Solid-state NMR spectroscopy applied to a chimeric potassium channel in lipid bilayers

We show that solid-state NMR can be used to investigate the structure and dynamics of a chimeric potassium channel, KcsA-Kv1.3, in lipid bilayers. Sequential resonance assignments were obtained using a combination of (15)N- (13)C and (13)C- (13)C correlation experiments conducted on fully labeled and reverse-labeled as well as C-terminally truncated samples. Comparison of our results with those from X-ray crystallography and solution-state NMR in micelles on the closely related KcsA K (+) channel provides insight into the mechanism of ion channel selectivity and underlines the important role of the lipid environment for membrane protein structure and function.     

Proof complexity of propositional default logic

Default logic is one of the most popular and successful formalisms for non-monotonic reasoning. In 2002, Bonatti and Olivetti introduced several sequent calculi for credulous and skeptical reasoning in propositional default logic. In this paper we examine these calculi from a proof-complexity perspective. In particular, we show that the calculus for credulous reasoning obeys almost the same bounds on the proof size as Gentzen??s system LK. Hence proving lower bounds for credulous reasoning will be as hard as proving lower bounds for LK. On the other hand, we show an exponential lower bound to the proof size in Bonatti and Olivetti??s enhanced calculus for skeptical default reasoning.     

Synthesis and Molecular Structure of a Tripodal Triaminostibine

Reaction of the tripodal trilithium triamide [MeSi{SiMe₂N(Li)(p‐Tol)}₃(thf)₂] ( 1 ) with SbCl₃ in toluene gave the corresponding triaminostibine [MeSi{SiMe₂N(p‐Tol)}₃Sb] ( 2 ) in good yield. Its [2,2,2]bicyclooctane‐related cage structure, comprising the trisilylsilane unit and the triamidostibine fragment, was established by a single crystal X‐ray structure analysis: Space group P1, Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 293 K: a = 8.645(4), b = 10.029(5), c = 19.678(9) Å, α = 98.50(3)°, β = 97.46(3)°, γ = 94.80(3)°, R = 0.0216.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of voice onset by means of a multidimensional voice analysis system (MVAS) using high-speed imaging

High-speed filming is one of the most informative methods for assessing voice physiology data. Tracing high-speed images of the glottis provides quantitative parameters such as the glottal area and the glottal width function. By way of example, a number of studies are discussed which extract quantitative data from high-speed images showing voice onsets. Furthermore, a new computer system (MVAS; multi-dimensional voice analysis system) is presented that synchronously displays a laryngoscopic high-speed film, the electroglottographical signal, and several acoustic analyses of the recorded voice sample. The automatic measurement of glottal width and glottal area from the laryngoscopic images is also provided. Looking at former studies and our analyses of voice onsets reveals a tremendous intersubject and even intrasubject variability (different prephonatory closure, different time span until full amplitude is reached, different open quotient).