Characterization of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase from thermophilic archaea

The enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1) catalyzes the synthesis of NAD+ and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide. It has been purified to homogeneity from cellular extracts of the thermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Through a database search, a highly significant match was found between its N-terminal sequence and a hypothetical protein coded by the thermophilic archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii MJ0541 open reading frame (GenBank accession no. U67503). The MJ0541 gene was isolated, cloned into a T7-based vector, and expressed in Escherichia coli cells, yielding a high level of thermophilic NMN adenylyltransferase activity. The expressed protein was purified to homogeneity by a single-step chromatographic procedure. Both the subunit molecular mass and the N-terminal sequence of the pure recombinant protein were as expected from the deduced amino acid sequence of the MJ0541 open reading frame-encoded protein. Molecular and kinetic properties of the enzymes from both archaea are reported and compared with those already known for the mesophilic eukaryotic NMN adenylyltransferase.     

Flotation rates,molecular weights and hydrated densities of the low-density lipoproteins

A method involving three computer programs is described for characterizing the major component of the S_f 0–12 low-density lipoprotein class by its S_f rate, hydrated density and molecular weight. All necessary information is obtained from a standard low and high-density lipoprotein ultracentrifugal analysis. Moving-boundary flotation rates are measured in 1.061 g/ml sodium chloride and 1.200 g/ml sodium bromide solutions and are corrected to flotation at zero concentration. Hydrated densities are calculated from η F^o versus ρ plots and minimum hydrated molecular weights calculated using Stokes' frictional factor, assuming spherical molecules. Preliminary application of this procedure indicates higher S _f ^o rates, higher molecular weights, and lower hydrated densities in females than in males. Molecular weights and standard deviations of the principal S_f 0–12 component for non-fasting normal adult females and males were 2.36±0.16 and 2.12±0.20 millions, respectively. Presented at the AOCS Meeting, New York, October, 1968.     

Active screening in RF coil design

Active magnetic screening can be made to operate satisfactorily at RF frequencies up to approximately 8 MHz for small diameter short solenoids. The principles can be used to construct magnetically orthogonal coils which are geometrically coaxial. Such coils have a wide range of uses in NMR.     

Sensing and Biosensing with Semiconductor Quantum Dots

Due to an internal error, the following article was added after the original publication of the special issue on Nanochemistry (11-12/2012). Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) exhibit unique photophysical properties, turning these nanomaterials into ideal components for the development of optical or optoelectronic sensors and biosensors. Various methods and mechanisms of using QDs for sensing have been implemented, including the probing of recognition events by the luminescence of the QDs, their application in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), electron transfer (ET), chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), and photoelectrochemical generation of photocurrents. These different mechanisms are exemplified by discussing the QD-based sensing of low-molecular-weight substrates, chiroselective sensing of amino acids, probing of the catalytic activities of enzymes (casein kinase, tyrosinase, NAD⁺-dependent enzymes), and analysis of DNA and of aptamer-substrate complexes. Specifically, the amplified QD-based sensing of DNA using exonuclease III as target regeneration biocatalyst and the multiplexed detection of DNAs using differently sized QDs are discussed. Also, the implementation of the CRET process for the multiplexed analysis of DNA using differently sized QDs is addressed. Finally, the use of semiconductor QDs for the photoelectrochemical detection of DNA, aptamer-substrate complexes and enzyme activities are discussed. Specifically, the use of QDs for photoelectrochemical sensors, using the CRET process as internal excitation light source, is described. The future applications of the various QD-based sensors as analytical devices and as nanotools that probe intracellular processes are discussed.     

Dynamic relaxation characteristics of thermally rearranged aromatic polyimides

The glass–rubber and sub-glass relaxation characteristics of ortho-functionalized aromatic polyimides and thermally rearranged polymers were investigated by dynamic mechanical and dielectric methods. Soluble polyimides (HAB–6FDA; APAF–ODPA) were synthesized by chemical and thermal imidization and subject to thermal rearrangement at elevated temperature. For the thermal exposure histories investigated, mass loss studies indicated partial conversion of the polyimide precursor, suggesting the formation of TR copolymers containing both benzoxazole units and residual imide segments. Measurement of storage modulus and loss tangent was used to follow the thermal rearrangement process in-situ as reflected in the suppression of the polyimide glass transition as a function of precursor structure, the nature of the ortho functional groups and prior thermal exposure. In addition, changes in the position and intensity of local relaxations detected across the sub-glass temperature range were correlated with the degree of thermal rearrangement in these polymers.     

Low‐velocity impact of nanocomposite and polymer plates

Nanocomposites are more widely studied today because of higher stiffness, decreased permeability, thermal stability, and many other properties superior to those of regular polymers. However, manufacturers are concerned about implementing nanocomposites because of their lower impact properties with respect to the base polymer. This study focused on low‐velocity impact tests of a thermoplastic olefin by itself and with 5 wt % nanoclay. The impact tests were conducted at ?40, 23.9, and 65.6°C until the polymer and nanocomposite plates experienced complete striker penetration. The force–time and force–deflection responses obtained from the impact testing provided a means of comparing the impact performances of the two materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2309–2315, 2005