Genomic characterization of cycad leaf necrosis virus, the first badnavirus identified in a gymnosperm.

A previously undescribed badnavirus was isolated from Zamia fischeri showing symptoms of chlorosis, necrosis, and ringspot. The virus has bacilliform virions 30 nm in diameter and averaging 120 nm in length. The viral genome is 9227 bp in length and contains three open reading frames characteristic of members of the genus Badnavirus. The largest open reading frame (ORF3) encodes a putative polyprotein, with predicted domains including zinc finger, aspartic protease, reverse transcriptase (RT) and RNase H. The virus is tentatively named "cycad leaf necrosis virus" (CLNV). Within the genus Badnavirus, CLNV was most closely related to sugarcane bacilliform Guadeloupe D virus (FJ439817), sharing 69% identity at the nucleotide level in the RT + RNase H region. This virus is the first badnavirus reported to infect cycads, and it has the largest genome among the currently characterized badnaviruses.

PKCγ is required for ethanol-induced increases in GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit expression in cultured cerebral cortical neurons.

Ethanol exposure produces alterations in GABA(A) receptor function and expression associated with CNS hyperexcitability, but the mechanisms of these effects are unknown. Ethanol is known to increase both GABA(A) receptor α4 subunits and protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in vivo and in vitro. Here, we investigated ethanol regulation of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit expression in cultured cortical neurons to delineate the role of PKC. Cultured neurons were prepared from rat pups on postnatal day 0-1 and tested after 18 days. GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit surface expression was assessed using P2 fractionation and surface biotinylation following ethanol exposure for 4 h. Miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents were measured using whole cell patch clamp recordings. Ethanol increased GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit expression in both the P2 and biotinylated fractions, while reducing the decay time constant in miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents, with no effect on γ2 or δ subunits. PKC activation mimicked ethanol effects, while the PKC inhibitor calphostin C prevented ethanol-induced increases in GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit expression. PKCγ siRNA knockdown prevented ethanol-induced increases in GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit expression, but inhibition of the PKCß isoform with PKCß pseudosubstrate had no effect. We conclude that PKCγ regulates ethanol-induced alterations in α4-containing GABA(A) receptors.

Retention behavior of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on metalloprotoporphyrin-silica stationary phases.

The retention behavior of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LPAHs) (> or = 7 rings) on newly developed metalloplotoporphyrin (MProP)-silica stationary phases is examined and the results are compared to previously reported data for retention of the same solutes on commercially available phases. HPLC columns packed with FeProP-silica are shown to exhibit unique shape selectivity for LPAH retention, with the planar LPAHs always retained much longer than corresponding non-planar solutes. Solute planarity, length to breadth ratio (L/B value), and number of carbon atoms within the LPAHs are all demonstrated to contribute to the retention sequence observed. Further, the retention of LPAH solutes on FeProP-silica phases is shown to be more predictable than on other reversed-phase columns, with the elution sequence constant regardless of the mobile phase composition. Due to the extremely high planar selectivity of FeProP-silicas with respect to LPAH retention, it is envisioned that columns packed with these phases could be used in conjunction with existing commercial columns to devise Inethods for more efficient separation of complex mixtures of LPAHs in environmental and other samples.

A bidomain model based BEM-FEM coupling formulation for anisotropic cardiac tissue.

A hybrid boundary element method (BEM)/finite element method (FEM) approach is proposed in order to properly consider the anisotropic properties of the cardiac muscle in the magneto- and electrocardiographic forward problem. Within the anisotropic myocardium a bidomain model based FEM formulation is applied. In the surrounding isotropic volume conductor the BEM is adopted. Coupling is enabled by requesting continuity of the electric potential and the normal of the current density across the boundary of the heart. Here, the BEM part is coupled as an equivalent finite element to the finite element stiffness matrix, thus preserving in part its sparse property. First, continuous convergence of the coupling scheme is shown for a spherical model comparing the computed results to an analytic reference solution. Then, the method is extended to the depolarization phase in a fibrous model of a dog ventricle. A precomputed activation sequence obtained using a fine mesh of the heart was downsampled and used to calculate body surface potentials and extracorporal magnetic fields considering the anisotropic bidomain conductivities. Results are compared to those obtained by neglecting in part or totally (oblique or uniform dipole layer model) anisotropic properties. The relatively large errors computed indicate that the cardiac muscle is one of the major torso inhomogeneities.

Examination of dodecylpyridinium chloride as a potentially selective fluorescence quenching agent for discriminating between alternant versus nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Fluorescence behavior is reported for 13 alternant and 12 nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) dissolved in aqueous micellar cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC)+dodecylpyridinium chloride (DDPC) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)+DDPC mixed surfactant solvent media. Experimental measurements indicate that the dodecylpyridinium cation selectively quenches fluorescence emission of alternant PAHs. Emission intensities of nonalternant PAHs, with a few noted exceptions, essentially remain constant, irrespective of both DDPC concentration and cosurfactant headgroup charge.

Spectroscopic investigations in molecularly organized solvent media. Part 5. Fluorescence behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons dissolved in cetylpyridinium chloride+zwitterionic and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride+zwitterionic mixed surfactant systems.

