14,368 research outputs found

    Heat lability of NADPH at physiologic p H

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    Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44179/1/10528_2004_Article_BF00484822.pd

    The Amundsen Sea Polynya International Research Expedition (ASPIRE)

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    In search of an explanation for some of the greenest waters ever seen in coastal Antarctica and their possible link to some of the fastest melting glaciers and declining summer sea ice, the Amundsen Sea Polynya International Research Expedition (ASPIRE) challenged the capabilities of the US Antarctic Program and RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer during Austral summer 2010–2011. We were well rewarded by both an extraordinary research platform and a truly remarkable oceanic setting. Here we provide further insights into the key questions that motivated our sampling approach during ASPIRE and present some preliminary findings, while highlighting the value of the Palmer for accomplishing complex, multifaceted oceanographic research in such a challenging environment

    Variation of almond yield, biometry, α-tocopherol levels, and antioxidant properties with nitrogen fertilization

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    A two years’ experiment (2015–2016) was set in a factorial design in which the effect of two application forms of nitrogen (N) (soil and soil + foliar spray) in different doses (0, 25, 50, and 100 kg N ha-1) on almond (Prunus dulcis Mill. cv. “Masbovera”) was evaluated. Kernel yield, biometric properties, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities were assessed. The results showed that almond kernel yield increases with an increment in N rate doses and was positively correlated with kernel weight and thickness, and negatively with fruit weight. The levels of α-tocopherol and total polyphenol content were higher with lower N doses (25 and 50 kg N ha–1). The antioxidant activities were positively correlated with polyphenol content. Based on our results, excessive N rates over 50 kg/ha depreciate the levels of α-tocopherol, total polyphenols, and antioxidant bioactivities of kernels. Practical applications Almond is an important nut (dry) fruit that contains high levels of α-tocopherol, moderate levels of polyphenols, and high antioxidant activities, all responsible for their claimed health-promoting properties. Almond trees are known by their alternate behavior in which kernel yield and levels of phytochemicals and other compounds are highly variable between years. This article studies the usage of a sustainable nitrogen fertilization program toward a reduction of their alternate behavior, preserving and promoting their antioxidant properties and their levels of phytochemicals, particularly α-tocopherol and polyphenols. Our findings may provide a useful guide for adequate nitrogen fertilization program toward a better almond kernel qualityinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Effects of Monovalent and Divalent Cations on Ca2+ Fluxes Across Chromaffin Secretory Membrane Vesicles

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    Abstract: Bovine chromaffin secretory vesicle ghosts loaded with Na+ were found to take up Ca2+ when incubated in K+ media or in sucrose media containing micromolar concentrations of free Ca2+. Li+- or choline+loaded ghosts did not take up Ca2+. The Ca2+ accumulated by Na+-loaded ghosts could be released by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, but not by EGTA. Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by external Sr2+, Na +, Li +, or choline +. All the 45Ca2+ accumulated by Na+-dependent Ca2+ uptake could be released by external Na +, indicating that both Ca2+ influx and efflux occur in a Na+-dependent manner. Na + -dependent Ca2+ uptake and release were only slightly inhibited by Mg2+. In the presence of the Na+ ionophore Monensin the Ca2+ uptake by Na +-loaded ghosts was reduced. Ca2+ sequestered by the Na+-dependent mechanism could also be released by external Ca2+ or Sr2+ but not by Mg2+, indicating the presence of a Ca2+/Ca2+ exchange activity in secretory membrane vesicles. This Ca2+/Ca2+ exchange system is inhibited by Mg2+, but not by Sr2+. The Na + -dependent Ca2+ uptake system in the presence of Mg2+ is a saturable process with an apparent Km of 0.28 μM and a Vmax= 14.5 nmol min−1 mg protein−1. Ruthenium red inhibited neither the Na+/Ca2+ nor the Ca2+/Ca2+ exchange, even at high concentrations

    Further Characterization of Dopamine Release by Permeabilized PC 12 Cells

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    Rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC 12) permeabilized with staphylococcal α-toxin release [3H]dopamine after addition of micromolar Ca2+. This does not require additional Mg2+-ATP (in contrast to bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells). We also observed Ca2+-dependent [3H]-dopamine release from digitonin-permeabilized PC 12 cells. Permeabilization with α-toxin or digitonin and stimulation of the cells were done consecutively to wash out endogenous Mg2+-ATP. During permeabilization, ATP was removed effectively from the cytoplasm by both agents but the cells released [3H]dopamine in response to micromolar Ca2+ alone. Replacement by chloride of glutamate, which could sustain mitochondrial ATP production in permeabilized cells, does not significantly alter catecholamine release induced by Ca2+. However, Mg2+ without ATP augments the Ca2+-induced release. The release was unaltered by thiol-, hydroxyl-, or calmodulin-interfering substances. Thus Mg2+-ATP, calmodulin, or proteins containing -SH or -OH groups are not necessary for exocytosis in permeabilized PC 12 cells

    Spitzer observations of the asteroid-comet transition object and potential spacecraft target 107P (4015) Wilson-Harrington

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    Context. Near-Earth asteroid-comet transition object 107P/ (4015) Wilson-Harrington is a possible target of the joint European Space Agency (ESA) and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Marco Polo sample return mission. Physical studies of this object are relevant to this mission, and also to understanding its asteroidal or cometary nature. Aims. Our aim is to obtain significant new constraints on the surface thermal properties of this object. Methods. We present mid-infrared photometry in two filters (16 and 22 microns) obtained with NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope on February 12, 2007, and results from the application of the Near Earth Asteroid Thermal Model (NEATM).We obtained high S/N in two mid-IR bands allowing accurate measurements of its thermal emission. Results. We obtain a well constrained beaming parameter (eta = 1.39 +/- 0.26) and obtain a diameter and geometric albedo of D = 3.46 +/- 0.32 km, and pV = 0.059 +/- 0.011. We also obtain similar results when we apply this best-fitting thermal model to single-band mid-IR photometry reported by Campins et al. (1995), Kraemer et al. (2005) and Reach et al. (2007). Conclusions. The albedo of 4015 Wilson-Harrington is low, consistent with those of comet nuclei and primitive C-, P-, D-type asteorids. We establish a rough lower limit for the thermal inertia of W-H of 60 Jm^-2s^(-0.5)K^-1 when it is at r=1AU, which is slightly over the limit of 30 Jm^-2s^(-0.5)K-1 derived by Groussin et al. (2009) for the thermal inertia of the nucleus of comet 22P/Kopff.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure and 3 tables. Paper accepted for publicatio

    A proposal for ethical research conduct in Madagascar

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    This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The attached file is the published version of the article

    Far-Red and Near-Infrared Seminaphthofluorophores for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Imaging

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    Molecular probes that selectively highlight pancreatic cancer (PC) tissue have the potential to improve pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) margin assessment through the selective highlighting of individual PC cells. Herein, we report a simple and unique family of systematically modified red and near-infrared fluorescent probes that exhibit a field-effect-derived redshift. Two of thirteen probes distributed to the normal mouse pancreas following systemic administration. One selectively accumulated in genetically modified mouse models of PDAC. The probe exhibited intracellular accumulation and enabled visualization of four levels of the structure, including the whole organ, resected tissue, individual cells, and subcellular organelles. In contrast to the small-molecule probes reported previously, it possesses an inherent affinity toward PDAC cells and thus does not require conjugation to any targeting agent. The fluorescent probe can thus promote new strategies not only for precision image-guided surgery, but also for PC detection, monitoring of therapeutic outcomes, and basic research
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