-1c, as beneficial modulators of lipid metabolism.

Activation of the Hg-C Bond of Methylmercury by [S2]-Donor Ligands.

Science.gov (United States)

Karri, Ramesh; Banerjee, Mainak; Chalana, Ashish; Jha, Kunal Kumar; Roy, Gouriprasanna

2017-10-16

Here we report that [S 2 ]-donor ligands Bmm OH , Bmm Me , and Bme Me bind rapidly and reversibly to the mercury centers of organomercurials, RHgX, and facilitate the cleavage of Hg-C bonds of RHgX to produce stable tetracoordinated Hg(II) complexes and R 2 Hg. Significantly, the rate of cleavage of Hg-C bonds depends critically on the X group of RHgX (X = BF 4 - , Cl - , I - ) and the [S 2 ]-donor ligands used to induce the Hg-C bonds. For instance, the initial rate of cleavage of the Hg-C bond of MeHgI induced by Bme Me is almost 2-fold higher than the initial rate obtained by Bmm OH or Bmm Me , indicating that the spacer between the two imidazole rings of [S 2 ]-donor ligands plays a significant role here in the cleavage of Hg-C bonds. Surprisingly, we noticed that the initial rate of cleavage of the Hg-C bond of MeHgI induced by Bme Me (or Bmm Me ) is almost 10-fold and 100-fold faster than the cleavage of Hg-C bonds of MeHgCl and [MeHg]BF 4 respectively, under identical reaction conditions, suggesting that the Hg-C bond of [MeHg]BF 4 is highly inert at room temperature (21 °C). We also show here that the nature of the final stable cleaved products, i.e. Hg(II) complexes, depends on the X group of RHgX and the [S 2 ]-donor ligands. For instance, the reaction of Bmm Me with MeHgCl (1:1 molar ratio) afforded the formation of the 16-membered metallacyclic dinuclear mercury compound (Bmm Me ) 2 Hg 2 Cl 4 , in which the two Cl atoms are located inside the ring, whereas due to the large size of the I atom, a similar reaction with MeHgI yielded polymeric [(Bmm Me ) 2 HgI 2 ] m ·(MeHgI) n . However, the treatment of Bmm Me with ionic [RHg]BF 4 led to the formation of the tetrathione-coordinated mononuclear mercury compound [(Bmm Me ) 2 Hg](BF 4 ) 2 , where BF 4 - serves as a counteranion.

C-terminal motif prediction in eukaryotic proteomes using comparative genomics and statistical over-representation across protein families

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Cutler Sean R

2007-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The carboxy termini of proteins are a frequent site of activity for a variety of biologically important functions, ranging from post-translational modification to protein targeting. Several short peptide motifs involved in protein sorting roles and dependent upon their proximity to the C-terminus for proper function have already been characterized. As a limited number of such motifs have been identified, the potential exists for genome-wide statistical analysis and comparative genomics to reveal novel peptide signatures functioning in a C-terminal dependent manner. We have applied a novel methodology to the prediction of C-terminal-anchored peptide motifs involving a simple z-statistic and several techniques for improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Results We examined the statistical over-representation of position-specific C-terminal tripeptides in 7 eukaryotic proteomes. Sequence randomization models and simple-sequence masking were applied to the successful reduction of background noise. Similarly, as C-terminal homology among members of large protein families may artificially inflate tripeptide counts in an irrelevant and obfuscating manner, gene-family clustering was performed prior to the analysis in order to assess tripeptide over-representation across protein families as opposed to across all proteins. Finally, comparative genomics was used to identify tripeptides significantly occurring in multiple species. This approach has been able to predict, to our knowledge, all C-terminally anchored targeting motifs present in the literature. These include the PTS1 peroxisomal targeting signal (SKL*, the ER-retention signal (K/HDEL*, the ER-retrieval signal for membrane bound proteins (KKxx*, the prenylation signal (CC* and the CaaX box prenylation motif. In addition to a high statistical over-representation of these known motifs, a collection of significant tripeptides with a high propensity for biological function exists

Andrographolide attenuates LPS-stimulated up-regulation of C-C and C-X-C motif chemokines in rodent cortex and primary astrocytes.

Science.gov (United States)

Wong, Siew Ying; Tan, Michelle G K; Banks, William A; Wong, W S Fred; Wong, Peter T-H; Lai, Mitchell K P

2016-02-09

Andrographolide is the major bioactive compound isolated from Andrographis paniculata, a native South Asian herb used medicinally for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we aimed to assess andrographolide's potential utility as an anti-neuroinflammatory therapeutic. The effects of andrographolide on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chemokine up-regulation both in mouse cortex and in cultured primary astrocytes were measured, including cytokine profiling, gene expression, and, in cultured astrocytes, activation of putative signaling regulators. Orally administered andrographolide significantly attenuated mouse cortical chemokine levels from the C-C and C-X-C subfamilies. Similarly, andrographolide abrogated a range of LPS-induced chemokines as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in astrocytes. In astrocytes, the inhibitory actions of andrographolide on chemokine and TNF-α up-regulation appeared to be mediated by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. These results suggest that andrographolide may be useful as a therapeutic for neuroinflammatory diseases, especially those characterized by chemokine dysregulation.

Role of CXCL10 in pathogenesis of hepatitis C and antiviral therapy

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LI Mi

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Hepatitis C virus (HCV infection represents an important public health problem worldwide. Eradicating HCV can finally delay or prevent the progression of HCV infection to end-stage liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chemokine (C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10 is a chemokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family, and it exerts its function through binding to chemokine (C-X-C motif receptor 3 (CXCR3, playing a critical role in eradication of HCV. This article reviews the relationship of CXCL10 with the pathogenesis of HCV and the effectiveness of antiviral treatment, as well as the CXCL10 measurements. Meanwhile, this article introduces the clinical value of CXCL10 in assessing the risk of liver fibrosis and liver cancer. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between CXCL10 and liver diseases, and CXCL10 may provide a new therapeutic strategy for HCV infection.

Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5-using envelopes predominate in dual/mixed-tropic HIV from the plasma of drug-naive individuals.

Science.gov (United States)

Irlbeck, David M; Amrine-Madsen, Heather; Kitrinos, Kathryn M; Labranche, Celia C; Demarest, James F

2008-07-31

HIV-1 utilizes CD4 and either chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) or chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) to gain entry into host cells. Small molecule CCR5 antagonists are currently being developed for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Because HIV-1 may also use CXCR4 for entry, the use of CCR5 entry inhibitors is controversial for patients harboring CCR5-using and CXCR4-using (dual/mixed-tropic) viruses. The goal of the present study was to determine the proportion of CCR5-tropic and CXCR4-tropic viruses in dual/mixed-tropic virus isolates from drug-naïve patients and the phenotypic and genotypic relationships of viruses that use CCR5 or CXCR4 or both. Fourteen antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected patients were identified as having population coreceptor tropism readout of dual/mixed-tropic viruses. Intrapatient comparisons of coreceptor tropism and genotype of env clones were conducted on plasma virus from each patient. Population HIV-1 envelope tropism and susceptibility to the CCR5 entry inhibitor, aplaviroc, were performed using the Monogram Biosciences Trofile Assay. Twelve env clones from each patient were analyzed for coreceptor tropism, aplaviroc sensitivity, genotype, and intrapatient phylogenetic relationships. Viral populations from antiretroviral-naive patients with dual/mixed-tropic virus are composed primarily of CCR5-tropic env clones mixed with those that use both coreceptors (R5X4-tropic) and, occasionally, CXCR4-tropic env clones. Interestingly, the efficiency of CXCR4 use by R5X4-tropic env clones varied with their genetic relationships to CCR5-tropic env clones from the same patient. These data show that the majority of viruses in these dual/mixed-tropic populations use CCR5 and suggest that antiretroviral-naive patients may benefit from combination therapy that includes CCR5 entry inhibitors.

C-C coupling of N-heterocycles at the fac-Re(CO)(3) fragment: synthesis of pyridylimidazole and bipyridine ligands.

Science.gov (United States)

Viguri, Maialen Espinal; Pérez, Julio; Riera, Lucía

2014-05-05

A new family of cationic rhenium tricarbonyl complexes with either two N-alkylimidazole (N-RIm) and one pyridine (Py) ligand, or two pyridine and one N-RIm ligand, [Re(CO)3 (N-RIm)(3-x) (Py)x ](+) , has been prepared. The reaction of these complexes with a strong base, followed by an oxidant, selectively afforded 2,2'-pyridylimidazole complexes as the result of intramolecular dehydrogenative CC coupling reactions. For tris(pyridine) complexes [Re(CO)3 (Py)3 ](+) the reaction pattern upon a deprotonation/oxidation sequence is maintained, which allows the generation of complexes with 2,2'-bipyridine ligands. In the particular combination of two different types of pyridine ligand in the cationic fac-Re(CO)3 complexes only the cross-coupling products with asymmetric 2,2'-bipyridine ligands were obtained; the homocoupling products were not observed. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ligand-controlled, tunable silver-catalyzed C-H amination.

Science.gov (United States)

Alderson, Juliet M; Phelps, Alicia M; Scamp, Ryan J; Dolan, Nicholas S; Schomaker, Jennifer M

2014-12-03

The development of readily tunable and regioselective C-H functionalization reactions that operate solely through catalyst control remains a challenge in modern organic synthesis. Herein, we report that simple silver catalysts supported by common nitrogenated ligands can be used to tune a nitrene transfer reaction between two different types of C-H bonds. The results reported herein represent the first example of ligand-controlled and site-selective silver-promoted C-H amination.

Promoter motifs required for c-mpl gene expression induced by thrombopoietin in CMK cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Sunohara, Masataka; Sato, Iwao; Morikawa, Shigeru

2017-11-30

Thrombopoietin (TPO) and its receptor, c-Mpl, are the central regulators of megakaryocyte development and platelet production and are also crucial to regulate megakaryocytopoiesis. TPO remarkably elevated c-mpl promoter activity, while the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, GF109203, H7 and Calphostin C, clearly reduced the steady level of its promoter activity.  In the present study, motifs crucial for c-mpl promoter activity induced by TPO treatment have been analyzed using a human megakaryoblastic cell line, CMK. Destruction of the -107Sp1 and the -57Sp1 sites in the c-mpl promoter enhancer region resulted in decrease of the promoter activity by 53.1% and 64.4%, respectively, and destruction of -69Ets and -28Ets elements dramatically decreased the promoter activity by 96.4% and 87.8%, respectively, while mutation of -77GATA moderately reduced the activity by 31.4%. The result was in agreement with our previous report that showed the crucial motifs in the c-mpl promoter for the promoter activity induced by PMA-treatment. This indicates that TPO-induced activation of the c-mpl promoter activity is fully modulated by transcription through a PKC-dependent pathway and the two Sp1 and two Ets motifs are crucial for the activation of the c-mpl promoter activity rather than a GATA motif in the c-mpl promoter of CMK cells.

Ligand-Controlled Chemoselective C(acyl)–O Bond vs C(aryl)–C Bond Activation of Aromatic Esters in Nickel Catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp3) Cross-Couplings

KAUST Repository

Chatupheeraphat, Adisak

2018-02-20

A ligand-controlled and site-selective nickel catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction with aromatic esters and alkyl organoboron reagents as coupling partners was developed. This methodology provides a facile route for C(sp2)-C(sp3) bond formation in a straightforward fashion by successful suppression of the undesired β-hydride elimination process. By simply switching the phosphorus ligand, the ester substrates are converted into the alkylated arenes and ketone products, respectively. The utility of this newly developed protocol was demonstrated by its wide substrate scope, broad functional group tolerance and application in the synthesis of key intermediates for the synthesis of bioactive compounds. DFT studies on the oxidative addition step helped rationalizing this intriguing reaction chemoselectivity: whereas nickel complexes with bidentate ligands favor the C(aryl)-C bond cleavage in the oxidative addition step leading to the alkylated product via a decarbonylative process, nickel complexes with monodentate phosphorus ligands favor activation of the C(acyl)-O bond, which later generates the ketone product.

Autoimmune and Neoplastic Thyroid Diseases Associated with Hepatitis C Chronic Infection

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Poupak Fallahi

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Frequently, patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV chronic infection have high levels of serum anti-thyroperoxidase and/or anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies, ultrasonographic signs of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and subclinical hypothyroidism, in female gender versus healthy controls, or hepatitis B virus infected patients. In patients with “HCV-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia” (MC + HCV, a higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmune disorders was shown not only compared to controls, but also versus HCV patients without cryoglobulinemia. Patients with MC + HCV or HCV chronic infection show a higher prevalence of papillary thyroid cancer than controls, in particular in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Patients with HCV chronic infection, or with MC + HCV, in presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, show higher serum levels of T-helper (Th1 (C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10 chemokine, but normal levels of Th2 (C-C motif ligand 2 chemokine, than patients without thyroiditis. HCV thyroid infection could act by upregulating CXCL10 gene expression and secretion in thyrocytes recruiting Th1 lymphocytes that secrete interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. These cytokines might induce a further CXCL10 secretion by thyrocytes, thus perpetuating the immune cascade, which may lead to the appearance of autoimmune thyroid disorders in genetically predisposed subjects. A careful monitoring of thyroid function, particularly where nodules occur, is recommended in HCV patients.

Serum C-X-C motif chemokine 13 is elevated in early and established rheumatoid arthritis and correlates with rheumatoid factor levels.

Science.gov (United States)

Jones, Jonathan D; Hamilton, B JoNell; Challener, Gregory J; de Brum-Fernandes, Artur J; Cossette, Pierre; Liang, Patrick; Masetto, Ariel; Ménard, Henri A; Carrier, Nathalie; Boyle, David L; Rosengren, Sanna; Boire, Gilles; Rigby, William F C

2014-04-25

We hypothesized that serum levels of C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13), a B-cell chemokine, would delineate a subset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients characterized by increased humoral immunity. Serum from patients with established RA (the Dartmouth RA Cohort) was analyzed for CXCL13, rheumatoid factor (RF) levels, anticitrullinated peptide/protein antibody (ACPA) and total immunoglobulin G (IgG); other parameters were obtained by chart review. A confirmatory analysis was performed using samples from the Sherbrooke Early Undifferentiated PolyArthritis (EUPA) Cohort. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, a t-test and Spearman's correlation analysis were utilized to determine relationships between variables. In both the Dartmouth and Sherbrooke cohorts, CXCL13 levels were selectively increased in seropositive relative to seronegative RA patients (P = 0.0002 and P < 0.0001 for the respective cohorts), with a strong correlation to both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgA RF levels (P < 0.0001). There was a weaker relationship to ACPA titers (P = 0.03 and P = 0.006, respectively) and total IgG (P = 0.02 and P = 0.14, respectively). No relationship was seen with regard to age, sex, shared epitope status or inclusion high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in either cohort or regarding the presence of baseline erosions in the Sherbrooke Cohort, whereas a modest relationship with Disease Activity Score in 28 joints CRP (DAS28-CRP) was seen in the Dartmouth cohort but not the Sherbrooke cohort. Using both established and early RA cohorts, marked elevations of serum CXCL13 levels resided nearly completely within the seropositive population. CXCL13 levels exhibited a strong relationship with RF, whereas the association with clinical parameters (age, sex, DAS28-CRP and erosions) or other serologic markers (ACPA and IgG) was either much weaker or absent. Elevated serum CXCL13 levels may identify a subset of seropositive RA patients whose disease is shaped by or responsive to RF

The CD3 gamma leucine-based receptor-sorting motif is required for efficient ligand-mediated TCR down-regulation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

von Essen, Marina; Menné, Charlotte; Nielsen, Bodil L

2002-01-01

. The other pathway is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated activation of the CD3 gamma di-leucine-based receptor-sorting motif. Previous studies have failed to demonstrate a connection between ligand- and PKC-induced TCR down-regulation. Thus, although an apparent paradox, the dogma has been...... that ligand- and PKC-induced TCR down-regulations are not interrelated. By analyses of a newly developed CD3 gamma-negative T cell variant, freshly isolated and PHA-activated PBMC, and a mouse T cell line, we challenged this dogma and demonstrate in this work that PKC activation and the CD3 gamma di...

A five-amino-acid motif in the undefined region of the TLR8 ectodomain is required for species-specific ligand recognition.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jin; Xu, Congfeng; Hsu, Li-Chung; Luo, Yunping; Xiang, Rong; Chuang, Tsung-Hsien

2010-02-01

Toll-like receptors play important roles in regulating immunity against microbial infections. Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) belongs to a subfamily comprising TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9. Human TLR8 mediates anti-viral immunity by recognizing ssRNA viruses, and triggers potent anti-viral and antitumor immune responses upon ligation by synthetic small molecular weight ligands. Interestingly, distinct from human TLR8, mouse TLR8 was not responsive to ligand stimulation in the absence of polyT-oligodeoxynucleotides (polyT-ODN). The molecular basis for this distinct ligand recognition is still unclear. In the present study, we compared the activation of TLR8 from different species including mouse, rat, human, bovine, porcine, horse, sheep, and cat by ligand ligations. Only the TLR8s from the rodent species (i.e., mouse and rat TLR8s) failed to respond to ligand stimulation in the absence of polyT-ODN. Multiple sequence alignment analysis suggested that these two rodent TLR8s lack a five-amino-acid motif that is conserved in the non-rodent species with varied sequence. This small motif is located in an undefined region of the hTLR8 ectodomain, immediately following LRR-14. Deletion mutation analysis suggested that this motif is essential for the species-specific ligand recognition of hTLR8, whereas it is not required for self-dimerization and intracellular localization of this receptor. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crossed products of C(X)-algebras by endomorphisms and C(X)-categories

OpenAIRE

Vasselli, Ezio

2001-01-01

We construct the crossed product of a C(X)-algebra by an endomorphism, in such a way that it becomes induced by a Hilbert C(X)-bimodule. Furthermore we introduce the notion of C(X)-category, and discuss relationships with crossed products and duality for compact groups.

Patients Lacking a KIR-Ligand of HLA Group C1 or C2 Have a Better Outcome after Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

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Carmen Martínez-Losada

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Donor natural killer (NK cells can destroy residual leukemic cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This effect is based on the interaction of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR of donor NK cells with ligands of the major histocompatibility complex found on the surface of the target cells. HLA-C1 subtypes provide the ligand for KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 and the HLA-C2 subtypes for KIR2DL1. We have studied the probability of relapse (PR after single-unit unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT in relation to the potential graft-vs.-leukemia effect mediated by NK cells present in the umbilical cord blood (UCB by analyzing KIR-ligand and HLA-C typing of the receptor. Data from 33 consecutive patients given a single unit UCBT were included. We have considered two groups of patients based on the absence or the presence of one of the C-ligands for inhibitory KIR and the incompatibility HLA-C1/2 between UCB and patients. Group 1 (n = 21: the patient lacks a C-ligand for inhibitory KIR present in UCB NK cells, i.e., patients homozygous C1/C1 or C2/C2. Group 2 (n = 12: patients heterozygous C1/C2 in which KIR-mediated graft-vs.-leukemia effect is not expected (presence of both C ligands for inhibitory KIR in the receptor. With a median follow-up post-UCBT of 93 months, patients with absence of a C-ligand for inhibitory KIRs (Group 1 showed a lower actuarial PR than patients with both C-ligands (group 2: 21 ± 10 vs. 68 ± 18% at 2 year and 36 ± 13 vs. 84 ± 14% at 5 years (p = 0.025, respectively. In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the 2-year PR was 36 ± 21% for group 1 and 66 ± 26% for 2 (p = 0.038. Furthermore, group 1 had a lower incidence of grades II–IV acute graft-vs.-host disease (p = 0.04. In the setting of UCBT, the absence of a C-ligand (C1 or C2 of inhibitory KIR in the patient is associated with lower PR, which is probably due to the graft

C-H and C-C activation of n -butane with zirconium hydrides supported on SBA15 containing N-donor ligands: [(≡SiNH-)(≡SiX-)ZrH2], [(≡SiNH-)(≡SiX-)2ZrH], and[(≡SiN=)(≡SiX-)ZrH] (X = -NH-, -O-). A DFT study

KAUST Repository

Pasha, Farhan Ahmad

2014-07-01

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to elucidate the mechanism of n-butane hydrogenolysis (into propane, ethane, and methane) on well-defined zirconium hydrides supported on SBA15 coordinated to the surface via N-donor surface pincer ligands: [(≡SiNH-)(≡SiO-)ZrH2] (A), [(≡SiNH-)2ZrH2] (B), [(≡SiNH-)(≡SiO-) 2ZrH] (C), [(≡SiNH-)2(≡SiO-)ZrH] (D), [(≡SiN=)(≡Si-O-)ZrH] (E), and [(≡SiN=)(≡SiNH-)ZrH] (F). The roles of these hydrides have been investigated in C-H/C-C bond activation and cleavage. The dihydride A linked via a chelating [N,O] surface ligand was found to be more active than B, linked to the chelating [N,N] surface ligand. Moreover, the dihydride zirconium complexes are also more active than their corresponding monohydrides C-F. The C-C cleavage step occurs preferentially via β-alkyl transfer, which is the rate-limiting step in the alkane hydrogenolysis. The energetics of the comparative pathways over the potential energy surface diagram (PES) reveals the hydrogenolysis of n-butane into propane and ethane. © 2014 American Chemical Society.

Alanine substitutions in the GXXXG motif alter C99 cleavage by γ-secretase but not its dimerization.

Science.gov (United States)

Higashide, Hidekazu; Ishihara, Seiko; Nobuhara, Mika; Ihara, Yasuo; Funamoto, Satoru

2017-03-01

The amyloid β (Aβ) protein is a major component of senile plaques, one of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases leads to production of Aβ. APP contains tandem triple repeats of the GXXXG motif in its extracellular juxtamembrane and transmembrane regions. It is reported that the GXXXG motif is related to protein-protein interactions, but it remains controversial whether the GXXXG motif in APP is involved in substrate dimerization and whether dimerization affects γ-secretase-dependent cleavage. Therefore, the relationship between the GXXXG motifs, substrate dimerization, and γ-secretase-dependent cleavage sites remains unclear. Here, we applied blue native poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis to examine the effect of alanine substitutions within the GXXXG motifs of APP carboxyl terminal fragment (C99) on its dimerization and Aβ production. Surprisingly, alanine substitutions in the motif failed to alter C99 dimerization in detergent soluble state. Cell-based and solubilized γ-secretase assays demonstrated that increasing alanine substitutions in the motif tended to decrease long Aβ species such as Aβ42 and Aβ43 and to increase in short Aβ species concomitantly. Our data suggest that the GXXXG motif is crucial for Aβ production, but not for C99 dimerization. © 2016 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Zirconium and Titanium Propylene Polymerization Precatalysts Supported by a Fluxional C 2 -Symmetric Bis(anilide)pyridine Ligand

KAUST Repository

Tonks, Ian A.

2012-03-12

Titanium and zirconium complexes supported by a bis(anilide)pyridine ligand (NNN = pyridine-2,6-bis(N-mesitylanilide)) have been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. C 2-symmetric bis(dimethylamide) complexes were generated from aminolysis of M(NMe 2) 4 with the neutral, diprotonated NNN ligand or by salt metathesis of the dipotassium salt of NNN with M(NMe 2) 2Cl 2. In contrast to the case for previously reported pyridine bis(phenoxide) complexes, the ligand geometry of these complexes appears to be dictated by chelate ring strain rather than metal-ligand π bonding. The crystal structures of the five-coordinate dihalide complexes (NNN)MCl 2 (M = Ti, Zr) display a C 1-symmetric geometry with a stabilizing ipso interaction between the metal and the anilido ligand. Coordination of THF to (NNN)ZrCl 2 generates a six-coordinate C 2-symmetric complex. Facile antipode interconversion of the C 2 complexes, possibly via flat C 2v intermediates, has been investigated by variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy for (NNN)MX 2(THF) n (M = Ti, Zr; X = NMe 2, Cl) and (NNN)Zr(CH 2Ph) 2. These complexes were tested as propylene polymerization precatalysts, with most complexes giving low to moderate activities (10 2-10 4 g/(mol h)) for the formation of stereoirregular polypropylene. © 2012 American Chemical Society.

Ligand-Controlled Chemoselective C(acyl)–O Bond vs C(aryl)–C Bond Activation of Aromatic Esters in Nickel Catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp3) Cross-Couplings

KAUST Repository

Chatupheeraphat, Adisak; Liao, Hsuan-Hung; Srimontree, Watchara; Guo, Lin; Minenkov, Yury; Poater, Albert; Cavallo, Luigi; Rueping, Magnus

2018-01-01

step helped rationalizing this intriguing reaction chemoselectivity: whereas nickel complexes with bidentate ligands favor the C(aryl)-C bond cleavage in the oxidative addition step leading to the alkylated product via a decarbonylative process, nickel

Comparative metabolomics reveals endogenous ligands of DAF-12, a nuclear hormone receptor regulating C. elegans development and lifespan

Science.gov (United States)

Mahanti, Parag; Bose, Neelanjan; Bethke, Axel; Judkins, Joshua C.; Wollam, Joshua; Dumas, Kathleen J.; Zimmerman, Anna M.; Campbell, Sydney L.; Hu, Patrick J.; Antebi, Adam; Schroeder, Frank C.

2014-01-01

SUMMARY Small-molecule ligands of nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) govern the transcriptional regulation of metazoan development, cell differentiation, and metabolism. However, the physiological ligands of many NHRs remain poorly characterized primarily due to lack of robust analytical techniques. Using comparative metabolomics, we identified endogenous steroids that act as ligands of the C. elegans NHR, DAF-12, a vitamin-D and liver-X receptor homolog regulating larval development, fat metabolism, and lifespan. The identified molecules feature unexpected chemical modifications and include only one of two DAF-12 ligands reported earlier, necessitating a revision of previously proposed ligand biosynthetic pathways. We further show that ligand profiles are regulated by a complex enzymatic network including the Rieske oxygenase DAF-36, the short-chain dehydrogenase DHS-16, and the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, HSD-1. Our results demonstrate the advantages of comparative metabolomics over traditional candidate-based approaches and provide a blueprint for the identification of ligands for other C. elegans and mammalian NHRs. PMID:24411940

The PDZ motif of the α1C subunit is not required for surface trafficking and adrenergic modulation of CaV1.2 channel in the heart.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Lin; Katchman, Alexander; Weinberg, Richard L; Abrams, Jeffrey; Samad, Tahmina; Wan, Elaine; Pitt, Geoffrey S; Marx, Steven O

2015-01-23

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels play a key role in initiating muscle excitation-contraction coupling, neurotransmitter release, gene expression, and hormone secretion. The association of CaV1.2 with a supramolecular complex impacts trafficking, localization, turnover, and, most importantly, multifaceted regulation of its function in the heart. Several studies hint at an important role for the C terminus of the α1C subunit as a hub for multidimensional regulation of CaV1.2 channel trafficking and function. Recent studies have demonstrated an important role for the four-residue PDZ binding motif at the C terminus of α1C in interacting with scaffold proteins containing PDZ domains, in the subcellular localization of CaV1.2 in neurons, and in the efficient signaling to cAMP-response element-binding protein in neurons. However, the role of the α1C PDZ ligand domain in the heart is not known. To determine whether the α1C PDZ motif is critical for CaV1.2 trafficking and function in cardiomyocytes, we generated transgenic mice with inducible expression of an N-terminal FLAG epitope-tagged dihydropyridine-resistant α1C with the PDZ motif deleted (ΔPDZ). These mice were crossed with α-myosin heavy chain reverse transcriptional transactivator transgenic mice, and the double-transgenic mice were fed doxycycline. The ΔPDZ channels expressed, trafficked to the membrane, and supported robust excitation-contraction coupling in the presence of nisoldipine, a dihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel blocker, providing functional evidence that they appropriately target to dyads. The ΔPDZ Ca(2+) channels were appropriately regulated by isoproterenol and forskolin. These data indicate that the α1C PDZ motif is not required for surface trafficking, localization to the dyad, or adrenergic stimulation of CaV1.2 in adult cardiomyocytes. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Relationships Among Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Plasma Cytokines in African American Women.

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Denis, Gerald V; Sebastiani, Paola; Andrieu, Guillaume; Tran, Anna H; Strissel, Katherine J; Lombardi, Frank L; Palmer, Julie R

2017-11-01

The principal objective of this investigation was to identify novel cytokine associations with BMI and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Cytokines were profiled from African American women with obesity who donated plasma to the Komen Tissue Bank. Multiplex bead arrays of analytes were used to quantify 88 cytokines and chemokines in association with clinical diagnoses of metabolic health. Regression models were generated after elimination of outliers. Among women with obesity, T2D was associated with breast adipocyte hypertrophy and with six plasma analytes, including four chemokines (chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 2, chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 16, chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 1, and chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 16) and two growth factors (interleukin 2 and epidermal growth factor). In addition, three analytes were associated with obesity independently of diabetes: interleukin 4, soluble CD40 ligand, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3. Profiling of inflammatory cytokines combined with measures of BMI may produce a more personalized risk assessment for obesity-associated disease in African American women. © 2017 The Obesity Society.

Role of the ERC motif in the proximal part of the second intracellular loop and the C-terminal domain of the human prostaglandin F2alpha receptor (hFP-R) in G-protein coupling control.

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Pathe-Neuschäfer-Rube, Andrea; Neuschäfer-Rube, Frank; Püschel, Gerhard P

2005-05-15

The human FP-R (F2alpha prostaglandin receptor) is a Gq-coupled heptahelical ectoreceptor, which is of significant medical interest, since it is a potential target for the treatment of glaucoma and preterm labour. On agonist exposure, it mediates an increase in intracellular inositol phosphate formation. Little is known about the structures that govern the agonist-dependent receptor activation. In other prostanoid receptors, the C-terminal domain has been inferred in the control of agonist-dependent receptor activation. A DRY motif at the beginning of the second intracellular loop is highly conserved throughout the G-protein-coupled receptor family and appears to be crucial for controlling agonist-dependent receptor activation. It is replaced by an ERC motif in the FP-R and no evidence for the relevance of this motif in ligand-dependent activation of prostanoid receptors has been provided so far. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential role of the C-terminal domain and the ERC motif in agonist-controlled intracellular signalling in FP-R mutants generated by site-directed mutagenesis. It was found that substitution of the acidic Glu(132) in the ERC motif by a threonine residue led to full constitutive activation, whereas truncation of the receptor's C-terminal domain led to partial constitutive activation of all three intracellular signal pathways that had previously been shown to be activated by the FP-R, i.e. inositol trisphosphate formation, focal adhesion kinase activation and T-cell factor signalling. Inositol trisphosphate formation and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation were further enhanced by ligand binding in cells expressing the truncation mutant but not the E132T (Glu132-->Thr) mutant. Thus C-terminal truncation appeared to result in a receptor with partial constitutive activation, whereas substitution of Glu132 by threonine apparently resulted in a receptor with full constitutive activity.

cWords - systematic microRNA regulatory motif discovery from mRNA expression data

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rasmussen, Simon Horskjær; Jacobsen, Anders; Krogh, Anders

2013-01-01

and statistical methods of cWords, resulting in at least a factor 100 speed gain over the previous implementation. On a benchmark dataset of 19 microRNA (miRNA) perturbation experiments cWords showed equal or better performance than two comparable methods, miReduce and Sylamer. We have developed rigorous motif...... that demonstrate comparable or better performance than other existing methods. Rich visualization of results promotes intuitive and efficient interpretation of data. cWords is available as a stand-alone Open Source program at Github https://github.com/simras/cWords webcite and as a web-service at: http...

Powdery mildew fungal effector candidates share N-terminal Y/F/WxC-motif

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Emmersen Jeppe

2010-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Powdery mildew and rust fungi are widespread, serious pathogens that depend on developing haustoria in the living plant cells. Haustoria are separated from the host cytoplasm by a plant cell-derived extrahaustorial membrane. They secrete effector proteins, some of which are subsequently transferred across this membrane to the plant cell to suppress defense. Results In a cDNA library from barley epidermis containing powdery mildew haustoria, two-thirds of the sequenced ESTs were fungal and represented ~3,000 genes. Many of the most highly expressed genes encoded small proteins with N-terminal signal peptides. While these proteins are novel and poorly related, they do share a three-amino acid motif, which we named "Y/F/WxC", in the N-terminal of the mature proteins. The first amino acid of this motif is aromatic: tyrosine, phenylalanine or tryptophan, and the last is always cysteine. In total, we identified 107 such proteins, for which the ESTs represent 19% of the fungal clones in our library, suggesting fundamental roles in haustoria function. While overall sequence similarity between the powdery mildew Y/F/WxC-proteins is low, they do have a highly similar exon-intron structure, suggesting they have a common origin. Interestingly, searches of public fungal genome and EST databases revealed that haustoria-producing rust fungi also encode large numbers of novel, short proteins with signal peptides and the Y/F/WxC-motif. No significant numbers of such proteins were identified from genome and EST sequences from either fungi which do not produce haustoria or from haustoria-producing Oomycetes. Conclusion In total, we identified 107, 178 and 57 such Y/F/WxC-proteins from the barley powdery mildew, the wheat stem rust and the wheat leaf rust fungi, respectively. All together, our findings suggest the Y/F/WxC-proteins to be a new class of effectors from haustoria-producing pathogenic fungi.

Triosmium cluster compounds containing isocyanide and hydride ligands. Crystal and molecular structure of (μ-H)(μ-eta1-C==N(H)(t-C4H9))Os3(CO)10

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adams, R.D.; Golembeski, N.M.

1979-01-01

The crystal and molecular structure of the compound (μ-H)(μ-eta 1 -C==N(H)(t-C 4 H 9 ))Os 3 (CO) 10 has been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The compound crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2 1 /n[C/sub 2h/ 5 ]:a = 13.651 (4) A, b = 9.156 (4) A, c = 18.275 (5) A, β = 111.42 (2) 0 , V = 2126.3 (25) A 3 , Z = 4, rho/sub calcd/ = 2.92 g cm -3 . A uniform triangular cluster of three osmium atoms contains ten linear carbonyl groups and a μ-eta 1 -C==N(H)(t-C 4 H 9 ) iminyl ligand. The carbon atom of the iminyl ligand symmetrically bridges one osmium-osmium bond, as is shown by the internuclear separations Os(2)-C(11) = 2.066 (8) A and Os(3)-C(11) = 2.043 (8) A. The iminyl bond, C(11)-N, is double with the C-N distance being 1.298 (10) A

Ligand-accelerated non-directed C-H functionalization of arenes

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Wang, Peng; Verma, Pritha; Xia, Guoqin; Shi, Jun; Qiao, Jennifer X.; Tao, Shiwei; Cheng, Peter T. W.; Poss, Michael A.; Farmer, Marcus E.; Yeung, Kap-Sun; Yu, Jin-Quan

2017-11-01

The directed activation of carbon-hydrogen bonds (C-H) is important in the development of synthetically useful reactions, owing to the proximity-induced reactivity and selectivity that is enabled by coordinating functional groups. Palladium-catalysed non-directed C-H activation could potentially enable further useful reactions, because it can reach more distant sites and be applied to substrates that do not contain appropriate directing groups; however, its development has faced substantial challenges associated with the lack of sufficiently active palladium catalysts. Currently used palladium catalysts are reactive only with electron-rich arenes, unless an excess of arene is used, which limits synthetic applications. Here we report a 2-pyridone ligand that binds to palladium and accelerates non-directed C-H functionalization with arene as the limiting reagent. This protocol is compatible with a broad range of aromatic substrates and we demonstrate direct functionalization of advanced synthetic intermediates, drug molecules and natural products that cannot be used in excessive quantities. We also developed C-H olefination and carboxylation protocols, demonstrating the applicability of our methodology to other transformations. The site selectivity in these transformations is governed by a combination of steric and electronic effects, with the pyridone ligand enhancing the influence of sterics on the selectivity, thus providing complementary selectivity to directed C-H functionalization.

Interaction of Cu+ with cytosine and formation of i-motif-like C-M+-C complexes: alkali versus coinage metals

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Gao, J.; Berden, G.; Rodgers, M.T.; Oomens, J.

2016-01-01

The Watson-Crick structure of DNA is among the most well-known molecular structures of our time. However, alternative base-pairing motifs are also known to occur, often depending on base sequence, pH, or the presence of cations. Pairing of cytosine (C) bases induced by the sharing of a single proton

Genetic polymorphism rs3760396 of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 gene (CCL2) associated with the susceptibility of lung cancer in a pathological subtype-specific manner in Han-ancestry Chinese: a case control study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Xu; Lin, Fangcai; Zhou, Hong

2016-01-01

Chemokines are well known inflammatory factors critical for tumor development in diverse tissues, including lung cancer. Chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) was one of such chemokines important for both primary tumor development and metastasis of various cancers. Polymorphism at rs3760396 of CCL2 genes is associated with the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The goal of our study was to examine the relationship of genetic polymorphisms rs3760396 with the susceptibility of lung cancer and its pathological subtypes in Han-ancestry Chinese population. rs3760396 G/C polymorphism of CCL2 was genotyped using PCR in 394 patients with lung cancer and 545 cancer-free controls from the same Northeast region of China. After controlling for gender, age and smoking status, no significant association was observed between rs3760396 polymorphism and overall lung cancer. However, minor allele G of rs3760396 polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of adenosquamous lung carcinoma with either allelic genetic model (OR = 5.29, P < 0.001), or dominant genetic model (OR = 9.88, P < 0.001), or genotypic model (GC genotype vs. CC genotype, OR = 10.73, P < 0.001). Although rs3760396 polymorphism was not significantly associated with increased risk of adenocarcinoma subtype, it was nominally associated with the pooled outcome of either adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma under allelic genetic model (OR = 1.54, P = 0.023) or dominant genetic model (OR = 1.57, P = 0.031). Our study suggested rs3760396 polymorphism of CCL2 is associated not only with prognosis of NSCLC, but also with risk of lung cancer in a subtype-specific manner. Our results further supported previous evidence of the important role of CCL2 in lung cancer development

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of nickel hydride complexes containing 2,6-C6H3(CH2PR2)2 (R = tBu, cHex, and iPr) pincer ligands.

Science.gov (United States)

Boro, Brian J; Duesler, Eileen N; Goldberg, Karen I; Kemp, Richard A

2009-06-15

The syntheses and full characterization of nickel hydrides containing the PCP "pincer"-type ligand, where PCP = 2,6-C(6)H(3)(CH(2)PR(2))(2) (R = tBu, cHex, and iPr), are reported. These Ni-H complexes are prepared by the conversion of ((R)PCP)NiCl precursors into the corresponding nickel hydrides by use of appropriate hydride donors. Surprisingly, although the ((R)PCP)NiCl precursors are quite similar chemically, the conversions to the hydrides were not straightforward and required different hydride reagents to provide analytically pure products. While NaBH(4) was effective in the preparation of pure ((tBu)PCP)NiH, Super-Hydride solution (LiEt(3)BH in THF) was required to prepare either ((cHex)PCP)NiH or ((iPr)PCP)NiH. Attempts to prepare a Ni-H from ((Ph)PCP)NiCl with a variety of hydride reagents yielded only the free ligand as an identifiable product. Two of the derivatives, tBu and cHex, have also been subjected to single crystal X-ray analysis. The solid-state structures each showed a classic, near-square planar arrangement for Ni in which the PCP ligand occupied three meridional ligand points with the Ni-H trans to the Ni-C bond. The resulting Ni-H bond lengths were 1.42(3) and 1.55(2) A for the tBu and cHex derivatives, respectively.

CD40 Ligand Deficient C57BL/6 Mouse Is a Potential Surrogate Model of Human X-Linked Hyper IgM (X-HIGM Syndrome for Characterizing Immune Responses against Pathogens

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Catalina Lopez-Saucedo

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Individuals with X-HIGM syndrome fail to express functional CD40 ligand; consequently they cannot mount effective protective antibody responses against pathogenic bacteria. We evaluated, compared, and characterized the humoral immune response of wild type (WT and C57-CD40L deficient (C57-CD40L−/− mice infected with Citrobacter rodentium. Basal serum isotype levels were similar for IgM and IgG3 among mice, while total IgG and IgG2b concentrations were significantly lower in C57-CD40L−/− mice compared with WT. Essentially IgG1 and IgG2c levels were detectable only in WT mice. C57-CD40L−/− animals, orally inoculated with 2×109 CFU, presented several clinical manifestations since the second week of infection and eventually died. In contrast at this time point no clinical manifestations were observed among C57-CD40L−/− mice infected with 1×107 CFU. Infection was subclinical in WT mice inoculated with either bacterial dose. The serum samples from infected mice (1×107 CFU, collected at day 14 after infection, had similar C. rodentium-specific IgM titres. Although C57-CD40L−/− animals had lower IgG and IgG2b titres than WT mice, C57-CD40L−/− mice sera displayed complement-mediated bactericidal activity against C. rodentium. C. rodentium-infected C57-CD40L−/− mice are capable of producing antibodies that are protective. C57-CD40L−/− mouse is a useful surrogate model of X-HIGM syndrome for studying immune responses elicited against pathogens.

Synthesis of two potential NK1-receptor ligands using [1-11C]ethyl iodide and [1-11C]propyl iodide and initial PET-imaging

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Genchel Tove

2007-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The previously validated NK1-receptor ligand [O-methyl-11C]GR205171 binds with a high affinity to the NK1-receptor and displays a slow dissociation from the receptor. Hence, it cannot be used in vivo for detecting concentration changes in substance P, the endogenous ligand for the NK1-receptor. A radioligand used for monitoring these changes has to enable displacement by the endogenous ligand and thus bind reversibly to the receptor. Small changes in the structure of a receptor ligand can lead to changes in binding characteristics and also in the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study was to use carbon-11 labelled ethyl and propyl iodide with high specific radioactivity in the synthesis of two new and potentially reversible NK1-receptor ligands with chemical structures based on [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. Methods [1-11C]Ethyl and [1-11C]propyl iodide with specific radioactivities of 90 GBq/μmol and 270 GBq/μmol, respectively, were used in the synthesis of [O-methyl-11C]GR205171 analogues by alkylation of O-desmethyl GR205171. The brain uptake of the obtained (2S,3S-N-(1-(2- [1-11C]ethoxy-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylphenylethyl-2-phenylpiperidin-3-amine (I and (2S,3S-2-phenyl-N-(1-(2- [1-11C]propoxy-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ylphenylethylpiperidin-3-amine (II was studied with PET in guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys and compared to the uptake of [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. Results All ligands had similar uptake distribution in the guinea pig brain. The PET-studies in rhesus monkeys showed that (II had no specific binding in striatum. Ligand (I had moderate specific binding compared to the [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. The ethyl analogue (I displayed reversible binding characteristics contrary to the slow dissociation rate shown by [O-methyl-11C]GR205171. Conclusion The propyl-analogue (II cannot be used for detecting changes in NK1-ligand levels, while further studies should be

Role of the Box C/D Motif in Localization of Small Nucleolar RNAs to Coiled Bodies and Nucleoli

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Narayanan, Aarthi; Speckmann, Wayne; Terns, Rebecca; Terns, Michael P.

1999-01-01

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a large family of eukaryotic RNAs that function within the nucleolus in the biogenesis of ribosomes. One major class of snoRNAs is the box C/D snoRNAs named for their conserved box C and box D sequence elements. We have investigated the involvement of cis-acting sequences and intranuclear structures in the localization of box C/D snoRNAs to the nucleolus by assaying the intranuclear distribution of fluorescently labeled U3, U8, and U14 snoRNAs injected into Xenopus oocyte nuclei. Analysis of an extensive panel of U3 RNA variants showed that the box C/D motif, comprised of box C′, box D, and the 3′ terminal stem of U3, is necessary and sufficient for the nucleolar localization of U3 snoRNA. Disruption of the elements of the box C/D motif of U8 and U14 snoRNAs also prevented nucleolar localization, indicating that all box C/D snoRNAs use a common nucleolar-targeting mechanism. Finally, we found that wild-type box C/D snoRNAs transiently associate with coiled bodies before they localize to nucleoli and that variant RNAs that lack an intact box C/D motif are detained within coiled bodies. These results suggest that coiled bodies play a role in the biogenesis and/or intranuclear transport of box C/D snoRNAs. PMID:10397754

Hydrogen insertion in titanium carbide based thin films (nc-TiC{sub x}/a-C:H) - comparison with bulk TiC{sub x}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nguyen, Julien; Jaoul, Cédric, E-mail: jaoul@ensil.unilim.fr; Glandut, Nicolas; Lefort, Pierre

2016-08-01

Nanocomposites composed of titanium carbide nanosized grains embedded in an amorphous hydrogenated carbon matrix (nc-TiC{sub x}/a-C:H) are prepared by hybrid Magnetron Sputtering - PECVD process using a titanium metal target and gaseous C{sub 6}H{sub 6}. By controlling the benzene flow rate, thin films with different carbon content are obtained. The structures of nc-TiC{sub x}/a-C:H materials are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopic methods. The electrochemical hydrogen insertion, as studied by cyclic voltammetry, strongly depends on the carbon content in the thin films. The correlation between the hydrogen insertion ability and the structure of materials are discussed. Furthermore, we show that the hydrogen insertion in these thin films reaches values much more significant than in bulk substoichiometric titanium carbide obtained by reactive sintering. - Highlights: • nc-TiC{sub x}/a-C:H thin films are prepared hybrid Magnetron Sputtering - PECVD process. • Different carbon contents are obtained by changing the hydrocarbon flowrate. • Expanded lattice parameter of the TiC{sub x} phase and a-C:H phase are observed. • Electrochemical hydrogen insertion strongly depends on the carbon content. • The maximum insertion is 22 times more important than bulk TiC{sub x}.

Anion induced conformational preference of Cα NN motif residues in functional proteins.

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Patra, Piya; Ghosh, Mahua; Banerjee, Raja; Chakrabarti, Jaydeb

2017-12-01

Among different ligand binding motifs, anion binding C α NN motif consisting of peptide backbone atoms of three consecutive residues are observed to be important for recognition of free anions, like sulphate or biphosphate and participate in different key functions. Here we study the interaction of sulphate and biphosphate with C α NN motif present in different proteins. Instead of total protein, a peptide fragment has been studied keeping C α NN motif flanked in between other residues. We use classical force field based molecular dynamics simulations to understand the stability of this motif. Our data indicate fluctuations in conformational preferences of the motif residues in absence of the anion. The anion gives stability to one of these conformations. However, the anion induced conformational preferences are highly sequence dependent and specific to the type of anion. In particular, the polar residues are more favourable compared to the other residues for recognising the anion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Monitoring lysin motif-ligand interactions via tryptophan analog fluorescence spectroscopy

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Petrovic, Dejan M.; Leenhouts, Kees; van Roosmalen, Maarten L.; KleinJan, Fenneke; Broos, Jaap

2012-01-01

The lysin motif (LysM) is a peptidoglycan binding protein domain found in a wide range of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Various techniques have been used to study the LysM-ligand interaction, but a sensitive spectroscopic method to directly monitor this interaction has not been reported. Here a

Synthesis and structure of unprecedented samarium complex with bulky bis-iminopyrrolyl ligand via intramolecular C=N bond activation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Das, Suman; Anga, Srinivas; Harinath, Adimulam; Panda, Tarun K. [Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (India); Pada Nayek, Hari [Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, (ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India)

2017-12-29

An unprecedentate samarium complex of the molecular composition [{κ"3-{(Ph_2CH)N=CH}{sub 2}C{sub 4}H{sub 2}N}{κ"3-{(Ph_2CHN=CH)(Ph_2CHNCH)C_4H_2N}Sm}{sub 2}] (2), which was isolated by the reaction of a potassium salt of 2,5-bis{N-(diphenylmethyl)-iminomethyl}pyrrolyl ligand [K(THF){sub 2}{(Ph_2CH)N=CH}{sub 2}C{sub 4}H{sub 2}N] (1) with anhydrous samarium diiodide in THF at 60 C through the in situ reduction of imine bond is presented. The homoleptic samarium complex [[κ{sup 3}-{(Ph_2CH)-N=CH}{sub 2}C{sub 4}H{sub 2}N]{sub 3}Sm] (3) can also be obtained from the reaction of compound 1 with anhydrous samarium triiodide (SmI{sub 3}) in THF at 60 C. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecular structure of complex 2 reveals the formation of a C-C bond in the 2,5-bis{N-(diphenylmethyl)iminomethyl}pyrrole ligand moiety (Ph{sub 2}Py{sup -}). However, complex 3 is a homoleptic samarium complex of three bis-iminopyrrolyl ligands. In complex 2, the samarium ion adopts an octahedral arrangement, whereas in complex 3, a distorted three face-centered trigonal prismatic mode of nine coordination is observed around the metal ion. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Ligand-Enabled γ-C(sp(3))-H Olefination of Amines: En Route to Pyrrolidines.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Heng; He, Jian; Liu, Tao; Yu, Jin-Quan

2016-02-17

Pd(II)-catalyzed olefination of γ-C(sp(3))-H bonds of triflyl (Tf) and 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl (Ns) protected amines is achieved. Subsequent aza-Wacker oxidative cyclization or conjugate addition of the olefinated intermediates provides a variety of C-2 alkylated pyrrolidines. Three pyridine- and quinoline-based ligands are developed to match different classes of amine substrates, demonstrating a rare example of ligand-enabled C(sp(3))-H olefination reactions. The use of Ns protecting group to direct C(sp(3))-H activation of alkyl amines is also a significant step toward practical C-H functionalizations of alkyl amines.

Evolutionarily conserved bias of amino-acid usage refines the definition of PDZ-binding motif

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Launey Thomas

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The interactions between PDZ (PSD-95, Dlg, ZO-1 domains and PDZ-binding motifs play central roles in signal transductions within cells. Proteins with PDZ domains bind to PDZ-binding motifs almost exclusively when the motifs are located at the carboxyl (C- terminal ends of their binding partners. However, it remains little explored whether PDZ-binding motifs show any preferential location at the C-terminal ends of proteins, at genome-level. Results Here, we examined the distribution of the type-I (x-x-S/T-x-I/L/V or type-II (x-x-V-x-I/V PDZ-binding motifs in proteins encoded in the genomes of five different species (human, mouse, zebrafish, fruit fly and nematode. We first established that these PDZ-binding motifs are indeed preferentially present at their C-terminal ends. Moreover, we found specific amino acid (AA bias for the 'x' positions in the motifs at the C-terminal ends. In general, hydrophilic AAs were favored. Our genomics-based findings confirm and largely extend the results of previous interaction-based studies, allowing us to propose refined consensus sequences for all of the examined PDZ-binding motifs. An ontological analysis revealed that the refined motifs are functionally relevant since a large fraction of the proteins bearing the motif appear to be involved in signal transduction. Furthermore, co-precipitation experiments confirmed two new protein interactions predicted by our genomics-based approach. Finally, we show that influenza virus pathogenicity can be correlated with PDZ-binding motif, with high-virulence viral proteins bearing a refined PDZ-binding motif. Conclusions Our refined definition of PDZ-binding motifs should provide important clues for identifying functional PDZ-binding motifs and proteins involved in signal transduction.

Highly Stable [C60AuC60]+/- Dumbbells.

Science.gov (United States)

Goulart, Marcelo; Kuhn, Martin; Martini, Paul; Chen, Lei; Hagelberg, Frank; Kaiser, Alexander; Scheier, Paul; Ellis, Andrew M

2018-05-17

Ionic complexes between gold and C 60 have been observed for the first time. Cations and anions of the type [Au(C 60 ) 2 ] +/- are shown to have particular stability. Calculations suggest that these ions adopt a C 60 -Au-C 60 sandwich-like (dumbbell) structure, which is reminiscent of [XAuX] +/- ions previously observed for much smaller ligands. The [Au(C 60 ) 2 ] +/- ions can be regarded as Au(I) complexes, regardless of whether the net charge is positive or negative, but in both cases, the charge transfer between the Au and C 60 is incomplete, most likely because of a covalent contribution to the Au-C 60 binding. The C 60 -Au-C 60 dumbbell structure represents a new architecture in fullerene chemistry that might be replicable in synthetic nanostructures.

Cathepsin X Cleaves Profilin 1 C-Terminal Tyr139 and Influences Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis.

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Urša Pečar Fonović

Full Text Available Cathepsin X, a cysteine carboxypeptidase, is upregulated in several types of cancer. Its molecular target in tumor cells is profilin 1, a known tumor suppressor and regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Cathepsin X cleaves off the C-terminal Tyr139 of profilin 1, affecting binding of poly-L-proline ligands and, consequently, tumor cell migration and invasion. Profilin 1 with mutations at the C-terminus, transiently expressed in prostate cancer cells PC-3, showed that Tyr139 is important for proper function of profilin 1 as a tumor suppressor. Cleaving off Tyr139 prevents the binding of clathrin, a poly-L-proline ligand involved in endocytosis. More profilin 1-clathrin complexes were present in PC-3 cells when cathepsin X was inhibited by its specific inhibitor AMS36 or silenced by siRNA. As a consequence, the endocytosis of FITC-labeled dextran and transferrin conjugate was significantly increased. These results constitute the first report of the regulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in tumor cells through proteolytic processing of profilin 1.

