Determination of component volumes of lipid bilayers from simulations.

An efficient method for extracting volumetric data from simulations is developed. The method is illustrated using a recent atomic-level molecular dynamics simulation of L alpha phase 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine bilayer. Results from this simulation are obtained for the volumes of water (VW), lipid (V1), chain methylenes (V2), chain terminal methyls (V3), and lipid headgroups (VH), including separate volumes for carboxyl (Vcoo), glyceryl (Vgl), phosphoryl (VPO4), and choline (Vchol) groups. The method assumes only that each group has the same average volume regardless of its location in the bilayer, and this assumption is then tested with the current simulation. The volumes obtained agree well with the values VW and VL that have been obtained directly from experiment, as well as with the volumes VH, V2, and V3 that require certain assumptions in addition to the experimental data. This method should help to support and refine some assumptions that are necessary when interpreting experimental data.     

Drought stress effects on Rubisco in wheat: changes in the Rubisco large subunit

The leaf protein pattern from drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive wheat varieties subjected to severe soil drought but with the possibility for recover from stress was studied by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). The spots representing Rubisco large subunit (RLS) were identified using polyclonal antibodies against Rubisco and immunoblotting. Some qualitative and quantitative differences in the 2D-PAGE protein map of wheat varieties were revealed under drought conditions. Three days recovery of wheat plants were not enough for restoring RLS quantity to the level of controls after 7 days drought, especially in the drought-sensitive variety Miziya. There are contradictory data in the literature concerning increased or diminished RLS level in drought stressed plants. A comparison of RLS after SDS-PAGE and 2D-PAGE was made. The revealed protein pattern depended on the presence or absence of protease inhibitors in the extraction buffer, on the procedure of extraction, and on the degree of stress.     

Clinical aspects of continuous neonatal oxygen monitoring.

Twenty newborn infants (gestational age 30--40 weeks, weight 980--3400 g) were studied in two groups to compare two commercially available systems for continuous in vivo oxygen monitoring: the So2 catheter and the transcutaneous Po2 (TcPo2) electrode, and their respective electronic systems. Measurements from these systems were correlated with determinations made from samples intermittently drawn and measured by conventional So2 and Pao2 in vitro methods , respectively. Information about these two in vivo oxygen monitoring systems was then related to our previous experience with the bare-wire earlobe O2a electrode. Measurements from the two in vivo monitoring techniques studied showed good correlations with their respective in vitro oxygen measurements: So2 catheter, y = x - 3.08, r = 0.98 (range studied 74% to 100%) and transcutaneous electrode, y = 0.98x + 0.57, r = 0.89 (range studied 34 to 92 mm Hg). It was concluded that all three systems give a good reflection of central arterial oxygen (either Sao2 or Pao2)). The system to be used in specific clinical situations should depend on condition of the baby and stage of treatment, need for an umbilical line to measure other variables, equipment available, and training of personnel.     

Immunophenotyping of acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemias

Using monoclonal antibodies specific for myelomonocytic cells, 40 non-lymphoblastic leukaemias were analysed applying immunostaining to cytospin preparations. Based on the reactivity patterns six groups of acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemias could be determined, mirroring the bimodal differentiation pathway of myelomonocytic cells. Comparative enzyme cytochemical analysis did not render a clear cut correlation and discrimination of the immunocytochemically defined groups. It is concluded that only the application of a broad panel of immunocytochemical and enzyme cytochemical methods allow a sound subdivision and diagnosis of acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemias.     

Conformational energy analysis of the chemotactic tripeptide formyl-Met-Leu-Phe and three analogs

Conformational energy analyses were carried out on the chemotactic tripeptide fMLF (CHO-Met-Leu-Phe) and three analogs fALF (CHO-Ala-Leu-Phe). fMF (CHO-Met-Phe), and MLF (H-Met-Leu-Phe). A near-folded or puckered conformation predominates in all four peptides. The calculated average end-to-end distance R of each of the peptides is 7.4 A, 7.6 A, 7.0 A, and 7.3 A, respectively (where bends have R less than or equal to 7 A and extended structures have R approximately 10.5 A). The puckered conformation calculated for fMLF is similar to that determined experimentally for fMLF in nonpolar solvents and in the protein receptor. The results suggest that maximum chemotactic activity of the peptides depends on a combination of the chemical structure (the presence of N-formyl-methionine) and backbone conformation (C7conformation of the first amino acid residue).