Elucidating Structure and Dynamics of Extracellular Matrix Collagen Using Solid-State NMR

In recent years, solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) has emerged as an established spectroscopic method to afford detailed structural information on native cellular and extracellular components at atomic-scale resolution. Fibrillar collagens are the most common component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), comprising up to 20% by weight of the human body and is found in most of the tissues. Due to their diverse structures and compositions, collagens serve many functions, providing structural and mechanical support for surrounding cells, and playing important roles in cell-to-cell communication. Nonetheless, despite being at first glance a simple protein formed by three homologous polypeptide chains of repeating three-amino-acid triads trimerised into a triple helix, it is a highly versatile and complex system. Due to the complexity and size of the triple helix, the scientific community still lacks understanding of collagen structure, flexibility and dynamics at the atomic level, in spite of today’s advances in technology. The combination of $^13$C, $^15$N-labelled amino acid enrichment of in-vitro or in-vivo materials with two-dimensional solid-state NMR spectroscopy potentially provides a more detailed understanding of the complex collagen structure and dynamics at atomic resolution. Furthermore, our knowledge of undesirable structural changes within the extracellular matrix, such as non-enzymatic glycation reactions with reducing sugars, is limited. Glycation-modified extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to abnormal cell behaviour and widespread cell necrosis, potentially causing numerous health complications, e.g. in diabetic patients. Solid-state NMR is a powerful probe to study these structural changes. The work presented in this thesis demonstrates how solid-state NMR can be used to study the effects of genetic and glycation chemistry on the molecular structure and dynamics of the collagen. We employed a selection of synthetic model peptides that contain a variation of the native sequence representing normal and defected collagen triple-helical compositions to assess the backbone motions via the use of the $^15$N T$_1$ relaxation. Further, we use U-$^13$C,$^15$N-isotopically enriched collagen ECM samples to investigate the conformational and dynamic changes after glycation of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the collagen fibrils. Finally, we propose a methodology that can be employed to probe different sites (gap and overlap zones) of the collagen fibrils in their native state which can be exploited to detect less abundant species found in the collagen protein.EPSR

Comprehension Assistant for Languages of Baltic States

Proceedings of the 16th Nordic Conference of Computational Linguistics NODALIDA-2007. Editors: Joakim Nivre, Heiki-Jaan Kaalep, Kadri Muischnek and Mare Koit. University of Tartu, Tartu, 2007. ISBN 978-9985-4-0513-0 (online) ISBN 978-9985-4-0514-7 (CD-ROM) pp. 167-174

Biphasic NMR of Hyperpolarized Suspensions─Real-Time Monitoring of Solute-to-Solid Conversion to Watch Materials Grow

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a key method for the determination of molecular structures. Due to its intrinsically high (i.e., atomistic) resolution and versatility, it has found numerous applications for investigating gases, liquids, and solids. However, liquid-state NMR has found little application for suspensions of solid particles as the resonances of such systems are excessively broadened, typically beyond the detection threshold. Herein, we propose a route to overcoming this critical limitation by enhancing the signals of particle suspensions by >3.000-fold using dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP) coupled with rapid solid precipitation. For the proof-of-concept series of experiments, we employed calcium phosphate (CaP) as a model system. By d-DNP, we boosted the signals of phosphate $^{31}$P spins before rapid CaP precipitation inside the NMR spectrometer, leading to the inclusion of the hyperpolarized phosphate into CaP-nucleated solid particles within milliseconds. With our approach, within only 1 s of acquisition time, we obtained spectra of biphasic systems, i.e., micrometer-sized dilute solid CaP particles coexisting with their solution-state precursors. Thus, this work is a step toward real-time characterization of the solid–solution equilibrium. Finally, integrating the hyperpolarized data with molecular dynamics simulations and electron microscopy enabled us to shed light on the CaP formation mechanism in atomistic detail

Glycation changes molecular organization and charge distribution in type I collagen fibrils

Funder: Royal Society Newton TrustFunder: China Scholarship Council Cambridge TrustsFunder: SENS Research Foundation; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100013772Funder: Raymond and Beverly Sackler Fund for Physics of MedicineFunder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000266Abstract: Collagen fibrils are central to the molecular organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to defining the cellular microenvironment. Glycation of collagen fibrils is known to impact on cell adhesion and migration in the context of cancer and in model studies, glycation of collagen molecules has been shown to affect the binding of other ECM components to collagen. Here we use TEM to show that ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) glycation of collagen fibrils – potentially important in the microenvironment of actively dividing cells, such as cancer cells – disrupts the longitudinal ordering of the molecules in collagen fibrils and, using KFM and FLiM, that R5P-glycated collagen fibrils have a more negative surface charge than unglycated fibrils. Altered molecular arrangement can be expected to impact on the accessibility of cell adhesion sites and altered fibril surface charge on the integrity of the extracellular matrix structure surrounding glycated collagen fibrils. Both effects are highly relevant for cell adhesion and migration within the tumour microenvironment

