format Digital transformation begins now for Food Engineering By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Fri, 05 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0400 Beginning with our July issue, Food Engineering will be a 100% digital publication. Full Article
format Digital transformations require honest communication, admission of mistakes By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0400 Having honest and direct communication about what is and isn’t working is the difference between success and failure. Full Article
format The protein system transformation By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 It’s no surprise that alternative meat products are popping up everywhere these days. In fact, they have grown so much that Ernst & Young data predicts alternative meat could see 40% market share by volume by 2040 in the United States. Full Article
format Digital transformation relies on smart sensor data and human inputs By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:39:44 -0400 Without sensor data, you can’t control a process—much less begin a digital transformation at your facility. KPIs (Key performance indicators) are a way to measure how your process, packaging or even your palletizing areas are performing, but to get these KPIs requires sensor data. Full Article
format Make Maintenance Part of Your Digital Transformation Strategy By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Even though new processing and packaging equipment today has maintenance tools built in, proper planning and integration into an enterprise maintenance management system makes repair activities easier to track and helps prevent a stockroom full of expensive parts that are never needed. Full Article
format Florim Stone Large-Format Tile Honored with Green Good Design Award for Sustainable Design By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400 Florim has achieved another significant milestone, with its brand Florim stone receiving the prestigious international Green Good Design Awards 2024. Full Article
format Raimondi Bridge Wet Saws Capable of Cutting Large Format Tiles Up to 330 cm By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400 The Raimondi LAB330 and LAB270 bridge wet saws are capable of cutting large format tiles up to 330 cm (10.8’). Full Article
format Three New Large-Format Porcelain Tile Collections from Nemo Tile + Stone By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400 Bryce, Blake, and Madison are Nemo Tile + Stone's new large-format porcelain tile collections. Full Article
format Case Study: A Cozy, Hospitality-Inspired Office Transformation By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0400 BNP Media, the parent company of Floor Trends & Installation, moved to a 5,000-square-foot office in downtown Birmingham, Michigan, embracing a hybrid work model. The remodeled space features wood-look LVT by Shaw Contract and textural carpet by Interface for a hospitality-inspired feel. Full Article
format Evaluation and selection of the quality of internal doors for buildings using building information modeling building information modeling (BIM) By academicjournals.org Published On :: Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0100 The selection of building materials from various available alternatives is a critical process affected by many complicated factors. Every single element in a building has a specific function to perform. This necessitates a proper selection of material from the various available alternatives, which generally differ in their quality, performance, and cost. To make the most practical choice, th... Full Article
format What difference does it make? Exploring the transformative potential of everyday climate crisis activism by children and youth. By ezproxy.scu.edu.au Published On :: Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 Children's Geographies; 06/01/2021(AN 151284202); ISSN: 14733285Academic Search Premier Full Article ACTIVISM YOUTH CLIMATE change SOCIAL change CRISES COUNTERCULTURE
format Anchors and thresholds in the formation of a transnational sense of belonging of migrant children in Poland. By ezproxy.scu.edu.au Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 Children's Geographies; 06/01/2023(AN 164286254); ISSN: 14733285Academic Search Premier Full Article POLAND CHILDREN of immigrants SOCIALIZATION WELL-being SOCIOLOGY GEOMETRIC shapes
format ‘We are ignored rather than attacked politically’. Youth participation in regional sustainability transformation in eastern Germany. By ezproxy.scu.edu.au Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Children's Geographies; 09/10/2024(AN 179571051); ISSN: 14733285Academic Search Premier Full Article YOUNG adults DIGITAL technology INFRASTRUCTURE (Economics) YOUTH services COAL
