Mann and Ishikawa-Type Iterative Schemes for Approximating Fixed Points of Multi-valued Non-Self Mappings

A Mann-type iterative scheme which converges strongly to a fixed point of a multi-valued nonexpansive non-self mapping T is constructed in a real Hilbert space H. We also constructed a Mann-type sequence which converges to a fixed point of a multi-valued quasi-nonexpansive non-self mapping under appropriate conditions. In addition, an Ishikawa-type iterative scheme which approximates the fixed points of multi-valued Lipschitz pseudocontractive non-self mappings is constructed in Banach spaces. The results obtained in this paper improve and extend the known results in the literature.

     

Convergence Theorems for Non-Self Mappings in CAT(0) Spaces

In this paper, we prove strong convergence of Mann iterative schemes to fixed points of multi-valued demicontractive non-self mappings in complete CAT(0) spaces under appropriate conditions. In addition, △? convergence or strong convergence of Mann iterative scheme to a fixed point of single-valued k-strictly pseudocontractive non-self mapping is obtained. Our theorems improve and unify most of the results in the literature.     

Electrochemical determination of lead using bismuth modified glassy carbon electrode

Electrochemical application of bismuth film modified glassy carbon electrode was studied with the objective of lead detection. Bismuth film on glassy carbon substrate was formed in a plating solution of 2 mmol/L Bi(NO₃)₃, in 1 mol/L HCl at ?1.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) for 300 s. Lead was detected by differential pulse anodic voltammetry in acetate buffer of pH 5.0 in the concentration range of 7.5 nmol/L to 12.5 μmol/L. Factors influencing the anodic stripping performance, including deposition time, solution pH, Bi(III) concentration, potential, pulse amplitude, pulse width, have been optimized. Three linear calibration plots in the range 7.5 nmol/L to 0.1 μmol/L, 0.25 to 1 μmol/L, 2.5 to 12.5 μmol/L with regression coefficients of 0.991, 0.986 and 0.978 respectively were obtained. The theoretical detection limit equivalent to three times standard deviation for 7.5 nmol/L lead (n = 5) was calculated to be 5.25 nmol/L utilizing a 5 min deposition time and sensitivity 83.97 A L/mol. The sensitivity and detection limit of the method was compared with reported voltammetric methods for detection of lead and the result obtained was found to be promising for determination of lead.     

Confocal/TEM overlay microscopy: a simple method for correlating confocal and electron microscopy of cells expressing GFP/YFP fusion proteins.

Genetic manipulation allows simultaneous expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its derivatives with a wide variety of cellular proteins in a variety of living systems. Epifluorescent and confocal laser scanning microscopy (confocal) localization of GFP constructs within living tissue and cell cultures has become routine, but correlation of light microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on components within identical cells has been problematic. In this study, we describe an approach that specifically localizes the position of GFP/yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) constructs within the same cultured cell imaged in the confocal and transmission electron microscopes. We present a simplified method for delivering cell cultures expressing fluorescent fusion proteins into LR White embedding media, which allows excellent GFP/YFP detection and also high-resolution imaging in the TEM. Confocal images from 0.5-microm-thick sections are overlaid atop TEM images of the same cells collected from the next serial ultrathin section. The overlay is achieved in Adobe Photoshop by making the confocal image somewhat transparent, then carefully aligning features within the confocal image over the same features visible in the TEM image. The method requires no specialized specimen preparation equipment; specimens are taken from live cultures to embedding within 8 h, and confocal transmission overlay microscopy can be completed within a few hours.     

gem-Diethyl Pyrroline Nitroxide Spin Labels: Synthesis,EPR Characterization,Rotamer Libraries and Biocompatibility

The availability of bioresistant spin labels is crucial for the optimization of site-directed spin labeling protocols for EPR structural studies of biomolecules in a cellular context. As labeling can affect proteins’ fold and/or function, having the possibility to choose between different spin labels will increase the probability to produce spin-labeled functional proteins. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of iodoacetamide- and maleimide-functionalized spin labels based on the gem-diethyl pyrroline structure. The two nitroxide labels are compared to conventional gem-dimethyl analogs by site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, using two water soluble proteins: T4 lysozyme and Bid. To foster their use for structural studies, we also present rotamer libraries for these labels, compatible with the MMM software. Finally, we investigate the “true” biocompatibility of the gem-diethyl probes comparing the resistance towards chemical reduction of the NO group in ascorbate solutions and E. coli cytosol at different spin concentrations.