Dynamic protein methylation in chromatin biology

Post-translational modification of chromatin is emerging as an increasingly important regulator of chromosomal processes. In particular, histone lysine and arginine methylation play important roles in regulating transcription, maintaining genomic integrity, and contributing to epigenetic memory. Recently, the use of new approaches to analyse histone methylation, the generation of genetic model systems, and the ability to interrogate genome wide histone modification profiles has aided in defining how histone methylation contributes to these processes. Here we focus on the recent advances in our understanding of the histone methylation system and examine how dynamic histone methylation contributes to normal cellular function in mammals

Intercomparison Of Atomic Models For Computing Stopping Parameters From The Bethe Theory - Atomic-Hydrogen

The stopping cross section, the straggling parameter, and three higher moments over the energy-loss cross section have been evaluated for a moving point charge interacting with atomic hydrogen. The aim was to estimate the accuracy of predictions based on four commonly used models for computation of stopping parameters. The standard of reference was a straight evaluation of the Born approximation. All considered models, i.e., the dielectric theory, the binary-encounter model, the kinetic theory, and the harmonic-oscillator model, have been shown to be capable of providing reliable predictions within their respective regimes of feasibility, but distinct variations show up from lower to higher moments and from higher to lower projectile energy

Slowing down of hydrogen clusters in thin foils

CA

Metabolism of carotenoids and apocarotenoids during ripening of raspberry fruit

Carotenoids are important lipophilic antioxidants in fruits. Apocarotenoids such as ¿-ionone and ß-ionone, which are breakdown products of carotenoids, are important for the flavor characteristics of raspberry fruit, and have also been suggested to have beneficial effects on human health. Raspberry is one of the few fruits where fruit ripening is accompanied by the massive production of apocarotenoids. In this paper, changes in levels of carotenoids and apocarotenoids during raspberry fruit ripening are described. In addition, the isolation and characterization of a gene encoding a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD), which putatively mediates the degradation of carotenoids to apocarotenoids during raspberry fruit ripening, is reported. Such information helps us to better understand how these compounds are produced in plants and may also enable us to develop novel strategies for improved apocarotenoid production in fruits or indeed, alternative production system