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Ion Transport (ion + transport)
Selected AbstractsElectrochemical Elucidation of the Facilitated Ion Transport Across a Bilayer Lipid Membrane in the Presence of Neutral Carrier CompoundsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2010Jun Onishi Abstract The ion transport facilitated by neutral carrier compounds (valinomycin, nonactin) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry in the several electrolyte solutions (KF, KCl, KBr, KNO3, KSCN, KClO4), and we demonstrated the effect of the counter anions on the facilitated transport of K+ from the viewpoint of electroneutrality. Voltammograms for the ion transport were generated at steady state and the current density between W1 and W2, jW1,W2, increased with the absolute value of the applied membrane potential, EW1,W2. Then, the magnitude of jW1,W2 at a certain EW1,W2 increased with the hydrophobicity of the counter anion. It was proved that the logarithm of |jW1,W2|at a certain EW1,W2 is almost proportional to the hydration energy of the counter anion. This indicates that not only K+ but also the counter anion distributes into the BLM. Therefore, the magnitude of jW1,W2 at a certain EW1,W2 increased with an increase of pH, because the hydroxide ion was served as a counter anion. Based on the variation of the zero-current potential in case of various asymmetrical ionic compositions, it is found that the amount of cation transport is much larger than that of anion transport. [source] Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Regulation of Ion Transport in Porcine Vocal Fold Mucosae,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 8 2008Mahalakshmi Sivasankar PhD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important biological molecule that regulates ion transport and inflammatory responses in epithelial tissue. The present study examined whether the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, would increase cAMP concentration in porcine vocal fold mucosa and whether the effects of increased cAMP would be manifested as a functional increase in transepithelial ion transport. Additionally, changes in cAMP concentrations following exposure to an inflammatory mediator, tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF,) were investigated. Study Design: In vitro experimental design with matched treatment and control groups. Methods: Porcine vocal fold mucosae (N = 30) and tracheal mucosae (N = 20) were exposed to forskolin, TNF,, or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) treatment. cAMP concentrations were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ion transport was measured using electrophysiological techniques. Results: Thirty minute exposure to forskolin significantly increased cAMP concentration and ion transport in porcine vocal fold and tracheal mucosae. However, 30-minute and 2-hour exposure to TNF, did not significantly alter cAMP concentration. Conclusions: We demonstrate that forskolin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase is present in vocal fold mucosa, and further, that the product, cAMP increases vocal fold ion transport. The results presented here contribute to our understanding of the intracellular mechanisms underlying vocal fold ion transport. As ion transport is important for maintaining superficial vocal fold hydration, data demonstrating forskolin-stimulated ion transport in vocal fold mucosa suggest opportunities for developing pharmacological treatments that increase surface hydration. [source] Theory of Ion Transport in Electrochemically Switchable Nanoporous Metallized MembranesCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 1 2009Christian Amatore Dr. Abstract A physicomathematical model of ion transport through a synthetic electrochemically switchable membrane with nanometric metal-plated pores is presented. Due to the extremely small size of the cylindrical pores, electrical double layers formed inside overlap, and thus, strong electrostatic fields whose intensities vary across the cross-sections of the nanopores are created. Based on the proposed model a relationship between the relative electrostatic energies experienced by ions in the nanopores and the potential applied to the membrane is established. This allows the prediction of transference numbers and explains quantitatively the ion-transport switching capability of such synthetic membranes. The predictions of this model agree satisfactorily with previous experimental data obtained for this type of devices by Martin and co-workers. [source] Ion transport and osmotic adjustment in Escherichia coli in response to ionic and non-ionic osmoticaENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Lana Shabala Summary Bacteria respond to osmotic stress by a substantial increase in the intracellular osmolality, adjusting their cell turgor for altered growth conditions. Using Escherichia coli as a model organism we demonstrate here that bacterial responses to hyperosmotic stress specifically depend on the nature of osmoticum used. We show that increasing acute hyperosmotic NaCl stress above ,1.0 Os kg,1 causes a dose-dependent K+ leak from the cell, resulting in a substantial decrease in cytosolic K+ content and a concurrent accumulation of Na+ in the cell. At the same time, isotonic sucrose or mannitol treatment (non-ionic osmotica) results in a gradual increase of the net K+ uptake. Ion flux data are consistent with growth experiments showing that bacterial growth is impaired by NaCl at the concentration resulting in a switch from net K+ uptake to efflux. Microarray experiments reveal that about 40% of upregulated genes shared no similarity in their responses to NaCl and sucrose