Applicability of the cetylpyridinium (CPy(+)) cation as a selective fluorescence quenching agent for discriminating between alternant versus nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is examined for 25 representative solutes dissolved in two aqueous micellar cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)+zwitterionic surfactant solvent media. Experimental results show that the CPy(+) cation effectively quenched fluorescence emission of all 10 alternant PAHs studied despite the presence of strong intramicellar coulombic interactions. Emission intensities of the 15 nonalternant PAHs also decreased upon addition of CPC to the zwitterionic surfactant solutions. Reduction in emission intensities for the nonalternant PAHs is rationalized in terms of changes in micellar structure caused by the coulombic interactions, rather than from loss of quenching selectivity by the CPy(+) cation.

Monitoring and characterization of polyaromatic compounds in the environment.

This paper provides an overview of analytical techniques and instruments used to monitor and characterize polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the environment. The basic operating principles of various analytical approaches and systems are presented. The review deals specifically with spectroscopic methods, chromatographic and hyphenated techniques, and field monitoring devices. Emphasis is given to portable devices that can be used under field conditions. Specific examples of analytical techniques and instruments developed in the authors's laboratories will be discussed to illustrate the usefulness and potential of these approaches for environmental monitoring and characterization of PACs.

Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis and subsequent expression of the corresponding recombinant proteins without changing the bacterial vector system.

A new bacterial vector was constructed that combines the attractive features of gene fusion vectors and phagemids. A gene of interest cloned into this new vector can either be expressed as fusion protein or be prepared as single-stranded template DNA within the same system. Thus, time consuming subcloning procedures changing the bacterial vector according to the required method are avoided. As an example sequencing, expression and subsequent purification of site-directed mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase are discussed.

Spectroscopic properties of polycyclic aromatic compounds Part 6. The nitromethane selective quenching rule visited in aqueous micellar zwitterionic surfactant solvent media.

Applicability of the nitromethane selective quenching rule for discriminating between alternant versus nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is examined for 58 representative PAH solutes dissolved in micellar N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate and in micellar N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate solvent media. Results of measurements show that zwitterionic surfactants can be considered, for the most part, as providing a polar solubilizing media as far as the nitromethane selective quenching rule is concerned. Nonalternant PAHs that contain electron donating methoxy- and hydroxy-functional groups (and methyl-groups to a much lesser extent) are noted exceptions.

Spectrochemical investigations of fluorescence quenching agents. Part 5. Effect of surfactants of the ability of nitromethane to selectively quench fluorescence emission of alternant PAHs.

Applicability of the nitromethane selective quenching rule for discriminating between alternant vs. nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is examined for 18 representative PAH solutes dissolved in micellar cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTACl), micellar dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), micellar Brij-35 and micellar sodium octanoate (SO) solvent media. Experimental results show that nitromethane quenched fluorescence emission of only the 10 alternant PAHs in the two cationic (CTACl and DTAB) and nonionic Brij-35 surfactant solvent media as expected. Emission intensities of nonalternant PAHs, except for the few exceptions noted previously, were unaffected by nitromethane addition. Unexpected quenching behavior was observed, however, in the case of nonalternant PAHs dissolved in micellar sodium octanoate solvent media. Nitromethane quenched fluorescence emission of all nonalternant PAHs studied in the SO solvent media, which is contrary to the selective quenching rule.

Cetylpyridinium chloride micelles as a selective fluorescence quenching solvent media for discriminating between alternant versus nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Fluorescence behavior of 41 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) dissolved in aqueous micellar cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) solvent media and in five different cetyltrimethylammonium chloride + cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) surfactant mixtures is reported. Experimental fluorescence measurements reveal that CPC is a selective fluorescence quenching agent for alternant PAHs. The cetylpyridinium ion effectively quenched emission intensities of the 21 alternant PAHs studied. Emission intensities of nonalternant PAHs, with a few noted exceptions, were unaffected by the presence of CPC in the mixed cationic surfactant micelles.

High molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in hydrothermal petroleums from the Gulf of California and Northeast Pacific Ocean.

Hydrothermal petroleums and heavy tars have been analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) with molecular weights greater than that of coronene (300 da). Samples from the hydrothermal systems in the Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California) and in the Escanaba Trough and Middle Valley (Northeastern Pacific) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography with diode-array absorbance detection. Mass spectra and fluorescence spectra were used to characterize the compounds. Several large PAHs with six and more rings were identified among the heavy PAH. Production routes via one-ring build-up and Scholl-condensation are proposed to explain the observed structures. The variations in PAH concentrations and distributions between samples from different locales are a consequence of the hydrothermal conditions of generation, migration, and post-depositional alteration.

Site-directed mutagenesis of herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase opposes the importance of amino acid positions 251, 321 and 348 for selective recognition of substrate analogs.

Seven site-directed mutants representing step-by-step transitions from the thymidine kinase (TK) of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV 1) strain F to that one of strain SC16 were constructed, recombinantly produced and kinetically characterized in order to identify which of three differences in the amino acid sequence of these two TKs is/are responsible for their difference in substrate specificity. The preference of these two TKs for the substrate analogs aciclovir and ganciclovir was reported to be in reverse order (4.5), suggesting one of the amino acids in position 251 (cys or gly), 321 (ser or pro) and 348 (val or ile) of the HSV 1 wildtype TKs to be important for selective substrate recognition. However, the results of our study do not support this hypothesis.