Structural and Elastic Behaviour of Sodalite Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2 at High-Pressure by First-Principle Simulations

Sodalite Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2 (space group P-43n) is an important mineral belonging to the zeolite group, with several and manyfold fundamental and technological applications. Despite the interest in this mineral from different disciplines, very little is known regarding the high-pressure elastic properties. The present study aims at filling this knowledge gap, reporting the equation of state and the elastic moduli of sodalite calculated in a wide pressure range, from –6 GPa to 22 GPa. The results were obtained from Density Functional Theory simulations carried out with Gaussian-type basis sets and the well-known hybrid functional B3LYP. The DFT-D3 a posteriori correction to include the van der Waals interactions in the physical treatment of the mineral was also applied. The calculated equation of state parameters at 0 GPa and absolute zero (0 K), i.e., K0 = 70.15(7) GPa, K’ = 4.46(2) and V0 = 676.85(3) Å3 are in line with the properties derived from the stiffness tensor, and in agreement with the few experimental data reported in literature. Sodalite was found mechanically instable when compressed above 15.6 GPa

Study of the variation of the optical properties of calcite with applied stress, useful for specific rock and material mechanics

Calcite (CaCO3, trigonal crystal system, space group R3 ¯ c) is a ubiquitous carbonate phase commonly found on the Earth’s crust that finds many useful applications in both scientific (mineralogy, petrology, geology) and technological fields (optics, sensors, materials technology) because of its peculiar anisotropic physical properties. Among them, photoelasticity, i.e., the variation of the optical properties of the mineral (including birefringence) with the applied stress, could find usefulness in determining the stress state of a rock sample containing calcite by employing simple optical measurements. However, the photoelastic tensor is not easily available from experiments, and affected by high uncertainties. Here we present a theoretical Density Functional Theory approach to obtain both elastic and photoelastic properties of calcite, considering realistic experimental conditions (298 K, 1 atm). The results were compared with those available in literature, further extending the knowledge of the photoelasticity of calcite, and clarifying an experimental discrepancy in the sign of the p41 photoelastic tensor component measured in past investigations. The methods here described and applied to a well-known crystalline material can be used to obtain the photoelastic properties of other minerals and/or materials at desired pressure and temperature conditions

Kek-6: A truncated-Trk-like receptor for Drosophila neurotrophin 2 regulates structural synaptic plasticity.

Neurotrophism, structural plasticity, learning and long-term memory in mammals critically depend on neurotrophins binding Trk receptors to activate tyrosine kinase (TyrK) signaling, but Drosophila lacks full-length Trks, raising the question of how these processes occur in the fly. Paradoxically, truncated Trk isoforms lacking the TyrK predominate in the adult human brain, but whether they have neuronal functions independently of full-length Trks is unknown. Drosophila has TyrK-less Trk-family receptors, encoded by the kekkon (kek) genes, suggesting that evolutionarily conserved functions for this receptor class may exist. Here, we asked whether Keks function together with Drosophila neurotrophins (DNTs) at the larval glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We tested the eleven LRR and Ig-containing (LIG) proteins encoded in the Drosophila genome for expression in the central nervous system (CNS) and potential interaction with DNTs. Kek-6 is expressed in the CNS, interacts genetically with DNTs and can bind DNT2 in signaling assays and co-immunoprecipitations. Ligand binding is promiscuous, as Kek-6 can also bind DNT1, and Kek-2 and Kek-5 can also bind DNT2. In vivo, Kek-6 is found presynaptically in motoneurons, and DNT2 is produced by the muscle to function as a retrograde factor at the NMJ. Kek-6 and DNT2 regulate NMJ growth and synaptic structure. Evidence indicates that Kek-6 does not antagonise the alternative DNT2 receptor Toll-6. Instead, Kek-6 and Toll-6 interact physically, and together regulate structural synaptic plasticity and homeostasis. Using pull-down assays, we identified and validated CaMKII and VAP33A as intracellular partners of Kek-6, and show that they regulate NMJ growth and active zone formation downstream of DNT2 and Kek-6. The synaptic functions of Kek-6 could be evolutionarily conserved. This raises the intriguing possibility that a novel mechanism of structural synaptic plasticity involving truncated Trk-family receptors independently of TyrK signaling may also operate in the human brain

Carbamide peroxide gel stability under different temperature conditions: is manipulated formulation an option?

Nowadays the use of gel containing carbamide peroxide (CP) prepared in Pharmacy is a normal practice in the population. However, the quality of this product is questionable concerning its stability. The aim of this study is was to synthesize and to analyze this drug alone or associated to Carbopol gel through analytical methodology compatible with the routine of the Pharmacies. The reaction between urea and hydrogen peroxide was carried out at different resting times: 24 hours (CP 24 powder) and 48 hours (CP48 powder) after the mixture. Both products were associated with Carbopol 940® gel 1.5% (G) generating G24 and G48 samples. The stability of powders (CP24 e CP48) and the formulations (G24 and G48) were evaluated as a function of time (15, 40 and 45 days) and thermal variation (refrigeration: 8 °C±1; thermal shock 32 °C±1 /8 °C±1; stove: 32 °C±1), using a standard titration method. As a result, only under refrigeration the CP24 and CP48 contents remained stable during the period of 45 days. An interesting finding was that G24 and G48 presented greater stability for at least 45-days under refrigeration and thermal shock conditions, and up to 30 days under stove conditions. The results for the G24 and G48 were slightly higher than those obtained for the control. Therefore, we were able to conclude that association with Carbopol 940® Gel 1.5 % provided greater CP stability and that manipulated formulations containing CP may be viable for use in a period of 45 days under refrigeration conditions. The titration proved to be an effective technique for the analysis of CP with or without Carbopol 940® gel 1.5%.Atualmente, a utilização de gel contendo peróxido de carbamida manipulado em Farmácia é uma prática comum na população. No entanto, a qualidade deste produto é questionada, sobretudo no que se refere à estabilidade deste fármaco. O objetivo deste trabalho consiste na avaliação da viabilidade de sintetizar e analisar quantitativamente este fármaco associado ou não a um gel de Carbopol através de metodologia analítica compatível com a rotina das Farmácias. A reação entre a uréia e o peróxido de hidrogênio foi realizada em tempos diferentes de repouso após a mistura, 24 h para sintetizar o pó PC 24 e 48 h para o pó CP 48. Estes pós foram associados a um gel (G) de Carbopol 940® 1,5 %, originando as amostras G24 e G48. A estabilidade dos pós (PC 24 e PC 48) e das formulações (G 24 e G 48) foi avaliada em função do tempo (15, 40 e 45 dias) e da variação térmica (refrigeração: 8 °C±1; choque térmico: 32 °C±1/8 °C±1 e estufa: 32 °C±1), através da técnica de titulometria. Os resultados indicam que unicamente sob refrigeração o CP24 e o CP 48 mantiveram-se estáveis no período de 45 dias. O G24 e o G48 apresentaram estáveis por pelo menos 45 dias nas condições de refrigeração e choque térmico e por 30 dias na condição estufa. Os resultados obtidos para o G24 e G48 foram ligeiramente superiores aos obtidos para o controle. Além disso, é possível concluir que a associação do PC com o gel de Carbopol 940® 1,5 % promoveu um aumento na estabilidade do PC e que as preparações manipuladas contendo PC são viáveis para uso durante um período de 45 sob refrigeração. A titulometria mostrou-se uma técnica eficaz para a análise do PC associado ou não ao gel de Carbopol 940® 1,5%

Signal transduction-related responses to phytohormones and environmental challenges in sugarcane

