Probing the Dynamics of Yersinia Adhesin A (YadA) in Outer Membranes Hints at Requirements for β-Barrel Membrane Insertion.

The vast majority of cells are protected and functionalized by a dense surface layer of glycans, proteoglycans, and glycolipids. This surface represents an underexplored space in structural biology that is exceedingly challenging to recreate in vitro. Here, we investigate β-barrel protein dynamics within an asymmetric outer membrane environment, with the trimeric autotransporter Yersinia adhesin A (YadA) as an example.

Balancing sterilization and functional properties in Poloxamer 407 hydrogels: comparing heat and radiation techniques.

Poloxamer 407, also known as Pluronic F127, is gaining interest in the cosmetic, biomedical and pharmaceutical fields for its biocompatibility, safety and thermo-sensitive properties. Ensuring sterility is critical in clinical applications, and sterilization is often preferred over aseptic processing. However, sterilization can impact the functional properties of the hydrogel.

Time-resolved and theoretical analysis of Mo-carbene transformations in metathesis of ethylene with 2-butene.

Although supported Mo-containing catalysts have been extensively investigated in the metathesis of ethylene with 2-butene to propene, the mechanisms of the formation and transformation of catalytically active Mo-carbenes in the course of the reaction are still not fully understood. The difficulties arise because only a tiny fraction of MoO species can form Mo-carbenes , making the detection of the latter by spectroscopic means very unlikely. Herein, purposefully designed steady-state and transient experiments including their kinetic evaluation and density functional theory calculations enabled us to elucidate mechanistic and kinetic details of the above reaction-induced processes in the metathesis reaction over a Mo/P/SiO catalyst at 50 °C.

Pervasive horizontal transmission of Wolbachia in natural populations of closely related and widespread tropical skipper butterflies.

Background: The endosymbiotic relationship between Wolbachia bacteria and insects has been of interest for many years due to their diverse types of host reproductive phenotypic manipulation and potential role in the host's evolutionary history and population dynamics. Even though infection rates are high in Lepidoptera and specifically in butterflies, and reproductive manipulation is present in these taxa, less attention has been given to understanding how Wolbachia is acquired and maintained in their natural populations, across and within species having continental geographical distributions.

Results: We used whole genome sequencing data to investigate the phylogenetics, demographic history, and infection rate dynamics of Wolbachia in four species of the Spicauda genus of skipper butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), a taxon that presents sympatric and often syntopic distribution, with drastic variability in species abundance in the Neotropical region.

Characterization of Bimetallic Pd-Fe Nanoparticles Synthesized in .

Biologically mediated nanoparticle (NP) synthesis offers a reliable and sustainable alternative route for metal NP production. Compared with conventional chemical and physical production methods that require hazardous materials and considerable energy expenditure, some microorganisms can reduce metal ions into NPs during standard metabolic processes. However, to be considered a feasible commercial option, the properties and inherent activity of bio-NPs still need to be significantly improved.