Predicting the function and subcellular location of Caenorhabditis elegans proteins similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae beta-oxidation enzymes

The role of peroxisomal processes in the maintenance of neurons has not been thoroughly investigated. We propose using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for studying the molecular basis underlying neurodegeneration in certain human peroxisomal disorders, e.g. Zellweger syndrome, since the nematode neural network is well characterized and relatively simple in function. Here we have identified C. elegans PEX-5 (C34C6.6) representing the receptor for peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1), defective in patients with such disorders. PEX-5 interacted strongly in a two-hybrid assay with Gal4p-SKL, and a screen using PEX-5 identified interaction partners that were predominantly terminated with PTS1 or its variants. A list of C. elegans proteins with similarities to well-characterized yeast beta-oxidation enzymes was compiled by homology probing. The possible subcellular localization of these orthologues was predicted using an algorithm based on trafficking signals. Examining the C termini of selected nematode proteins for PTS1 function substantiated predictions made regarding the proteins' peroxisomal location. It is concluded that the eukaryotic PEX5-dependent route for importing PTS1-containing proteins into peroxisomes is conserved in nematodes. C. elegans might emerge as an attractive model system for studying the importance of peroxisomes and affiliated processes in neurodegeneration, and also for studying a beta-oxidation process that is potentially compartmentalized in both mitochondria and peroxisomes.     

A Flower-like In2O3 Catalyst Derived via Metal–Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Applications

The most pressing concerns in environmental remediation are the design and development of catalysts with benign, low-cost, and efficient photocatalytic activity. The present study effectively generated a flower-like indium oxide (In₂O₃-MF) catalyst employing a convenient MOF-based solvothermal self-assembly technique. The In₂O₃-MF photocatalyst exhibits a flower-like structure, according to morphology and structural analysis. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the In₂O₃-MF catalyst for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB) is likely due to its unique 3D structure, which includes a large surface area (486.95 m² g⁻¹), a wide spectrum response, and the prevention of electron–hole recombination compared to In₂O₃-MR (indium oxide-micro rod) and In₂O₃-MD (indium oxide-micro disc). In the presence of NaBH₄ and visible light, the catalytic performances of the In₂O₃-MF, In₂O₃-MR, and In₂O₃-MD catalysts for the reduction of 4-NP and MB degradation were investigated. Using In₂O₃-MF as a catalyst, we were able to achieve a 99.32 percent reduction of 4-NP in 20 min and 99.2 percent degradation of MB in 3 min. Interestingly, the conversion rates of catalytic 4-NP and MB were still larger than 95 and 96 percent after five consecutive cycles of catalytic tests, suggesting that the In₂O₃-MF catalyst has outstanding catalytic performance and a high reutilization rate.     

Identification of Small Regions of Overlap from Copy Number Variable Regions in Patients with Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a common form of congenital atypical sex development that is often associated with other congenital comorbidities. Many genes have been associated with the condition, most commonly single sequence variations. Further investigations of recurrent and overlapping copy number variations (CNVs) have resulted in the identification of genes and chromosome regions associated with various conditions, including differences of sex development (DSD). In this retrospective study, we investigated the DECIPHER database, as well as an internal institutional database, to identify small recurrent CNVs among individuals with isolated and syndromic hypospadias. We further investigated these overlapping recurrent CNVs to identify 75 smallest regions of overlap (SROs) on 18 chromosomes. Some of the genes within these SROs may be considered potential candidate genes for the etiology of hypospadias and, occasionally, additional comorbid phenotypes. This study also investigates for the first time additional common phenotypes among individuals with hypospadias and overlapping CNVs. This study provides data that may aid genetic counseling and management of individuals with hypospadias, as well as improve understanding of its underlying genetic etiology and human genital development overall.     

Modelling of acidification kinetics and textural properties in dahi (Indian yogurt) made from buffalo milk using response surface methodology

The simultaneous effects of fermentation temperature (20.8–29.2C), total solids (TS) level (13–16% w/v) and total inoculum level (1–4% v/v) on the acidification process in buffalo milk fermented with dahi culture were explored by means of response surface methodology. The changes in lactose content and lactic acid in buffalo milk (14.5% TS) inoculated with 2.5% culture were investigated during fermentation at 27.5C. The utilization of lactose followed first order kinetics during dahi fermentation. The syneresis increased with increase in fermentation temperatures. A firmer gel was achieved with a medium acidification rate in the range of fermentation temperatures from 27C to 29.2C, medium TS of 14.5–15%, and at a total inoculum level of 2.5%.     