Cathepsin X Cleaves Profilin 1 C-Terminal Tyr139 and Influences Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

Science.gov (United States)

Pečar Fonović, Urša; Kos, Janko

2015-01-01

Cathepsin X, a cysteine carboxypeptidase, is upregulated in several types of cancer. Its molecular target in tumor cells is profilin 1, a known tumor suppressor and regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Cathepsin X cleaves off the C-terminal Tyr139 of profilin 1, affecting binding of poly-L-proline ligands and, consequently, tumor cell migration and invasion. Profilin 1 with mutations at the C-terminus, transiently expressed in prostate cancer cells PC-3, showed that Tyr139 is important for proper function of profilin 1 as a tumor suppressor. Cleaving off Tyr139 prevents the binding of clathrin, a poly-L-proline ligand involved in endocytosis. More profilin 1—clathrin complexes were present in PC-3 cells when cathepsin X was inhibited by its specific inhibitor AMS36 or silenced by siRNA. As a consequence, the endocytosis of FITC-labeled dextran and transferrin conjugate was significantly increased. These results constitute the first report of the regulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in tumor cells through proteolytic processing of profilin 1. PMID:26325675

Investigation of ‘Head-to-Tail’-Connected Oligoaryl N,O-Ligands as Recognition Motifs for Cancer-Relevant G-Quadruplexes

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Natalia Rizeq

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Oligomeric compounds, constituted of consecutive N,O-heteroaromatic rings, introduce useful and tunable properties as alternative ligands for biomolecular recognition. In this study, we have explored a synthetic scheme relying on Van Leusen oxazole formation, in conjunction with C–H activation of the formed oxazoles and their subsequent C–C cross-coupling to 2-bromopyridines in order to assemble a library of variable-length, ‘head-to-tail’-connected, pyridyl-oxazole ligands. Through investigation of the interaction of the three longer ligands (5-mer, 6-mer, 7-mer with cancer-relevant G-quadruplex structures (human telomeric/22AG and c-Myc oncogene promoter/Myc2345-Pu22, the asymmetric pyridyl-oxazole motif has been demonstrated to be a prominent recognition element for G-quadruplexes. Fluorescence titrations reveal excellent binding affinities of the 7-mer and 6-mer for a Na+-induced antiparallel 22AG G-quadruplex (KD = 0.6 × 10−7 M−1 and 0.8 × 10−7 M−1, respectively, and satisfactory (albeit lower affinities for the 22AG/K+ and Myc2345-Pu22/K+ G-quadruplexes. All ligands tested exhibit substantial selectivity for G-quadruplex versus duplex (ds26 DNA, as evidenced by competitive Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET melting assays. Additionally, the 7-mer and 6-mer are capable of promoting a sharp morphology transition of 22AG/K+ G-quadruplex.

Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides containing TTAGGG motifs inhibit cGAS activation in human monocytes.

Science.gov (United States)

Steinhagen, Folkert; Zillinger, Thomas; Peukert, Konrad; Fox, Mario; Thudium, Marcus; Barchet, Winfried; Putensen, Christian; Klinman, Dennis; Latz, Eicke; Bode, Christian

2018-04-01

Type I interferon (IFN) is a critical mediator of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS). The recently discovered cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) induces the production of type I IFN in response to cytosolic DNA and is potentially linked to SLE and AGS. Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing repetitive TTAGGG motifs present in mammalian telomeres have proven useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases including SLE. In this study, we demonstrate that the suppressive ODN A151 effectively inhibits activation of cGAS in response to cytosolic DNA, thereby inhibiting type I IFN production by human monocytes. In addition, A151 abrogated cGAS activation in response to endogenous accumulation of DNA using TREX1-deficient monocytes. We demonstrate that A151 prevents cGAS activation in a manner that is competitive with DNA. This suppressive activity of A151 was dependent on both telomeric sequence and phosphorothioate backbone. To our knowledge this report presents the first cGAS inhibitor capable of blocking self-DNA. Collectively, these findings might lead to the development of new therapeutics against IFN-driven pathologies due to cGAS activation. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of ligand polarizability on the reversible binding of O2 by trans-[Rh(X)(XNC)(PPh3)2] (X = Cl, Br, SC6F5, C2Ph; XNC = xylyl isocyanide). Structures and a kinetic study.

Science.gov (United States)

Carlton, Laurence; Mokoena, Lebohang V; Fernandes, Manuel A

2008-10-06

The complexes trans-[Rh(X)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] (X = Cl, 1; Br, 2; SC 6F 5, 3; C 2Ph, 4; XNC = xylyl isocyanide) combine reversibly with molecular oxygen to give [Rh(X)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] of which [Rh(SC 6F 5)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] ( 7) and [Rh(C 2Ph)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] ( 8) are sufficiently stable to be isolated in crystalline form. Complexes 2, 3, 4, and 7 have been structurally characterized. Kinetic data for the dissociation of O 2 from the dioxygen adducts of 1- 4 were obtained using (31)P NMR to monitor changes in the concentration of [Rh(X)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] (X = Cl, Br, SC 6F 5, C 2Ph) resulting from the bubbling of argon through the respective warmed solutions (solvent chlorobenzene). From data recorded at temperatures in the range 30-70 degrees C, activation parameters were obtained as follows: Delta H (++) (kJ mol (-1)): 31.7 +/- 1.6 (X = Cl), 52.1 +/- 4.3 (X = Br), 66.0 +/- 5.8 (X = SC 6F 5), 101.3 +/- 1.8 (X = C 2Ph); Delta S (++) (J K (-1) mol (-1)): -170.3 +/- 5.0 (X = Cl), -120 +/- 13.6 (X = Br), -89 +/- 18.2 (X = SC 6F 5), -6.4 +/- 5.4 (X = C 2Ph). The values of Delta H (++) and Delta S (++) are closely correlated (R (2) = 0.9997), consistent with a common dissociation pathway along which the rate-determining step occurs at a different position for each X. Relative magnitudes of Delta H (++) are interpreted in terms of differing polarizabilities of ligands X.

New ' Bucky- ligands'. Potentially Monoanionic Terdentate Diamino Aryl Pincer Ligands Anchored to C60

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Koten, G. van; Meijer, M.D.; Gossage, R.A.; Jastrzebski, J.T.B.H.

1998-01-01

Two new methanofullerenes have been prepared by the reaction of C{6}{0} with diazo substituted, potentially monoanionic, terdentate diamino aryl ligands, yielding a mixture of the open valence [5, 6]- and closed valence [6,6]-isomers. Single isomers of the pure [6,6]-methanofullerenes were obtained

Studies on the selectivity of the reaction of (CO){sub 5}W=C(aryl)H with enynes: transfer of the carbene ligand to the C=C Bond versus insertion of the C triple bond C into the W=C Bond

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fischer, H.; Volkland, H.P.; Stumpf, R.

1996-10-01

The strongly electrophilic monophenylcarbene complex [(CO){sub 5}W=C(Ph)H] (2a) reacts with the enynes H-C triple bond C-R(R=-C(Me)=CH{sub 2})(3), -C{sub 6}H{sub 4}-CH=CH{sub 2}-p (5) and subsequently with PMe{sub 3} to form the C{sub a}lpha-PMe{sub 3} adducts of the vinylidene complexes [(CO){sub 5}W-{l_brace}C(PMe{sub 3})=CH-C{sub 3}H{sub 3}(Me)Ph{r_brace}] (4) and [(CO){sub 5}W {l_brace}C(PMe{sub 3})=CH-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}-C{sub 3}H{sub 4}Ph{r_brace}] (6). The reaction very likely proceeds by transfer of the carbene ligand to the C=C bond of the enyne to form a cyclopropyl-substituted alkyne complex which is in equilibrium with its vinylidene isomer.

1.55 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rv3902c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reddy, Bharat G.; Moates, Derek B. [University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1025 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (United States); Kim, Heung-Bok [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 (United States); Green, Todd J. [University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1025 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (United States); Kim, Chang-Yub; Terwilliger, Thomas C. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 (United States); DeLucas, Lawrence J., E-mail: duke2@uab.edu [University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1025 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (United States)

2014-03-25

The 1.55 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rv3902c from M. tuberculosis reveals a novel fold. The crystallographic structure of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) protein Rv3902c (176 residues; molecular mass of 19.8 kDa) was determined at 1.55 Å resolution. The function of Rv3902c is unknown, although several TB genes involved in bacterial pathogenesis are expressed from the operon containing the Rv3902c gene. The unique structural fold of Rv3902c contains two domains, each consisting of antiparallel β-sheets and α-helices, creating a hand-like binding motif with a small binding pocket in the palm. Structural homology searches reveal that Rv3902c has an overall structure similar to that of the Salmonella virulence-factor chaperone InvB, with an r.m.s.d. for main-chain atoms of 2.3 Å along an aligned domain.

1.55 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rv3902c from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reddy, Bharat G.; Moates, Derek B.; Kim, Heung-Bok; Green, Todd J.; Kim, Chang-Yub; Terwilliger, Thomas C.; DeLucas, Lawrence J.

2014-01-01

The 1.55 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of Rv3902c from M. tuberculosis reveals a novel fold. The crystallographic structure of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) protein Rv3902c (176 residues; molecular mass of 19.8 kDa) was determined at 1.55 Å resolution. The function of Rv3902c is unknown, although several TB genes involved in bacterial pathogenesis are expressed from the operon containing the Rv3902c gene. The unique structural fold of Rv3902c contains two domains, each consisting of antiparallel β-sheets and α-helices, creating a hand-like binding motif with a small binding pocket in the palm. Structural homology searches reveal that Rv3902c has an overall structure similar to that of the Salmonella virulence-factor chaperone InvB, with an r.m.s.d. for main-chain atoms of 2.3 Å along an aligned domain

Identification and Biological Activity of Synthetic Macrophage Inducible C-Type Lectin Ligands

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Chriselle D. Braganza

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The macrophage inducible C-type lectin (Mincle is a pattern recognition receptor able to recognize both damage-associated and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and in this respect, there has been much interest in determining the scope of ligands that bind Mincle and how structural modifications to these ligands influence ensuing immune responses. In this review, we will present Mincle ligands of known chemical structure, with a focus on ligands that have been synthetically prepared, such as trehalose glycolipids, glycerol-based ligands, and 6-acylated glucose and mannose derivatives. The ability of the different classes of ligands to influence the innate, and consequently, the adaptive, immune response will be described, and where appropriate, structure–activity relationships within each class of Mincle ligands will be presented.

Binding Mode Prediction of 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2C Receptor Ligands by Homology Modeling and Molecular Docking Analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ahmed, Asif; Nagarajan, Shanthi; Doddareddy, Munikumar Reddy; Cho, Yong Seo; Pae, Ae Nim [Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2011-06-15

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine subtype 2C (5-HT{sub 2C}) receptor belongs to class A amine subfamily of Gprotein- coupled receptor (GPCR) super family and its ligands has therapeutic promise as anti-depressant and -obesity agents. So far, bovine rhodopsin from class A opsin subfamily was the mostly used X-ray crystal template to model this receptor. Here, we explained homology model using beta 2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), the model was energetically minimized and validated by flexible ligand docking with known agonists and antagonists. In the active site Asp134, Ser138 of transmembrane 3 (TM3), Arg195 of extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) and Tyr358 of TM7 were found as important residues to interact with agonists. In addition to these, V208 of ECL2 and N351 of TM7 was found to interact with antagonists. Several conserved residues including Trp324, Phe327 and Phe328 were also found to contribute hydrophobic interaction. The predicted ligand binding mode is in good agreement with published mutagenesis and homology model data. This new template derived homology model can be useful for further virtual screening based lead identification.

New homo- and heteroleptic derivatives of trivalent ytterbium containing anion-radical 1,4-diazadiene ligands. Synthesis, properties and crystal structure of (C9H7)2Yb[2-MeC6H4NC(Me)C(Me)NC6H4Me-2] and [PhNC(Ph)C(Ph)NPh]3Yb complexes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gudilenkov, I.D.; Fukin, G.K.; Cherkasov, A.V.; Shavyrin, A.S.; Trifonov, A.A.; Larionova, Yu.E.

2008-01-01

Reaction of ytterbium bisindenyl complex (C 9 H 7 ) 2 Yb II (THF) 2 (1) with 1,4-diazabutadiene 2-MeC 6 H 4 N=C(Me)-C(Me)=NC 6 H 4 Me-2 ( Me DAD) is accompanied by the oxidation of metal atom until trivalent state and results in the formation of paramagnetic compound of metallocenes type (C 9 H 7 ) 2 Yb III ( Me DAD -. ) (3) containing 1,4-diazabutadiene anion-radical. Structure of complex 3 is ascertained by the X-ray structure analysis. Reactions of bisindenyl (1) and bisfluorenyl (C 13 H 9 ) 2 Yb II (THF) 2 (2) derivatives of bivalent ytterbium with 1,4-diazabutadiene PhN=C(Ph)-C(Ph)=NPh ( Ph DAD) (at 1:2 molar ratio of reagents) proceed with the complete break of Yb-C bonds, oxidation of ytterbium atom until trivalent state, and result in the formation of homoligand complex ( Ph DAD -. ) 3 Yb (6) containing three anion-radical 1,4-diazadiene ligands. Complex 6 was also prepared by the exchange reaction of YbCl 3 with Ph DAD -. K + (1:3) in THF. Complex 6 is characterized by the X-ray structure analysis [ru

Ligand-Enabled γ-C(sp3)–H Olefination of Amines: En Route to Pyrrolidines

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Heng; He, Jian; Liu, Tao

2016-01-01

Pd(II)-catalyzed olefination of γ-C(sp3)–H bonds of triflyl (Tf) and 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl (Ns) protected amines is achieved. Subsequent aza-Wacker oxidative cyclization or conjugate addition of the olefinated intermediates provides a variety of C-2 alkylated pyrrolidines. Three pyridine- and quinoline-based ligands are developed to match different classes of amine substrates, demonstrating a rare example of ligand-enabled C(sp3)–H olefination reaction. The use of Ns protecting group to direct C(sp3)–H activation of alkyl amine is also a significant step towards practical C–H functionalizations of alkyl amines. PMID:26796676

Solution Phase Measurement of Both Weak Sigma and C-H---X- Hydrogen Bonding Interactions in Synthetic Anion Receptors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Berryman, Mr. Orion B. [University of Oregon; Sather, Mr. Aaron C [University of Oregon; Hay, Benjamin [ORNL; Meisner, Mr. Jeffrey S. [University of Oregon; Johnson, Prof. Darren W. [University of Oregon

2008-01-01

A series of tripodal receptors preorganize electron-deficient aromatic rings to bind halides in organic solvents using weak sigma anion-to-arene interactions or C-H---X- hydrogen bonds. 1H NMR spectroscopy proves to be a powerful technique for quantifying binding in solution, and determining the interaction motifs, even in cases of weak binding.

CXCR4 Ligands : The Next Big Hit?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Walenkamp, Annemiek M. E.; Lapa, Constantin; Herrmann, Ken; Wester, Hans-Juergen

2017-01-01

The G protein-coupled protein receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is an attractive target for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as it is overexpressed in many solid and hematologic cancers. Binding of its ligand, C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), results in receptor internalization and

Single-source-precursor synthesis of dense SiC/HfC(x)N(1-x)-based ultrahigh-temperature ceramic nanocomposites.

Science.gov (United States)

Wen, Qingbo; Xu, Yeping; Xu, Binbin; Fasel, Claudia; Guillon, Olivier; Buntkowsky, Gerd; Yu, Zhaoju; Riedel, Ralf; Ionescu, Emanuel

2014-11-21

A novel single-source precursor was synthesized by the reaction of an allyl hydrido polycarbosilane (SMP10) and tetrakis(dimethylamido)hafnium(iv) (TDMAH) for the purpose of preparing dense monolithic SiC/HfC(x)N(1-x)-based ultrahigh temperature ceramic nanocomposites. The materials obtained at different stages of the synthesis process were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The polymer-to-ceramic transformation was investigated by means of MAS NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with in situ mass spectrometry. Moreover, the microstructural evolution of the synthesized SiHfCN-based ceramics annealed at different temperatures ranging from 1300 °C to 1800 °C was characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on its high temperature behavior, the amorphous SiHfCN-based ceramic powder was used to prepare monolithic SiC/HfC(x)N(1-x)-based nanocomposites using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The results showed that dense monolithic SiC/HfC(x)N(1-x)-based nanocomposites with low open porosity (0.74 vol%) can be prepared successfully from single-source precursors. The average grain size of both HfC0.83N0.17 and SiC phases was found to be less than 100 nm after SPS processing owing to a unique microstructure: HfC0.83N0.17 grains were embedded homogeneously in a β-SiC matrix and encapsulated by in situ formed carbon layers which acted as a diffusion barrier to suppress grain growth. The segregated Hf-carbonitride grains significantly influenced the electrical conductivity of the SPS processed monolithic samples. While Hf-free polymer-derived SiC showed an electrical conductivity of ca. 1.8 S cm(-1), the electrical conductivity of the Hf-containing material was analyzed to be ca. 136.2 S cm(-1).

S,O-Ligand-Promoted Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Reactions of Nondirected Arenes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Naksomboon, K.; Valderas, C.; Gomez-Martinez, M.; Alvarez-Casao, Y.; Fernández Ibáñez, M.A.

Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization of non directed arenes has been realized using an inexpensive and easily accessible type of bidentate S,O-ligand. The catalytic system shows high efficiency in the C-H olefination reaction of electron-rich and electron-poor arenes. This methodology is

New metal-organic frameworks of [M(C6H5O7)(C6H6O7)(C6H7O7)(H2O)] . H2O (M=La, Ce) and [Ce2(C2O4)(C6H6O7)2] . 4H2O

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Weng Shengfeng; Wang, Yun-Hsin; Lee, Chi-Shen

2012-01-01

Two novel materials, [M(C 6 H 5 O 7 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 )(C 6 H 7 O 7 )(H 2 O)] . H 2 O (M=La(1a), Ce(1b)) and [Ce 2 (C 2 O 4 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 ) 2 ] . 4H 2 O (2), with a metal-organic framework (MOF) were prepared with hydrothermal reactions and characterized with photoluminescence, magnetic susceptibility, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray powder diffraction in situ. The crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallized in triclinic space group P1-bar (No. 2); compound 2 crystallized in monoclinic space group P2 1 /c (No. 14). The structure of 1 is built from a 1D MOF, composed of deprotonated citric ligands of three kinds. Compound 2 contains a 2D MOF structure consisting of citrate and oxalate ligands; the oxalate ligand arose from the decomposition in situ of citric acid in the presence of Cu II ions. Photoluminescence spectra of compounds 1b and 2 revealed transitions between the 5d 1 excited state and two levels of the 4f 1 ground state ( 2 F 5/2 and 2 F 7/2 ). Compounds 1b and 2 containing Ce III ion exhibit a paramagnetic property with weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the two adjacent magnetic centers. - Graphical Abstract: [M(C 6 H 5 O 7 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 )(C 6 H 7 O 7 )(H 2 O)] . H 2 O (M=La(1a), Ce(1b)) and [Ce 2 (C 2 O 4 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 ) 2 ] . 4H 2 O (2)—with 1D and 2D structures were synthesized and characterized. Highlights: ► Two MOF – [M(C 6 H 5 O 7 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 )(C 6 H 7 O 7 )(H 2 O)] . H 2 O (M=La(1a), Ce(1b)) and [Ce 2 (C 2 O 4 )(C 6 H 6 O 7 ) 2 ] . 4H 2 O (2) – with 1D and 2D structures. ► The adjacent chains of the 1D framework were correlated with each other through an oxalate ligand to form a 2D layer structure. ► The source of the oxalate ligand was the decomposition in situ of citric acid oxidized in the presence of Cu II ions.

Expression of mammalian GPCRs in C. elegans generates novel behavioural responses to human ligands

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jansen Gert

2006-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs play a crucial role in many biological processes and represent a major class of drug targets. However, purification of GPCRs for biochemical study is difficult and current methods of studying receptor-ligand interactions involve in vitro systems. Caenorhabditis elegans is a soil-dwelling, bacteria-feeding nematode that uses GPCRs expressed in chemosensory neurons to detect bacteria and environmental compounds, making this an ideal system for studying in vivo GPCR-ligand interactions. We sought to test this by functionally expressing two medically important mammalian GPCRs, somatostatin receptor 2 (Sstr2 and chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5 in the gustatory neurons of C. elegans. Results Expression of Sstr2 and CCR5 in gustatory neurons allow C. elegans to specifically detect and respond to somatostatin and MIP-1α respectively in a robust avoidance assay. We demonstrate that mammalian heterologous GPCRs can signal via different endogenous Gα subunits in C. elegans, depending on which cells it is expressed in. Furthermore, pre-exposure of GPCR transgenic animals to its ligand leads to receptor desensitisation and behavioural adaptation to subsequent ligand exposure, providing further evidence of integration of the mammalian GPCRs into the C. elegans sensory signalling machinery. In structure-function studies using a panel of somatostatin-14 analogues, we identified key residues involved in the interaction of somatostatin-14 with Sstr2. Conclusion Our results illustrate a remarkable evolutionary plasticity in interactions between mammalian GPCRs and C. elegans signalling machinery, spanning 800 million years of evolution. This in vivo system, which imparts novel avoidance behaviour on C. elegans, thus provides a simple means of studying and screening interaction of GPCRs with extracellular agonists, antagonists and intracellular binding partners.

α2A- and α2C-Adrenoceptors as Potential Targets for Dopamine and Dopamine Receptor Ligands.

Science.gov (United States)

Sánchez-Soto, Marta; Casadó-Anguera, Verònica; Yano, Hideaki; Bender, Brian Joseph; Cai, Ning-Sheng; Moreno, Estefanía; Canela, Enric I; Cortés, Antoni; Meiler, Jens; Casadó, Vicent; Ferré, Sergi

2018-03-18

The poor norepinephrine innervation and high density of Gi/o-coupled α 2A - and α 2C -adrenoceptors in the striatum and the dense striatal dopamine innervation have prompted the possibility that dopamine could be an effective adrenoceptor ligand. Nevertheless, the reported adrenoceptor agonistic properties of dopamine are still inconclusive. In this study, we analyzed the binding of norepinephrine, dopamine, and several compounds reported as selective dopamine D 2 -like receptor ligands, such as the D 3 receptor agonist 7-OH-PIPAT and the D 4 receptor agonist RO-105824, to α 2 -adrenoceptors in cortical and striatal tissue, which express α 2A -adrenoceptors and both α 2A - and α 2C -adrenoceptors, respectively. The affinity of dopamine for α 2 -adrenoceptors was found to be similar to that for D 1 -like and D 2 -like receptors. Moreover, the exogenous dopamine receptor ligands also showed high affinity for α 2A - and α 2C -adrenoceptors. Their ability to activate Gi/o proteins through α 2A - and α 2C -adrenoceptors was also analyzed in transfected cells with bioluminescent resonance energy transfer techniques. The relative ligand potencies and efficacies were dependent on the Gi/o protein subtype. Furthermore, dopamine binding to α 2 -adrenoceptors was functional, inducing changes in dynamic mass redistribution, adenylyl cyclase activity, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Binding events were further studied with computer modeling of ligand docking. Docking of dopamine at α 2A - and α 2C -adrenoceptors was nearly identical to its binding to the crystallized D 3 receptor. Therefore, we provide conclusive evidence that α 2A - and α 2C -adrenoceptors are functional receptors for norepinephrine, dopamine, and other previously assumed selective D 2 -like receptor ligands, which calls for revisiting previous studies with those ligands.

Design of a Bioactive Small Molecule that Targets the Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 RNA Via an RNA Motif-Ligand Database & Chemical Similarity Searching

Science.gov (United States)

Parkesh, Raman; Childs-Disney, Jessica L.; Nakamori, Masayuki; Kumar, Amit; Wang, Eric; Wang, Thomas; Hoskins, Jason; Tran, Tuan; Housman, David; Thornton, Charles A.; Disney, Matthew D.

2012-01-01

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a triplet repeating disorder caused by expanded CTG repeats in the 3′ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The transcribed repeats fold into an RNA hairpin with multiple copies of a 5′CUG/3′GUC motif that binds the RNA splicing regulator muscleblind-like 1 protein (MBNL1). Sequestration of MBNL1 by expanded r(CUG) repeats causes splicing defects in a subset of pre-mRNAs including the insulin receptor, the muscle-specific chloride ion channel, Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 1 (Serca1/Atp2a1), and cardiac troponin T (cTNT). Based on these observations, the development of small molecule ligands that target specifically expanded DM1 repeats could serve as therapeutics. In the present study, computational screening was employed to improve the efficacy of pentamidine and Hoechst 33258 ligands that have been shown previously to target the DM1 triplet repeat. A series of inhibitors of the RNA-protein complex with low micromolar IC50’s, which are >20-fold more potent than the query compounds, were identified. Importantly, a bis-benzimidazole identified from the Hoechst query improves DM1-associated pre-mRNA splicing defects in cell and mouse models of DM1 (when dosed with 1 mM and 100 mg/kg, respectively). Since Hoechst 33258 was identified as a DM1 binder through analysis of an RNA motif-ligand database, these studies suggest that lead ligands targeting RNA with improved biological activity can be identified by using a synergistic approach that combines analysis of known RNA-ligand interactions with virtual screening. PMID:22300544

Enthalpies of ligand substitution for [Mo(η5C5H5)(CO)2(NO)] – The role of π-bonding effects in metal–ligand bond strengths

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Majumdar, Subhojit; Captain, Burjor; Cazin, Catherine S.J.; Nolan, Steven P.; Hoff, Carl D.

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Enthalpies of ligand substitution are measured for Mo(C 5 H 5 )(CO) 2 (NO). • Phosphines and N-heterocyclic carbenes are stronger ligands and displace CO. • Backbonding to π ∗ orbitals is an important part of complex stability. • FTIR studies show shifts to lower wavenumbers of ν-CO and ν-NO. • Structural studies show lengthening of the C-O and N-O bonds. - Abstract: Enthalpies of ligand substitution for [Mo(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO) 2 (NO)] producing [Mo(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )Mo(CO)(L)(NO)] have been measured by solution calorimetry at 30 °C in THF for L = P(OMe) 3 2 2 Ph 3 (SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-bis(diisopropylphenyl)imidazolinylidene; IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-bis(diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene)). The accepting metal fragment [Mo(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO)(NO)] has a vacant site containing strongly π-accepting carbonyl and nitrosyl ligands and this is shown to influence the stability of the product complex. Infrared studies of both ν CO and ν NO show that metal-to-ligand backbonding increases in the order P(OMe) 3 3 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO)(IPr)(NO)] and [Mo(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )(CO)(SIPr)(NO)] are reported

Binding of the cSH3 domain of Grb2 adaptor to two distinct RXXK motifs within Gab1 docker employs differential mechanisms.

Science.gov (United States)

McDonald, Caleb B; Seldeen, Kenneth L; Deegan, Brian J; Bhat, Vikas; Farooq, Amjad

2011-01-01

A ubiquitous component of cellular signaling machinery, Gab1 docker plays a pivotal role in routing extracellular information in the form of growth factors and cytokines to downstream targets such as transcription factors within the nucleus. Here, using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in combination with macromolecular modeling (MM), we show that although Gab1 contains four distinct RXXK motifs, designated G1, G2, G3, and G4, only G1 and G2 motifs bind to the cSH3 domain of Grb2 adaptor and do so with distinct mechanisms. Thus, while the G1 motif strictly requires the PPRPPKP consensus sequence for high-affinity binding to the cSH3 domain, the G2 motif displays preference for the PXVXRXLKPXR consensus. Such sequential differences in the binding of G1 and G2 motifs arise from their ability to adopt distinct polyproline type II (PPII)- and 3(10) -helical conformations upon binding to the cSH3 domain, respectively. Collectively, our study provides detailed biophysical insights into a key protein-protein interaction involved in a diverse array of signaling cascades central to health and disease. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multiple C-H Bond Activations and Ring-Opening C-S Bond Cleavage of Thiophene by Dirhenium Carbonyl Complexes.

Science.gov (United States)

Adams, Richard D; Dhull, Poonam; Tedder, Jonathan D

2018-06-14

The reaction of Re 2 (CO) 8 (μ-C 6 H 5 )(μ-H) (1) with thiophene in CH 2 Cl 2 at 40 °C yielded the new compound Re 2 (CO) 8 (μ-η 2 -SC 4 H 3 )(μ-H) (2), which contains a bridging σ-π-coordinated thienyl ligand formed by the activation of the C-H bond at the 2 position of the thiophene. Compound 2 exhibits dynamical activity on the NMR time scale involving rearrangements of the bridging thienyl ligand. The reaction of compound 2 with a second 1 equiv of 1 at 45 °C yielded the doubly metalated product [Re 2 (CO) 8 (μ-H)] 2 (μ-η 2 -2,3-μ-η 2 -4,5-C 4 H 2 S) (3), formed by the activation of the C-H bond at the 5 position of the thienyl ligand in 2. Heating 3 in a hexane solvent to reflux transformed it into the ring-opened compound Re(CO) 4 [μ-η 5 -η 2 -SCC(H)C(H)C(H)][Re(CO) 3 ][Re 2 (CO) 8 (μ-H)] (4) by the loss of one CO ligand. Compound 4 contains a doubly metalated 1-thiapentadienyl ligand formed by the cleavage of one of the C-S bonds. When heated to reflux (125 °C) in an octane solvent in the presence of H 2 O, the new compound Re(CO) 4 [η 5 -μ-η 2 -SC(H)C(H)C(H)C(H)]Re(CO) 3 (5) was obtained by cleavage of the Re 2 (CO) 8 (μ-H) group from 4 with formation of the known coproduct [Re(CO) 3 (μ 3 -OH)] 4 . All new products were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

In vivo evaluation of [11C]SA4503 as a PET ligand for mapping CNS sigma1 receptors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawamura, Kazunori; Ishiwata, Kiichi; Tajima, Hisashi; Ishii, Shin-Ichi; Matsuno, Kiyoshi; Homma, Yoshio; Senda, Michio

2000-01-01

The potential of the 11 C-labeled selective sigma 1 receptor ligand 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine ([ 11 C]SA4503) was evaluated in vivo as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for mapping sigma 1 receptors in rats. SA4503 is known to have a high affinity (IC 50 17.4 nM) and a higher selectivity (sigma 1 /sigma 2 =103) for the sigma 1 receptor. A high and increasing brain uptake of [ 11 C]SA4503 was found. Pre-, co- and postinjection of cold SA4503 significantly decreased uptake of [ 11 C]SA4503 in the brain, spleen, heart, lung, and kidney in which sigma receptors are present as well as in the skeletal muscle. In the blocking study with one of four sigma receptor ligands including haloperidol, (+)-pentazocine, SA4503, and (-)-pentazocine (in the order of their affinity for sigma 1 receptor subtype), SA4503 and haloperidol significantly reduced the brain uptake of [ 11 C]SA4503 to approximately 30% of the control, but the other two benzomorphans did not. A high specific uptake of [ 11 C]SA4503 by the brain was also confirmed by ex vivo autoradiography (ARG) and PET. Ex vivo ARG showed a higher uptake in the vestibular nucleus, temporal cortex, cingulate cortex, inferior colliculus, thalamus, and frontal cortex, and a moderate uptake in the parietal cortex and caudate putamen. Peripherally, the blocking effects of the four ligands depended on their affinity for sigma 1 receptors. No 11 C-labeled metabolite was detected in the brain 30 min postinjection, whereas approximately 20% of the radioactivity was found as 11 C-labeled metabolites in plasma. These results have demonstrated that the 11 C-labeled sigma 1 receptor ligand [ 11 C]SA4503 has a potential for mapping sigma 1 receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral organs

Structure-Activity Relationships of Truncated C2- or C8-Substituted Adenosine Derivatives as Dual Acting A2A and A3 Adenosine Receptor Ligands

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, Xiyan; Majik, Mahesh S.; Kim, Kyunglim; Pyee, Yuna; Lee, Yoonji; Alexander, Varughese; Chung, Hwa-Jin; Lee, Hyuk Woo; Chandra, Girish; Lee, Jin Hee; Park, Seul-gi; Choi, Won Jun; Kim, Hea Ok; Phan, Khai; Gao, Zhan-Guo; Jacobson, Kenneth A.; Choi, Sun; Lee, Sang Kook; Jeong, Lak Shin

2011-01-01

Truncated N6-substituted-4′-oxo- and 4′-thioadenosine derivatives with C2 or C8 substitution were studied as dual acting A2A and A3 adenosine receptor (AR) ligands. The lithiation-mediated stannyl transfer and palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions were utilized for functionalization of the C2 position of 6-chloropurine nucleosides. An unsubstituted 6-amino group and a hydrophobic C2 substituent were required for high affinity at the hA2AAR, but hydrophobic C8 substitution abolished binding at the hA2AAR. However, most of synthesized compounds displayed medium to high binding affinity at the hA3AR, regardless of C2 or C8 substitution, and low efficacy in a functional cAMP assay. Several compounds tended to be full hA2AAR agonists. C2 substitution probed geometrically through hA2AAR-docking, was important for binding in order of hexynyl > hexenyl > hexanyl. Compound 4g was the most potent ligand acting dually as hA2AAR agonist and hA3AR antagonist, which might be useful for treatment of asthma or other inflammatory diseases. PMID:22142423

Atomic structure of the GaAs(001)-c(4x4) surface: first-principles evidence for diversity of heterodimer motifs.

Science.gov (United States)

Penev, E; Kratzer, P; Scheffler, M

2004-10-01

The GaAs(001)-c(4x4) surface was studied using ab initio atomistic thermodynamics based on density-functional theory calculations. We demonstrate that in a range of stoichiometries, between those of the conventional three As-dimer and the new three Ga-As-dimer models, there exists a diversity of atomic structures featuring Ga-As heterodimers. These results fully explain the experimental scanning tunneling microscopy images and are likely to be relevant also to the c(4x4)-reconstructed (001) surfaces of other III-V semiconductors.

A molecular dynamics investigation of CDK8/CycC and ligand binding: conformational flexibility and implication in drug discovery

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Cholko, Timothy; Chen, Wei; Tang, Zhiye; Chang, Chia-en A.

2018-05-01

Abnormal activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) along with its partner protein cyclin C (CycC) is a common feature of many diseases including colorectal cancer. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this study determined the dynamics of the CDK8-CycC system and we obtained detailed breakdowns of binding energy contributions for four type-I and five type-II CDK8 inhibitors. We revealed system motions and conformational changes that will affect ligand binding, confirmed the essentialness of CycC for inclusion in future computational studies, and provide guidance in development of CDK8 binders. We employed unbiased all-atom MD simulations for 500 ns on twelve CDK8-CycC systems, including apoproteins and protein-ligand complexes, then performed principal component analysis (PCA) and measured the RMSF of key regions to identify protein dynamics. Binding pocket volume analysis identified conformational changes that accompany ligand binding. Next, H-bond analysis, residue-wise interaction calculations, and MM/PBSA were performed to characterize protein-ligand interactions and find the binding energy. We discovered that CycC is vital for maintaining a proper conformation of CDK8 to facilitate ligand binding and that the system exhibits motion that should be carefully considered in future computational work. Surprisingly, we found that motion of the activation loop did not affect ligand binding. Type-I and type-II ligand binding is driven by van der Waals interactions, but electrostatic energy and entropic penalties affect type-II binding as well. Binding of both ligand types affects protein flexibility. Based on this we provide suggestions for development of tighter-binding CDK8 inhibitors and offer insight that can aid future computational studies.

Secbase: database module to retrieve secondary structure elements with ligand binding motifs.

Science.gov (United States)

Koch, Oliver; Cole, Jason; Block, Peter; Klebe, Gerhard

2009-10-01

Secbase is presented as a novel extension module of Relibase. It integrates the information about secondary structure elements into the retrieval facilities of Relibase. The data are accessible via the extended Relibase user interface, and integrated retrieval queries can be addressed using an extended version of Reliscript. The primary information about alpha-helices and beta-sheets is used as provided by the PDB. Furthermore, a uniform classification of all turn families, based on recent clustering methods, and a new helix assignment that is based on this turn classification has been included. Algorithms to analyze the geometric features of helices and beta-strands were also implemented. To demonstrate the performance of the Secbase implementation, some application examples are given. They provide new insights into the involvement of secondary structure elements in ligand binding. A survey of water molecules detected next to the N-terminus of helices is analyzed to show their involvement in ligand binding. Additionally, the parallel oriented NH groups at the alpha-helix N-termini provide special binding motifs to bind particular ligand functional groups with two adjacent oxygen atoms, e.g., as found in negatively charged carboxylate or phosphate groups, respectively. The present study also shows that the specific structure of the first turn of alpha-helices provides a suitable explanation for stabilizing charged structures. The magnitude of the overall helix macrodipole seems to have no or only a minor influence on binding. Furthermore, an overview of the involvement of secondary structure elements with the recognition of some important endogenous ligands such as cofactors shows some distinct preference for particular binding motifs and amino acids.

Formation of a Six-Coordinate fac-[Re(Co)3]+ Complex by the N-C bond cleavage of a potentially tetradentate ligand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Booysen, I.; Gerber, T. I. A.; Hosten, E.; Mayer, P.

2008-01-01

The rhenium(I) compound fac-[Re(CO) 3 (daa)]. Hpab.H 2 O (Hpab N,N'-(l,2-phenylene)bis(2'-aminobenzamide); Hdaa 2-amino-N-(2-aminophenyl)benzamide) was synthesized from the reaction of [Re(CO) 5 ,Br] with two equivalent of Hpab in toluene. The monoanionic tridentate ligand daa was formed by the rhenium-mediated cleavage of an amido N-C bond of the potentially tetradentate ligand Hpab. The compound was characterized by IR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, and daa is coordinated as a diamino amide via three nitrogen-donor atoms

New PAH gene promoter KLF1 and 3'-region C/EBPalpha motifs influence transcription in vitro.

Science.gov (United States)

Klaassen, Kristel; Stankovic, Biljana; Kotur, Nikola; Djordjevic, Maja; Zukic, Branka; Nikcevic, Gordana; Ugrin, Milena; Spasovski, Vesna; Srzentic, Sanja; Pavlovic, Sonja; Stojiljkovic, Maja

2017-02-01

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disease caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Although the PAH genotype remains the main determinant of PKU phenotype severity, genotype-phenotype inconsistencies have been reported. In this study, we focused on unanalysed sequences in non-coding PAH gene regions to assess their possible influence on the PKU phenotype. We transiently transfected HepG2 cells with various chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter constructs which included PAH gene non-coding regions. Selected non-coding regions were indicated by in silico prediction to contain transcription factor binding sites. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and supershift assays were performed to identify which transcriptional factors were engaged in the interaction. We found novel KLF1 motif in the PAH promoter, which decreases CAT activity by 50 % in comparison to basal transcription in vitro. The cytosine at the c.-170 promoter position creates an additional binding site for the protein complex involving KLF1 transcription factor. Moreover, we assessed for the first time the role of a multivariant variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) region located in the 3'-region of the PAH gene. We found that the VNTR3, VNTR7 and VNTR8 constructs had approximately 60 % of CAT activity. The regulation is mediated by the C/EBPalpha transcription factor, present in protein complex binding to VNTR3. Our study highlighted two novel promoter KLF1 and 3'-region C/EBPalpha motifs in the PAH gene which decrease transcription in vitro and, thus, could be considered as PAH expression modifiers. New transcription motifs in non-coding regions will contribute to better understanding of the PKU phenotype complexity and may become important for the optimisation of PKU treatment.

Extreme sequence divergence but conserved ligand-binding specificity in Streptococcus pyogenes M protein.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2006-05-01

Full Text Available Many pathogenic microorganisms evade host immunity through extensive sequence variability in a protein region targeted by protective antibodies. In spite of the sequence variability, a variable region commonly retains an important ligand-binding function, reflected in the presence of a highly conserved sequence motif. Here, we analyze the limits of sequence divergence in a ligand-binding region by characterizing the hypervariable region (HVR of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein. Our studies were focused on HVRs that bind the human complement regulator C4b-binding protein (C4BP, a ligand that confers phagocytosis resistance. A previous comparison of C4BP-binding HVRs identified residue identities that could be part of a binding motif, but the extended analysis reported here shows that no residue identities remain when additional C4BP-binding HVRs are included. Characterization of the HVR in the M22 protein indicated that two relatively conserved Leu residues are essential for C4BP binding, but these residues are probably core residues in a coiled-coil, implying that they do not directly contribute to binding. In contrast, substitution of either of two relatively conserved Glu residues, predicted to be solvent-exposed, had no effect on C4BP binding, although each of these changes had a major effect on the antigenic properties of the HVR. Together, these findings show that HVRs of M proteins have an extraordinary capacity for sequence divergence and antigenic variability while retaining a specific ligand-binding function.

Atomic structure determination of InSb(100)c(4x4) and c(8x2)phases by X-ray photoelectron diffraction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, V.E. de; Soares, E.A.; Magalhaes, M.R.P.; Paniago, R.; Siervo, A. de; Landers, R.

2004-01-01

Full text: The (100) surfaces of III-V compound semiconductors exhibit a variety of surface reconstructions that have attracted a lot of attention because of their importance in both homo epitaxial and heteroepitaxial growth. In the special case of the narrow bandgap InSb compound semiconductor its potential application in high-speed electronic and optoelectronic devices has encourage many studies of its (100) surface atomic structure. Among the reconstructions presented by the InSb(100) surface two of them have received more attention, that is, the observed well-ordered In-rich c(8x2) and Sb terminated c(4x4) surfaces. The c(8x2) structure can be obtained by exposing the surface to low energy ion bombardment and annealing, whereas the c(4x4) structure involves the chemisorption of Sb onto an already Sb-terminated surface. These two structures have been studied mainly by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD) techniques and all the proposed models are based on the occurrence of group III (and/or V) blocks of dimmers occupying sites on the top or at subsurface layer. However, there are still difficulties in determining either the exact number of atoms in each dimmer or the number of dimmers in each block. With the goal of getting a better structure determination of the InSb(100) surface phases a photoelectron diffraction experiment (XPD) was carried out at LNLS where synchrotron and Al-K α radiations have been used. In the present work, the experimental and preliminary results of structure determination for both In Sn(100)c(8x2) and InSb(100)c(4x4) phases will be presented and discussed. (author)

Ligand-enabled ortho-C-H olefination of phenylacetic amides with unactivated alkenes.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Ming-Zhu; Chen, Xing-Rong; Xu, Hui; Dai, Hui-Xiong; Yu, Jin-Quan

2018-02-07

Although chelation-assisted C-H olefination has been intensely investigated, Pd(ii)-catalyzed C-H olefination reactions are largely restricted to acrylates and styrenes. Here we report a quinoline-derived ligand that enables the Pd(ii)-catalyzed olefination of the C(sp 2 )-H bond with simple aliphatic alkenes using a weakly coordinating monodentate amide auxiliary. Oxygen is used as the terminal oxidant with catalytic copper as the co-oxidant. A variety of functional groups in the aliphatic alkenes are tolerated. Upon hydrogenation, the ortho -alkylated product can be accessed. The utility of this reaction is also demonstrated by the late-stage diversification of drug molecules.

Endogenous ligands for C-type lectin receptors: the true regulators of immune homeostasis.

Science.gov (United States)

García-Vallejo, Juan J; van Kooyk, Yvette

2009-07-01

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) have long been known as pattern-recognition receptors implicated in the recognition of pathogens by the innate immune system. However, evidence is accumulating that many CLRs are also able to recognize endogenous 'self' ligands and that this recognition event often plays an important role in immune homeostasis. In the present review, we focus on the human and mouse CLRs for which endogenous ligands have been described. Special attention is given to the signaling events initiated upon recognition of the self ligand and the regulation of glycosylation as a switch modulating CLR recognition, and therefore, immune homeostasis.

Dissection of Signaling Events Downstream of the c-Mpl Receptor in Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells Via Motif-Engineered Chimeric Receptors.

Science.gov (United States)

Saka, Koichiro; Lai, Chen-Yi; Nojima, Masanori; Kawahara, Masahiro; Otsu, Makoto; Nakauchi, Hiromitsu; Nagamune, Teruyuki

2018-02-01

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a valuable resource in transplantation medicine. Cytokines are often used to culture HSCs aiming at better clinical outcomes through enhancement of HSC reconstitution capability. Roles for each signal molecule downstream of receptors in HSCs, however, remain puzzling due to complexity of the cytokine-signaling network. Engineered receptors that are non-responsive to endogenous cytokines represent an attractive tool for dissection of signaling events. We here tested a previously developed chimeric receptor (CR) system in primary murine HSCs, target cells that are indispensable for analysis of stem cell activity. Each CR contains tyrosine motifs that enable selective activation of signal molecules located downstream of the c-Mpl receptor upon stimulation by an artificial ligand. Signaling through a control CR with a wild-type c-Mpl cytoplasmic tail sufficed to enhance HSC proliferation and colony formation in cooperation with stem cell factor (SCF). Among a series of CRs, only one compatible with selective Stat5 activation showed similar positive effects. The HSCs maintained ex vivo in these environments retained long-term reconstitution ability following transplantation. This ability was also demonstrated in secondary recipients, indicating effective transmission of stem cell-supportive signals into HSCs via these artificial CRs during culture. Selective activation of Stat5 through CR ex vivo favored preservation of lymphoid potential in long-term reconstituting HSCs, but not of myeloid potential, exemplifying possible dissection of signals downstream of c-Mpl. These CR systems therefore offer a useful tool to scrutinize complex signaling pathways in HSCs.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [11C]SA6298 as a PET sigma1 receptor ligand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawamura, Kazunori; Ishiwata, Kiichi; Tajima, Hisashi; Ishii, Shin-Ichi; Shimada, Yuhei; Matsuno, Kiyoshi; Homma, Yoshio; Senda, Michio

1999-01-01

The potential of a 11 C-labeled selective sigma 1 receptor ligand, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-[3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)propyl]piperazine ([ 11 C]SA6298), was evaluated as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for mapping sigma 1 receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral organs. [ 11 C]SA6298 was synthesized by methylation of the desmethyl SA6298 with [ 11 C]CH 3 I, with the decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 39±5% based on [ 11 C]CH 3 I and with the specific activity of 53±17 TBq/mmol within 20 min from end of bombardment (EOB). In mice, the uptake of [ 11 C]SA6298 was significantly decreased by carrier loading in the brain, liver, spleen, heart, lung, small intestine, and kidney in which sigma receptors are present as well as in the skeletal muscle. Pretreatment with SA6298 also blocked the uptake of [ 11 C]SA6298 by these organs except for the small intestine, but significant displacement of [ 11 C]SA6298 by posttreatment with SA6298 was observed only in the heart, lung, and muscle. In the blocking study with one of the eight sigma receptor ligands, including haloperidol, SA6298, NE-100, (+)-pentazocine, SA4503, (-)-pentazocine, (+)-3-PPP, and (+)-SKF 10,047 (in the order of the affinity for sigma 1 receptor subtype), only SA6298 and an analog SA4503 significantly reduced the brain uptake of [ 11 C]SA6298 to approximately 80% of the control, but the other six ligands did not. Peripherally, the uptake of [ 11 C]SA6298 by the organs described above was decreased predominantly by SA6298 or SA4503, but the blocking effects of the other five ligands except for NE-100 depended on their affinity for sigma 1 receptors. The saturable brain uptake of [ 11 C]SA6298, approximately 20%, was also observed by tissue dissection method in rats and by PET in a cat. Ex vivo autoradiography of the rat brain showed a high uptake in the cortex and thalamus. In the cat brain a relatively high uptake was found in the cortex, thalamus, striatum, and cerebellum

Homoleptic diphosphacyclobutadiene complexes [M(η(4)-P2C2R2)2]x- (M = Fe, Co; x = 0, 1).

Science.gov (United States)

Wolf, Robert; Ehlers, Andreas W; Khusniyarov, Marat M; Hartl, František; de Bruin, Bas; Long, Gary J; Grandjean, Fernande; Schappacher, Falko M; Pöttgen, Rainer; Slootweg, J Chris; Lutz, Martin; Spek, Anthony L; Lammertsma, Koop

2010-12-27

The preparation and comprehensive characterization of a series of homoleptic sandwich complexes containing diphosphacyclobutadiene ligands are reported. Compounds [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Fe(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (K1), [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Co(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (K2), and [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Co(η(4)-P(2)C(2)Ad(2))(2)] (K3, Ad = adamantyl) were obtained from reactions of [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][M(η(4)-C(14)H(10))(2)] (M = Fe, Co) with tBuC[triple bond]P (1, 2), or with AdC[triple bond]P (3). Neutral sandwiches [M(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (4: M = Fe 5: M = Co) were obtained by oxidizing 1 and 2 with [Cp(2)Fe]PF(6). Cyclic voltammetry and spectro-electrochemistry indicate that the two [M(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)](-)/[M(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] moieties can be reversibly interconverted by one electron oxidation and reduction, respectively. Complexes 1-5 were characterized by multinuclear NMR, EPR (1 and 5), UV/Vis, and Mössbauer spectroscopies (1 and 4), mass spectrometry (4 and 5), and microanalysis (1-3). The molecular structures of 1-5 were determined by using X-ray crystallography. Essentially D(2d)-symmetric structures were found for all five complexes, which show the two 1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene rings in a staggered orientation. Density functional theory calculations revealed the importance of covalent metal-ligand π bonding in 1-5. Possible oxidation state assignments for the metal ions are discussed.

Spectrometric study of the folding process of i-motif-forming DNA sequences upstream of the c-kit transcription initiation site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bucek, Pavel; Gargallo, Raimundo; Kudrev, Andrei

2010-01-01

The c-kit oncogene shows a cytosine-rich DNA region upstream of the transcription initiation site which forms an i-motif structure at slightly acidic pH values (Bucek et al. ). In the present study, the pH-induced formation of i-motif - forming sequences 5'-CCC CTC CCT CGC GCC CGC CCG-3' (ckitC1, native), 5'-CCC TTC CCT TGT GCC CGC CCG-3' (ckitC2) and 5'-CCCTT CCC TTTTT CCC T CCC T-3' (ckitC3) was studied by spectroscopic techniques, such as UV molecular absorption and circular dichroism (CD), in tandem with two multivariate data analysis methods, the hard modelling-based matrix method and the soft modelling-based MCR-ALS approach. Use of the hard chemical modelling enabled us to propose the equilibrium model, which describes spectral changes as functions of solution acidity. Additionally, the intrinsic protonation constant, K in , and the cooperativity parameters, ω c , and ω a , were calculated from the fitting procedure of the coupled CD and molecular absorption spectra. In the case of ckitC2 and ckitC3, the hard model correctly reproduced the spectral variations observed experimentally. The results indicated that folding was accompanied by a cooperative process, i.e. the enhancement of protonated structure stability upon protonation. In contrast, unfolding was accompanied by an anticooperative process. Finally, folding of the native sequence, ckitC1, seemed to follow a more complex mechanism.

Superconductivity, critical current density, and flux pinning in MgB2-x(SiC)x/2 superconductor after SiC nanoparticle doping

Science.gov (United States)

Dou, S. X.; Pan, A. V.; Zhou, S.; Ionescu, M.; Wang, X. L.; Horvat, J.; Liu, H. K.; Munroe, P. R.

2003-08-01

We investigated the effect of SiC nanoparticle doping on the crystal lattice structure, critical temperature Tc, critical current density Jc, and flux pinning in MgB2 superconductor. A series of MgB2-x(SiC)x/2 samples with x=0-1.0 were fabricated using an in situ reaction process. The contraction of the lattice and depression of Tc with increasing SiC doping level remained rather small most likely due to the counterbalancing effect of Si and C co-doping. The high level Si and C co-doping allowed the creation of intragrain defects and highly dispersed nanoinclusions within the grains which can act as effective pinning centers for vortices, improving Jc behavior as a function of the applied magnetic field. The enhanced pinning is mainly attributable to the substitution-induced defects and local structure fluctuations within grains. A pinning mechanism is proposed to account for different contributions of different defects in MgB2-x(SiC)x/2 superconductors.

Semaphorin4D Drives CD8+ T-Cell Lesional Trafficking in Oral Lichen Planus via CXCL9/CXCL10 Upregulations in Oral Keratinocytes.

Science.gov (United States)

Ke, Yao; Dang, Erle; Shen, Shengxian; Zhang, Tongmei; Qiao, Hongjiang; Chang, Yuqian; Liu, Qing; Wang, Gang

2017-11-01

Chemokine-mediated CD8 + T-cell recruitment is an essential but not well-established event for the persistence of oral lichen planus (OLP). Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D)/CD100 is implicated in immune dysfunction, chemokine modulation, and cell migration, which are critical aspects for OLP progression, but its implication in OLP pathogenesis has not been determined. In this study, we sought to explicate the effect of Sema4D on human oral keratinocytes and its capacity to drive CD8 + T-cell lesional trafficking via chemokine modulation. We found that upregulations of sSema4D in OLP tissues and blood were positively correlated with disease severity and activity. In vitro observation revealed that Sema4D induced C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 production by binding to plexin-B1 via protein kinase B-NF-κB cascade in human oral keratinocytes, which elicited OLP CD8 + T-cell migration. We also confirmed using clinical samples that elevated C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 levels were positively correlated with sSema4D levels in OLP lesions and serum. Notably, we determined matrix metalloproteinase-9 as a new proteolytic enzyme for the cleavage of sSema4D from the T-cell surface, which may contribute to the high levels of sSema4D in OLP lesions and serum. Our findings conclusively revealed an amplification feedback loop involving T cells, chemokines, and Sema4D-dependent signal that promotes OLP progression. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ligand-Promoted C(sp(3) )-H Olefination en Route to Multi-functionalized Pyrazoles.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Weibo; Ye, Shengqing; Schmidt, Yvonne; Stamos, Dean; Yu, Jin-Quan

2016-05-17

A Pd-catalyzed/N-heterocycle-directed C(sp(3) )-H olefination has been developed. The monoprotected amino acid ligand (MPAA) is found to significantly promote Pd-catalyzed C(sp(3) )-H olefination for the first time. Cu(OAc)2 instead of Ag(+) salts are used as the terminal oxidant. This reaction provides a useful method for the synthesis of alkylated pyrazoles. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

TeX4 (X = F, Cl, Br) as Lewis acids--complexes with soft thio- and seleno-ether ligands.

Science.gov (United States)

Hector, Andrew L; Jolleys, Andrew; Levason, William; Reid, Gillian

2012-08-28

TeF(4) reacts with OPR(3) (R = Me or Ph) in anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2) to give the colourless, square based pyramidal 1 : 1 complexes [TeF(4)(OPR(3))] only, in which the OPR(3) is coordinated basally in the solid state, (R = Me: d(Te-O) = 2.122(2) Å; R = Ph: d(Te-O) = 2.1849(14) Å). Variable temperature (19)F{(1)H}, (31)P{(1)H} and (125)Te{(1)H} NMR spectroscopic studies strongly suggest this is the low temperature structure in solution, although the systems are dynamic. The much softer donor ligands SMe(2) and SeMe(2) show a lower affinity for TeF(4), although unstable, yellow products with spectroscopic features consistent with [TeF(4)(EMe(2))] are obtained by the reaction of TeF(4) in neat SMe(2) or via reaction in CH(2)Cl(2) with SeMe(2). TeX(4) (X = F, Cl or Br) causes oxidation and halogenation of TeMe(2) to form X(2)TeMe(2). The Br(2)TeMe(2) hydrolyses in trace moisture to form [BrMe(2)Te-O-TeMe(2)Br], the crystal structure of which has been determined. TeX(4) (X = Cl or Br) react with the selenoethers SeMe(2), MeSe(CH(2))(3)SeMe or o-C(6)H(4)(SeMe)(2) (X = Cl) in anhydrous CH(2)Cl(2) to give the distorted octahedral monomers trans-[TeX(4)(SeMe(2))(2)], cis-[TeX(4){MeSe(CH(2))(3)SeMe}] and cis-[TeCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(SeMe)(2)}], which have been characterised by IR, Raman and multinuclear NMR ((1)H, (77)Se{(1)H} and (125)Te{(1)H}) spectroscopy, and via X-ray structure determinations of representative examples. Tetrahydrothiophene (tht) can form both 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 Te : L complexes. For X = Br, the former has been shown to be a Br-bridged dimer, [Br(3)(tht)Te(μ-Br)(2)TeBr(3)(tht)], by crystallography with the tht ligands anti, whereas the latter are trans-octahedral monomers. Like its selenoether analogue, MeS(CH(2))(3)SMe forms distorted octahedral cis-chelates, [TeX(4){MeS(CH(2))(3)SMe}], whereas the more rigid o-C(6)H(4)(SMe)(2) unexpectedly forms a zig-zag chain polymer in the solid state, [TeCl(4){o-C(6)H(4)(SMe)(2)}](n), in which the dithioether adopts an

Elastic phases in Gex Sb x Se 100-2x ternary glasses

Science.gov (United States)

Gunasekera, K.; Boolchand, P.; Micoulaut, M.

2011-03-01

The rigidity and stress phase transitions in titled ternary glasses are examined in Raman scattering, modulated DSC and molar volume measurements, and found to occur at x c (1) = 14.9% (rigidity) and x c (2) = 17.5% (stress). Raman scattering provides evidence of the structural motifs populated in these networks. Using Size Increasing Cluster Agglomeration, Rigidity theory and the decoded structural motifs, we have calculated the rigidity and stress transitions in the first step of agglomeration to occur at x c (1)t = 15.2 % and x c (2)t = 17.5 % respectively, in reasonable accord with experiments. Theory predicts and experiments confirm that these transitions will coalesce if edge-sharing Ge- tetrahedral motifs were absent in the structure, a circumstance that prevails in the Ge-deficient Ge 7 Sb x Se 93-x ternary, where a narrow IP is reported. These results underscore the central role played by topology in determining the elastic phases of network glasses. Supported by NSF grant DMR 08-53957.

The X-ray electronic spectra of TiC-NbC solid solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cherkashenko, V.M.; Ezhov, A.V.; Nazarova, S.Z.; Kurmaev, Eh.Z.; Nojmann, M.

2001-01-01

X-ray photoelectronic spectra of inner levels and valency lands in TiC-NbC solid solutions were studied. Results of combining TiL α -, NbL β2.15 -, CK α - X-ray emission spectra and photoelectronic spectra of valency bands in one energy scale in reference to the Fermi level were analyzed. It is shown that a change in crystal lattice parameters, as well as charge redistribution between titanium and niobium atoms, produce a strong effect on electronic structure formation in the mixed carbides mentioned [ru

Relation of circulating concentrations of chemokine receptor CCR5 ligands to C-peptide, proinsulin and HbA1c and disease progression in type 1 diabetes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pfleger, C.; Kaas, A.; Hansen, L.

2008-01-01

Th1 related chemokines CCL3 and CCL5 and Th2 related CCL4 as ligands of the receptor CCR5 contribute to disease development in animal models of type 1 diabetes. In humans, no data are available addressing the role of these chemokines regarding disease progression and remission. We investigated...... longitudinally circulating concentrations of CCR5 ligands of 256 newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes. CCR5 ligands were differentially associated with beta-cell function and clinical remission. CCL5 was decreased in remitters and positively associated with HbA1c suggestive of a Th1 associated...... of CCR5 by therapeutic agents such as maraviroc may provide a new therapeutic target to ameliorate disease progression in type 1 diabetes. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved Udgivelsesdato: 2008/7...

In Silico Analysis for Transcription Factors With Zn(II2C6 Binuclear Cluster DNA-Binding Domains in Candida albicans

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sergi Maicas

2005-01-01

presence of the CysX2CysX6CysX5-16CysX2CysX6-8Cys motif and a putative nuclear localization signal. Using this approach, 70 putative Zn(II2C6 transcription factors have been found in the genome of C. albicans.

Prostaglandin F2α–F-Prostanoid Receptor Signalling Promotes Neutrophil Chemotaxis via Chemokine (CXC motif) Ligand-1 in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Science.gov (United States)

Wallace, Alison E; Sales, Kurt J; Catalano, Roberto D; Anderson, Richard A; Williams, Alistair RW; Wilson, Martin R; Schwarze, Jurgen; Wang, Hongwei; Rossi, Adriano G; Jabbour, Henry N

2009-01-01

The prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor (FP) is elevated in endometrial adenocarcinoma. This study found that PGF2α signalling via FP regulates expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Expression of CXCL1 and its receptor, CXCR2, are elevated in cancer tissue as compared to normal endometrium and localised to glandular epithelium, endothelium and stroma. Treatment of Ishikawa cells stably transfected with the FP receptor (FPS cells) with 100nM PGF2α increased CXCL1 promoter activity, mRNA and protein expression, and these effects were abolished by co-treatment of cells with FP antagonist or chemical inhibitors of Gq, EGFR and ERK. Similarly, CXCL1 was elevated in response to 100 nM PGF2α in endometrial adenocarcinoma explant tissue. CXCL1 is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. The expression of CXCR2 colocalised to neutrophils in endometrial adenocarcinoma and increased neutrophils were present in endometrial adenocarcinoma compared with normal endometrium. Conditioned media from PGF2α-treated FPS cells stimulated neutrophil chemotaxis which could be abolished by CXCL1 protein immunoneutralisation of the conditioned media or antagonism of CXCR2. Finally, xenograft tumours in nude mice arising from inoculation with FPS cells showed increased neutrophil infiltration compared to tumours arising from wild-type cells or following treatment of mice bearing FPS tumours with CXCL1-neutralising antibody. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a novel PGF2α-FP pathway that may regulate the inflammatory microenvironment in endometrial adenocarcinoma via neutrophil chemotaxis. PMID:19549892

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

Science.gov (United States)

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

2018-06-21

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

C-Aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors containing a biphenyl motif as potential anti-diabetic agents.

Science.gov (United States)

Ding, Yuyang; Mao, Liufeng; Xu, Dengfeng; Xie, Hui; Yang, Ling; Xu, Hongjiang; Geng, Wenjun; Gao, Yong; Xia, Chunguang; Zhang, Xiquan; Meng, Qingyi; Wu, Donghai; Zhao, Junling; Hu, Wenhui

2015-07-15

A series of highly active C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors containing a biphenyl motif were designed and synthesized for biological evaluation. Among the compounds tested, compound 16l demonstrated high inhibitory activity against SGLT2 (IC50=1.9 nM) with an excellent pharmacokinetic profile. Further study indicated that the in vivo efficacy of compound 16l was comparable to that of dapagliflozin, suggesting that further development would be worthwhile. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Representation of Isometric Operators on C(1)(X)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Jingke

2010-01-01

In this paper,we introduce a new norm on C (1) (X), which is induced by a hexagon on R 2 , and prove that every isometric operator on C (1) (X) can be induced by a homeomorphism of X, where X is a connected subset of R.

Cluster-enhanced X-O-2 photochemistry (X=CH3I, C3H6, C6H12, and Xe)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Baklanov, A.V.; Bogdanchikov, G.A.; Vidma, K.V.; Chestakov, D.A.; Parker, D.H.

2007-01-01

The effect of a local environment on the photodissociation of molecular oxygen is investigated in the van der Waals complex X-O-2 (X=CH3I, C3H6, C6H12, and Xe). A single laser operating at wavelengths around 226 nm is used for both photodissociation of the van der Waals complex and simultaneous

Topological properties of function spaces $C_k(X,2)$ over zero-dimensional metric spaces $X$

OpenAIRE

Gabriyelyan, S.

2015-01-01

Let $X$ be a zero-dimensional metric space and $X'$ its derived set. We prove the following assertions: (1) the space $C_k(X,2)$ is an Ascoli space iff $C_k(X,2)$ is $k_\\mathbb{R}$-space iff either $X$ is locally compact or $X$ is not locally compact but $X'$ is compact, (2) $C_k(X,2)$ is a $k$-space iff either $X$ is a topological sum of a Polish locally compact space and a discrete space or $X$ is not locally compact but $X'$ is compact, (3) $C_k(X,2)$ is a sequential space iff $X$ is a Pol...

Aromatic interactions impact ligand binding and function at serotonin 5-HT2C G protein-coupled receptors: receptor homology modelling, ligand docking, and molecular dynamics results validated by experimental studies

Science.gov (United States)

Córdova-Sintjago, Tania; Villa, Nancy; Fang, Lijuan; Booth, Raymond G.

2014-02-01

The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) 5-HT2 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family consists of types 2A, 2B, and 2C that share ∼75% transmembrane (TM) sequence identity. Agonists for 5-HT2C receptors are under development for psychoses; whereas, at 5-HT2A receptors, antipsychotic effects are associated with antagonists - in fact, 5-HT2A agonists can cause hallucinations and 5-HT2B agonists cause cardiotoxicity. It is known that 5-HT2A TM6 residues W6.48, F6.51, and F6.52 impact ligand binding and function; however, ligand interactions with these residues at the 5-HT2C receptor have not been reported. To predict and validate molecular determinants for 5-HT2C-specific activation, results from receptor homology modelling, ligand docking, and molecular dynamics simulation studies were compared with experimental results for ligand binding and function at wild type and W6.48A, F6.51A, and F6.52A point-mutated 5-HT2C receptors.

Construction of C35 gene bait recombinants and T47D cell cDNA library.

Science.gov (United States)

Yin, Kun; Xu, Chao; Zhao, Gui-Hua; Liu, Ye; Xiao, Ting; Zhu, Song; Yan, Ge

2017-11-20

C35 is a novel tumor biomarker associated with metastasis progression. To investigate the interaction factors of C35 in its high expressed breast cancer cell lines, we constructed bait recombinant plasmids of C35 gene and T47D cell cDNA library for yeast two-hybrid screening. Full length C35 sequences were subcloned using RT-PCR from cDNA template extracted from T47D cells. Based on functional domain analysis, the full-length C35 1-348bp was also truncated into two fragments C351-153bp and C35154-348bp to avoid auto-activation. The three kinds of C35 genes were successfully amplified and inserted into pGBKT7 to construct bait recombinant plasmids pGBKT7-C351-348bp, pGBKT7-C351-153bp and pGBKT7-C35154-348bp, then transformed into Y187 yeast cells by the lithium acetate method. Auto-activation and toxicity of C35 baits were detected using nutritional deficient medium and X-α-Gal assays. The T47D cell ds cDNA was generated by SMART TM technology and the library was constructed using in vivo recombination-mediated cloning in the AH109 yeast strain using a pGADT7-Rec plasmid. The transformed Y187/pGBKT7-C351-348bp line was intensively inhibited while the truncated Y187/pGBKT7-C35 lines had no auto-activation and toxicity in yeast cells. The titer of established cDNA library was 2 × 10 7 pfu/mL with high transformation efficiency of 1.4 × 10 6 , and the insert size of ds cDNA was distributed homogeneously between 0.5-2.0 kb. Our research generated a T47D cell cDNA library with high titer, and the constructed two C35 "baits" contained a respective functional immunoreceptor tyrosine based activation motif (ITAM) and the conserved last four amino acids Cys-Ile-Leu-Val (CILV) motif, and therefore laid a foundation for screening the C35 interaction factors in a BC cell line.

Topotactic elimination of water across a C-C ligand bond in a dense 3-D metal-organic framework.

Science.gov (United States)

Yeung, Hamish H-M; Kosa, Monica; Griffin, John M; Grey, Clare P; Major, Dan T; Cheetham, Anthony K

2014-11-11

Upon heating, lithium L-malate undergoes topotactic dehydration to form a phase containing the unsaturated fumarate ligand, in which the original 3-D framework remains intact. Insight into this unusual transformation has been obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction, MAS-NMR, in situ powder X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations.

Tuning of tantalum alkylidene reactivity with a terdentate arylamine ligand : synthesis, structure and reactivity of [TaCl2{C6H3(CH2NMe2)2-2,6}(CHBu-tert)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Abbenhuis, H.C.L.; Grove, D.M.; Koten, van G.; Sluijs, van der P.; Spek, A.L.

1990-01-01

The terdentate aryldiamine ligand in the aryltantalum(V) alkylidene complex [TaCl2{C6H3(CH2NMe2)2-2,6}(CHBut)] (1) controls alkylidene reactivity in a range of metal-mediated Wittig reactions. An X-ray diffraction study of (1) shows that the hexacoordinate tantalum centre has a very irregular ligand

Complete cDNA sequence of human complement C1s and close physical linkage of the homologous genes C1s and C1r

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tosi, M.; Duponchel, C.; Meo, T.; Julier, C.

1987-01-01

Overlapping molecular clones encoding the complement subcomponent C1s were isolated from a human liver cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence reconstructed from these clones spans about 85% of the length of the liver C1s messenger RNAs, which occur in three distinct size classes around 3 kilobases in length. Comparisons with the sequence of C1r, the other enzymatic subcomponent of C1, reveal 40% amino acid identity and conservation of all the cysteine residues. Beside the serine protease domain, the following sequence motifs, previously described in C1r, were also found in C1s: (a) two repeats of the type found in the Ba fragment of complement factor B and in several other complement but also noncomplement proteins, (b) a cysteine-rich segment homologous to the repeats of epidermal growth factor precursor, and (c) a duplicated segment found only in C1r and C1s. Differences in each of these structural motifs provide significant clues for the interpretation of the functional divergence of these interacting serine protease zymogens. Hybridizations of C1r and C1s probes to restriction endonuclease fragments of genomic DNA demonstrate close physical linkage of the corresponding genes. The implications of this finding are discussed with respect to the evolution of C1r and C1s after their origin by tandem gene duplication and to the previously observed combined hereditary deficiencies of Clr and Cls

Reversible Sigma C-C Bond Formation Between Phenanthroline Ligands Activated by (C5Me5)2Yb

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nocton, Gr& #233; gory; Lukens, Wayne W.; Booth, Corwin H.; Rozenel, Sergio S.; Medling, Scott A.; Maron, Laurent; Andersen, Richard A.

2014-06-26

The electronic structure and associated magnetic properties of the 1,10-phenanthroline adducts of Cp*2Yb are dramatically different from those of the 2,2?-bipyridine adducts. The monomeric phenanthroline adducts are ground state triplets that are based upon trivalent Yb(III), f13, and (phen ) that are only weakly exchange coupled, which is in contrast to the bipyridine adducts whose ground states are multiconfigurational, open-shell singlets in which ytterbium is intermediate valent ( J. Am. Chem. Soc 2009, 131, 6480; J. Am. Chem. Soc 2010, 132, 17537). The origin of these different physical properties is traced to the number and symmetry of the LUMO and LUMO+1 of the heterocyclic diimine ligands. The bipy has only one 1 orbital of b1 symmetry of accessible energy, but phen has two orbitals of b1 and a2 symmetry that are energetically accessible. The carbon p-orbitals have different nodal properties and coefficients and their energies, and therefore their populations change depending on the position and number of methyl substitutions on the ring. A chemical ramification of the change in electronic structure is that Cp 2Yb(phen) is a dimer when crystallized from toluene solution, but a monomer when sublimed at 180190 C. When 3,8-Me2phenanthroline is used, the adduct Cp*2Yb(3,8-Me2phen) exists in the solution in a dimer monomer equilibrium in which G is near zero. The adducts with 3-Me, 4-Me, 5-Me, 3,8-Me2, and 5,6-Me2-phenanthroline are isolated and characterized by solid state X-ray crystallography, magnetic susceptibility and LIII-edge XANES spectroscopy as a function of temperature and variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy.

On the Michael addition of water to C = C bonds

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Chen, B.

2015-01-01

?-Hydroxy carbonyl compounds are an important class of compounds often found as a common structural motif in natural products. Although the molecules themselves look rather simple, their synthesis can be challenging. Water addition to conjugated C = C bonds opens up a straightforward route for the

Molecular Properties of Globin Channels and Pores: Role of Cholesterol in Ligand Binding and Movement

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gene A Morrill

2016-09-01

Full Text Available ABSTRACT: Globins contain one or more cavities that control or affect such functions as ligand movement and ligand binding. Here we report that the extended globin family [cytoglobin (Cygb; neuroglobin (Ngb; myoglobin (Mb; hemoglobin (Hb subunits Hba(α and Hbb(β] contain either a transmembrane (TM helix or pore-lining region as well as internal cavities. Protein motif/domain analyses indicate that Ngb and Hbb each contain 5 cholesterol-binding (CRAC/CARC domains and 1 caveolin binding motif, whereas the Cygb dimer has 6 cholesterol-binding domains but lacks caveolin-binding motifs. Mb and Hba each exhibit 2 cholesterol-binding domains and also lack caveolin-binding motifs. The Hb αβ-tetramer contains 14 cholesterol-binding domains. Computer algorithms indicate that Cygb and Ngb cavities display multiple partitions and C-terminal pore-lining regions, whereas Mb has three major cavities plus a C-terminal pore-lining region. The Hb tetramer exhibits a large internal cavity but the subunits differ in that they contain a C-terminal TM helix (Hba and pore-lining region (Hbb. The cavities include 43 of 190 Cygb residues, 38 of 151 of Ngb residues, 55 of 154 Mb residues and 137 of 688 residues in the Hb tetramer. Each cavity complex includes 6 to 8 residues of the TM helix or pore-lining region and CRAC/CARC domains exist within all cavities. Erythrocyte Hb αβ-tetramers are largely cytosolic but also bind to a membrane anion exchange protein, band 3, which contains a large internal cavity and 12 TM helices (5 being pore-lining regions. The Hba TM helix may be the erythrocyte membrane band 3 attachment site. Band 3 contributes 4 caveolin binding motifs and 10 CRAC/CARC domains. Cholesterol binding may create lipid-disordered phases that alter globin cavities and facilitate ligand movement, permitting ion channel formation and conformational changes that orchestrate anion and ligand (O2, CO2, NO movement within the large internal cavities and

TaxHf1−xB2–SiC multiphase oxidation protective coating for SiC-coated carbon/carbon composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ren, Xuanru; Li, Hejun; Fu, Qiangang; Li, Kezhi

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Ta x Hf 1−x B 2 –SiC coating was prepared on SiC coated C/C by in-situ reaction method. • TaB 2 and HfB 2 were introduced in the form of solid solution Ta x Hf 1−x B 2 . • The coating could protect C/C for 1480 h with only 0.57% mass loss at 1773 K in air. • Oxidation layer consists of out Ta–Si–O compound layer and inner SiO 2 glass layer. • Ta–Si–O compound silicate layer presents a better stability than SiO 2 glass layer. - Abstract: A Ta x Hf 1−x B 2 –SiC coating was prepared by in-situ reaction method on SiC coated C/C composites. Ta x Hf 1−x B 2 phase is the form of solid solution between TaB 2 and HfB 2 . Isothermal oxidation behavior at 1773 K and ablation behavior of the coated C/C were tested. Ta x Hf 1−x B 2 –SiC/SiC coating could protect the C/C from oxidation at 1773 K for 1480 h and ablation above 2200 K for 40 s. During oxidation, oxides of Ta and Hf atoms exist as “pinning phases” in the compound glass layer consisted of outer Ta–Si–O compound silicate layer and inner SiO 2 glass layer, which was responsible for the excellent oxidation resistance

HIV-1 Nef down-modulates C-C and C-X-C chemokine receptors via ubiquitin and ubiquitin-independent mechanism.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Prabha Chandrasekaran

Full Text Available Human and Simian Immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV encode an accessory protein, Nef, which is a pathogenesis and virulence factor. Nef is a multivalent adapter that dysregulates the trafficking of many immune cell receptors, including chemokine receptors (CKRs. Physiological endocytic itinerary of agonist occupied CXCR4 involves ubiquitinylation of the phosphorylated receptor at three critical lysine residues and dynamin-dependent trafficking through the ESCRT pathway into lysosomes for degradation. Likewise, Nef induced CXCR4 degradation was critically dependent on the three lysines in the C-terminal -SSLKILSKGK- motif. Nef directly recruits the HECT domain E3 ligases AIP4 or NEDD4 to CXCR4 in the resting state. This mechanism was confirmed by ternary interactions of Nef, CXCR4 and AIP4 or NEDD4; by reversal of Nef effect by expression of catalytically inactive AIP4-C830A mutant; and siRNA knockdown of AIP4, NEDD4 or some ESCRT-0 adapters. However, ubiquitinylation dependent lysosomal degradation was not the only mechanism by which Nef downregulated CKRs. Agonist and Nef mediated CXCR2 (and CXCR1 degradation was ubiquitinylation independent. Nef also profoundly downregulated the naturally truncated CXCR4 associated with WHIM syndrome and engineered variants of CXCR4 that resist CXCL12 induced internalization via an ubiquitinylation independent mechanism.

Synthesis of n.c.a. 18F-fluorinated NMDA- and D4-receptor ligands via [18F]fluorobenzenes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ludwig, T.

2005-11-01

In this thesis new strategies were developed and evaluated for the no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) 18 F-labelling of receptor ligands as radiodiagnostics for characterization of brain receptors using positron-emission-tomography (PET). Special emphasis was placed on the synthesis of n.c.a. (±)-3-(4-hydroxy-4-(4-[ 18 F]fluorophenyl)-piperidin-l-yl)chroman-4,7-diol, a ligand with high affinity for the NR2B subtype of NMDA receptors and n.c.a. (3-(4-[ 18 F]fluorphenoxy)propyl)-(2-(4-tolylphenoxy)ethyl)amine ([ 18 F]FPTEA) a dopamine D 4 receptor ligand. In order to synthesize n.c.a. (±)-3-(4-hydroxy-4-(4-[ 18 F]fluorophenyl)-piperidin-l-yl)chroman-4,7-diol the 18 F-fluoroarylation method via metallorganic intermediates was modified and improved. The suitability of the organometallic 18 F-fluoroarylation agents was proven with several model compounds. High radiochemical yields of 20-30% were obtained also with piperidinone-derivatives. The preparation of a suitable precursor for the synthesis of the NMDA receptor ligand, however, could not be achieved by synthesis of appropriate 1,3-dioxolane protected piperidinone derivatives. Further, the synthesis of n.c.a. ([ 18 F]fluoroaryloxy)alkylamines via n.c.a. 4-[ 18 F]fluorophenol was developed and evaluated. The synthesis of n.c.a. [ 18 F]fluoroarylethers with corresponding model compounds was optimized and led to a radiochemical yield of 25-60%, depending on the alkylhalide used. The preparation of n.c.a. 1-(3-bromopropoxy)-4-[ 18 F]fluorobenzene proved advantageous in comparison to direct use of 4-[ 18 ]fluorophenol for coupling with a corresponding N-protected precursor for the synthesis of n.c.a. [ 18 F]FPTEA. With regard to the radiochemical yields and the loss of activity during the synthesis and isolation of n.c.a. 4-[ 18 F]fluorophenol and n.c.a. 1-(3-bromopropoxy)-4-[ 18 F]fluorobenzene, [ 18 F]FPTEA was obtained by reaction with 2-(4-tolyloxy)ethylamine in radiochemical yields of about 25-30% in ethanol or 2-butanone

Growth and characterization of polycrystalline Ge{sub 1-x}C{sub x} by reactive pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hernandez, M.P., E-mail: mayrap@fisica.uh.cu [Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Materiales, Zapata y G, P.O. Box 10400, Universidad de La Habana (Cuba); Farias, M.H.; Castillon, F.F.; Diaz, Jesus A.; Avalos, M. [Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, C.P. 22800 Ensenada, Baja California (Mexico); Ulloa, L. [Universidad de Guadalajara, (CUCEI) Blvd. Marcelino Garcia Barragan 1421, C.P. 44430 Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico); Gallegos, J.A.; Yee-Madeiros, H. [Escuela Superior de Fisica y Matematicas-IPN, UP' ALM' , Colonia Lindavista 07738 (Mexico)

2011-03-15

Polycrystalline thin films of Ge-C were grown on Si (1 1 1) substrates by means of reactive pulsed laser deposition with methane pressure of 100 mTorr. Effect substrate temperature, T{sub s}, on C incorporation to substitutional sites (x) in Ge{sub 1-x}C{sub x} was investigated systematically by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyzes. The substrate temperatures were ranging from 250 to 400 deg. C. The substitutional C composition x in the films by XRD were estimated using the Vegard's linear law. The maximum value of x calculated by XRD was 0.032 for T{sub s} of 350 deg. C. The position of the C 1s peak at 283.4 eV in the XPS spectrum confirmed the germanium-carbon alloys. XRD measurements indicated that x increased with T{sub s} from 250 deg. C to 350 deg. C. At T{sub s} = 400 deg. C, the estimation of x was lowered. However, the C content calculated by XPS analyzes increased with T{sub s} being more these values than substitutional C composition x. XPS and XRD analyzes demonstrate that the remaining C atoms are incorporated to interstitial sites. The use of the T{sub s} plays important roles in the incorporation of substitutional C and in restraining C-cluster formation in the reactive pulsed laser deposition growth of Ge-C/Si.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Type 1 (CRHR1 Clustering with MAGUKs Is Mediated via Its C-Terminal PDZ Binding Motif.

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Julia Bender

Full Text Available The corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 (CRHR1 plays an important role in orchestrating neuroendocrine, behavioral, and autonomic responses to stress. To identify molecules capable of directly modulating CRHR1 signaling, we performed a yeast-two-hybrid screen using the C-terminal intracellular tail of the receptor as bait. We identified several members of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK family: postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95, synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97, SAP102 and membrane associated guanylate kinase, WW and PDZ domain containing 2 (MAGI2. CRHR1 is co-expressed with the identified MAGUKs and with the additionally investigated PSD93 in neurons of the adult mouse brain and in primary hippocampal neurons, supporting the probability of a physiological interaction in vivo. The C-terminal PDZ (PSD-95, discs large, zona occludens 1 binding motif of CRHR1 is essential for its physical interaction with MAGUKs, as revealed by the CRHR1-STAVA mutant, which harbors a functionally impaired PDZ binding motif. The imitation of a phosphorylation at Thr413 within the PDZ binding motif also disrupted the interaction with MAGUKs. In contrast, distinct PDZ domains within the identified MAGUKs are involved in the interactions. Expression of CRHR1 in primary neurons demonstrated its localization throughout the neuronal plasma membrane, including the excitatory post synapse, where the receptor co-localized with PSD95 and SAP97. The co-expression of CRHR1 and respective interacting MAGUKs in HEK293 cells resulted in a clustered subcellular co-localization which required an intact PDZ binding motif. In conclusion, our study characterized the PDZ binding motif-mediated interaction of CRHR1 with multiple MAGUKs, which directly affects receptor function.

Probing ligand binding modes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MurC ligase by molecular modeling, dynamics simulation and docking.

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Anuradha, C M; Mulakayala, Chaitanya; Babajan, Banaganapalli; Naveen, M; Rajasekhar, Chikati; Kumar, Chitta Suresh

2010-01-01

Multi drug resistance capacity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-Mtb) demands the profound need for developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs. The present work is on Mtb-MurC ligase, which is an enzyme involved in biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, a component of Mtb cell wall. In this paper the 3-D structure of Mtb-MurC has been constructed using the templates 1GQQ and 1P31. Structural refinement and energy minimization of the predicted Mtb-MurC ligase model has been carried out by molecular dynamics. The streochemical check failures in the energy minimized model have been evaluated through Procheck, Whatif ProSA, and Verify 3D. Further torsion angles for the side chains of amino acid residues of the developed model were determined using Predictor. Docking analysis of Mtb-MurC model with ligands and natural substrates enabled us to identify specific residues viz. Gly125, Lys126, Arg331, and Arg332, within the Mtb-MurC binding pocket to play an important role in ligand and substrate binding affinity and selectivity. The availability of Mtb-MurC ligase built model, together with insights gained from docking analysis will promote the rational design of potent and selective Mtb-MurC ligase inhibitors as antituberculosis therapeutics.

Reactions of [WI2(CO)(NCMe)(η2-RC2R)2] (R = Me, Ph) with pyridines and related ligands, X-ray crystal structure of [WI(CO)(bpy)(η2-MeC2Me)2][BPh4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baker, P.K.; Armstrong, E.M.; Drew, M.G.B.

1988-01-01

The reactions of the highly versatile bis(alkyne) compounds [WI 2 (CO)(NCMe)(η 2 -RC 2 R) 2 ] (R = Me, Ph) with pyridine and related ligands to give neutral and cationic alkyne complexes are reported. The x-ray structure of [WI 2 (CO)(bpy)(η 2 -MeC 2 Me) 2 ][BPh 4 ] was also measured and is reported. 10 references, 1 figure, 6 tables

Molecular interactions of agonist and inverse agonist ligands at serotonin 5-HT2C G protein-coupled receptors: computational ligand docking and molecular dynamics studies validated by experimental mutagenesis results

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Córdova-Sintjago, Tania C.; Liu, Yue; Booth, Raymond G.

2015-02-01

To understand molecular determinants for ligand activation of the serotonin 5-HT2C G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), a drug target for obesity and neuropsychiatric disorders, a 5-HT2C homology model was built according to an adrenergic β2 GPCR (β2AR) structure and validated using a 5-HT2B GPCR crystal structure. The models were equilibrated in a simulated phosphatidyl choline membrane for ligand docking and molecular dynamics studies. Ligands included (2S, 4R)-(-)-trans-4-(3'-bromo- and trifluoro-phenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-amine (3'-Br-PAT and 3'-CF3-PAT), a 5-HT2C agonist and inverse agonist, respectively. Distinct interactions of 3'-Br-PAT and 3'-CF3-PAT at the wild-type (WT) 5-HT2C receptor model were observed and experimental 5-HT2C receptor mutagenesis studies were undertaken to validate the modelling results. For example, the inverse agonist 3'-CF3-PAT docked deeper in the WT 5-HT2C binding pocket and altered the orientation of transmembrane helices (TM) 6 in comparison to the agonist 3'-Br-PAT, suggesting that changes in TM orientation that result from ligand binding impact function. For both PATs, mutation of 5-HT2C residues S3.36, T3.37, and F5.47 to alanine resulted in significantly decreased affinity, as predicted from modelling results. It was concluded that upon PAT binding, 5-HT2C residues T3.37 and F5.47 in TMs 3 and 5, respectively, engage in inter-helical interactions with TMs 4 and 6, respectively. The movement of TMs 5 and 6 upon agonist and inverse agonist ligand binding observed in the 5-HT2C receptor modelling studies was similar to movements reported for the activation and deactivation of the β2AR, suggesting common mechanisms among aminergic neurotransmitter GPCRs.

Distinct repeat motifs at the C-terminal region of CagA of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from diseased patients and asymptomatic individuals in West Bengal, India

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Chattopadhyay Santanu

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Infection with Helicobacter pylori strains that express CagA is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric adenocarcinoma. The biological function of CagA depends on tyrosine phosphorylation by a cellular kinase. The phosphate acceptor tyrosine moiety is present within the EPIYA motif at the C-terminal region of the protein. This region is highly polymorphic due to variations in the number of EPIYA motifs and the polymorphism found in spacer regions among EPIYA motifs. The aim of this study was to analyze the polymorphism at the C-terminal end of CagA and to evaluate its association with the clinical status of the host in West Bengal, India. Results Seventy-seven H. pylori strains isolated from patients with various clinical statuses were used to characterize the C-ternimal polymorphic region of CagA. Our analysis showed that there is no correlation between the previously described CagA types and various disease outcomes in Indian context. Further analyses of different CagA structures revealed that the repeat units in the spacer sequences within the EPIYA motifs are actually more discrete than the previously proposed models of CagA variants. Conclusion Our analyses suggest that EPIYA motifs as well as the spacer sequence units are present as distinct insertions and deletions, which possibly have arisen from extensive recombination events. Moreover, we have identified several new CagA types, which could not be typed by the existing systems and therefore, we have proposed a new typing system. We hypothesize that a cagA gene encoding higher number EPIYA motifs may perhaps have arisen from cagA genes that encode lesser EPIYA motifs by acquisition of DNA segments through recombination events.

Combining biophysical methods to analyze the disulfide bond in SH2 domain of C-terminal Src kinase.

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Liu, Dongsheng; Cowburn, David

2016-01-01

The Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain is a structurally conserved protein domain that typically binds to a phosphorylated tyrosine in a peptide motif from the target protein. The SH2 domain of C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) contains a single disulfide bond, which is unusual for most SH2 domains. Although the global motion of SH2 domain regulates Csk function, little is known about the relationship between the disulfide bond and binding of the ligand. In this study, we combined X-ray crystallography, solution NMR, and other biophysical methods to reveal the interaction network in Csk. Denaturation studies have shown that disulfide bond contributes significantly to the stability of SH2 domain, and crystal structures of the oxidized and C122S mutant showed minor conformational changes. We further investigated the binding of SH2 domain to a phosphorylated peptide from Csk-binding protein upon reduction and oxidation using both NMR and fluorescence approaches. This work employed NMR, X-ray cryptography, and other biophysical methods to study a disulfide bond in Csk SH2 domain. In addition, this work provides in-depth understanding of the structural dynamics of Csk SH2 domain.

Biodistribution and tumor uptake of C60(OH)x in mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ji Zhiqiang; Sun Hongfang; Wang Haifang; Xie Qunying; Liu Yuangfang; Wang Zheng

2006-01-01

Radiolabeling of fullerol, 125 I-C 60 (OH) x , was performed by the traditional chloramine-T method. The C-I covalent bond in I-C 60 (OH) x was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that was sufficiently stable for in vivo study. Laser light scattering spectroscopy clearly showed that C 60 (OH) x aggregated to large nanoparticle clumps with a wide range of distribution. The clumps formed were also visualized by transmission electron microscope (TEM). We examined the biodistribution and tumor uptake of C 60 (OH) x in five mouse bearing tumor models, including mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma, human lung giantcellcarcinoma PD, human colon cancer HCT-8, human gastric cancer MGC803, and human OS732 osteosarcoma. The accumulation ratios of 125 I-C 60 (OH) x in mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma to that in normal muscle tissue (T/N) and blood (T/B) at 1, 6, 24 and 72 h, reveal that 125 I-C 60 (OH) x gradually accumulates in H22 tumor, and retains for a quite long period (e.g., T/N 3.41, T/B 3.94 at 24 h). For the other four tumor models, the T/N ratio at 24 h ranges within 1.21-6.26, while the T/B ratio ranges between 1.23 and 4.73. The accumulation of C 60 (OH) x in tumor is mostly due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) and the phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes. Hence, C 60 (OH) x might serve as a photosensitizer in the photodynamic therapy of some kinds of tumor

Roles for C-X-C chemokines and C5a in lung injury after hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bless, N M; Warner, R L; Padgaonkar, V A

1999-01-01

We evaluated the roles of the C-X-C chemokines cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) as well as the complement activation product C5a in development of lung injury after hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion in rats. During reperfusion, CD11b...... and CD18, but not CD11a, were upregulated on neutrophils [bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood] and lung macrophages. BAL levels of CINC and MIP-2 were increased during the ischemic and reperfusion periods. Treatment with either anti-CINC or anti-MIP-2 IgG significantly reduced lung vascular......, 58, and 23%, respectively (P MIP-2 as well as the complement activation product C5a are required for lung neutrophil recruitment and full induction of lung injury after hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion in rats....

Crystal structure and novel recognition motif of rho ADP-ribosylating C3 exoenzyme from Clostridium botulinum: structural insights for recognition specificity and catalysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, S; Arvai, A S; Clancy, S B; Tainer, J A

2001-01-05

Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme inactivates the small GTP-binding protein family Rho by ADP-ribosylating asparagine 41, which depolymerizes the actin cytoskeleton. C3 thus represents a major family of the bacterial toxins that transfer the ADP-ribose moiety of NAD to specific amino acids in acceptor proteins to modify key biological activities in eukaryotic cells, including protein synthesis, differentiation, transformation, and intracellular signaling. The 1.7 A resolution C3 exoenzyme structure establishes the conserved features of the core NAD-binding beta-sandwich fold with other ADP-ribosylating toxins despite little sequence conservation. Importantly, the central core of the C3 exoenzyme structure is distinguished by the absence of an active site loop observed in many other ADP-ribosylating toxins. Unlike the ADP-ribosylating toxins that possess the active site loop near the central core, the C3 exoenzyme replaces the active site loop with an alpha-helix, alpha3. Moreover, structural and sequence similarities with the catalytic domain of vegetative insecticidal protein 2 (VIP2), an actin ADP-ribosyltransferase, unexpectedly implicates two adjacent, protruding turns, which join beta5 and beta6 of the toxin core fold, as a novel recognition specificity motif for this newly defined toxin family. Turn 1 evidently positions the solvent-exposed, aromatic side-chain of Phe209 to interact with the hydrophobic region of Rho adjacent to its GTP-binding site. Turn 2 evidently both places the Gln212 side-chain for hydrogen bonding to recognize Rho Asn41 for nucleophilic attack on the anomeric carbon of NAD ribose and holds the key Glu214 catalytic side-chain in the adjacent catalytic pocket. This proposed bipartite ADP-ribosylating toxin turn-turn (ARTT) motif places the VIP2 and C3 toxin classes into a single ARTT family characterized by analogous target protein recognition via turn 1 aromatic and turn 2 hydrogen-bonding side-chain moieties. Turn 2 centrally anchors

The high affinity selectin glycan ligand C2-O-sLex and mRNA transcripts of the core 2 β-1,6-N-acetylglusaminyltransferase (C2GnT1) gene are highly expressed in human colorectal adenocarcinomas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

St Hill, Catherine A; Farooqui, Mariya; Mitcheltree, Gregory; Gulbahce, H Evin; Jessurun, Jose; Cao, Qing; Walcheck, Bruce

2009-01-01

The metastasis of cancer cells and leukocyte extravasation into inflamed tissues share common features. Specialized carbohydrates modified with sialyl Lewis x (sLe x ) antigens on leukocyte membranes are ligands for selectin adhesion molecules on activated vascular endothelial cells at inflammatory sites. The activity of the enzyme core 2 β1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT1) in leukocytes greatly increases their ability to bind to endothelial selectins. C2GnT1 is essential for the synthesis of core 2-branched O-linked carbohydrates terminated with sLe x (C2-O-sLe x ). Our goal was to determine the expression profiles of C2-O-sLe x in the malignant progression and metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinomas. The well characterized CHO-131 monoclonal antibody (mAb) specifically recognizes C2-O-sLe x present in human leukocytes and carcinoma cells. Using CHO-131 mAb, we investigated whether C2-O-sLe x was present in 113 human primary colorectal adenocarcinomas, 10 colorectal adenomas, 46 metastatic liver tumors, 28 normal colorectal tissues, and 5 normal liver tissues by immunohistochemistry. We also examined mRNA levels of the enzyme core 2 β1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT1) in 20 well, 15 moderately, and 2 poorly differentiated colorectal adenocarcinomas, and in 5 normal colorectal tissues by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). We observed high reactivity with CHO-131 mAb in approximately 70% of colorectal carcinomas and 87% of metastatic liver tumors but a lack of reactivity in colorectal adenomas and normal colonic and liver tissues. Positive reactivity with CHO-131 mAb was very prominent in neoplastic colorectal glands of well to moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas. The most intense staining with CHO-131 mAb was observed at the advancing edge of tumors with the deepest invasive components. Finally, we analyzed C2GnT1 mRNA levels in 37 colorectal adenocarcinomas and 5 normal colorectal tissues by RT

Dual Ligand-Enabled Nondirected C-H Olefination of Arenes.

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Chen, Hao; Wedi, Philipp; Meyer, Tim; Tavakoli, Ghazal; van Gemmeren, Manuel

2018-02-23

The application of the Pd-catalyzed oxidative C-H olefination of arenes, also known as the Fujiwara-Moritani reaction, has traditionally been limited by the requirement for directing groups on the substrate or the need to use the arene in large excess, typically as a (co)solvent. Herein the development of a catalytic system is described that, through the combined action of two complementary ligands, makes it possible to use directing-group-free arenes as limiting reagents for the first time. The reactions proceed under a combination of both steric and electronic control and enable the application of this powerful reaction to valuable arenes, which cannot be utilized in excess. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hydrogenation of Phenylacetylene to Styrene on Pre-C_xH_y- and C-Covered Cu(111) Single Crystal Catalysts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohn, Young Ku; Wei, Wei; White, John M.

2011-01-01

Thermal hydrogenation of phenylacetylene (PA, C_8H_6) to styrene (C_8H_8) on pre-C_xH_y- and C-covered Cu(111) single crystal substrates has been studied using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) mass spectrometry. Chemisorbed PA with an acetylene group has been proved to be associated with hydrogen of pre-adsorbed C_xH_y to form styrene (104 amu) on Cu surface. For the parent (PA) mass (102 amu) TPD profile, the TPD peaks at 360 K and 410 K are assigned to chemisorbed vertically aligned PA and flat-lying cross-bridged PA, respectively (J. Phys. Chem. C 2007, 111, 5101). The relative I_3_6_0_K/I_4_1_0_K TPD ratio dramatically increases with increasing pre-adsorbed C_xH_y before dosing PA, while the ratio does not increase for pre-C-covered surface. For PA on pre-C_xH_y-covered Cu(111) surface, styrene desorption is enhanced relative to the parent PA desorption, while styrene formation is dramatically quenched on pre-C-covered (lack of adsorbed hydrogen nearby) surface. It appears that only cross-bridged PA associates with adsorbed hydrogen to form styrene that promptly desorbs at 410 K, while vertically aligned PA is less likely to participate in forming styrene

Electrochemical characterization of Pt-CeO{sub 2}/C and Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bai, Yuxia; Qiu, Xinping; Xi, Jingyu; Wang, Jianshe; Li, Jinfeng; Zhu, Wentao; Chen, Liquan [Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Wu, Jianjun [Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Department of Chemistry, Shijiazhuang College, Shijiazhuang 050801 (China)

2007-04-24

Pt-CeO{sub 2}/C and a series of Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C catalyst powders with different Ce/Zr ratio were prepared and evaluated in terms of the electrochemical activity for ethanol electro-oxidation using cyclic voltammetry (CV), steady state polarization experiments and CO-stripping technique at room temperature. XRD results show that Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} and Pt coexist in the Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C catalyst and Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} has no effect on the crystalline lattice of Pt. TEM results show that the Pt and Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} particles dispersed uniformly over the surface of the carbon black. Cyclic voltammetry results show that the mass activity and specific activity of Pt-CeO{sub 2}/C for ethanol electro-oxidation is higher than that of Pt/C. The structure and Ce/Zr ratio of Pt-Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2}/C has effect on the catalytic activity of catalysts. CO-stripping voltammetry showed that the inclusion of CeO{sub 2} and Ce{sub x}Zr{sub 1-x}O{sub 2} favors the CO oxidation at lower potential. (author)

Effects of Mutations and Ligands on the Thermostability of the l-Arginine/Agmatine Antiporter AdiC and Deduced Insights into Ligand-Binding of Human l-Type Amino Acid Transporters

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Hüseyin Ilgü

2018-03-01

Full Text Available The l-arginine/agmatine transporter AdiC is a prokaryotic member of the SLC7 family, which enables pathogenic enterobacteria to survive the extremely acidic gastric environment. Wild-type AdiC from Escherichia coli, as well as its previously reported point mutants N22A and S26A, were overexpressed homologously and purified to homogeneity. A size-exclusion chromatography-based thermostability assay was used to determine the melting temperatures (Tms of the purified AdiC variants in the absence and presence of the selected ligands l-arginine (Arg, agmatine, l-arginine methyl ester, and l-arginine amide. The resulting Tms indicated stabilization of AdiC variants upon ligand binding, in which Tms and ligand binding affinities correlated positively. Considering results from this and previous studies, we revisited the role of AdiC residue S26 in Arg binding and proposed interactions of the α-carboxylate group of Arg exclusively with amide groups of the AdiC backbone. In the context of substrate binding in the human SLC7 family member l-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1; SLC7A5, an analogous role of S66 in LAT1 to S26 in AdiC is discussed based on homology modeling and amino acid sequence analysis. Finally, we propose a binding mechanism for l-amino acid substrates to LATs from the SLC7 family.

Synthesis IR spectra and crystal structure of N-(4-bromophenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoroacetyl-acetonimine HN(C6H4Br)xC(Me)xCHxC(CF3)xO(HL) and its molecular complex with tungstene(4) oxotetrachloride WOCl4xHL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sergienko, V.S.; Ilyukhin, A.B.; Abramenko, V.L.

1997-01-01

Synthesis, IR spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies of compound HN(C 6 H 4 Br)xC(Me)xCHxC(CF 3 )xO(HL) (1) and of molecular complex WOCl 4 xHL(2) have been conducted. In 1 and 2 HL molecule exists in ketoamine tautomeric form (acid proton is localized at nitrogen atom). The results of 1 and 2 study are compared with literature data on structures of HL type molecules and Mo(6) molecular complexes with β-enaminevinylketone, as well as with the structure of chelate compound WOCl 3 L 1 , where L 1 - anion of N-phenylacetylacetonimine

Partial reconstitution of photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase characteristics in cGMP phosphodiesterase-5.

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Granovsky, A E; Artemyev, N O

2001-06-15

Photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterases (PDE6) are uniquely qualified to serve as effector enzymes in the vertebrate visual transduction cascade. In the dark-adapted photoreceptors, the activity of PDE6 is blocked via tight association with the inhibitory gamma-subunits (Pgamma). The Pgamma block is removed in the light-activated PDE6 by the visual G protein, transducin. Transducin-activated PDE6 exhibits an exceptionally high catalytic rate of cGMP hydrolysis ensuring high signal amplification. To identify the structural determinants for the inhibitory interaction with Pgamma and the remarkable cGMP hydrolytic ability, we sought to reproduce the PDE6 characteristics by mutagenesis of PDE5, a related cyclic GMP-specific, cGMP-binding PDE. PDE5 is insensitive to Pgamma and has a more than 100-fold lower k(cat) for cGMP hydrolysis. Our mutational analysis of chimeric PDE5/PDE6alpha' enzymes revealed that the inhibitory interaction of cone PDE6 catalytic subunits (PDE6alpha') with Pgamma is mediated primarily by three hydrophobic residues at the entry to the catalytic pocket, Met(758), Phe(777), and Phe(781). The maximal catalytic rate of PDE5 was enhanced by at least 10-fold with substitutions of PDE6alpha'-specific glycine residues for the corresponding PDE5 alanine residues, Ala(608) and Ala(612). The Gly residues are adjacent to the highly conserved metal binding motif His-Asn-X-X-His, which is essential for cGMP hydrolysis. Our results suggest that the unique Gly residues allow the PDE6 metal binding site to adopt a more favorable conformation for cGMP hydrolysis.

Lattice and algebra homomorphisms on C (X) in Zermelo-Fraenkel ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Let C (X) denote the lattice-ordered algebra of all real-valued continuous functions on a topological space X. This paper discusses in Zermelo-Fraenkel Set Theory the equivalence on C (X) between algebra homomorphisms, lattice homo- morphisms, and point evaluations. Keywords: Algebra homomorphism, lattice ...

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of AbsC, a novel regulator of antibiotic production in Streptomyces coelicolor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stevenson, Clare E. M.; Kock, Holger; Mootien, Saraspadee; Davies, Sîan C.; Bibb, Mervyn J.; Lawson, David M.

2007-01-01

A novel regulator of antibiotic production in S. coelicolor, AbsC, has been crystallized in space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 . X-ray data to 2.25 Å resolution were collected on station PX 14.1 at Daresbury. Crystals of recombinant AbsC (subunit MW = 18 313 Da; 158 amino acids), a novel regulator of antibiotic production from Streptomyces coelicolor, were grown by vapour diffusion. The protein crystallizes in space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , with unit-cell parameters a = 43.53, b = 121.30, c = 143.75 Å. Native data to a resolution of 2.25 Å were recorded at station PX 14.1 (Daresbury) from a single crystal. Preliminary analysis of these data suggests that the asymmetric unit contains four copies of the AbsC monomer, giving an estimated solvent content of 47.0%. AbsC belongs to the MarR family of proteins that mediate ligand-responsive transcriptional control

Natural HLA-B*2705 Protein Ligands with Glutamine as Anchor Motif

Science.gov (United States)

Infantes, Susana; Lorente, Elena; Barnea, Eilon; Beer, Ilan; Barriga, Alejandro; Lasala, Fátima; Jiménez, Mercedes; Admon, Arie; López, Daniel

2013-01-01

The presentation of short viral peptide antigens by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules on cell surfaces is a key step in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which mediate the killing of pathogen-infected cells or initiate autoimmune tissue damage. HLA-B27 is a well known class I molecule that is used to study both facets of the cellular immune response. Using mass spectrometry analysis of complex HLA-bound peptide pools isolated from large amounts of HLA-B*2705+ cells, we identified 200 naturally processed HLA-B*2705 ligands. Our analyses revealed that a change in the position (P) 2 anchor motif was detected in the 3% of HLA-B*2705 ligands identified. B*2705 class I molecules were able to bind these six GlnP2 peptides, which showed significant homology to pathogenic bacterial sequences, with a broad range of affinities. One of these ligands was able to bind with distinct conformations to HLA-B27 subtypes differentially associated with ankylosing spondylitis. These conformational differences could be sufficient to initiate autoimmune damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis-associated subtypes. Therefore, these kinds of peptides (short, with GlnP2, and similar low affinity to all HLA-B27 subtypes tested but with unlike conformations in differentially ankylosing spondylitis-associated subtypes) must not be excluded from future researches involving potential arthritogenic peptides. PMID:23430249

Molecular Structures, Vibrational Spectroscopy, and Normal-Mode Analysis of M(2)(C&tbd1;CR)(4)(PMe(3))(4) Dimetallatetraynes. Observation of Strongly Mixed Metal-Metal and Metal-Ligand Vibrational Modes.

Science.gov (United States)

John, Kevin D.; Miskowski, Vincent M.; Vance, Michael A.; Dallinger, Richard F.; Wang, Louis C.; Geib, Steven J.; Hopkins, Michael D.

1998-12-28

The nature of the skeletal vibrational modes of complexes of the type M(2)(C&tbd1;CR)(4)(PMe(3))(4) (M = Mo, W; R = H, Me, Bu(t)(), SiMe(3)) has been deduced. Metrical data from X-ray crystallographic studies of Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CR)(4)(PMe(3))(4) (R = Me, Bu(t)(), SiMe(3)) and W(2)(C&tbd1;CMe)(4)(PMe(3))(4) reveal that the core bond distances and angles are within normal ranges and do not differ in a statistically significant way as a function of the alkynyl substituent, indicating that their associated force constants should be similarly invariant among these compounds. The crystal structures of Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(4)(PMe(3))(4) and Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CBu(t)())(4)(PMe(3))(4) are complicated by 3-fold disorder of the Mo(2) unit within apparently ordered ligand arrays. Resonance-Raman spectra ((1)(delta-->delta) excitation, THF solution) of Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(4)(PMe(3))(4) and its isotopomers (PMe(3)-d(9), C&tbd1;CSiMe(3)-d(9), (13)C&tbd1;(13)CSiMe(3)) exhibit resonance-enhanced bands due to a(1)-symmetry fundamentals (nu(a) = 362, nu(b) = 397, nu(c) = 254 cm(-)(1) for the natural-abundance complex) and their overtones and combinations. The frequencies and relative intensities of the fundamentals are highly sensitive to isotopic substitution of the C&tbd1;CSiMe(3) ligands, but are insensitive to deuteration of the PMe(3) ligands. Nonresonance-Raman spectra (FT-Raman, 1064 nm excitation, crystalline samples) for the Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CSiMe(3))(4)(PMe(3))(4) compounds and for Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CR)(4)(PMe(3))(4) (R = H, D, Me, Bu(t)(), SiMe(3)) and W(2)(C&tbd1;CMe)(4)(PMe(3))(4) exhibit nu(a), nu(b), and nu(c) and numerous bands due to alkynyl- and phosphine-localized modes, the latter of which are assigned by comparisons to FT-Raman spectra of Mo(2)X(4)L(4) (X = Cl, Br, I; L = PMe(3), PMe(3)-d(9))(4) and Mo(2)Cl(4)(AsMe(3))(4). Valence force-field normal-coordinate calculations on the model compound Mo(2)(C&tbd1;CH)(4)P(4), using core force constants transferred from a calculation

Organomolybdenum (VI) and lithium Organomolybdate (VI) and (V) Complexes with C,N-Chelating Aminoaryl Ligands

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Koten, G. van; Brandts, J.A.M.; Leur, M. de; Gossage, R.A.; Spek, A.L.

1999-01-01

The synthesis and characterization of new, five-coordinate molybdenum bis(imidoaryl) complexes [Mo(NAr)2(C-N)X] (Ar = C6H3i-Pr2-2,6; C-N = [C6H4(CH2NMe2)-2]-; X = Cl (1), Me (2), Et (3), Bu (4), CH2SiMe3 (5), (p-tolyl) (6), (C-N) (7)) is reported. The solid-state structure of 2 has been elucidated

Permuting the PGF Signature Motif Blocks both Archaeosortase-Dependent C-Terminal Cleavage and Prenyl Lipid Attachment for the Haloferax volcanii S-Layer Glycoprotein.