format British criminology, undercover policing, and racist attacks: Notes on the ‘law and order’ information infrastructure By ifp.nyu.edu Published On :: Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:09:00 +0000 The post British criminology, undercover policing, and racist attacks: Notes on the ‘law and order’ information infrastructure was curated by information for practice. Full Article History
format “I Don’t Just Take Whatever They Hand to Me”: How Women Recently Released from Incarceration Access Internet Health Information By ifp.nyu.edu Published On :: Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:29:47 +0000 Volume 34, Issue 5, September-October 2024, Page 306-322. Read the full article › The post “I Don’t Just Take Whatever They Hand to Me”: How Women Recently Released from Incarceration Access Internet Health Information was curated by information for practice. Full Article Journal Article Abstracts
format Searching for Resources, Documents, and Information on Compensation Strategies in Head Start/Early Head Start (Due by Nov 21) By ifp.nyu.edu Published On :: Sat, 19 Oct 2024 22:51:27 +0000 The post Searching for Resources, Documents, and Information on Compensation Strategies in Head Start/Early Head Start (Due by Nov 21) was curated by information for practice. Full Article Calls & Consultations
format The role of misinformation in the 2024 election By www.mprnews.org Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 21:07:00 +0000 The election is over, but rumors, lies and misinformation are here to stay. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the role misinformation played in the election and how we can protect ourselves from it. Full Article
format Think Tank launches new SMART formats to help brands elevate their packaging design By www.retailtechnologyreview.com Published On :: Think Tank, the UK bespoke packaging design agency, is launching new SMART packaging formats designed to help brands elevate their packaging design and boost their commercial reach. Full Article Retail Supply Chain
format Almost half of UK SMBs have faced a significant business setback due to misinformation or fake reviews By www.retailtechnologyreview.com Published On :: Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the UK are facing significant challenges in today’s digital landscape, with misinformation, fake reviews and inadequate search and engagement tools putting them at a serious disadvantage compared to larger competitors. Full Article Retail Supply Chain Surveillance and Security Critical Issues
format KIOSK Information Systems Europe boosts business development and customer support with new staff By www.retailtechnologyreview.com Published On :: The Posiflex Group has responded to rising demand from customers in Europe by recruiting a seasoned executive to boost the European sales and marketing operations in its KIOSK subsidiary, a manufacturer of kiosks and interactive displays. Full Article Kiosk Technology
format China (Shenzhen) Cross Border E-commerce Fair set to unveil innovation and digital transformation this September By www.retailtechnologyreview.com Published On :: With e-commerce leaders such as Alibaba, Amazon, eBay, and TikTok on hand to share insights at the China (Shenzhen) Cross Border E-commerce Fair (CCBEC) from 11 – 13 September 2024, the show will welcome nearly 1,500 exhibitors from around the globe. Full Article Exhibitions and Events Internet Retailing
format Catina Latham, PhD, named UChicago Medicine's new Senior Vice President for Community Health Transformation and Chief Equity Officer By www.newswise.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:50:55 EST Catina Latham, PhD, will succeed Brenda Battle as UChicago Medicine's Senior Vice President for Community Health Transformation and Chief Equity Officer Full Article
format Extracting formation temperatures from stalagmites - British Geological Survey By news.google.com Published On :: Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:00:00 GMT Extracting formation temperatures from stalagmites British Geological Survey Full Article
format Structural transformations and stability of benzo[a]pyrene under high pressure By journals.iucr.org Published On :: This study explores the high-pressure behavior of benzo[a]pyrene, revealing two previously unknown polymorphs at 4.8 and 7.1 GPa. These findings enhance our understanding of the structural dynamics and stability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under extreme conditions. Full Article text
format Seed layer formation by deposition of micro-crystallites on a revolving substrate: modeling of the effective linear elastic, piezoelectric, and dielectric coefficients By journals.iucr.org Published On :: The rotating substrate method of crystallite deposition is modeled, allowing computation of effective material coefficients of the layers resulting from the averaging. A worked numerical example particularized to 6mm ZnO is provided. Full Article text
