Using the solvation parameter model to characterize functionalized ionic liquids containing the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (FAP) anion.

Ionic liquids (ILs) containing the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate anion [FAP]- have attracted increased attention due to their unique properties including ultrahigh hydrophobicity, hydrolytic stability, and wide electrochemical window. In this study, the solvation parameter model is used via gas chromatography to characterize the solvation interactions of seven ILs containing amino, ester, and hydroxyl functional groups appended to the cation and paired with [FAP]-, as well as three ILs containing the bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide anion [NTf2]-. The role of the functional groups, nature of the counter anion, and cation type on the system constants were evaluated.

The endogenous peptide apelin potently improves cardiac contractility and reduces cardiac loading in vivo.

Objective: The endogenous peptide apelin is differentially regulated in cardiovascular disease but the nature of its role in cardiac function remains unclear.

Methods: We investigated the functional relevance of this peptide using ECG and respiration gated magnetic resonance imaging, conductance catheter pressure-volume hemodynamic measurements, and echocardiography in vivo. In addition, we carried out histology and immunohistochemistry to assess cardiac hypertrophy and to localize apelin and APJ in the adult and embryonic mouse heart.

PLC-gamma1 enzyme activity is required for insulin-induced DNA synthesis.

Previously, we had shown that inhibition of PLC activity impaired the ability of insulin to activate ERK in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In this study, we confirmed that the insulin receptor and PLC-gamma1 are physically associated in hIRcB fibroblasts, insulin stimulates PLC-gamma1 enzyme activity, and inhibition of PLC activity impairs activation of ERK. We subsequently investigated whether PLC-gamma1 is required for insulin-stimulated mitogenesis.