Science.gov (United States)

Abdul Halim, Mohd Farid; Karch, Kelly R; Zhou, Yitian; Haft, Daniel H; Garcia, Benjamin A; Pohlschroder, Mechthild

2015-12-28

For years, the S-layer glycoprotein (SLG), the sole component of many archaeal cell walls, was thought to be anchored to the cell surface by a C-terminal transmembrane segment. Recently, however, we demonstrated that the Haloferax volcanii SLG C terminus is removed by an archaeosortase (ArtA), a novel peptidase. SLG, which was previously shown to be lipid modified, contains a C-terminal tripartite structure, including a highly conserved proline-glycine-phenylalanine (PGF) motif. Here, we demonstrate that ArtA does not process an SLG variant where the PGF motif is replaced with a PFG motif (slg(G796F,F797G)). Furthermore, using radiolabeling, we show that SLG lipid modification requires the PGF motif and is ArtA dependent, lending confirmation to the use of a novel C-terminal lipid-mediated protein-anchoring mechanism by prokaryotes. Similar to the case for the ΔartA strain, the growth, cellular morphology, and cell wall of the slg(G796F,F797G) strain, in which modifications of additional H. volcanii ArtA substrates should not be altered, are adversely affected, demonstrating the importance of these posttranslational SLG modifications. Our data suggest that ArtA is either directly or indirectly involved in a novel proteolysis-coupled, covalent lipid-mediated anchoring mechanism. Given that archaeosortase homologs are encoded by a broad range of prokaryotes, it is likely that this anchoring mechanism is widely conserved. Prokaryotic proteins bound to cell surfaces through intercalation, covalent attachment, or protein-protein interactions play critical roles in essential cellular processes. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms that anchor proteins to archaeal cell surfaces remain poorly characterized. Here, using the archaeon H. volcanii as a model system, we report the first in vivo studies of a novel protein-anchoring pathway involving lipid modification of a peptidase-processed C terminus. Our findings not only yield important insights into poorly understood

Peptide-binding motifs of two common equine class I MHC molecules in Thoroughbred horses.

Science.gov (United States)

Bergmann, Tobias; Lindvall, Mikaela; Moore, Erin; Moore, Eugene; Sidney, John; Miller, Donald; Tallmadge, Rebecca L; Myers, Paisley T; Malaker, Stacy A; Shabanowitz, Jeffrey; Osterrieder, Nikolaus; Peters, Bjoern; Hunt, Donald F; Antczak, Douglas F; Sette, Alessandro

2017-05-01

Quantitative peptide-binding motifs of MHC class I alleles provide a valuable tool to efficiently identify putative T cell epitopes. Detailed information on equine MHC class I alleles is still very limited, and to date, only a single equine MHC class I allele, Eqca-1*00101 (ELA-A3 haplotype), has been characterized. The present study extends the number of characterized ELA class I specificities in two additional haplotypes found commonly in the Thoroughbred breed. Accordingly, we here report quantitative binding motifs for the ELA-A2 allele Eqca-16*00101 and the ELA-A9 allele Eqca-1*00201. Utilizing analyses of endogenously bound and eluted ligands and the screening of positional scanning combinatorial libraries, detailed and quantitative peptide-binding motifs were derived for both alleles. Eqca-16*00101 preferentially binds peptides with aliphatic/hydrophobic residues in position 2 and at the C-terminus, and Eqca-1*00201 has a preference for peptides with arginine in position 2 and hydrophobic/aliphatic residues at the C-terminus. Interestingly, the Eqca-16*00101 motif resembles that of the human HLA A02-supertype, while the Eqca-1*00201 motif resembles that of the HLA B27-supertype and two macaque class I alleles. It is expected that the identified motifs will facilitate the selection of candidate epitopes for the study of immune responses in horses.

The determination of unchanged [11C]diprenorphine, [11C]L-deprenyl and [11C]raclopride in plasma by HPLC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luthra, S.K.; Turton, D.R.; Price, G.; Ahier, R.; Martin, F.; Hume, S.; Cremer, J.

1990-01-01

In PET studies a knowledge of the fraction of radioactivity in plasma representing unchanged 11 C-labelled ligand/tracer is essential for correction of the arterial plasma input curve. A number of different approaches (e.g. HPLC and TLC/OPTLC) to the determination of unchanged radio-ligand/tracer have been reported for 11 C-labelled carfentanil, raclopride and L-deprenyl and for 76 Br-labelled bromolisuride. The authors report here how they have applied the simple work-up and analytical procedure, originally reported for [ 11 C]carfentanil, to establish the percentage of unmchanged 11 C-labelled diprenorphine, L-deprenyl and raclopride in human and animal plasma as a function of time

Influence of nitrogen on the synthesis and nucleation ability of TiC{sub x} in Al–Ti–C master alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Ping; Nie, Jinfeng; Gao, Tong; Wang, Tao; Liu, Xiangfa, E-mail: xfliu@sdu.edu.cn

2014-07-15

Highlights: • A group of Al–Ti–C master alloy has been prepared in different concentration of N{sub 2}. • It is found that N atoms can dope into TiC{sub x} at a certain concentration of N{sub 2}. • The effect of N element on the nucleation ability of TiC{sub x} on α-Al is investigated. • The excellent refining performance of the doped TiC{sub x} does not fade within 60 min. - Abstract: In this study, a group of Al–Ti–C master alloy has been prepared in an atmosphere with different concentration of N{sub 2}. The master alloys are analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It is discovered that N atoms can be doped into TiC{sub x} at a certain concentration of N{sub 2} while it will form AlN if the concentration is higher. Adding Al–Ti–C master alloy with N doped TiC{sub x} particles in molten aluminum, the average grain size of α-Al can be reduced from 3320 μm to 189 μm and the efficiency does not fade within 60 min. It is supposed that the grain refinement efficiency and stability of TiC{sub x} is improved obviously after N doping. This master alloy exhibits potential to promote the application of grain refiner in industries.

Effects of Mutations and Ligands on the Thermostability of the l-Arginine/Agmatine Antiporter AdiC and Deduced Insights into Ligand-Binding of Human l-Type Amino Acid Transporters.

Science.gov (United States)

Ilgü, Hüseyin; Jeckelmann, Jean-Marc; Colas, Claire; Ucurum, Zöhre; Schlessinger, Avner; Fotiadis, Dimitrios

2018-03-20

The l-arginine/agmatine transporter AdiC is a prokaryotic member of the SLC7 family, which enables pathogenic enterobacteria to survive the extremely acidic gastric environment. Wild-type AdiC from Escherichia coli, as well as its previously reported point mutants N22A and S26A, were overexpressed homologously and purified to homogeneity. A size-exclusion chromatography-based thermostability assay was used to determine the melting temperatures ( T m s) of the purified AdiC variants in the absence and presence of the selected ligands l-arginine (Arg), agmatine, l-arginine methyl ester, and l-arginine amide. The resulting T m s indicated stabilization of AdiC variants upon ligand binding, in which T m s and ligand binding affinities correlated positively. Considering results from this and previous studies, we revisited the role of AdiC residue S26 in Arg binding and proposed interactions of the α-carboxylate group of Arg exclusively with amide groups of the AdiC backbone. In the context of substrate binding in the human SLC7 family member l-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1; SLC7A5), an analogous role of S66 in LAT1 to S26 in AdiC is discussed based on homology modeling and amino acid sequence analysis. Finally, we propose a binding mechanism for l-amino acid substrates to LATs from the SLC7 family.

Stem/Progenitor Cell Proteoglycans Decorated with 7-D-4, 4-C-3 and 3-B-3(-) Chondroitin Sulphate Motifs Are Morphogenetic Markers Of Tissue Development.

Science.gov (United States)

Hayes, Anthony J; Smith, Susan M; Caterson, Bruce; Melrose, James

2018-06-11

This study reviewed the occurrence of chondroitin sulphate (CS) motifs 4-C-3, 7-D-4 and 3-B-3(-) which are expressed by progenitor cells in tissues undergoing morphogenesis. These motifs have a transient early expression pattern during tissue development and also appear in mature tissues during pathological remodeling and attempted repair processes by activated adult stem cells. The CS motifs are information and recognition modules, which may regulate cellular behavior and delineate stem cell niches in developmental tissues. One of the difficulties in determining the precise role of stem cells in tissue development and repair processes is their short engraftment period and the lack of specific markers, which differentiate the activated stem cell lineages from the resident cells. The CS sulphation motifs 7-D-4, 4-C-3 and 3-B-3 (-) decorate cell surface proteoglycans on activated stem/progenitor cells and appear to identify these cells in transitional areas of tissue development and in tissue repair and may be applicable to determining a more precise role for stem cells in tissue morphogenesis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 AlphaMed Press.

Mutagenesis Analysis Reveals Distinct Amino Acids of the Human Serotonin 5-HT2C Receptor Underlying the Pharmacology of Distinct Ligands.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yue; Canal, Clinton E; Cordova-Sintjago, Tania C; Zhu, Wanying; Booth, Raymond G

2017-01-18

While exploring the structure-activity relationship of 4-phenyl-2-dimethylaminotetralins (PATs) at serotonin 5-HT 2C receptors, we discovered that relatively minor modification of PAT chemistry impacts function at 5-HT 2C receptors. In HEK293 cells expressing human 5-HT 2C-INI receptors, for example, (-)-trans-3'-Br-PAT and (-)-trans-3'-Cl-PAT are agonists regarding Gα q -inositol phosphate signaling, whereas (-)-trans-3'-CF 3 -PAT is an inverse agonist. To investigate the ligand-receptor interactions that govern this change in function, we performed site-directed mutagenesis of 14 amino acids of the 5-HT 2C receptor based on molecular modeling and reported G protein-coupled receptor crystal structures, followed by molecular pharmacology studies. We found that S3.36, T3.37, and F5.47 in the orthosteric binding pocket are critical for affinity (K i ) of all PATs tested, we also found that F6.44, M6.47, C7.45, and S7.46 are primarily involved in regulating EC/IC 50 functional potencies of PATs. We discovered that when residue S5.43, N6.55, or both are mutated to alanine, (-)-trans-3'-CF 3 -PAT switches from inverse agonist to agonist function, and when N6.55 is mutated to leucine, (-)-trans-3'-Br-PAT switches from agonist to inverse agonist function. Notably, most point-mutations that affected PAT pharmacology did not significantly alter affinity (K D ) of the antagonist radioligand [ 3 H]mesulergine, but every mutation tested negatively impacted serotonin binding. Also, amino acid mutations differentially affected the pharmacology of other commercially available 5-HT 2C ligands tested. Collectively, the data show that functional outcomes shared by different ligands are mediated by different amino acids and that some 5-HT 2C receptor residues important for pharmacology of one ligand are not necessarily important for another ligand.

Tuning of superconductivity by Ni substitution into noncentrosymmetric ThC o1 -xN ixC2

Science.gov (United States)

Grant, T. W.; Cigarroa, O. V.; Rosa, P. F. S.; Machado, A. J. S.; Fisk, Z.

2017-07-01

The recently discovered noncentrosymmetric superconductor ThCoC2 was observed to show unusual superconducting behavior with a critical temperature of Tc=2.65 K . Here we investigate the effect of nickel substitution on the superconducting state in ThC o1 -xN ixC2 . Magnetization, resistivity, and heat capacity measurements demonstrate Ni substitution has a dramatic effect with critical temperature increased up to Tc=12.1 K for x =0.4 Ni concentration, which is a rather high transition temperature for a noncentrosymmetric superconductor. In addition, the unusual superconducting characteristics observed in pure ThCoC2 appear to be suppressed or tuned with Ni substitution towards a more conventional fully gapped superconductor.

Piv site-specific invertase requires a DEDD motif analogous to the catalytic center of the RuvC Holliday junction resolvases.

Science.gov (United States)

Buchner, John M; Robertson, Anne E; Poynter, David J; Denniston, Shelby S; Karls, Anna C

2005-05-01

Piv, a unique prokaryotic site-specific DNA invertase, is related to transposases of the insertion elements from the IS110/IS492 family and shows no similarity to the site-specific recombinases of the tyrosine- or serine-recombinase families. Piv tertiary structure is predicted to include the RNase H-like fold that typically encompasses the catalytic site of the recombinases or nucleases of the retroviral integrase superfamily, including transposases and RuvC-like Holliday junction resolvases. Analogous to the DDE and DEDD catalytic motifs of transposases and RuvC, respectively, four Piv acidic residues D9, E59, D101, and D104 appear to be positioned appropriately within the RNase H fold to coordinate two divalent metal cations. This suggests mechanistic similarity between site-specific inversion mediated by Piv and transposition or endonucleolytic reactions catalyzed by enzymes of the retroviral integrase superfamily. The role of the DEDD motif in Piv catalytic activity was addressed using Piv variants that are substituted individually or multiply at these acidic residues and assaying for in vivo inversion, intermolecular recombination, and DNA binding activities. The results indicate that all four residues of the DEDD motif are required for Piv catalytic activity. The DEDD residues are not essential for inv recombination site recognition and binding, but this acidic tetrad does appear to contribute to the stability of Piv-inv interactions. On the basis of these results, a working model for Piv-mediated inversion that includes resolution of a Holliday junction is presented.

Enrichment of Circular Code Motifs in the Genes of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christian J. Michel

2017-12-01

Full Text Available A set X of 20 trinucleotides has been found to have the highest average occurrence in the reading frame, compared to the two shifted frames, of genes of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, plasmids and viruses. This set X has an interesting mathematical property, since X is a maximal C 3 self-complementary trinucleotide circular code. Furthermore, any motif obtained from this circular code X has the capacity to retrieve, maintain and synchronize the original (reading frame. Since 1996, the theory of circular codes in genes has mainly been developed by analysing the properties of the 20 trinucleotides of X , using combinatorics and statistical approaches. For the first time, we test this theory by analysing the X motifs, i.e., motifs from the circular code X , in the complete genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Several properties of X motifs are identified by basic statistics (at the frequency level, and evaluated by comparison to R motifs, i.e., random motifs generated from 30 different random codes R . We first show that the frequency of X motifs is significantly greater than that of R motifs in the genome of S. cerevisiae. We then verify that no significant difference is observed between the frequencies of X and R motifs in the non-coding regions of S. cerevisiae, but that the occurrence number of X motifs is significantly higher than R motifs in the genes (protein-coding regions. This property is true for all cardinalities of X motifs (from 4 to 20 and for all 16 chromosomes. We further investigate the distribution of X motifs in the three frames of S. cerevisiae genes and show that they occur more frequently in the reading frame, regardless of their cardinality or their length. Finally, the ratio of X genes, i.e., genes with at least one X motif, to non- X genes, in the set of verified genes is significantly different to that observed in the set of putative or dubious genes with no experimental evidence. These results, taken together

Enrichment of Circular Code Motifs in the Genes of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Science.gov (United States)

Michel, Christian J; Ngoune, Viviane Nguefack; Poch, Olivier; Ripp, Raymond; Thompson, Julie D

2017-12-03

A set X of 20 trinucleotides has been found to have the highest average occurrence in the reading frame, compared to the two shifted frames, of genes of bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, plasmids and viruses. This set X has an interesting mathematical property, since X is a maximal C3 self-complementary trinucleotide circular code. Furthermore, any motif obtained from this circular code X has the capacity to retrieve, maintain and synchronize the original (reading) frame. Since 1996, the theory of circular codes in genes has mainly been developed by analysing the properties of the 20 trinucleotides of X, using combinatorics and statistical approaches. For the first time, we test this theory by analysing the X motifs, i.e., motifs from the circular code X, in the complete genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Several properties of X motifs are identified by basic statistics (at the frequency level), and evaluated by comparison to R motifs, i.e., random motifs generated from 30 different random codes R. We first show that the frequency of X motifs is significantly greater than that of R motifs in the genome of S. cerevisiae . We then verify that no significant difference is observed between the frequencies of X and R motifs in the non-coding regions of S. cerevisiae , but that the occurrence number of X motifs is significantly higher than R motifs in the genes (protein-coding regions). This property is true for all cardinalities of X motifs (from 4 to 20) and for all 16 chromosomes. We further investigate the distribution of X motifs in the three frames of S. cerevisiae genes and show that they occur more frequently in the reading frame, regardless of their cardinality or their length. Finally, the ratio of X genes, i.e., genes with at least one X motif, to non-X genes, in the set of verified genes is significantly different to that observed in the set of putative or dubious genes with no experimental evidence. These results, taken together, represent the first

A multi-protein receptor-ligand complex underlies combinatorial dendrite guidance choices in C. elegans

Science.gov (United States)

Zou, Wei; Shen, Ao; Dong, Xintong; Tugizova, Madina; Xiang, Yang K; Shen, Kang

2016-01-01

Ligand receptor interactions instruct axon guidance during development. How dendrites are guided to specific targets is less understood. The C. elegans PVD sensory neuron innervates muscle-skin interface with its elaborate dendritic branches. Here, we found that LECT-2, the ortholog of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2), is secreted from the muscles and required for muscle innervation by PVD. Mosaic analyses showed that LECT-2 acted locally to guide the growth of terminal branches. Ectopic expression of LECT-2 from seam cells is sufficient to redirect the PVD dendrites onto seam cells. LECT-2 functions in a multi-protein receptor-ligand complex that also contains two transmembrane ligands on the skin, SAX-7/L1CAM and MNR-1, and the neuronal transmembrane receptor DMA-1. LECT-2 greatly enhances the binding between SAX-7, MNR-1 and DMA-1. The activation of DMA-1 strictly requires all three ligands, which establishes a combinatorial code to precisely target and pattern dendritic arbors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18345.001 PMID:27705746

TCR comodulation of nonengaged TCR takes place by a protein kinase C and CD3 gamma di-leucine-based motif-dependent mechanism

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bonefeld, Charlotte Menné; Rasmussen, B. A.; Lauritsen, J P

2003-01-01

of comodulation. Like internalization of engaged TCR, comodulation was dependent on protein tyrosine kinase activity. Finally, we found that in contrast to internalization of engaged TCR, comodulation was highly dependent on protein kinase C activity and the CD3 gamma di-leucine-based motif. Based...

Metallogels derived from silver coordination polymers of C3-symmetric tris(pyridylamide) tripodal ligands: synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and catalysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Paul, Mithun; Sarkar, Koushik; Dastidar, Parthasarathi

2015-01-02

By applying a recently developed crystal engineering rationale, four C3 symmetric tris(pyridylamide) ligands namely 1,3,5-tris(nicotinamidomethyl)-2,4,6-triethylbenzene, 1,3,5-tris(isonicotinamidomethyl)-2,4,6-triethylbenzene, 1,3,5-tris(nicotinamidomethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, and 1,3,5-tris(isonicotinamidomethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, which contain potential hydrogen-bonding sites, were designed and synthesized for generating Ag(I) coordination polymers and coordination-polymer-based gels. The coordination polymers thus obtained were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The silver metallogels were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic rheology. Upon exposure to visible light, these silver metallogels produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were characterized by TEM, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These NPs were found to be effectively catalyzed the reduction of 4-nitrophenolate to 4-aminophenolate without the use of any exogenous reducing agent. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Early-transition-metal ketenimine complexes. Synthesis, reactivity, and structural characterization of complexes with. eta. sup 2 (C,N)-ketenimine groups bound to the halogenobis((trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl)niobium unit. X-ray structure of Nb(. eta. sup 5 -C sub 5 H sub 4 SiMe sub 3 ) sub 2 Cl(. eta. sup 2 (C,N)-PhN double bond C double bond CPh sub 2 )

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Antinolo, A.; Fajardo, M.; Lopez Mardomingo, C.; Otero, A. (Univ. de Alcala de Henares (Spain)); Mourad, Y.; Mugnier, Y. (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Dijon (France)); Sanz-Aparicio, J.; Fonseca, I.; Florencio, F. (CSIC, Madrid (Spain))

1990-11-01

The reaction of Nb({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}X (X = Cl, Br) with 1 equiv of various ketenimines, R{sup 1}N{double bond}C{double bond}CR{sup 2}R{sup 3}, leads to the niobium derivatives Nb({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}X({eta}{sup 2}(C,N)-R{sup 1}N{double bond}C{double bond}CR{sup 2}R{sup 3}) (1, X = Cl, R{sup 1} = R{sup 2} = R{sup 3} = C{sub 6}H{sub 5}; 2, X = Cl, R{sup 1} = p-CH{sub 3}-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}, R{sup 2} = R{sup 3} = C{sub 6}H{sub 5}; 3, X = Br, R{sup 1} = R{sup 2} = R{sup 3} = C{sub 6}H{sub 5}; 4, X = Br, R{sup 1} = p-CH{sub 3}-C{sub 6}H{sub 4}, R{sup 2} = R{sup 3} = C{sub 6}H{sub 5}; 5, X = Cl, R{sup 1} = R{sup 2} = C{sub 6}H{sub 5}, R{sup 3} = CH{sub 3}; 6, X = Br, R{sup 1} = R{sup 2} = C{sub 6}H{sub 5}, R{sup 3} = CH{sub 3}) with the expected ketenimine C{double bond}N bonding mode. Reduction of 1 with 1 equiv of Na/Hg gives the complex Nb({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}({eta}{sup 2}(C,N)-PhN{double bond}C{double bond}CPh{sub 2}) (9) as a paramagnetic compound. The reduction of 9 with 1 equiv of Na/Hg and the subsequent addition of a proton source (ethanol) leads to the iminoacyl compound Nb({eta}{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 4}SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}(CRNR{sup 1}) (10, R = CH(Ph{sub 2}), R{sup 1} = Ph). The one- and two-electron reductions of 1 have been studied by cyclic voltammetry experiments. The structure of 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry: a = 24.4904 (14) {angstrom}, b = 11.0435 (04) {angstrom}, c = 26.6130 (15) {angstrom}, {beta} = 109.890 (5){degree}, monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 8, V = 6,768.4 (5) {angstrom}{sup 3}, {rho}{sub calcd} = 1.3194 g/mL, R = 0.048, R{sub w} = 0.060 based on 4,806 observed reflections. The structure contains a niobium atom bonded to two cyclopentadienyl rings in a {eta}{sup 5} fashion; the coordination of the metal is completed by a Cl atom and a {eta}{sup 2}(C,N)-bonded ketenimine ligand.

The C-Terminal RpoN Domain of sigma54 Forms an unpredictedHelix-Turn-Helix Motif Similar to domains of sigma70

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Doucleff, Michaeleen; Malak, Lawrence T.; Pelton, Jeffrey G.; Wemmer, David E.

2005-11-01

The ''{delta}'' subunit of prokaryotic RNA-polymerase allows gene-specific transcription initiation. Two {sigma} families have been identified, {sigma}{sup 70} and {sigma}{sup 54}, which use distinct mechanisms to initiate transcription and share no detectable sequence homology. Although the {sigma}{sup 70}-type factors have been well characterized structurally by x-ray crystallography, no high-resolution structural information is available for the {sigma}{sup 54}-type factors. Here we present the NMR derived structure of the C-terminal domain of {sigma}{sup 54} from Aquifex aeolicus. This domain (Thr323 to Gly389), which contains the highly conserved RpoN box sequence, consists of a poorly structured N-terminal tail followed by a three-helix bundle, which is surprisingly similar to domains of the {sigma}{sup 70}-type proteins. Residues of the RpoN box, which have previously been shown to be critical for DNA binding, form the second helix of an unpredicted helix-turn-helix motif. This structure's homology with other DNA binding proteins, combined with previous biochemical data, suggest how the C-terminal domain of {sigma}{sup 54} binds to DNA.

A meta-selective C-H borylation directed by a secondary interaction between ligand and substrate

Science.gov (United States)

Kuninobu, Yoichiro; Ida, Haruka; Nishi, Mitsumi; Kanai, Motomu

2015-09-01

Regioselective C-H bond transformations are potentially the most efficient method for the synthesis of organic molecules. However, the presence of many C-H bonds in organic molecules and the high activation barrier for these reactions make these transformations difficult. Directing groups in the reaction substrate are often used to control regioselectivity, which has been especially successful for the ortho-selective functionalization of aromatic substrates. Here, we describe an iridium-catalysed meta-selective C-H borylation of aromatic compounds using a newly designed catalytic system. The bipyridine-derived ligand that binds iridium contains a pendant urea moiety. A secondary interaction between this urea and a hydrogen-bond acceptor in the substrate places the iridium in close proximity to the meta-C-H bond and thus controls the regioselectivity. 1H NMR studies and control experiments support the participation of hydrogen bonds in inducing regioselectivity. Reversible direction of the catalyst through hydrogen bonds is a versatile concept for regioselective C-H transformations.

MAX phase formation by intercalation upon annealing of TiC{sub x}/Al (0.4 {<=} x {<=} 1) bilayer thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abdulkadhim, Ahmed; Takahashi, Tetsuya [Materials Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Kopernikusstrasse 10, 52074 Aachen (Germany); Music, Denis, E-mail: music@mch.rwth-aachen.de [Materials Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Kopernikusstrasse 10, 52074 Aachen (Germany); Munnik, Frans [Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden (Germany); Schneider, Jochen M. [Materials Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Kopernikusstrasse 10, 52074 Aachen (Germany)

2011-09-15

TiC{sub x}/Al bilayer thin films were synthesized using combinatorial magnetron sputtering to study the influence of C content on the reaction products at different annealing temperatures. Based on energy-dispersive X-ray analysis calibrated by elastic recoil detection analysis data, x in TiC{sub x} was varied from 0.4 to 1.0. Film constitution was studied by X-ray diffraction before and after annealing at temperatures from 500 to 1000 deg. C. The formation of TiC{sub x} and Al in the as-deposited samples over the whole C/Ti range was identified. Upon annealing, TiC{sub x} reacts with Al to form Ti-Al-based intermetallics. At temperatures as low as 700 deg. C, the formation of MAX phases (space group P6{sub 3}/mmc) is observed at x {<=} 0.7. Based on the comparison between the C content induced changes in the lattice spacing of TiC{sub x} and Ti{sub 2}AlC as well as Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2}, we infer the direct formation of MAX phases by Al intercalation into TiC{sub x} for x {<=} 0.7.

Identification of ligands for DAF-12 that govern dauer formation and reproduction in C. elegans.

Science.gov (United States)

Motola, Daniel L; Cummins, Carolyn L; Rottiers, Veerle; Sharma, Kamalesh K; Li, Tingting; Li, Yong; Suino-Powell, Kelly; Xu, H Eric; Auchus, Richard J; Antebi, Adam; Mangelsdorf, David J

2006-03-24

In response to environmental and dietary cues, the C. elegans orphan nuclear receptor, DAF-12, regulates dauer diapause, reproductive development, fat metabolism, and life span. Despite strong evidence for hormonal control, the identification of the DAF-12 ligand has remained elusive. In this work, we identified two distinct 3-keto-cholestenoic acid metabolites of DAF-9, a cytochrome P450 involved in hormone production, that function as ligands for DAF-12. At nanomolar concentrations, these steroidal ligands (called dafachronic acids) bind and transactivate DAF-12 and rescue the hormone deficiency of daf-9 mutants. Interestingly, DAF-9 has a biochemical activity similar to mammalian CYP27A1 catalyzing addition of a terminal acid to the side chain of sterol metabolites. Together, these results define the first steroid hormones in nematodes as ligands for an invertebrate orphan nuclear receptor and demonstrate that steroidal regulation of reproduction, from biology to molecular mechanism, is conserved from worms to humans.

Molecular and crystal structure of nido-9-C5H5N-11-I-7,8-C2B9H10: supramolecular architecture via hydrogen bonding X-H...I (X = B, C)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polyanskaya, T.M.

2006-01-01

A monocrystal X-ray diffraction study of a new iodine-containing cluster compound 9-(pyridine)-11-iodo-decahydro-7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborane [9-C 5 H 5 N-11-I-7,8-C 2 B 9 H 10 ] has been performed. Crystal data: C 7 H 15 B 9 NI, M = 337.39, monoclinic, space group P2 1 /c, unit cell parameters: a=9.348(1) A, b=11.159(1) A, c=13.442(2) A, β=98.13(1) deg, V=1388.1(5) A 3 , Z=4, d calc = 1.614 g/cm 3 , T = 295 K, F(000)=648, μ=2.276 mm -1 . The structure was solved by a direct method and refined in the full-matrix anisotropic approximation (isotropic for hydrogen atoms) to final agreement factors R 1 = 0.0254, wR 2 = 0.0454 for 2437 I hkl >2σ I from 3590 measured I hkl (an Enraf-Nonius CAD-4 diffractometer, λMoK α , graphite monochromator, θ/2θ-scanning). The molecules are joined into a supramolecular assembly by hydrogen bonds X-H...I (X = B, C) [ru

Antitenascin antibody 81C6 armed with {sup 177}Lu: in vivo comparison of macrocyclic and acyclic ligands

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yordanov, Alexander T. [Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 (United States); Hens, Marc [Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 (United States); Pegram, Charles [Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 (United States); Bigner, Darell D. [Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 (United States); Zalutsky, Michael R. [Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710 (United States)]. E-mail: zalut001@mc.duke.edu

2007-02-15

Introduction: When labeled with iodine-131, the antitenascin monoclonal antibody (mAb) 81C6 has shown promise as a targeted radiotherapeutic in patients with brain tumors. Because of its more favorable {gamma}-ray properties, lutetium-177 might be a better low-energy {beta}-emitter for this type of therapy. Materials and Methods: Chimeric 81C6 (ch81C6) was labeled with {sup 177}Lu using the acyclic 1B4M ligand and the macrocyclic ligands NHS-DOTA and MeO-DOTA and evaluated for binding to tenascin. Three paired-label tissue distribution experiments were performed in normal mice receiving one of the {sup 177}Lu-labeled immunoconjugates plus {sup 125}I-labeled ch81C6 labeled using Iodogen. Paired-label experiments in athymic mice bearing subcutaneous D54 MG human glioma xenografts were done to directly compare the biodistribution of ch81C6-1B4M-{sup 177}Lu and {sup 125}I-labeled ch81C6, and ch81C6-MeO-DOTA-{sup 177}Lu and {sup 125}I-labeled ch81C6. Similar comparisons were done using murine (mu) instead of ch81C6. The primary parameter utilized for evaluation was the {sup 177}Lu/{sup 125}I uptake ratio in each tissue. Results: In the studies performed in normal mice, the NHS-DOTA ligand yielded the highest {sup 177}Lu/{sup 125}I uptake ratios in tissues indicative of loss of label from the chelate; for this reason, only 1B4M and MeO-DOTA were evaluated further. The {sup 177}Lu/{sup 125}I ratio in bone increased gradually with time for the chimeric conjugates; however, there were no significant differences between ch81C6-1B4M-DTPA-{sup 177}Lu and ch81C6-MeO-DOTA-{sup 177}Lu. In contrast, mu81C6-1B4M-DTPA-{sup 177}Lu and mu81C6-MeO-DOTA-{sup 177}Lu showed a more dramatic increase in the {sup 177}Lu/{sup 125}I ratio in bone - from 2.4{+-}0.3 and 1.7{+-}0.2 at Day 1 to 8.5{+-}1.1 and 4.2{+-}0.5 at Day 7, respectively. Conclusion: With these antitenascin constructs, the nature of the mAb had a profound influence on the relative degree of loss of {sup 177}Lu from these

Learn Objective-C on the Mac for OS X and iOS

CERN Document Server

Knaster, Scott; Malik, Waqar

2012-01-01

Learn to write apps for some of today's hottest technologies, including the iPhone and iPad (using iOS), as well as the Mac (using OS X). It starts with Objective-C, the base language on which the native iOS software development kit (SDK) and the OS X are based. Learn Objective-C on the Mac: For OS X and iOS, Second Edition updates a best selling book and is an extensive, newly updated guide to Objective-C. Objective-C is a powerful, object-oriented extension of C, making this update the perfect follow-up to Dave Mark's bestselling Learn C on the Mac. Whether you're an experienced C programmer

Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL overexpression inhibits cytochrome c release, activation of multiple caspases, and virus release following coxsackievirus B3 infection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carthy, Christopher M.; Yanagawa, Bobby; Luo Honglin; Granville, David J.; Yang, Decheng; Cheung, Paul; Cheung, Caroline; Esfandiarei, Mitra; Rudin, Charles M.; Thompson, Craig B.; Hunt, David W.C.; McManus, Bruce M.

2003-01-01

Coxsackievirus B3, a cytopathic virus in the family Picornaviridae, induces degenerative changes in host cell morphology. Here we demonstrate cytochrome c release and caspases-2, -3, -6, -7, -8, and -9 processing. Enforced Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression markedly reduced release of cytochrome c, presentation of the mitochondrial epitope 7A6, and depressed caspase activation following infection. In comparison, cell death using TRAIL ligand caused caspase-8 processing prior to cytochrome c release and executioner caspases and cell death was only partially rescued by Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL overexpression. Disruption of the mitochondrial inner membrane potential following CVB3 infection was not inhibited by zVAD.fmk treatment. Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL overexpression or zVAD.fmk treatment delayed the loss of host cell viability and decreased progeny virus release following infection. Our data suggest that mitochondrial release of cytochrome c may be an important early event in caspase activation in CVB3 infection, and, as such, may contribute to the loss of host-cell viability and progeny virus release

X(3872), IG(JPC) = 0+(1++), as the χc1(2P) charmonium

Science.gov (United States)

Achasov, N. N.; Rogozina, E. V.

2015-09-01

Contrary to almost standard opinion that the X(3872) resonance is the D∗0D¯0 + c.c. molecule or the qcq¯c¯ four-quark state, we discuss the scenario where the X(3872) resonance is the cc¯ = χc1(2P) charmonium which “sits on” the D∗0D¯0 threshold. We explain the shift of the mass of the X(3872) resonance with respect to the prediction of a potential model for the mass of the χc1(2P) charmonium by the contribution of the virtual D∗D¯ + c.c. intermediate states into the self energy of the X(3872) resonance. This allows us to estimate the coupling constant of the X(7872) resonance with the D∗0D¯0 channel, the branching ratio of the X(3872) → D∗0D¯0 + c.c. decay, and the branching ratio of the X(3872) decay into all non-D∗0D¯0 + c.c. states. We predict a significant number of unknown decays of X(3872) via two gluon: X(3872) →gluon gluon →hadrons. We suggest a physically clear program of experimental researches for verification of our assumption.

Luminescence and optical spectroscopy of charge transfer processes in solid solutions Ni{sub C}Mg{sub 1−C}O and Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sokolov, V.I., E-mail: visokolov@imp.uran.ru [Institute of Metal Physics, Russian Academy of Science, Ural Branch, S. Kovalevskaya Street 18, 620990 Yekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Pustovarov, V.A.; Churmanov, V.N. [Ural Federal University, Mira Street 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Gruzdev, N.B.; Uimin, M.A.; Byzov, I.V.; Druzhinin, A.V. [Institute of Metal Physics, Russian Academy of Science, Ural Branch, S. Kovalevskaya Street 18, 620990 Yekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Mironova-Ulmane, N.A. [Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, Kengaraga Street 8, LV-1063 Riga (Latvia)

2016-01-15

In this work photoluminescence spectra for Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O and Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O solid solutions with the rock-salt crystal structure were obtained under synchrotron radiation excitation. Periodical peaks in the photoluminescence excitation spectrum of Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O (c=0.008) have been discovered for a wide-gap oxide doped with 3d impurities for the first time. They can be considered as LO phonon repetitions of the narrow zero phonon line resulted from the optical transitions into the p–d charge transfer exciton [d{sup 9}h] state. A close coincidence in energy of different peculiarities in the optical absorption and photoluminescence excitation spectra for the Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O and Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O solid solutions is due to the practically equal interatomic distances Ni–O in the investigated materials. The bulk of new experimental results is the trustworthy evidence that only the p–d charge transfer transitions manifest themselves in the spectral region of 3.5–6.5 eV. - Highlights: • Emission of Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O nanocystals excited by synchrotron radiation is obtained. • LO phonon repetitions have been observed in PLE spectra of Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O firstly for wide gap oxide materials doped with 3d impurities. • The [d{sup 9}h] acceptor exciton state in Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O (c=0.008) are indirectly revealed. • The begin of PLE spectra of Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O are not virtually shifted with a change of composition x. • The near energy coincidence of absorption peaks for nanocrystals NiO and single crystal Ni{sub c}Mg{sub 1−c}O (c=0.0006) manifests itself.

Expression, refolding and crystallizations of the Grb2-like (GADS) C-terminal SH3 domain complexed with a SLP-76 motif peptide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Faravelli, Alessandro; Dimasi, Nazzareno

2005-01-01

Several crystals of the Grb2-like C-terminal SH3 domain in complex with a motif peptide from the SLP-76 protein were obtained and characterized. The Grb2-like adaptor protein GADS is composed of an N-terminal SH3 domain, an SH2 domain, a proline-rich region and a C-terminal SH3 domain. GADS interacts through its C-terminal SH3 domain with the adaptor protein SLP-76, thus recruiting this protein and other associated molecules to the linker for activation of T-cell (LAT) protein. The DNA encoding the C-terminal SH3 domain of GADS (GADS-cSH3) was assembled synthetically using a recursive PCR technique and the protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, refolded and purified. Several crystals of this domain in complex with the SLP-76 peptide were obtained and characterized

4H-SiC Schottky diode arrays for X-ray detection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lioliou, G. [Semiconductor Materials and Devices Laboratory, School of Engineering and Informatics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QT (United Kingdom); Chan, H.K. [School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU (United Kingdom); Gohil, T. [Semiconductor Materials and Devices Laboratory, School of Engineering and Informatics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QT (United Kingdom); Vassilevski, K.V.; Wright, N.G.; Horsfall, A.B. [School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU (United Kingdom); Barnett, A.M. [Semiconductor Materials and Devices Laboratory, School of Engineering and Informatics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QT (United Kingdom)

2016-12-21

Five SiC Schottky photodiodes for X-ray detection have been electrically characterized at room temperature. One representative diode was also electrically characterized over the temperature range 20°C to 140 °C. The performance at 30 °C of all five X-ray detectors, in both current mode and for photon counting X-ray spectroscopy was investigated. The diodes were fabricated in an array form such that they could be operated as either a 2×2 or 1×3 pixel array. Although the devices showed double barrier heights, high ideality factors and higher than expected leakage current at room temperature (12 nA/cm{sup 2} at an internal electric field of 105 kV/cm), they operated as spectroscopic photon counting soft X-ray detectors uncooled at 30 °C. The measured energy resolution (FWHM at 17.4 keV, Mo Kα) varied from 1.36 to 1.68 keV among different diodes.

Ruthenium(II)-catalysed remote C-H alkylations as a versatile platform to meta-decorated arenes

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jie; Korvorapun, Korkit; de Sarkar, Suman; Rogge, Torben; Burns, David J.; Warratz, Svenja; Ackermann, Lutz

2017-06-01

The full control of positional selectivity is of prime importance in C-H activation technology. Chelation assistance served as the stimulus for the development of a plethora of ortho-selective arene functionalizations. In sharp contrast, meta-selective C-H functionalizations continue to be scarce, with all ruthenium-catalysed transformations currently requiring difficult to remove or modify nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Herein, we describe a unifying concept to access a wealth of meta-decorated arenes by a unique arene ligand effect in proximity-induced ruthenium(II) C-H activation catalysis. The transformative nature of our strategy is mirrored by providing a step-economical entry to a range of meta-substituted arenes, including ketones, acids, amines and phenols--key structural motifs in crop protection, material sciences, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical industries.

Solution structure and DNA-binding properties of the C-terminal domain of UvrC from E.coli

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Singh, S.; Folkers, G.E.; Bonvin, A.M.J.J.; Boelens, R.; Wechselberger, R.W.; Niztayev, A.; Kaptein, R.

2002-01-01

The C-terminal domain of the UvrC protein (UvrC CTD) is essential for 5' incision in the prokaryotic nucleotide excision repair process. We have determined the three-dimensional structure of the UvrC CTD using heteronuclear NMR techniques. The structure shows two helix±hairpin±helix (HhH) motifs

TLR3 Ligand Poly(I:C Exerts Distinct Actions in Synovial Fibroblasts When Delivered by Extracellular Vesicles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mojca Frank-Bertoncelj

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Extracellular vesicles (EV can modulate the responses of cells to toll-like receptor (TLR ligation; conversely, TLR ligands such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA can enhance the release of EV and influence of the composition and functions of EV cargos. Inflamed synovial joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA are rich in EV and extracellular RNA; besides, RNA released from necrotic synovial fluid cells can activate the TLR3 signaling in synovial fibroblasts (SFs from patients with RA. Since EV occur prominently in synovial joints in RA and may contribute to the pathogenesis, we questioned whether EV can interact with dsRNA, a TLR3 ligand, and modify its actions in arthritis. We have used as model the effects on RA SFs, of EV released from monocyte U937 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells upon stimulation with Poly(I:C, a synthetic analog of dsRNA. We show that EV released from unstimulated cells and Poly(I:C-stimulated U937 cells [Poly(I:C EV] differ in size but bind similar amounts of Annexin V and express comparable levels of MAC-1, the receptor for dsRNA, on the vesicular membranes. Specifically, Poly(I:C EV contain or associate with Poly(I:C and at least partially protect Poly(I:C from RNAse III degradation. Poly(I:C EV shuttle Poly(I:C to SFs and reproduce the proinflammatory and antiviral gene responses of SFs to direct stimulation with Poly(I:C. Poly(I:C EV, however, halt the death receptor-induced apoptosis in SFs, thereby inverting the proapoptotic nature of Poly(I:C. These prosurvival effects sharply contrast with the high toxicity of cationic liposome-delivered Poly(I:C and may reflect the route of Poly(I:C delivery via EV or the fine-tuning of Poly(I:C actions by molecular cargo in EV. The demonstration that EV may safeguard extracellular dsRNA and allow dsRNA to exert antiapoptotic effects on SFs highlights the potential of EV to amplify the pathogenicity of dsRNA in arthritis beyond inflammation (by concurrently enhancing the

Triosmium cluster compounds containing isocyanide and hydride ligands. Crystal and molecular structures of (μ-H)(H)Os3(CO)10(CN-t-C4H9) and (μ-H)2Os3(CO)9(CN-t-C4H9)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adams, R.D.; Golembski, N.M.

1979-01-01

The structures of the compounds (μ-H)(H)Os 3 (CO) 10 (CN-t-C 4 H 9 ) and (μ-H) 2 Os 3 (CO) 9 (CN-t-C 4 H 9 ) have been revealed by x-ray crystallographic techniques. For (μ-H)(H)Os 3 (CO) 10 (CN-t-C 4 H 9 ): a = 9.064 (3), b = 12.225 (3), c = 20.364 (4) A; β = 98.73 (3) 0 ; space group P2 1 /c[C/sub 2h/ 5 ], No. 14; Z = 4; d/sub calcd/ = 2.79 g cm -3 . This compound contains a triangular cluster of three osmium atoms; Os(1)--Os(2) = 2.930 (1) A, Os(1)--Os(3) = 2.876 (1) A, and Os(2)--Os(3) = 3.000 (1) A. There are ten linear terminal carbonyl groups and one linear terminal isocyanide ligand which occupies an axial coordination site. The hydrogen atoms were not observed crystallographically, but their positions are strongly inferred from considerations of molecular geometry. For (μ-H) 2 Os 3 (CO) 9 (CN-t-C 4 H 9 ): a = 15.220 (8), b = 12.093 (6), c = 23.454 (5) A; space group Pbcn [D/sub 2h/ 14 ], No. 60; Z = 8; d/sub calcd/ = 2.79 g cm -3 . The compound is analogous to the parent carbonyl (μ-H) 2 Os 3 (CO) 10 and has two normal and one short osmium--osmium bonds: Os(1)--Os(2) = 2.827 (1) A, Os(1)--Os(3) = 2.828 (1) A, Os(2)--Os(3) = 2.691 (1) A. The isocyanide ligand resides in an equatorial coordination site on osmium Os(2). The hydrogen atoms were not observed but are believed to occupy bridging positions as in the parent carbonyl complex. 2 figures, 7 tables

Hydrogenation of Phenylacetylene to Styrene on Pre-C{sub x}H{sub y}- and C-Covered Cu(111) Single Crystal Catalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sohn, Young Ku [Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan (Korea, Republic of); Wei, Wei; White, John M. [The University of Texas at Austin, Texas (United States)

2011-05-15

Thermal hydrogenation of phenylacetylene (PA, C{sub 8}H{sub 6}) to styrene (C{sub 8}H{sub 8}) on pre-C{sub x}H{sub y}- and C-covered Cu(111) single crystal substrates has been studied using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) mass spectrometry. Chemisorbed PA with an acetylene group has been proved to be associated with hydrogen of pre-adsorbed C{sub x}H{sub y} to form styrene (104 amu) on Cu surface. For the parent (PA) mass (102 amu) TPD profile, the TPD peaks at 360 K and 410 K are assigned to chemisorbed vertically aligned PA and flat-lying cross-bridged PA, respectively (J. Phys. Chem. C 2007, 111, 5101). The relative I{sub 360K}/I{sub 410K} TPD ratio dramatically increases with increasing pre-adsorbed C{sub x}H{sub y} before dosing PA, while the ratio does not increase for pre-C-covered surface. For PA on pre-C{sub x}H{sub y}-covered Cu(111) surface, styrene desorption is enhanced relative to the parent PA desorption, while styrene formation is dramatically quenched on pre-C-covered (lack of adsorbed hydrogen nearby) surface. It appears that only cross-bridged PA associates with adsorbed hydrogen to form styrene that promptly desorbs at 410 K, while vertically aligned PA is less likely to participate in forming styrene.

Investigation into solubility and diffusion in SiC-NbC, SiC-TiC, SiC-ZrC systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Safaraliev, G.K.; Tairov, Yu.M.; Tsvetkov, V.F.; Shabanov, Sh.Sh.

1991-01-01

An investigation is carried out which demonstrates solid-phase interaction between SiC and NbC, TiC and ZrC monocrystals. The monocrystals are subjected to hot pressing in SiC powder with dispersity of 5x10 -6 m. The pressing temperature is 2270-2570 K and pressure is varied in the range of 20-40 MPa. Element composition and the distribution profile in a thin layer near the boundary of SiC-NbC, SiC-TiC and SiC-ZrC are investigated by the Anger spectroscopy method. The obtained results permit to make the conclusion in the possibility of solid solution formation in investigated systems

C and C* among intermediate rings

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Sack, J.; Watson, S.

2014-01-01

Given a completely regular Hausdorff space X, an intermediate ring A(X) is a ring of real valued continuous functions between C*(X) and C(X). We discuss two correspondences between ideals in A(X) and z-filters on X, both reviewing old results and introducing new results. One correspondence, ZA,

Thermodynamics of the vaporization of non-stoichiometric thorium monocarbide ThC1±x

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamawaki, Michio; Koyama, Tadafumi; Takahashi, Yoichi

1989-01-01

Vaporization thermodynamics of thorium monocarbide phase ThC 1±x was studied by mass spectrometric Knudsen effusion method at the compositions of ThC 0.891 , ThC 0.975 , ThC 1.007 and ThC 1.074 . The partial vapor pressure of Th(g) and activities of Th and C in ThC 1±x were determined at 2060 to 2330 K. Gibbs energies of formation of ThC 1±x were also determined. Congruent vaporization composition of ThC 1±x was evaluated at 2300 K to be ThC 1.09 . Congruent vaporization and congruent effusing compositions were defined explicitly and their characteristics brought out. (orig.)

Demonstration of a specific C3a receptor on guinea pig platelets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukuoka, Y.; Hugli, T.E.

1988-01-01

Guinea pig platelets reportedly contain receptors specific for the anaphylatoxin C3a based on both ligand-binding studies and functional responses. A portion of the human 125I-C3a that binds to guinea pig platelets is competitively displaced by excess unlabeled C3a; however, the majority of ligand uptake was nonspecific. Uptake of 125I-C3a by guinea pig platelets is maximal in 1 min, and stimulation of guinea pig platelets by thrombin, ADP, or the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 showed little influence on binding of the ligand. Scatchard analysis indicated that approximately 1200 binding sites for C3a exist per cell with an estimated Kd of 8 x 10(-10) M. Human C3a des Arg also binds to guinea pig platelets, but Scatchard analysis indicated that no specific binding occurred. Because the ligand-binding studies were complicated by high levels of nonspecific uptake, we attempted to chemically cross-link the C3a molecule to a specific component on the platelet surface. Cross-linkage of 125I-C3a to guinea pig platelets with bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate revealed radioactive complexes at 105,000 and 115,000 m.w. on SDS-PAGE gels by autoradiographic analysis. In the presence of excess unlabeled C3a, complex formation was inhibited. No cross-linkage could be demonstrated between the inactive 125I-C3a des Arg and the putative C3a-R on guinea pig platelets. Human C3a, but not C3a des Arg induces serotonin release and aggregation of the guinea pig platelets. Human C3a was unable to induce either serotonin release or promote aggregation of human platelets. Uptake of human 125I-C3a by human platelets was not saturable, and Scatchard analysis was inconclusive. Attempts to cross-link 125I-C3a to components on the surface of human platelets also failed to reveal a ligand-receptor complex. Therefore, we conclude that guinea pig platelets have specific surface receptors to C3a and that human platelets appear devoid of receptors to the anaphylatoxin

Overlapping ETS and CRE Motifs (G/CCGGAAGTGACGTCA) Preferentially Bound by GABPα and CREB Proteins

Science.gov (United States)

Chatterjee, Raghunath; Zhao, Jianfei; He, Ximiao; Shlyakhtenko, Andrey; Mann, Ishminder; Waterfall, Joshua J.; Meltzer, Paul; Sathyanarayana, B. K.; FitzGerald, Peter C.; Vinson, Charles

2012-01-01

Previously, we identified 8-bps long DNA sequences (8-mers) that localize in human proximal promoters and grouped them into known transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). We now examine split 8-mers consisting of two 4-mers separated by 1-bp to 30-bps (X4-N1-30-X4) to identify pairs of TFBS that localize in proximal promoters at a precise distance. These include two overlapping TFBS: the ETS⇔ETS motif (C/GCCGGAAGCGGAA) and the ETS⇔CRE motif (C/GCGGAAGTGACGTCAC). The nucleotides in bold are part of both TFBS. Molecular modeling shows that the ETS⇔CRE motif can be bound simultaneously by both the ETS and the B-ZIP domains without protein-protein clashes. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) shows that the ETS protein GABPα and the B-ZIP protein CREB preferentially bind to the ETS⇔CRE motif only when the two TFBS overlap precisely. In contrast, the ETS domain of ETV5 and CREB interfere with each other for binding the ETS⇔CRE. The 11-mer (CGGAAGTGACG), the conserved part of the ETS⇔CRE motif, occurs 226 times in the human genome and 83% are in known regulatory regions. In vivo GABPα and CREB ChIP-seq peaks identified the ETS⇔CRE as the most enriched motif occurring in promoters of genes involved in mRNA processing, cellular catabolic processes, and stress response, suggesting that a specific class of genes is regulated by this composite motif. PMID:23050235

Synthesis of the sup 11 C-labelled. beta. -adrenergic receptor ligands atenolol, metoprolol and propanolol

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Antoni, G.; Ulin, J.; Laangstroem, B. (Uppsala Univ. (Sweden). Dept. of Organic Chemistry)

1989-01-01

The {sup 11}C-labelled {beta}-adrenergic receptor ligands atenolol 1, metoprolol 2 and propranolol 3 have been synthesized by an N-alkylation reaction using (2-{sup 11}C)isopropyl iodide. The labelled isopropyl iodide was prepared in a one-pot reactor system from ({sup 11}C)carbon dioxide and obtained in 40% radiochemical yield within 14 min reaction time. The total reaction times for compounds 1-3, counted from the start of the isopropyl iodide synthesis and including purification were 45-55 min. The products were obtained in 5-15% radiochemical yields and with radiochemical purities higher than 98%. The specific activity ranged from 0.4 to 4 GBq/{mu}mol. In a typical experiment starting with 4 GBq around 75 MBq of product was obtained. (author).

Synthesis of a [sup 11]C-labeled novel, quinuclidine based ligand for the 5-HT[sub 3] receptor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rajagopal, S; Diksic, M [Montreal Neurological Inst., PQ (Canada); Francis, B; Burns, H D [Merck Research Labs., West Point, PA (United States). Dept. of Radiopharmacology; Swain, C J [Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Labs., Harlow (United Kingdom). Neuroscience Research Centre

1992-11-01

L-683,877, a high affinity, 5-HT[sub 3] selective receptor ligand has been labeled with [sup 11]C for use in PET studies to measure regional brain kinetics of L-683,877 and to determine if [[sup 11]C]L-683,877 can be used for serotonin 5-HT[sub 3] receptor imaging. [[sup 11]C]L-683,877 was prepared by reacting [[sup 11]C]methyl iodide with the desmethyl, borane-protected precursor, L-686,472, in DMF in the presence of tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide. The average specific activity of [[sup 11]C]L-683,877 was 2700 Ci/mmol and the average radiochemical yield (decay corrected)was 20% at the end of synthesis. (Author).

Nucleotide-mimetic synthetic ligands for DNA-recognizing enzymes One-step purification of Pfu DNA polymerase.

Science.gov (United States)

Melissis, S; Labrou, N E; Clonis, Y D

2006-07-28

The commercial availability of DNA polymerases has revolutionized molecular biotechnology and certain sectors of the bio-industry. Therefore, the development of affinity adsorbents for purification of DNA polymerases is of academic interest and practical importance. In the present study we describe the design, synthesis and evaluation of a combinatorial library of novel affinity ligands for the purification of DNA polymerases (Pols). Pyrococcus furiosus DNA polymerase (Pfu Pol) was employed as a proof-of-principle example. Affinity ligand design was based on mimicking the natural interactions between deoxynucleoside-triphosphates (dNTPs) and the B-motif, a conserved structural moiety found in Pol-I and Pol-II family of enzymes. Solid-phase 'structure-guided' combinatorial chemistry was used to construct a library of 26 variants of the B-motif-binding 'lead' ligand X-Trz-Y (X is a purine derivative and Y is an aliphatic/aromatic sulphonate or phosphonate derivative) using 1,3,5-triazine (Trz) as the scaffold for assembly. The 'lead' ligand showed complementarity against a Lys and a Tyr residue of the polymerase B-motif. The ligand library was screened for its ability to bind and purify Pfu Pol from Escherichia coli extract. One immobilized ligand (oABSAd), bearing 9-aminoethyladenine (AEAd) and sulfanilic acid (oABS) linked on the triazine scaffold, displayed the highest purifying ability and binding capacity (0,55 mg Pfu Pol/g wet gel). Adsorption equilibrium studies with this affinity ligand and Pfu Pol determined a dissociation constant (K(D)) of 83 nM for the respective complex. The oABSAd affinity adsorbent was exploited in the development of a facile Pfu Pol purification protocol, affording homogeneous enzyme (>99% purity) in a single chromatography step. Quality control tests showed that Pfu Pol purified on the B-motif-complementing ligand is free of nucleic acids and contaminating nuclease activities, therefore, suitable for experimental use.