format Contrasting conformational behaviors of molecules XXXI and XXXII in the seventh blind test of crystal structure prediction By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-14 Accurate modeling of conformational energies is key to the crystal structure prediction of conformational polymorphs. Focusing on molecules XXXI and XXXII from the seventh blind test of crystal structure prediction, this study employs various electronic structure methods up to the level of domain-local pair natural orbital coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples [DLPNO-CCSD(T1)] to benchmark the conformational energies and to assess their impact on the crystal energy landscapes. Molecule XXXI proves to be a relatively straightforward case, with the conformational energies from generalized gradient approximation (GGA) functional B86bPBE-XDM changing only modestly when using more advanced density functionals such as PBE0-D4, ωB97M-V, and revDSD-PBEP86-D4, dispersion-corrected second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (SCS-MP2D), or DLPNO-CCSD(T1). In contrast, the conformational energies of molecule XXXII prove difficult to determine reliably, and variations in the computed conformational energies appreciably impact the crystal energy landscape. Even high-level methods such as revDSD-PBEP86-D4 and SCS-MP2D exhibit significant disagreements with the DLPNO-CCSD(T1) benchmarks for molecule XXXII, highlighting the difficulty of predicting conformational energies for complex, drug-like molecules. The best-converged predicted crystal energy landscape obtained here for molecule XXXII disagrees significantly with what has been inferred about the solid-form landscape experimentally. The identified limitations of the calculations are probably insufficient to account for the discrepancies between theory and experiment on molecule XXXII, and further investigation of the experimental solid-form landscape would be valuable. Finally, assessment of several semi-empirical methods finds r2SCAN-3c to be the most promising, with conformational energy accuracy intermediate between the GGA and hybrid functionals and a low computational cost. Full Article text
format Structural and biochemical characterization of the M405S variant of Desulfovibrio vulgaris formate dehydrogenase By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-01 Molybdenum- or tungsten-dependent formate dehydrogenases have emerged as significant catalysts for the chemical reduction of CO2 to formate, with biotechnological applications envisaged in climate-change mitigation. The role of Met405 in the active site of Desulfovibrio vulgaris formate dehydrogenase AB (DvFdhAB) has remained elusive. However, its proximity to the metal site and the conformational change that it undergoes between the resting and active forms suggests a functional role. In this work, the M405S variant was engineered, which allowed the active-site geometry in the absence of methionine Sδ interactions with the metal site to be revealed and the role of Met405 in catalysis to be probed. This variant displayed reduced activity in both formate oxidation and CO2 reduction, together with an increased sensitivity to oxygen inactivation. Full Article text
format X-ray crystal structure of a designed rigidified imaging scaffold in the ligand-free conformation By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-20 Imaging scaffolds composed of designed protein cages fused to designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) have enabled the structure determination of small proteins by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). One particularly well characterized scaffold type is a symmetric tetrahedral assembly composed of 24 subunits, 12 A and 12 B, which has three cargo-binding DARPins positioned on each vertex. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a representative tetrahedral scaffold in the apo state is reported at 3.8 Å resolution. The X-ray crystal structure complements recent cryo-EM findings on a closely related scaffold, while also suggesting potential utility for crystallographic investigations. As observed in this crystal structure, one of the three DARPins, which serve as modular adaptors for binding diverse `cargo' proteins, present on each of the vertices is oriented towards a large solvent channel. The crystal lattice is unusually porous, suggesting that it may be possible to soak crystals of the scaffold with small (≤30 kDa) protein cargo ligands and subsequently determine cage–cargo structures via X-ray crystallography. The results suggest the possibility that cryo-EM scaffolds may be repurposed for structure determination by X-ray crystallography, thus extending the utility of electron-microscopy scaffold designs for alternative structural biology applications. Full Article text