Stroke patient care based on nursing theory D. Oremas

Bakalaura darba tēma „Insulta pacientu aprūpe balstīta uz D. Oremas māszinību teoriju”. Tēmas aktualitāti nosaka insulta pacientu skaita un mirstības rādītāju statistikas dati. Darba mērķis ir noskaidrot D.Oremas māszinības teorijas pielietojumu insulta pacientu aprūpē. Darbā sniegta atbilde uz izvirzīto pētniecības jautājumu: Kā D.Oremas māszinības teoriju var pielietot insulta pacientu aprūpē? Pētniecības instruments: intervija. Pētniecības metode - kvalitatīvā. D. Oremas teorijas lielākais devums ir pamatots cilvēka atbildībā par savu veselību. Māsu aprūpes sistēma visos insulta pacienta aprūpes posmos ietver aprūpi, agrīnu aktivizāciju, adaptāciju, pašaprūpes apmācību, izglītošanu, racionālu medikamentozu nodrošinājumu, psiholoģisko palīdzību pacientam un tā tuviniekiem.. Darba kopējais apjoms ir 82 datorsalikuma lapas. Darbā ir 1 tabula, 7 pielikumi. Darbā izmantoti 44 literatūras avoti. Atslēgas vārdi: insults, pacientu aprūpe, D.Oremas māszinību teorija.The theme of Bachelor's "Care of stroke patients is based on D.Orem nursing theory" The relevance of the topic down to the stroke patient population and mortality statistics. The aim of the work is to identify D.Orem nursing theory in use of care for stroke patients. In reply to a question raised by the research: "How D.Orem nursing theory can be applied to a care of stroke patients?" Research tool: an interview. Research method - D.Orem nursing theory's biggest contribution is based on patients responsibility for their own health.The nursing care system at all phases of a stroke patient care includes, early activation, care, adaptation, self-care training, education, pharmacological security, psychological support for the patient and their relatives. The total amount of work is 82 computer typesetting page. Work is in 1 table 7 addition pages. The work uses 44 literature sources. Key words:stroke,patient care, D.Orem nursing theory

Possibility of vocabulary widening through fingerplay in children in early preschool

Kvalifikācijas darba tēma – “Jaunākā pirmsskolas vecuma bērnu vārdu krājuma paplašināšanās iespēja pirkstiņrotaļās”. Kvalifikācijas darba mērķis – Pētīt jaunākā pirmsskolas vecuma bērnu vārdu krājuma paplašināšanos pirkstiņu rotaļās. Pirmajā nodaļā ir sniegtas dažādu psihologu, pedagogu teorijas, atziņas par bērnu vārdu krājumu attīstību, kā arī sniegts vispārīgs jaunākā pirmsskolas vecumposma bērnu attīstības raksturojums dažādu autoru koncepcijās. Ir dots teorētiskais pamatojums par rotaļu nozīmi jaunākajā pirmsskolas vecumposmā un bērnu runas attīstībā. Otrajā nodaļā ir atspoguļots empīriskais pētījums – novērošana, praktiskais darbs bērnu vārdu krājuma paplašināšanai un sekmēšanai pirkstiņrotaļās. Lai to veiksmīgi izpildītu, izstrādāti vērtēšanas kritēriji, izzināta bērnu vārdu krājuma paplašināšanās pirkstiņrotaļu laikā. Pirkstiņrotaļu un rotaļnodarbību, kā arī ārpus nodarbību laikā iegūtie dati apstrādāti un analizēti. Diagrammās un tabulās atspoguļots vārdu krājuma pielietojums pēc veiktajām darbībām un kritērijiem. Kvalifikācijas darba apjoms: 41 lpp, 2 attēli, 4 tabulas, 37 izmantotās literatūras vienības.The theme of the qualification paper – “Possibility of vocabulary widening through fingerplay in children in early preschool.” The goal of the qualification paper – To research widening of vocabulary through fingerplay in children of younger preschool. Chapter one contains theories of various psychologists and teachers, cognitions as regards development of children's vocabulary, as well as descriptions of common younger preschool age group development as described by different authors. It also includes general theoretical base of the meaning of play in younger pre-school age group. Chapter two consists of empiric research - observation, practical work to widen children's vocabulary and advancement through fingerplay. To achieve this, a criterion for child observation was created, including a draft, depicting widening of a child's vocabulary during fingerplay. Data gained during fingerplay, play-lessons and after-school period was processed and analysed. Diagrams and tables depict use of vocabulary, according to actions performed and criteria. The volume of the qualification paper - 43 pages, 2 pictures, 4 tables, 37 units of literature used in the creation of the paper