treatment, further suggesting specificity of osmotic adjustment in E. coli to ionic and non-ionic osmotica. The observed differences are explained by the specificity of the stress-induced changes in the membrane potential of bacterial cells highlighting the importance of voltage-gated K+ transporters for bacterial adaptation to hyperosmotic stress. [source] Ion transport in lung diseasePEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue S26 2004Jane C. Davies MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Ion transport in roots: measurement of fluxes using ion-selective microelectrodes to characterize transporter functionPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 1 2001I. A. Newman ABSTRACT The transport of mineral ions into and out of tissues and cells is central to the life of plants. Ion transport and the plasma membrane transporters themselves have been studied using a variety of techniques. In the last 15 years, measurement of specific ion fluxes has contributed to the characterization of transport systems. Progress in molecular genetics is allowing gene identification and controlled expression of transporter molecules. However the molecular expression of transporter gene products must be characterized at the functional level. The ion-selective microelectrode technique to measure specific ion fluxes non-invasively is ideally suited to this purpose. This technique, its theory, its links with others and its application and prospects in plant science, are discussed. Ions studied include hydrogen, potassium, sodium, ammonium, calcium, chloride and nitrate. Applications discussed include: solute ion uptake by roots; gravitropism and other processes in the root cap, meristematic and elongation zones; Nod factor effect on root hairs; osmotic and salt stresses; oscillations; the effects of light and temperature. Studies have included intact roots, leaf mesophyll and other tissues, protoplasts and bacterial biofilms. A multi-ion capability of the technique will greatly assist functional genomics, particularly when coupled with imaging techniques, patch clamping and the use of suitable mutants. [source] Proteomic profiling of tandem affinity purified 14-3-3 protein complexes in Arabidopsis thalianaPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 11 2009Ing-Feng Chang Abstract In eukaryotes, 14-3-3 dimers regulate hundreds of functionally diverse proteins (clients), typically in phosphorylation-dependent interactions. To uncover new clients, 14-3-3 omega (At1g78300) from Arabidopsis was engineered with a "tandem affinity purification" tag and expressed in transgenic plants. Purified complexes were analyzed by tandem MS. Results indicate that 14-3-3 omega can dimerize with at least 10 of the 12 14-3-3 isoforms expressed in Arabidopsis. The identification here of 121 putative clients provides support for in vivo 14-3-3 interactions with a diverse array of proteins, including those involved in: (i) Ion transport, such as a K+ channel (GORK), a Cl, channel (CLCg), Ca2+ channels belonging to the glutamate receptor family (1.2, 2.1, 2.9, 3.4, 3.7); (ii) hormone signaling, such as ACC synthase (isoforms ACS-6, -7 and -8 involved in ethylene synthesis) and the brassinolide receptors BRI1 and BAK1; (iii) transcription, such as 7 WRKY family transcription factors; (iv) metabolism, such as phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase; and (v) lipid signaling, such as phospholipase D (, and ,). More than 80% (101) of these putative clients represent previously unidentified 14-3-3 interactors. These results raise the number of putative 14-3-3 clients identified in plants to over 300. [source] Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Regulation of Ion Transport in Porcine Vocal Fold Mucosae,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 8 2008Mahalakshmi Sivasankar PhD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important biological molecule that regulates ion transport and inflammatory responses in epithelial tissue. The present study examined whether the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, would increase cAMP concentration in porcine vocal fold mucosa and whether the effects of increased cAMP would be manifested as a functional increase in transepithelial ion transport. Additionally, changes in cAMP concentrations following exposure to an inflammatory mediator, tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF,) were investigated. Study Design: In vitro experimental design with matched treatment and control groups. Methods: Porcine vocal fold mucosae (N = 30) and tracheal mucosae (N = 20) were exposed to forskolin, TNF,, or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) treatment. cAMP concentrations were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ion transport was measured using electrophysiological techniques. Results: Thirty minute exposure to forskolin significantly increased cAMP concentration and ion transport in porcine vocal fold and tracheal mucosae. However, 30-minute and 2-hour exposure to TNF, did not significantly alter cAMP concentration. Conclusions: We demonstrate that forskolin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase is present in vocal fold mucosa, and further, that the product, cAMP increases vocal fold ion transport. The results presented here contribute to our understanding of the intracellular mechanisms underlying vocal fold ion transport. As ion transport is important for maintaining superficial vocal fold hydration, data demonstrating forskolin-stimulated ion transport in vocal fold mucosa suggest opportunities for developing pharmacological treatments that increase surface hydration. [source] Oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009A. Bogdanova