format Structures of Brucella ovis leucine-, isoleucine-, valine-, threonine- and alanine-binding protein reveal a conformationally flexible peptide-binding cavity By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-23 Brucella ovis is an etiologic agent of ovine epididymitis and brucellosis that causes global devastation in sheep, rams, goats, small ruminants and deer. There are no cost-effective methods for the worldwide eradication of ovine brucellosis. B. ovis and other protein targets from various Brucella species are currently in the pipeline for high-throughput structural analysis at the Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the wealth of structures generated are effective tools for teaching scientific communication, structural science and biochemistry. One of these structures, B. ovis leucine-, isoleucine-, valine-, threonine- and alanine-binding protein (BoLBP), is a putative periplasmic amino acid-binding protein. BoLBP shares less than 29% sequence identity with any other structure in the Protein Data Bank. The production, crystallization and high-resolution structures of BoLBP are reported. BoLBP is a prototypical bacterial periplasmic amino acid-binding protein with the characteristic Venus flytrap topology of two globular domains encapsulating a large central cavity containing the peptide-binding region. The central cavity contains small molecules usurped from the crystallization milieu. The reported structures reveal the conformational flexibility of the central cavity in the absence of bound peptides. The structural similarity to other LBPs can be exploited to accelerate drug repurposing. Full Article text
format In situ characterization of stresses, deformation and fracture of thin films using transmission X-ray nanodiffraction microscopy By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-01-01 The use of hard X-ray transmission nano- and microdiffraction to perform in situ stress and strain measurements during deformation has recently been demonstrated and used to investigate many thin film systems. Here a newly commissioned sample environment based on a commercially available nanoindenter is presented, which is available at the NanoMAX beamline at the MAX IV synchrotron. Using X-ray nanoprobes of around 60–70 nm at 14–16 keV and a scanning step size of 100 nm, we map the strains, stresses, plastic deformation and fracture during nanoindentation of industrial coatings with thicknesses in the range of several micrometres, relatively strong texture and large grains. The successful measurements of such challenging samples illustrate broad applicability. The sample environment is openly accessible for NanoMAX beamline users through the MAX IV sample environment pool, and its capability can be further extended for specific purposes through additional available modules. Full Article text
format A thermal deformation optimization method for cryogenically cooled silicon crystal monochromators under high heat load By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-01-22 A method to optimize the thermal deformation of an indirectly cryo-cooled silicon crystal monochromator exposed to intense X-rays at a low-emittance diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation source is presented. The thermal-induced slope error of the monochromator crystal has been studied as a function of heat transfer efficiency, crystal temperature distribution and beam footprint size. A partial cooling method is proposed, which flattens the crystal surface profile within the beam footprint by modifying the cooling contact area to optimize the crystal peak temperature. The optimal temperature varies with different photon energies, which is investigated, and a proper cooling strategy is obtained to fulfil the thermal distortion requirements over the entire photon energy range. At an absorbed power up to 300 W with a maximum power density of 44.8 W mm−2 normal incidence beam from an in-vacuum undulator, the crystal thermal distortion does not exceed 0.3 µrad at 8.33 keV. This method will provide references for the monochromator design on diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation or free-electron laser light sources. Full Article text
format Image registration for in situ X-ray nano-imaging of a composite battery cathode with deformation By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-02-01 The structural and chemical evolution of battery electrodes at the nanoscale plays an important role in affecting the cell performance. Nano-resolution X-ray microscopy has been demonstrated as a powerful technique for characterizing the evolution of battery electrodes under operating conditions with sensitivity to their morphology, compositional distribution and redox heterogeneity. In real-world batteries, the electrode could deform upon battery operation, causing challenges for the image registration which is necessary for several experimental modalities, e.g. XANES imaging. To address this challenge, this work develops a deep-learning-based method for automatic particle identification and tracking. This approach was not only able to facilitate image registration with good robustness but also allowed quantification of the degree of sample deformation. The effectiveness of the method was first demonstrated using synthetic datasets with known ground truth. The method was then applied to an experimental dataset collected on an operating lithium battery cell, revealing a high degree of intra- and interparticle chemical complexity in operating batteries. Full Article text
