The Arabidopsis N -acetyltransferase NAA60 locates to the plasma membrane and is vital for the high salt stress response.

In humans and plants, N-terminal acetylation plays a central role in protein homeostasis, affects 80% of proteins in the cytoplasm and is catalyzed by five ribosome-associated N-acetyltransferases (NatA-E). Humans also possess a Golgi-associated NatF (HsNAA60) that is essential for Golgi integrity. Remarkably, NAA60 is absent in fungi and has not been identified in plants.

Low Endotoxin Recovery-Masking of Naturally Occurring Endotoxin.

Endotoxins are cell wall components of Gram-negative bacteria. A release of endotoxins into the human blood stream results in an inflammation reaction that can lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis. Therefore, control for endotoxin contamination of intravenously administered drugs is crucial.

Drop on a bent fibre.

Inspired by the huge droplets attached on cypress tree leaf tips after rain, we find that a bent fibre can hold significantly more water in the corner than a horizontally placed fibre (typically up to three times or more). The maximum volume of the liquid that can be trapped is remarkably affected by the bending angle of the fibre and surface tension of the liquid. We experimentally find the optimal included angle (∼36°) that holds the most water.

Switching behavior of droplets crossing nodes on a fiber network.

Lately, curious structures have been erected in arid regions: they are large nets able to catch water from fog. Tiny droplets condense on the mesh and are collected on the bottom of it. This innovative technology is crucial to obtain drinkable water in these inhospitable areas.

Structural basis of HypK regulating N-terminal acetylation by the NatA complex.

In eukaryotes, N-terminal acetylation is one of the most common protein modifications involved in a wide range of biological processes. Most N-acetyltransferase complexes (NATs) act co-translationally, with the heterodimeric NatA complex modifying the majority of substrate proteins. Here we show that the Huntingtin yeast two-hybrid protein K (HypK) binds tightly to the NatA complex comprising the auxiliary subunit Naa15 and the catalytic subunit Naa10.

Magnetoelastic instability in soft thin films.

Ferromagnetic particles are incorporated in a thin soft elastic matrix. A lamella, made of this smart material, is studied experimentally and modeled. We show herein that thin films can be actuated using an external magnetic field applied through the system.

Structural insights into a unique Hsp70-Hsp40 interaction in the eukaryotic ribosome-associated complex.

Cotranslational chaperones assist de novo folding of nascent polypeptides, prevent them from aggregating and modulate translation. The ribosome-associated complex (RAC) is unique in that the Hsp40 protein Zuo1 and the atypical Hsp70 chaperone Ssz1 form a stable heterodimer, which acts as a cochaperone for the Hsp70 chaperone Ssb. Here we present the structure of the Chaetomium thermophilum RAC core comprising Ssz1 and the Zuo1 N terminus.

Interaction of the cotranslational Hsp70 Ssb with ribosomal proteins and rRNA depends on its lid domain.

Cotranslational chaperones assist in de novo folding of nascent polypeptides in all organisms. In yeast, the heterodimeric ribosome-associated complex (RAC) forms a unique chaperone triad with the Hsp70 homologue Ssb. We report the X-ray structure of full length Ssb in the ATP-bound open conformation at 2.

Compound droplet manipulations on fiber arrays.

Recent works demonstrated that fiber arrays may constitute new means of designing open digital microfluidic systems. Various processes, such as droplet motion, fragmentation, trapping, release, mixing and encapsulation, may be achieved on fiber arrays. However, handling a large number of tiny droplets resulting from the mixing of several liquid components is required for developing microreactors, smart sensors or microemulsifying drugs.

Compound Droplets on Fibers.

Droplets on fibers have been extensively studied in the recent years. Although the equilibrium shapes of simple droplets on fibers are well established, the situation becomes more complex for compound fluidic systems. Through experimental and numerical investigations, we show herein that compound droplets can be formed on fibers and that they adopt specific geometries.

Physical changes of amniotic membranes through glycerolization for the use as an epidermal substitute. Light and electron microscopic studies.

Our Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has routinely been using amnion preserved in glycerol for the treatment of debrided II degrees burns. This treatment is almost pain free and requires fewer changes of dressings and fewer anaesthetics. It also prevents overgrowing granulation tissue and lessens scarring.

Repair of the upper eyelid by means of the prepuce after severe burns.

Burns to the eyelid often constitute difficult problems for reconstruction or repair. Functional and aesthetic aspects have to be considered, and suitable donor sites are not readily available in severely burned patients. In male patients, the prepuce yields an almost ideal skin for eyelid repair because of its high elasticity and adequate texture.

[Problems with the seat belt].

The greater number of auto-accident victims treated during the observation period had not been using seat belts. Injuries characteristic of belt-usage were also noted. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in number of injuries, the unbuckled passengers were consistently more seriously injured.

[Observations on the behaviour of coxiella burneti in the argasid tick ornithodoros moubata (author's transl)].

Based on a long-term study of many years, a report is given on the behaviour of Coxiella burneti in the argasid tick, Ornithodoros moubata. Recent observations were made on ticks infected on mice and subsequently maintained separately. Particular emphasis was placed upon the localization of the ricksettsiae in certain organs of the ticks, its excretion -also with regard to routes of transmission - and transovarial passage.