The C-terminal domains of gammaS-crystallin pair about a distorted twofold axis

The 2-domain gammaS-crystallin, a highly conserved early evolutionaryoff-shoot of the gamma-crystallin family, is located in the water-richregion of eye lenses. The expressed C-terminal domain, gammaS-C, has beencrystallized and the 2.56 A X-ray structure determined. There are twodomains in the asymmetric unit which pair about a distorted twofold axis.One of the domains has an altered conformation in a highly conserved regionof the protein, the tyrosine corner. The distorted gammaS-C dimer ofdomains is compared with the highly symmetrical, equivalent recombinantdimer of C-terminal domains from gammaB- crystallin. Sequence changes closeto the interface, that distinguish gammaS from the other gamma-crystallins,are examined in order to evaluate their role in symmetrical domain pairing.     

Small diameter fiber Bragg gratings and applications

Small diameter optical fibers are preferred in sensing systems as they have less influence on mechanical performance of smart composite. The static and dynamic monitoring capabilities of the small-diameter fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) are experimentally studied in this paper. Firstly, a small-diameter FBG is used as a strain sensor. Secondly, a temperature sensor is fabricated using a specific FBG. Thirdly, a simple sensing system is proposed in order to discriminate temperature at sensing point. Finally, utilization of these small diameter FBGs for vibration monitoring is discussed. The experiments revealed that the central wavelengths of the small-diameter fiber Bragg gratings shift linearly with strain or temperature. The FBG is more sensitive than a thermocouple inside the thermostat. Acquisition and analysis of the dynamic signal indicates that the designed FBG can be used for dynamic signal monitoring.     

Large field-of-view deformation measurement for transmission tower based on close-range photogrammetry

The loading capacity of transmission towers cannot be calculated accurately only by finite element analysis (FEA) method. Traditional displacement sensors and strain gauges are not suit due to larger measuring range. In this paper, a novel system based on close-range photogrammetry technology (CPT) is proposed for tracking the 3D deformation of transmission tower during loading test. Artificial markers are pasted on the deformation area before loading. The 3D coordinates of these markers are reconstructed by using CPT methods at each stage, and the coordinate systems of different stages are registered together by means of global transformation points. The whole field 3D deformation under different load level is then obtained by tracking the homonymous markers among different stages. It is helpful for further analysis of the failure mechanism and mechanical properties of steel structures. The effectiveness of the proposed system is demonstrated by retrieving a full-scaled transmission tower deformation during loading test. A feasible solution for improving the load carrying capacity of the tested transmission tower is discussed. Evaluation experiment results indicate that the proposed method could achieve accuracy of 0.1 mm/m.     

Replacement of Fhit in cancer cells suppresses tumorigenicity

The candidate tumor suppressor gene, FHIT, encompasses the common human chromosomal fragile site at 3p14.2, the hereditary renal cancer translocation breakpoint, and cancer cell homozygous deletions. Fhit hydrolyzes dinucleotide 5',5"'-P1,P3-triphosphate in vitro and mutation of a central histidine abolishes hydrolase activity. To study Fhit function, wild-type and mutant FHIT genes were transfected into cancer cell lines that lacked endogenous Fhit. No consistent effect of exogenous Fhit on growth in culture was observed, but Fhit and hydrolase "dead" Fhit mutant proteins suppressed tumorigenicity in nude mice, indicating that 5',5"'-P1, P3-triphosphate hydrolysis is not required for tumor suppression.     

Stress distribution in the dento-alveolar system using digital photoelasticity

Past research has confirmed that the governing factors in cellular modelling and remodelling adhere to sound principles of engineering mechanics. Hence studies of stress distributions would provide better understanding of the functional adaptation of dental supporting structures. Photoelasticity is an established experimental tool to study whole-field stress distribution in structures subjected to forces. However, it has certain limitations that make its application in biological specimens tedious. In this investigation an advanced digital photoelastic system is used to visualize and study the nature of the stress distribution in dental supporting structures. These digital fringe patterns are analysed using a phase-shift technique. The present biomechanical study shows that dental supporting structures exhibit a characteristic stress distribution, promoting structural adaptation based on needs. Furthermore, the advantage of using a digital image processing system along with the circular polariscope is discussed.     

Edematogenic and myotoxic activities of the duvernoy’s gland secretion of <i>Philodryas olfersii</i> from the north-east region of Argentina

Philodryas olfersii is found in South America, from Amazonas to Patagonia. It is important to characterize the venom of P. olfersii, who inhabits the North-East region of Argentina, since snake venoms are known to exhibit considerable variability in composition and biological activities. In this work, mice weighing 18-20 g (n = 4 for each experimental group) were used. For the edematogenic activity mice were injected s.c. in the right foot pad with 50 µl of solutions containing different amounts of venom, whereas the left foot pad was injected with 50 µl of PBS. Two hours after injection mice were killed by cervical dislocation and both feet were cut off and weighed individually. For the myotoxic activity mice were injected i.m. with 100 µl of solutions containing 40 µg of venom. Blood samples were extracted after 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 24 h of venom injection to determinate serum CPK activity and mice were sacrificed at the same time intervals to obtain the inoculated gastrocnemius muscle. They were fixed with Bouin solution and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Results showed that P. olfersii venom exhibits a high edematogenic activity (MED = 0.31 µg) and a moderate myotoxic activity. Myonecrosis reached its highest level after 12 h of venom injection as shown by plasmatic CPK levels (5,401 ± 330 IU/l) and microscopic assay. It demonstrates the potential toxicity of the venom of P. olfersii, who inhabits the North-East region of Argentina. It also reinforces the original warning concerning the potential danger of bites by colubrids.