Intrinsic Fluorescence of Actin

In this work actin is used to illustrate connection of protein fluorescence characteristics with its structure. On one hand, it has been demonstrated what kind of information about the contribution of each tryptophan residues to the bulk fluorescence spectrum can be obtained from the special analysis of protein three-dimensional structure. On the other hand, potentials of intrinsic fluorescence for elucidation of proteins structure, dynamics and processes of folding-unfolding are shown. In particular, using this method a new essentially unfolded kinetic intermediate state of actin was detected and characterized, and the place of inactivated actin and its kinetic predecessor in the process of folding-unfolding was determined. It has been revealed that inactivated actin is not intermediate state between the native and completely unfolded states, as it has been accepted before, but a result of protein misfolding. On the basis of the obtained data a new model of actin folding-unfolding pathway has been proposed.     

Changes in the Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectrum of Myocardium Tissue with Decrease in Its Viability

We investigated the laser-induced fluorescence spectra (LIF) of porcine cardiac tissues with different degrees of viability. The data obtained are compared with the results of routine histological investigations and also with the experiments performed with the use of fluorescent probes. It has been found with a high degree of reliability that the loss of the viability of the myocardium tissue leads to the alteration of its LIF spectra. This can be used for low-invasive rapid control of transplant viability in the process of its preparation and during surgery.     

Microsolvation of phthalocyanines in superfluid helium droplets.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of the spectroscopy of molecules in superfluid helium droplets provide evidence for the key role of the first helium layer surrounding the dopant molecule in determining the molecule's spectroscopic features. Recent investigations of emission spectra of phthalocyanine in helium droplets revealed a doubling of all transitions. Herein, we present the emission spectra of Mg-phthalocyanine and of phthalocyanine-argon clusters in helium droplets, which confirm the splitting as a general effect of the helium environment. A scheme of levels is deduced from the emission spectra and attributed to quantized states of the first helium layer surrounding the dopant molecule.     

How to assess and report the performance of a stochastic algorithm on a benchmark problem: mean or best result on a number of runs?

Some authors claim that reporting the best result obtained by a stochastic algorithm in a number of runs is more meaningful than reporting some central statistic. In this short note, we analyze and refute the main argument brought in favor of this statement.     

Approximation bounds for quadratic maximization and max-cut problems with semidefinite programming relaxation

In this paper,we consider a class of quadratic maximization problems.For a subclass of the problems,we show that the SDP relaxation approach yields an approximation solution with the ratio is dependent on the data of the problem with α being a uniform lower bound.In light of this new bound,we show that the actual worst-case performance ratio of the SDP relaxation approach (with the triangle inequalities added) is at least α δd if every weight is strictly positive,where δd ＞ 0 is a constant depending on the problem dimension and data.     

Characterization of reduced iso‐α‐acids derived from hops (Humulus lupulus) by NMR

Reduced forms of iso‐α‐acids (isohumulones), used in modern beer brewing were separated and characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Components from mixtures of rho‐iso‐α‐acids, tetrahydro‐iso‐α‐acids, and hexahydro‐iso‐α‐acids were isolated using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed by use of one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR experiments. The data presented assign the identities of the main peaks in the HPLC traces for the reduced iso‐α‐acids. Previous tentative assignments regarding the cis and trans configurations and the structures of the acyl residues of the reduced iso‐α‐acids were confirmed and extensive NMR assignments were made. Furthermore, the previously unknown stereochemistry in the C‐4 side‐chain of the rho‐ and hexahydro‐iso‐α‐acids was assigned. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Time-resolved fluorescence study of the single tryptophan in thiocyanate and azide derivatives of horseradish peroxidase: Implication for a p H-induced conformational change in the heme cavity

Detailed pH-dependent steady state and picosecond time-resolved tryptophan fluorescence studies on thiocyanate and azide complexes of horseradish peroxidase have been carried out. The fluorescence decay of the single tryptophan in these species was fitted to a discrete three exponential model. Maximum entropy method analysis also gave three distinct regions of lifetime distributions. The fast subnanosecond lifetime component was found to have > 97% amplitude contribution while other two longer lifetime components have small contributions. Small contributions from the nanosecond lifetime components possibly arise from apoprotein impurity or some small amount of disordered heme conformer of the protein. pH dependence of the fast picosecond lifetime components was found to show a systematic behavior which has been interpreted in the light of obligatory conformation change associated with activation of the enzyme at low pH.     

闭排队网络中性能势与无穷小实现因子之间的关系

In this paper,the concept of the infinitesimal realization factor is extended to the parameter-dependent performance functions in closed queueing networks. Then the concepts of realization matrix (its elements are called realization factors) and performance potential are introduced,and the relations between infinitesimal realization factors and these two quantities are discussed. This provides a united framework for both IPA and non IPA approaches. Finally,another physical meaning of the service rate is given.