Agronomic performance of high oleic,low linolenic soybean in Tennessee

Soybean oil hydrogenation alters the linolenic acid molecule to prevent the oil from becoming rancid, however, health reports have indicated trans-fat caused by hydrogenation, is not generally regarded as safe. Typical soybeans contain approximately 80 g kg⁻¹ to 120 g kg⁻¹ linolenic acid and 240 g kg⁻¹ of oleic acid. In an effort to accommodate the need for high-quality oil, the United Soybean Board introduced an industry standard for a high oleic acid greater than 750 g kg⁻¹ and linolenic acid less than 30 g kg⁻¹ oil. By combing mutations in the soybean plant at four loci, FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B, oleate desaturase genes and FAD3A and FAD3C, linoleate desaturase genes, and seed oil will not require hydrogenation to prevent oxidation and produce high-quality oil. In 2017 and 2018, a study comparing four near-isogenic lines across multiple Tennessee locations was performed to identify agronomic traits associated with mutations in FAD3A and FAD3C loci, while holding FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B constant in the mutant (high oleic) state. Soybean lines were assessed for yield and oil quality based on mutations at FAD2-1 and FAD3 loci. Variations of wild-type and mutant genotypes were compared at FAD3A and FAD3C loci. Analysis using a generalized linear mixed model in SAS 9.4, indicated no yield drag or other negative agronomic traits associated with the high oleic and low linolenic acid genotype. All four mutations of fad2-1A, fad2-1B, fad3A, and fad3C were determined as necessary to produce a soybean with the new industry standard (>750 g kg⁻¹ oleic and <30 g kg⁻¹ linolenic acid) in a maturity group-IV-Late cultivar for Tennessee growers.     

Effects of thermal and mechanical treatments on a titanium-based conversion coating for aluminium alloys

The influence of mechanical deformation and heating on the protective performance of a chromium-free conversion treatment for aluminium alloys has been assessed by polarisation and AC impedance measurements. Protection is unlikely to be seriously compromised by typical production operations.     

Myeloma stem cells in autografting in multiple myeloma

Autologous transplantation has been used increasingly over the last 10 years for the treatment of multiple myeloma. As is the case in other cancers treated by high-dose therapy and stem cell rescue, the contribution of occult tumor cells in the graft to relapse posttransplant remains to be resolved. In this report, we review the biology and differentiation of plasma cells in the context of their significance as an origin of relapse in multiple myeloma.     

Structure effects of double D-amino acid replacements: a nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism study using amphipathic model helices

D-Amino acid replacements and the determination of resulting structural changes are a useful tool to recognize amphipathic helices in biologically active peptides such as neuropeptide Y and corticotropin-releasing factor. In this paper the secondary structures of one amphipathic alpha-helical peptide and its double D-amino acid analog have been determined by means of 1H NMR and CD spectroscopies under equivalent conditions. The chemical shifts (NH and C alpha H) and the analysis of nuclear Overhauser effects show a split of the continuous helix for the all-L peptide into two helices at the position of double D-amino acid replacement. Hydrogen exchange rates correlate with water accessibilities in the hydrophobic/hydrophilic face and confirm the amphipathic helical structure in the all-L peptide as well as in its double D-amino acid analog. A significantly accelerated hydrogen isotope exchange rate is observed for the D-Ala9 backbone proton, implying an increased flexibility at that position. These results show that the incorporation of an adjacent pair of D-amino acids only causes a local change in structure and flexibility, which makes the double D replacement interesting as a tool for specific helix-disturbing modifications to search for helical conformations in biologically active peptides.     

A perioperative practicum

Complex rehabilitation of 20 patients with congenital and acquired maxillofacial deformations included psychological examinations using the finish-the-sentence test, Taylor's, Eysenck's [correction of Isenk's], Leonhard-Smisek, and Dembo-Rubinstein tests. Depressive states were detected in 4, neurotic reactions with depressive incorporations in 16 examinees. After surgery the manifestations of depression decreased in 60% of patients. Psychological studies helped improve the efficacy of surgery due to a favorable impact on the personality.     

Mutant p53 Mediates Sensitivity to Cancer Treatment Agents in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Associated with MicroRNA and SLC7A11 Expression

TP53 gene mutations occur in 70% of oesophageal adenocarcinomas (OACs). Given the central role of p53 in controlling cellular response to therapy we investigated the role of mutant (mut-) p53 and SLC7A11 in a CRISPR-mediated JH-EsoAd1 TP53 knockout model. Response to 2 Gy irradiation, cisplatin, 5-FU, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, and endoxifen was assessed, followed by a TaqMan OpenArray qPCR screening for differences in miRNA expression. Knockout of mut-p53 resulted in increased chemo- and radioresistance (2 Gy survival fraction: 38% vs. 56%, p < 0.0001) and in altered miRNA expression levels. Target mRNA pathways analyses indicated several potential mechanisms of treatment resistance. SLC7A11 knockdown restored radiosensitivity (2 Gy SF: 46% vs. 73%; p = 0.0239), possibly via enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress. Pathway analysis of the mRNA targets of differentially expressed miRNAs indicated potential involvement in several pathways associated with apoptosis, ribosomes, and p53 signaling pathways. The data suggest that mut-p53 in JH-EsoAd1, despite being classified as non-functional, has some function related to radio- and chemoresistance. The results also highlight the important role of SLC7A11 in cancer metabolism and redox balance and the influence of p53 on these processes. Inhibition of the SLC7A11-glutathione axis may represent a promising approach to overcome resistance associated with mut-p53.     

Substrate-mediated interactions and intermolecular forces between molecules adsorbed on surfaces

Adsorbate interactions and reactions on metal surfaces have been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. The manners in which adsorbates perturb the surface electronic structure in their vicinity are discussed. The effects these perturbations have on other molecules are shown to be important in overlayer growth. Interactions of molecules with surface steps are addressed, and each molecule's electron affinity is shown to dictate its adsorption sites at step edges. Standing waves emanating from steps are demonstrated to effect transient molecular adsorption up to 40 A away from the step edge. Halobenzene derivatives are used to demonstrate how the surface is important in aligning reactive intermediates.     

The effect of molecular structure on the gas transmission rates of aromatic polyimides

A series of high-molecular weight condensation polyimides was evaluated to determine the effect of polymer molecular structure on the transmission rate of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. The polyimide films were prepared from either 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) or pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) with various diamines. The study shows that molecular structure had a strong influence on gas transmission rates with results for some films varying three orders of magnitude from that of other polyimide films. In general, the BTDA series of polyimides had overall lower gas transmission rates than the PMDA-derived series. Polymers prepared with meta-oriented diamines characteristically displayed lower gas transmission than those prepared with para-oriented diamines.