format Modelling the power threshold and optimum thermal deformation of indirectly liquid-nitrogen cryo-cooled Si monochromators By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-04-09 Maximizing the performance of crystal monochromators is a key aspect in the design of beamline optics for diffraction-limited synchrotron sources. Temperature and deformation of cryo-cooled crystals, illuminated by high-power beams of X-rays, can be estimated with a purely analytical model. The analysis is based on the thermal properties of cryo-cooled silicon crystals and the cooling geometry. Deformation amplitudes can be obtained, quickly and reliably. In this article the concept of threshold power conditions is introduced and defined analytically. The contribution of parameters such as liquid-nitrogen cooling efficiency, thermal contact conductance and interface contact area of the crystal with the cooling base is evaluated. The optimal crystal illumination and the base temperature are inferred, which help minimize the optics deformation. The model has been examined using finite-element analysis studies performed for several beamlines of the Diamond-II upgrade. Full Article text
format A closer look at high-energy X-ray-induced bubble formation during soft tissue imaging By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-04-26 Improving the scalability of tissue imaging throughput with bright, coherent X-rays requires identifying and mitigating artifacts resulting from the interactions between X-rays and matter. At synchrotron sources, long-term imaging of soft tissues in solution can result in gas bubble formation or cavitation, which dramatically compromises image quality and integrity of the samples. By combining in-line phase-contrast imaging with gas chromatography in real time, we were able to track the onset and evolution of high-energy X-ray-induced gas bubbles in ethanol-embedded soft tissue samples for tens of minutes (two to three times the typical scan times). We demonstrate quantitatively that vacuum degassing of the sample during preparation can significantly delay bubble formation, offering up to a twofold improvement in dose tolerance, depending on the tissue type. However, once nucleated, bubble growth is faster in degassed than undegassed samples, indicating their distinct metastable states at bubble onset. Gas chromatography analysis shows increased solvent vaporization concurrent with bubble formation, yet the quantities of dissolved gasses remain unchanged. By coupling features extracted from the radiographs with computational analysis of bubble characteristics, we uncover dose-controlled kinetics and nucleation site-specific growth. These hallmark signatures provide quantitative constraints on the driving mechanisms of bubble formation and growth. Overall, the observations highlight bubble formation as a critical yet often overlooked hurdle in upscaling X-ray imaging for biological tissues and soft materials and we offer an empirical foundation for their understanding and imaging protocol optimization. More importantly, our approaches establish a top-down scheme to decipher the complex, multiscale radiation–matter interactions in these applications. Full Article text
format In situ characterization of stresses, deformation and fracture of thin films using transmission X-ray nanodiffraction microscopy. Corrigendum By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-06 Errors in variable subscripts, equations and Fig. 8 in Section 3.2 of the article by Lotze et al. [(2024). J. Synchrotron Rad. 31, 42–52] are corrected. Full Article text
format Molecular structure and selective theophylline complexation by conformational change of diethyl N,N'-(1,3-phenylene)dicarbamate By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-07 The receptor ability of diethyl N,N'-(1,3-phenylene)dicarbamate (1) to form host–guest complexes with theophylline (TEO) and caffeine (CAF) by mechanochemistry was evaluated. The formation of the 1–TEO complex (C12H16N2O4·C7H8N4O2) was preferred and involves the conformational change of one of the ethyl carbamate groups of 1 from the endo conformation to the exo conformation to allow the formation of intermolecular interactions. The formation of an N—H⋯O=C hydrogen bond between 1 and TEO triggers the conformational change of 1. CAF molecules are unable to form an N—H⋯O=C hydrogen bond with 1, making the conformational change and, therefore, the formation of the complex impossible. Conformational change and selective binding were monitored by IR spectroscopy, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The 1–TEO complex was characterized by IR spectroscopy, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Full Article text
