An Approach To Crystallizing Proteins By
Metal-Mediated Synthetic Symmetrization,
2011
University of California - Los Angeles
An Approach To Crystallizing Proteins By Metal-Mediated Synthetic Symmetrization, Arthur Laganowsky, Minglei Zhao, Angela B. Soriaga, Michael R. Sawaya, Duilio Cascio, Todd O. Yeates
United States Department of Energy: Publications
Combining the concepts of synthetic symmetrization with the approach of engineering metal-binding sites, we have developed a new crystallization methodology termed metal-mediated synthetic symmetrization. In this method, pairs of histidine or cysteine mutations are introduced on the surface of target proteins, generating crystal lattice contacts or oligomeric assemblies upon coordination with metal. Metal-mediated synthetic symmetrization greatly expands the packing and oligomeric assembly possibilities of target proteins, thereby increasing the chances of growing diffraction-quality crystals. To demonstrate this method, we designed various T4 lysozyme (T4L) and maltose-binding protein (MBP) mutants and cocrystallized them with one of three metal ions: copper (Cu …
Modification Of Native Grasses For Biofuel Production May
Increase Virus Susceptibility,
2011
Michigan State University, East Lansing
Modification Of Native Grasses For Biofuel Production May Increase Virus Susceptibility, Abbie C. Schrotenboer, Michael S. Allen, Carolyn M. Malmstrom
United States Department of Energy: Publications
Bioenergy production is driving modifications to native plant species for use as novel biofuel crops. Key aims are to increase crop growth rates and to enhance conversion efficiency by reducing biomass recalcitrance to digestion. However, selection for these biofuel-valuable traits has potential to compromise plant defenses and alter interactions with pests and pathogens. Insect-vectored plant viruses are of particular concern because perennial crops have potential to serve as virus reservoirs that influence regional disease dynamics. In this study, we examined relationships between growth rates and biomass recalcitrance in five switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) populations, ranging from near wild type …
2011 Nebraska Water Monitoring
Programs Report,
2011
NDEQ
2011 Nebraska Water Monitoring Programs Report, Marty Link
Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality: Reports
The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is charged with monitoring, assessing, and to the extent possible, managing the state’s water resources. The purpose of this work is to protect and maintain good quality water and encourage or execute activities to improve poor water quality. Monitoring is done on the over 18,000 miles of flowing rivers and streams, our greater than 280,000 acres of surface water in lakes and reservoirs, and the vast storage of groundwater in Nebraska’s aquifers.
Charge And Fluence Lifetime Measurements Of A Dc High Voltage Gaas Photogun
At High Average Current,
2011
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Charge And Fluence Lifetime Measurements Of A Dc High Voltage Gaas Photogun At High Average Current, J. Grames, R. Suleiman, P. A. Adderley, J. Clark, J. Hansknecht, D. Machie, M. Poelker, M. L. Stutzman
United States Department of Energy: Publications
GaAs-based dc high voltage photoguns used at accelerators with extensive user programs must exhibit long photocathode operating lifetime. Achieving this goal represents a significant challenge for proposed high average current facilities that must operate at tens of milliamperes or more. This paper describes techniques to maintain good vacuum while delivering beam, and techniques that minimize the ill effects of ion bombardment, the dominant mechanism that reduces photocathode yield of a GaAs-based dc high voltage photogun. Experimental results presented here demonstrate enhanced lifetime at high beam currents by: (a) operating with the drive laser beam positioned away from the electrostatic center …
Glypican-3 Targeting Of Liver Cancer Cells Using Multifunctional Nanoparticles,
2011
University of Washington
Glypican-3 Targeting Of Liver Cancer Cells Using Multifunctional Nanoparticles, James O. Park, Zachary Stephen, Conory Sun, Omid Veiseh, Forrest M. Kievit, Chen Fang, Matthew Leung, Hyejung Mok, Miqin Zhang
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Imaging is essential in accurately detecting, staging, and treating primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies. We developed a novel multifunctional nanoparticle (NP) specifically targeting glypican-3 (GPC3), a proteoglycan implicated in promotion of cell growth that is overexpressed in most HCCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to confirm the differential GPC3 expression in two human HCC cells, Hep G2 (high) and HLF (negligible). These cells were treated with biotin-conjugated GPC3 monoclonal antibody (aGPC3) and subsequently targeted using superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs conjugated to streptavidin and Alexa Fluor 647. Flow cytometry demonstrated …
Magnetite Nanoparticles For Medical Mr Imaging,
2011
University of Washington, Seattle
Magnetite Nanoparticles For Medical Mr Imaging, Zachary R. Stephen, Forrest M. Kievit, Miqin Zhang