A decision support model use to identify potential export markets for Latvia

Maģistra darba nosaukums ir Lēmumu pieņemšanas modeļa izmantošana Latvijas potenciālo eksporta tirgu noteikšanā. Darba autore veic patstāvīgu pētījumu par starptautisko lēmumu pieņemšanas modeļu izmantošanu, lai noteiktu eksportētājvalstu potenciālos tirgus. Darba autore izvērtēja 2 lēmumu pieņemšanas modeļus, analizējot statistikas datus par 210 valstīm laika periodā no 2010.-2012.gadam. Maģistra darba galvenie uzdevumi ir analizēt Latvijas eksporta pašreizējo stāvokli un praksē izmantot lēmumu pieņemšanas modeli DSM, lai noteiktu potenciālos Latvijas eksporta tirgus. Maģistra darba noslēgumā darba autore veido diskusiju par eksporta potenciālo tirgu noteikšanu, izmantojot lēmumu pieņemšanas metodes, izsaka savus secinājumus un sniedz priekšlikumus par lēmumu pieņemšanas metožu lietderību, kā arī izsaka priekšlikumus valdībai un iestādēm, kas atbalsta, uzrauga un kontrolē eksporta tirgu Latvijā.Master’s thesis title is A Decision Support model use to identify potential export markets for Latvia. Master’s thesis author, student of University of Latvia, did an independent research about an international market selection method use to identify potential export market of exporting country. The main tasks of Master’s thesis are to analyze the current situation of Latvian export to identify the main partners, export products and the volumes in order to demonstrate structure of Latvian export market and continuing with practical use of decision support model use to identify potential export markets for Latvia. Final analyze of Master’s thesis is the author discussion about use of a decision support model use in practice, she expresses conclusions and provides with recommendations for both – the government and the institutions which is controlling and monitoring export promoting in Latvia

Jumping and throwing skill learning in physical education for 5-6 years old children

Darba autore ir Linda Goldberga. Bakalaura darba tēma ir 5-6 gadīgu bērnu lēkšanas un mešanas prasmju apguve sporta nodarbībās. Darbā tiek pētīta lēkšanas un mešanas kustību apguve 5-6 gadīgu bērnu grupā, sporta nodarbībās. Bakalaura darba mērķis ir noskaidrot, kurā sporta nodarbības daļā galvenajā vai rotaļā lēkšanas un mešanas kustības tiek izpildītas precīzāk. Pirmajā nodaļā tika analizētas autoru atziņas par vecumposma raksturojumu, tika apskatītas bērna vecumposma raksturojošās kategorijas sociālā, emocionālā, fiziskā, intelektuālā joma. Otrajā nodaļā tika apskatītas autoru teorētiskās atziņas par lēkšanas un mešanas kustībām un to apguves metodēm. Balstoties teorijā tika izstrādāti kustību vērtēšanas kritēriji, kuri tika lietoti vērojot un salīdzinot lēkšanas un mešanas kustību precizitāti nodarbības galvenajā daļā un rotaļā. Trešajā nodaļā tika analizēts empīriskais pētījums aprakstīta tā norise un veikta rezultātu analīze. Balstoties autoru atziņās par pedagoģisko pētījumu, tika atlasīta kontroles grupa, kuru autore vēro un apraksta. Apkopojot iegūtos datus tika secināts, ka lēkšanas un mešanas kustības precīzāk tiek izpildītas nodarbības galvenajā daļā. Lai atbilde uz pētāmo jautājumu būtu objektīvāka, pētījumu vajadzētu atkārtot lielākam bērnu skaitam ilgākā laika periodā. Bakalaura darba apjoms: 54 lpp. Bakalaura darbā ir ievietotas 16 tabulas, 4 attēli, 51 literatūras un citi avoti. Atslēgas vārdi: pamatkustības, lēkšana, mešana, pirmsskola.The author of bachelor’s thesis is Linda Goldberga. The topic of this bachelor’s thesis is “Jumping and throwing skill learning in physical education for 5 – 6 years old children”. Thesis examines the learning of jumping and throwing movements in a group of 5-6-year-old children, in sports lessons. The aim of the bachelor thesis is to find out in which part of the sports lesson, in the main or in the game, jumping and throwing movements are performed more accurately. In the first chapter were analyzed the authors' findings on the characteristics of the age in the social, emotional, physical, intellectual field. The second chapter contains the authors theoretical findings on jumping and throwing skill learning. Based on the theory, movement evaluation criteria were developed, which were used when observing and comparing the accuracy of jumping and throwing movements in the main part of the lesson and in the game. In the third chapter, the empirical research was analyzed, its progress was described and the results were analyzed. Based on the authors' knowledge of the pedagogical research, a control group was selected, which the author observes and describes. Summarizing the obtained data, it was concluded that jumping and throwing movements are performed more accurately in the main part of the lesson. In order for the answer to the research question to be more objective, the study should be repeated with a larger number of children over a longer period of time. Volume of bachelor thesis: 54 pages. 16 tables, 4 pictures, 51 literature and other sources are included in the bachelor thesis. Key words: basic movements, jumping, throwing, preschool

Retrospektīvā konversija LNB Bibliogrāfijas institūtā

Prezentācijā sniegta informācija par LNB nacionālās bibliogrāfijas retrospektīvās konversijas projekta mērķi, programmatūru, vēsturi un rezultātiem; apskatīts darbs ar retrokonversijas programmu (dati, teksta atpazīšana, programmas uzlabojumi), datu importu IBS ALEPH500, dots procesa novērtējums