format Formation of extended polyiodides at large cation templates By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-13 By studying the structures of (μ-1,4,10,13-tetrathia-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane)bis[iodidopalladium(II)] diiodide penta(diiodine), [Pd2I2(C12H26N2S4)](I)2·5I2 or [Pd2I2([18]aneN2S4)](I)2·(I2)5, and 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazoniabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane triiodide iodide hemipenta(diiodine) dichloromethane monosolvate, C18H38N2O62+·I3−·I−·2.5I2·CH2Cl2 or [H2([2.2.2]cryptand)](I3)(I)(I2)2.5·CH2Cl2, we confirm the structural variety of extended polyiodides achievable upon changing the shape, charge and dimensions of the cation template, by altering the synthetic strategy adopted and/or the experimental conditions. Although it is still often difficult to characterize discrete [I2m+n]n− polyiodides higher than I3− on the basis of structural parameters, such as I—I bond distances, FT–Raman spectroscopy appears to identify them as aggregates of I2, I− and (symmetric or slightly asymmetric) I3− building blocks linked by I⋯I interactions of varying strengths. However, because FT–Raman spectroscopy carries no information about the topological features of extended polyiodides, the two techniques should therefore be applied in combination to enhance the analysis of this kind of compounds. Full Article text
format Formation of a diiron–(μ-η1:η1-CN) complex from acetonitrile solution By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-08 The activation of C—C bonds by transition-metal complexes is of continuing interest and acetonitrile (MeCN) has attracted attention as a cyanide source with comparatively low toxicity for organic cyanation reactions. A diiron end-on μ-η1:η1-CN-bridged complex was obtained from a crystallization experiment of an open-chain iron–NHC complex, namely, μ-cyanido-κ2C:N-bis{[(acetonitrile-κN)[3,3'-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,1'-(methylidene)bis(benzimidazol-2-ylidene)]iron(II)} tris(hexafluorophosphate), [Fe2(CN)(C2H3N)2(C25H18N6)2](PF6)3. The cyanide appears to originate from the MeCN solvent by C—C bond cleavage or through carbon–hydrogen oxidation. Full Article text
format Managing macromolecular crystallographic data with a laboratory information management system By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-10 Protein crystallography is an established method to study the atomic structures of macromolecules and their complexes. A prerequisite for successful structure determination is diffraction-quality crystals, which may require extensive optimization of both the protein and the conditions, and hence projects can stretch over an extended period, with multiple users being involved. The workflow from crystallization and crystal treatment to deposition and publication is well defined, and therefore an electronic laboratory information management system (LIMS) is well suited to management of the data. Completion of the project requires key information on all the steps being available and this information should also be made available according to the FAIR principles. As crystallized samples are typically shipped between facilities, a key feature to be captured in the LIMS is the exchange of metadata between the crystallization facility of the home laboratory and, for example, synchrotron facilities. On completion, structures are deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and the LIMS can include the PDB code in its database, completing the chain of custody from crystallization to structure deposition and publication. A LIMS designed for macromolecular crystallography, IceBear, is available as a standalone installation and as a hosted service, and the implementation of key features for the capture of metadata in IceBear is discussed as an example. Full Article text
format Comparison of two crystal polymorphs of NowGFP reveals a new conformational state trapped by crystal packing By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-02 Crystal polymorphism serves as a strategy to study the conformational flexibility of proteins. However, the relationship between protein crystal packing and protein conformation often remains elusive. In this study, two distinct crystal forms of a green fluorescent protein variant, NowGFP, are compared: a previously identified monoclinic form (space group C2) and a newly discovered orthorhombic form (space group P212121). Comparative analysis reveals that both crystal forms exhibit nearly identical linear assemblies of NowGFP molecules interconnected through similar crystal contacts. However, a notable difference lies in the stacking of these assemblies: parallel in the monoclinic form and perpendicular in the orthorhombic form. This distinct mode of stacking leads to different crystal contacts and induces structural alteration in one of the two molecules within the asymmetric unit of the orthorhombic crystal form. This new conformational state captured by orthorhombic crystal packing exhibits two unique features: a conformational shift of the β-barrel scaffold and a restriction of pH-dependent shifts of the key residue Lys61, which is crucial for the pH-dependent spectral shift of this protein. These findings demonstrate a clear connection between crystal packing and alternative conformational states of proteins, providing insights into how structural variations influence the function of fluorescent proteins. Full Article text
