The head mesodermal cell couples FMRFamide neuropeptide signaling with rhythmic muscle contraction in C. elegans.

FMRFamides are evolutionarily conserved neuropeptides that play critical roles in behavior, energy balance, and reproduction. Here, we show that FMRFamide signaling from the nervous system is critical for the rhythmic activation of a single cell of previously unknown function, the head mesodermal cell (hmc) in C. elegans.

Effects of Metal Ions on Aqueous-Phase Decomposition of α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides Derived from Terpene Alcohols.

We report the results of a mass spectrometric study of the effects of atmospherically relevant metal ions on the decomposition of α-hydroxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-HHs) derived from ozonolysis of α-terpineol in aqueous solutions. By direct mass spectrometric detection of chloride adducts of α-HHs, we assessed the temporal profiles of α-HHs and other products in the presence of metal ions. In addition, reactions between α-HHs and FeCl in the presence of excess DMSO showed that the amount of hydroxyl radicals formed in a mixture of α-terpineol, O, and FeCl was 5.

Presynaptic coupling by electrical synapses coordinates a rhythmic behavior by synchronizing the activities of a neuron pair.

Electrical synapses are specialized structures that mediate the flow of electrical currents between neurons and have well known roles in synchronizing the activities of neuronal populations, both by mediating the current transfer from more active to less active neurons and by shunting currents from active neurons to their less active neighbors. However, how these positive and negative functions of electrical synapses are coordinated to shape rhythmic synaptic outputs and behavior is not well understood. Here, using a combination of genetics, behavioral analysis, and live calcium imaging in , we show that electrical synapses formed by the gap junction protein INX-1/innexin couple the presynaptic terminals of a pair of motor neurons (AVL and DVB) to synchronize their activation in response to a pacemaker signal.

Aqueous-phase fates of α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides derived from the reactions of Criegee intermediates with alcohols.

In the atmosphere, carbonyl oxides known as Criegee intermediates are produced mainly by ozonolysis of volatile organic compounds containing C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bonds, such as biogenic terpenoids. Criegee intermediates can react with OH-containing species to produce labile organic hydroperoxides (ROOHs) that are taken up into atmospheric condensed phases. Besides water, alcohols are an important reaction partner of Criegee intermediates and can convert them into α-alkoxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-AHs), R1R2C(-OOH)(-OR').

Temperature Dependence of Aqueous-Phase Decomposition of α-Hydroxyalkyl-Hydroperoxides.

Ozonolysis of unsaturated organic species with water produces α-hydroxyalkyl-hydroperoxides (α-HHs), which are reactive intermediates that lead to the formation of HO and multifunctionalized species in atmospheric condensed phases. Here, we report temperature-dependent rate coefficients () for the aqueous-phase decomposition of α-terpineol α-HHs at 283-318 K and terpinen-4-ol α-HHs at 313-328 K. The temporal profiles of α-HH signals, detected as chloride adducts by negative-ion electrospray mass spectrometry, showed single-exponential decay, and the derived first-order for α-HH decomposition increased as temperature increased, e.

Recent advancements in toxin and antitoxin systems involved in bacterial programmed cell death.

Programmed cell death (PCD) systems have been extensively studied for their significant role in a variety of biological processes in eukaryotic organisms. Recently, more and more researches have revealed the existence of similar systems employed by bacteria in response to various environmental stresses. This paper summarized the recent researching advancements in toxin/antitoxin systems located on plasmids or chromosomes and their regulatory roles in bacterial PCD.

Indole affects biofilm formation in bacteria.

Biofilm is bacterial population adherent to each other and to surfaces or interfaces, often enclosed by a matrix. Various biomolecules contribute to the establishment of biofilms, yet the process of building a biofilm is still under active investigation. Indole is known as a metabolite of amino acid tryptophan, which, however, has recently been proved to participate in various aspects of bacterial life including virulence induction, cell cycle regulation, acid resistance, and especially, signaling biofilm formation.

Disassembly intermediates of RbsD protein remain oligomeric despite the loss of an intact secondary structure.

Many proteins exist as homo-oligomers in living organisms wherein the change of oligomeric status apparently serves as an effective means for modulating their biological activities. We have previously reported that the homo-decameric RbsD from Escherichia coli undergoes stepwise disassembly and non-stepwise reassembly. Here the structural status of the urea-induced RbsD disassembly intermediates was examined, mainly using urea-containing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and chemical cross-linking.

[The application of the reverse engineering and rapid prototyping technology in the design of respiratory masks].

The application of the reverse engineering and rapid prototyping technologies in the design of respiratory masks is introduced in this paper. Practice indicates that the technologies can reduce the cost and save the time in product developments.