Point Mutations of Nicotinic Receptor α1 Subunit Reveal New Molecular Features of G153S Slow-Channel Myasthenia

Slow-channel congenital myasthenic syndromes (SCCMSs) are rare genetic diseases caused by mutations in muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits. Most of the known SCCMS-associated mutations localize at the transmembrane region near the ion pore. Only two SCCMS point mutations are at the extracellular domains near the acetylcholine binding site, α1(G153S) being one of them. In this work, a combination of molecular dynamics, targeted mutagenesis, fluorescent Ca²⁺ imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology has been applied to G153S mutant muscle nAChR to investigate the role of hydrogen bonds formed by Ser 153 with C-loop residues near the acetylcholine-binding site. Introduction of L199T mutation to the C-loop in the vicinity of Ser 153 changed hydrogen bonds distribution, decreased acetylcholine potency (EC₅₀ 2607 vs. 146 nM) of the double mutant and decay kinetics of acetylcholine-evoked cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ rise (τ 14.2 ± 0.3 vs. 34.0 ± 0.4 s). These results shed light on molecular mechanisms of nAChR activation-desensitization and on the involvement of such mechanisms in channelopathy genesis.     

U：CaF2晶体的分凝特性与光谱性质

应用TGT法生长了直径为75mm的U：CaF2晶体，宏观上透明完整.应用公式K0=Cs/Cl计算了U在CaF2晶体中的分凝系数等于0.53.应用溶质分布一般公式Cs=K0C0(1-g)K0-1，计算U的浓度分布与测量值，数值符合说明晶体生长过程接近平衡状态.分析不同条件下生长的U: CaF2晶体的晶胞参数和吸收光谱，结果表明生长气氛决定U的价态及电荷补偿机理：无PbF2存在的条件下，U为+4价，晶体呈绿色；PbF2的加入起到氟化去氧作用，U倾向于以离子半径最接近于Ca2+的U3+存在，晶体呈红色.从晶体生长开始到结束的部位，U3+:CaF2晶体吸收光谱的峰位不变，峰强呈现与U浓度相同的增加趋势.U3+:CaF2晶体外层厚约5mm处呈黄色，含有U3+和U2+的混合价态离子，其原理是石墨坩埚的还原作用通过单质铅，使部分的U3+进一步还原成了U2+. 关键词： 铀 氟化钙晶体 分凝系数 晶胞参数     

Studies on calcium‐containing poly(urethane ether)s

The calcium salt of mono(hydroxyethoxyethyl)phthalate [Ca(HEEP)₂] was synthesized by the reaction of diethylene glycol, phthalic anhydride, and calcium acetate. Calcium‐containing poly(urethane ether)s (PUEs) were synthesized by the reaction of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) or tolylene 2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) with a mixture of Ca(HEEP)₂ and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG₃₀₀ or PEG₄₀₀) with di‐n‐butyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. A series of calcium‐containing PUEs of different compositions were synthesized with Ca(HEEP)₂/PEG₃₀₀ (or PEG₄₀₀)/diisocyanate (HMDI or TDI) molar ratios of 2:2:4, 3:1:4, and 1:3:4 so that the coating properties of the PUEs could be studied. Blank PUEs without calcium‐containing ionic diols were also prepared by the reaction of PEG₃₀₀ or PEG₄₀₀ with HMDI or TDI. The PUEs were well characterized by Fourier transform infrared, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, solid‐state cross‐polarity/magic‐angle‐spinning ¹³C NMR, viscosity, solubility, and X‐ray diffraction studies. The thermal properties of the polymers were also studied with thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The PUEs were applied as top coats on acrylic‐coated leather, and their physicomechanical properties were also studied. The coating properties of PUEs, such as the tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, water vapor permeability, flexing endurance, cold crack resistance, abrasion resistance, color fastness, and adhesive strength, were better than the standard values. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2865–2878, 2003     

An Electroacoustic Investigation of Concentrated Aqueous Suspensions of Calcium Pyrophosphate

The zeta potential of concentrated suspensions of calcium pyrophosphate were investigated using electroacoustics. The particles were negatively charged over the entire pH range studied. It proved impossible to reduce the pH of the suspension below 1.8, but the iso electric point could be estimated to occur at approximately pH 1. Two commercially available dispersants (one cationic and one anionic) were then added in small increments to the suspension in order to follow the change in zeta potential as the dispersants adsorbed onto the particles. From the shape of the curve it was possible to estimate the optimum adsorbed amount of dispersant required to fully coat the particles. The cationic dispersant adsorbed strongly and the optimum dosage was estimated at 2.5 ml of active polymer/kg of powder. Anionic dispersants are known to adsorb onto negatively charged ceramic oxide particles, but the anionic dispersant used in this study did not adsorb onto the negatively charged calcium pyrophosphate particles.     