format Conformation–aggregation interplay in the simplest aliphatic ethers probed under high pressure By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-01-01 The structures of the simplest symmetric primary ethers [(CnH2n+1)2O, n = 1–3] determined under high pressure revealed their conformational preferences and intermolecular interactions. In three new polymorphs of diethyl ether (C2H5)2O, high pressure promotes intermolecular CH⋯O contacts and enforces a conversion from the trans–trans conformer present in the α, β and γ phases to the trans–gauche conformer, which is higher in energy by 6.4 kJ mol−1, in the δ phase. Two new polymorphs of dimethyl ether (CH3)2O display analogous transformations of the CH⋯O bonds. The crystal structure of di-n-propyl ether (C3H7)2O, determined for the first time, is remarkably stable over the whole pressure range investigated from 1.70 up to 5.30 GPa. Full Article text
format Comprehensive encoding of conformational and compositional protein structural ensembles through the mmCIF data structure By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-06-25 In the folded state, biomolecules exchange between multiple conformational states crucial for their function. However, most structural models derived from experiments and computational predictions only encode a single state. To represent biomolecules accurately, we must move towards modeling and predicting structural ensembles. Information about structural ensembles exists within experimental data from X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Although new tools are available to detect conformational and compositional heterogeneity within these ensembles, the legacy PDB data structure does not robustly encapsulate this complexity. We propose modifications to the macromolecular crystallographic information file (mmCIF) to improve the representation and interrelation of conformational and compositional heterogeneity. These modifications will enable the capture of macromolecular ensembles in a human and machine-interpretable way, potentially catalyzing breakthroughs for ensemble–function predictions, analogous to the achievements of AlphaFold with single-structure prediction. Full Article text
format Structure–property relationship of a complex photoluminescent arylacetylide-gold(I) compound. I: a pressure-induced phase transformation caught in the act By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-23 A pressure-induced triclinic-to-monoclinic phase transition has been caught `in the act' over a wider series of high-pressure synchrotron diffraction experiments conducted on a large, photoluminescent organo-gold(I) compound. Here, we describe the mechanism of this single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transition, the onset of which occurs at ∼0.6 GPa, and we report a high-quality structure of the new monoclinic phase, refined using aspherical atomic scattering factors. Our case illustrates how conducting a fast series of diffraction experiments, enabled by modern equipment at synchrotron facilities, can lead to overestimation of the actual pressure of a phase transition due to slow transformation kinetics. Full Article text
format Puckering effects of 4-hydroxy-l-proline isomers on the conformation of ornithine-free Gramicidin S By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-09 The cyclic peptide cyclo(Val-Leu-Leu-d-Phe-Pro)2 (peptide 1) was specifically designed for structural chemistry investigations, drawing inspiration from Gramicidin S (GS). Previous studies have shown that Pro residues within 1 adopt a down-puckering conformation of the pyrrolidine ring. By incorporating fluoride-Pro with 4-trans/cis-isomers into 1, an up-puckering conformation was successfully induced. In the current investigation, introducing hydroxyprolines with 4-trans/cis-isomer configurations (tHyp/cHyp) into 1 gave cyclo(Val-Leu-Leu-d-Phe-tHyp)2 methanol disolvate monohydrate, C62H94N10O12·2CH4O·H2O (4), and cyclo(Val-Leu-Leu-d-Phe-cHyp)2 monohydrate, C62H94N10O12·H2O (5), respectively. However, the puckering of 4 and 5 remained in the down conformation, regardless of the geometric position of the hydroxyl group. Although the backbone structure of 4 with trans-substitution was asymmetric, the asymmetric backbone of 5 with cis-substitution was unexpected. It is speculated that the anticipated influence of stress from the geometric positioning, which was expected to affect the puckering, may have been mitigated by interactions between the hydroxyl groups of hydroxyproline, the solvent molecules, and peptides. Full Article text