Abstract The present contribution reviews current knowledge of apparently oxygen-dependent ion transport in erythrocytes and presents modern hypotheses on their regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles. In addition to molecular oxygen as such, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, regional variations of cellular ATP and hydrogen sulphide may play a role in the regulation of transport, provided that they are affected by oxygen tension. It appears that the transporter molecules themselves do not have direct oxygen sensors. Thus, the oxygen level must be sensed elsewhere, and the effect transduced to the transporter. The possible pathways involved in the regulation of transport, including haemoglobin as a sensor, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions both in the transporter and its upstream effectors, are discussed. [source] Decoding epithelial signals: critical role for the epidermal growth factor receptor in controlling intestinal transport functionACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009D. F. McCole Abstract The intestinal epithelium engages in bidirectional transport of fluid and electrolytes to subserve the physiological processes of nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as the elimination of wastes, without excessive losses of bodily fluids that would lead to dehydration. The overall processes of intestinal ion transport, which in turn drive the secretion or absorption of water, are accordingly carefully regulated. We and others have identified the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) as a critical regulator of mammalian intestinal ion transport. In this article, we focus on our studies that have uncovered the intricate signalling mechanisms downstream of EGFr that regulate both chloride secretion and sodium absorption by colonocytes. Emphasis will be placed on the EGFr-associated regulatory pathways that dictate the precise outcome to receptor activation in response to signals that may seem, on their face, to be quite similar if not identical. The concepts to be discussed underlie the ability of the intestinal epithelium to utilize a limited set of signalling effectors to produce a variety of outcomes suitable for varying physiological and pathophysiological demands. Our findings therefore are relevant not only to basic biological principles, but also may ultimately point to new therapeutic targets in intestinal diseases where ion transport is abnormal. [source] Digestive tract ontogeny of Dicentrarchus labrax: Implication in osmoregulationDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 3 2006Ivone Giffard-Mena The ontogeny of the digestive tract (DT) and of Na+/K+ -ATPase localization was investigated during the early postembryonic development (from yolk sac larva to juvenile) of the euryhaline teleost Dicentrarchus labrax reared at two salinities: seawater and diluted seawater. Histology, electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry were used to determine the presence and differentiation of ion transporting cells. At hatching, the DT is an undifferentiated straight tube over the yolk sac. At the mouth opening (day 5), it comprises six segments: buccopharynx, esophagus, stomach, anterior intestine, posterior intestine and rectum, well differentiated at the juvenile stage (day 72). The enterocytes displayed ultrastructural features similar to those of mitochondria-rich cells known to be involved in active ion transport. At hatching, ion transporting cells lining the intestine and the rectum exhibited a Na+/K+ -ATPase activity which increased mainly after the larva/juvenile (20 mm) metamorphic transition. The immunofluorescence intensity was dependent upon the stage of development of the gut as well as on the histological configuration of the analyzed segment. The appearance and distribution of enteric ionocytes and the implication of the DT in osmoregulation are discussed. [source] Electrochemical Elucidation of the Facilitated Ion Transport Across a Bilayer Lipid Membrane in the Presence of Neutral Carrier CompoundsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2010Jun Onishi Abstract The ion transport facilitated by neutral carrier compounds (valinomycin, nonactin) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry in the several electrolyte solutions (KF, KCl, KBr, KNO3, KSCN, KClO4), and we demonstrated the effect of the counter anions on the facilitated transport of K+ from the viewpoint of electroneutrality. Voltammograms for the ion transport were generated at steady state and the current density between W1 and W2, jW1,W2, increased with the absolute value of the applied membrane potential, EW1,W2. Then, the magnitude of jW1,W2 at a certain EW1,W2 increased with the hydrophobicity of the counter anion. It was proved that the logarithm of |jW1,W2|at a certain EW1,W2 is almost proportional to the hydration energy of the counter anion. This indicates that not only K+ but also the counter anion distributes into the BLM. Therefore, the magnitude of jW1,W2 at a certain EW1,W2 increased with an increase of pH, because the hydroxide ion was served as a counter anion. Based on the variation of the zero-current potential in case of various asymmetrical ionic compositions, it is found that the amount of cation transport is much larger than that of anion transport. [source] Micro freef-low IEF enhanced by active cooling and functionalized gelsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 24 2006Jacob W. Albrecht Abstract Rapid free-flow IEF is achieved in a microfluidic device by separating the electrodes from the focusing region with porous buffer regions. Moving the