Nuclear magnetic resonance structure shows that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-unique domain contains a macrodomain fold

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of a central segment of the previously annotated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-unique domain (SUD-M, for "middle of the SARS-unique domain") in SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) has been determined. SUD-M(513-651) exhibits a macrodomain fold containing the nsp3 residues 528 to 648, and there is a flexibly extended N-terminal tail with the residues 513 to 527 and a C-terminal flexible tail of residues 649 to 651. As a follow-up to this initial result, we also solved the structure of a construct representing only the globular domain of residues 527 to 651 [SUD-M(527-651)]. NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments showed that SUD-M(527-651) binds single-stranded poly(A) and identified the contact area with this RNA on the protein surface, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays then confirmed that SUD-M has higher affinity for purine bases than for pyrimidine bases. In a further search for clues to the function, we found that SUD-M(527-651) has the closest three-dimensional structure homology with another domain of nsp3, the ADP-ribose-1 ''-phosphatase nsp3b, although the two proteins share only 5% sequence identity in the homologous sequence regions. SUD-M(527-651) also shows three-dimensional structure homology with several helicases and nucleoside triphosphate-binding proteins, but it does not contain the motifs of catalytic residues found in these structural homologues. The combined results from NMR screening of potential substrates and the structure-based homology studies now form a basis for more focused investigations on the role of the SARS-unique domain in viral infection.

NMR structure shows that the SARS-unique domain contains a macrodomain fold

The NMR structure of a central segment of the previously annotated "SARS-unique domain" (SUD-M; "middle of the SARS-unique domain") in the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) non-structural protein 3 (nsp3) has been determined. SUD-M(513-651) exhibits a macrodomain fold containing the nsp3-residues 528-648, and there is a flexibly extended N-terminal tail with the residues 513-527 and a C-terminal flexible tail of residues 649-651. As a follow-up to this initial result, we also solved the structure of a construct representing only the globular domain of residues 527-651 [SUD-M(527-651)]. NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments showed that SUD-M(527-651) binds single-stranded poly-A and identified the contact area with this RNA on the protein surface, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays then confirmed that SUD-M has higher affinity for purine bases than for pyrimidine bases. In further search for clues to the function, we found that SUD-M(527-651) has the closest three-dimensional structure homology with another domain of nsp3, the ADP-ribose-1''-phosphatase nsp3b, although the two proteins share only 5% sequence identity in the homologous sequence regions. SUD-M(527-651) also shows 3D structure homology with several helicases and NTP-binding proteins, but it does not contain the motifs of catalytic residues found in these structural homologues. The combined results from NMR screening of potential substrates and the structure-based homology studies now form a basis for more focused investigations on the role of the SARS-unique domain in viral infection.

Activation of lower back muscles via FES for pressure sores prevention in paraplegia: a case study

The aim of this paper is to show the feasibility of the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the lower back muscles for pressure sores prevention in paraplegia. The hypothesis under study is that FES induces a change in the pressure distribution on the contact area during sitting. Tests were conducted on a paraplegic subject (T5), sitting on a standard wheelchair and cushion. Trunk extensors (mainly the erector spinae) were stimulated using surface electrodes placed on the skin. A pressure mapping system was used to measure the pressure on the sitting surface in four situations: (a) no stimulation; (b) stimulation on one side of the spine only; (c) stimulation on both sides, at different levels; and (d) stimulation at the same level on both sides, during pressure-relief manoeuvres. A session of prolonged stimulation was also conducted. The experimental results show that the stimulation of the erector spinae on one side of the spine can induce a trunk rotation on the sagittal plane, which causes a change in the pressure distribution. A decrease of pressure on the side opposite to the stimulation was recorded. The phenomenon is intensified when different levels of stimulation are applied to the two sides, and such change can be sustained for a considerable time (around 5 minutes). The stimulation did not induce changes during pressure-relief manoeuvres. Finally, from this research we can conclude that the stimulation of the trunk extensors can be a useful tool for pressure sores prevention, and can potentially be used in a routine for pressure sores prevention based on periodical weight shifts.