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become one of the most widely used and powerful tools for non-invasive clinical diagnosis due to its high soft tissue contrast, spatial resolution, and penetration depth1. In addition, images are acquired without the use of ionizing radiation or radiotracers that would cause unwanted harmful side-effects. A considerable amount of research in medical MR imaging is focused on the development of contrast agents that can provide better delineation between healthy and diseased tissue. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are a major class of nanoscale material currently under extensive development for improved diagnosis of a wide range of diseases, …
Biological Approaches For Addressing The Grand
Challenge Of Providing Access To Clean Drinking
Water,
2011
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Biological Approaches For Addressing The Grand Challenge Of Providing Access To Clean Drinking Water, Mark R. Riley, Charles P. Gerba, Menachem Elimelech
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
The U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) recently published a document presenting “Grand Challenges for Engineering”. This list was proposed by leading engineers and scientists from around the world at the request of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Fourteen topics were selected for these grand challenges, and at least seven can be addressed using the tools and methods of biological engineering. Here we describe how biological engineers can address the challenge of providing access to clean drinking water. This issue must be addressed in part by removing or inactivating microbial and chemical contaminants in order to properly deliver water …
Detection And Quantification Of Poliovirus
Infection Using Ftir Spectroscopy And Cell Culture,
2011
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Detection And Quantification Of Poliovirus Infection Using Ftir Spectroscopy And Cell Culture, Felipe T. Lee-Montiel, Kelly A. Reynolds, Mark R. Riley
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Background: In a globalized word, prevention of infectious diseases is a major challenge. Rapid detection of viable virus particles in water and other environmental samples is essential to public health risk assessment, homeland security and environmental protection. Current virus detection methods, especially assessing viral infectivity, are complex and time-consuming, making point-of-care detection a challenge. Faster, more sensitive, highly specific methods are needed to quantify potentially hazardous viral pathogens and to determine if suspected materials contain viable viral particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with cellular-based sensing, may offer a precise way to detect specific viruses. This approach utilizes infrared …
Development Of An Angular Scanning System For
Sensing Vertical Profiles Of Soil Electrical Conductivity,
2011
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Development Of An Angular Scanning System For Sensing Vertical Profiles Of Soil Electrical Conductivity, Viacheslav Adamchuk, Ahmad S. Mat Su, Roger A. Eigenberg, Richard B. Ferguson
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) is typically mapped to define soil spatial variability within an agricultural field. Knowledge of the vertical variability of ECa is desired to define the site‐specific behavior of the soil profile. A pneumatic angular scanning system (PASS) was developed to sense horizontal and vertical changes of ECa on‐the‐go with an electromagnetic induction (EMI) instrument using an angular scanning method. This sensor system consists of a sled with a rotating mechanism, an EMI sensor, an inclinometer, and a pneumatic actuator. The system was evaluated at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Agricultural Research and Development …
Identification Of Holocarboxylase Synthetase Chromatin Binding
Sites In Human Mammary Cell Lines Using The Damid Technology,
2011
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Identification Of Holocarboxylase Synthetase Chromatin Binding Sites In Human Mammary Cell Lines Using The Damid Technology, Dipika Singh, Angela K. Pannier, Janos Zempleni
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) is a chromatin protein that is essential for mediating the covalent binding of biotin to histones. Biotinylation of histones plays crucial roles in the repression of genes and repeats in the human genome. We tested the feasibility of DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) technology to map HCS binding sites in human mammary cell lines. Full-length HCS was fused to Dam for subsequent transfection into breast cancer (MCF-7) and normal breast (MCF-10A) cells. HCS docking sites in chromatin were identified by using the unique adenine methylation sites established by Dam in the fusion construct; docking sites were unambiguously …
Cellular Arrays For Large-Scale Analysis Of Transcription Factor
Activity,
2011
Northwestern University
Cellular Arrays For Large-Scale Analysis Of Transcription Factor Activity, Abigail D. Bellis, Beatriz Peňalver-Bernabé, Michael S. Weiss, Michael E. Yarrington, Maria V. Barbolina, Angela K. Pannier, Jacqueline S. Jeruss, Linda J. Broadbelt, Lonnie D. Shea