electrodes outside enables the use of large electric fields without the detrimental effects of bubble formation in the active region. The anode and cathode porous buffer regions, which are formed by acrylamide functionalized with immobilized pH groups, allow ion transport while providing buffering capacity. Thermoelectric cooling mitigates the effects of Joule heating on sample focusing at high field strengths (,500,V/cm). This localized cooling was observed to increase device performance. Rapid focusing of low-molecular-weight pI markers and Protein G,mouse IgG complexes demonstrate the versatility of the technique. Simulations provide insight into and predict device performance based on a well-defined sample composition. [source] Cold adaptation in the marine bacterium, Sphingopyxis alaskensis, assessed using quantitative proteomicsENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Lily Ting Summary The cold marine environment constitutes a large proportion of the Earth's biosphere. Sphingopyxis alaskensis was isolated as a numerically abundant bacterium from several cold marine locations, and has been extensively studied as a model marine bacterium. Recently, a metabolic labelling platform was developed to comprehensively identify and quantify proteins from S. alaskensis. The approach incorporated data normalization and statistical validation for the purpose of generating highly confident quantitative proteomics data. Using this approach, we determined quantitative differences between cells grown at 10°C (low temperature) and 30°C (high temperature). Cold adaptation was linked to specific aspects of gene expression: a dedicated protein-folding system using GroESL, DnaK, DnaJ, GrpE, SecB, ClpB and PPIase; polyhydroxyalkanoate-associated storage materials; a link between enzymes in fatty acid metabolism and energy generation; de novo synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the membrane and cell wall; inorganic phosphate ion transport by a phosphate import PstB homologue; TonB-dependent receptor and bacterioferritin in iron homeostasis; histidine, tryptophan and proline amino acid metabolism; and a large number of proteins without annotated functions. This study provides a new level of understanding on how important marine bacteria can adapt to compete effectively in cold marine environments. This study is also a benchmark for comparative proteomic analyses with other important marine bacteria and other cold-adapted organisms. [source] Atrazine increases the sodium absorption in frog (Rana esculenta) skinENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2006Giuseppe Cassano Abstract The presence of atrazine in agricultural sites has been linked to the decline in amphibian populations. The efforts of the scientific community generally are directed toward investigating the long-term effect of atrazine on complex functions (reproduction or respiration), but in the present study, we investigated the short-term effect on the short-circuit current (ISC), a quantitative measure of the ion transport operated by frog (Rana esculenta) skin. Treatment with 5 ,M atrazine (1.08 mg/L) does not affect the transepithelial outfluxes of [14C]mannitol or [14C]urea; therefore, atrazine does not damage the barrier properties of frog skin. Atrazine causes a dose-dependent increase in the short-circuit current, with a minimum of 4.64 ± 0.76 ,A/cm2 (11.05% ± 1.22%) and a maximum of 12.7 ± 0.7 ,A/cm2 (35% ± 2.4%) measured at 10 nM and 5 ,M, respectively. An increase in ISC also is caused by 5 ,M ametryne, prometryn, simazine, terbuthylazine, or terbutryn (other atrazine derivatives). In particular, atrazine increases the transepithelial 22Na+ influx without affecting the outflux. Finally, stimulation of ISC by atrazine is suppressed by SQ 22536, H89, U73122, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, and W7 (blockers of adenylate cyclase, protein kinase A, phospholipase C, intracellular Ca2+ increase, and calmodulin, respectively), whereas indomethacin and calphostin C (inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and protein kinase C, respectively) have no effect. [source] Quantitative Removal of Mercury(II) from Water Through Bulk Liquid Membranes by Lipophilic PolyaminesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 19 2006Nicoletta Spreti Abstract Transport of mercury(II) and copper(II) ions through bulk liquid membranes has been studied, the former because of its toxicity and wide distribution in the environment, the latter for comparative purposes. The abilities of two carriers, the known N,N, -bis[2-(hexadecylamino)ethyl]- N,N, -bis(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (bis-HE16ED) and the new N,N,-bis(p -octyloxybenzyl)-3,6-dioxaoctane-1,8-diamine (bis- pODODA), to complex and transport the selected metal ions are reported. Bis-HE16ED is a good carrier for Cu2+ ions, but the high stability of the carrier/Hg2+ ion complex in the membrane results in a lack of its transport. On the other hand, the new carrier displays a very high efficiency in Hg2+ ion transport, effecting quantitative transfer of the metal ion into the receiving phase within 24 h, despite its chelating region being only slightly different from that in bis-HE16ED. The ability of bis- pODODA to transport 100,% of Hg2+ efficiently in consecutive cycles is also reported. This result provides a basis for future development of a decontamination process based on a carrier-mediated transport system. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] Bumetanide, the Specific Inhibitor of Na+ -K+ -2Cl, Cotransport, Inhibits 1,,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 -Induced Osteoclastogenesis in a Mouse co-culture SystemEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Hyun-A Lee The Na+ -K+ -2Cl, cotransporter (NKCC1) is responsible for ion transport across the secretory and absorptive epithelia, the regulation of cell volume, and possibly the modulation of cell growth and development. It has been reported that a variety of cells, including osteoblasts, contain this cotransporter. In this study, the physiological role of NKCC1 in osteoclastogenesis was exploited in a co-culture system. Bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of NKCC1, reduced the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells. In order to investigate the mechanism by which bumetanide inhibits osteoclastogenesis, the mRNA expressions of the receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-,B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analysed by RT-PCR. Exposure of osteoblastic cells to a medium containing 1 µM bumetanide reduced RANKL mRNA expression induced by 10 nM 1,,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,,25(OH)2D3, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, RANKL expression was also analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) using anti-RANKL antibody. The expression of RANKL was decreased with the increase of bumetanide concentration. In contrast, the expression of OPG mRNA, a novel tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family member was increased in the presence of bumetanide. These results imply that bumetanide inhibits osteoclast differentiation by reducing the RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblastic cells. However, no significant difference in M-CSF mRNA expression was observed when bumetanide was added. Also, we found that the phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinase (JNK), which regulates the activity of various transcriptional factors, was reduced by bumetanide treatment. Conclusively, these findings suggest that NKCC1 in osteoblasts has a pivotal role in 1,,25(OH)2D3 -induced osteoclastogenesis partly via the phosphorylation of JNK. [source] Carbon Nanotubes: High Electromechanical Response of Ionic Polymer Actuators with Controlled-Morphology Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Nafion Nanocomposite Electrodes (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Mater. Abstract Recent advances in fabricating controlled-morphology vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) with ultrahigh volume fraction create unique opportunities for markedly improving the electromechanical performance of ionic polymer conductor network composite (IPCNC) actuators. Continuous paths through inter-VA-CNT channels allow fast ion transport, and high electrical conduction of the aligned CNTs in the composite electrodes lead to fast device actuation speed (>10% strain/second). One critical issue in developing advanced actuator materials is how to suppress the strain that does not contribute to the actuation (unwanted strain) thereby reducing actuation efficiency. Here, experiments demonstrate that the VA-CNTs give an anisotropic elastic response in the composite electrodes, which suppresses the unwanted strain and markedly enhances the actuation strain (>8% strain under 4 V). The results reported here suggest pathways for optimizing the electrode morphology in IPCNCs using ultrahigh volume fraction VA-CNTs to further enhanced performance. [source] High Electromechanical Response of Ionic Polymer Actuators with Controlled-Morphology Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Nafion Nanocomposite ElectrodesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Sheng Liu Abstract Recent advances in fabricating controlled-morphology vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) with ultrahigh volume fraction create unique opportunities for markedly improving the electromechanical performance of ionic polymer conductor network composite (IPCNC) actuators. Continuous paths through inter-VA-CNT channels allow fast ion transport, and high electrical conduction of the aligned CNTs in the composite electrodes lead to fast device actuation speed (>10% strain/second). One critical issue in developing advanced actuator materials is how to suppress the strain that does not contribute to the actuation (unwanted strain) thereby reducing actuation efficiency. Here, experiments demonstrate that the VA-CNTs give an anisotropic elastic response in the composite electrodes, which suppresses the unwanted strain and markedly enhances the actuation strain (>8% strain under 4 V). The results reported here suggest pathways for optimizing the electrode morphology in IPCNCs using ultrahigh volume fraction VA-CNTs to further enhanced performance. [source] Elevated zinc induces siderophore biosynthesis genes and a zntA -like gene in Pseudomonas fluorescensFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2000Silvia Rossbach Abstract Zinc-regulated genes were analyzed in Pseudomonas fluorescens employing mutagenesis with a reporter gene transposon. Six mutants responded with increased gene expression to elevated concentrations of zinc. Genetic and biochemical analysis revealed that in four of the six mutants the transposon had inserted into genes essential for the biosynthesis of the siderophore pyoverdine. The growth of one of the mutants was severely impaired in the presence of elevated concentrations of cadmium and zinc ions. In this mutant, the transposon had inserted in a gene with high similarity to P-type ATPases involved in zinc and cadmium ion transport. Four mutants reacted with reduced gene expression to elevated concentrations of zinc. One of these mutants was sensitive to zinc, cadmium and copper ions. The genetic region targeted in this mutant did