Ligand sphere conversions in terminal carbide complexes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Morsing, Thorbjørn Juul; Reinholdt, Anders; Sauer, Stephan P. A.

2016-01-01

Metathesis is introduced as a preparative route to terminal carbide complexes. The chloride ligands of the terminal carbide complex [RuC(Cl)2(PCy3)2] (RuC) can be exchanged, paving the way for a systematic variation of the ligand sphere. A series of substituted complexes, including the first...... example of a cationic terminal carbide complex, [RuC(Cl)(CH3CN)(PCy3)2]+, is described and characterized by NMR, MS, X-ray crystallography, and computational studies. The experimentally observed irregular variation of the carbide 13C chemical shift is shown to be accurately reproduced by DFT, which also...... demonstrates that details of the coordination geometry affect the carbide chemical shift equally as much as variations in the nature of the auxiliary ligands. Furthermore, the kinetics of formation of the sqaure pyramidal dicyano complex, trans-[RuC(CN)2(PCy3)2], from RuC has been examined and the reaction...

Substrate-Mediated C-C and C-H Coupling after Dehalogenation.

Science.gov (United States)

Kong, Huihui; Yang, Sha; Gao, Hongying; Timmer, Alexander; Hill, Jonathan P; Díaz Arado, Oscar; Mönig, Harry; Huang, Xinyan; Tang, Qin; Ji, Qingmin; Liu, Wei; Fuchs, Harald

2017-03-15

Intermolecular C-C coupling after cleavage of C-X (mostly, X = Br or I) bonds has been extensively studied for facilitating the synthesis of polymeric nanostructures. However, the accidental appearance of C-H coupling at the terminal carbon atoms would limit the successive extension of covalent polymers. To our knowledge, the selective C-H coupling after dehalogenation has not so far been reported, which may illuminate another interesting field of chemical synthesis on surfaces besides in situ fabrication of polymers, i.e., synthesis of novel organic molecules. By combining STM imaging, XPS analysis, and DFT calculations, we have achieved predominant C-C coupling on Au(111) and more interestingly selective C-H coupling on Ag(111), which in turn leads to selective synthesis of polymeric chains or new organic molecules.

Solution structure of a DNA mimicking motif of an RNA aptamer against transcription factor AML1 Runt domain.

Science.gov (United States)

Nomura, Yusuke; Tanaka, Yoichiro; Fukunaga, Jun-ichi; Fujiwara, Kazuya; Chiba, Manabu; Iibuchi, Hiroaki; Tanaka, Taku; Nakamura, Yoshikazu; Kawai, Gota; Kozu, Tomoko; Sakamoto, Taiichi

2013-12-01

AML1/RUNX1 is an essential transcription factor involved in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells. AML1 binds to the Runt-binding double-stranded DNA element (RDE) of target genes through its N-terminal Runt domain. In a previous study, we obtained RNA aptamers against the AML1 Runt domain by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and revealed that RNA aptamers exhibit higher affinity for the Runt domain than that for RDE and possess the 5'-GCGMGNN-3' and 5'-N'N'CCAC-3' conserved motif (M: A or C; N and N' form Watson-Crick base pairs) that is important for Runt domain binding. In this study, to understand the structural basis of recognition of the Runt domain by the aptamer motif, the solution structure of a 22-mer RNA was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance. The motif contains the AH(+)-C mismatch and base triple and adopts an unusual backbone structure. Structural analysis of the aptamer motif indicated that the aptamer binds to the Runt domain by mimicking the RDE sequence and structure. Our data should enhance the understanding of the structural basis of DNA mimicry by RNA molecules.

Construction of Six Coordination Polymers Based on a 5,5′-(1,2-Ethynyl)bis-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, Gas Sorption, and Magnetic Properties

KAUST Repository

Zheng, Bing

2013-03-06

Six novel coordination polymers based on a multifunctional ligand, 5,5\\'-(1,2-ethynyl)bis-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic (H4EBDC), namely, |(C3H7NO)2(H2O)7(C 2H5OH)3| [Zn2(C18H 6O8)(C10H8N2) 2] (1), |(C3H7NO)3(H2O)30- (CH3CN)2|[Zn 6(C18H6O8)3(C 6H12N2O2)2] (2), |(C 3H7NO)2- (H2O)2(H 3O)2|[Cd3(C18H6O 8)2] (3), |(C3H7NO)|[Mn- (C 18H8O8)(C3H7NO) 2] (4), |(C3H7NO)2(H2O)(C 2H7N)3| [Mn6(C18H 7O8)4(H2O)8] (5), and [Mn2(C18H6O8)(C3H 7NO)2] (6), have been constructed under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In these compounds, the ligand, H4EBDC, exhibits different coordination modes and conformations, constructing various architectures by bridging a variety of metal ions or polynuclear clusters. Compound 1 forms a three-dimensional (3D) FSC network constructed from two-dimensional (2D) layer motifs joined by EBDC4- and 4,4\\'-bipyridine bridges. Compound 2 possesses an NbO topology by linking Zn2(CO2)4 units with the ligand, coordinated amine molecules fill the pores, while compound 3 exhibits a 3D FLU network with Cd2+ as the cation and features an infinite framework built from tricadmium clusters. Compound 4 is based on PtS net, constructed of 4-connected rectangular H4EBDC units with tetrahedral monometallic Mn(CO2)4 nodes. Compound 5 is composed of 2D layers with (3,6)-connected KGD topology, and compound 6 consists of a 3D PtS-X network, built by bridging a metal chain with the ligand. The structures of these compounds have been discussed together with their corresponding properties, such as gas storage, separation, and magnetic properties. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Ancillary ligand-assisted assembly of C{sub 3}-symmetric 4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid with divalent Zn{sup 2+} ions: Syntheses, topological structures, and photoluminescence properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cui, Li-Ting; Niu, Yan-Fei [Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062 (China); Han, Jie, E-mail: chan@ouhk.edu.hk [School of Science & Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR (China); Zhao, Xiao-Li, E-mail: xlzhao@chem.ecnu.edu.cn [Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062 (China)

2015-07-15

4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid (H{sub 3}L), a C{sub 3}-symmetric ligand, was found to self-assemble into two polymorphs driven by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. Reactions of this ligand with Zn{sup 2+} under solvothermal conditions resulted in four new coordination polymers bearing interesting structural motifs: [Zn{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(py){sub 2}]·2(H{sub 2}NMe{sub 2}){sup +}·DMF·2H{sub 2}O (1), [Zn{sub 2}(L)(H{sub 2}L)(bipy)]·1.5H{sub 2}O·Guest (2), [Zn{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(bipy)]·2(H{sub 2}NMe{sub 2}){sup +}·2DMF (3), and [Zn{sub 3}(L){sub 2}(bpa)]·2H{sub 2}O·Guest (4) (H{sub 3}L=4,4′,4′′-nitrilotribenzoic acid, DMF=dimethylformamide, py=pyridine, bipy=4,4′-bipyridine, bpa=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)diazene). Single-crystal structural analysis revealed that compound 1 exhibits a rare example of twofold interpenetrating anionic 3D (3,3)-net framework containing helical channels, whereas in 2, the 3D pillar-layer structure generated from bipy-pillared Zn{sub 2}(L)(H{sub 2}L) layer is further reinforced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding among pairs of free –COOH units. Compound 3 shows an interesting entangled architecture of 2D→3D parallel polycatenation consisting five-coordinated Zn{sup 2+} ions. Compound 4 displays a 3D pillar-layer framework with trimeric Zn{sub 3}(CO{sub 2}){sub 6} serving as secondary building unit (SBU). The syntheses, structures, thermal stabilities, powder X-ray diffractions and solid-state photoluminescence properties for these crystalline materials have been carried out. In addition, supramolecular assembly of H{sub 3}L under solvothermal conditions will also be addressed. - Graphical abstract: Supramolecular assembly of 4,4′,4′′-nitrilotribenzoic acid and its ligand behavior toward Zn{sup 2+} were investigated, which exhibit two polymorphs of the free acid and four metal coordination polymers bearing interesting structural motifs. - Highlights: • Two polymorphs of H{sub 3}L showing different hydrogen

Homoleptic Diphosphacyclobutadiene Complexes [M(η4-P2C2R2)2]x- (M=Fe, Co; x=0, 1)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wolf, Robert; Ehlers, A.W.; Khusniyarov, M.M.; Hartl, F.; de Bruin, B.; Long, G.J.; Grandjean, F.; Schappacher, F.M.; Pöttgen, R.; Slootweg, J.C.; Lutz, M.; Spek, A.L.; Lammertsma, K.

2011-01-01

The preparation and comprehensive characterization of a series of homoleptic sandwich complexes containing diphosphacyclobutadiene ligands are reported. Compounds [K([18]crown-6)ACHTUNGTRENUNG(thf)2][Fe(η4- P2C2tBu2)2] (K1), [K([18]crown-6)- ACHTUNGTRENUNG(thf)2][Co(h4-P2C2tBu2)2] (K2), and

Homoleptic Diphosphacyclobutadiene Complexes [M(η(4)-P2C2R2)(2]x- (M = Fe, Co; x=0, 1)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wolf, R.; Ehlers, A.W.; Khusniyarov, M.M.; Hartl, F.; de Bruin, B.; Long, G.J.; Grandjean, F.; Schappacher, F.M.; Pöttgen, R.; Slootweg, J.C.; Lutz, M.; Spek, A.L.; Lammertsma, K.

2010-01-01

The preparation and comprehensive characterization of a series of homoleptic sandwich complexes containing diphosphacyclobutadiene ligands are reported. Compounds [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)[Fe(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (K1), [K([18]crown-6)(thf)(2)][Co(η(4)-P(2)C(2)tBu(2))(2)] (K2), and

Biodistribution and tumor uptake of C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} in mice

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhiqiang, Ji; Sun Hongfang, E-mail: shf@pku.edu.cn; Haifang, Wang; Qunying, Xie; Yuangfang, Liu [Peking University, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering (China); Zheng, Wang [Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute (China)

2006-02-15

Radiolabeling of fullerol, {sup 125}I-C{sub 60}(OH){sub x}, was performed by the traditional chloramine-T method. The C-I covalent bond in I-C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that was sufficiently stable for in vivo study. Laser light scattering spectroscopy clearly showed that C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} aggregated to large nanoparticle clumps with a wide range of distribution. The clumps formed were also visualized by transmission electron microscope (TEM). We examined the biodistribution and tumor uptake of C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} in five mouse bearing tumor models, including mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma, human lung giantcellcarcinoma PD, human colon cancer HCT-8, human gastric cancer MGC803, and human OS732 osteosarcoma. The accumulation ratios of {sup 125}I-C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} in mouse H22 hepatocarcinoma to that in normal muscle tissue (T/N) and blood (T/B) at 1, 6, 24 and 72 h, reveal that {sup 125}I-C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} gradually accumulates in H22 tumor, and retains for a quite long period (e.g., T/N 3.41, T/B 3.94 at 24 h). For the other four tumor models, the T/N ratio at 24 h ranges within 1.21-6.26, while the T/B ratio ranges between 1.23 and 4.73. The accumulation of C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} in tumor is mostly due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) and the phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes. Hence, C{sub 60}(OH){sub x} might serve as a photosensitizer in the photodynamic therapy of some kinds of tumor.

Biosynthesis of Single Thioether c-Type Cytochromes Provides Insight into Mechanisms Intrinsic to Holocytochrome c Synthase (HCCS).

Science.gov (United States)

Babbitt, Shalon E; Hsu, Jennifer; Mendez, Deanna L; Kranz, Robert G

2017-07-05

C-type cytochromes (cyts c) are generally characterized by the presence of two thioether attachments between heme and two cysteine residues within a highly conserved CXXCH motif. Most eukaryotes use the System III cyt c biogenesis pathway composed of holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) to catalyze thioether formation. Some protozoan organisms express a functionally equivalent, natural variant of cyt c with an XXXCH heme-attachment motif, resulting in a single covalent attachment. Previous studies have shown that recombinant HCCS can produce low levels of the XXXCH single thioether variant. However, cyt c variants containing substitutions at the C-terminal cysteine of the heme-attachment site (i.e., resulting in CXXXH) have never been observed in nature, and attempts to biosynthesize a recombinant version of this cyt c variant have been largely unsuccessful. In this study, we report the biochemical analyses of an HCCS-matured CXXXH cyt c variant, comparing its biosynthesis and properties to those of the XXXCH variant. The results indicate that although HCCS mediates heme attachment to the N-terminal cysteine in CXXXH cyt c variants, up to 50% of the cyt c produced is modified in an oxygen-dependent manner, resulting in a mixed population of cyt c. Since this aerobic modification occurs only in the context of CXXXH, we also propose that natural HCCS-mediated heme attachment to CXXCH likely initiates at the C-terminal cysteine.

Steroid hormones affect binding of the sigma ligand 11C-SA4503 in tumour cells and tumour-bearing rats

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rybczynska, Anna A.; Elsinga, Philip H.; Sijbesma, Jurgen W.; Jong, Johan R. de; Vries, Erik F. de; Dierckx, Rudi A.; Waarde, Aren van; Ishiwata, Kiichi

2009-01-01

Sigma receptors are implicated in memory and cognitive functions, drug addiction, depression and schizophrenia. In addition, sigma receptors are strongly overexpressed in many tumours. Although the natural ligands are still unknown, steroid hormones are potential candidates. Here, we examined changes in binding of the sigma-1 agonist 11 C-SA4503 in C6 glioma cells and in living rats after modification of endogenous steroid levels. 11 C-SA4503 binding was assessed in C6 monolayers by gamma counting and in anaesthetized rats by microPET scanning. C6 cells were either repeatedly washed and incubated in steroid-free medium or exposed to five kinds of exogenous steroids (1 h or 5 min before tracer addition, respectively). Tumour-bearing male rats were repeatedly treated with pentobarbital (a condition known to result in reduction of endogenous steroid levels) or injected with progesterone. Binding of 11 C-SA4503 to C6 cells was increased (∝50%) upon removal and decreased (∝60%) upon addition of steroid hormones (rank order of potency: progesterone > allopregnanolone = testosterone = androstanolone > dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulphate, IC 50 progesterone 33 nM). Intraperitoneally administered progesterone reduced tumour uptake and tumour-to-muscle contrast (36%). Repeated treatment of animals with pentobarbital increased the PET standardized uptake value of 11 C-SA4503 in tumour (16%) and brain (27%), whereas the kinetics of blood pool radioactivity was unaffected. The binding of 11 C-SA4503 is sensitive to steroid competition. Since not only increases but also decreases of steroid levels affect ligand binding, a considerable fraction of the sigma-1 receptor population in cultured tumour cells or tumour-bearing animals is normally occupied by endogenous steroids. (orig.)

Comparison of stability of WSiX/SiC and Ni/SiC Schottky rectifiers to high dose gamma-ray irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jihyun; Ren, F.; Chung, G.Y.; MacMillan, M.F.; Baca, A.G.; Briggs, R.D.; Schoenfeld, D.; Pearton, S.J.

2004-01-01

SiC Schottky rectifiers with moderate breakdown voltages of ∼450 V and with either WSi X or Ni rectifying contacts were irradiated with Co-60 γ-rays to doses up to ∼315 Mrad. The Ni/SiC rectifiers show severe reaction of the contact after irradiation at the highest dose, badly degrading the forward current characteristics and increasing the on-state resistance by up to a factor of 6 after irradiation. By sharp contrast, the WSi X /SiC devices show little deterioration of the contact with the same conditions and changes in on-state resistance of X contacts appear promising for applications requiring improved contact stability

The morphology of ceramic phases in B x C-SiC-Si infiltrated composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hayun, S.; Frage, N.; Dariel, M.P.

2006-01-01

The present communication is concerned with the effect of the carbon source on the morphology of reaction bonded boron carbide (B 4 C). Molten silicon reacts strongly and rapidly with free carbon to form large, faceted, regular polygon-shaped SiC particles, usually embedded in residual silicon pools. In the absence of free carbon, the formation of SiC relies on carbon that originates from within the boron carbide particles. Examination of the reaction bonded boron carbide revealed a core-rim microstructure consisting of boron carbide particles surrounded by secondary boron carbide containing some dissolved silicon. This microstructure is generated as the outcome of a dissolution-precipitation process. In the course of the infiltration process molten Si dissolves some boron carbide until its saturation with B and C. Subsequently, precipitation of secondary boron carbide enriched with boron and silicon takes place. In parallel, elongated, strongly twinned, faceted SiC particles are generated by rapid growth along preferred crystallographic directions. This sequence of events is supported by X-ray diffraction and microcompositional analysis and well accounted for by the thermodynamic analysis of the ternary B-C-Si system. - Graphical abstract: Bright field TEM image of the rim area between two boron carbide grains

Noninvasive k3 estimation method for slow dissociation PET ligands: application to [11C]Pittsburgh compound B.

Science.gov (United States)

Sato, Koichi; Fukushi, Kiyoshi; Shinotoh, Hitoshi; Shimada, Hitoshi; Hirano, Shigeki; Tanaka, Noriko; Suhara, Tetsuya; Irie, Toshiaki; Ito, Hiroshi

2013-11-16

Recently, we reported an information density theory and an analysis of three-parameter plus shorter scan than conventional method (3P+) for the amyloid-binding ligand [11C]Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) as an example of a non-highly reversible positron emission tomography (PET) ligand. This article describes an extension of 3P + analysis to noninvasive '3P++' analysis (3P + plus use of a reference tissue for input function). In 3P++ analysis for [11C]PIB, the cerebellum was used as a reference tissue (negligible specific binding). Fifteen healthy subjects (NC) and fifteen Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients participated. The k3 (index of receptor density) values were estimated with 40-min PET data and three-parameter reference tissue model and were compared with that in 40-min 3P + analysis as well as standard 90-min four-parameter (4P) analysis with arterial input function. Simulation studies were performed to explain k3 biases observed in 3P++ analysis. Good model fits of 40-min PET data were observed in both reference and target regions-of-interest (ROIs). High linear intra-subject (inter-15 ROI) correlations of k3 between 3P++ (Y-axis) and 3P + (X-axis) analyses were shown in one NC (r2 = 0.972 and slope = 0.845) and in one AD (r2 = 0.982, slope = 0.655), whereas inter-subject k3 correlations in a target region (left lateral temporal cortex) from 30 subjects (15 NC + 15 AD) were somewhat lower (r2 = 0.739 and slope = 0.461). Similar results were shown between 3P++ and 4P analyses: r2 = 0.953 for intra-subject k3 in NC, r2 = 0.907 for that in AD and r2 = 0.711 for inter-30 subject k3. Simulation studies showed that such lower inter-subject k3 correlations and significant negative k3 biases were not due to unstableness of 3P++ analysis but rather to inter-subject variation of both k2 (index of brain-to-blood transport) and k3 (not completely negligible) in the reference region. In [11C]PIB, the applicability of 3

Thermal stability of Ni-Pt-Ta alloy silicides on epi-Si{sub 1-x}C{sub x}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoo, Jung-Ho; Chang, Hyun-Jin [Department of Ceramic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of); Min, Byoung-Gi [Department of Ceramic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of); Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd., 49, Neungpyeong-ri, Opo-eup, Gwangju-Si, Kyunggi-do 464-892 (Korea, Republic of); Ko, Dae-Hong [Department of Ceramic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of)], E-mail: dhko@yonsei.ac.kr; Cho, Mann-Ho [Institute of Physics and Applied Physics, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of); Sohn, Hyunchul [Department of Ceramic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Tae-Wan [Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd., 49, Neungpyeong-ri, Opo-eup, Gwangju-Si, Kyunggi-do 464-892 (Korea, Republic of)

2008-12-05

We investigated the silicide formation in Ni/epi-Si{sub 1-x}C{sub x} systems. Ni-Pt and Ni-Pt-Ta films were deposited on epi-Si{sub 1-x}C{sub x}/Si substrates by DC magnetron sputtering and processed at various temperatures. The sheet resistance of the silicide from the Ni alloy/epi-Si{sub 1-x}C{sub x} systems was maintained at low values compared to that from Ni/Si systems. By TEM and EDS analyses, we confirmed the presence of a Pt alloy layer at the top of the Ni-silicide layer. The stability of the silicide layer in the Ni alloy/epi-Si{sub 1-x}C{sub x} system is explained by not only the Pt rich layer on the top of the Ni-silicide layer, but also by the presence of a small amount of Pt in the Ni-silicide layer or at the grain boundaries. And both the thermal stability and the morphology of silicide were greatly improved by the addition of Ta in Ni-Pt films.

[11C]TASP457, a novel PET ligand for histamine H3 receptors in human brain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kimura, Yasuyuki; Seki, Chie; Ikoma, Yoko; Ichise, Masanori; Kawamura, Kazunori; Takahata, Keisuke; Moriguchi, Sho; Nagashima, Tomohisa; Ishii, Tatsuya; Kitamura, Soichiro; Niwa, Fumitoshi; Endo, Hironobu; Yamada, Makiko; Higuchi, Makoto; Zhang, Ming-Rong; Suhara, Tetsuya

2016-01-01

The histamine H 3 receptors are presynaptic neuroreceptors that inhibit the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters. The receptors are considered a drug target for sleep disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders with cognitive decline. We developed a novel PET ligand for the H 3 receptors, [ 11 C]TASP0410457 ([ 11 C]TASP457), with high affinity, selectivity and favorable kinetic properties in the monkey, and evaluated its kinetics and radiation safety profile for quantifying the H 3 receptors in human brain. Ten healthy men were scanned for 120 min with a PET scanner for brain quantification and three healthy men were scanned for radiation dosimetry after injection of 386 ± 6.2 MBq and 190 ± 7.5 MBq of [ 11 C]TASP457, respectively. For brain quantification, arterial blood sampling and metabolite analysis were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Distribution volumes (V T ) in brain regions were determined by compartment and graphical analyses using the Logan plot and Ichise multilinear analysis (MA1). For dosimetry, radiation absorbed doses were estimated using the Medical Internal Radiation Dose scheme. [ 11 C]TASP457 PET showed high uptake (standardized uptake values in the range of about 3 - 6) in the brain and fast washout in cortical regions and slow washout in the pallidum. The two-tissue compartment model and graphical analyses estimated V T with excellent identification using 60-min scan data (about 16 mL/cm 3 in the pallidum, 9 - 14 in the basal ganglia, 6 - 9 in cortical regions, and 5 in the pons), which represents the known distribution of histamine H 3 receptors. For parametric imaging, MA1 is recommended because of minimal underestimation with small intersubject variability. The organs with the highest radiation doses were the pancreas, kidneys, and liver. The effective dose delivered by [ 11 C]TASP457 was 6.9 μSv/MBq. [ 11 C]TASP457 is a useful novel PET ligand for the investigation of the density of histamine H 3

Thermal Stability of W-xRe/TiC/SiC Systems (x=0, 5 and 25 at % Re) at High Temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roger, J.; Le Petitcorps, Y.; Roger, J.; Audubert, F.

2009-01-01

During this work, we examined the effect of an additional TiC interlayer between SiC and the W-xRe substrate (x=0.5 and 25 at% Re). The first aim was to limit the chemical reaction leading to the formation of the silicide W 5 Si 3 and the carbide WC. Samples were prepared by hot-filament rapid chemical vapour deposition. The TiC layer thicknesses were between 2 and about 100 μm. After thermal treatment between 1573 and 1873 K, the samples were characterized and revealed the existence of a reaction whatever thickness was used, with predominant formation of the carbide W 2 C. This is the first effect induced by the addition of TiC; the reaction scheme is deeply modified. Another main fact is the role played by the TiC thickness. Depending on layer's size, we can have a variable reduction of the reaction zone with the existence of a maximum effect. Indeed, it appears that the total elimination of the reaction at the highest temperatures is hardly conceivable owing to the intrinsic diffusion of carbon atoms into the TiC. In many cases, a reaction occurs with the formation of the carbide W 2 C. It appears during our investigations that, at above 1673 K, molten silicon is obtained between the SiC and the TiC. In comparison with the data obtained at 1573 K, the presence of this molten phase induces a strong limitation for carbon diffusion, even for thin TiC layers. Nevertheless, it seems impossible to reach an efficiency of 100% above 1673 K. This aim is probably more accessible at lower temperatures according to extrapolations at 1573 K. The third and last parameter considered herein was the role played by the concentration of rhenium into the substrate. According to our results, the addition of this metal is quite beneficial; a more-important effect is clearly obtained, especially for the thinner TiC layer, the maximal effect appearing to be slightly more pronounced when the rhenium concentration increases. We can deduce from this study that TiC is an efficient

Solution structure of the twelfth cysteine-rich ligand-binding repeat in rat megalin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wolf, Christian A.; Dancea, Felician; Shi Meichen; Bade-Noskova, Veronika; Rueterjans, Heinz; Kerjaschki, Dontscho; Luecke, Christian

2007-01-01

Megalin, an approx. 600 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein that acts as multi-ligand transporter, is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene family. Several cysteine-rich repeats, each consisting of about 40 residues, are responsible for the multispecific binding of ligands. The solution structure of the twelfth cysteine-rich ligand-binding repeat with class A motif found in megalin features two short β-strands and two helical turns, yielding the typical fold with a I-III, II-V and IV-VI disulfide bridge connectivity pattern and a calcium coordination site at the C-terminal end. The resulting differences in electrostatic surface potential compared to other ligand-binding modules of this gene family, however, may be responsible for the functional divergence

Thermodynamic and lattice parameter calculation of TiC x produced from Al-Ti-C powders by laser igniting self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Y.X.; Hu, J.D.; Wang, H.Y.; Guo, Z.X.; Chumakov, A.N.

2007-01-01

TiC x has been formed by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) from elemental powder mixtures with a range of C/Ti ratios. The combusting behavior of the powder mixtures was investigated. The effect of the processing variables on the lattice parameter and the composition of TiC were examined. The results show that lattice parameters of TiC x increase with the increase of C/Ti ratio. The variation of Gibbs free energy in Al-Ti-C system was studied based on the thermodynamics theory. The results show that TiC and Al 3 Ti phases are easier to form than Al 4 C 3 phase

Alloying effects on structural and thermal behavior of Ti{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}C: A first principles study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chauhan, Mamta, E-mail: mamta-physics@yahoo.co.in; Gupta, Dinesh C., E-mail: sosfizix@gmail.com [Condensed Matter Theory Group, School of Studies in Physics, Jiwaji University, Gwalior – 474 011(India)

2016-05-06

The formation energy, equilibrium lattice parameter, bulk modulus, Debye temperature and heat capacity at constant volume have been calculated for TiC, ZrC, and their intermediate alloys (Ti{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}C, x = 0,0.25.0.5,0.75,1) using first principles approach. The calculated values of lattice parameter and bulk modulus agree well with the available experimental and earlier theoretical reports. The variation of lattice parameter and bulk modulus with the change in concentration of Zr atom in Ti{sub 1-x}Zr{sub x}C has also been reported. The heat capacities of TiC, ZrC, and their intermediate alloys have been calculated by considering both vibrational and electronic contributions.

X-ray structures of the Pseudomonas cichorii D-tagatose 3-epimerase mutant form C66S recognizing deoxy sugars as substrates.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoshida, Hiromi; Yoshihara, Akihide; Ishii, Tomohiko; Izumori, Ken; Kamitori, Shigehiro

2016-12-01

Pseudomonas cichorii D-tagatose 3-epimerase (PcDTE), which has a broad substrate specificity, efficiently catalyzes the epimerization of not only D-tagatose to D-sorbose but also D-fructose to D-psicose (D-allulose) and also recognizes the deoxy sugars as substrates. In an attempt to elucidate the substrate recognition and catalytic reaction mechanisms of PcDTE for deoxy sugars, the X-ray structures of the PcDTE mutant form with the replacement of Cys66 by Ser (PcDTE_C66S) in complexes with deoxy sugars were determined. These X-ray structures showed that substrate recognition by the enzyme at the 1-, 2-, and 3-positions is responsible for enzymatic activity and that substrate-enzyme interactions at the 4-, 5-, and 6-positions are not essential for the catalytic reaction of the enzyme leading to the broad substrate specificity of PcDTE. They also showed that the epimerization site of 1-deoxy 3-keto D-galactitol is shifted from C3 to C4 and that 1-deoxy sugars may bind to the catalytic site in the inhibitor-binding mode. The hydrophobic groove that acts as an accessible surface for substrate binding is formed through the dimerization of PcDTE. In PcDTE_C66S/deoxy sugar complex structures, bound ligand molecules in both the linear and ring forms were detected in the hydrophobic groove, while bound ligand molecules in the catalytic site were in the linear form. This result suggests that the sugar-ring opening of a substrate may occur in the hydrophobic groove and also that the narrow channel of the passageway to the catalytic site allows a substrate in the linear form to pass through.

Analytical representation of the thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity of UC/sub 1 +- x/, PuC/sub 1-x/, and (U/sub y/Pu/sub 1-y/)C/sub 1 +- x/

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Storms, E.K.

1982-12-01

This report uses selected measurements from the literature to construct analytical expressions that describe the electrical and thermal conductivity of pure, high-density UC/sub 1 +- x/, PuC/sub 1-x/, and (U/sub y/Pu/sub 1-y/C/sub 1 +- x/ as a function of x,y, and temperature. The approach shows that many of the differences between the reported measurements can be resolved if the carbon cntent of the single-phase material is taken into account. Analytical expressions are also given that describe the temperature variation of the phase boundaries for these phases. 16 figures

A novel binary Pt 3Te x/C nanocatalyst for ethanol electro-oxidation

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Meihua; Wang, Fei; Li, Lirong; Guo, Yonglang

The Pt 3Te x/C nanocatalyst was prepared and its catalytic performance for ethanol oxidation was investigated for the first time. The Pt 3Te/C nanoparticles were characterized by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy equipped with TEM (TEM-EDX). The Pt 3Te/C catalyst has a typical fcc structure of platinum alloys with the presence of Te. Its particle size is about 2.8 nm. Among the synthesized catalysts with different atomic ratios, the Pt 3Te/C catalyst has the highest anodic peak current density. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) show that the anodic peak current density for the Pt 3Te/C, commercial PtRu/C and Pt/C catalysts reaches 1002, 832 and 533 A g -1, respectively. On the current-time curve, the anodic current on the Pt 3Te/C catalyst was higher than those for the catalysts reported. So, these findings show that the Pt 3Te/C catalyst has uniform nanoparticles and the best activity among the synthesized catalysts, and it is better than commercial PtRu/C and Pt/C catalysts for ethanol oxidation at room temperature.

Mass spectra for q c q ¯ c ¯, s c s ¯ c ¯, q b q ¯ ¯, s b s ¯ ¯ tetraquark states with JP C=0++ and 2++

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Wei; Chen, Hua-Xing; Liu, Xiang; Steele, T. G.; Zhu, Shi-Lin

2017-12-01

We have studied the mass spectra of the hidden-charm/bottom q c q ¯c ¯, s c s ¯c ¯ and q b q ¯b ¯, s b s ¯b ¯ tetraquark states with JP C=0++ and 2++ in the framework of QCD sum rules. We construct ten scalar and four tensor interpolating currents in a systematic way and calculate the mass spectra for these tetraquark states. The X*(3860 ) may be either an isoscalar tetraquark state or χc 0(2 P ). If the X*(3860 ) is a tetraquark candidate, our results prefer the 0++ option over the 2++ one. The X (4160 ) may be classified as either the scalar or tensor q c q ¯c ¯ tetraquark state, while the X (3915 ) favors a 0++ q c q ¯c ¯ or s c s ¯c ¯ tetraquark assignment over the tensor one. The X (4350 ) cannot be interpreted as a s c s ¯c ¯ tetraquark with either JP C=0++ or 2++.

Functional structural motifs for protein-ligand, protein-protein, and protein-nucleic acid interactions and their connection to supersecondary structures.

Science.gov (United States)

Kinjo, Akira R; Nakamura, Haruki

2013-01-01

Protein functions are mediated by interactions between proteins and other molecules. One useful approach to analyze protein functions is to compare and classify the structures of interaction interfaces of proteins. Here, we describe the procedures for compiling a database of interface structures and efficiently comparing the interface structures. To do so requires a good understanding of the data structures of the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Therefore, we also provide a detailed account of the PDB exchange dictionary necessary for extracting data that are relevant for analyzing interaction interfaces and secondary structures. We identify recurring structural motifs by classifying similar interface structures, and we define a coarse-grained representation of supersecondary structures (SSS) which represents a sequence of two or three secondary structure elements including their relative orientations as a string of four to seven letters. By examining the correspondence between structural motifs and SSS strings, we show that no SSS string has particularly high propensity to be found interaction interfaces in general, indicating any SSS can be used as a binding interface. When individual structural motifs are examined, there are some SSS strings that have high propensity for particular groups of structural motifs. In addition, it is shown that while the SSS strings found in particular structural motifs for nonpolymer and protein interfaces are as abundant as in other structural motifs that belong to the same subunit, structural motifs for nucleic acid interfaces exhibit somewhat stronger preference for SSS strings. In regard to protein folds, many motif-specific SSS strings were found across many folds, suggesting that SSS may be a useful description to investigate the universality of ligand binding modes.

Nuclear magnetic resonance study of interaction of ligands with Streptococcus faecium dihydrofolate reductase labeled with [#betta#-13C]tryptophan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

London, R.E.; Groff, J.P.; Cocco, L.; Blakley, R.L.

1982-01-01

Dihydrofolate reductase from Streptococcus faecium has been labeled with [#betta#- 13 C]tryptophan. We have determined changes occurring in the chemical shifts and line widths of the four resonances of the 13 C NMR spectrum of the labeled enzyme, due to its interaction with various ligands. These include the coenzyme, NPDPH and related nucleotides, folate and its polyglutamate derivatives, and many inhibitors including methotrexate and trimethoprim. In addition, paramagnetic relaxation effects produced by a bound spin-labeled analogue of 2'-phosphoadenosine-5'-diphosphoribose on the tryptophan C/sup #betta#/ carbons have been measured. Distances calculated from the relaxation data have been compared with corresponding distances in the crystallographic model of the NADPH-methotrexate ternary complex of Lactobacillus casei reductase. The paramagnetic relaxation data indicate that the two downfield resonances (1 and 2) correspond to tryptophans (W/sub A/ and W/sub B/) that are more remote from the catalytic site, and from the crystallographic model these are seen to be Trp-115 and Trp-160. The upfield resonances (3 and 4) that show broadening due to chemical exchange correspond to closer residues (W/sub C/ and W/sub D/), and these are identified with Trp-6 and Trp-22. However, the relaxation data do not permit specific assignments within the nearer and farther pairs. Although resonance 3, which is split due to chemical exchange, was formerly assigned to Trp-6, data obtained for the enzyme in the presence of various ligands are better interpreted if resonance 3 is assigned to Trp-22, which is located on a loop that joins elements of secondary structure and forms one side of the ligand-binding cavity

Structure–kinetic relationship study of CDK8/CycC specific compounds

Science.gov (United States)

Schneider, Elisabeth V.; Böttcher, Jark; Huber, Robert; Maskos, Klaus; Neumann, Lars

2013-01-01

In contrast with the very well explored concept of structure–activity relationship, similar studies are missing for the dependency between binding kinetics and compound structure of a protein ligand complex, the structure–kinetic relationship. Here, we present a structure–kinetic relationship study of the cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8)/cyclin C (CycC) complex. The scaffold moiety of the compounds is anchored in the kinase deep pocket and extended with diverse functional groups toward the hinge region and the front pocket. These variations can cause the compounds to change from fast to slow binding kinetics, resulting in an improved residence time. The flip of the DFG motif (“DMG” in CDK8) to the inactive DFG-out conformation appears to have relatively little influence on the velocity of binding. Hydrogen bonding with the kinase hinge region contributes to the residence time but has less impact than hydrophobic complementarities within the kinase front pocket. PMID:23630251

Two CGTCA motifs and a GHF1/Pit1 binding site mediate cAMP-dependent protein kinase A regulation of human growth hormone gene expression in rat anterior pituitary GC cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Shepard, A R; Zhang, W; Eberhardt, N L

1994-01-21

We established the cis-acting elements which mediate cAMP responsiveness of the human growth hormone (hGH) gene in transiently transfected rat anterior pituitary tumor GC cells. Analysis of the intact hGH gene or hGH 5'-flanking DNA (5'-FR) coupled to the hGh cDNA or chloramphenicol acetyltransferase or luciferase genes, indicated that cAMP primarily stimulated hGH promoter activity. Cotransfection of a protein kinase A inhibitory protein cDNA demonstrated that the cAMP response was mediated by protein kinase A. Mutational analysis of the hGH promoter identified two core cAMP response element motifs (CGTCA) located at nucleotides -187/-183 (distal cAMP response element; dCRE) and -99/-95 (proximal cAMP response element; pCRE) and a pituitary-specific transcription factor (GHF1/Pit1) binding site at nucleotides -123/-112 (dGHF1) which were required for cAMP responsiveness. GHF1 was not a limiting factor, since overexpression of GHF1 in cotransfections increased basal but not forskolin induction levels. Gel shift analyses indicated that similar, ubiquitous, thermostable protein(s) specifically bound the pCRE and dCRE motifs. The CGTCA motif-binding factors were cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)/activating transcription factor-1 (ATF-1)-related, since the DNA-protein complex was competed by unlabeled CREB consensus oligonucleotide, specifically supershifted by antisera to CREB and ATF-1 but not ATF-2, and was bound by purified CREB with the same relative binding affinity (pCRE < dCRE < CREB) and mobility as the GC nuclear extract. UV cross-linking and Southwestern blot analyses revealed multiple DNA-protein interactions of which approximately 100- and approximately 45-kDa proteins were predominant; the approximately 45-kDa protein may represent CREB. These results indicate that CREB/ATF-1-related factors act coordinately with the cell-specific factor GHF1 to mediate cAMP-dependent regulation of hGH-1 gene transcription in anterior pituitary somatotrophs.

Fluorescent Dansyl-Guanosine Conjugates that Bind c-MYC Promoter G-Quadruplex and Downregulate c-MYC Expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Pavan Kumar, Y; Saha, Puja; Saha, Dhurjhoti; Bessi, Irene; Schwalbe, Harald; Chowdhury, Shantanu; Dash, Jyotirmayee

2016-03-02

The four-stranded G-quadruplex present in the c-MYC P1 promoter has been shown to play a pivotal role in the regulation of c-MYC transcription. Small-molecule compounds capable of inhibiting the c-MYC promoter activity by stabilising the c-MYC G-quadruplex could potentially be used as anticancer agents. In this context, here we report the synthesis of dansyl-guanosine conjugates through one-pot modular click reactions. The dansyl-guanosine conjugates can selectively detect c-MYC G-quadruplex over other biologically relevant quadruplexes and duplex DNA and can be useful as staining reagents for selective visualisation of c-MYC G-quadruplex over duplex DNA by gel electrophoresis. NMR spectroscopic titrations revealed the preferential binding sites of these dansyl ligands to the c-MYC G-quadruplex. A dual luciferase assay and qRT-PCR revealed that a dansyl-bisguanosine ligand represses the c-MYC expression, possibly by stabilising the c-MYC G-quadruplex. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Theoretical study on electronic structures and optical properties of blue phosphorescent Iridium(III) complexes with C{sup ∧}N and N{sup ∧}N ligands

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shang, Xiaohong [State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022 (China); College of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130024 (China); Liu, Yuqi; Qu, Xiaochun [State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022 (China); Wu, Zhijian, E-mail: zjwu@ciac.jl.cn [State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022 (China)

2013-11-15

We report a quantum-chemical study on the electronic structures and optical properties of two series of heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes [(dfb-pz){sub 2}Ir(N{sup ∧}N+sub)], [dfb-pz=2,4-difluorobenzyl-N-pyrazole, sub indicates substituent group, N{sup ∧}N+sub=tphppz=4-tert-butyl-2-(5-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-pyridine (1a), tmppz=4-tert-butyl-2-(5-methyl-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl)-pyridine (1b), fphppz=4-fluoro-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (1c), and fmphppz=4-trifluoromehtyl-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (1d)]; with [(C{sup ∧}N+sub){sub 2}Ir(fppz)], [C{sup ∧}N=b-pz=benzyl-N-pyrazole, fppz=3-trifluoromethyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole, C{sup ∧}N+sub=dfb-pz=2,4-difluorobenzyl-N-pyrazole (2a), tfmfb-pz=2-trifluoromethyl-5-fluorobenzyl-N-pyrazole (2b), phb-pz=3-phenyl-benzyl-N-pyrazole (2c), and dfphb-pz=3-phenyl-2,4-difluorobenzyl-N-pyrazole (2d)]. The calculated results shed light on the reasons of the remarkably manipulated excited-state and electroluminescent properties through substitution effect. The phenyl ring on main ligands can enhance the π-conjugation of the main ligands moiety and increase the metal-ligand bond strength for 2c and 2d, then enhancing the transition strength. From 1c, 1d, 2c, and 2d, it can also be seen that substituents on the terminal phenyl ring have a slight effect on the excited energy because the distance between the substituents and the ancillary (or main) ligand is interrupted by the phenyl moiety. The calculated absorption and luminescence properties of the four complexes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b are compared with the available experimental data and a good agreement is obtained. Furthermore, the assumed complex 1c, 2c, and 2d possess better charge transfer abilities and more balanced charge transfer rates. The designed complexes 2c and 2d are potential candidates for blue phosphorescent materials. -- Highlights: • Two series of electroluminescent iridium(III) complexes have been studied. • The charge transfer properties are affected

Use of Cre/loxP recombination to swap cell binding motifs on the adenoviral capsid protein IX

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Poulin, Kathy L.; Tong, Grace; Vorobyova, Olga; Pool, Madeline; Kothary, Rashmi; Parks, Robin J.

2011-01-01

We used Cre/loxP recombination to swap targeting ligands present on the adenoviral capsid protein IX (pIX). A loxP-flanked sequence encoding poly-lysine (pK-binds heparan sulfate proteoglycans) was engineered onto the 3'-terminus of pIX, and the resulting fusion protein allowed for routine virus propagation. Growth of this virus on Cre-expressing cells removed the pK coding sequence, generating virus that could only infect through alternative ligands, such as a tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA)-binding motif engineered into the capsid fibre protein for enhanced infection of neuronal cells. We used a similar approach to swap the pK motif on pIX for a sequence encoding a single-domain antibody directed towards CD66c for targeted infection of cancer cells; Cre-mediated removal of the pK-coding sequence simultaneously placed the single-domain antibody coding sequence in frame with pIX. Thus, we have developed a simple method to propagate virus lacking native viral tropism but containing cell-specific binding ligands. - Highlights: → We describe a method to grow virus lacking native tropism but containing novel cell-binding ligands. → Cre/loxP recombination was used to modify the adenovirus genome. → A targeting ligand present on capsid protein IX was removed or replaced using recombination. → Cre-loxP was also used to 'swap' the identity of the targeting ligand present on pIX.

KILLER CELL IMMUNOGLOBULIN-LIKE RECEPTOR GENES AND THEIR HLA-C LIGANDS IN HASHIMOTO THYROIDITIS IN A CHINESE POPULATION.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Jian-Ting; Guo, Cheng; Li, Ming-Long; Wei, Yong-Qing; Hou, Yan-Feng; Jiao, Yu-Lian; Zhao, Yue-Ran; Sun, Hui; Xu, Jin; Cao, Ming-Feng; Feng, Li; Yu, Gui-Na; Gao, Ling; Liu, Yi-Qing; Zhang, Bing-Chang; Zhao, Jia-Jun; Zhang, Hai-Qing

2016-08-01

Natural killer (NK) cells serve as primary immune surveillance and are partially regulated by combinations of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and their human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) ligands. Alterations in NK cell activity have been associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). The aim of this study was to determine whether certain KIR/HLA-C genotype combinations play a role in HT pathogenesis. The present study enrolled 107 unrelated HT patients and 108 random healthy individuals in a case-control study. Blood was collected for DNA extraction; typing of KIR genes and HLA-C alleles was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP), followed by electrophoresis on agarose gels. Among a panel of KIR2D/HLA-C genotype combinations, the frequency of KIR2DS2/HLA-C1 was significantly increased in HT patients compared to controls (33.64% vs. 12.96%, PHashimoto thyroiditis KIR = killer immunoglobulin-like receptor NK = natural killer PCR = polymerase chain reaction.

A sialoreceptor binding motif in the Mycoplasma synoviae adhesin VlhA.

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Meghan May

Full Text Available Mycoplasma synoviae depends on its adhesin VlhA to mediate cytadherence to sialylated host cell receptors. Allelic variants of VlhA arise through recombination between an assemblage of promoterless vlhA pseudogenes and a single transcription promoter site, creating lineages of M. synoviae that each express a different vlhA allele. The predicted full-length VlhA sequences adjacent to the promoter of nine lineages of M. synoviae varying in avidity of cytadherence were aligned with that of the reference strain MS53 and with a 60-a.a. hemagglutinating VlhA C-terminal fragment from a Tunisian lineage of strain WVU1853(T. Seven different sequence variants of an imperfectly conserved, single-copy, 12-a.a. candidate cytadherence motif were evident amid the flanking variable residues of the 11 total sequences examined. The motif was predicted to adopt a short hairpin structure in a low-complexity region near the C-terminus of VlhA. Biotinylated synthetic oligopeptides representing four selected variants of the 12-a.a. motif, with the whole synthesized 60-a.a. fragment as a positive control, differed (P<0.01 in the extent they bound to chicken erythrocyte membranes. All bound to a greater extent (P<0.01 than scrambled or irrelevant VlhA domain negative control peptides did. Experimentally introduced branched-chain amino acid (BCAA substitutions Val3Ile and Leu7Ile did not significantly alter binding, whereas fold-destabilizing substitutions Thr4Gly and Ala9Gly tended to reduce it (P<0.05. Binding was also reduced to background levels (P<0.01 when the peptides were exposed to desialylated membranes, or were pre-saturated with free sialic acid before exposure to untreated membranes. From this evidence we conclude that the motif P-X-(BCAA-X-F-X-(BCAA-X-A-K-X-G binds sialic acid and likely mediates VlhA-dependent M. synoviae attachment to host cells. This conserved mechanism retains the potential for fine-scale rheostasis in binding avidity, which could be a

Crystal structures of bis[2-(pyridin-2-ylphenyl-κ2N,C1]rhodium(III complexes containing an acetonitrile or monodentate thyminate(1− ligand

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Mika Sakate

2016-04-01

Full Text Available The crystal structures of bis[2-(pyridin-2-ylphenyl]rhodium(III complexes with the metal in an octahedral coordination containing chloride and acetonitrile ligands, namely (OC-6-42-acetonitrilechloridobis[2-(pyridin-2-ylphenyl-κ2N,C1]rhodium(III, [RhCl(C11H8N2(CH3CN] (1, thyminate(1− and methanol, namely (OC-6-42-methanol(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ido-κN1bis[2-(pyridin-2-ylphenyl-κ2N,C1]rhodium(III, [Rh(C11H8N2(C5H5N2O2(CH3OH]·CH3OH·0.5H2O (2, and thyminate(1− and ethanol, namely (OC-6-42-ethanol(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ido-κN1bis[2-(pyridin-2-ylphenyl-κ2N,C1]rhodium(III, [Rh(C11H8N2(C5H5N2O2(C2H5OH]·C2H5OH (3, are reported. The acetonitrile complex, 1, is isostructural with the IrIII analog. In complexes 2 and 3, the monodeprotonated thyminate (Hthym− ligand coordinates to the RhIII atom through the N atom, and the resulting Rh—N(Hthym bond lengths are relatively long [2.261 (2 and 2.252 (2 Å for 2 and 3, respectively] as compared to the Rh—N bonds in the related thyminate complexes. In each of the crystals of 2 and 3, the complexes are linked via a pair of intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds between neighbouring Hthym− ligands, forming an inversion dimer. A strong intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between the thyminate(1− and alcohol ligands in mutually cis positions to each other is also observed.

A common minimal motif for the ligands of HLA-B*27 class I molecules.

Science.gov (United States)

Barriga, Alejandro; Lorente, Elena; Johnstone, Carolina; Mir, Carmen; del Val, Margarita; López, Daniel

2014-01-01

CD8(+) T cells identify and kill infected cells through the specific recognition of short viral antigens bound to human major histocompatibility complex (HLA) class I molecules. The colossal number of polymorphisms in HLA molecules makes it essential to characterize the antigen-presenting properties common to large HLA families or supertypes. In this context, the HLA-B*27 family comprising at least 100 different alleles, some of them widely distributed in the human population, is involved in the cellular immune response against pathogens and also associated to autoimmune spondyloarthritis being thus a relevant target of study. To this end, HLA binding assays performed using nine HLA-B*2705-restricted ligands endogenously processed and presented in virus-infected cells revealed a common minimal peptide motif for efficient binding to the HLA-B*27 family. The motif was independently confirmed using four unrelated peptides. This experimental approach, which could be easily transferred to other HLA class I families and supertypes, has implications for the validation of new bioinformatics tools in the functional clustering of HLA molecules, for the identification of antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, and for future vaccine development.

A common minimal motif for the ligands of HLA-B*27 class I molecules.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alejandro Barriga

Full Text Available CD8(+ T cells identify and kill infected cells through the specific recognition of short viral antigens bound to human major histocompatibility complex (HLA class I molecules. The colossal number of polymorphisms in HLA molecules makes it essential to characterize the antigen-presenting properties common to large HLA families or supertypes. In this context, the HLA-B*27 family comprising at least 100 different alleles, some of them widely distributed in the human population, is involved in the cellular immune response against pathogens and also associated to autoimmune spondyloarthritis being thus a relevant target of study. To this end, HLA binding assays performed using nine HLA-B*2705-restricted ligands endogenously processed and presented in virus-infected cells revealed a common minimal peptide motif for efficient binding to the HLA-B*27 family. The motif was independently confirmed using four unrelated peptides. This experimental approach, which could be easily transferred to other HLA class I families and supertypes, has implications for the validation of new bioinformatics tools in the functional clustering of HLA molecules, for the identification of antiviral cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, and for future vaccine development.

Capillary arterialization requires the bone-marrow-derived cell (BMC)-specific expression of chemokine (C-C motif) receptor-2, but BMCs do not transdifferentiate into microvascular smooth muscle.

Science.gov (United States)

Nickerson, Meghan M; Burke, Caitlin W; Meisner, Joshua K; Shuptrine, Casey W; Song, Ji; Price, Richard J

2009-01-01

Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor-2 (CCR2) regulates arteriogenesis and angiogenesis, facilitating the MCP-1-dependent recruitment of growth factor-secreting bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs). Here, we tested the hypothesis that the BMC-specific expression of CCR2 is also required for new arteriole formation via capillary arterialization. Following non-ischemic saphenous artery occlusion, we measured the following in gracilis muscles: monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6J mice by ELISA, and capillary arterialization in WT-WT and CCR2(-/-)-WT (donor-host) bone marrow chimeric mice, as well as BMC transdifferentiation in EGFP(+)-WT mice, by smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin immunochemistry. MCP-1 levels were significantly elevated 1 day after occlusion in WT mice. In WT-WT mice at day 7, compared to sham controls, arterial occlusion induced a 34% increase in arteriole length density, a 46% increase in SM alpha-actin(+) vessels, and a 45% increase in the fraction of vessels coated with SM alpha-actin, indicating significant capillary arterialization. However, in CCR2(-/-)-WT mice, no differences were observed between arterial occlusion and sham surgery. In EGFP(+)-WT mice, EGFP and SM alpha-actin never colocalized. We conclude that BMC-specific CCR2 expression is required for skeletal muscle capillary arterialization following arterial occlusion; however, BMCs do not transdifferentiate into smooth muscle.

Effects on normal tissues during radiosensitization of Dalton's Lymphoma by the DNA ligand Hoechst 33342 in Balb/c mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalra, Namita; Sampath, Swapna; Adhikari, J.S.; Dwarakanath, B.S.

2014-01-01

Hoechst 33342 is a bisbenzimidazole derivative with AT specific minor groove DNA binding ability. Scavenging of free radicals and stabilization of macromolecular structure resulting in reduced induction of DNA damage contributes to radioprotection afforded by the ligand. Their ability to inhibit topoisomerases I and II, which play important roles in damage response pathways including DNA repair has been shown to sensitize tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Due to its mutagenic and clastogenic potentials, damage to vital normal tissues are a matter of concern in deploying the ligand as adjuvant in radiotherapy. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the ligand in Dalton's Lymphoma (DL) bearing Balb/c mice by studying the local tumor control and animal survival, besides damage to normal tissues like bone marrow, kidney and testis. Hoechst 33342 (10 mg/kg b wt) was administered (i.v.) 1 h before focal irradiation (10 Gy) of the tumor (∼ 500 mm 3 ) grown on the hind leg of the mice. Partial response with a growth delay of 16 days (3 x initial volume) was seen following irradiation, while a complete response (cure; tumor-free survival) was observed in 88% mice following the combined treatment (Hoechst 33342+radiation); ligand alone had no significant effect. Although the ligand induced marginal degree of chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow, it did not enhance aberrations induced by radiation further. In testes, the proportions of diploid, haploid and hypo-haploid cells as well as resting primary spermatocytes (RPS) were not significantly altered by either. In kidney, Hoechst 33342 alone or in combination with radiation did not cause significant damage to the proximal tubules and glomeruli. These observations suggest that radiosensitization of tumor by the DNA ligand Hoechst 33342 may not be associated with enhanced toxicity to bone marrow as well as proximal normal tissues. (author)

Effect of applied bias voltage on corrosion-resistance for TiC 1- xN x and Ti 1- xNb xC 1- yN y coatings

Science.gov (United States)

Caicedo, J. C.; Amaya, C.; Yate, L.; Aperador, W.; Zambrano, G.; Gómez, M. E.; Alvarado-Rivera, J.; Muñoz-Saldaña, J.; Prieto, P.

