A micelle nucleation model for the interaction of dodecyl sulphate with Lys49-phospholipases A(2)

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I) is a Lys49-PLA(2) from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu that lacks detectable catalytic activity, yet causes rapid Ca2+-independent membrane damage. With the aim of understanding the interaction between BthTx-I and amphiphilic molecules, we have studied the interaction of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) with the protein. Circular dichroism and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectra of BthTx-I reveal changes in the alpha-helical organization of the protein at an SDS/BthTx-I molar ratio of 20-25. At SDS/BthTx-I ratios of 40-45 the alpha-helices return to a native-like conformation, although fluorescence emission anisotropy measurements of 2-amino-N-hexadecyl-benzamide (AHBA) demonstrate that the total SDS is below the critical micelle concentration when this transition occurs. These results may be interpreted as the result of SDS accumulation by the BthTx-I homodimer and the formation of a pre-micelle SDS/BthTx-I complex, which may subsequently be released from the protein surface as a free micelle. Similar changes in the alpha-helical organization of BthTx-I were observed in the presence of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes, suggesting that protein structure transitions coupled to organization changes of bound amphiphiles may play a role in the Ca2+-independent membrane damage by Lys49-PLA(2)s. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Homomorphic self-incompatibility, with stylar rejection site, in Luehea grandiflora Mart. and Zucc. (Tiliaceae-Malvaceae s.l.)

The breeding system of Luehea grandiflora (Tiliaceae-Malvaceae s.l.) was investigated using hand pollinations and fluorescence microscopy studies of pollen tube growth. Although selfed flowers persisted for some 10 days, our study indicates that L. grandiflora is self-incompatible, with self pollen tube inhibition in the upper style, as occurs in many taxa with homomorphic, gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI). L. grandiflora is only the second species reported within the Malvales with homomorphic stylar inhibition. This result is discussed within the context of a report for self-compatibility in this species, and we also consider the phylogenetic implications for the occurrence of GSI in the family Malvaceae s.l.

On the reversed crystal growth of BaZrO3 decaoctahedron: shape evolution and mechanism

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Fluorometric fiber optic drop sensor for atmospheric hydrogen sulfide

A fluorometric technique based on a liquid drop excited from its interior by an optical fiber is described for the measurement of low concentrations of atmospheric hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A drop of alkaline fluorescein mercuric acetate (FMA) solution is suspended in a flowing air sample stream and serves as a renewable sensor. An optical fiber contained within the conduit that forms the drop, brings in the excitation beam; the fluorescence emission is measured by an inexpensive photodiode positioned close to the drop. As H2S in the sample is collected by the alkaline drop, it reacts rapidly with FMA resulting in a significant decrease in fluorescence intensity, proportional to the concentration of H2S sampled. The chemistry of this uniquely selective reaction has been well established for many years, the present technique permits a simple fast inexpensive near real-time measurement with very little reagent consumption. Even without prolonged sampling/preconcentration steps, limits of detection (LODs) in the double digit ppbv range is readily attainable. (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. B.V.

Infrared-to-visible frequency upconversion in Pr3+/Yb3+- and Er3+/Yb3+-codoped tellurite glasses

Upconversion luminescence and thermal effects in Pr3+/Yb3+- and Er3+/Yb3+-codoped 60TeO(2)-10GeO(2)-10K(2)O-10Li(2)O-10Nb(2)O(5) tellurite glasses excited by CW infrared radiation at 1.064 mum is reported. Generation of intense green and red fluorescence emission in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped samples and appreciable upconversion luminescence in the wavelength region of 450-680 nm in Pr3+/Yb3+-codoped samples is observed. Temperature-induced enhancement of X12 in the upconversion efficiency in Er3+/Yb3+- and X10 in the Pr3+/Yb3+-doped samples is demonstrated. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Electroluminescence of a device based on europium beta-diketonate with phosphine oxide complex

Rare earth (RE) ions have spectroscopic characteristics to emit light in narrow lines, which makes RE complexes with organic ligands candidates for full color OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) applications. In particular, beta-diketone rare earth (RE(3+)) complexes show high fluorescence emission efficiency due to the high absorption coefficient of the beta-diketone and energy transfer to the central ion. In this work, the fabrication and the electroluminescent properties of devices containing a double and triple-layer OLED using a new beta-diketone complex, [Eu(bmdm)(3)(tppo)(2)], as transporting and emitting layers are compared and discussed. The double and triple-layer devices based on this complex present the following configurations respectively: device 1: ITO/TPD (40 nm)/[Eu(bmdm)(3)(tppo)(2)] (40 nm)/Al (150 nm); device 2: ITO/TPD (40 nm)/[Eu(bmdm)(3) (tppo)(2)] (40 nm)/Alq(3) (20 nm)/Al (150 nm) and device 3: ITO/TPD (40 nm)/bmdm-ligand (40 nm)/Al (150 nm), were TPD is (N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1-biphenil-4,4-diamine) and bmdm is butyl methoxy-dibenzoyl-methane. All the films were deposited by thermal evaporation carried out in a high vacuum system. These devices exhibit high intensity photo- (PL) and electro-luminescent (EL) emission. Electroluminescence spectra show emission from Eu(3+) ions attributed to the (5)D(0) to (7)F(J) (J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) transitions with the hypersensitive (5)D(o) -> (7)F(2) transition (around 612 nm) as the most prominent one. Moreover, a transition from (5)D(1) to (7)F(1) is also observed around 538 nm. The OLED light emission was almost linear with the current density. The EL CIE chromaticity coordinates (X = 0.66 and Y = 0.33) show the dominant wavelength, lambda(d) = 609 nm, and the color gamut achieved by this device is 0.99 in the CIE color space. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the stability of the extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus, in two iron oxidation states, in the presence of urea

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influência do uso de telas de sombreamento coloridas (azul, vermelha e preta) na fisiologia da produção de mudas de Guanandi (Calophyllum brasiliensis)

Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Botânica) - IBB

Influência da fonte de luz fotoativadora nas propriedades ópticas de resína composta, em função da cor, espessura e tempo de armazenamento

Pós-graduação em Ciências Odontológicas - FOAR

Efeito de diferentes meios de imersão na emissão fluorescente de resinas compostas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

O efeito do pH na interação da albumina sérica humana e os flavonoides quercetina e quercitrina

Pós-graduação em Biofísica Molecular - IBILCE

Deconstructing the DGAT1 enzyme: Binding sites and substrate interactions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Interaction of cyclic and linear labaditin peptides with anionic and zwitterionic micelles

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Interaction of cyclic and linear Labaditin peptides with anionic and zwitterionic micelles

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

New insights into the structural characteristics of irradiated crotamine

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)