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Identifying molecular mechanisms or therapeutic targets is typically based on large-scale cellular analysis that measures the abundance of mRNA or protein; however, abundance does not necessarily correlate with activity. We report a method for direct large-scale quantification of active pathways that employs a cellular array with parallel gene delivery of constructs that report pathway activity. The reporter constructs encode luciferase, whose expression is influenced by binding of transcription factors (TFs), which are the downstream targets of signaling pathways. Luciferase levels are quantified by bioluminescence imaging (BLI), which allows for rapid, noninvasive measurements. Activity profiles by BLI of 32 TFs were …
Microarray Analysis Of Gene Expression Profiles
In Cells Transfected With Nonviral Vectors,
2011
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Microarray Analysis Of Gene Expression Profiles In Cells Transfected With Nonviral Vectors, Sarah A. Plautz, Gina Boanca, Jean-Jack M. Riethoven, Angela K. Pannier
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Inefficient gene delivery is a critical factor limiting the use of nonviral methods in therapeutic applications including gene therapy and tissue engineering. There have been few efforts to understand or engineer the molecular signaling pathways that dictate the efficacy of gene transfer. Microarray analysis was used to determine endogenous gene expression profiles modulated during nonviral gene transfer. Nonviral DNA lipoplexes were delivered to HEK 293T cells. Flow cytometry was used to isolate a population of transfected cells. Expression patterns were compared between transfected and nontransfected samples, which revealed three genes that were significantly upregulated in transfected cells, including RAP1A, …
Flocculation Of Wall-Deficient Cells Of
Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Mutant Cw15
By Calcium And Methanol,
2011
University of Arizona
Flocculation Of Wall-Deficient Cells Of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii Mutant Cw15 By Calcium And Methanol, Matt Scholz, Takanori Hoshino, Mark R. Riley, Joel Cuello
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Flocculation is a common and inexpensive method for harvesting algae from solution. After nitrogen starvation, it was shown that 83 + 3% of the wall-deficient cells of the cw 15 mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flocculated from 12 mL samples within 15 min after the addition of 15 mM calcium chloride at pH 8.4. Only 24 2% of the wildtype strain flocculated under these conditions, thus demonstrating how a simple mutation might facilitate process design. The data suggested that algae grown in waters with similar calcium concentrations (e.g. certain wastewaters) might be harvested through simple pH adjustment. It was also discovered …
Performance Of Extended Shuttleworth‐Wallace
Model For Estimating And Partitioning Of
Evapotranspiration In A Partial Residue‐Covered
Subsurface Drip‐Irrigated Soybean Field,
2011
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Performance Of Extended Shuttleworth‐Wallace Model For Estimating And Partitioning Of Evapotranspiration In A Partial Residue‐Covered Subsurface Drip‐Irrigated Soybean Field, Lameck O. Odhiambo, Suat Irmak
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications
Estimation of actual evapotranspiration (ET), especially its partitioning into plant transpiration (T) and soil evaporation (E), in agricultural fields is important for effective soil water management and conservation and for understanding the interactions between ET, T, and E with the management practices. Direct field measurements of ET, T, and E rates are difficult and costly; hence, mathematical models are used for estimating them. The objective of this study was to evaluate the practical applicability of the Shuttleworth‐Wallace (S‐W) model to estimate and partition ET in a subsurface drip‐irrigated soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) field with partial residue cover. While its …
Zinc Speciation In Power Plant Burning Mixtures Of Coal And Tires,
2011
Environmental Science and Nanotechnology Department, Catarinense Institute of Environmental Research and Human Development– IPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Zinc Speciation In Power Plant Burning Mixtures Of Coal And Tires, Luis F.O. Silva, Marcos L.S. Oliveira, Carmen Serra, James C. Hower
Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive
Fly ash from the cyclone-boiler co-combustion of high-S, high volatile bituminous coal and tire-derived fuel (tdf) was studied using a variety of chemical, optical, and microbeam techniques. Fly ash, dominated by Al-Si glass with lesser amounts of coalderived carbons, Fe-spinels, and tire-derived carbons, has Zn concentrations ranging from 2200 ppm (1st ESP row) to 6900 ppm Zn (3rd ESP row). Zinc occurs in Zn-rich nanoparticles in the Al-Si glass phases and as ZnO in amorphous and crystalline nanominerals, Fe- and Zn-sulfides, Pb-Al-Fe sulfates, and Zn sulfates. Iron-rich, Al- and Ti-bearing spinels contain accessory Zn2+,Cr3+,Mn2+, and Pb2+. Fe-sulfates and phosphates nanoparticles …
Co-Disposal Of Dry Fgd By-Product With Coal Gasification Ash And Inorganic Brines,
2011
SASOL Technology (Pty) Ltd, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, P/Bag x 1034, Secunda, South Africa, 2302
Co-Disposal Of Dry Fgd By-Product With Coal Gasification Ash And Inorganic Brines, Jabulani S. Mahlaba, P.C. Pretorius, Subal Maharajh, M.P. Augustyn
Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive
There is a growing pressure from the environmental authorities and public bodies to reduce anthropogenic pollution. Stringent environmental legislation is being implemented for industries around the world, even more so for coal consuming industries. Control of gaseous emissions is one of the areas that are receiving considerable attention towards sustainable development. Coal combustion in coal-fired power utilities emits SO~x~ to the atmosphere. Dry flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) is a well known technology often used to mitigate sulphur emissions in coal-fired power utilities. It traditionally uses lime to neutralise SO~x~, and forms a mixture of anhydrite (CaSO~4~), and calcium sulphite (CaSO~3~). …
A Multi-Analytical Approach To Understand The Chemistry Of Fe-Minerals In Feed Coals And Ashes,
2011
Development Department of Touristic Opportunities, Catarinense Institute of Environmental Research and Human Development– IPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil
A Multi-Analytical Approach To Understand The Chemistry Of Fe-Minerals In Feed Coals And Ashes, Marcos L.S. Oliveira, Frans Waanders, Luis F.O. Silva, Andre Jasper, Carlos H. Sampaio, Dursman Mchabe, Rachel S. Hatch, James C. Hower
Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive
Seven feed coals used in the Brazilian power generation industry were obtained and subsequently analysed together with fly ash and bottom ash from a major Brazilian power plant. The samples were investigated by means of room temperature FeMo¨ssbauer analyses, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and petrographic analysis. In addition, nanometer-sized crystalline phases in coals and ashes were characterised using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The major identified Fe-bearing minerals in the coals were found to be actinolite, ankerite, chalcopyrite, chlorite, goethite, illite, ilmenite, magnesioferrite, natrojarosite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and siderite; whilst in the fly …
Compositional Variations In Pilot Gasifier And Laboratory-Produced Slags And Their Impacts On Slag Viscosity And Coal Assessment,
2011
CSIRO Energy Technology, PO Box 883, Kenmore QLD 4069 Australia
Compositional Variations In Pilot Gasifier And Laboratory-Produced Slags And Their Impacts On Slag Viscosity And Coal Assessment, Alexander Ilyushechkin, Daniel Roberts, David Harris
Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive
The flow behaviour of coal mineral matter at high temperatures is an important parameter for coal use in entrained-flow gasification technologies. Recently, gasification performance data was obtained from a series of pilot-scale gasification tests on a suite of well-characterised Australian black coals. Evaluation of the results of the pilot tests and the detailed laboratory investigations provided the opportunity for evaluation of the practical applicability of different laboratory and modelling techniques for coal assessment in terms of mineral matter behaviour in entrained flow gasification. A series of viscosity measurements was made over the range 1200–1600uC using slags produced in a pilot …
Compaction Of High-Ca Fly Ash-Al- And Al-Alloy-Composites: Evaluation Of Their Microstructure And Tribological Performance,
2011
Laboratory of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, GR-157 80, Athens, Greece, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute for Solid Fuels Technology and Applications, 357-359 Mesogeion Avenue, GR-152 31, Halandri, Athens, Greece
Compaction Of High-Ca Fly Ash-Al- And Al-Alloy-Composites: Evaluation Of Their Microstructure And Tribological Performance, Grigorios Itskos, Angeliki Moutsatsou, Pradeep K. Rohatgi, Nikolaos Koukouzas, Charalampos Vasilatos, Eleni Katsika
Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive
In this study, highly calcareous and siliceous fly ash particles were utilized for the fabrication of Al- and Al-alloy-based MetalMatrix Composites (MMCs) by means of powder metallurgy. After compacting and sintering Al and Al/Si powders containing 10, 15, and 20wt. % ash particles, the homogenous (and with minimal amount of voids) microstructure of the produced composites was verified by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The composites were tested for their dry sliding wear behavior using a pin-on-disc machine against spheres of alumina. The worn surfaces of composites were then examined by using SEM and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). …
Influence Of Chemical Reagents On Rheological Properties Of Fly Ash-Water Slurry At Varying Temperature Environment,
2011
Department of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
Influence Of Chemical Reagents On Rheological Properties Of Fly Ash-Water Slurry At Varying Temperature Environment, H.K. Nail, M.K. Mishra, Karanam U.M. Rao
Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive
About 70% of total electrical energy is generated from thermal power plants in India which in turn release about 160 Mt of fly ash as solid waste annually. Transportation and disposal of such a huge amount of fly ash is a major problem faced by the power plants. Presently fly ash is transported as lean slurry in pipe lines requiring about 80 to 85% of water with high energy input. A major impediment in high volume transportation of fly ash is its high specific gravity as compared to that of water. The objective of the present study was to evaluate …