BACKGROUND: Sugarcane is an increasingly economically and environmentally important C4 grass, used for the production of sugar and bioethanol, a low-carbon emission fuel. Sugarcane originated from crosses of Saccharum species and is noted for its unique capacity to accumulate high amounts of sucrose in its stems. Environmental stresses limit enormously sugarcane productivity worldwide. To investigate transcriptome changes in response to environmental inputs that alter yield we used cDNA microarrays to profile expression of 1,545 genes in plants submitted to drought, phosphate starvation, herbivory and N(2)-fixing endophytic bacteria. We also investigated the response to phytohormones (abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate). The arrayed elements correspond mostly to genes involved in signal transduction, hormone biosynthesis, transcription factors, novel genes and genes corresponding to unknown proteins. RESULTS: Adopting an outliers searching method 179 genes with strikingly different expression levels were identified as differentially expressed in at least one of the treatments analysed. Self Organizing Maps were used to cluster the expression profiles of 695 genes that showed a highly correlated expression pattern among replicates. The expression data for 22 genes was evaluated for 36 experimental data points by quantitative RT-PCR indicating a validation rate of 80.5% using three biological experimental replicates. The SUCAST Database was created that provides public access to the data described in this work, linked to tissue expression profiling and the SUCAST gene category and sequence analysis. The SUCAST database also includes a categorization of the sugarcane kinome based on a phylogenetic grouping that included 182 undefined kinases. CONCLUSION: An extensive study on the sugarcane transcriptome was performed. Sugarcane genes responsive to phytohormones and to challenges sugarcane commonly deals with in the field were identified. Additionally, the protein kinases were annotated based on a phylogenetic approach. The experimental design and statistical analysis applied proved robust to unravel genes associated with a diverse array of conditions attributing novel functions to previously unknown or undefined genes. The data consolidated in the SUCAST database resource can guide further studies and be useful for the development of improved sugarcane varieties

Sugarcane genes associated with sucrose content

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background -</p> <p>Sucrose content is a highly desirable trait in sugarcane as the worldwide demand for cost-effective biofuels surges. Sugarcane cultivars differ in their capacity to accumulate sucrose and breeding programs routinely perform crosses to identify genotypes able to produce more sucrose. Sucrose content in the mature internodes reach around 20% of the culms dry weight. Genotypes in the populations reflect their genetic program and may display contrasting growth, development, and physiology, all of which affect carbohydrate metabolism. Few studies have profiled gene expression related to sugarcane's sugar content. The identification of signal transduction components and transcription factors that might regulate sugar accumulation is highly desirable if we are to improve this characteristic of sugarcane plants.</p> <p>Results -</p> <p>We have evaluated thirty genotypes that have different Brix (sugar) levels and identified genes differentially expressed in internodes using cDNA microarrays. These genes were compared to existing gene expression data for sugarcane plants subjected to diverse stress and hormone treatments. The comparisons revealed a strong overlap between the drought and sucrose-content datasets and a limited overlap with ABA signaling. Genes associated with sucrose content were extensively validated by qRT-PCR, which highlighted several protein kinases and transcription factors that are likely to be regulators of sucrose accumulation. The data also indicate that aquaporins, as well as lignin biosynthesis and cell wall metabolism genes, are strongly related to sucrose accumulation. Moreover, sucrose-associated genes were shown to be directly responsive to short term sucrose stimuli, confirming their role in sugar-related pathways.</p> <p>Conclusion -</p> <p>Gene expression analysis of sugarcane populations contrasting for sucrose content indicated a possible overlap with drought and cell wall metabolism processes and suggested signaling and transcriptional regulators to be used as molecular markers in breeding programs. Transgenic research is necessary to further clarify the role of the genes and define targets useful for sugarcane improvement programs based on transgenic plants.</p

Sugarcane (Saccharum X officinarum): A Reference Study for the Regulation of Genetically Modified Cultivars in Brazil

Global interest in sugarcane has increased significantly in recent years due to its economic impact on sustainable energy production. Sugarcane breeding and better agronomic practices have contributed to a huge increase in sugarcane yield in the last 30 years. Additional increases in sugarcane yield are expected to result from the use of biotechnology tools in the near future. Genetically modified (GM) sugarcane that incorporates genes to increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses could play a major role in achieving this goal. However, to bring GM sugarcane to the market, it is necessary to follow a regulatory process that will evaluate the environmental and health impacts of this crop. The regulatory review process is usually accomplished through a comparison of the biology and composition of the GM cultivar and a non-GM counterpart. This review intends to provide information on non-GM sugarcane biology, genetics, breeding, agronomic management, processing, products and byproducts, as well as the current technologies used to develop GM sugarcane, with the aim of assisting regulators in the decision-making process regarding the commercial release of GM sugarcane cultivars