Bioinformatics of Differentially Expressed Genes in Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate-Induced Megakaryocytic Differentiation of K562 Cells by Microarray Analysis

Megakaryocytes are large hematopoietic cells present in the bone marrow cavity, comprising less than 0.1% of all bone marrow cells. Despite their small number, megakaryocytes play important roles in blood coagulation, inflammatory responses, and platelet production. However, little is known about changes in gene expression during megakaryocyte maturation. Here we identified the genes whose expression was changed during K562 leukemia cell differentiation into megakaryocytes using an Affymetrix GeneChip microarray to determine the multifunctionality of megakaryocytes. K562 cells were differentiated into mature megakaryocytes by treatment for 7 days with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and a microarray was performed using RNA obtained from both types of cells. The expression of 44,629 genes was compared between K562 cells and mature megakaryocytes, and 954 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected based on a p-value < 0.05 and a fold change >2. The DEGs was further functionally classified using five major megakaryocyte function-associated clusters—inflammatory response, angiogenesis, cell migration, extracellular matrix, and secretion. Furthermore, interaction analysis based on the STRING database was used to generate interactions between the proteins translated from the DEGs. This study provides information on the bioinformatics of the DEGs in mature megakaryocytes after K562 cell differentiation.     

混合输入五杆机构的轨迹跟踪研究

混合输入五杆机构系统是一种新型的可控机构,采用恒速电机和伺服电机作为驱动元,两种类型的运动通过一个五杆机构复合后,可得到柔性输出运动.本文对混合输入五杆机构进行了逆运动学分析和动力学建模.为了实现对连续时变轨迹的跟踪任务,该系统采用计算力矩控制算法对伺服电机的运动进行控制.对混合输入五杆机构实现直线轨迹进行了仿真研究,结果表明了逆运动分析和控制算法的有效性,得到了比较好的轨迹跟踪效果.     

一种基于跟踪微分器的智能车辆加速度闭环控制方法

为了满足智能车辆进行L3及以上级别智能驾驶的需求,文章开发了一种基于跟踪微分器的加速度闭环控制方法.该方法采用跟踪微分器对加速度进行辨识,并对加速度进行闭环控制.其上层控制器根据车辆的当前速度、目标速度以及加速或者减速的距离计算一个加速度指令,并通过CAN网络将该指令发送到加速度闭环控制器中,从而实现对智能车辆进行加速...     

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in beef heifers grazing an irrigated pasture

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) produce toxins that have been associated with several human illnesses. E. coli O157:H7 is the most well-studied STEC and was first associated with consumption of improperly cooked ground beef in 1982. E. coli O157:H7 is not the only foodborne STEC because other STEC serotypes are also associated with human illnesses. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence of STEC in 23 yearling beef (Angus) heifers grazing an irrigated grass pasture in spring (April), summer (July), fall (October), and winter (December) of 1999. A total of 86 fecal samples were rectally collected and were subjected to microbiological testing for the presence of STEC. Nine E. coli isolates from five heifers (one in spring and fall and three in winter) were toxic to Vero cells. Of these isolates, four were E. coli O157:H7, two belonged to the serogroup O6, one O39:NM, one O113:H-, and the final isolate was untypable. The STEC prevalence rate in our herd ranged from 4% (spring) to 15% (winter). Based on detecting both O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 STEC in our heifers, it is clear that screening fecal samples should not be limited to E. coli O157:H7. Identification of STEC-positive cattle prior to slaughter should help in reducing the risk of beef contamination with such foodborne pathogens if pre- and/or postharvest control measures are applied to such animals.     

Short-term toxicity study of allyl isothiocyanate in rats

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) was given in doses of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg (5 days/week) by oral intubation to male rats for up to 6 weeks. The highest dosage level caused a decrease in body weight, thymus weight, blood glucose and serum globulin levels. Haematological examination revealed an increased percentage of neutrophils and a decreased percentage of lymphocytes after treatment for 2 weeks. Increased liver and adrenal weights were found in all test groups. Renal dysfunction was indicated by increased urinary aspartate amino-transferase activity, reduced urine volume and changes in the specific gravity of the urine. Histopathological changes were observed in the kidneys of animals at dosages of 20 and 40 mg/kg and in the livers of animals at the highest dosage level.