The 100-kDa neurotensin receptor is gp95/sortilin, a non-G-protein-coupled receptor

In this work, the 100-kDa neurotensin (NT) receptor previously purified from human brain by affinity chromatography (Zsürger, N., Mazella, J., and Vincent, J. P. (1994) Brain Res. 639, 245-252) was cloned from a human brain cDNA library. This cDNA encodes a 833-amino acid protein 100% identical to the recently cloned gp95/sortilin and was then designated NT3 receptor-gp95/sortilin. The N terminus of the purified protein is identical to the sequence of the purified gp95/sortilin located immediately after the furin cleavage site. The binding of iodinated NT to 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid-solubilized extracts of COS-7 cells transfected with the cloned cDNA was saturable and reversible with an affinity of 10-15 nM. The localization of the NT3 receptor-gp95/sortilin into intracellular vesicles was in agreement with previous results obtained with the purified receptor and with gp95/sortilin. Affinity labeling and binding experiments showed that the 110-kDa NT3 receptor can be partly transformed into a higher affinity (Kd = 0.3 nM) 100-kDa protein receptor by cotransfection with furin. This 100-kDa NT receptor corresponded to the mature form of the receptor. The NT3/gp95/sortilin protein is the first transmembrane neuropeptide receptor that does not belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors.     

Comparative electrophysiological aspects of aluminum actions on central neurons and neuronal synapses of invertebrate and vertebrate animals

Aluminum compounds (Al) increased the membrane potential (Em) and decreased the input resistance (Rin) of identified snail neurons. The neuronal excitability increased after Al withdrawal in the washing period. Cumulative Al applications caused dose-dependent modulation of Em and Rin in most of the studied neurons. Two phase actions were recorded on stimulus evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) or currents (EPSCs) at pH 6.5-6.9. The Al induced facilitation followed by attenuation were statistically significant, time- and dose-dependent events. They could be recorded at each Em. Low affinity and slow binding kinetics could characterize the Al actions on the neurons. Al showed pH- dependent suppression of EPSPs or EPSCs in some neurons. Our findings are partially comparable with Al induced electrophysiological and pharmacological modifications reported on vertebrate neurons.     

Structure of DC sputtered Si---C---N thin films

Si---C---N films of maximum 65 at.% of Si and maximum 40 at.% of N were prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering and their fine structure was investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. For compositions, where C---C and C---N bonds prevail, the films had anisotropic structure on the atomic scale, composed of curved graphitic layers, aligned parallel to the substrate normal. An isotropic structure was detected in the middle of the compositional triangle. On a larger scale, a columnar morphology, aligned in the direction of the deposition flux was formed in films containing more than 15 at.% of Si. Singular or simultaneous appearance of the above structures depended on film composition.     

Characterisation of JSR’s spin-on hardmask FF-02

Some of the spin-on interlayer dielectrics (ILD) with dielectric constant k below 2.3, targeted for the 65 nm node and below, are available with their spin-on hard masks (SoHM) to reduce the total effective capacitance and to provide high selectivity to their respective ILDs during integration. In this work, FF-02, JSR’s SoHM is characterised. Its thermal stability, chemical compatibility to stripping solutions and resistance to moisture are investigated. Methods to seal the surface of FF-02 to chemicals are explored. Electrical properties including the dielectric constant, leakage current and breakdown fields are evaluated in planar capacitors and in single damascene structures.     

Effect of isomalt as novel binding agent on compressibility of poorly compactable paracetamol evaluated by factorial design

Tablets containing paracetamol were prepared by wet granulation. The model drug, paracetamol (API) and the diluent, milled isomalt (IM) were applied in different ratios where the granulation liquid was kept constant in each sample. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of wet granulation with milled isomalt on the tabletting properties of poorly compressible paracetamol. The results of tabletting process and the tablet characteristics were evaluated with 3² type face-centered full factorial design. The API:IM ratio (X₁) and compression force (X₂) were selected as independent variables. The dependent variables were as follows: the parameters of the tabletting process - lubrication coefficient (R-value), relative elasticity, friction work - and characteristics of the dosage form such as tablet hardness, friability, disintegration time, tensile strength. The results indicated that milled isomalt has an advantageous effect on both the process of compression and the tablet characteristics — due to its binder properties. Furthermore an optimal composition of the API and the diluent is to be found according to the compression process and the dosage form.     

Design of integrated BiCMOS operational amplifiers with low-probability EMI-induced-failures

Electromagnetic interference may cause failures in operational amplifiers. The probability of these failures can be reduced by properly designing the opamp, once the failure mechanism has been discovered. In this paper the design of some integrated BiCMOS operational amplifiers with a very low-probability of electromagnetic interference (EMI) induced failures is reported. In particular, it is shown that opamps exhibiting good general performances as well as low EMI-susceptibility can be obtained only if their response to a large square-wave input signal is symmetric and the influence of some parasitic capacitances in the input stage is compensated. Following these guide-lines, we found possible to design BiCMOS opamp structures exhibiting EMI susceptibility of only a few mV up to several hundred MHz when they are driven with an interfering input signal of some volts.     

The next-generation ARC middleware

The Advanced Resource Connector (ARC) is a light-weight, non-intrusive, simple yet powerful Grid middleware capable of connecting highly heterogeneous computing and storage resources. ARC aims at providing general purpose, flexible, collaborative computing environments suitable for a range of uses, both in science and business. The server side offers the fundamental job execution management, information and data capabilities required for a Grid. Users are provided with an easy to install and use client which provides a basic toolbox for job- and data management. The KnowARC project developed the next-generation ARC middleware, implemented as Web Services with the aim of standard-compliant interoperability.     

Kinetics of autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion - application and extension of Activated Sludge Model No 1 at thermophilic temperatures.

The application of an ASM1-based mathematical model for the modeling of autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion is demonstrated. Based on former experimental results the original ASM1 was extended by the activation of facultative thermophiles from the feed sludge and a new component, the thermophilic biomass was introduced. The resulting model was calibrated in the temperature range of 20-60 degrees C. The temperature dependence of the growth and decay rates in the model is given in terms of the slightly modified Arrhenius and Topiwala-Sinclair equations. The capabilities of the calibrated model in realistic ATAD scenarios are demonstrated with a focus on autothermal properties of ATAD systems at different conditions.