2010-02-01

Corrosion-resistance behavior of titanium carbon nitride (Ti-C-N) and titanium niobium carbon nitride (Ti-Nb-C-N) coatings deposited onto Si(1 0 0) and AISI 4140 steel substrates via r.f. magnetron sputtering process was analyzed. The coatings in contact with a solution of sodium chloride at 3.5% were studied by Tafel polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy methods (EIS). Variations of the bias voltage were carried out for each series of deposition to observe the influence of this parameter upon the electrochemical properties of the coatings. The introduction of Nb in the ternary Ti-C-N film was evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The structure was characterized by using Raman spectroscopy to identify ternary and quaternary compounds. Surface corrosion processes were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results show conformation of the quaternary phase, change in the strain of the film, and lattice parameter as the effect of the Nb inclusion. The main Raman bands were assigned to interstitial phases and "impurities" of the coatings. Changes in Raman intensities were attributed to the incorporation of niobium in the Ti-C-N structure and possibly to resonance enhancement. Finally, the corrosion data obtained for Ti-C-N were compared with the results of corrosion tests of Ti-Nb-C-N coating. The results obtained showed that the incorporation of niobium to Ti-C-N coatings led to an increase in the corrosion-resistance. On another hand, an increase in the bias voltage led to a decrease in the corrosion-resistance for both Ti-C-N and Ti-Nb-C-N coatings.

Crystal structure of the tyrosine kinase domain of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-Met and its complex with the microbial alkaloid K-252a

OpenAIRE

Schiering, Nikolaus; Knapp, Stefan; Marconi, Marina; Flocco, Maria M.; Cui, Jean; Perego, Rita; Rusconi, Luisa; Cristiani, Cinzia

2003-01-01

The protooncogene c-met codes for the hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. Binding of its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, stimulates receptor autophosphorylation, which leads to pleiotropic downstream signaling events in epithelial cells, including cell growth, motility, and invasion. These events are mediated by interaction of cytoplasmic effectors, generally through Src homology 2 (SH2) domains, with two phosphotyrosine-containing sequence motifs in the unique...

Ada To X-Window Bindings

Science.gov (United States)

Souleles, Dean

1993-01-01

Ada to X-Window Bindings computer program developed to provide Ada programmers with complete interfaces to Xt Intrinsics and OSF Motif toolkits. Provides "Ada view" of some mostly C-language programming libraries. Package of software written in Ada and C languages.

Electrochemical Cobalt-Catalyzed C-H Activation.

Science.gov (United States)

Sauermann, Nicolas; Meyer, Tjark H; Ackermann, Lutz

2018-06-19

Carbon-heteroatom bonds represent omnipresent structural motifs of the vast majority of functionalized materials and bioactive compounds. C-H activation has emerged as arguably the most efficient strategy to construct C-Het bonds. Despite of major advances, these C-H transformations were largely dominated by precious transition metal catalysts, in combination with stoichiometric, toxic metal oxidants. Herein, we discuss the recent evolution of cobalt-catalyzed C-H activations that enable C-Het formations with electricity as the sole sustainable oxidant until May 2018. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Unusual C-C bond cleavage in the formation of amine-bis(phenoxy) group 4 benzyl complexes: Mechanism of formation and application to stereospecific polymerization

KAUST Repository

Gowda, Ravikumar R.

2014-08-11

Group 4 tetrabenzyl compounds MBn4 (M = Zr, Ti), upon protonolysis with an equimolar amount of the tetradentate amine-tris(phenol) ligand N[(2,4-tBu2C6H2(CH 2)OH]3 in toluene from -30 to 25 °C, unexpectedly lead to amine-bis(phenoxy) dibenzyl complexes, BnCH2N[(2,4- tBu2C6H2(CH2)O] 2MBn2 (M = Zr (1), Ti (2)) in 80% (1) and 75% (2) yields. This reaction involves an apparent cleavage of the >NCH2-ArOH bond (loss of the phenol in the ligand) and formation of the >NCH 2-CH2Bn bond (gain of the benzyl group in the ligand). Structural characterization of 1 by X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the complex formed is a bis(benzyl) complex of Zr coordinated by a newly derived tridentate amine-bis(phenoxy) ligand arranged in a mer configuration in the solid state. The abstractive activation of 1 and 2 with B(C6F 5)3·THF in CD2Cl2 at room temperature generates the corresponding benzyl cations {BnCH2N[(2,4- tBu2C6H2(CH2)O] 2MBn(THF)}+[BnB(C6F5) 3]- (M = Zr (3), Ti, (4)). These cationic complexes, along with their analogues derived from (imino)phenoxy tri- and dibenzyl complexes, [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)N=C(3,5- tBu2C6H2)O]ZrBn3 (5) and [2,4-Br2C6H2(O)(6-CH2(NC 5H9))CH2N=CH(2-adamantyl-4-MeC 6H2O)]ZrBn2 (6), have been found to effectively polymerize the biomass-derived renewable β-methyl-α-methylene- γ-butyrolactone (βMMBL) at room temperature into the highly stereoregular polymer PβMMBL with an isotacticity up to 99% mm. A combined experimental and DFT study has yielded a mechanistic pathway for the observed unusual C-C bond cleavage in the present protonolysis reaction between ZrBn4 and N[(2,4-tBu2C 6H2(CH2)OH]3 for the formation of complex 1, which involves the benzyl radical and the Zr(III) species, resulting from thermal and photochemical decomposition of ZrBn4, followed by a series of reaction sequences consisting of protonolysis, tautomerization, H-transfer, oxidation, elimination, and radical coupling. © 2014 American Chemical Society.

Motif decomposition of the phosphotyrosine proteome reveals a new N-terminal binding motif for SHIP2

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Miller, Martin Lee; Hanke, S.; Hinsby, A. M.

2008-01-01

set of 481 unique phosphotyrosine (Tyr(P)) peptides by sequence similarity to known ligands of the Src homology 2 (SH2) and the phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domains. From 20 clusters we extracted 16 known and four new interaction motifs. Using quantitative mass spectrometry we pulled down Tyr......(P)-specific binding partners for peptides corresponding to the extracted motifs. We confirmed numerous previously known interaction motifs and found 15 new interactions mediated by phosphosites not previously known to bind SH2 or PTB. Remarkably, a novel hydrophobic N-terminal motif ((L/V/I)(L/V/I)pY) was identified...

MSDmotif: exploring protein sites and motifs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Henrick Kim

2008-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Protein structures have conserved features – motifs, which have a sufficient influence on the protein function. These motifs can be found in sequence as well as in 3D space. Understanding of these fragments is essential for 3D structure prediction, modelling and drug-design. The Protein Data Bank (PDB is the source of this information however present search tools have limited 3D options to integrate protein sequence with its 3D structure. Results We describe here a web application for querying the PDB for ligands, binding sites, small 3D structural and sequence motifs and the underlying database. Novel algorithms for chemical fragments, 3D motifs, ϕ/ψ sequences, super-secondary structure motifs and for small 3D structural motif associations searches are incorporated. The interface provides functionality for visualization, search criteria creation, sequence and 3D multiple alignment options. MSDmotif is an integrated system where a results page is also a search form. A set of motif statistics is available for analysis. This set includes molecule and motif binding statistics, distribution of motif sequences, occurrence of an amino-acid within a motif, correlation of amino-acids side-chain charges within a motif and Ramachandran plots for each residue. The binding statistics are presented in association with properties that include a ligand fragment library. Access is also provided through the distributed Annotation System (DAS protocol. An additional entry point facilitates XML requests with XML responses. Conclusion MSDmotif is unique by combining chemical, sequence and 3D data in a single search engine with a range of search and visualisation options. It provides multiple views of data found in the PDB archive for exploring protein structures.

Crystal structure of the tyrosine kinase domain of the hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-Met and its complex with the microbial alkaloid K-252a.

Science.gov (United States)

Schiering, Nikolaus; Knapp, Stefan; Marconi, Marina; Flocco, Maria M; Cui, Jean; Perego, Rita; Rusconi, Luisa; Cristiani, Cinzia

2003-10-28

The protooncogene c-met codes for the hepatocyte growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. Binding of its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, stimulates receptor autophosphorylation, which leads to pleiotropic downstream signaling events in epithelial cells, including cell growth, motility, and invasion. These events are mediated by interaction of cytoplasmic effectors, generally through Src homology 2 (SH2) domains, with two phosphotyrosine-containing sequence motifs in the unique C-terminal tail of c-Met (supersite). There is a strong link between aberrant c-Met activity and oncogenesis, which makes this kinase an important cancer drug target. The furanosylated indolocarbazole K-252a belongs to a family of microbial alkaloids that also includes staurosporine. It was recently shown to be a potent inhibitor of c-Met. Here we report the crystal structures of an unphosphorylated c-Met kinase domain harboring a human cancer mutation and its complex with K-252a at 1.8-A resolution. The structure follows the well established architecture of protein kinases. It adopts a unique, inhibitory conformation of the activation loop, a catalytically noncompetent orientation of helix alphaC, and reveals the complete C-terminal docking site. The first SH2-binding motif (1349YVHV) adopts an extended conformation, whereas the second motif (1356YVNV), a binding site for Grb2-SH2, folds as a type II Beta-turn. The intermediate portion of the supersite (1353NATY) assumes a type I Beta-turn conformation as in an Shc-phosphotyrosine binding domain peptide complex. K-252a is bound in the adenosine pocket with an analogous binding mode to those observed in previously reported structures of protein kinases in complex with staurosporine.

Bismuth on copper (110): analysis of the c(2x2) and p(4x1) structures by surface x-ray diffraction

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lottermoser, L.; Buslaps, T.; Johnson, R.L.

1997-01-01

Surface X-ray diffraction has been used to analyze the atomic structures of the Cu(110)-c(2 x 2)-Bi and Cu(110)-p(4 x 1)-Bi reconstructions with submonolayer coverages. A quasi-hexagonal c(2 x 2) adlayer structure is formed when half a monolayer of bismuth is deposited; the coverage corresponds...... to 1.08 x 10(-15) atoms cm(-2). There is one Bi atom per c(2 x 2) surface unit cell, and the nearest-neighbor distance on the planar overlayer was found to be 4.43 Angstrom. In the case of the p(4 x 1) reconstruction formed at a coverage of 0.75 monolayers, both the in-plane and out-of-plane data...

Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Lutidine-Derived Pincer CNC Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Hydrogenation of C-N bonds.

Science.gov (United States)

Hernández-Juárez, Martín; López-Serrano, Joaquín; Lara, Patricia; Morales-Cerón, Judith P; Vaquero, Mónica; Álvarez, Eleuterio; Salazar, Verónica; Suárez, Andrés

2015-05-11

A series of Ru complexes containing lutidine-derived pincer CNC ligands have been prepared by transmetalation with the corresponding silver-carbene derivatives. Characterization of these derivatives shows both mer and fac coordination of the CNC ligands depending on the wingtips of the N-heterocyclic carbene fragments. In the presence of tBuOK, the Ru-CNC complexes are active in the hydrogenation of a series of imines. In addition, these complexes catalyze the reversible hydrogenation of phenantridine. Detailed NMR spectroscopic studies have shown the capability of the CNC ligand to be deprotonated and get involved in ligand-assisted activation of dihydrogen. More interestingly, upon deprotonation, the Ru-CNC complex 5 e(BF4 ) is able to add aldimines to the metal-ligand framework to yield an amido complex. Finally, investigation of the mechanism of the hydrogenation of imines has been carried out by means of DFT calculations. The calculated mechanism involves outer-sphere stepwise hydrogen transfer to the C-N bond assisted either by the pincer ligand or a second coordinated H2 molecule. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Superconducting specific heat jump Δ C ∝ T{sub c}{sup β} (β ∝ 2) and gapless Fermi surfaces in K{sub 1-x}Na{sub x}Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grinenko, V.; Efremov, D.V.; Drechsler, S.L.; Aswartham, S.; Gruner, D.; Roslova, M.; Morozov, I.; Nenkov, K.; Wolter, A.U.B. [Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research, IFW-Dresden (Germany); Wurmehl, S.; Buechner, B. [Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research, IFW-Dresden (Germany); Institut fuer Festkoerperphysik, TU Dresden (Germany); Holzapfel, B. [Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research, IFW-Dresden (Germany); Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany)

2014-07-01

We present a systematic study of the electronic specific heat jump (Δ C{sub el}) at the superconducting transition temperature T{sub c} of K{sub 1-x}Na{sub x}Fe{sub 2}As{sub 2}. Both T{sub c} and Δ C{sub el} monotonously decrease with increasing x. The jump scales approximately with a novel power-law: Δ C{sub el} ∝ T{sub c}{sup β} with β ∼ 2 determined by the impurity scattering rate. This finding is in sharp contrast to most of all iron-pnictide superconductors with a cubic Bud'ko-Ni-Canfield (BNC) scaling. Our observations, also, suggests that disorder diminishes the small gaps leading to partial gapless superconductivity which results in a large residual Sommerfeld coefficient in the superconducting state for x > 0. Both T-dependence of C{sub el}(T) in the superconducting state and the nearly quadratic scaling of Δ C{sub el} at T{sub c} are well described by the Eliashberg-theory for a single-band d-wave superconductor with weak pair-breaking due to nonmagnetic impurities having reduced the density of superconducting quasi-particles.

Steroid hormones affect binding of the sigma ligand {sup 11}C-SA4503 in tumour cells and tumour-bearing rats

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rybczynska, Anna A.; Elsinga, Philip H.; Sijbesma, Jurgen W.; Jong, Johan R. de; Vries, Erik F. de; Dierckx, Rudi A.; Waarde, Aren van [University of Groningen, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen (Netherlands); Ishiwata, Kiichi [Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Positron Medical Center, Tokyo (Japan)

2009-07-15

Sigma receptors are implicated in memory and cognitive functions, drug addiction, depression and schizophrenia. In addition, sigma receptors are strongly overexpressed in many tumours. Although the natural ligands are still unknown, steroid hormones are potential candidates. Here, we examined changes in binding of the sigma-1 agonist {sup 11}C-SA4503 in C6 glioma cells and in living rats after modification of endogenous steroid levels. {sup 11}C-SA4503 binding was assessed in C6 monolayers by gamma counting and in anaesthetized rats by microPET scanning. C6 cells were either repeatedly washed and incubated in steroid-free medium or exposed to five kinds of exogenous steroids (1 h or 5 min before tracer addition, respectively). Tumour-bearing male rats were repeatedly treated with pentobarbital (a condition known to result in reduction of endogenous steroid levels) or injected with progesterone. Binding of {sup 11}C-SA4503 to C6 cells was increased ({proportional_to}50%) upon removal and decreased ({proportional_to}60%) upon addition of steroid hormones (rank order of potency: progesterone > allopregnanolone = testosterone = androstanolone > dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulphate, IC{sub 50} progesterone 33 nM). Intraperitoneally administered progesterone reduced tumour uptake and tumour-to-muscle contrast (36%). Repeated treatment of animals with pentobarbital increased the PET standardized uptake value of {sup 11}C-SA4503 in tumour (16%) and brain (27%), whereas the kinetics of blood pool radioactivity was unaffected. The binding of {sup 11}C-SA4503 is sensitive to steroid competition. Since not only increases but also decreases of steroid levels affect ligand binding, a considerable fraction of the sigma-1 receptor population in cultured tumour cells or tumour-bearing animals is normally occupied by endogenous steroids. (orig.)

Signaling by myeloid C-type lectin receptors in immunity and homeostasis.

Science.gov (United States)

Sancho, David; Reis e Sousa, Caetano

2012-01-01

Myeloid cells are key drivers of physiological responses to pathogen invasion or tissue damage. Members of the C-type lectin receptor (CLR) family stand out among the specialized receptors utilized by myeloid cells to orchestrate these responses. CLR ligands include carbohydrate, protein, and lipid components of both pathogens and self, which variably trigger endocytic, phagocytic, proinflammatory, or anti-inflammatory reactions. These varied outcomes rely on a versatile system for CLR signaling that includes tyrosine-based motifs that recruit kinases, phosphatases, or endocytic adaptors as well as nontyrosine-based signals that modulate the activation of other pathways or couple to the uptake machinery. Here, we review the signaling properties of myeloid CLRs and how they impact the role of myeloid cells in innate and adaptive immunity.

Expression, purification and characterization of hepatitis B virus X protein BH3-like motif-linker-Bcl-xL fusion protein for structural studies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hideki Kusunoki

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx is a multifunctional protein that interacts directly with many host proteins. For example, HBx interacts with anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, through its BH3-like motif, which leads to elevated cytosolic calcium levels, efficient viral DNA replication and the induction of apoptosis. To facilitate sample preparation and perform detailed structural characterization of the complex between HBx and Bcl-xL, we designed and purified a recombinant HBx BH3-like motif-linker-Bcl-xL fusion protein produced in E. coli. The fusion protein was characterized by size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Our results show that the fusion protein is a monomer in aqueous solution, forms a stable intramolecular complex, and likely retains the native conformation of the complex between Bcl-xL and the HBx BH3-like motif. Furthermore, the HBx BH3-like motif of the intramolecular complex forms an α-helix. These observations indicate that the fusion protein should facilitate structural studies aimed at understanding the interaction between HBx and Bcl-xL at the atomic level.

Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Holocytochrome c Synthase and the Key Roles Played by Cysteines and Histidine of the Heme Attachment Site, Cys-XX-Cys-His*

Science.gov (United States)

Babbitt, Shalon E.; San Francisco, Brian; Mendez, Deanna L.; Lukat-Rodgers, Gudrun S.; Rodgers, Kenton R.; Bretsnyder, Eric C.; Kranz, Robert G.

2014-01-01

Mitochondrial cytochrome c assembly requires the covalent attachment of heme by thioether bonds between heme vinyl groups and a conserved CXXCH motif of cytochrome c/c1. The enzyme holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) binds heme and apocytochrome c substrate to catalyze this attachment, subsequently releasing holocytochrome c for proper folding to its native structure. We address mechanisms of assembly using a functional Escherichia coli recombinant system expressing human HCCS. Human cytochrome c variants with individual cysteine, histidine, double cysteine, and triple cysteine/histidine substitutions (of CXXCH) were co-purified with HCCS. Single and double mutants form a complex with HCCS but not the triple mutant. Resonance Raman and UV-visible spectroscopy support the proposal that heme puckering induced by both thioether bonds facilitate release of holocytochrome c from the complex. His-19 (of CXXCH) supplies the second axial ligand to heme in the complex, the first axial ligand was previously shown to be from HCCS residue His-154. Substitutions of His-19 in cytochrome c to seven other residues (Gly, Ala, Met, Arg, Lys, Cys, and Tyr) were used with various approaches to establish other roles played by His-19. Three roles for His-19 in HCCS-mediated assembly are suggested: (i) to provide the second axial ligand to the heme iron in preparation for covalent attachment; (ii) to spatially position the two cysteinyl sulfurs adjacent to the two heme vinyl groups for thioether formation; and (iii) to aid in release of the holocytochrome c from the HCCS active site. Only H19M is able to carry out these three roles, albeit at lower efficiencies than the natural His-19. PMID:25170082

N2O2 Tipi Schiff Bazı Ligandı ile Sentezlenen Cu(II Kompleksinin X-Işını Yapısı ve Termal Özelliği

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Ahmet Karahan

2013-04-01

Full Text Available Cu(II kompleksinin X-ışınları moleküler yapısı 293 K'de tayin edildi. Cu (II kompleksi monoklinik yapıda ve uzay grubu P21/n a= 12.4007(14, b= 8.4476(9, c= 20.0286(12 Ã…, β= 97.291(7°. Termal davranışları diferansiyel termal analiz ve termogravimetrik analiz ile incelendi. Ayrıca Schiff bazı ligandının karakterizasyonunda elementel analiz, IR, UV-vis spektroskopisi, termal analiz, 1H-NMR ve 13C-NMR yöntemlerinden faydalanıldı. Anahtar kelimeler: Schiff bazı, Tek Kristal, X-ışınları analizi, Termal analiz The X-Ray Molecular Structure and Thermal Behaviour of Cu (II Complex, Synthesis With N2O2 Type Schiff Base Ligand Abstract: The X-ray molecular structure of Cu (II complex at 293 K has been determined. The Cu (II complex, has been prepared and structurally and thermal characterized. The complex crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/n with a= 12.407(14, b= 8.4476(9, c= 20.0286(12 Ã…, β= 97.291(7°. The thermal behavior of the compound was investigated by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry. Additionally, Schiff base ligand also characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Key words: Schiff base, Single crystal, X-ray analysis, Thermal analysis

The C-terminal domain of the Arabidopsis AtMBD7 protein confers strong chromatin binding activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zemach, Assaf; Paul, Laju K.; Stambolsky, Perry; Efroni, Idan; Rotter, Varda; Grafi, Gideon

2009-01-01

The Arabidopsis MBD7 (AtMBD7) - a naturally occurring poly MBD protein - was previously found to be functional in binding methylated-CpG dinucleotides in vitro and localized to highly methylated chromocenters in vivo. Furthermore, AtMBD7 has significantly lower mobility within the nucleus conferred by cooperative activity of its three MBD motifs. Here we show that besides the MBD motifs, AtMBD7 possesses a strong chromatin binding domain located at its C-terminus designated sticky-C (StkC). Mutational analysis showed that a glutamic acid residue near the C-terminus is essential though not sufficient for the StkC function. Further analysis demonstrated that this motif can render nuclear proteins highly immobile both in plant and animal cells, without affecting their native subnuclear localization. Thus, the C-terminal, StkC motif plays an important role in fastening AtMBD7 to its chromosomal, CpG-methylated sites. It may be possible to utilize this motif for fastening nuclear proteins to their chromosomal sites both in plant and animal cells for research and gene therapy applications.

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Ti4+ doped Li3-xFe2-xTix(PO4)3/C cathode materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Zhanqiang; Huang Fuqiang; Sun Junkang

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Li 3-x Fe 2-x Ti x (PO 4 ) 3 /C composite cathodes were prepared by ball-milling method. Ti-doping can improve the electrochemical property of Li 3 Fe 2 (PO 4 ) 3 . → The optimized doping level was found to be x = 0.2. → The second phase of LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 will emerge if the doping level higher than 0.2. - Abstract: Li 3-x Fe 2-x Ti x (PO 4 ) 3 /C (x = 0-0.4) cathodes designed with Fe doped by Ti was studied. Both Li 3 Fe 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C (x = 0) and Li 2.8 Fe 1.8 Ti 0.2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C (x = 0.2) possess two plateau potentials of Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ couple (around 2.8 V and 2.7 V vs. Li + /Li) upon discharge observed from galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry. Li 2.8 Fe 1.8 Ti 0.2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C has higher reversibility and better capacity retention than that of the undoped Li 3 Fe 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C. A much higher specific capacity of 122.3 mAh/g was obtained at C/20 in the first cycle, approaching the theoretical capacity of 128 mAh/g, and a capacity of 100.1 mAh/g was held at C/2 after the 20th cycle.

Stabilization and reactivity of a terminal phosphidounit on Pt(II). Synthesis and X-ray structure of cationic diphelylphosphine [Pt{C6H3(CH2NMe2)2-2,6}(PHPh2)][CF3SO3] and Diphenyl-phosphido Bridged Pt(II)-Pd(II) Complex [Pt{C6H3(CH2NMe2)2-2,6} (µ-PPh2) Pd(C6H4CH2NMe2-2)(H2O)][BF4] CH2Cl2

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Koten, G. van; Maassarani, F.; Davidson, M.F.; Wehman-Ooyevaar, ICM; Grove, D.M.; Koten, M.A. van; Smeets, W.J.J.; Spek, A.L.

1995-01-01

Reaction of diphenylphosphine with the complexes [Pt(NCN)(H{2}O)]X (NCN = C{6}H{3}(CH{2}NMe{2}){2}-2, 6; X = BF{4} (1a), OSO{2}CF{3} (1b)) leads to substitution of the H{2}O ligand to afford the ionic Pt(II) complexes [Pt(NCN)(PHPh{2})]X (X = BF{4} (2a), OSO{2}CF{3} (2b)). The X-ray structure of the

The Multi-component X-ray Emission of 3C 273

Science.gov (United States)

Soldi, S.; Türler, M.; Paltani, S.; Courvoisier, T. J.-L.

2009-05-01

3C 273 is the brightest quasar in the sky and among the most extensively observed and studied AGN, therefore one of the most suitable targets for a long-term, multi-frequency study. The superposition of a thermal Comptonisation component, similar to that observed in Seyfert galaxies, and of a non-thermal component, related to the jet emission, seems to explain some of the spectral and timing properties of the X-ray emission of 3C 273. Yet, during some observations this dichotomy has not been observed and the variability properties could also be consistent with a single-component scenario, characterised by two parameters varying independently. In order to understand the nature of the X-ray emission in 3C 273, a series of observations up to 80-100 keV, possibly catching the source in different flux states, are essential. Simbol-X will be able to study the emission of 3C 273 in the broad 0.5-80 keV band with high sensitivity, allowing us to disentangle the emission from different spectral components, with 20-30 ks long observations. In addition, the shape and the origin of the high-energy emission of this quasar will be further constrained thanks to the AGILE and Fermi satellites, monitoring the γ-ray sky in the MeV-GeV energy domain.

Molecular dynamic simulation of the self-assembly of DAP12-NKG2C activating immunoreceptor complex.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peng Wei

Full Text Available The DAP12-NKG2C activating immunoreceptor complex is one of the multisubunit transmembrane protein complexes in which ligand-binding receptor chains assemble with dimeric signal-transducing modules through non-covalent associations in their transmembrane (TM domains. In this work, both coarse grained and atomistic molecular dynamic simulation methods were applied to investigate the self-assembly dynamics of the transmembrane domains of the DAP12-NKG2C activating immunoreceptor complex. Through simulating the dynamics of DAP12-NKG2C TM heterotrimer and point mutations, we demonstrated that a five-polar-residue motif including: 2 Asps and 2 Thrs in DAP12 dimer, as well as 1 Lys in NKG2C TM plays an important role in the assembly structure of the DAP12-NKG2C TM heterotrimer. Furthermore, we provided clear evidences to exclude the possibility that another NKG2C could stably associate with the DAP12-NKG2C heterotrimer. Based on the simulation results, we proposed a revised model for the self-assembly of DAP12-NKG2C activating immunoreceptor complex, along with a plausible explanation for the association of only one NKG2C with a DAP12 dimer.

Cross sections of neutron production with energies of 7,5-190 MeV in the p+A → n+X reaction at 1-9 GeV/c, π++A → n+X reaction at 1-6 GeV/c, π-+A → n+X reaction at 1,4 and 5 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bayukov, Yu.D.; Gavrilov, V.B.; Goryainov, N.A.

1983-01-01

The tables of cross sections of neutron production with energies 7.5-190 MeV for reactions p+A→n+X at 1-9 GeV/c, π + +A→n+X at 1-6 GeV/c and π - +A→n+X at 1.4 and 5 GeV/c are presented. A-dependence (for Be, C, Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, Nb, Cd, Sn, Ta, Pb and U targets) for incident 7.5 GeV/c protons and dependence on incident particle momentum (for protons at 1, 1.4, 2, 3, 5, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8.25, 8.5 and 9 GeV/c, for π + -mesons at 1, 1.4, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 GeV/c, π - -mesons at 1,4 and 5 GeV/c) for C, Cu, Pb, U targets are measured in detail, for secondary neutrons at 119 deg. Detailed angular dependences in the range from 10 deg to 160 deg are presented for C, Cu, Pb, U targets for incident 7.5 GeV/c protons and 5 GeV/c π - -mesons. Some of typical dependences are illustrated by diagrams

RNA Binding of T-cell Intracellular Antigen-1 (TIA-1) C-terminal RNA Recognition Motif Is Modified by pH Conditions*

Science.gov (United States)

Cruz-Gallardo, Isabel; Aroca, Ángeles; Persson, Cecilia; Karlsson, B. Göran; Díaz-Moreno, Irene

2013-01-01

T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) is a DNA/RNA-binding protein that regulates critical events in cell physiology by the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA translation. TIA-1 is composed of three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and a glutamine-rich domain and binds to uridine-rich RNA sequences through its C-terminal RRM2 and RRM3 domains. Here, we show that RNA binding mediated by either isolated RRM3 or the RRM23 construct is controlled by slight environmental pH changes due to the protonation/deprotonation of TIA-1 RRM3 histidine residues. The auxiliary role of the C-terminal RRM3 domain in TIA-1 RNA recognition is poorly understood, and this work provides insight into its binding mechanisms. PMID:23902765

A conserved WW domain-like motif regulates invariant chain-dependent cell-surface transport of the NKG2D ligand ULBP2.

Science.gov (United States)

Uhlenbrock, Franziska; van Andel, Esther; Andresen, Lars; Skov, Søren

2015-08-01

Malignant cells expressing NKG2D ligands on their cell surface can be directly sensed and killed by NKG2D-bearing lymphocytes. To ensure this immune recognition, accumulating evidence suggests that NKG2D ligands are trafficed via alternative pathways to the cell surface. We have previously shown that the NKG2D ligand ULBP2 traffics over an invariant chain (Ii)-dependent pathway to the cell surface. This study set out to elucidate how Ii regulates ULBP2 cell-surface transport: We discovered conserved tryptophan (Trp) residues in the primary protein sequence of ULBP1-6 but not in the related MICA/B. Substitution of Trp to alanine resulted in cell-surface inhibition of ULBP2 in different cancer cell lines. Moreover, the mutated ULBP2 constructs were retained and not degraded inside the cell, indicating a crucial role of this conserved Trp-motif in trafficking. Finally, overexpression of Ii increased surface expression of wt ULBP2 while Trp-mutants could not be expressed, proposing that this Trp-motif is required for an Ii-dependent cell-surface transport of ULBP2. Aberrant soluble ULBP2 is immunosuppressive. Thus, targeting a distinct protein module on the ULBP2 sequence could counteract this abnormal expression of ULBP2. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase by full-length hepatitis C virus NS3/4A complex is due to ATP hydrolysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Aoubala, M; Holt, J; Clegg, R A; Rowlands, D J; Harris, M

2001-07-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease, but the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis remain to be established. The HCV non-structural protein NS3 complexes with NS4A and has three enzymatic activities: a proteinase and a helicase/NTPase. Recently, catalytically inactive NS3 fragments containing an arginine-rich motif have been reported to interact with, and inhibit, the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA C-subunit). Here we demonstrate that full-length, catalytically active NS3/4A, purified from recombinant baculovirus-infected insect cells, is also able to inhibit PKA C-subunit in vitro. This inhibition was abrogated by mutation of either the arginine-rich motif or the conserved helicase motif II, both of which also abolished NTPase activity. As PKA C-subunit inhibition was also enhanced by poly(U) (an activator of NS3 NTPase activity), we hypothesized that PKA C-subunit inhibition could be due to NS3/4A-mediated ATP hydrolysis. This was confirmed by experiments in which a constant ATP concentration was maintained by addition of an ATP regeneration system--under these conditions PKA C-subunit inhibition was not observed. Interestingly, the mutations also abrogated the ability of wild-type NS3/4A to inhibit the PKA-regulated transcription factor CREB in transiently transfected hepatoma cells. Our data are thus not consistent with the previously proposed model in which the arginine-rich motif of NS3 was suggested to act as a pseudosubstrate inhibitor of PKA C-subunit. However, in vivo effects of NS3/4A suggest that ATPase activity may play a role in viral pathology in the infected liver.

Bovine adenovirus type 3 containing heterologous protein in the C-terminus of minor capsid protein IX

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zakhartchouk, Alexander; Connors, Wayne; Van Kessel, Andrew; Tikoo, Suresh Kumar

2004-01-01

Earlier, we detected pIX of BAdV-3 as a 14-kDa protein in purified virions. Analysis of BAdV-3 pIX using different region antibodies revealed that the N-terminus and central domain of the pIX contain immunogenic sites and are not exposed on the surface of BAdV-3 virion. This suggested that the C-terminus of BAdV-3 pIX (125 amino acid) may be exposed on the virion and may be used as a site for incorporation of heterologous peptides or proteins. We constructed recombinant BAV950 containing a small peptide (21 amino acid), including the RGD motif or recombinant BAV951 containing enhanced yellow-green fluorescent protein (EYFP) fused to the C-terminus of pIX. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the chimeric pIX-RGD was incorporated into virion capsids. Incorporation of the RGD motif into the pIX resulted in significant augmentation of BAdV-3 fiber knob-independent infection of the integrin-positive cells, suggesting that RGD motifs are displayed on the surface of virion capsids and are accessible for binding to integrins. Analysis of BAV951 revealed that the chimeric pIX is incorporated into virion capsids and EYFP containing the C-terminus of pIX is exposed on the surface of the virion. Moreover, insertion of chimeric pIXs was maintained without change through successive rounds of viral replication. These results suggested that in contrast to major capsid proteins (hexon, penton, fiber), the minor capsid protein IX can be use for the incorporation of targeting ligands based on either small peptides or longer polypeptides

High temperature oxidation of carbide-carbon materials of NbC-C, NbC-TiC-C systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Afonin, Yu.D.; Shalaginov, V.N.; Beketov, A.R.

1981-01-01

The effect of titanium carbide additions on the oxidation of carbide - carbon composition NbC-TiC-C in oxygen under the pressure of 10 mm Hg and in the air at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range 800-1300 deg is studied. It is shown that the region of negative temperature coefficient during oxidation in the system NbC+C is determined by the processes of sintering and polymorphous transformation. The specific character of the oxide film, formed during oxidation of Nbsub(x)Tisub(y)C+C composites is connected with non-equilibrium nature of carbide grain in its composition. Carbon gasification takes place with the formation of carbon dioxide. Composite materials, containing titanium carbide in complex carbide up to 50-83 mol. %, are the most corrosion resisting ones [ru

Crystal structure of an iridium(III complex of the [C(dppm2] PCP pincer ligand system and its conjugate CH acid form

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christian Reitsamer

2018-05-01

Full Text Available After the successful creation of the newly designed PCP carbodiphosphorane (CDP ligand [Reitsamer et al. (2012. Dalton Trans. 41, 3503–3514; Stallinger et al. (2007. Chem. Commun. pp. 510–512], the treatment of this PCP pincer system with the transition metal iridium and further the analysis of the structures by single-crystal diffraction and by NMR spectroscopy were of major interest. Two different iridium complexes, namely (bis{[(diphenylphosphanylmethyl]diphenylphosphanylidene}methane-κ3P,C,P′carbonylchloridohydridoiridium(III chloride dichloromethane trisolvate, [IrIII(CO{C(dppm2-κ3P,C,P′}ClH]Cl·3CH2Cl2 (1 and the closely related (bis{[(diphenylphosphanylmethyl]diphenylphosphanylidene}methanide(1+-κ3P,C,P′carbonylchloridohydridoiridium(III dichloride–hydrochloric acid–water (1/2/5.5, [IrIII(CO{CH(dppm2-κ3P,C,P′ClH]Cl}2 (2, have been designed and both complexes show a slightly distorted octahedral coordinated IrIII centre. The PCP pincer ligand system is arranged in a meridional manner, the CO ligand is located trans to the central PCP carbon and a hydride and chloride are located perpendicular above and below the P2C2 plane. With an Ir—CCDP distance of 2.157 (5 Å, an Ir—CO distance of 1.891 (6 Å and a quite short C—O distance of 1.117 (7 Å, complex 1 presents a strong carbonyl bond. Complex 2, the corresponding CH acid of 1, shows an additionally attached proton at the carbodiphosphorane carbon atom located antiperiplanar to the hydride of the metal centre. In comparison with complex 1, the Ir—CCDP distance of 2.207 (3 Å is lengthened and the Ir—C—O values indicate a weaker trans influence of the central carbodiphosphorane carbon atom.

Crystal Structure of (+)-[delta]-Cadinene Synthase from Gossypium arboreum and Evolutionary Divergence of Metal Binding Motifs for Catalysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gennadios, Heather A.; Gonzalez, Veronica; Di Costanzo, Luigi; Li, Amang; Yu, Fanglei; Miller, David J.; Allemann, Rudolf K.; Christianson, David W.; (UPENN); (Cardiff); (UC)

2009-09-11

(+)-{delta}-Cadinene synthase (DCS) from Gossypium arboreum (tree cotton) is a sesquiterpene cyclase that catalyzes the cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate in the first committed step of the biosynthesis of gossypol, a phytoalexin that defends the plant from bacterial and fungal pathogens. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of unliganded DCS at 2.4 {angstrom} resolution and the structure of its complex with three putative Mg{sup 2+} ions and the substrate analogue inhibitor 2-fluorofarnesyl diphosphate (2F-FPP) at 2.75 {angstrom} resolution. These structures illuminate unusual features that accommodate the trinuclear metal cluster required for substrate binding and catalysis. Like other terpenoid cyclases, DCS contains a characteristic aspartate-rich D{sup 307}DTYD{sup 311} motif on helix D that interacts with Mg{sub A}{sup 2+} and Mg{sub C}{sup 2+}. However, DCS appears to be unique among terpenoid cyclases in that it does not contain the 'NSE/DTE' motif on helix H that specifically chelates Mg{sub B}{sup 2+}, which is usually found as the signature sequence (N,D)D(L,I,V)X(S,T)XXXE (boldface indicates Mg{sub B}{sup 2+} ligands). Instead, DCS contains a second aspartate-rich motif, D{sup 451}DVAE{sup 455}, that interacts with Mg{sub B}{sup 2+}. In this regard, DCS is more similar to the isoprenoid chain elongation enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase, which also contains two aspartate-rich motifs, rather than the greater family of terpenoid cyclases. Nevertheless, the structure of the DCS-2F-FPP complex shows that the structure of the trinuclear magnesium cluster is generally similar to that of other terpenoid cyclases despite the alternative Mg{sub B}{sup 2+} binding motif. Analyses of DCS mutants with alanine substitutions in the D{sup 307}DTYD{sup 311} and D{sup 451}DVAE{sup 455} segments reveal the contributions of these segments to catalysis.

REDOR NMR Reveals Multiple Conformers for a Protein Kinase C Ligand in a Membrane Environment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hao Yang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Bryostatin 1 (henceforth bryostatin is in clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and for HIV/AIDS eradication. It is also a preclinical lead for cancer immunotherapy and other therapeutic indications. Yet nothing is known about the conformation of bryostatin bound to its protein kinase C (PKC target in a membrane microenvironment. As a result, efforts to design more efficacious, better tolerated, or more synthetically accessible ligands have been limited to structures that do not include PKC or membrane effects known to influence PKC–ligand binding. This problem extends more generally to many membrane-associated proteins in the human proteome. Here, we use rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR solid-state NMR to determine the conformations of PKC modulators bound to the PKCδ-C1b domain in the presence of phospholipid vesicles. The conformationally limited PKC modulator phorbol diacetate (PDAc is used as an initial test substrate. While unanticipated partitioning of PDAc between an immobilized protein-bound state and a mobile state in the phospholipid assembly was observed, a single conformation in the bound state was identified. In striking contrast, a bryostatin analogue (bryolog was found to exist exclusively in a protein-bound state, but adopts a distribution of conformations as defined by three independent distance measurements. The detection of multiple PKCδ-C1b-bound bryolog conformers in a functionally relevant phospholipid complex reveals the inherent dynamic nature of cellular systems that is not captured with single-conformation static structures. These results indicate that binding, selectivity, and function of PKC modulators, as well as the design of new modulators, are best addressed using a dynamic multistate model, an analysis potentially applicable to other membrane-associated proteins.

Atomic layer deposition of W{sub x}N/TiN and WN{sub x}C{sub y}/TiN nanolaminates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Elers, K.-E.; Saanila, V.; Li, W.-M.; Soininen, P.J.; Kostamo, J.T.; Haukka, S.; Juhanoja, J.; Besling, W.F.A

2003-06-23

Diffusion barrier materials, such as TiN, W{sub x}N, WN{sub x}C{sub y} and their nanolaminates were deposited by atomic layer deposition method. TiN film exhibited excellent properties, but W{sub x}N film exhibited high resistivity despite the low residue concentration. Both TiN and W{sub x}N films suffered from serious incompatibility with the copper metal. WN{sub x}C{sub y} film was deposited by introducing triethylboron as a reducing agent for tungsten. Excellent film properties were obtained, including very good compatibility with the copper metal, evident as strong adhesion and no pitting on the copper surface. Nanolaminate barrier stacks of W{sub x}N/TiN and WN{sub x}C{sub y}/TiN were successfully deposited. TiN deposition did not cause copper pitting when thin WN{sub x}C{sub y} film was deposited underneath.

Alcohol binding in the C1 (C1A + C1B) domain of protein kinase C epsilon

Science.gov (United States)

Pany, Satyabrata; Das, Joydip

2015-01-01

Background Alcohol regulates the expression and function of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε). In a previous study we identified an alcohol binding site in the C1B, one of the twin C1 subdomains of PKCε. Methods In this study, we investigated alcohol binding in the entire C1 domain (combined C1A and C1B) of PKCε. Fluorescent phorbol ester, SAPD and fluorescent diacylglycerol (DAG) analog, dansyl-DAG were used to study the effect of ethanol, butanol, and octanol on the ligand binding using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). To identify alcohol binding site(s), PKCεC1 was photolabeled with 3-azibutanol and 3-azioctanol, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The effects of alcohols and the azialcohols on PKCε were studied in NG108-15 cells. Results In the presence of alcohol, SAPD and dansyl-DAG showed different extent of FRET, indicating differential effects of alcohol on the C1A and C1B subdomains. Effects of alcohols and azialcohols on PKCε in NG108-15 cells were comparable. Azialcohols labeled Tyr-176 of C1A and Tyr-250 of C1B. Inspection of the model structure of PKCεC1 reveals that these residues are 40 Å apart from each other indicating that these residues form two different alcohol binding sites. Conclusions The present results provide evidence for the presence of multiple alcohol-binding sites on PKCε and underscore the importance of targeting this PKC isoform in developing alcohol antagonists. PMID:26210390

Stable MCC binding to the APC/C is required for a functional spindle assembly checkpoint

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hein, Jamin B; Nilsson, Jakob

2014-01-01

stably to the APC/C. Whether MCC formation per se is sufficient for a functional SAC or MCC association with the APC/C is required remains unclear. Here, we analyze the role of two conserved motifs in Cdc20, IR and C-Box, in binding of the MCC to the APC/C. Mutants in both motifs assemble the MCC....../C is critical for a functional SAC....

Oxidation protection of multilayer CVD SiC/B/SiC coatings for 3D C/SiC composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Yongsheng; Cheng Laifei; Zhang Litong; Wu Shoujun; Li Duo; Xu Yongdong

2007-01-01

A CVD boron coating was introduced between two CVD SiC coating layers. EDS and XRD results showed that the CVD B coating was a boron crystal without other impurity elements. SEM results indicated that the CVD B coating was a flake-like or column-like crystal with a compact cross-section. The crack width in the CVD SiC coating deposited on CVD B is smaller than that in a CVD SiC coating deposited on CVD SiC coating. After oxidation at 700 deg. C and 1000 deg. C, XRD results indicated that the coating was covered by product B 2 O 3 or B 2 O 3 .xSiO 2 film. The cracks were sealed as observed by SEM. There was a large amount of flake-like material on hybrid coating surface after oxidation at 1300 deg. C. Oxidation weight loss and residual flexural strength results showed that hybrid SiC/B/SiC multilayer coating provided better oxidation protection for C/SiC composite than a three layer CVD SiC coating at temperatures from 700 deg. C to 1000 deg. C for 600 min, but worse oxidation protection above 1000 deg. C due to the large amount of volatilization of B 2 O 3 or B 2 O 3 .xSiO 2

Quasi-exclusive measurement of /sup 12/C(/sup 12/C, 3. cap alpha. )X at 2. 1 GeV/nucleon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Engelage, J; Baumgartner, M; Greiner, D E; Lindstrom, P J; Olson, D L; Wada, R; Crawford, H J; Webb, M L

1986-05-29

A study of the reaction /sup 12/C(/sup 12/C,3..cap alpha..)X at 2.1 GeV/nucleon has been completed. The energy and momentum transferred to the /sup 12/C projectile and the cross section for the dissociation of /sup 12/C into three alpha particles have been measured, 9.7 (+5.0/-2.5) millibarns. It is found that the results from this analysis are inconsistent with the predictions of current theoretical models for peripheral relativistic heavy ion collisions.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the GluR0 ligand-binding core from Nostoc punctiforme

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Jun Hyuck; Park, Soo Jeong; Rho, Seong-Hwan; Im, Young Jun; Kim, Mun-Kyoung; Kang, Gil Bu; Eom, Soo Hyun

2005-01-01

The GluR0 ligand-binding core from N. punctiforme was expressed, purified and crystallized in the presence of l-glutamate. A diffraction data set was collected to a resolution of 2.1 Å. GluR0 from Nostoc punctiforme (NpGluR0) is a bacterial homologue of the ionotropic glutamate receptor. The ligand-binding core of NpGluR0 was crystallized at 294 K using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The l-glutamate-complexed crystal belongs to space group C222 1 , with unit-cell parameters a = 78.0, b = 145.1, c = 132.1 Å. The crystals contain three subunits in the asymmetric unit, with a V M value of 2.49 Å 3 Da −1 . The diffraction limit of the l-glutamate complex data set was 2.1 Å using synchrotron X-ray radiation at beamline BL-4A of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (Pohang, Korea)

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the GluR0 ligand-binding core from Nostoc punctiforme

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Jun Hyuck; Park, Soo Jeong; Rho, Seong-Hwan; Im, Young Jun; Kim, Mun-Kyoung; Kang, Gil Bu; Eom, Soo Hyun, E-mail: eom@gist.ac.kr [Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 500-712 (Korea, Republic of)

2005-11-01

The GluR0 ligand-binding core from N. punctiforme was expressed, purified and crystallized in the presence of l-glutamate. A diffraction data set was collected to a resolution of 2.1 Å. GluR0 from Nostoc punctiforme (NpGluR0) is a bacterial homologue of the ionotropic glutamate receptor. The ligand-binding core of NpGluR0 was crystallized at 294 K using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The l-glutamate-complexed crystal belongs to space group C222{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 78.0, b = 145.1, c = 132.1 Å. The crystals contain three subunits in the asymmetric unit, with a V{sub M} value of 2.49 Å{sup 3} Da{sup −1}. The diffraction limit of the l-glutamate complex data set was 2.1 Å using synchrotron X-ray radiation at beamline BL-4A of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (Pohang, Korea)

C1q protein binds to the apoptotic nucleolus and causes C1 protease degradation of nucleolar proteins.

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Yitian; Teo, Boon Heng Dennis; Yeo, Joo Guan; Lu, Jinhua

2015-09-11

In infection, complement C1q recognizes pathogen-congregated antibodies and elicits complement activation. Among endogenous ligands, C1q binds to DNA and apoptotic cells, but whether C1q binds to nuclear DNA in apoptotic cells remains to be investigated. With UV irradiation-induced apoptosis, C1q initially bound to peripheral cellular regions in early apoptotic cells. By 6 h, binding concentrated in the nuclei to the nucleolus but not the chromatins. When nucleoli were isolated from non-apoptotic cells, C1q also bound to these structures. In vivo, C1q exists as the C1 complex (C1qC1r2C1s2), and C1q binding to ligands activates the C1r/C1s proteases. Incubation of nucleoli with C1 caused degradation of the nucleolar proteins nucleolin and nucleophosmin 1. This was inhibited by the C1 inhibitor. The nucleoli are abundant with autoantigens. C1q binding and C1r/C1s degradation of nucleolar antigens during cell apoptosis potentially reduces autoimmunity. These findings help us to understand why genetic C1q and C1r/C1s deficiencies cause systemic lupus erythematosus. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Chemistry of phosphido-bridged dimolybdenum complexes. Part 2: the reaction of [(η-C5H5)2Mo2(μ-H)(μ-PMe2) (CO)4] with alkynes: X-ray crystal structure of [(η-C5H5)2Mo2 (μ-σ:η2-C(Me) = CHMe) (μ-PMe2) (CO)3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Conole, G.; Henrick, K.; McPartlin, M.; Horton, A.D.; Mays, M.J.

1988-01-01

The photolytic reactions with alkynes have been studied. With MeC ≡ CMe the major product is the μ-vinyl complex which has been characterised by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. This shows that the methyl groups on the μ-vinyl ligand adopt a mutually trans orientation; the Mo - Mo bond length is 3.056 (1) A (mean for two independent molecules). The unsymmetrical alkynes give inseparable isomeric mixtures but HC ≡ CH and PhC ≡ CPh do not give simple μ-vinyl products. Each of the above μ-vinyl complexes is accompanied by a minor yield of the corresponding oxo complex and a low yield of such a complex is also obtained in the reaction with acetylene itself. 21 refs

Synthesis, structure, spectroscopy and redox energetics of a series of uranium(4) mixed-ligand metallocene complexes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thomson, R.K.; Scott, B.L.; Morris, D.E.; Kiplinger, J.L. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM (United States)

2010-06-15

A series of uranium(IV) mixed-ligand amide-halide/pseudo-halide complexes (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U[N(SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}](X) (X = F (1), Cl (2), Br (3), I (4), N{sub 3} (5), NCO (6)), (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U(NPh{sub 2})(X) (X = Cl (7), N{sub 3} (8)), and (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U[N(Ph)(SiMe{sub 3})](X) (X Cl (9), N{sub 3} (10)) have been prepared by one electron oxidation of the corresponding uranium(III) amide precursors using either copper halides, silver iso-cyanate, or triphenylphosphine gold(I)azide. Agostic U---H-C interactions and {eta}{sub 3}-(N,C,C') coordination are observed for these complexes in both the solid-state and solution. There is a linear correlation between the chemical shift values of the C{sub 5}Me{sub 5} ligand protons in the {sup 1}H NMR spectra and the U(IV)/U(III) reduction potentials of the (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U[N(SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}](X) complexes, suggesting that there is a common origin, that is overall {sigma}-/{pi}-donation from the ancillary (X) ligand to the metal, contributing to both observables. Optical spectroscopy of the series of complexes 1-6 is dominated by the (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U[N(SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}] core, with small variations derived from the identity of the halide/pseudo-halide. The considerable {pi}-donating ability of the fluoride ligand is reflected in both the electrochemistry and UV-visible-NIR spectroscopic behavior of the fluoride complex (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U[N(SiMe{sub 3}){sub 2}](F) (1). The syntheses of the new trivalent uranium amide complex, (C{sub 5}Me{sub 5}){sub 2}U[N(Ph)(SiMe{sub 3})](THF), and the two new weakly-coordinating electrolytes, [Pr{sub 4}N][B{l_brace}3,5-(CF{sub 3}){sub 2}C{sub 6}H{sub 3{r_brace}4}] and [Pr{sub 4}N][B(C{sub 6}F{sub 5}){sub 4}], are also reported. (authors)

W/SiC X-ray multilayers optimized for use above 100 keV

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Windt, D.L.; Dongey, S.; Hailey, C.J.

2002-01-01

-derived optical constants, which we determined from reflectance-vs-incidence angle measurements also made using synchrotron radiation, in the range E=120 - 180 keV. We describe our experimental investigation in detail, compare the new W/SiC multilayers with both W/Si and W/B4C films that have been studied......We have developed a new depth-graded multilayer system comprising W and SiC layers, suitable for use as hard X-ray reflective coatings operating in the energy range 100 - 200 keV. Grazing incidence X-ray reflectance at E=8 keV was used to characterize the interface widths, as well as the temporal...... and thermal stability in both periodic and depth-graded W/SiC structures, while synchrotron radiation was used to measure the hard X-ray reflectance of a depth-graded multilayer designed specifically for use in the range Esimilar to150 - 170 keV. We have modeled the hard X-ray reflectance using newly...

W/SiC x-ray multilayers optimized for use above 100 keV

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Windt, D.L.; Donguy, S.; Hailey, C.J.

2003-01-01

optical constants, which we determined from reflectance versus incidence angle measurements also made using synchrotron radiation, in the range E = 120-180 keV. We describe our experimental investigation in detail, compare the new W/SiC multilayers with both W/Si and W/B4C films that have been studied......We have developed a new depth-graded multilayer system comprising W and SiC layers, suitable for use as hard x-ray reflective coatings operating in the energy range 100-200 keV. Grazing-incidence x-ray reflectance at E = 8 keV was used to characterize the interface widths, as well as the temporal...... and thermal stability in both periodic and depth-graded W/SiC structures, whereas synchrotron radiation was used to measure the hard x-ray reflectance of a depth-graded multilayer designed specifically for use in, the range Esimilar to150-170 keV. We have modeled the hard x-ray reflectance using newly derived...

Inhibitory effect of 12C6+ ion and X-ray on angiogenesis in HMEC-1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Yuanyuan; Zhang Hong; Liu Yang; Wu Zhenhua; Sun Chao; Li Hongyan

2013-01-01

The study aims to explore the effect of 12 C 6+ ion and X-ray on proliferation, migration, tube formation and MMPS of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Transwell migration experiment showed that the radiation could inhibit the migration of HMEC-1 in sub-lethal dose 24 h after irradiation. Furthermore, the inhibition ability of 12 C 6+ ion was stronger than that of X-ray. Matrigel experiment indicated that 12 C 6+ ion suppressed the tube formation of HMEC-1 spontaneously. However, the inhibitory effect of X-ray had no significance. Meanwhile, Gelatin Zymography showed the expression of MMP-2 was inhibited obviously by 12 C 6+ ion, while X-ray had little effect on the expression of MMP-2. In conclusion, 12 C 6+ ion is superior to X-ray in radiotherapy of tumor. (authors)

Banach C*-algebras not containing a subspace isomorphic to C0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Basit, B.

1989-09-01

If X is a locally Hausdorff space and C 0 (X) the Banach algebra of continuous functions defined on X vanishing at infinity, we showed that a subalgebra A of C 0 (X) is finite dimensional if it does not contain a subspace isomorphic to the Banach space C 0 of convergent to zero complex sequences. In this paper we extend this result to noncommutative Banach C*-algebras and Banach* algebras. 10 refs

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamamura, Akihiro; Maruoka, Shintaro; Ohtsuka, Jun; Miyakawa, Takuya; Nagata, Koji; Kataoka, Michihiko; Kitamura, Nahoko; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

2009-01-01

Conjugated polyketone reductase C2 from C. parapsilosis IFO 0708 was expressed, purified and crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystal belonged to space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 and diffracted X-rays to 1.7 Å resolution. Conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708 is a member of the NADPH-dependent aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily and catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of ketopantoyl lactone to d-pantoyl lactone. A diffraction-quality crystal of recombinant CPR-C2 was obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 3350 as the precipitant. The crystal diffracted X-rays to 1.7 Å resolution on beamline NW12A of the Photon Factory-Advanced Ring (Tsukuba, Japan). The crystal belonged to space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , with unit-cell parameters a = 55.02, b = 68.30, c = 68.93 Å. The Matthews coefficient (V M = 1.76 Å 3 Da −1 ) indicated that the crystal contained one CPR-C2 molecule per asymmetric unit

Roles of N- and C-terminal domains in the ligand-binding properties of cytoglobin.