not show similarity to any known gene. [source] Local Electrochemical Functionality in Energy Storage Materials and Devices by Scanning Probe Microscopies: Status and PerspectivesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 35 2010Sergei V. Kalinin Abstract Energy storage and conversion systems are an integral component of emerging green technologies, including mobile electronic devices, automotive, and storage components of solar and wind energy economics. Despite the rapidly expanding manufacturing capabilities and wealth of phenomenological information on the macroscopic device behaviors, the microscopic mechanisms underpinning battery and fuel cell operations in the nanometer,micrometer range are virtually unknown. This lack of information is due to the dearth of experimental techniques capable of addressing elementary mechanisms involved in battery operation, including electronic and ion transport, vacancy injection, and interfacial reactions, on the nanometer scale. In this article, a brief overview of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) methods addressing nanoscale electrochemical functionalities is provided and compared with macroscopic electrochemical methods. Future applications of emergent SPM methods, including near field optical, electromechanical, microwave, and thermal probes and combined SPM-(S)TEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) methods in energy storage and conversion materials are discussed. [source] Inactivation of oxidized and S -nitrosylated mitochondrial proteins in alcoholic fatty liver of rats,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Kwan-Hoon Moon Increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is a major contributing factor to alcohol-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. However, which mitochondrial proteins are oxidatively modified under alcohol-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate oxidized and/or S -nitrosylated mitochondrial proteins and to use a biotin- N -maleimide probe to evaluate their inactivation in alcoholic fatty livers of rats. Binge or chronic alcohol exposure significantly elevated nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and ethanol-inducible CYP2E1. The biotin- N -maleimide-labeled oxidized and/or S -nitrosylated mitochondrial proteins from pair-fed controls or alcohol-fed rat livers were subsequently purified with streptavidin-agarose. The overall patterns of oxidized and/or S -nitrosylated proteins resolved by 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were very similar in the chronic and binge alcohol treatment groups. Seventy-nine proteins that displayed differential spot intensities from those of control rats were identified by mass spectrometry. These include mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), ATP synthase, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, and many proteins involved in chaperone activity, mitochondrial electron transfer, and ion transport. The activity of 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase involved in mitochondrial ,-oxidation of fatty acids was significantly inhibited in alcohol-exposed rat livers, consistent with hepatic fat accumulation, as determined by biochemical and histological analyses. Measurement of activity and immunoblot results showed that ALDH2 and ATP synthase were also inhibited through oxidative modification of their cysteine or tyrosine residues in alcoholic fatty livers of rats. In conclusion, our results help to explain the underlying mechanism for mitochondrial dysfunction and increased susceptibility to alcohol-mediated liver damage. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:1218,1230.) [source] Expression of an Aedes aegypti cation-chloride cotransporter and its Drosophila homologuesINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003V. Filippov Abstract Insects maintain haemolymph homeostasis under different environmental conditions by modulating the concentrations of Na+, K+ and Cl, ions. One group of proteins involved in ion transport across cell membranes consists of cation-chloride cotransporters that form a family of structurally similar proteins. Although much is known about these proteins in mammalian systems, our understanding of them in insects is lacking. The recent sequencing of two insect genomes, Drosophila and Anopheles, enabled us to identify globally members of the family of cation chloride cotransporters in these insects. Using RT-PCR we monitored the transcription of members of this family in development and in several tissues. Our analyses showed that transcription of these genes differ considerably from the ubiquitously and highly expressed CG5594 gene to the almost silent gene CG31547. Comparison of Drosophila CG12773 and its Aedes homologue AaeCG12773 showed that they have similar transcript expression profiles. Immunohistochemical analysis of AaeCG1277 gene expression revealed that it is highly expressed in the gut of larvae and female adults but not in Malpighian tubules. A more detailed analysis showed that this protein is localized predominantly in the basolateral membrane of these tissues. This expression pattern confirmed the results of RT-PCR analysis. We also created a mutant for one of the genes, CG10413, in Drosophila using P-element excision. Analysis of this mutant showed this protein does not appear to be essential for development. [source] Investigation of nanoscale electrohydrodynamic transport phenomena in charged porous materialsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 14 2005P. Pivonka Abstract Depending on the permeability of porous materials, different mass transport mechanisms have to be distinguished. Whereas mass