Sisal chemically modified with lignins: Correlation between fibers and phenolic composites properties

Sisal fibers have been chemically modified by reaction with lignins, extracted from sugarcane bagasse and Pinus-type wood and then hydroxymethylated, to increase adhesion in resol-type phenolic thermoset matrices. Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) results showed that acidic sites predominate for unmodified/modified sisal fibers and for phenolic thermoset, indicating that the phenolic matrix has properties that favor the interaction with sisal fibers. The IGC results also showed that the phenolic thermoset has a dispersive component closer to those of the modified fibers suggesting that thermoset interactions with the less polar modified fibers are favored. Surface SEM images of the modified fibers showed that the fiber bundle deaggregation increased after the treatment, making the interfibrillar structure less dense in comparison with that of unmodified fibers, which increased the contact area and encouraged microbial biodegradation in simulated soil. Water diffusion was observed to be faster for composites reinforced with modified fibers, since the phenolic resin penetrated better into modified fibers, thereby blocking water passage through their channels. Overall, composites` properties showed that modified fibers promote a significant reduction in the hydrophilic character, and consequently of the reinforced composite without a major effect on impact strength and with increased storage modulus. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efeito das variáveis laboratoriais protéticas na adesão da porcelana com ligas de níquel-cromo

The metalceramic crowns are usually used in dentistry because they provide a resistant structure due to its metallic base and its aesthetics from the porcelain that recovers this structure. To manufacture these crowns, a series of stages should be accomplished in the prosthetic laboratories, and many variables can influence its success. Changes in these variables cause alterations in the metallic alloy and in the porcelain, so, as consequence, in the adhesion between them. The composition of the metal alloy can be modified by recasting alloys, a common practice in some prosthetic laboratories. The aim of this paper is to make a systematic study investigating metalceramic crowns as well as analyzing the effect of recasting Ni-Cr alloys. Another variable which can influence the mechanism of metalceramic union is the temperature used in firing porcelain procedure. Each porcelain has to be fired in a fixed temperature which is determined by the manufacturer and its change can cause serious damages. This research simulate situations that may occur on laboratory procedures and observe their consequences in the quality of the metalceramic union. A scanning eletron microscopy and an optic microscopy were accomplish to analyse the metal-ceramic interface. No differences have been found when remelting alloys were used. The microhardness were similar in Ni-Cr alloys casted once, twice and three times. A wettability test was accomplished using a software developed at the Laboratório de Processamento de Materiais por Plasma, on the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. No differences were found in the contact angle between the solid surface (metallic substratum) and the tangencial plane to the liquid surface (opaque). To analyse if the temperature of porcelain firing procedure could influence the contact area between metal and porcelain, a variation in its final temperature was achieve from 980° to 955°C. Once more, no differences have been found

Enxertia em citros por substituição de ápice caulinar

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação do contato pneu-solo em três modelos de pneus agrícolas

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estudo do aproveitamento de resíduo de gesso como carga para compósito com matriz de resina expansiva de mamona

In the execution of civil engineering works, either by wasting during the coating of wall or demolition of gypsum walls, the generation of the gypsum waste involves serious environmental concerns. These concerns are increased by the high demand of this raw material in the sector and by the difficulties of proper disposal byproduct generated. In the search for alternatives to minimize this problem, many research works are being conducted, giving emphasis in using gypsum waste as fillers in composites materials in order to improve the acoustic, thermal and mechanical performances. Through empirical testing, it was observed that the crystallization water contained in the residue (CaSO4.2H2O) could act like primary agent in the expanding of the polyurethane foam. Considering that polyurethane produced from vegetable oils are biodegradable synthetic polymers and that are admittedly to represent an alternative to petrochemical synthetic polyurethane, this research consist an analysis of the thermal behavior of a composite whose matrix obtained from a resin derived from the expansive castor oil seed, with loads of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% of gypsum waste replacing to the polyol prepolymer blend. Contributors to this analysis: a characterization of the raw material through analysis of spectroscopy by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), chemical analysis by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and mineralogical analysis by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), complemented by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to evaluate the thermo physical properties and thermal behavior of the composites manufactured in die closed with expansion contained, were also carried tests to determine the percentage of open pore volume using a gas pycnometer, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), in addition to testing of flammability and the resistance to contact with hot surfaces. Through the analysis of the results, it appears that it is possible to produce a new material, which few changes in their thermo physical properties and thermal performance, promotes significant changes and attractive to the environment

