8,959 research outputs found
Mass Spectrometry in the Elucidation of the Glycoproteome of Bacterial Pathogens
Presently some three hundred post-translational modifications are known to occur in bacteria in vivo. Many of
these modifications play critical roles in the regulation of proteins and control key biological processes. One of the most
predominant modifications, N- and O-glycosylations are now known to be present in bacteria (and archaea) although they
were long believed to be limited to eukaryotes. In a number of human pathogens these glycans have been found attached
to the surfaces of pilin, flagellin and other surface and secreted proteins where it has been demonstrated that they play a
role in the virulence of these bacteria. Mass spectrometry characterization of these glycosylation events has been the enabling
key technology for these findings. This review will look at the use of mass spectrometry as a key technology for the
detection and mapping of these modifications within microorganisms, with particular reference to the human pathogens,
Campylobacter jejuni and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The overall aim of this review will be to give a basic understanding
of the current ‘state-of-the-art’ of the key techniques, principles and technologies, including bioinformatics tools, involved
in the analysis of the glycosylation modifications
Microbial proteomics: a mass spectrometry primer for biologists
It is now more than 10 years since the publication of the first microbial genome sequence and science is now moving towards a post genomic era with transcriptomics and proteomics offering insights into cellular processes and function. The ability to assess the entire protein network of a cell at a given spatial or temporal point will have a profound effect upon microbial science as the function of proteins is inextricably linked to phenotype. Whilst such a situation is still beyond current technologies rapid advances in mass spectrometry, bioinformatics and protein separation technologies have produced a step change in our current proteomic capabilities. Subsequently a small, but steadily growing, number of groups are taking advantage of this cutting edge technology to discover more about the physiology and metabolism of microorganisms. From this research it will be possible to move towards a systems biology understanding of a microorganism. Where upon researchers can build a comprehensive cellular map for each microorganism that links an accurately annotated genome sequence to gene expression data, at a transcriptomic and proteomic level
The search for novel analgesics: re-examining spinal cord circuits with new tools
In this perspective, we propose the absence of detailed information regarding spinal cord
circuits that process sensory information remains a major barrier to advancing analgesia.
We highlight recent advances showing that functionally discrete populations of neurons in
the spinal cord dorsal horn play distinct roles in processing sensory information. We then
discuss new molecular, electrophysiological, and optogenetic techniques that can be
employed to understand how dorsal horn circuits process tactile and nociceptive
information. We believe this information can drive the development of entirely new classes
of pharmacotherapies that target key elements in spinal circuits to selectively modify
sensory function and blunt pain
Multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamics with anisotropy and flow
We present an extension of the multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamics
(MRxMHD) equilibrium model that includes pressure anisotropy and general plasma
flows. This anisotropic extension to our previous isotropic model is motivated
by Sun and Finn's model of relaxed anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic equilibria.
We prove that as the number of plasma regions becomes infinite, our anisotropic
extension of MRxMHD reduces to anisotropic ideal MHD with flow. The
continuously nested flux surface limit of our MRxMHD model is the first
variational principle for anisotropic plasma equilibria with general flow
fields.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with
arXiv:1401.307
The influence of housing size, style and location on energy and greenhouse gas emissions
Concern about the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria has prompted the introduction of legislation to improve the thermal performance of the residential building envelope. Unfortunately, the size of the house is not considered in the rating tool that underpins the legislation. The energy embodied in the constructional materials is also not considered although it too is directly related to the size of the house. Another intrinsic factor relating residential housing energy and greenhouse gas emissions is the location of the residence and the travel preferences of the homeowner. The relationship between the operational, embodied and travel energy associated with a typical residential scenario in Melbourne over the last 50 years is examined in this paper. The analysis found that by the year 2000, the energy associated with work-related travel (44%) now exceeds the operational energy (37%). In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the contribution from travel energy is almost double that from operational energy (28%).<br /
Prosomal-width-to-weight relationships in American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus): examining conversion factors used to estimate landings
Horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) are valued by many
stakeholders, including the commercial fishing industry, biomedical companies, and environmental interest groups. We designed a study to test the accuracy of the conversion factors that were used by NOAA Fisheries and state agencies to estimate horseshoe crab landings before mandatory
reporting that began in 1998. Our results indicate that the NOAA Fisheries conversion factor consistently overestimates the weight of male horseshoe crabs, particularly those from New England populations. Because of the inaccuracy of this and other conversion factors, states are now mandated to report the number (not biomass) and sex of landed horseshoe
crabs. However, accurate estimates of biomass are still necessary for use in prediction models that are being developed to better manage the horseshoe crab fishery. We recommend that managers use the conversion factors presented in this study to convert current landing data from numbers to biomass of harvested horseshoe crabs
for future assessments
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