Science.gov (United States)

Hanai, Shumpei; Tsujino, Hirofumi; Yamashita, Taku; Torii, Ryo; Sawai, Hitomi; Shiro, Yoshitsugu; Oohora, Koji; Hayashi, Takashi; Uno, Tadayuki

2018-02-01

Cytoglobin (Cygb) is a member of the hexacoordinated globin protein family and is expressed ubiquitously in rat and human tissues. Although Cygb is reportedly upregulated under hypoxic conditions both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a physiological function to protect cells under hypoxic/ischemic conditions by scavenging reactive oxygen species or by signal transduction, the mechanisms associated with this function have not been fully elucidated. Recent studies comparing Cygbs among several species suggest that mammalian Cygbs show a distinctly longer C-terminal domain potentially involved in unique physiological functions. In this study, we prepared human Cygb mutants (ΔC, ΔN, and ΔNC) with either one or both terminal domains truncated and investigated the enzymatic functions and structural features by spectroscopic methods. Evaluation of the superoxide-scavenging activity between Cygb variants showed that the ΔC and ΔNC mutants exhibited slightly higher activity involving superoxide scavenging as compared with wild-type Cygb. Subsequent experiments involving ligand titration, flash photolysis, and resonance Raman spectroscopic studies suggested that the truncation of the C- and N-terminal domains resulted in less effective to dissociation constants and binding rates for carbon monoxide, respectively. Furthermore, structural stability was assessed by guanidine hydrochloride and revealed that the C-terminal domain might play a vital role in improving structure, whereas the N-terminal domain did not exert a similar effect. These findings indicated that long terminal domains could be important not only in regulating enzymatic activity but also for structural stability, and that the domains might be relevant to other hypothesized physiological functions for Cygb. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

C,N-2-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]phenylplatinum Complexes Functionalized with C60 as Macromolecular Building Blocks

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Koten, G. van; Meijer, M.D.; Wolf, E. de; Lutz, M.H.; Spek, A.L.; Klink, G.P.M. van

2001-01-01

The application of platinum(II) complexes based on the N,N-dimethylbenzylamine ligand (abbreviated as H-C,N) in macromolecular synthesis was demonstrated. Two cationic C,N-platinum moieties were linked with a 4,4'-bipyridine bridge, giving [{C6H4(CH2NMe2)-2-Pt(PPh3)}2(4,4'-bpy)](BF4)2 (2), the

Genotype X/C recombinant (putative genotype I) of hepatitis B virus is rare in Hanoi, Vietnam--genotypes B4 and C1 predominate.

Science.gov (United States)

Phung, Thi Bich Thuy; Alestig, Erik; Nguyen, Thanh Liem; Hannoun, Charles; Lindh, Magnus

2010-08-01

There are eight known genotypes of hepatitis B virus, A-H, and several subgenotypes, with rather well-defined geographic distributions. HBV genotypes were evaluated in 153 serum samples from Hanoi, Vietnam. Of the 87 samples that could be genotyped, genotype B was found in 67 (77%) and genotype C in 19 (22%). All genotype C strains were of subgenotype C1, and the majority of genotype B strains were B4, while a few were B2. The genotype X/C recombinant strain, identified previously in Swedish patients of indigenous Vietnamese origin, was found in one sample. This variant, proposed to be classified as genotype I, has been found recently also by others in Vietnam and Laos. The current study indicates that the genotype X/C recombinant may represent approximately 1% of the HBV strains circulating in Vietnam. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

cGMP signalling : different ways to create a pathway

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Roelofs, Jeroen; Smith, Janet L.; Haastert, Peter J.M. van

Recently, a novel cGMP signalling cascade was uncovered in Dictyostelium, a eukaryote that diverged from the lineage leading to metazoa after plants and before yeast. In both Dictyostelium and metazoa, the ancient cAMP-binding (cNB) motif of bacterial CAP has been modified and assembled with other

Study of coherent diffractive production reactions of p + C --> [Y$^{0}$K$^{+}$] + C type and observation of the new baryonic states X(2050) --> $\\Sigma$(1385)$^{0}$K$^{+}$ and X(2000) --> $\\Sigma^{0}$K$^{+}$

CERN Document Server

Golovkin, S V; Kozhevnikov, A A; Kubarovskii, V P; Kulyavtsev, A I; Kurshetsov, V F; Kushnirenko, A Yu; Landsberg, G L; Molchanov, V V; Mukkin, V A; Solyanik, V I; Vavilov, D V; Victorov, V A; Balats, M Ya; Dzubenko, G B; Kamenskii, A D; Kliger, G K; Kolganov, V Z; Lakaev, V S; Lomkatsi, G S; Nilov, A P; Smolyankin, V T; Vishniakov, V V

1994-01-01

Study of coherent diffractive production reactions of p + C --> [Y$^{0}$K$^{+}$] + C type and observation of the new baryonic states X(2050) --> $\\Sigma$(1385)$^{0}$K$^{+}$ and X(2000) --> $\\Sigma^{0}$K$^{+}$

Mechanistic Inferences from the Binding of Ligands to LpxC, A Metal-Dependent Deacetylase

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gennadios, H.; Whittington, D.; Li, X.; Fierke, C.; Christianson, D.

2006-01-01

The metal-dependent deacetylase LpxC catalyzes the first committed step of lipid A biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria. Accordingly, LpxC is an attractive target for the development of inhibitors that may serve as potential new antibiotics for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Here, we report the 2.7 Angstroms resolution X-ray crystal structure of LpxC complexed with the substrate analogue inhibitor TU-514 and the 2.0 Angstroms resolution structure of LpxC complexed with imidazole. The X-ray crystal structure of LpxC complexed with TU-514 allows for a detailed examination of the coordination geometry of the catalytic zinc ion and other enzyme-inhibitor interactions in the active site. The hydroxamate group of TU-514 forms a bidentate chelate complex with the zinc ion and makes hydrogen bond interactions with conserved active site residues E78, H265, and T191. The inhibitor C-4 hydroxyl group makes direct hydrogen bond interactions with E197 and H58. Finally, the C-3 myristate moiety of the inhibitor binds in the hydrophobic tunnel of the active site. These intermolecular interactions provide a foundation for understanding structural aspects of enzyme-substrate and enzyme-inhibitor affinity. Comparison of the TU-514 complex with cacodylate and imidazole complexes suggests a possible substrate diphosphate binding site and highlights residues that may stabilize the tetrahedral intermediate and its flanking transition states in catalysis. Evidence of a catalytic zinc ion in the native zinc enzyme coordinated by H79, H238, D242, and two water molecules with square pyramidal geometry is also presented. These results suggest that the native state of this metallohydrolase may contain a pentacoordinate zinc ion, which contrasts with the native states of archetypical zinc hydrolases such as thermolysin and carboxypeptidase A

In vivo positron emission tomography studies on the novel nicotinic receptor agonist [11C]MPA compared with [11C]ABT-418 and (S)(-)[11C]nicotine in Rhesus monkeys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sihver, Wiebke; Fasth, Karl-Johan; Oegren, Matthias; Lundqvist, Hans; Bergstroem, Mats; Watanabe, Yasuyoshi; Laangstroem, Bengt; Nordberg, Agneta

1999-01-01

The novel 11 C-labeled nicotinic agonist (R,S)-1-[ 11 C]methyl-2(3-pyridyl)azetidine ([ 11 C]MPA) was evaluated as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for in vivo characterization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain of Rhesus monkeys in comparison with the nicotinic ligands (S)-3-methyl-5-(1-[ 11 C]methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)isoxazol ([ 11 C]ABT-418) and (S)(-)[ 11 C]nicotine. The nicotinic receptor agonist [ 11 C]MPA demonstrated rapid uptake into the brain to a similar extent as (S)(-) [ 11 C]nicotine and [ 11 C]ABT-418. When unlabeled (S)(-)nicotine (0.02 mg/kg) was administered 5 min before the radioactive tracers, the uptake of [ 11 C]MPA was decreased by 25% in the thalamus, 19% in the temporal cortex, and 11% in the cerebellum, whereas an increase was found for the uptake of (S)(-)[ 11 C]nicotine and [ 11 C]ABT-418. This finding indicates specific binding of [ 11 C]MPA to nicotinic receptors in the brain in a simple classical displacement study. [ 11 C]MPA seems to be a more promising radiotracer than (S)(-)[ 11 C]nicotine or [ 11 C]ABT-418 for PET studies to characterize nicotinic receptors in the brain

Solid-state thermolysis of a fac-rhenium(I) carbonyl complex with a redox non-innocent pincer ligand.

Science.gov (United States)

Jurca, Titel; Chen, Wen-Ching; Michel, Sheila; Korobkov, Ilia; Ong, Tiow-Gan; Richeson, Darrin S

2013-03-25

The development of rhenium(I) chemistry has been restricted by the limited structural and electronic variability of the common pseudo-octahedral products fac-[ReX(CO)3L2] (L2 = α-diimine). We address this constraint by first preparing the bidentate bis(imino)pyridine complexes [(2,6-{2,6-Me2C6H3N=CPh}2C5H3N)Re(CO)3X] (X = Cl 2, Br 3), which were characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic means, and then converting these species into tridentate pincer ligand compounds, [(2,6-{2,6-Me2C6H3N=CPh}2C5H3N)Re(CO)2X] (X = Cl 4, Br 5). This transformation was performed in the solid-state by controlled heating of 2 or 3 above 200 °C in a tube furnace under a flow of nitrogen gas, giving excellent yields (≥95 %). Compounds 4 and 5 define a new coordination environment for rhenium(I) carbonyl chemistry where the metal center is supported by a planar, tridentate pincer-coordinated bis(imino)pyridine ligand. The basic photophysical features of these compounds show significant elaboration in both number and intensity of the d-π* transitions observed in the UV/Vis spec tra relative to the bidentate starting materials, and these spectra were analyzed using time-dependent DFT computations. The redox nature of the bis(imino)pyridine ligand in compounds 2 and 4 was examined by electrochemical analysis, which showed two ligand reduction events and demonstrated that the ligand reduction shifts to a more positive potential when going from bidentate 2 to tridentate 4 (+160 mV for the first reduction step and +90 mV for the second). These observations indicate an increase in electrostatic stabilization of the reduced ligand in the tridentate conformation. Elaboration on this synthetic methodology documented its generality through the preparation of the pseudo-octahedral rhenium(I) triflate complex [(2,6-{2,6-Me2C6H3N=CPh}2C5H3N)Re(CO)2OTf] (7, 93 % yield). Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mechanisms of mitochondrial holocytochrome c synthase and the key roles played by cysteines and histidine of the heme attachment site, Cys-XX-Cys-His.

Science.gov (United States)

Babbitt, Shalon E; San Francisco, Brian; Mendez, Deanna L; Lukat-Rodgers, Gudrun S; Rodgers, Kenton R; Bretsnyder, Eric C; Kranz, Robert G

2014-10-17

Mitochondrial cytochrome c assembly requires the covalent attachment of heme by thioether bonds between heme vinyl groups and a conserved CXXCH motif of cytochrome c/c1. The enzyme holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) binds heme and apocytochrome c substrate to catalyze this attachment, subsequently releasing holocytochrome c for proper folding to its native structure. We address mechanisms of assembly using a functional Escherichia coli recombinant system expressing human HCCS. Human cytochrome c variants with individual cysteine, histidine, double cysteine, and triple cysteine/histidine substitutions (of CXXCH) were co-purified with HCCS. Single and double mutants form a complex with HCCS but not the triple mutant. Resonance Raman and UV-visible spectroscopy support the proposal that heme puckering induced by both thioether bonds facilitate release of holocytochrome c from the complex. His-19 (of CXXCH) supplies the second axial ligand to heme in the complex, the first axial ligand was previously shown to be from HCCS residue His-154. Substitutions of His-19 in cytochrome c to seven other residues (Gly, Ala, Met, Arg, Lys, Cys, and Tyr) were used with various approaches to establish other roles played by His-19. Three roles for His-19 in HCCS-mediated assembly are suggested: (i) to provide the second axial ligand to the heme iron in preparation for covalent attachment; (ii) to spatially position the two cysteinyl sulfurs adjacent to the two heme vinyl groups for thioether formation; and (iii) to aid in release of the holocytochrome c from the HCCS active site. Only H19M is able to carry out these three roles, albeit at lower efficiencies than the natural His-19. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of UO2 fuel pellets oxidised in air at 2300C and 2700C

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tempest, P.A.; Tyler, J.W.

1987-08-01

Factors which affect the UO 2 → U 3 O 8 transformation have been investigated by sequentially oxidising UO 2 fuel pellets in air at 230 0 C and 270 0 C and monitoring the growth of U 3 O 7 and U 3 O 8 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Initially oxidation proceeded at a linear rate by the inward diffusion of oxygen to form a complete layer of sub-stoichiometric U 3 O 7 . This phase was tetragonal with a c/a ratio of 1.015, significantly less than the value of 1.03 measured on UO 2 powder when oxidised under identical conditions. This difference and the preferred orientation exhibited by surface grains were caused by growth stresses induced in the pellet surface. Both intergranular and transgranular cracking occurred and became nucleation sites for the growth of U 3 O 8 . The linear oxidation period associated with U 3 O 7 growth was much shorter at 270 0 C than 230 0 C and U 3 O 8 nucleated earlier. Spallation and the production of particulate were only observed during the formation of U 3 O 8 when a 30% increase in volume arose from the U 3 O 7 → U 3 O 8 phase change. (author)

Gentamicin binds to the megalin receptor as a competitive inhibitor using the common ligand binding motif of complement type repeats

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Dagil, Robert; O'Shea, Charlotte; Nykjær, Anders

2013-01-01

megalin and investigated its interaction with gentamicin. Using NMR titration data in HADDOCK, we have generated a three-dimensional model describing the complex between megalin and gentamicin. Gentamicin binds to megalin with low affinity and exploits the common ligand binding motif previously described...... to megalin is highly similar to gentamicin binding to calreticulin. We discuss the impact of this novel insight for the future structure-based design of gentamicin antagonists....

OnX

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barrand, G.

1994-01-01

A tool to build interactive graphical applications. OnX is a package to build portable interactive graphical applications. Its architecture, based on general programming standards (ANSI C, Xwindow, MOTIF) makes it a universal framework for portable applications. OnX is already integrated into several interactive environments of HEP experiments (H1, DELPHI, NOMAD) and is planned for others (VIRGO)

BayesMotif: de novo protein sorting motif discovery from impure datasets.

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Jianjun; Zhang, Fan

2010-01-18

Protein sorting is the process that newly synthesized proteins are transported to their target locations within or outside of the cell. This process is precisely regulated by protein sorting signals in different forms. A major category of sorting signals are amino acid sub-sequences usually located at the N-terminals or C-terminals of protein sequences. Genome-wide experimental identification of protein sorting signals is extremely time-consuming and costly. Effective computational algorithms for de novo discovery of protein sorting signals is needed to improve the understanding of protein sorting mechanisms. We formulated the protein sorting motif discovery problem as a classification problem and proposed a Bayesian classifier based algorithm (BayesMotif) for de novo identification of a common type of protein sorting motifs in which a highly conserved anchor is present along with a less conserved motif regions. A false positive removal procedure is developed to iteratively remove sequences that are unlikely to contain true motifs so that the algorithm can identify motifs from impure input sequences. Experiments on both implanted motif datasets and real-world datasets showed that the enhanced BayesMotif algorithm can identify anchored sorting motifs from pure or impure protein sequence dataset. It also shows that the false positive removal procedure can help to identify true motifs even when there is only 20% of the input sequences containing true motif instances. We proposed BayesMotif, a novel Bayesian classification based algorithm for de novo discovery of a special category of anchored protein sorting motifs from impure datasets. Compared to conventional motif discovery algorithms such as MEME, our algorithm can find less-conserved motifs with short highly conserved anchors. Our algorithm also has the advantage of easy incorporation of additional meta-sequence features such as hydrophobicity or charge of the motifs which may help to overcome the limitations of

Hardness enhancement and oxidation resistance of nanocrystalline TiN/Mo xC multilayer films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Q.; Wang, X.P.; Liang, F.J.; Wang, J.X.; Fang, Q.F.

2006-01-01

In this paper the influence of the layer's microstructure on the hardness enhancement in multilayer nanocrystalline films and the oxidation resistance are studied. The TiN/Mo x C multilayer films at different modulation period, and Mo x C and TiN monolayer films were deposited on the (0 0 1) silicon wafers and molybdenum sheets by rf and dc magnetron sputtering. The monolayer TiN films with a thickness of about 2 μm are of pure face-center cubic TiN phase, while the monolayer Mo x C films consist of two phases, one of which is body-center cubic Mo and the other is hexagonal Mo 2 C as determined by XRD. The coarse columnar grains of about 200 nm in the monolayer TiN films become much smaller or disappear in the multilayer films. The hardness enhancement of the multilayer films takes place at the modulation period of 320 nm, which can reach to 26 GPa and is much higher than the values of Mo x C and TiN monolayer films. This enhancement in hardness can be explained as the decrease in the size and/or disappearance of columnar grains in the TiN layer. The Young's modulus in the temperature range from 100 to 400 deg. C increases with decreasing modulation period. It is found that about 100 nm thick TiN films can increase largely the oxidation resistance of Mo x C films

A computational mechanistic study of Pd(ii)-catalyzed γ-C(sp3)-H olefination/cyclization of amines: the roles of bicarbonate and ligand effect.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Jian-Biao; Tian, Ying-Ying; Zhang, Xin; Wang, Lu-Lin; Chen, De-Zhan

2018-04-03

The detailed mechanism of palladium-catalyzed γ-C(sp3)-H olefination/cyclization of triflyl-protected amines was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The olefinated intermediate was initially formed in the first catalytic cycle involving ligand exchange, bicarbonate-assisted C(sp3)-H bond cleavage, alkene insertion and 'reductive β-hydride elimination'. The following syn-addition and reductive elimination furnish the aza-Wacker product. The first step of reductive elimination is the rate-determining step. The mechanism unveils the important roles of bicarbonate: aiding the C-H activation and abstracting the β-proton in the second step of reductive elimination. The parallel bridging mode in the metal-olefin intermediate facilitates the syn-addition, explaining the experimentally observed stereoselectivity. The effect of the monodentate pyridine-based ligands is also discussed.

Structural, optical and electrical properties of silicon nanocrystals embedded in SixC1−x/SiC multilayer systems for photovoltaic applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

López-Vidrier, J.; Hernández, S.; Samà, J.; Canino, M.; Allegrezza, M.; Bellettato, M.; Shukla, R.; Schnabel, M.; Löper, P.; López-Conesa, L.; Estradé, S.; Peiró, F.; Janz, S.; Garrido, B.

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► We study the structural, optical and electrical properties of Si x C 1−x /SiC multilayers with different Si excess. ► Multilayer structure is destroyed after annealing at 1100 °C. ► Energy filtered TEM confirmed the Si NC formation. ► Sample thickness values from optical simulations are in agreement with TEM observations. ► The crystallization degree of the NCs was evaluated by Raman scattering and R and T techniques. ► The system conductivity depends on the NC size. ► The presence of a defective oxycarbide layer on top did not allow for obtaining useful electrical information. -- Abstract: In this work we present a structural, optical and electrical characterization of Si x C 1−x /SiC multilayer systems with different silicon content. After the deposition process, an annealing treatment was carried out in order to induce the silicon nanocrystals formation. By means of energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) we observed the structural morphology of the multilayers and the presence of crystallized silicon nanoprecipitates for samples annealed up to 1100 °C. We discuss the suitability of optical techniques such as Raman scattering and reflectance and transmittance (R and T) for the evaluation of the crystalline fraction of our samples at different silicon excess ranges. In addition, the combination of R and T measurements with simulation has proved to be a useful instrument to confirm the structural properties observed by EFTEM. Finally, we explore the origin of the extremely high current density revealed by electrical measurements, probably due to the presence of an undesired defective SiC y O z ternary compound layer, already supported by the structural and optical results. Nevertheless, the variation of the electrical measurements with the silicon amount indicates a small but significant contribution from the multilayers

Preliminary soft x-ray studies of beta-SiC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shek, M.L. [Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States); Miyano, K.E.; Ederer, D.L. [Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA (United States). Dept. of Physics; Dong, Q.Y.; Callcott, T.A. [Tennessee Univ., Knoxville, TN (United States). Dept. of Physics

1994-06-01

We have looked at beta-SiC with soft x-ray emission and photoemission spectroscopy. From the Si L{sub 23} and C K emissions, the Si s+d-like and C p partial density of states in the bulk valence band are identified, and compared with valence band photoemission. In addition to bulk electronic structural features, photoemission from a (3 {times} 2) Si-rich surface shows two surface-derived valence features at {approximately}{minus}2.6 and {approximately}{minus}1.6 eV relative to the Fermi level. The intensities of these valence features vary as those of surface Si 2p core level components shifted by {minus}0.5 eV and {minus}1.4 eV from the bulk-like SiC Si 2p core level. We have also used the Si L{sub 23} absorption edge as a probe of the unfilled states near the conduction, band minimum.

The Dedekind completion of C ( X ): an interval-valued functions ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

In his paper [1] R. Anguelov described the construction of the Dedekind order completion of C(X) the set of all real-valued continuous functions defined on a completely regular topological space X; using Hausdorff continuous real intervalvalued functions. The aim of this paper is to show that Anguelov's construction can be ...

Nonacarbonyl-1κ3C,2κ3C,3κ3C-μ-bis(diphenylarsinomethane-1:2κ2As:As'-[tris(2-chloroethyl phosphite-3κP]-triangulo-triruthenium(0

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Omar bin Shawkataly

2010-08-01

Full Text Available In the title triangulo-triruthenium(0 compound, [Ru3(C25H22As2(C6H12Cl3O3P(CO9], the bis(diphenylarsinomethane ligand bridges an Ru—Ru bond and the monodentate phosphine ligand bonds to the third Ru atom. Both the arsine and phosphine ligands are equatorial with respect to the Ru3 triangle. In addition, each Ru atom carries one equatorial and two axial terminal carbonyl ligands. In the crystal packing, the molecules are linked by intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional framework. Weak intermolecular C—H...π interactions further stabilize the crystal structure.

A new class of pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazines as γ-aminobutyric type A (GABAA) receptor subtype ligand: synthesis and pharmacological evaluation.

Science.gov (United States)

Guerrini, Gabriella; Ciciani, Giovanna; Daniele, Simona; Martini, Claudia; Costagli, Camilla; Guarino, Chiara; Selleri, Silvia

2018-05-15

A comparison between compounds with pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine structure (series 4-6) and pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine core (series 9) as ligands at GABA A -receptor subtype, was evaluated. Moreover, for pyrazolotriazine derivatives having binding recognition, the interaction on recombinant rat α(1-3,5) GABA A receptor subtypes, was performed. Among these latter, emerge compounds 9c, 9k, 9l, 9m and 9n as α1-selective and 9h as α2-selective ligands. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neutron diffraction studies of Ho1-xYxNi2B2C compounds

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Chang, L.J.; Tomy, C.V.; Paul, D.M.K.

1996-01-01

Neutron diffraction measurements have been carried out to investigate the nature of magnetic ordering in Ho(1-x)Y(x)Ni(2)B(2)C (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) compounds. HoNi(2)B(2)C shows a complex type of magnetic ordering below the superconducting transition, with a commensurate antiferromagnetic ordering...

Surface targeting of the dopamine transporter involves discrete epitopes in the distal C terminus but does not require canonical PDZ domain interactions.

Science.gov (United States)

Bjerggaard, Christian; Fog, Jacob U; Hastrup, Hanne; Madsen, Kenneth; Loland, Claus J; Javitch, Jonathan A; Gether, Ulrik

2004-08-04

The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) contains a C-terminal type 2 PDZ (postsynaptic density 95/Discs large/zona occludens 1) domain-binding motif (LKV) known to interact with PDZ domain proteins such as PICK1 (protein interacting with C-kinase 1). As reported previously, we found that, after deletion of this motif, hDAT was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 and Neuro2A cells, suggesting that PDZ domain interactions might be critical for hDAT targeting. Nonetheless, substitution of LKV with SLL, the type 1 PDZ-binding sequence from the beta2-adrenergic receptor, did not disrupt plasma membrane targeting. Moreover, the addition of an alanine to the hDAT C terminus (+Ala), resulting in an LKVA termination sequence, or substitution of LKV with alanines (3xAla_618-620) prevented neither plasma membrane targeting nor targeting into sprouting neurites of differentiated N2A cells. The inability of +Ala and 3xAla_618-620 to bind PDZ domains was confirmed by lack of colocalization with PICK1 in cotransfected HEK293 cells and by the inability of corresponding C-terminal fusion proteins to pull down purified PICK1. Thus, although residues in the hDAT C terminus are indispensable for proper targeting, PDZ domain interactions are not required. By progressive substitutions with beta2-adrenergic receptor sequence, and by triple-alanine substitutions in the hDAT C terminus, we examined the importance of epitopes preceding the LKV motif. Substitution of RHW(615-617) with alanines caused retention of the transporter in the ER despite preserved ability of this mutant to bind PICK1. We propose dual roles of the hDAT C terminus: a role independent of PDZ interactions for ER export and surface targeting, and a not fully clarified role involving PDZ interactions with proteins such as PICK1.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic study of the extracellular domain of the 4-1BB ligand, a member of the TNF family

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Byun, Jung-Sue; Kim, Dong-Uk [Department of Biology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of); Ahn, Byungchan; Kwon, Byoung Se [Immunomodulation Research Center, Ulsan University, Ulsan 680-749 (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Hyun-Soo, E-mail: hscho8@yonsei.ac.kr [Department of Biology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749 (Korea, Republic of)

2006-01-01

The extracellular domain of the 4-1BB ligand fused with glutathione-S-transferase was expressed in Escherichia coli (Origami) and purified by using affinity and ion-exchange column chromatographic methods. Crystals of the 4-1BB ligand were obtained at 290 K by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The 4-1BB ligand, a member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family, is an important co-stimulatory molecule that plays a key role in the clonal expansion and survival of CD8+ T cells. Signalling through binding of the 4-1BB ligand and 4-1BB has been reported to enhance CD8+ T-cell expansion and protect activated CD8+ T cells from death. The 4-1BB ligand is an integral protein expressed on activated antigen-presenting cells. The extracellular domain of the 4-1BB ligand fused with glutathione-S-transferase was expressed in Escherichia coli (Origami) and purified by using affinity and ion-exchange column chromatographic methods. Crystals of the 4-1BB ligand were obtained at 290 K by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. X-ray diffraction data were collected from these crystals to 2.8 Å resolution and the crystals belong to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 114.6, b = 73.8, c = 118.50 Å, β = 115.5°.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic study of the extracellular domain of the 4-1BB ligand, a member of the TNF family

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Byun, Jung-Sue; Kim, Dong-Uk; Ahn, Byungchan; Kwon, Byoung Se; Cho, Hyun-Soo

2005-01-01

The extracellular domain of the 4-1BB ligand fused with glutathione-S-transferase was expressed in Escherichia coli (Origami) and purified by using affinity and ion-exchange column chromatographic methods. Crystals of the 4-1BB ligand were obtained at 290 K by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The 4-1BB ligand, a member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family, is an important co-stimulatory molecule that plays a key role in the clonal expansion and survival of CD8+ T cells. Signalling through binding of the 4-1BB ligand and 4-1BB has been reported to enhance CD8+ T-cell expansion and protect activated CD8+ T cells from death. The 4-1BB ligand is an integral protein expressed on activated antigen-presenting cells. The extracellular domain of the 4-1BB ligand fused with glutathione-S-transferase was expressed in Escherichia coli (Origami) and purified by using affinity and ion-exchange column chromatographic methods. Crystals of the 4-1BB ligand were obtained at 290 K by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. X-ray diffraction data were collected from these crystals to 2.8 Å resolution and the crystals belong to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 114.6, b = 73.8, c = 118.50 Å, β = 115.5°

Preparation and mechanical properties of in situ TiC{sub x}–Ni (Si, Ti) alloy composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Wenjuan [Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044 (China); Zhai, Hongxiang, E-mail: hxzhai@sina.com [Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044 (China); Chen, Lin; Huang, Zhenying [Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044 (China); Bei, Guoping; Baumgärtner, Christoph; Greil, Peter [Department of Materials Science (Glass and Ceramics), University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Martensstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen (Germany)

2014-10-20

Novel in situ TiC{sub x} reinforced Ni (Si, Ti) alloy composites with superior mechanical properties were prepared at 1250 °C for 30 min by pressureless sintering Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} (10 and 20 vol%) and Ni as precursors. The Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} particles decomposed into substoichiometric TiC{sub x} phase, while the additional Si and partial Ti atoms derived from Ti{sub 3}SiC{sub 2} diffused into Ni matrix to form Ni (Si, Ti) alloy. The in situ formed TiC{sub x} phases are mainly dispersed on the grain boundaries of the Ni (Si, Ti) alloying, forming a strong skeleton and refining the microstructures of the metal matrix. The hardness, the yield stress σ{sub 0.2%} and ultimate compressive strength of 20.6 vol%TiC{sub x}–Ni(Si, Ti) composite can reach 2.15±0.04 GPa, 466.8±55.8 MPa and 733.3±78.4 MPa, respectively. The enhanced mechanical properties of TiC{sub x}–Ni(Si, Ti) composites are due to the in situ formation of TiC{sub x} skeleton, the refined microstructures of Ni (Si, Ti) alloys and solid solution effects as well as good wettability between TiC{sub x} and Ni (Si, Ti) matrix.

Alloying effects on structural and thermal behavior of Ti1-xZrxC: A first principles study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chauhan, Mamta; Gupta, Dinesh C.

2016-01-01

The formation energy, equilibrium lattice parameter, bulk modulus, Debye temperature and heat capacity at constant volume have been calculated for TiC, ZrC, and their intermediate alloys (Ti 1-x Zr x C, x = 0,0.25.0.5,0.75,1) using first principles approach. The calculated values of lattice parameter and bulk modulus agree well with the available experimental and earlier theoretical reports. The variation of lattice parameter and bulk modulus with the change in concentration of Zr atom in Ti 1-x Zr x C has also been reported. The heat capacities of TiC, ZrC, and their intermediate alloys have been calculated by considering both vibrational and electronic contributions.

OSR1 regulates a subset of inward rectifier potassium channels via a binding motif variant.

Science.gov (United States)

Taylor, Clinton A; An, Sung-Wan; Kankanamalage, Sachith Gallolu; Stippec, Steve; Earnest, Svetlana; Trivedi, Ashesh T; Yang, Jonathan Zijiang; Mirzaei, Hamid; Huang, Chou-Long; Cobb, Melanie H

2018-04-10

The with-no-lysine (K) (WNK) signaling pathway to STE20/SPS1-related proline- and alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive 1 (OSR1) kinase is an important mediator of cell volume and ion transport. SPAK and OSR1 associate with upstream kinases WNK 1-4, substrates, and other proteins through their C-terminal domains which interact with linear R-F-x-V/I sequence motifs. In this study we find that SPAK and OSR1 also interact with similar affinity with a motif variant, R-x-F-x-V/I. Eight of 16 human inward rectifier K + channels have an R-x-F-x-V motif. We demonstrate that two of these channels, Kir2.1 and Kir2.3, are activated by OSR1, while Kir4.1, which does not contain the motif, is not sensitive to changes in OSR1 or WNK activity. Mutation of the motif prevents activation of Kir2.3 by OSR1. Both siRNA knockdown of OSR1 and chemical inhibition of WNK activity disrupt NaCl-induced plasma membrane localization of Kir2.3. Our results suggest a mechanism by which WNK-OSR1 enhance Kir2.1 and Kir2.3 channel activity by increasing their plasma membrane localization. Regulation of members of the inward rectifier K + channel family adds functional and mechanistic insight into the physiological impact of the WNK pathway.

Binuclear trivalent and tetravalent uranium halides and cyanides supported by cyclooctatetraene ligands

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Cong-Zhi; Wu, Qun-Yan; Lan, Jian-Hui; Shi, Wei-Qun; Gibson, John K.

2017-01-01

Although the first organoactinide chloride Cp_3UCl (Cp = η"5-C_5H_5) was synthesized more than 50 years ago, binuclear uranium halides remain very rare in organoactinide chemistry. Herein, a series of binuclear trivalent and tetravalent uranium halides and cyanides with cyclooctatetraene ligands, (COT)_2U_2X_n (COT = η"8-C_8H_8; X=F, Cl, CN; n=2, 4), have been systematically studied using scalar-relativistic density functional theory (DFT). The structures with bridging halide or cyanide ligands were predicted to be the most stable complexes of (COT)_2U_2X_n, and all the complexes show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the uranium centers. However, for each species, there is no significant uranium-uranium bonding interaction. The bonding between the metal and the ligands shows some degree of covalent character, especially between the metal and terminal halide or cyanide ligands. The U-5f and 6d orbitals are predominantly involved in the metal-ligand bonding. All the (COT)_2U_2X_n species were predicted to be more stable compared to the mononuclear half-sandwich complexes at room temperature in the gas phase such that (COT)_2U_2X_4 might be accessible through the known (COT)_2U complex. The tetravalent derivatives (COT)_2U_2X_4 are more energetically favorable than the trivalent (COT)_2U_2X_2 analogs, which may be attributed to the greater number of strong metal-ligand bonds in the former complexes.

A study of TaxC1-x coatings deposited on biomedical 316L stainless steel by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding, M.H.; Wang, B.L.; Li, L.; Zheng, Y.F.

2010-01-01

In this paper, Ta x C 1-x coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel (316L SS) by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at various substrate temperatures (T s ) in order to improve its corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility. XRD results indicated that T s could significantly change the microstructure of Ta x C 1-x coatings. When T s was x C 1-x coatings were in amorphous condition, whereas when T s was ≥150 deg. C, TaC phase was formed, exhibiting in the form of particulates with the crystallite sizes of about 15-25 nm (T s = 300 deg. C). Atomic force microscope (AFM) results showed that with the increase of T s , the root-mean-square (RMS) values of the Ta x C 1-x coatings decreased. The nano-indentation experiments indicated that the Ta x C 1-x coating deposited at 300 deg. C had a higher hardness and modulus. The scratch test results demonstrated that Ta x C 1-x coatings deposited above 150 deg. C exhibited good adhesion performance. Tribology tests results demonstrated that Ta x C 1-x coatings exhibited excellent wear resistance. The results of potentiodynamic polarization showed that the corrosion resistance of the 316L SS was improved significantly because of the deposited Ta x C 1-x coatings. The platelet adhesion test results indicated that the Ta x C 1-x coatings deposited at T s of 150 deg. C and 300 deg. C possessed better hemocompatibility than the coating deposited at T s of 25 deg. C. Additionally, the hemocompatibility of the Ta x C 1-x coating on the 316L SS was found to be influenced by its surface roughness, hydrophilicity and the surface energy.

Structural studies of TiC1−xOx solid solution by Rietveld refinement and first-principles calculations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang, Bo; Hou, Na; Huang, Shanyan; Zhou, Gege; Hou, Jungang; Cao, Zhanmin; Zhu, Hongmin

2013-01-01

The lattice parameters, structural stability and electronic structure of titanium oxycarbides (TiC 1−x O x , 0≤x≤1) solid solution were investigated by Rietveld refinement and first-principles calculations. Series of TiC 1−x O x were precisely synthesized by sintering process under the vacuum. Rietveld refinement results of XRD patterns show the properties of continuous solid solution in TiC 1−x O x over the whole composition range. The lattice parameters vary from 0.4324 nm to 0.4194 nm decreasing with increasing oxygen concentration. Results of first-principles calculations reveal that the disorder C/O structure is stable than the order C/O structure. Further investigations of the vacancy in Ti 1−Va (C 1−x O x ) 1−Va solid solution present that the structure of vacancy segregated in TiO-part is more stable than the disorder C/O structure, which can be ascribed to the Ti–Ti bond across O-vacancy and the charge redistributed around Ti-vacancy via the analysis of the electron density difference plots and PDOS. - Graphical abstract: XRD of series of titanium oxycarbides (TiC 1−x O x , 0≤x≤1) solid solution prepared by adjusting the proportion of TiO in the starting material. Highlights: • Titanium oxycarbides were obtained by sintering TiO and TiC under carefully controlled conditions. • Rietveld refinement results show continuous solid solution with FCC structure in TiC 1−x O x . • The disorder C/O structure is stable than the order C/O structure. • Introduction of vacancy segregated in TiO-part is more stable than disorder C/O structure. • Ti–Ti bond across O-vacancy and the charge redistributed around Ti-vacancy enhance structural stability

Dicty_cDB: VHB386 [Dicty_cDB

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available 10.b1_C08.ab1 CHU(LMS) puzzle sunflower Helianthus paradoxus cDNA clone CHUL5210,... (bits) Value N X98286 |X98286.1 D.discoideum mRNA for P-type ATPase. 1285 0.0 1 EL476977 |EL476977.1 CHUL52

Post-translational regulation of P2X receptor channels: modulation by phospholipids

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Louis-Philippe eBernier

2013-11-01

Full Text Available P2X receptor channels mediate fast excitatory signaling by ATP and play major roles in sensory transduction, neuro-immune communication and inflammatory response. P2X receptors constitute a gene family of calcium-permeable ATP-gated cation channels therefore the regulation of P2X signaling is critical for both membrane potential and intracellular calcium homeostasis. Phosphoinositides (PIPn are anionic signaling phospholipids that act as functional regulators of many types of ion channels. Direct PIPn binding was demonstrated for several ligand- or voltage-gated ion channels, however no generic motif emerged to accurately predict lipid-protein binding sites. This review presents what is currently known about the modulation of the different P2X subtypes by phospholipids and about critical determinants underlying their sensitivity to PIPn levels in the plasma membrane.All functional mammalian P2X subtypes tested, with the notable exception of P2X5, have been shown to be positively modulated by PIPn, i.e. homomeric P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7, as well as heteromeric P2X1/5 and P2X2/3 receptors. Based on various results reported on the aforementioned subtypes including mutagenesis of the prototypical PIPn-sensitive P2X4 and PIPn-insensitive P2X5 receptor subtypes, an increasing amount of functional, biochemical and structural evidence converges on the modulatory role of a short polybasic domain located in the proximal C-terminus of P2X subunits. This linear motif, semi-conserved in the P2X family, seems necessary and sufficient for encoding direct modulation of ATP-gated channels by PIPn. Furthermore, the physiological impact of the regulation of ionotropic purinergic responses by phospholipids on pain pathways was recently revealed in the context of native crosstalks between phospholipase C-linked metabotropic receptors and P2X receptor channels in DRG sensory neurons and microglia.

Charmonium resonances in the 3.9 GeV/c2 energy region and the X(3915)/X(3930) puzzle

Science.gov (United States)

Ortega, Pablo G.; Segovia, Jorge; Entem, David R.; Fernández, Francisco

2018-03-01

An interesting controversy has emerged challenging the widely accepted nature of the X (3915) and the X (3930) resonances, which had initially been assigned to the χc0 (2 P) and χc2 (2 P) c c bar states, respectively. To unveil their inner structure, the properties of the JPC =0++ and JPC =2++ charmonium states in the energy region of these resonances are analyzed in the framework of a constituent quark model. Together with the bare q q bar states, threshold effects due to the opening of nearby meson-meson channels are included in a coupled-channels scheme calculation. We find that the structure of both states is dominantly molecular with a probability of bare q q bar states lower than 45%. Our results favor the hypothesis that X (3915) and X (3930) resonances arise as different decay mechanisms of the same JPC =2++ state. Moreover we find an explanation for the recently discovered M = 3860MeV /c2 as a JPC =0++ 2P state and rediscover the lost Y (3940) as an additional state in the JPC =0++ family.

Monochloro non-bridged half-metallocene-type zirconium complexes containing phosphine oxide-(thio)phenolate chelating ligands as efficient ethylene polymerization catalysts.

Science.gov (United States)

Tang, Xiao-Yan; Wang, Yong-Xia; Liu, San-Rong; Liu, Jing-Yu; Li, Yue-Sheng

2013-01-14

A series of novel monochloro half-zirconocene complexes containing phosphine oxide-(thio)phenolate chelating ligands of the type, ClCp'Zr[X-2-R(1)-4-R(2)-6-(Ph(2)P=O)C(6)H(2)](2) (Cp' = C(5)H(5), 2a: X = O, R(1) = Ph, R(2) = H; 2b: X = O, R(1) = F, R(2) = H; 2c: X = O, R(1) = (t)Bu, R(2) = H; 2d: X = O, R(1) = R(2) = (t)Bu; 2e: X = O, R(1) = SiMe(3), R(2) = H; 2f: X = S, R(1) = SiMe(3), R(2) = H; Cp' = C(5)Me(5), 2g: X = O, R(1) = SiMe(3), R(2) = H), have been synthesized in high yields. These complexes were identified by (1)H {(13)C} NMR and elemental analyses. Structures for 2b, 2c and 2f were further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Structural characterization of these complexes reveals crowded environments around the zirconium. Complexes 2b and 2c adopt six-coordinate, distorted octahedral geometry around the zirconium center, in which the equatorial positions are occupied by three oxygen atoms of two chelating phosphine oxide-bridged phenolate ligands and a chlorine atom. The cyclopentadienyl ring and one oxygen atom of the ligand are coordinated on the axial position. Complex 2f also folds a six-coordinate, distorted octahedral geometry around the Zr center, consisting of a Cp-Zr-O (in P=O) axis [177.16°] and a distorted plane of two sulfur atoms and one oxygen atom of two chelating phosphine oxide-bridged thiophenolate ligands as well as a chlorine atom. When activated by modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all the complexes exhibited high activities towards ethylene polymerization at high temperature (75 °C), giving high molecular weight polymers with unimodal molecular weight distribution. The formation of 14-electron, cationic metal alkyl species might come from the Zr-O (in phenol ring) bond cleavage based on the DFT calculations study.

A novel binary Pt{sub 3}Te{sub x}/C nanocatalyst for ethanol electro-oxidation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Meihua; Wang, Fei; Li, Lirong; Guo, Yonglang [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China)

2008-03-15

The Pt{sub 3}Te{sub x}/C nanocatalyst was prepared and its catalytic performance for ethanol oxidation was investigated for the first time. The Pt{sub 3}Te/C nanoparticles were characterized by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy equipped with TEM (TEM-EDX). The Pt{sub 3}Te/C catalyst has a typical fcc structure of platinum alloys with the presence of Te. Its particle size is about 2.8 nm. Among the synthesized catalysts with different atomic ratios, the Pt{sub 3}Te/C catalyst has the highest anodic peak current density. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) show that the anodic peak current density for the Pt{sub 3}Te/C, commercial PtRu/C and Pt/C catalysts reaches 1002, 832 and 533 A g{sup -1}, respectively. On the current-time curve, the anodic current on the Pt{sub 3}Te/C catalyst was higher than those for the catalysts reported. So, these findings show that the Pt{sub 3}Te/C catalyst has uniform nanoparticles and the best activity among the synthesized catalysts, and it is better than commercial PtRu/C and Pt/C catalysts for ethanol oxidation at room temperature. (author)

Valence-to-core-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hall, Eleanor R.; Pollock, Christopher J.; Bendix, Jesper

2014-01-01

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) can provide detailed insight into the electronic and geometric structures of transition-metal active sites in metalloproteins and chemical catalysts. However, standard XAS spectra inherently represent an average contribution from the entire coordination...... environment with limited ligand selectivity. To address this limitation, we have investigated the enhancement of XAS features using valence-to-core (VtC)-detected XAS, whereby XAS spectra are measured by monitoring fluorescence from valence-to-core X-ray emission (VtC XES) events. VtC emission corresponds...... to transitions from filled ligand orbitals to the metal 1s core hole, with distinct energetic shifts for ligands of differing ionization potentials. VtC-detected XAS data were obtained from multiple valence emission features for a series of well-characterized Mn model compounds; taken together, these data...

Acquisition session length modulates consolidation effects produced by 5-HT2C ligands in a mouse autoshaping-operant procedure.

Science.gov (United States)

Walker, Ellen A; Foley, John J

2010-03-01

Although the neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT), has been implicated as a mediator of learning and memory, the specific role of 5-HT receptors in rodents requires further delineation. In this study, 5-HT2C receptor ligands of varying relative intrinsic efficacies were tested in a mouse learning and memory model called autoshaping-operant. On day 1, mice were placed in experimental chambers and presented with a tone on a variable interval schedule. The tone remained on for 6 s or until a nose-poke response occurred to produce a dipper with Ensure solution. Mice were then injected with saline, MK212 (full agonist), m-chlorophenylpiperazine (partial agonist), mianserin, and SB206 553 (inverse agonists), and methysergide and (+)-2-bromo lysergic acid diethylamide (+)-hydrogen tartrate (neutral antagonists). Each compound was injected after either 1 or 2-h acquisition sessions on day 1 to investigate the role of acquisition session length on consolidation. Day 1 injection of the 5-HT2C inverse agonist mianserin produced greater retrieval impairments of the autoshaped operant response on day 2 than any other agent tested. Furthermore, decreasing the length of the acquisition session to 1h significantly increased the difficulty of the autoshaping task further modulating the consolidation effects produced by the 5-HT2C ligands tested.

Assessment of off-stoichiometric Zr33-xFe52+xSi15 C14 Laves phase compounds as permanent magnet materials

Science.gov (United States)

Gabay, A. M.; Hadjipanayis, G. C.

2018-05-01

Recently, Fe-based rare-earth-free compounds with non-cubic crystal structures were proposed as a base for permanent magnets which would not rely on critical elements. In this work, two series of alloys, Zr27Fe73-wSiw (0 ≤ w ≤ 15) and Zr33-xFe52+xSi15 (0 ≤ x ≤ 11), were prepared and characterized after annealing at 1538 K in order to determine the fundamental magnetic properties of the C36 and C14 hexagonal Laves phase compounds. A mixture of the cubic C15 and Zr6Fe23 structures was observed instead of the expected C36 structure. The hexagonal C14 was found in all Zr33-xFe52+xSi15 alloys with its lattice parameters linearly decreasing as the Fe(Si) atoms occupy the Zr sites in the Laves phase crystal structure. The solubility limit of Fe in the C14 structure at 1538 K corresponds to x = 9.5. The Curie temperature of the C14 compounds increases with deviation from the Laves phase stoichiometry from 290 K to 530 K. The room-temperature spontaneous magnetization also increases reaching, after correcting for the non-magnetic impurities, a value of 6.7 kG. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the off-stoichiometric C14 Laves phase was found to be uniaxial with the easy magnetization direction parallel to the hexagonal axis. Unfortunately, the anisotropy field, which does not exceed 10 kOe, is not sufficiently high to make the compounds interesting as permanent magnet materials.

Assessment of CCL2 and CXCL8 chemokines in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue samples from dogs affected with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Roels, Elodie; Krafft, Emilie; Farnir, Frederic; Holopainen, Saila; Laurila, Henna P; Rajamäki, Minna M; Day, Michael J; Antoine, Nadine; Pirottin, Dimitri; Clercx, Cecile

2015-10-01

Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) is a progressive disease of the lung parenchyma that is more prevalent in dogs of the West Highland white terrier (WHWT) breed. Since the chemokines (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8) have been implicated in pulmonary fibrosis in humans, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether these same chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of CIPF. CCL2 and CXCL8 concentrations were measured by ELISA in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from healthy dogs and WHWTs affected with CIPF. Expression of the genes encoding CCL2 and CXCL8 and their respective receptors, namely (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) and (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2), was compared in unaffected lung tissue and biopsies from dogs affected with CIPF by quantitative PCR and localisation of CCL2 and CXCL8 proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry. Significantly greater CCL2 and CXCL8 concentrations were found in the BALF from WHWTs affected with CIPF, compared with healthy dogs. Significantly greater serum concentrations of CCL2, but not CXCL8, were found in CIPF-affected dogs compared with healthy WHWTs. No differences in relative gene expression for CCL2, CXCL8, CCR2 or CXCR2 were observed when comparing lung biopsies from control dogs and those affected with CIPF. In affected lung tissues, immunolabelling for CCL2 and CXCL8 was observed in bronchial airway epithelial cells in dogs affected with CIPF. The study findings suggest that both CCL2 and CXCL8 are involved in the pathogenesis of CIPF. Further studies are required to determine whether these chemokines might have a clinical use as biomarkers of fibrosis or as targets for therapeutic intervention. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In Silico Molecular Modeling and Docking Studies on Novel Mutants (E229V, H225P and D230C) of the Nucleotide-Binding Domain of Homo sapiens Hsp70.

Science.gov (United States)

Elengoe, Asita; Hamdan, Salehhuddin

2017-12-01

In this study, we explored the possibility of determining the synergistic interactions between nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) of Homo sapiens heat-shock 70 kDa protein (Hsp70) and E1A 32 kDa of adenovirus serotype 5 motif (PNLVP) in the efficiency of killing of tumor cells in cancer treatment. At present, the protein interaction between NBD and PNLVP motif is still unknown, but believed to enhance the rate of virus replication in tumor cells. Three mutant models (E229V, H225P and D230C) were built and simulated, and their interactions with PNLVP motif were studied. The PNLVP motif showed the binding energy and intermolecular energy values with the novel E229V mutant at -7.32 and -11.2 kcal/mol. The E229V mutant had the highest number of hydrogen bonds (7). Based on the root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, hydrogen bonds, salt bridge, secondary structure, surface-accessible solvent area, potential energy and distance matrices analyses, it was proved that the E229V had the strongest and most stable interaction with the PNLVP motif among all the four protein-ligand complex structures. The knowledge of this protein-ligand complex model would help in designing Hsp70 structure-based drug for cancer therapy.

Atomistic Frictional Properties of the C(1002x1-H Surface

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paul M. Jones

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Density functional theory- (DFT- based ab initio calculations were used to investigate the surface-to-surface interaction and frictional behavior of two hydrogenated C(100 dimer surfaces. A monolayer of hydrogen atoms was applied to the fully relaxed C(1002x1 surface having rows of C=C dimers with a bond length of 1.39 Å. The obtained C(1002x1-H surfaces (C–H bond length 1.15 Å were placed in a large vacuum space and translated toward each other. A cohesive state at a surface separation of 4.32 Å that is stabilized by approximately 0.42 eV was observed. An increase in the charge separation in the surface dimer was calculated at this separation having a 0.04 e transfer from the hydrogen atom to the carbon atom. The Mayer bond orders were calculated for the C–C and C–H bonds and were found to be 0.962 and 0.947, respectively. σ C–H bonds did not change substantially from the fully separated state. A significant decrease in the electron density difference between the hydrogen atoms on opposite surfaces was seen and assigned to the effects of Pauli repulsion. The surfaces were translated relative to each other in the (100 plane, and the friction force was obtained as a function of slab spacing, which yielded a 0.157 coefficient of friction.

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of conjugated polyketone reductase C2 (CPR-C2) from Candida parapsilosis IFO 0708

OpenAIRE

Yamamura, Akihiro; Maruoka, Shintaro; Ohtsuka, Jun; Miyakawa, Takuya; Nagata, Koji; Kataoka, Michihiko; Kitamura, Nahoko; Shimizu, Sakayu; Tanokura, Masaru

2009-01-01

Conjugated polyketone reductase C2 from C. parapsilosis IFO 0708 was expressed, purified and crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystal belonged to space group P212121 and diffracted X-rays to 1.7 Å resolution.

Analysis of C. elegans NR2E nuclear receptors defines three conserved clades and ligand-independent functions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Weber Katherine P

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The nuclear receptors (NRs are an important class of transcription factors that are conserved across animal phyla. Canonical NRs consist of a DNA-binding domain (DBD and ligand-binding domain (LBD. While most animals have 20–40 NRs, nematodes of the genus Caenorhabditis have experienced a spectacular proliferation and divergence of NR genes. The LBDs of evolutionarily-conserved Caenorhabditis NRs have diverged sharply from their Drosophila and vertebrate orthologs, while the DBDs have been strongly conserved. The NR2E family of NRs play critical roles in development, especially in the nervous system. In this study, we explore the phylogenetics and function of the NR2E family of Caenorhabditis elegans, using an in vivo assay to test LBD function. Results Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the NR2E family of NRs consists of three broadly-conserved clades of orthologous NRs. In C. elegans, these clades are defined by nhr-67, fax-1 and nhr-239. The vertebrate orthologs of nhr-67 and fax-1 are Tlx and PNR, respectively. While the nhr-239 clade includes orthologs in insects (Hr83, an echinoderm, and a hemichordate, the gene appears to have been lost from vertebrate lineages. The C. elegans and C. briggsae nhr-239 genes have an apparently-truncated and highly-diverged LBD region. An additional C. elegans NR2E gene, nhr-111, appears to be a recently-evolved paralog of fax-1; it is present in C. elegans, but not C. briggsae or other animals with completely-sequenced genomes. Analysis of the relatively unstudied nhr-111 and nhr-239 genes demonstrates that they are both expressed—nhr-111 very broadly and nhr-239 in a small subset of neurons. Analysis of the FAX-1 LBD in an in vivo assay revealed that it is not required for at least some developmental functions. Conclusions Our analysis supports three conserved clades of NR2E receptors, only two of which are represented in vertebrates, indicating three ancestral NR2E genes in the

Identifying isomers of C-78 by means of x-ray spectroscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bassan, Arianna; Nyberg, Mats; Luo, Yi

2002-01-01

X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectra of C-78 isomers have been generated using density functional theory with inclusion of the full core-hole potentials. Strong isomer dependence has been found in absorption, but not in the photoelectron spectra. C-78 isomers can be thought to be formed by ...... by inserting 18 carbon atoms into an opened C-60. We have shown how the different local arrangements of these 18 carbon atoms are responsible for the significant isomer dependence observed. Our calculated spectra are in excellent agreement with the experimental counterparts....

