Insights into conformational ensembles of compositionally identical disordered peptidomimetics.

While the conformational ensembles of disordered peptides and peptidomimetics are complex and challenging to characterize, they are a critical component in the paradigm connecting macromolecule sequence, structure, and function. In molecules that do not adopt a single predominant conformation, the conformational ensemble contains rich structural information that, if accessible, can provide a fundamental understanding related to desirable functions such as cell penetration of a therapeutic or the generation of tunable enzyme-mimetic architecture. To address the fundamental challenge of describing broad conformational ensembles, we developed a model system of peptidomimetics comprised of polar glycine and hydrophobic -butylglycine to characterize using a suite of analytical techniques.

Preschoolers' cognitive skills predict their developing moral self.

Although individual differences in children's moral self-concept emerge during early childhood and predict future behavioral outcomes, the cognitive skills underlying the development of the moral self have received little attention. We addressed this gap with a longitudinal sample of 106 children (M = 52.78 months, SD = 6.

Evidence of a Catalytic Dyad in F-Dependent Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase from .

F-dependent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (FGD) catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) to 6-phosphogluconolactone, using cofactor F as the hydride transfer acceptor. Our previous pH dependence studies suggested that E109 serves as an active site acid, donating a proton to the N-1 position of F, while leaving the role of H40 unanswered, which was previously suggested to serve as the active site base. This work utilizes thermodynamic and kinetic studies to elucidate additional mechanistic details concerning the roles of H40 and E13.

Omega-3 LC-PUFA consumption is now recommended for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy to protect against preterm and early preterm birth: implementing this recommendation in a sustainable manner.

Preterm birth (delivery prior to 37 weeks) appears to be rising globally, increasing the risk of a myriad of down-stream disorders which affect families, their offspring and society, including increased morbidity, mortality and economic costs. Strategies for prevention of preterm birth have therefore become a priority among healthcare providers. One proposed strategy is increased consumption of Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (from food or supplements) in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy.