Profilin1 biology and its mutation,actin(g) in disease

Profilins were discovered in the 1970s and were extensively studied for their significant physiological roles. Profilin1 is the most prominent isoform and has drawn special attention due to its role in the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and its link to conditions such as cancer and vascular hypertrophy. Recently, multiple mutations in the profilin1 gene were linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss the physiological and pathological roles of profilin1. We will further highlight the cytoskeletal function and dysfunction caused by profilin1 dysregulation. Finally, we will discuss the implications of mutant profilin1 in various diseases with an emphasis on its contribution to the pathogenesis of ALS.     

Tribbles: novel regulators of cell function; evolutionary aspects

Identification of rate-limiting steps or components of intracellular second messenger systems holds promise to effectively interfere with these pathways under pathological conditions. The emerging literature on a recently identified family of signalling regulator proteins, called tribbles gives interesting clues for how these proteins seem to link several ‘independent’ signal processing systems together. Via their unique way of action, tribbles co-ordinate the activation and suppression of the various interacting signalling pathways and therefore appear to be key in determining cell fate while responding to environmental challenges. This review summarises our current understanding of tribbles function and also provides an evolutionary perspective on the various tribbles genes. Received 10 January 2006; received after revision 20 March 2006; accepted 5 April 2006     

Insights into SCF ubiquitin ligases from the structure of the Skp1-Skp2 complex

F-box proteins are members of a large family that regulates the cell cycle, the immune response, signalling cascades and developmental programmes by targeting proteins, such as cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, IkappaBalpha and beta-catenin, for ubiquitination (reviewed in refs 1-3). F-box proteins are the substrate-recognition components of SCF (Skp1-Cullin-F-box protein) ubiquitin-protein ligases. They bind the SCF constant catalytic core by means of the F-box motif interacting with Skp1, and they bind substrates through their variable protein-protein interaction domains. The large number of F-box proteins is thought to allow ubiquitination of numerous, diverse substrates. Most organisms have several Skp1 family members, but the function of these Skp1 homologues and the rules of recognition between different F-box and Skp1 proteins remain unknown. Here we describe the crystal structure of the human F-box protein Skp2 bound to Skp1. Skp1 recruits the F-box protein through a bipartite interface involving both the F-box and the substrate-recognition domain. The structure raises the possibility that different Skp1 family members evolved to function with different subsets of F-box proteins, and suggests that the F-box protein may not only recruit substrate, but may also position it optimally for the ubiquitination reaction.     

The C. elegans genome sequencing project: a beginning.

The long-term goal of this project is the elucidation of the complete sequence of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. During the first year methods have been developed and a strategy implemented that is amenable to large-scale sequencing. The three cosmids sequenced in this initial phase are surprisingly rich in genes, many of which have mammalian homologues.     

蛹虫草菌丝体胞内多糖提取方法的研究

文中以提取温度、料液比、提取时间和提取次数为因素,采用正交试验研究热水浸提的最佳提取条件,并以此为基础研究热水浸提、冷热交替浸提、盐酸溶液浸提和氢氧化钠溶液浸提对蛹虫草菌丝体胞内多糖提取率的影响. 结果表明：热水浸提的最佳提取工艺为：m(料): V(液) = 1: 40,提取温度75 ℃,提取时间2.5 h,提取2次,多糖的提取率为14.74%,其中料液比为影响多糖提取率主要的因素,其他因素依次是提取温度、提取时间和提取次数. 按照此工艺,热冷交替浸提(热水浸提2.5 h + 冷水浸提48 h)多糖提取率最高,为15.92%. 55 g.L-1的氢氧化钠溶液浸提多糖的提取率为6.31%;25 gL-1的盐酸溶液浸提多糖的提取率为9.93%. 因此,冷热交替浸提对蛹虫草菌丝体胞内多糖提取率最高,其次是热水浸提、盐酸溶液浸提和氢氧化钠溶液浸提.     

Effect of reduction roasting by using bio-char derived from empty fruit bunch on the magnetic properties of Malaysian iron ore

Beneficiation of Malaysian iron ore is becoming necessary as iron resources are depleting. However, the upgrading process is challenging because of the weak magnetic properties of Malaysian iron ore. In this study, bio-char derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was utilized as an energy source for reduction roasting. Mixtures of Malaysian iron ore and the bio-char were pressed into briquettes and subjected to reduction roasting processes at 873–1173 K. The extent of reduction was estimated on the basis of mass loss, and the magnetization of samples was measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). When reduced at 873 K, the original goethite-rich ore was converted into hematite. An increase in temperature to 1073 K caused a significant conversion of hematite into magnetite and enhanced the magnetic susceptibility and saturation magnetization of samples. The magnetic properties diminished at 1173 K as the iron ore was partially reduced to wustite. This reduction roasting by using the bio-char can assist in upgrading the iron ore by improving its magnetic properties.     

视景仿真中液压挖掘机与地形的动态交互

液压挖掘机视景仿真系统通过采用ROAM算法动态管理和实时绘制地形网格,并利用Bezier曲面方法设定控制点的运动路径以逼近铲斗内土壤表面形状的方法,实现了液压挖掘机与三维地形的动态交互,逼真地实现了挖土和卸土效果的模拟。开发的视景仿真系统为驾驶培训人员提供了逼真的、具有高度沉浸感的虚拟内部操作场景,真实感强,具有极佳的交互性。     

基于WWW信息系统的连接技术及其一种实现

对两层客户机／服务器（ｃｌｉｅｎｔ／ｓｅｒｖｅｒ）结构与客户机／服务器／服务器３ 层体系结构进行了比较和分析,讨论了目前采用 Ｗ Ｗ Ｗ 技术的信息系统的一些常用连接技术,重点阐述了 Ｃｏｌｄ Ｆｕｓｉｏｎ这样一种简捷、高效的连接技术,并用 Ｃｏｌｄ Ｆｕｓｉｏｎ 实现了一个 Ｗ Ｗ Ｗ 上的应用系统     

浅谈新型墙体材料——煤矸石空心砖

煤矸石空心砖是一种新型环保墙体材料，符合国家及山西省出台的限制生产和使用实心黏土砖，鼓励发展新型建筑材料的政策。利用煤矸石制造的空心砖可以作为保温材料，既可节约建筑能耗，又可节约土地资源，减少环境污染。煤矸石空心砖同黏土实心砖相比，具有高强、轻质、隔音、隔热、保温、防震等优点，市场前景良好。