Basic principles of technological shaping of optical properties and radiation hardness of PWO crystals

Technological conditions ensuring growth of optically homogeneous lead tungstate (PWO) crystals are reported. It is shown that the basic scintillator characteristics of PWO grown from highly purified raw material and properly doped with lanthanides are mainly determined by inclusions of oxides W_1−yL_yO_3−x (L=Y, La, Gd; 0<x<0.3). Moreover, surface-located inclusions with structure close to tungstenite may also be of importance. It is demonstrated that the scintillation properties can be intentionally designed by varying the oxygen content in the inclusions x and the surface structure. The optimal value for x and the most favorable surface structure are achieved by proper thermal regimes and environment content during the crystal annealing. The results enabled low-cost fabrication of PWO scintillators with steady and reproducible characteristics acceptable for the CERN project ALICE and ensured production of PWO on an industrial scale by “North Crystals” company at a rate of 125–135 crystals per year from every growth apparatus.     

Influence of the light illumination on thermoluminescence properties of PbWO4

The thermally stimulated properties of PbWO₄ in the temperature range 90–400 K have been investigated on undoped and terbium-doped crystals after X-ray irradiation at 90 K. Doping with terbium changes the concentration of shallow traps, which are responsible for retrapping free electrons and holes. Light illumination can change the distribution of the traps. The optically stimulated luminescence is observed. The influence of light illumination on the TSL curves and emission properties is studied. The possible mechanism of TSL phototransformation is discussed.     

Ca(NO3)2•4H2O-catalysed Biginelli Reaction: One-pot Synthesis of 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ones/pyrimidine-2-thiones under Solvent-free Conditions

The synthesis of 1,2,3,4-dihydropyrimidinone/thione derivatives was achieved in good to excellent yields using calcium(II) nitrate as catalyst to promote the Biginelli three-component condensation reaction from a diversity of aromatic aldehydes, β-keto compounds and urea or thiourea. The reaction was carried out under solvent-free conditions.     

Measuring calcium uptake and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced calcium release in cerebellum microsomes using Fluo-3

A simple fluorimetric method is presented for measuring calcium uptake and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃)-induced calcium release in microsomes using Fluo-3. This method is used to investigate the amplitude of calcium release (quantal release) induced by InsP₃ from rat cerebellum microsomes.     

Reinforcement effect of MAA on nano‐CaCo3‐filled EPDM vulcanizates and possible mechanism

Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used as in situ surface modifier to improve the interface interaction between nano‐CaCO₃ particle and ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) matrix, and hence the mechanical properties of nano‐CaCO₃‐filled EPDM vulcanizates. The results showed that the incorporation of MAA improved the filler–matrix interaction, which was proved by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FTIR), Kraus equation, crosslink density determination, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation of carboxylate and the participation of MAA in the crosslinking of EPDM indicated the strong filler–matrix interaction from the aspect of chemical reaction. The results of Kraus equation showed that the presence of MAA enhanced the reinforcement extent of nano‐CaCO₃ on EPDM vulcanizates. Crosslink density determination proved the formation of the ionic crosslinks in EPDM vulcanizates with the existence of MAA. The filler particles on tensile fracture were embedded in the matrix and could not be observed obviously, indicating that a strong interfacial interaction between the filler and the matrix had been achieved with the incorporation of MAA. Meanwhile, the presence of MAA remarkably increased the modulus and tensile strength of the vulcanizates, without negative effect on the high elongation at break. Furthermore, the ionic bond was thought to be formed only on filler surface because of the absolute deficiency of MAA, which resulted in the possible structure where filler particles were considered as crosslink points. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1226–1236, 2006