Conformational changes couple Na+ and glucose transport

The mechanism by which cotransport proteins couple their substrates across cell membranes is not known. A commonly proposed model is that cotransport results from ligand-induced conformational transitions that change the accessibility of ligand-binding sites from one side of the membrane to the other. To test this model, we have measured the accessibility of covalent probes to a cysteine residue (Q457C) placed in the putative sugar-translocation domain of the Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1). The mutant protein Q457C was able to transport sugar, but transport was abolished after alkylation by methanethiosulfonate reagents. Alkylation blocked sugar translocation but not sugar binding. Accessibility of Q457C to alkylating reagents required external Na+ and was blocked by external sugar and phlorizin. The voltage dependence of accessibility was directly correlated with the presteady–state charge movement of SGLT1. Voltage-jump experiments with rhodamine-6-maleimide-labeled Q457C showed that the time course and level of changes in fluorescence closely followed the presteady–state charge movement. We conclude that conformational changes are responsible for the coupling of Na+ and sugar transport and that Q457 plays a critical role in sugar translocation by SGLT1.

Root-Growth Behavior of the Arabidopsis Mutant rgr11 : Roles of Gravitropism and Circumnutation in the Waving/Coiling Phenomenon

In this study we investigated the kinetics of the gravitropic response of the Arabidopsis mutant rgr1 (reduced root gravitropism). Although the rate of curvature in rgr1, which is allelic to axr4, was smaller than in the wild type (ecotype Wassilewskija), curvature was initiated in the same region of the root, the distal elongation zone. The time lag for the response was unaffected in the mutant; however, the gravitropic response of rgr1 contained a feature not found in the wild type: when roots growing along the surface of an agar plate were gravistimulated, there was often an upward curvature that initiated in the central elongation zone. Because this response was dependent on the tactile environment of the root, it most likely resulted from the superposition of the waving/coiling phenomenon onto the gravitropic response. We found that the frequency of the waving pattern and circumnutation, a cyclic endogenous pattern of root growth, was the same in rgr1 and in the wild type, so the waving/coiling phenomenon is likely governed by circumnutation patterns. The amplitudes of these oscillations may then be selectively amplified by tactile stimulation to provide a directional preference to the slanting.

Binding of thalidomide to alpha1-acid glycoprotein may be involved in its inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha production.

In addition to its well known sedative and teratogenic effects, thalidomide also possesses potent immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities, being most effective against leprosy and chronic graft-versus-host disease. The immunomodulatory activity of thalidomide has been ascribed to the selective inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha from monocytes. The molecular mechanism for the immunomodulatory effect of thalidomide remains unknown. To elucidate this mechanism, we synthesized an active photoaffinity label of thalidomide as a probe to identify the molecular target of the drug. Using the probe, we specifically labeled a pair of proteins of 43-45 kDa with high acidity from bovine thymus extract. Purification of these proteins and partial peptide sequence determination revealed them to be alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). We show that the binding of thalidomide photoaffinity label to authentic human AGP is competed with both thalidomide and the nonradioactive photoaffinity label at concentrations comparable to those required for inhibition of production of tumor necrosis factor alpha from human monocytes, suggesting that AGP may be involved in the immunomodulatory activity of thalidomide.

Renewable Energy Systems in the City of Northglenn: Draft Zoning Ordinance and Resident Pamphlet

Recent federal incentives and increased demand for home photovoltaic and small wind electrical systems highlights the need for consistent zoning ordinances and guidance materials for Northglenn residents. This Capstone Project assesses perceived impacts related to renewable energy systems, like noise, safety, aesthetics, and environmental considerations, and provides a model ordinance intended to mitigate these issues. It was concluded a model ordinance would ease and stimulate additions of alternative energy systems in Northglenn. Additionally, this research concluded development of public information could stimulate homeowners into positive decisions. The project also identifies potential financial and environmental benefits of installing such systems in an effort to promote sustainable and clean energy production within the city.

Kitâb-ı ahdnâme-yi hümâyûn-ı saâdet-makrûn : manuscript, 1740?

According to the colophon (f. 23r), copy of capitulations of 4 Rebīʻ I 1153 AH [May 31, 1740 AD], signed by the Grand Vezir el-Ḥācc Meḥmed Paşa and the French envoy Louis-Sauveur, Marquis de Villeneuve (mentionned f. 3r), granted to France. Contains renewal of the capitulations granted during the Reign of Sultan Meḥmed IV (r. 1058-99 [1648-87]) with some newly introduced articles.

Tavārīkh-i Chingīzʻnāmah shajarat al-Atrāk : manuscript, undated

Title from fol. 1r.

Zafer-nâme / li-Karaçelebizade Abdülaziz Efendi : manuscript, 1723 or 4

A historical account of the Yerevan and Baghdad campaigns of Murād IV (r. 1623-1640). Composed in eight chapters. Book begins in 1044 AH [1635 AD] with the army setting out from Üsküdar and ends in 1049 AH [1640 AD] with the sultna's return to Istanbul after conclusion of Kasrışirin Treaty.

Şerh-i Kaside-yi Bürde : manuscript, 1627

Translation and commentary on el-Būṣīrī's "Qaṣīdat Burda". Commentator first provides the verse in Arabic followed by a literal translation into Turkish and commentary.

Dîvân-ı Yusuf Nâbî : manuscript, 1749

Title from caption.

Tevârîh-i Âl-i Osman : manuscript, undated

Popular history that starts with stories of the prophets (ff. 5r-17v) the offers anecdotes from the life of Prophet Muḥammad (ff. 17v-20v) and the four rightly guided caliphs and narrates history of Islamic dynasties (ff. 20v-35v). History of Ottoman family starts with Ertuġrıl and ends with at Süleymān Qānūnī (ff. 35v-60v). Enumerates sultan's campaigns, charitable foundations they established, and noteworthy contemporary scholars and religious personalities.

El-cildü's-sânī min Şerhi'l-Mesnevî / lil-Şem'î : manuscript, 1616

A Turkish commentary on "Mas̲navī maʻnavī" of Jalāladdīn Rūmī commissioned by Sultan Murad III (982-1003 AH /1574-95 AD).

Zeylü's-Siyer : manuscript, 1698

Continuation of Veysî's Dürretü't-tâc fi sîreti sâhibi'l-mi'râc: first biography of the Prophet Muḥammad divided into sections on Mecca and Medina.

Kitab-ı usûl-i melhame : manuscript, 1438

Book of predictions organized on monthly basis. Some months omitted in this copy.