59 research outputs found
Cross-linking mass spectrometry uncovers protein interactions and functional assemblies in synaptic vesicle membranes
Synaptic vesicles are storage organelles for neurotransmitters. They pass through a trafficking cycle and fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane when an action potential arrives at the nerve terminal. While molecular components and biophysical parameters of synaptic vesicles have been determined, our knowledge on the protein interactions in their membranes is limited. Here, we apply cross-linking mass spectrometry to study interactions of synaptic vesicle proteins in an unbiased approach without the need for specific antibodies or detergent-solubilisation. Our large-scale analysis delivers a protein network of vesicle sub-populations and functional assemblies including an active and an inactive conformation of the vesicular ATPase complex as well as non-conventional arrangements of the luminal loops of SV2A, Synaptophysin and structurally related proteins. Based on this network, we specifically target Synaptobrevin-2, which connects with many proteins, in different approaches. Our results allow distinction of interactions caused by âcrowdingâ in the vesicle membrane from stable interaction modules
Mutations in the ELANE Gene are Associated with Development of Periodontitis in Patients with Severe Congenital Neutropenia
# The Author(s) 2011. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Background Patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) often develop periodontitis despite standard medical and dental care. In light of previous findings that mutations in the neutrophil elastase gene, ELANE, are associated with more severe neutropenic phenotypes, we hypothesized an association between the genotype of SCN and development of periodontitis. Methods Fourteen Swedish patients with SCN or cyclic neutropenia harboring different genetic backgrounds were recruited for periodontal examination. Peripheral blood, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and subgingival bacterial Thomas ModĂ©er and Katrin PĂŒtsep have contributed equally to the study
Write, draw, show, and tell: a child-centred dual methodology to explore perceptions of out-of-school physical activity
Background
Research to increase childrenâs physical activity and inform intervention design has, to date, largely underrepresented childrenâs voices. Further, research has been limited to singular qualitative methods that overlook childrenâs varied linguistic ability and interaction preference. The aim of this study was to use a novel combination of qualitative techniques to explore childrenâs current views, experiences and perceptions of out-of-school physical activity as well as offering formative opinion about future intervention design.
Methods
Write, draw, show and tell (WDST) groups were conducted with 35 children aged 10â11 years from 7 primary schools. Data were analysed through a deductive and inductive process, firstly using the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model as a thematic framework, and then inductively to enable emergent themes to be further explored. Pen profiles were constructed representing key emergent themes.
Results
The WDST combination of qualitative techniques generated complimentary interconnected data which both confirmed and uncovered new insights into factors relevant to childrenâs out-of-school physical activity. Physical activity was most frequently associated with organised sports. Fun, enjoyment, competence, and physical activity provision were all important predictors of childrenâs out-of-school physical activity. Paradoxically, parents served as both significant enablers (i.e. encouragement) and barriers (i.e. restricting participation) to physical activity participation. Some of these key findings would have otherwise remained hidden when compared to more traditional singular methods based approaches.
Conclusions
Parents are in a unique position to promote health promoting behaviours serving as role models, physical activity gatekeepers and choice architects. Given the strong socialising effect parents have on childrenâs physical activity, family-based physical activity intervention may offer a promising alternative compared to traditional school-based approaches. Parents' qualitative input is important to supplement childrenâs voices and inform future family-based intervention design. The WDST method developed here is an inclusive, interactive and child-centred methodology which facilitates the exploration of a wide range of topics and enhances data credibility
Verfahren zur Herstellung von metallischen Bauteilen mit kristallanisotropen Eigenschaften
DE 10113473 C UPAB: 20021113 NOVELTY - Production of metallic components having crystalline anisotropic properties comprises casting an alloy melt (2) in a gap between two rotating rollers (7, 8); cooling and solidifying. The roller (8) has a higher temperature than the roller (7) so that a solidifying speed of the melt is reached and crystallization arises in the solidified material. The solidified material is stripped from the hot roller (8) or dissolved from it. The particles produced are directed with respect to their crystal growth direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Preferred Features: The cooler roller is cooled and the hotter roller is heated. The temperature of the hotter roller is 70-90% of the melting temperature of the alloy. USE - Used in the manufacture of strips, foils and sheets (claimed). ADVANTAGE - The process is efficient
- âŠ