Biossorção utilizando alga marinha (sargassum sp.) aplicada em meio orgânico

In this work, biosorption process was used to remove heavy metals from used automotive lubricating oils by a bus fleet from Natal-RN-Brazil. This oil was characterized to determine the physical-chemistry properties. It was also characterized the used oil with the aim of determining and quantifying the heavy metal concentration. Fe and Cu were the metals existent in large concentration and these metals were choused to be studied in solubilization process. For the biosorption process was used the seaweed Sargassum sp for the study of influencing of the metals presents separately and with other metals. It was also studied the effect of the protonation treatment of alga with the objective to know the best efficiency of heavy metals removal. The study of the solubilization showed that the presence of more than a metal favors the solubilization of the metals presents in the oil and consequently, it favors the biosorption process, what becomes interesting the perspective application in the heavy metals removal in lubricating oils used, because the presence of more than a heavy metal favors the solubility of all metals present. It was observed that the iron and copper metals, which are present in large concentration, the protonated biosorbtent was more effective. In this study we used as biomass the marine alga Sargassum sp to study the influence of agitation velocity, temperature and initial biomass concentration on the removal of iron and copper from used lubricant oils. We performed an experimental design and a kinetic study. The experiments were carried out with samples of used lubricant oil and predetermined amounts of algae, allowing sufficient time for the mixture to obtain equilibrium under controlled conditions. The results showed that, under the conditions studied, the larger the amount of biomass present, the lower the adsorption capacity of the iron and of the copper, likely due to a decrease in interface contact area. The experimental design led us to conclude that a function can be obtained that shows the degree of influence of each one of the system variables

Limpeza da superfície de corte de rebolos por um sistema de ar comprimido na retificação cilíndrica externa de mergulho de materiais cerâmicos refrigerados com a técnica da mínima quantidade de lubrificante (MQL)

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

New morphological data on fat bodies of semi-engorged females of Amblyomma cajennense (Acari : Ixodidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito da profundidade de semeadura e de rodas compactadoras submetidas a cargas verticais na temperatura e no teor de água do solo durante a germinação de sementes de milho

As rodas compactadoras das semadoras-adubadoras têm como principal função, propiciar o bom contato entre o solo e a semente para garantir a germinação das sementes e a emergência das plântulas. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, estudar a influência de três modelos de rodas compactadoras, três profundidades de semeadura e três níveis de carga sobre a roda compactadora sob a temperatura e o teor de água do solo. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na pista de ensaios de semeadura, localiza em Uberaba, MG, em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, utilizando-se o delineamento experimental de parcelas sub-subdivididas, com 27 tratamentos e quatro repetições. As rodas com maior área de contato com o solo proporcionaram maiores valores do teor médio de água e da temperatura do solo. O nível de carga sobre a roda compactadora não afetou a temperatura e o teor de água do solo.

Desenvolvimento de um perfilômetro laser para determinação da área e volume de contato entre o pneu e o solo: Cristiano Alberto de Paula. -

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação das metodologias de derterminação das áreas de contato e deformações elásticas de pneus agrícolas em função das pressões de inflação e cargas radiais

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Energia na Agricultura) - FCA

Influência da Superfície do implante e da laserterapia na osseointegração, em ratas osteopênicas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)