Application of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor nanopore in screening ligand molecules.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are crucial for excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. To study NMDARs more accurately and conveniently, we developed a stable NMDAR nanopore in a planar lipid bilayer. Pharmacological properties were validated using the allosteric modulator Ro 25-6981 and antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-APV).

Reversible switching of a supramolecular morphology driven by an amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane.

An acid/base responsive amphiphilic [2]rotaxane switch containing a hydrophilic macrocycle component and a hydrophobic terminal bulky group was prepared and characterized. The morphology of the supramolecular assemblies formed by the rotaxanes could be switched between spherical vesicles and worm-like micelles using acid/base stimuli, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Quantitative iodine-based material decomposition images with spectral CT imaging for differentiating prostatic carcinoma from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Rationale And Objectives: To investigate the value of iodine-based material decomposition images produced via spectral computed tomography (CT) in differentiating prostate cancer (PCa) from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials And Methods: Fifty-six male patients underwent CT examination with spectral imaging during arterial phase (AP), venous phase (VP), and parenchymal phase (PP) of enhancement. Iodine concentrations of lesions were measured and normalized to that of the obturator internus muscle.

Counterion-induced changes to the micellization of surfactin-C16 aqueous solution.

The effects of counterions on surfactin-C(16) micelle solution with its critical micelle concentration (cmc), microenvironment properties in micelles, micelle size distribution, and morphology were investigated by fluorescence, dynamic light-scattering, and freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy measurements. Counterions enhanced the surface activity of surfactin-C(16) and reduced the cmc. With the micellization of surfactin-C(16), it adopted a beta-sheet conformation, and univalent concentrations reduced micelle micropolarity, increased micelle microviscosity, and tended to cause formation of small and spherical micelles, while divalent counterions had a special effect.