Characterization of Membrane Potential Dependency of Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uptake by an Improved Biophysical Model of Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is the primary influx pathway for Ca2+ into respiring mitochondria, and hence plays a key role in mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. Though the mechanism of extra-matrix Ca2+ dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake has been well characterized both experimentally and mathematically, the mechanism of membrane potential (ΔΨ) dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake has not been completely characterized. In this paper, we perform a quantitative reevaluation of a previous biophysical model of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter that characterized the possible mechanism of ΔΨ dependency of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Based on a model simulation analysis, we show that model predictions with a variant assumption (Case 2: external and internal Ca2+ binding constants for the uniporter are distinct), that provides the best possible description of the ΔΨ dependency, are highly sensitive to variation in matrix [Ca2+], indicating limitations in the variant assumption (Case 2) in providing physiologically plausible description of the observed ΔΨ dependency. This sensitivity is attributed to negative estimate of a biophysical parameter that characterizes binding of internal Ca2+ to the uniporter. Reparameterization of the model with additional nonnengativity constraints on the biophysical parameters showed that the two variant assumptions (Case 1 and Case 2) are indistinguishable, indicating that the external and internal Ca2+ binding constants for the uniporter may be equal (Case 1). The model predictions in this case are insensitive to variation in matrix [Ca2+] but do not match the ΔΨ dependent data in the domain ΔΨ≤120 mV. To effectively characterize this ΔΨ dependency, we reformulate the ΔΨ dependencies of the rate constants of Ca2+ translocation via the uniporter by exclusively redefining the biophysical parameters associated with the free-energy barrier of Ca2+ translocation based on a generalized, non-linear Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz formulation. This alternate uniporter model has all the characteristics of the previous uniporter model and is also able to characterize the possible mechanisms of both the extra-matrix Ca2+ and ΔΨ dependencies of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In addition, the model is insensitive to variation in matrix [Ca2+], predicting relatively stable physiological operation. The model is critical in developing mechanistic, integrated models of mitochondrial bioenergetics and Ca2+ handling

TQM, games design and the implications of integration in Industry 4.0 systems

Purpose Voluntary participation, feedback loops, rules and goals are key elements of total quality management (TQM). The purpose of this paper is to determine if these four elements which make TQM successful are the same elements that make computer games successful. If this is the case, what are the implications for developers of Human Computer Interfaces (HCI) in Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a systematic literature review of recent literature on engagement in games and user experiences and HCI design for industry followed by interpretation of the literature. The findings from the literature review are analysed and compared to TQM. Findings Good game design and TQM share four key components: goals, rules, a feedback system (including rewards) and voluntary participation. There is an opportunity for HCI developers to use a user experience lens inherent in games evolution and to expand on the design and motivational elements that have made games and TQM successful at motivating and engaging. Kuutti’s (1995) proposal of activity theory puts forward a promising framework for making systems engaging. There are positive implications merging good games design and TQM in socio-technic systems which could improve engagement and quality in companies implementing in Industy 4.0. Research limitations/implications The implications of achieving increased engagement in HCI systems similar to those seen in companies that have successfully implemented TQM could lead to greater productivity in companies operating in the highly technical environments of Industry 4.0. Originality value The originality of this paper is threefold: first, a description of the origins in industry of voluntary participation, feedback loops, rules and goals and their relationship to TQM; second, a systematic literature review of the same elements in computer games design; and third, the implications for developers of HCI systems in Industry 4.0

Analysis of cardiac mitochondrial Na+–Ca2+ exchanger kinetics with a biophysical model of mitochondrial Ca2+ handing suggests a 3: 1 stoichiometry

Calcium is a key ion and is known to mediate signalling pathways between cytosol and mitochondria and modulate mitochondrial energy metabolism. To gain a quantitative, biophysical understanding of mitochondrial Ca2+ regulation, we developed a thermodynamically balanced model of mitochondrial Ca2+ handling and bioenergetics by integrating kinetic models of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (CU), Na+–Ca2+ exchanger (NCE), and Na+–H+ exchanger (NHE) into an existing computational model of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Kinetic flux expressions for the CU, NCE and NHE were developed and individually parameterized based on independent data sets on flux rates measured in purified mitochondria. While available data support a wide range of possible values for the overall activity of the CU in cardiac and liver mitochondria, even at the highest estimated values, the Ca2+ current through the CU does not have a significant effect on mitochondrial membrane potential. This integrated model was then used to analyse additional data on the dynamics and steady-states of mitochondrial Ca2+ governed by mitochondrial CU and NCE. Our analysis of the data on the time course of matrix free [Ca2+] in respiring mitochondria purified from rabbit heart with addition of different levels of Na+ to the external buffer medium (with the CU blocked) with two separate models – one with a 2: 1 stoichiometry and the other with a 3: 1 stoichiometry for the NCE – supports the hypothesis that the NCE is electrogenic with a stoichiometry of 3: 1. This hypothesis was further tested by simulating an additional independent data set on the steady-state variations of matrix free [Ca2+] with respect to the variations in external free [Ca2+] in purified respiring mitochondria from rat heart to show that only the 3: 1 stoichiometry model predictions are consistent with the data. Based on these analyses, it is concluded that the mitochondrial NCE is electrogenic with a stoichiometry of 3: 1

A Biophysically Based Mathematical Model for the Kinetics of Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter

Ca2+ transport through mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is the primary Ca2+ uptake mechanism in respiring mitochondria. Thus, the uniporter plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial Ca2+. Despite the importance of mitochondrial Ca2+ to metabolic regulation and mitochondrial function, and to cell physiology and pathophysiology, the structure and composition of the uniporter functional unit and kinetic mechanisms associated with Ca2+ transport into mitochondria are still not well understood. In this study, based on available experimental data on the kinetics of Ca2+ transport via the uniporter, a mechanistic kinetic model of the uniporter is introduced. The model is thermodynamically balanced and satisfactorily describes a large number of independent data sets in the literature on initial or pseudo-steady-state influx rates of Ca2+ via the uniporter measured under a wide range of experimental conditions. The model is derived assuming a multi-state catalytic binding and Eyring's free-energy barrier theory-based transformation mechanisms associated with the carrier-mediated facilitated transport and electrodiffusion. The model is a great improvement over the previous theoretical models of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter in the literature in that it is thermodynamically balanced and matches a large number of independently published data sets on mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. This theoretical model will be critical in developing mechanistic, integrated models of mitochondrial Ca2+ handling and bioenergetics which can be helpful in understanding the mechanisms by which Ca2+ plays a role in mediating signaling pathways and modulating mitochondrial energy metabolism

Research, policy and knowledge flows in education : What counts in knowledge mobilisation?

This Special Issue places discussion of Knowledge Mobilisation in the context of diminishing government funding for research, and the difficulties the research community has experienced in reaching out to those who might make best use of its knowledge base and research findings. The emphasis policymakers and funders give to demonstrating research impact turns these pressures into a potentially toxic brew with the capacity to distort how the academic community interacts with other interested parties. To re-direct attention to some of the more difficult issues in knowledge mobilisation, this paper presents three empirical case studies from education, exploring what happens as knowledge travels from one context of use to another. The cases highlight some substantial inequalities in the rights to define what counts as relevant knowledge that trouble easy acceptance of the concepts of impact or influence as key drivers in knowledge exchange

A Biophysically Based Mathematical Model for the Kinetics of Mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ Antiporter

Sodium-calcium antiporter is the primary efflux pathway for Ca2+ in respiring mitochondria, and hence plays an important role in mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. Although experimental data on the kinetics of Na+-Ca2+ antiporter are available, the structure and composition of its functional unit and kinetic mechanisms associated with the Na+-Ca2+ exchange (including the stoichiometry) remains unclear. To gain a quantitative understanding of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, a biophysical model of Na+-Ca2+ antiporter is introduced that is thermodynamically balanced and satisfactorily describes a number of independent data sets under a variety of experimental conditions. The model is based on a multistate catalytic binding mechanism for carrier-mediated facilitated transport and Eyring's free energy barrier theory for interconversion and electrodiffusion. The model predicts the activating effect of membrane potential on the antiporter function for a 3Na+:1Ca2+ electrogenic exchange as well as the inhibitory effects of both high and low pH seen experimentally. The model is useful for further development of mechanistic integrated models of mitochondrial Ca2+ handling and bioenergetics to understand the mechanisms by which Ca2+ plays a role in mitochondrial signaling pathways and energy metabolism