transport through porous media characterized by low permeabilities is governed by diffusion, mass transport through highly permeable materials is governed by advection. Additionally a large number of porous materials are characterized by the presence of surface charge which affects the permeability of the porous medium. Depending on the ion transport mechanism various phenomena such as co-ion exclusion, development of diffusion,exclusion potentials, and streaming potentials may be encountered. Whereas these various phenomena are commonly described by means of different transport models, a unified description of these phenomena can be made within the framework of electrohydrodynamics. In this paper the fundamental equations describing nanoscale multi-ion transport are given. These equations comprise the generalized Nernst,Planck equation, Gauss' theorem of electrostatics, and the Navier,Stokes equation. Various phenomena such as the development of exclusion potentials, diffusion,exclusion potentials, and streaming potentials are investigated by means of finite element analyses. Furthermore, the influence of the surface charge on permeability and ion transport are studied in detail for transient and steady-state problems. The nanoscale findings provide insight into events observed at larger scales in charged porous materials. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley Sons, Ltd. [source] Synthesis of charged ultrafiltration poly(styrene- co -divinyl benzene) composite membraneJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Sonny Sachdeva Abstract A ceramic supported crosslinked polystyrene composite membrane has been prepared from its monomers using a dual initiator system. The nonionic hydrophobic membrane so prepared has been chemically modified by a low temperature (50°C), single step reaction with chloroacetic acid. The carboxylated membrane has acid functional groups on its surface making it negatively charged and highly hydrophilic in nature. The membranes (unmodified and carboxylated) have been used for the separation of hazardous chromium (VI) salt solution where observed and intrinsic rejection has been studied as a function of pressure and concentration of the feed solution. The intrinsic rejection has been determined by calculating the concentration at the membrane surface (Cm) using Speigler-Kedam model and osmotic pressure model. The observed rejection for the chemically modified membrane decreases with increasing pressure but the intrinsic rejection is found to be more than 80% for all concentrations in the range of study. The experimental results have been fitted using Space-Charge model to obtain the membrane wall potential and the membrane surface concentration which are difficult to measure directly. The transport through the membrane capillaries has been described by the two dimensional model using Nernst-Planck equation for ion transport, Navier-Stokes equation and Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the radial distribution of potential. We have then presented a semianalytical series solution to the highly nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation to reduce the computational time required to solve the set of coupled differential equations. The effective wall potential of the carboxylated membrane was found to be ,28.07 mV. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Tumors Associated With Oncogenic Osteomalacia Express Genes Important in Bone and Mineral MetabolismJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002Suzanne M. Jan De Beur Abstract Oncogenic osteomalacia (OOM) is associated with primitive mesenchymal tumors that secrete phosphaturic factors resulting in low serum concentrations of phosphate and calcitriol, phosphaturia, and defective bone mineralization. To identify overexpressed genes in these tumors, we compared gene expression profiles of tumors resected from patients with OOM and histologically similar control tumors using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). Three hundred and sixty-four genes were expressed at least twofold greater in OOM tumors compared with control tumors. A subset of 67 highly expressed genes underwent validation with an extended set of OOM and control tumors using array analysis or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Ten of these validated genes were consistently overexpressed in all OOM tumors relative to control tumors. Strikingly, genes with roles in bone matrix formation, mineral ion transport, and bone mineralization were highly expressed in the OOM tumors. [source] The effect of different kinds of electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions on the survival rate and morphology of zebrafish Danio rerio embryosJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2009F. Lahnsteiner The effect of electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions on the survival and on the morphology of zebrafish Danio rerio embryos was investigated. Embryos in different ontogenetic stages were incubated in electrolyte (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2) and non-electrolyte solutions [sucrose and polyvinylalcohol (PVA)] of different concentrations for 5 , 15 min. The embryos were hatched to the long-pec stage and the effective concentrations which caused a 50% decrease in embryo development (EC50) were determined. The morphometric changes, which were caused by the test solutions, were measured. Ion channel blockers were used to see if active ion transport played a role for embryo survival. Finally, dechorionated embryos were exposed to the test solutions to get indications about the importance of chorion and perivitelline space. For 12 hours post fertilization (hpf) embryos and a 15 min exposure period, EC50 was highest for MgCl2 (1·60 mol l,1), followed by sucrose (0·73 mol l,1), NaCl (0·49 mol l,1), KCl (0·44 mol l,1), CaCl2 (0·43 mol l,1) and PVA [0·0005 mol l,1 (2·2%)]. EC50 were lower for early embryonic stages than for advanced stages for all solutions with exception of MgCl2 and sucrose. At the EC50, MgCl2 and CaCl2 solutions did not induce morphometric changes. NaCl and sucrose solutions induced reversible morphometric changes, which were compensated within 10 min. Only the EC50 of KCl and PVA solutions induced permanent morphometric changes, which could not be compensated. Incubation of embryos in electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions together with ouabain (blocker of Na+, K+ ATPase), HgCl3 (dose-dependent inhibition of aquaporine channels), verapamil (inhibition of calcium and magnesium uptake) and amiloride (inhibition of sodium uptake) significantly decreased the per cent of embryos developing to the long-pec stage in comparison to the same solutions without blockers. Ouabain and HgCl3 also induced morphometric changes. For dechorionated embryos the survival rates in water and in the different test solutions were similar to untreated embryos. [source] Ag+ selection by aza-18-crown-6 ethers N -Substituted on heterocyclic aromatics ,,JOURNAL OF HETEROCYCLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2005Kiyoshi Matsumoto Substitution on the nitrogen atom, where necessary by high-pressure SNAr reactions, of aza-18-crown-6 ethers linked to heterocyclic aromatics has extended the number of potential host compounds for Ag+. The complexation of Ag+ by the new compounds has been evaluated by liquid membrane ion transport and ion extraction experiments. The nature of the binding sites of these new host compounds for Ag+ has been assessed, in DMF/D2O (4/1), by 13C nmr titration experiments with AgClO4. [source] The peptaibol antiamoebin as a model ion channel: similarities to bacterial potassium channels,JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 11-12 2003Andrias O. O'Reilly Abstract Antiamoebin (AAM) is a polypeptide antibiotic that is capable of forming ion channels in phospholipid membranes; planar bilayer studies have suggested the channels are octamers. The crystal structure of a monomeric form of AAM has provided the basis for molecular modelling of an octameric helical bundle channel. The channel model is funnel-shaped due to a substantial bend in the middle of the polypeptide chain caused by the presence of several imino acids. Inter-monomer hydrogen bonds orientate a ring of glutamine side chains to form a constriction in the pore lumen. The channel lumen is lined both by side chains of Gln11 and by polypeptide backbone carbonyl groups. Electrostatic calculations on the model are compatible with a channel that transports cations across membranes. The AAM channel model is compared with the crystal structures of two bacterial (KcsA and MthK) potassium channels. AAM and the potassium channels exhibit common functional features, such as cation-selectivity and similar single channel conductances. Common structural features include being multimers, each formed from a bundle of eight transmembrane helices, with lengths roughly comparable to the thickness of lipid bilayers. In addition, they all have aromatic amino acids that lie at the bilayer interfaces and which may aid in the stabilization of the transmembrane helices, as well as narrower constrictions that define the ion binding sites or selectivity filters in the pore lumen. The commonality of structural and functional features in these channels thus suggests that antiamoebin is a good, simple model for more complex bacterial and eukaryotic ion channels, capable of providing insight into details of the mechanisms of ion transport and multimeric channel stability. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Heterogeneous expression of melatonin receptor MT1 mRNA in the rat intestine under control and fasting conditionsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Soták Abstract:, Melatonin is found in mammalian central nervous system and various peripheral tissues including gastrointestinal tract (GIT) where it participates in the regulation of intestinal motility, blood flow, immunomodulation, ion transport, cell proliferation and scavenging of free radicals. Some of these effects are achieved via melatonin binding to specific receptors, MT1 and MT2. As no thorough study on the expression of these receptors in the GIT has yet been done, the aim of this study was to determine the MT1 mRNA expression in the rat intestine under both control and fasting conditions. Our results suggest that MT1 mRNA is present in epithelial as well as subepithelial layer, with higher expression in the latter in all intestinal segments studied. The highest signal of the MT1 transcript along the rostro,caudal intestinal axis was found both in epithelial and subepithelial layers of the duodenum. Nevertheless, duodenal MT1 mRNA expression did not reach the level found in pituitary gland. In a 12:12-hr light:dark cycle a MT1 receptor expression in the subepithelial layer of rat distal colon did not manifest a significant diurnal rhythm. Short-term fasting increased the expression of MT1 transcript in the subepithelial layer of both the small and large intestine. During long-term fasting the increase persisted only in distal colon while a return to control levels was observed in small intestinal segments. In conclusion we demonstrated heterogeneous expression of MT1 receptor in the rat intestine and showed that its expression is up-regulated by nutritional deprivation. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||