MobileCoDaC – A transportable control, data acquisition and communication infrastructure for Wendelstein 7-X

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hennig, Christine; Bluhm, Torsten; Kühner, Georg; Laqua, Heike; Lewerentz, Marc; Müller, Ina; Pingel, Steffen; Riemann, Heike; Schacht, Jörg; Spring, Anett; Werner, Andreas; Wölk, Andreas

2014-01-01

Highlights: • MobileCoDaC is a transportable CoDaC infrastructure for Wendelstein 7-X. • It allows in situ testing and commissioning of components to be used at W7-X by providing W7-X CoDaC infrastructure. • It has been used successfully for test and commissioning of the HEXOS diagnostic at Forschungszentrum Jülich. - Abstract: MobileCoDaC is a test bed allowing in situ testing and commissioning the control and data acquisition of components to be operated at Wendelstein 7-X. It is a minimized replica of the functionality of the complete W7-X CoDaC infrastructure and can be operated independently. MobileCoDaC contains a set of W7-X CoDaC servers, network infrastructure, and accessories for remote access. All hardware is mounted in a single transportable rack system. Moreover, it provides the software infrastructure and user applications for experiment preparation, experiment operation, trouble shooting and experiment data access. MobileCoDaC has been operated successfully for test and commissioning of the control and data acquisition of the HEXOS (high efficiency extreme ultraviolet overview spectrometer) diagnostic at Forschungszentrum Jülich

Fe-N{sub x}/C assisted chemical–mechanical polishing for improving the removal rate of sapphire

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Li, E-mail: xl0522@126.com [State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Manufacturing, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Zou, Chunli; Shi, Xiaolei [State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Manufacturing, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Pan, Guoshun, E-mail: pangs@tsinghua.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Manufacturing, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China); Luo, Guihai; Zhou, Yan [State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano Manufacturing, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057 (China)

2015-07-15

Highlights: • A novel non-noble metal catalyst (Fe-N{sub x}/C) was prepared. • Fe-N{sub x}/C shows remarkable catalytic activity for improving the removal rate of sapphire in alkaline solution. • The optimum CMP removal by Fe-N{sub x}/C yielded a superior surface finish of 0.078 nm the average roughness. • Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}, pyridinic N as well as pyrrolic N group possibly serving as the catalytic sites. • A soft hydration layer (boehmite, AlO(OH)) was generated on the surface of sapphire during CMP process. - Abstract: In this paper, a novel non-noble metal catalyst (Fe-N{sub x}/C) is used to improve the removal mass of sapphire as well as obtain atomically smooth sapphire wafer surfaces. The results indicate that Fe-N{sub x}/C shows good catalytic activity towards sapphire removal rate. And the material removal rates (MRRs) are found to vary with the catalyst content in the polishing fluid. Especially that when the polishing slurry mixes with 16 ppm Fe-N{sub x}/C shows the maximum MRR and its removal mass of sapphire is 38.43 nm/min, more than 15.44% larger than traditional CMP using the colloidal silicon dioxide (SiO{sub 2}) without Fe-N{sub x}/C. Catalyst-assisted chemical–mechanical polishing of sapphire is studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that the formation of a soft hydration layer (boehmite, γ-AlOOH or γ-AlO(OH)) on sapphire surface facilitates the material removal and achieving fine surface finish on basal plane. Abrasives (colloid silica together with magnetite, ingredient of Fe-N{sub x}/C) with a hardness between boehmite and sapphire polish the c-plane of sapphire with good surface finish and efficient removal. Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}, pyridinic N as well as pyrrolic N group would be the catalytical active sites and accelerate this process. Surface quality is characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optimum CMP removal by Fe-N{sub x}/C also yields a superior

Growing GaN LEDs on amorphous SiC buffer with variable C/Si compositions

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Chih-Hsien; Tzou, An-Jye; Chang, Jung-Hung; Chi, Yu-Chieh; Lin, Yung-Hsiang; Shih, Min-Hsiung; Lee, Chao-Kuei; Wu, Chih-I; Kuo, Hao-Chung; Chang, Chun-Yen; Lin, Gong-Ru

2016-01-01

The epitaxy of high-power gallium nitride (GaN) light-emitting diode (LED) on amorphous silicon carbide (a-SixC1−x) buffer is demonstrated. The a-SixC1−x buffers with different nonstoichiometric C/Si composition ratios are synthesized on SiO2/Si substrate by using a low-temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The GaN LEDs on different SixC1−x buffers exhibit different EL and C-V characteristics because of the extended strain induced interfacial defects. The EL power decays when increasing the Si content of SixC1−x buffer. The C-rich SixC1−x favors the GaN epitaxy and enables the strain relaxation to suppress the probability of Auger recombination. When the SixC1−x buffer changes from Si-rich to C-rich condition, the EL peak wavelengh shifts from 446 nm to 450 nm. Moreover, the uniform distribution contour of EL intensity spreads between the anode and the cathode because the traping density of the interfacial defect gradually reduces. In comparison with the GaN LED grown on Si-rich SixC1−x buffer, the device deposited on C-rich SixC1−x buffer shows a lower turn-on voltage, a higher output power, an external quantum efficiency, and an efficiency droop of 2.48 V, 106 mW, 42.3%, and 7%, respectively. PMID:26794268

Scale dependence of open c anti c and b anti b production in the low x region

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oliveira, E.G. de [Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Departamento de Fisica, CFM, C.P. 476, Florianopolis, SC (Brazil); University of Durham, Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, Durham (United Kingdom); Martin, A.D. [University of Durham, Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, Durham (United Kingdom); Ryskin, M.G. [University of Durham, Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology, Durham (United Kingdom); NRC Kurchatov Institute, Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)

2017-03-15

The 'optimal' factorization scale μ{sub 0} is calculated for open heavy quark production. We find that the optimal value is μ{sub F} = μ{sub 0} ≅ 0.85√(p{sup 2}{sub T}+m{sub Q}{sup 2}); a choice which allows us to resum the double-logarithmic, (α{sub s} ln μ{sup 2}{sub F} ln (1/x)){sup n} corrections (enhanced at LHC energies by large values of ln(1/x)) and to move them into the incoming parton distributions, PDF (x, μ{sub 0}{sup 2}). Besides this result for the single inclusive cross section (corresponding to an observed heavy quark of transverse momentum p{sub T}), we also determined the scale for processes where the acoplanarity can be measured; that is, events where the azimuthal angle between the quark and the antiquark may be determined experimentally. Moreover, we discuss the important role played by the 2 → 2 subprocesses, gg → Q anti Q at NLO and higher orders. In summary, we achieve a better stability of the QCD calculations, so that the data on c anti c and b anti b production can be used to further constrain the gluons in the small x, relatively low scale, domain, where the uncertainties of the global analyses are large at present. (orig.)

(Benzyl isocyanide-κC1chlorido(2-chloro-3-dimethylamino-1-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl-κ2C1,Npalladium(II

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana C. Mafud

2013-01-01

Full Text Available In the title compound, [Pd(C11H13ClNCl(C8H7N], which crystallized in the chiral space group P212121, the PdII atom is coordinated by two C atoms, a Csp2 atom of the 2-chloro-3-dimethylamino-1-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl ligand and a Csp atom from the benzyl isocyanide ligand, as well as an N atom of the ligand and a Cl atom, in a square-planar geometry. In the complex, there is a short C—H...Cl hydrogen bond and a C—H...π interaction. In the crystal, molecules are linked via C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the a-axis direction.

Measurements of psi -> K-Lambda(Xi)over-bar(+) + c.c. and psi -> gamma K-Lambda(Xi)over-bar(+) + c.c.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ai, X. C.; Albayrak, O.; Albrecht, M.; Ambrose, D. J.; Amoroso, A.; An, F. F.; An, Q.; Bai, J. Z.; Ferroli, R. Baldini; Ban, Y.; Bennett, D. W.; Bennett, J. V.; Bertani, M.; Bettoni, D.; Bian, J. M.; Bianchi, F.; Boger, E.; Bondarenko, O.; Boyko, I.; Briere, R. A.; Cai, H.; Cai, X.; Cakir, O.; Calcaterra, A.; Cao, G. F.; Cetin, S. A.; Chang, J. F.; Chelkov, G.; Chen, G.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, H. Y.; Chen, J. C.; Chen, M. L.; Chen, S. J.; Chen, X.; Chen, X. R.; Chen, Y. B.; Cheng, H. P.; Chu, X. K.; Cibinetto, G.; Cronin-Hennessy, D.; Dai, H. L.; Dai, J. P.; Dbeyssi, A.; Dedovich, D.; Deng, Z. Y.; Denig, A.; Denysenko, I.; Destefanis, M.; De Mori, F.; Ding, Y.; Dong, C.; Dong, J.; Dong, L. Y.; Dong, M. Y.; Duan, S. X.; Duan, P. F.; Fan, J. Z.; Fang, J.; Fang, S. S.; Fang, X.; Fang, Y.; Fava, L.; Feldbauer, F.; Felici, G.; Feng, C. Q.; Fioravanti, E.; Fritsch, M.; Fu, C. D.; Gao, Q.; Gao, X. Y.; Gao, Y.; Gao, Z.; Garzia, I.; Geng, C.; Goetzen, K.; Gong, W. X.; Gradl, W.; Greco, M.; Gu, M. H.; Gu, Y. T.; Guan, Y. H.; Guo, A. Q.; Guo, L. B.; Guo, Y.; Guo, Y. P.; Haddadi, Z.; Hafner, A.; Han, S.; Han, Y. L.; Hao, X. Q.; Harris, F. A.; He, K. L.; He, Z. Y.; Held, T.; Heng, Y. K.; Hou, Z. L.; Hu, C.; Hu, H. M.; Hu, J. F.; Hu, T.; Hu, Y.; Huang, G. M.; Huang, G. S.; Huang, H. P.; Huang, J. S.; Huang, X. T.; Huang, Y.; Hussain, T.; Ji, Q.; Ji, Q. P.; Ji, X. B.; Ji, X. L.; Jiang, L. L.; Jiang, L. W.; Jiang, X. S.; Jiao, J. B.; Jiao, Z.; Jin, D. P.; Jin, S.; Johansson, T.; Julin, A.; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Kang, X. L.; Kang, X. S.; Kavatsyuk, M.; Ke, B. C.; Kliemt, R.; Kloss, B.; Kolcu, O. B.; Kopf, B.; Kornicer, M.; Kuehn, W.; Kupsc, A.; Lai, W.; Lange, J. S.; Lara, M.; Larin, P.; Leng, C.; Li, C. H.; Li, Cheng; Li, D. M.; Li, F.; Li, G.; Li, H. B.; Li, J. C.; Li, Jin; Li, K.; Li, K.; Li, Lei; Li, P. R.; Li, T.; Li, W. D.; Li, W. G.; Li, X. L.; Li, X. M.; Li, X. N.; Li, X. Q.; Li, Z. B.; Liang, H.; Liang, Y. F.; Liang, Y. T.; Liao, G. R.; Lin, D. X.; Liu, B. J.; Liu, C. X.; Liu, F. H.; Liu, Fang; Liu, Feng; Liu, H. B.; Liu, H. H.; Liu, H. H.; Liu, H. M.; Liu, J.; Liu, J. P.; Liu, J. Y.; Liu, K.; Liu, K. Y.; Liu, L. D.; Liu, P. L.; Liu, Q.; Liu, S. B.; Liu, X.; Liu, X. X.; Liu, Y. B.; Liu, Z. A.; Liu, Zhiqiang; Liu, Zhiqing; Loehner, H.; Lou, X. C.; Lu, H. J.; Lu, J. G.; Lu, R. Q.; Lu, Y.; Lu, Y. P.; Luo, C. L.; Luo, M. X.; Luo, T.; Luo, X. L.; Lv, M.; Lyu, X. R.; Ma, F. C.; Ma, H. L.; Ma, L. L.; Ma, Q. M.; Ma, S.; Ma, T.; Ma, X. N.; Ma, X. Y.; Maas, F. E.; Maggiora, M.; Malik, Q. A.; Mao, Y. J.; Mao, Z. P.; Marcello, S.; Messchendorp, J. G.; Min, J.; Min, T. J.; Mitchell, R. E.; Mo, X. H.; Mo, Y. J.; Morales, C. Morales; Moriya, K.; Muchnoi, N. Yu.; Muramatsu, H.; Nefedov, Y.; Nerling, F.; Nikolaev, I. B.; Ning, Z.; Nisar, S.; Niu, S. L.; Niu, X. Y.; Olsen, S. L.; Ouyang, Q.; Pacetti, S.; Patteri, P.; Pelizaeus, M.; Peng, H. P.; Peters, K.; Pettersson, J.; Ping, J. L.; Ping, R. G.; Poling, R.; Pu, Y. N.; Qi, M.; Qian, S.; Qiao, C. F.; Qin, L. Q.; Qin, N.; Qin, X. S.; Qin, Y.; Qin, Z. H.; Qiu, J. F.; Rashid, K. H.; Redmer, C. F.; Ren, H. L.; Ripka, M.; Rong, G.; Ruan, X. D.; Santoro, V.; Sarantsev, A.; Savrie, M.; Schoenning, K.; Schumann, S.; Shan, W.; Shao, M.; Shen, C. P.; Shen, P. X.; Shen, X. Y.; Sheng, H. Y.; Song, W. M.; Song, X. Y.; Sosio, S.; Spataro, S.; Sun, G. X.; Sun, J. F.; Sun, S. S.; Sun, Y. J.; Sun, Y. Z.; Sun, Z. J.; Sun, Z. T.; Tang, C. J.; Tang, X.; Tapan, I.; Thorndike, E. H.; Tiemens, M.; Toth, D.; Ullrich, M.; Uman, I.; Varner, G. S.; Wang, B.; Wang, B. L.; Wang, D.; Wang, D. Y.; Wang, K.; Wang, L. L.; Wang, L. S.; Wang, M.; Wang, P.; Wang, P. L.; Wang, Q. J.; Wang, S. G.; Wang, W.; Wang, X. F.; Wang, Y. D.; Wang, Y. F.; Wang, Y. Q.; Wang, Z.; Wang, Z. G.; Wang, Z. H.; Wang, Z. Y.; Weber, T.; Wei, D. H.; Wei, J. B.; Weidenkaff, P.; Wen, S. P.; Wiedner, U.; Wolke, M.; Wu, L. H.; Wu, Z.; Xia, L. G.; Xia, Y.; Xiao, D.; Xiao, Z. J.; Xie, Y. G.; Xiu, Q. L.; Xu, G. F.; Xu, L.; Xu, Q. J.; Xu, Q. N.; Xu, X. P.; Yan, L.; Yan, W. B.; Yan, W. C.; Yan, Y. H.; Yang, H. X.; Yang, L.; Yang, Y.; Yang, Y. X.; Ye, H.; Ye, M.; Ye, M. H.; Yin, J. H.; Yu, B. X.; Yu, C. X.; Yu, H. W.; Yu, J. S.; Yuan, C. Z.; Yuan, W. L.; Yuan, Y.; Yuncu, A.; Zafar, A. A.; Zallo, A.; Zeng, Y.; Zhang, B. X.; Zhang, B. Y.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, C. C.; Zhang, D. H.; Zhang, H. H.; Zhang, H. Y.; Zhang, J. J.; Zhang, J. L.; Zhang, J. Q.; Zhang, J. W.; Zhang, J. Y.; Zhang, J. Z.; Zhang, K.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, S. H.; Zhang, X. Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, Y. H.; Zhang, Y. T.; Zhang, Z. H.; Zhang, Z. P.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zhao, G.; Zhao, H. S.; Zhao, J. W.; Zhao, J. Y.; Zhao, J. Z.; Zhao, Lei; Zhao, Ling; Zhao, M. G.; Zhao, Q.; Zhao, Q. W.; Zhao, S. J.; Zhao, T. C.; Zhao, Y. B.; Zhao, Z. G.; Zhemchugov, A.; Zheng, B.; Zheng, J. P.; Zheng, W. J.; Zheng, Y. H.; Zhong, B.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, Li; Zhou, X.; Zhou, X. K.; Zhou, X. R.; Zhou, X. Y.; Zhu, K.; Zhu, K. J.; Zhu, S.; Zhu, X. L.; Zhu, Y. C.; Zhu, Y. S.; Zhu, Z. A.; Zhuang, J.; Zotti, L.; Zou, B. S.; Zou, J. H.

2015-01-01

Using a sample of 1.06 x 10(8) psi(3686) events produced in e(+)e(-) collisions at root s = 3.686 GeV and collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we present studies of the decays psi(3686) -> K-Lambda(Xi) over bar (+) + c.c. and psi(3686) -> gamma K-Lambda(Xi) over bar (+) + c.c.

Binuclear trivalent and tetravalent uranium halides and cyanides supported by cyclooctatetraene ligands

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Cong-Zhi; Wu, Qun-Yan; Lan, Jian-Hui; Shi, Wei-Qun [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (China). Laboratory of Nuclear Energy Chemistry and Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; Chai, Zhi-Fang [Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (China). Laboratory of Nuclear Energy Chemistry and Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety; Soochow Univ., Suzhou (China). School of Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X); Gibson, John K. [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, CA (United States). Chemical Sciences Division

2017-03-01

Although the first organoactinide chloride Cp{sub 3}UCl (Cp = η{sup 5}-C{sub 5}H{sub 5}) was synthesized more than 50 years ago, binuclear uranium halides remain very rare in organoactinide chemistry. Herein, a series of binuclear trivalent and tetravalent uranium halides and cyanides with cyclooctatetraene ligands, (COT){sub 2}U{sub 2}X{sub n} (COT = η{sup 8}-C{sub 8}H{sub 8}; X=F, Cl, CN; n=2, 4), have been systematically studied using scalar-relativistic density functional theory (DFT). The structures with bridging halide or cyanide ligands were predicted to be the most stable complexes of (COT){sub 2}U{sub 2}X{sub n}, and all the complexes show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the uranium centers. However, for each species, there is no significant uranium-uranium bonding interaction. The bonding between the metal and the ligands shows some degree of covalent character, especially between the metal and terminal halide or cyanide ligands. The U-5f and 6d orbitals are predominantly involved in the metal-ligand bonding. All the (COT){sub 2}U{sub 2}X{sub n} species were predicted to be more stable compared to the mononuclear half-sandwich complexes at room temperature in the gas phase such that (COT){sub 2}U{sub 2}X{sub 4} might be accessible through the known (COT){sub 2}U complex. The tetravalent derivatives (COT){sub 2}U{sub 2}X{sub 4} are more energetically favorable than the trivalent (COT){sub 2}U{sub 2}X{sub 2} analogs, which may be attributed to the greater number of strong metal-ligand bonds in the former complexes.

NMR spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic study of methylcobalt(III) compounds with saturated amine ligands

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kofod, Pauli; Harris, Pernille

2004-01-01

The C-13 chemical shifts of methylcobalt(III) compounds with saturated amine ligands in cis positions to the methyl group and a monodentate ligand, L = CN-, NH3, NO2, N-3(-), H2O, or OH-, in the trans position are reported. The amine ligands used, 1,2-ethanediamine (en), 1,3-propanediamine (tn), N...

[Hydrogen production and enzyme activity of acidophilic strain X-29 at different C/N ratio].

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Qiu-bo; Xing, De-feng; Ren, Nan-qi; Zhao, Li-hua; Song, Ye-ying

2006-04-01

Some fermentative bacteria can produce hydrogen by utilizing carbohydrate and other kinds of organic compounds as substrates. Hydrogen production was also determined by both the limiting of growth and related enzyme activity in energy metabolism. Carbon and nitrogen are needed for the growth and metabolism of microorganisms. In addition, the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio can influence the material metabolized and the energy produced. In order to improve the hydrogen production efficiency of the bacteria, we analyzed the effect of different C/N ratios on hydrogen production and the related enzyme activities in the acidophilic strain X-29 using batch test. The results indicate that the differences in the metabolism level and enzyme activity are obvious at different C/N ratios. Although the difference in liquid fermentative products produced per unit of biomass is not obvious, hydrogen production is enhanced at a specifically determined ratio. At a C/N ratio of 14 the accumulative hydrogen yield of strain X-29 reaches the maximum, 2210.9 mL/g. At different C/N ratios, the expression of hydrogenase activity vary; the activity of hydrogenase decrease quickly after reaching a maximum along with the fermentation process, but the time of expression is short. The activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) tend to stabilize after reaching a peak along with the fermentation process, the difference in expression activity is little, and the expression period is long at different C/N ratios. At a C/N ratio of 14 hydrogenase and ADH reach the maximum 2.88 micromol x (min x mg)(-1) and 33.2 micromol x (min x mg)(-1), respectively. It is shown that the C/N ratio has an important effect on enhancing hydrogen production and enzyme activity.

Hydrogen adsorption properties of polymer-derived nanoporous SiC{sub x} fibers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chu, Zengyong; He, Rongan; Zhang, Xiaobin; Cheng, Haifeng; Li, Xiaodong; Wang, Yingde [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073 (China)

2010-04-15

In an effort to prepare new hydrogen storage materials, we successfully obtained three types of polymer-derived nanoporous SiC{sub x} (x = 5-7) fibers, whose specific surface areas (SSAs) are larger than 580 m{sup 2}/g. Their hydrogen adsorption properties were studied with a comparison of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The results reveal that micropores play a predominant role in hydrogen adsorptions at 77 K and at pressures below 0.5 MPa, and mesopores begin to take greater effect when the pressure increases beyond 0.5 MPa. The maximum hydrogen storage capacity (HSC), 0.33 wt% at 302 K and 4 MPa, was achieved for SiC{sub x}-KN fibers with SSA of 990 m{sup 2}/g, while the HSC of the MWCNTs is 0.09 wt% at the same conditions. For these new materials, this work demonstrates that small pore size, large micropore volume and large SSA are all beneficial for the high hydrogen uptake. It can also be deduced from the work that the HSC of the SiC{sub x} fibers could be further increased if the crystallinity and the composition are better controlled. (author)

High reflectance Cr/C multilayer at 250 eV for soft X-ray polarimetry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wen, Mingwu; Jiang, Li; Zhang, Zhong; Huang, Qiushi [MOE Key Laboratory of Advanced Micro-Structured Materials, Institute of Precision Optical Engineering (IPOE), School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); Wang, Zhanshan, E-mail: wangzs@tongji.edu.cn [MOE Key Laboratory of Advanced Micro-Structured Materials, Institute of Precision Optical Engineering (IPOE), School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); She, Rui; Feng, Hua [Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing (China); Wang, Hongchang [Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE (United Kingdom)

2015-10-01

X-ray reflection near 45° via multilayer mirrors can be used for astronomical polarization measurements. A Cr/C multilayer mirror (designed for X-ray polarimetry at 250 eV), with a period thickness of 3.86 nm and a bi-layer number of 100, was fabricated using direct current magnetron sputtering. Grazing incidence X-ray reflectometry at 8 keV and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the multilayer structure. Different models were introduced to fit the hard X-ray reflectivity curve, which indicates that the layer thickness of two materials slightly drifts from the bottom to the top of the stack. Both the chromium and carbon layers are amorphous with asymmetric interfaces, while the Cr-on-C interface is slightly wider. Based on the good quality of the multilayer structure, a high reflectivity of 21.8% for the s-polarized light was obtained at 250 eV at a grazing incidence angle of 40.7°. The fabricated Cr/C multilayer mirror exhibits high reflectivity and polarization levels in the energy region of 240 eV–260 eV. - Highlights: • We fabricated Cr/C multilayer with 3.8 nm d-spacing. • X-ray reflectometry was used to determine the exact structure of Cr/C multilayer. • A high reflectivity of 21.8% for the s-polarized light was obtained at 250 eV. • Both Cr and C were found to be amorphous with slightly asymmetric interfaces. • A 4-layer model was used to fit and explain the results.

Leptin rapidly activates PPARs in C2C12 muscle cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bendinelli, Paola; Piccoletti, Roberta; Maroni, Paola

2005-01-01

Experimental evidence suggests that leptin operates on the tissues, including skeletal muscle, also by modulating gene expression. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we have shown that physiological doses of leptin promptly increase the binding of C2C12 cell nuclear extracts to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) response elements in oligonucleotide probes and that all three PPAR isoforms participate in DNA-binding complexes. We pre-treated C2C12 cells with AACOCF 3 , a specific inhibitor of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 (cPLA 2 ), an enzyme that supplies ligands to PPARs, and found that it abrogates leptin-induced PPAR DNA-binding activity. Leptin treatment significantly increased cPLA 2 activity, evaluated as the release of [ 3 H]arachidonic acid from pre-labelled C2C12 cells, as well as phosphorylation. Further, using MEK1 inhibitor PD-98059 we showed that leptin activates cPLA 2 through ERK induction. These results support a direct effect of leptin on skeletal muscle cells, and suggest that the hormone may modulate muscle transcription also by precocious activation of PPARs through ERK-cPLA 2 pathway

Image quality analysis of vibration effects In C-arm-flat panel X-ray imaging

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Snoeren, R.M.; Kroon, J.N.; With, de P.H.N.

2011-01-01

The motion of C-arm scanning X-ray systems may result in vibrations of the imaging sub-system. In this paper, we connect C-arm system vibrations to Image Quality (IQ) deterioration for 2D angiography and 3D cone beam X-ray imaging, using large Flat Panel detectors. Vibrations will affect the

Discovery and optimization of antibacterial AccC inhibitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cheng, Cliff C.; Shipps, Jr., Gerald W.; Yang, Zhiwei; Sun, Binyuan; Kawahata, Noriyuki; Soucy, Kyle A.; Soriano, Aileen; Orth, Peter; Xiao, Li; Mann, Paul; Black, Todd; (SPRI)

2010-09-17

The biotin carboxylase (AccC) is part of the multi-component bacterial acetyl coenzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase) and is essential for pathogen survival. We describe herein the affinity optimization of an initial hit to give 2-(2-chlorobenzylamino)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxamide (1), which was identified using our proprietary Automated Ligand Identification System (ALIS). The X-ray co-crystal structure of 1 was solved and revealed several key interactions and opportunities for further optimization in the ATP site of AccC. Structure Based Drug Design (SBDD) and parallel synthetic approaches resulted in a novel series of AccC inhibitors, exemplified by (R)-2-(2-chlorobenzylamino)-1-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-5-carboxamide (40). This compound is a potent and selective inhibitor of bacterial AccC with an IC{sub 50} of 20 nM and a MIC of 0.8 {micro}g/mL against a sensitized strain of Escherichia coli (HS294 E. coli).

Sex-specific expression of the X-linked histone demethylase gene Jarid1c in brain.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jun Xu

Full Text Available Jarid1c, an X-linked gene coding for a histone demethylase, plays an important role in brain development and function. Notably, JARID1C mutations cause mental retardation and increased aggression in humans. These phenotypes are consistent with the expression patterns we have identified in mouse brain where Jarid1c mRNA was detected in hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. Jarid1c expression and associated active histone marks at its 5'end are high in P19 neurons, indicating that JARID1C demethylase plays an important role in differentiated neuronal cells. We found that XX mice expressed Jarid1c more highly than XY mice, independent of their gonadal types (testes versus ovaries. This increased expression in XX mice is consistent with Jarid1c escape from X inactivation and is not compensated by expression from the Y-linked paralogue Jarid1d, which is expressed at a very low level compared to the X paralogue in P19 cells. Our observations suggest that sex-specific expression of Jarid1c may contribute to sex differences in brain function.

Dicty_cDB: SSL190 [Dicty_cDB

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available 4.1 Cloning vector pDXA-3strep. 216 3e-67 3 X85119 |X85119.1 Artificial sequences cloning vector DNA pDXA-3H.... 216 3e-67 3 X85122 |X85122.1 Artificial sequences cloning vector DNA pDXA-HY. 2...16 3e-67 3 AJ510165 |AJ510165.1 Cloning vector pDXA-3FLAG. 216 3e-67 3 X85118 |X85118.1 Artificial sequences cloning... vector DNA pDXA-3C. 216 3e-67 3 X85123 |X85123.1 Artificial sequences cloning vector DNA pDXA-HC. 2...3e-67 3 X85120 |X85120.1 Artificial sequences cloning vector DNA pDXD-3H. 216 3e-67 3 AJ510166 |AJ510166.1 C

Dicty_cDB: SHJ446 [Dicty_cDB

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available X4, complete sequence. 42 0.41 8 CX076494 |CX076494.1 UCRCS08_50C12_g Parent Washington Navel Orange Callus ... |CX076493.1 UCRCS08_50C12_b Parent Washington Navel Orange Callus cDNA Library U

Alcohol solvents evaporation-induced self-assembly synthesis of mesoporous TiO2- x- y C x N y nanoparticles toward visible-light driven photocatalytic activity

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Shou-Heng; Syu, Han-Ren; Wu, Chung-Yi

2014-12-01

A one-step solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly (SEISA) process was demonstrated to prepare carbon and nitrogen co-doping mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles (MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y - S) using an ionic liquid as carbon and nitrogen sources as well as mesoporous template. After the evaporation of different solvents (methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol) and subsequent calcinations at 773 K, the obtained MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y - S samples were systematically characterized by a variety of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including small- and large-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. The results indicate that the solvents play an essential role on the chemical microstructure, doping elemental states, and photocatalytic performance of catalysts. The MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y -I samples have the lowest band gap of ca. 2.75 eV and strongest absorbance of visible light in the range of 400-600 nm. Among the MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y - S photocatalysts, the MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y -M catalysts show superior photocatalytic activity of hydrogen generation in methanol aqueous solution under visible light irradiation as compared to MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y -E, MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y -I, and commercial Degussa TiO2. This result could be attributed to the moderate C,N co-doping amounts on their developed mesoporous texture (pore size = 8.0 nm) and high surface area (107 m2 g-1) of TiO2 (crystallite size = 9.9 nm) in the MesoTiO2- x- y C x N y -M catalysts.

Paramagnetic centers in nanocrystalline TiC/C system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guskos, N.; Bodziony, T.; Maryniak, M.; Typek, J.; Biedunkiewicz, A.

2008-01-01

Electron paramagnetic resonance is applied to study the defect centers in nanocrystalline titanium carbide dispersed in carbon matrix (TiC x /C) synthesized by the non-hydrolytic sol-gel process. The presence of Ti 3+ paramagnetic centers is identified below 120 K along with a minor contribution from localized defect spins coupled with the conduction electron system in the carbon matrix. The temperature dependence of the resonance intensity of the latter signal indicates weak antiferromagnetic interactions. The presence of paramagnetic centers connected with trivalent titanium is suggested to be the result of chemical disorder, which can be further related to the observed anomalous behavior of conductivity, hardness, and corrosion resistance of nanocrystalline TiC x /C

Natural bond orbital analysis of molecular interactions: Theoretical study of W(CO)5 complexes with E(PH3)2 and NHEMe ligands (E=C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung; Huynh Thi Phuong Loan; Duong Tuan Quang; Pham Van Tat

2014-01-01

The complexes with ligands carbodiphosphorane-analogues (called tetrylones) [(CO) 5 W-{E(PH 3 ) 2 }] (W5-EP 2 ) and N-heterocyclic carbene-analogues (called tetrylenes) [(CO) 5 W-{NHE Me }] (W5-NHE Me ) when E=C-Pb have been studied using natural bond orbital (NBO) method. The NBO analysis provides a consistent picture of the chemical bonding is two entire families of transition metal complexes of tetrylone and tetrylene ligands in term of donor-acceptor interactions, showing the correlation of these interactions with Wiberg bond indies (WBI), natural partial charges, and the energetically highest lying occupied molecular orbitals for σ and π orbitals of free ligands E(PH 3 ) 2 and NHE Me . Analysis of the bonding situation reveals that in E(PH 3 ) 2 and NHE Me ligands, the energy level of the π orbital rises, whereas that of the σ orbital decreases as atom E becomes heavier. The complexes with head-on-bonded ligands have (CO) 5 W←E donation which comes from the σ-lone-pair orbital of E(PH 3 ) 2 and NHE Me where E=C for tetrylones and E=C, Si, Ge for tetrylenes, whereas the (CO) 5 W←E donation in the side-on bonded complexes when E becomes heavier arises from the π-lone-pair orbital of E(PH 3 ) 2 and NHE Me ligands which is the HOMO of the free ligands. This makes the heavier adducts of tetrylones and tetrylenes become stronger donors than the lighter systems. The NBO analysis suggests that the E(PH 3 ) 2 ligands are strong σ-donors and strong π-acceptors while the NHE Me ligands are strong σ-donors and weak π-acceptors. This is possible for tetrylones that have two lone-pair orbitals available for donation, whereas the tetrylenes have only one lone-pair orbital available for donation. (author)

Allergic Sensitization at School Age is a Systemic Low-grade Inflammatory Disorder

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Chawes, B. L.; Stokholm, J.; Schoos, A.-M. M.

2017-01-01

allergic sensitization. Methods High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8) were measured in plasma at age 6 months (N = 214) and 7 years (N = 277) in children from the Copenhagen Prospective...... sensitization in school-aged children suggesting systemic low-grade inflammation as a phenotypic characteristic of this early-onset NCD....

Factors Affecting the Binding of a Recombinant Heavy Metal-Binding Domain (CXXC motif Protein to Heavy Metals

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Kamala Boonyodying

2012-06-01

Full Text Available A number of heavy metal-binding proteins have been used to study bioremediation. CXXC motif, a metal binding domain containing Cys-X-X-Cys motif, has been identified in various organisms. These proteins are capable of binding various types of heavy metals. In this study, heavy metal binding domain (CXXC motif recombinant protein encoded from mcsA gene of S. aureus were cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The factors involved in the metal-binding activity were determined in order to analyze the potential of recombinant protein for bioremediation. A recombinant protein can be bound to Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+. The thermal stability of a recombinant protein was tested, and the results showed that the metal binding activity to Cu2+ and Zn2+ still exist after treating the protein at 85ºC for 30 min. The temperature and pH that affected the metal binding activity was tested and the results showed that recombinant protein was still bound to Cu2+ at 65ºC, whereas a pH of 3-7 did not affect the metal binding E. coli harboring a pRset with a heavy metal-binding domain CXXC motif increased the resistance of heavy metals against CuCl2 and CdCl2. This study shows that metal binding domain (CXXC motif recombinant protein can be effectively bound to various types of heavy metals and may be used as a potential tool for studying bioremediation.

Metastability of a-SiO{sub x}:H thin films for c-Si surface passivation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Serenelli, L., E-mail: luca.serenelli@enea.it [ENEA Research centre “Casaccia”, via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome (Italy); DIET University of Rome “Sapienza”, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome (Italy); Martini, L. [DIET University of Rome “Sapienza”, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome (Italy); Imbimbo, L. [ENEA Research centre “Casaccia”, via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome (Italy); DIET University of Rome “Sapienza”, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome (Italy); Asquini, R. [DIET University of Rome “Sapienza”, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome (Italy); Menchini, F.; Izzi, M.; Tucci, M. [ENEA Research centre “Casaccia”, via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome (Italy)

2017-01-15

Highlights: • a-SiO{sub x}:H film deposition by RF-PECVD is optimized from SiH{sub 4}, CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2} gas mixture. • Metastability of a-SiO{sub x}:H/c-Si passivation is investigated under thermal annealing and UV exposure. • A correlation between passivation metastability and Si−H bonds is found by FTIR spectra. • A metastability model is proposed. - Abstract: The adoption of a-SiO{sub x}:H films obtained by PECVD in heterojunction solar cells is a key to further increase their efficiency, because of its transparency in the UV with respect to the commonly used a-Si:H. At the same time this layer must guarantee high surface passivation of the c-Si to be suitable in high efficiency solar cell manufacturing. On the other hand the application of amorphous materials like a-Si:H and SiN{sub x} on the cell frontside expose them to the mostly energetic part of the sun spectrum, leading to a metastability of their passivation properties. Moreover as for amorphous silicon, thermal annealing procedures are considered as valuable steps to enhance and stabilize thin film properties, when performed at opportune temperature. In this work we explored the reliability of a-SiO{sub x}:H thin film layers surface passivation on c-Si substrates under UV exposition, in combination with thermal annealing steps. Both p- and n-type doped c-Si substrates were considered. To understand the effect of UV light soaking we monitored the minority carriers lifetime and Si−H and Si−O bonding, by FTIR spectra, after different exposure times to light coming from a deuterium lamp, filtered to UV-A region, and focused on the sample to obtain a power density of 50 μW/cm{sup 2}. We found a certain lifetime decrease after UV light soaking in both p- and n-type c-Si passivated wafers according to a a-SiO{sub x}:H/c-Si/a-SiO{sub x}:H structure. The role of a thermal annealing, which usually enhances the as-deposited SiO{sub x} passivation properties, was furthermore considered. In

Photodissociation dynamics of gaseous CpCo(CO)2 and ligand exchange reactions of CpCoH2 with C3H4, C3H6, and NH3.

Science.gov (United States)

Oana, Melania; Nakatsuka, Yumiko; Albert, Daniel R; Davis, H Floyd

2012-05-31

The photodissociation dynamics of CpCo(CO)(2) was studied in a molecular beam using photofragment translational energy spectroscopy with 157 nm photoionization detection of the metallic products. At 532 and 355 nm excitation, the dominant one-photon channel involved loss of a single CO ligand producing CpCoCO. The product angular distributions were isotropic, and a large fraction of excess energy appeared as product vibrational excitation. Production of CpCO + 2CO resulted from two-photon absorption processes. The two-photon dissociation of mixtures containing CpCo(CO)(2) and H(2) at the orifice of a pulsed nozzle was used to produce a novel 16-electron unsaturated species, CpCoH(2). Transition metal ligand exchange reactions, CpCoH(2) + L → CpCoL + H(2) (L = propyne, propene, or ammonia), were studied under single-collision conditions for the first time. In all cases, ligand exchange occurred via 18-electron association complexes with lifetimes comparable to their rotational periods. Although ligand exchange reactions were not detected from CpCoH(2) collisions with methane or propane (L = CH(4) or C(3)H(8)), a molecular beam containing CpCoCH(4) was produced by photolysis of mixtures containing CpCo(CO)(2) and CH(4).

Effect of applied bias voltage on corrosion-resistance for TiC1-xNx and Ti1-xNbxC1-yNy coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caicedo, J.C.; Amaya, C.; Yate, L.; Aperador, W.; Zambrano, G.; Gomez, M.E.; Alvarado-Rivera, J.; Munoz-Saldana, J.; Prieto, P.

2010-01-01

Corrosion-resistance behavior of titanium carbon nitride (Ti-C-N) and titanium niobium carbon nitride (Ti-Nb-C-N) coatings deposited onto Si(1 0 0) and AISI 4140 steel substrates via r.f. magnetron sputtering process was analyzed. The coatings in contact with a solution of sodium chloride at 3.5% were studied by Tafel polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy methods (EIS). Variations of the bias voltage were carried out for each series of deposition to observe the influence of this parameter upon the electrochemical properties of the coatings. The introduction of Nb in the ternary Ti-C-N film was evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The structure was characterized by using Raman spectroscopy to identify ternary and quaternary compounds. Surface corrosion processes were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results show conformation of the quaternary phase, change in the strain of the film, and lattice parameter as the effect of the Nb inclusion. The main Raman bands were assigned to interstitial phases and 'impurities' of the coatings. Changes in Raman intensities were attributed to the incorporation of niobium in the Ti-C-N structure and possibly to resonance enhancement. Finally, the corrosion data obtained for Ti-C-N were compared with the results of corrosion tests of Ti-Nb-C-N coating. The results obtained showed that the incorporation of niobium to Ti-C-N coatings led to an increase in the corrosion-resistance. On another hand, an increase in the bias voltage led to a decrease in the corrosion-resistance for both Ti-C-N and Ti-Nb-C-N coatings.

Nickel(0)-catalyzed enantioselective annulations of alkynes and arylenoates enabled by a chiral NHC ligand: efficient access to cyclopentenones.

Science.gov (United States)

Ahlin, Joachim S E; Donets, Pavel A; Cramer, Nicolai

2014-11-24

Cyclopentenones are versatile structural motifs of natural products as well as reactive synthetic intermediates. The nickel-catalyzed reductive [3+2] cycloaddition of α,β-unsaturated aromatic esters and alkynes constitutes an efficient method for their synthesis. Here, nickel(0) catalysts comprising a chiral bulky C1-symmetric N-heterocyclic carbene ligand were shown to enable an efficient asymmetric synthesis of cyclopentenones from mesityl enoates and internal alkynes under mild conditions. The bulky NHC ligand provided the cyclopentenone products in very high enantioselectivity and led to a regioselective incorporation of unsymmetrically substituted alkynes. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dicty_cDB: SHE454 [Dicty_cDB

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available VTHTPVNVDDNNKCTIDTCTKEGGVTHTPINTDDNNACTLDSCSXXXGVSHTPNK X****xmdl*nscsklnwlx*ippinwddxnxc--- Frame C: lmitmp...vhlipvhhqlvfptpqltvmivihvp*thvqiqpvv*tlqsmlmiiihvl*mlv pnqqvshipq*m*mittnvqlmhvpkkvv*lilqstlmitm...xmiitnvqlihvpkkvv*lilqsilmitmpvplipahxxlvfpippin xddnnxwtcrihvpnstgxgkylqltgtixxxv--- Homology vs CSM-cDNA S

Association of Immune and Metabolic Receptors C5aR and C5L2 with Adiposity in Women

Science.gov (United States)

Rezvani, Reza; Gupta, Abhishek; Marceau, Picard; Tchernof, André

2014-01-01

Adipose tissue receptors C5aR and C5L2 and their heterodimerization/functionality and interaction with ligands C5a and acylation stimulating protein (ASP) have been evaluated in cell and rodent studies. Their contribution to obesity factors in humans remains unclear. We hypothesized that C5a receptors, classically required for host defense, are also associated with adiposity. Anthropometry and fasting blood parameters were measured in 136 women divided by body mass index (BMI): normal/overweight (≤30 kg/m2; n = 34), obese I (≤45 kg/m2; n = 33), obese II (≤51 kg/m2; n = 33), and obese III (≤80 kg/m2; n = 36). Subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue C5aR and C5L2 expression were analysed. C5L2 expression was comparable between subcutaneous and omental across all BMI groups. Plasma ASP and ASP/omental C5L2 expression increased with BMI (P correlations between C5L2/C5aR and waist circumference, HDL-C, and adiponectin. Tissue and BMI differences in receptors and ligands, particularly in omental, suggest relationship to metabolic disturbances and highlight adipose-immune interactions. PMID:24523571

Exploiting hidden symmetry in natural products: total syntheses of amphidinolides C and F.

Science.gov (United States)

Mahapatra, Subham; Carter, Rich G

2013-07-24

The total synthesis of amphidinolide C and a second-generation synthesis of amphidinolide F have been accomplished through the use of a common intermediate to access both the C1-C8 and the C18-C25 sections. The development of a Ag-catalyzed cyclization of a propargyl benzoate diol is described to access both trans-tetrahydrofuran rings. The evolution of a Felkin-controlled, 2-lithio-1,3-dienyl addition strategy to incorporate C9-C11 diene as well as C8 stereocenter is detailed. Key controlling aspects in the sulfone alkylation/oxidative desulfurization to join the major subunits, including the exploration of the optimum masking group for the C18 carbonyl motif, are discussed. A Trost asymmetric alkynylation and a stereoselective cuprate addition to an alkynoate have been developed for the rapid construction of the C26-C34 subunit. A Tamura/Vedejs olefination to introduce the C26 side arm of amphidnolides C and F is employed. The late-stage incorporation of the C15, C18 diketone motif proved critical to the successful competition of the total syntheses.

Aptamers Binding to c-Met Inhibiting Tumor Cell Migration.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Birgit Piater

Full Text Available The human receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met plays an important role in the control of critical cellular processes. Since c-Met is frequently over expressed or deregulated in human malignancies, blocking its activation is of special interest for therapy. In normal conditions, the c-Met receptor is activated by its bivalent ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF. Also bivalent antibodies can activate the receptor by cross linking, limiting therapeutic applications. We report the generation of the RNA aptamer CLN64 containing 2'-fluoro pyrimidine modifications by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX. CLN64 and a previously described single-stranded DNA (ssDNA aptamer CLN3 exhibited high specificities and affinities to recombinant and cellular expressed c-Met. Both aptamers effectively inhibited HGF-dependent c-Met activation, signaling and cell migration. We showed that these aptamers did not induce c-Met activation, revealing an advantage over bivalent therapeutic molecules. Both aptamers were shown to bind overlapping epitopes but only CLN3 competed with HGF binding to cMet. In addition to their therapeutic and diagnostic potential, CLN3 and CLN64 aptamers exhibit valuable tools to further understand the structural and functional basis for c-Met activation or inhibition by synthetic ligands and their interplay with HGF binding.

Iridium complexes containing mesoionic C donors: selective C(sp3)-H versus C(sp2)-H bond activation, reactivity towards acids and bases, and catalytic oxidation of silanes and water.

Science.gov (United States)

Petronilho, Ana; Woods, James A; Mueller-Bunz, Helge; Bernhard, Stefan; Albrecht, Martin

2014-11-24

Metalation of a C2-methylated pyridylimidazolium salt with [IrCp*Cl2]2 affords either an ylidic complex, resulting from C(sp(3))-H bond activation of the C2-bound CH3 group if the metalation is performed in the presence of a base, such as AgO2 or Na2CO3, or a mesoionic complex via cyclometalation and thermally induced heterocyclic C(sp(2))-H bond activation, if the reaction is performed in the absence of a base. Similar cyclometalation and complex formation via C(sp(2))-H bond activation is observed when the heterocyclic ligand precursor consists of the analogous pyridyltriazolium salt, that is, when the metal bonding at the C2 position is blocked by a nitrogen rather than a methyl substituent. Despite the strongly mesoionic character of both the imidazolylidene and the triazolylidene, the former reacts rapidly with D(+) and undergoes isotope exchange at the heterocyclic C5 position, whereas the triazolylidene ligand is stable and only undergoes H/D exchange under basic conditions, where the imidazolylidene is essentially unreactive. The high stability of the Ir-C bond in aqueous solution over a broad pH range was exploited in catalytic water oxidation and silane oxidation. The catalytic hydrosilylation of ketones proceeds with turnover frequencies as high as 6,000 h(-1) with both the imidazolylidene and the triazolylidene system, whereas water oxidation is enhanced by the stronger donor properties of the imidazol-4-ylidene ligands and is more than three times faster than with the triazolylidene analogue. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Discovery of candidate KEN-box motifs using cell cycle keyword enrichment combined with native disorder prediction and motif conservation.

Science.gov (United States)

Michael, Sushama; Travé, Gilles; Ramu, Chenna; Chica, Claudia; Gibson, Toby J

2008-02-15

KEN-box-mediated target selection is one of the mechanisms used in the proteasomal destruction of mitotic cell cycle proteins via the APC/C complex. While annotating the Eukaryotic Linear Motif resource (ELM, http://elm.eu.org/), we found that KEN motifs were significantly enriched in human protein entries with cell cycle keywords in the UniProt/Swiss-Prot database-implying that KEN-boxes might be more common than reported. Matches to short linear motifs in protein database searches are not, per se, significant. KEN-box enrichment with cell cycle Gene Ontology terms suggests that collectively these motifs are functional but does not prove that any given instance is so. Candidates were surveyed for native disorder prediction using GlobPlot and IUPred and for motif conservation in homologues. Among >25 strong new candidates, the most notable are human HIPK2, CHFR, CDC27, Dab2, Upf2, kinesin Eg5, DNA Topoisomerase 1 and yeast Cdc5 and Swi5. A similar number of weaker candidates were present. These proteins have yet to be tested for APC/C targeted destruction, providing potential new avenues of research.

Reaction of hydrogen with the Laves phase (C14) TiCr{sub 1.78-x}Mn{sub x} compounds

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Agresti, F. [Universita di Padova, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Settore Materiali and CNISM, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova (Italy); Lo Russo, S. [Universita di Padova, Dipartimento di Fisica and CNISM, via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova (Italy); Maddalena, A.; Principi, G. [Universita di Padova, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Settore Materiali and CNISM, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova (Italy); Mazzolai, G. [Universita di Perugia, Dipartimento di Fisica, Via A. Pascoli 5, 06100 Perugia (Italy); Universita Telematica e-Campus, Via Isimbardi 10, Novedrate (Colombia) (Italy); Coluzzi, B.; Biscarini, A. [Universita di Perugia, Dipartimento di Fisica, Via A. Pascoli 5, 06100 Perugia (Italy); Mazzolai, F.M., E-mail: fabio.mazzolai@fisica.unipg.it [Universita di Perugia, Dipartimento di Fisica, Via A. Pascoli 5, 06100 Perugia (Italy); Tuissi, A. [Istituto per l' Energia e le Interfasi, CNR-IENI, C.so Promessi Sposi, 29, Lecco (Italy)

2009-09-15

The lattice constants a and c of the as cast hexagonal (C14) Laves phase TiCr{sub 1.78-x}Mn{sub x} (x = 0, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) have been measured by X-ray diffraction at room temperature as a function of the Mn content. It has been found that a decreases with increasing x while c remains almost unchanged. Being this alloy interesting as material for solid state hydrogen storage, pressure-composition isotherms have been traced on desorption mode for the H{sub 2} gas pressure and temperature varying from 10 to 0.01 MPa and from 209 to 307 K, respectively. From the temperature dependence of the plateau pressure the molar quantities {Delta}H-bar{sub H{sub 2}} and {Delta}S-bar{sub H{sub 2}} associated with the hydride decomposition have been determined as a function of the Mn content. With increasing x, both {Delta}H-bar{sub H{sub 2}} and {Delta}S-bar{sub H{sub 2}} progressively decrease, and the desorption pressure initially decreases (for x {<=} 0.4) then slightly increases. At the same time, the pseudo-plateaus become flatter.

Improved i-motif thermal stability by insertion of anthraquinone monomers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gouda, Alaa S; Amine, Mahasen S.; Pedersen, Erik Bjerregaard

2017-01-01

In order to gain insight into how to improve thermal stability of i-motifs when used in the context of biomedical and nanotechnological applications, novel anthraquinone-modified i-motifs were synthesized by insertion of 1,8-, 1,4-, 1,5- and 2,6-disubstituted anthraquinone monomers into the TAA...... loops of a 22mer cytosine-rich human telomeric DNA sequence. The influence of the four anthraquinone linkers on the i-motif thermal stability was investigated at 295 nm and pH 5.5. Anthraquinone monomers modulate the i-motif stability in a position-depending manner and the modulation also depends...... unlocked nucleic acid monomers or twisted intercalating nucleic acid. The 2,6-disubstituted anthraquinone linker replacing T10 enabled a significant increase of i-motif thermal melting by 8.2 °C. A substantial increase of 5.0 °C in i-motif thermal melting was recorded when both A6 and T16 were modified...

Oxidation behavior of TiC, ZrC, and HfC dispersed in oxide matrices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arun, R.; Subramanian, M.; Mehrotra, G.M.

1990-01-01

The oxidation behavior of hot pressed TiC-Al 2 O 3 , TiC-ZrO 2 , ZrC-ZrO 2 , and HfC-HfO 2 composites has been investigated at 1273 K. The oxidation of TiC, ZrC, and HfC in hot-pressed composites containing ZrO 2 and HfO 2 has been found to be extremely rapid. The kinetics of oxidation of TiC and a 90 wt% TiC-Al 2 O 3 composite appear to be faster compared to that of pure TiC. X-ray diffraction results for hot-pressed ZrC-HfO 2 and HfC-HfO 2 composites indicate partial stabilization of tetragonal ZrO 2 and HfO 2 phases in these composites

An extraordinarily stable catalyst: Pt NPs supported on two-dimensional Ti3C2X2 (X = OH, F) nanosheets for oxygen reduction reaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Xiaohong; Chen, Siguo; Ding, Wei; Nie, Yao; Wei, Zidong

2013-10-03

High dispersion Pt nanoparticles supported on 2D Ti3C2X2 (X = OH, F) nanosheets are presented and electro-chemical measurements confirm that the Pt/Ti3C2X2 catalyst shows enhanced durability and improved ORR activity compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

A ligand peptide motif selected from a cancer patient is a receptor-interacting site within human interleukin-11.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marina Cardó-Vila

Full Text Available Interleukin-11 (IL-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine approved by the FDA against chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. From a combinatorial selection in a cancer patient, we isolated an IL-11-like peptide mapping to domain I of the IL-11 (sequence CGRRAGGSC. Although this motif has ligand attributes, it is not within the previously characterized interacting sites. Here we design and validate in-tandem binding assays, site-directed mutagenesis and NMR spectroscopy to show (i the peptide mimics a receptor-binding site within IL-11, (ii the binding of CGRRAGGSC to the IL-11R alpha is functionally relevant, (iii Arg4 and Ser8 are the key residues mediating the interaction, and (iv the IL-11-like motif induces cell proliferation through STAT3 activation. These structural and functional results uncover an as yet unrecognized receptor-binding site in human IL-11. Given that IL-11R alpha has been proposed as a target in human cancer, our results provide clues for the rational design of targeted drugs.

The oxidative stress-inducible cystine/glutamate antiporter, system x (c) (-) : cystine supplier and beyond.

Science.gov (United States)

Conrad, Marcus; Sato, Hideyo

2012-01-01

The oxidative stress-inducible cystine/glutamate exchange system, system x (c) (-) , transports one molecule of cystine, the oxidized form of cysteine, into cells and thereby releases one molecule of glutamate into the extracellular space. It consists of two protein components, the 4F2 heavy chain, necessary for membrane location of the heterodimer, and the xCT protein, responsible for transport activity. Previously, system x (c) (-) has been regarded to be a mere supplier of cysteine to cells for the synthesis of proteins and the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). In that sense, oxygen, electrophilic agents, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide trigger xCT expression to accommodate with increased oxidative stress by stimulating GSH biosynthesis. However, emerging evidence established that system x (c) (-) may act on its own as a GSH-independent redox system by sustaining a redox cycle over the plasma membrane. Hallmarks of this cycle are cystine uptake, intracellular reduction to cysteine and secretion of the surplus of cysteine into the extracellular space. Consequently, increased levels of extracellular cysteine provide a reducing microenvironment required for proper cell signaling and communication, e.g. as already shown for the mechanism of T cell activation. By contrast, the enhanced release of glutamate in exchange with cystine may trigger neurodegeneration due to glutamate-induced cytotoxic processes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive picture from the early days of system x (c) (-) research up to now.