Conformation of receptor-associated PGI2: An investigation by molecular modeling

Summary To elucidate the conformation of receptor-associated prostacyclin (PGI₂), we first performed structure-activity correlation analysis of over 200 PGI₂ analogues and derived from this analysis several crucial features pertaining to structural requirements for PGI₂ activity [Ah-lim Tsai and Kenneth K. Wu, Eicosanoids, 2 (1989) 131–143]. These structural features proved to be useful guidelines for selecting model molecules for further investigations by molecular mechanics. By properly selecting four analogues with either rigid or uniquely oriented -side chain structure for geometric fitting, we succeeded in maximally minimizing the degree of freedom of the carboxylate terminus of PGI₂. We were able to define the spatial relationship among the four critical functional groups, i.e., C1-COOH, C6a-O, C11-OH and C15-OH. More information is needed, however, to define the geometry of the -side chain, particularly for the moiety beyond C15. Nevertheless, results from structure-activity correlation analysis and molecular modeling provide useful information regarding the conformation of receptor-associated PGI₂, which assumes an elongated conformation instead of the traditional hairpin structure.     

Active transport of Na + and K + through animal cell membranes

The transport of Na⁺ out of the cell and K⁺ into the cell against a concentration gradient is catalyzed by a (Na⁺ + K⁺)-activated ATPase. The way in which the cations pass through the cell membrane has not yet been elucidated. Studies on the ATP hydrolysis revealed a Na⁺-dependent phosphorylation of the enzyme protein; the conformation of the enzyme also appears to change. The energy required for transport of the cations against their concentration gradients is probably provided by K⁺-dependent hydrolysis of the enzyme-bound phosphate. The enzyme can synthesize ATP from inorganic phosphate and ADP on reversal of the cation concentration gradient. By keeping the enzyme in a particular conformation, the cardiac glycoside ouabain specifically inhibits the Na⁺ pump.     

能动抛光磨盘的变形实验研究

 能动抛光磨盘实时产生不同的表面变形，在对大口径非球面光学元件进行精磨和抛光时实现与工件表面良好的大尺寸吻合，可以消除传统光学加工采用小尺寸磨头时带来的高频残余误差并提高加工效率。以加工直径1.3m左右，F/2的抛物面光学元件为例，对能动磨盘在不同离轴度时能够产生的变形进行了计算和实验。结果表明，能动磨盘能够以较高精度产生旋转对称或非对称的抛物面形状。对能动磨盘产生变形后的残余误差进行了分析。     

Brownian diode: Molecular motor based on a semi-permeable Brownian particle with internal potential drop

A model of an autonomous isothermal Brownian motor with an internal propulsion mechanism is considered. The motor is a Brownian particle which is semi-transparent for molecules of surrounding ideal gas. Molecular passage through the particle is controlled by a potential similar to that in the transition rate theory, i.e. characterized by two stationary states with a finite energy difference separated by a potential barrier. The internal potential drop maintains the diode-like asymmetry of molecular fluxes through the particle, which results in the particle?s stationary drift.     

Active transient elasto-acoustic response damping of a thick-walled liquid-coupled piezolaminated cylindrical vessel

The linear 3D piezoelasticity theory in conjunction with the versatile transfer matrix approach and the wave equation for the internal acoustic domain are employed for active non-stationary vibroacoustic response control of an arbitrarily thick, tri-laminate, fluid-filled, simply supported, piezocomposite cylindrical tank, excited by arbitrary (non-axisymmetric) time-dependent on-surface mechanical loads. The smart structure is composed of a supporting core layer of functionally graded orthotropic material perfectly bonded to inner and outer spatially distributed radially polarized functionally graded piezoceramic sensor and uniform force actuator (FGPM) layers. Active vibration damping is implemented by transferring the accumulated voltage on the sensor layer to the piezoelectric actuator layer in context of proportional and derivative control laws. Durbin's numerical inverse Laplace transform scheme is utilized to calculate the time response histories of the relevant interface displacement/stress components, center-point acoustic pressure, and actuator voltage, for selected loading configurations (i.e., concentrated step, impulse, and moving external loads). Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the adopted distributed sensing/actuation configuration together with the active damping control strategy in suppressing the vibroacoustic response of a three-layered (Ba₂NaNb₅O₁₅/Al/PZT4) water-filled piezoelastic cylindrical tank. Limiting cases are considered and the validity of results is established by comparison with the available data as well as with the aid of a commercial finite element package.     

Distributed NGD active circuit for RF-microwave communication

This paper is aimed to the investigation on innovative distributed negative group delay (DNGD) circuits for RF communication. Thanks to the analogy between the lumped and distributed circuits, NGD circuit topologies were identified. By using the S-parameter theory, analysis and synthesis methods of these topologies are proposed. The DNGD circuits developed are mainly comprised of a transistor combined with a series resistance ended by a stub. Then, synthesis relations enabling to determine the NGD circuit parameters from the desired NGD and gain values are established. As application, an active phase shifter (PS) operating independently with the frequency based on the cascade of PGD and NGD devices was synthesized. First, an NGD PS with transmission phase of (135 ± 5)° around 2.56 GHz over the bandwidth of about 1.02 GHz was obtained. Then, a two-stage DNGD PS exhibiting 90° with ±10° flatness from 4.1 GHz to 6.8 GHz was designed. The DNGD circuit presented can be used in various telecommunication areas notably for correcting RF/numerical signal delays in the RF-microwave analogue-digital devices.     

Radial sample load distribution under overload conditions: Analytical scale columns

The homogeneity of the sample load across the radial cross section of analytical scale columns was determined when operating under overload conditions. The study was performed using active flow technology columns operating in parallel segmentation mode. The outlet segmentation ratio was varied to enable different volume fractions of mobile phase, and thus sample, to elute from the peripheral and central flow regions of the column. The amount of solute exiting the peripheral and radial central exit ports was determined as a function of the flow segmentation ratio. The experimental data using an analytical scale column with dimensions, 100?×?4.6?mm, indicated that the sample load distribution was essentially uniform as a function of the column radial cross section.     

Study of Michael addition on chalcones and or chalcone analogues

Michael addition reaction of 1,3-diphenyl-propenone 1a, e, and f with o-amino thiophenol in the presence of indium trichloride gave the benzothiazine derivatives 2a–c. Condensation of the compound 1a, e with o-phenylene diamine in triethylamine gave the benzodiazepine derivatives 3a–b. Cyclization of 1d with malononitrile in the presence of NaOR/EtOH gave the compound 4. Addition of thiobarbituric acid in triethylamin to 1a gave 5. Condensation of compound 1c with malononitrile in the presence ammonium acetate gave compound 6. 1,3-diphenyl-propenone 1a used as key starting chalcone to react with different active methylene reagents under phase-transfer catalysis condition gave compound 7–9. The structures of the prepared compounds were mainly confirmed on the basis of spectroscopic methods.     

Unconventional stereoselective one-pot synthesis of Knoevenagel-type indoles via in situ condensation of iminium salts with active methylene reagents

A simple one-pot procedure for the stereoselective synthesis of Knoevenagel-type indoles is described. The method is based on the in situ reaction of indole iminium salts (four of them are fully characterized) with acyclic symmetrical and unsymmetrical active methylene reagents in the presence of triethylamine. In general, the overall yields are moderate to good. Some of relevant reaction parameters and steric effects affecting stereoselectivity are discussed.