format Marine Mineral Formations in the Arctic Ocean Challenge Existing Geologic Theories By www.usgs.gov Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:02:54 EST A new study from USGS describes a previously unknown process of marine mineral formation in the Arctic Ocean, driven by frictional heating along tectonic faults rather than by hydrothermal activity. Full Article
format Medical Co. Ready for a Transformative F2025 By www.streetwisereports.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 PST Source: Dr. Douglas Loe 11/05/2024 The Leede Financial Inc. analyst also noted that while F2024 is a transition year for Profound Medical Corp. (PROF:NASDAQ; PRN:TSX), F2025 is expected to be transformative for U.S. TULSA-PRO adoption. rates.Leede Financial Inc. analyst Dr. Douglas Loe, in a research report published on November 4, 2024, maintained a Buy rating on Profound Medical Corp. (PROF:NASDAQ; PRN:TSX) with a price target of US$18.00. The report follows Profound's announcement that its TULSA-PRO device will receive a Category One CPT code from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Loe highlighted the significance of the reimbursement update, stating, "We have long viewed device-specific U.S. reimbursement codes for TULSA-PRO to be integral to its broader adoption in urology/oncology markets, and today's update thus solidifies TULSA-PRO's status on that theme." The analyst emphasized the favorable reimbursement rates, noting, "Hospitals/ASCs will be reimbursed at the Medicare average of US$12,992/US$10,728 per procedure. This is sufficient economic incentive in our view to drive TULSA-PRO installed base and procedure volume growth in F2025 and thereafter." Regarding growth projections, Loe stated, "Our model assumes that consolidated revenue/EBITDA/EPS in F2025 of US$34.9M/(US$3.9M)/(US$0.20/shr), but then lifting substantially on all metrics to US$59.1M/US$14.7M/US$0.10/shr in F2026 and then to US$95.5M/US$38.1M/US$1.05/shr in F2027." The report highlighted potential strategic interest, with Loe noting, "We expect urology-focused suitors to show tangible interest in Profound as the annual top-line performance approaches US$100M on a run-rate basis, which our model projects by FH227." Leede Financial's valuation methodology combines multiple approaches. Loe explained, "Our valuation still based on NPV (20% discount rate) and multiples of our F2027 EBITDA/fd EPS forecasts (US$38.1M & US$1.05/shr, respectively), with our EV calculation incorporating FQ224 balance sheet data (cash of US$34.1M, total debt of US$6.0M) and fully-diluted S/O of 26.0M." The analyst also noted that while F2024 is a transition year, F2025 is expected to be transformative for U.S. TULSA-PRO adoption rates. In conclusion, Leede Financial's maintenance of its Buy rating and US$18 price target reflects confidence in Profound Medical's growth potential following the favorable reimbursement update. The share price at the time of the report of US$7.35 represents a potential return of approximately 145% to the analyst's target price, highlighting the significant upside potential as the company advances its commercialization efforts. Sign up for our FREE newsletter at: www.streetwisereports.com/get-newsImportant Disclosures: This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company. This article does not constitute medical advice. Officers, employees and contributors to Streetwise Reports are not licensed medical professionals. Readers should always contact their healthcare professionals for medical advice. For additional disclosures, please click here. Disclosures for Leede Financial Inc., Profound Medical Corp., November 4, 2024 Important Information and Legal Disclaimers Leede Financial Inc. (Leede) is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). This document is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any particular investing strategy. Data from various sources were used in the preparation of these documents; the information is believed but in no way warranted to be reliable, accurate and appropriate. All information is as of the date of publication and is subject to change without notice. Any opinions or recommendations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Leede. Leede cannot accept any trading instructions via e-mail as the timely receipt of e-mail messages, or their integrity over the Internet, cannot be guaranteed. Dividend yields change as stock prices change, and companies may change or cancel dividend payments in the future. All securities involve varying amounts of risk, and their values will fluctuate, and the fluctuation of foreign currency exchange rates will also impact your investment returns if measured in Canadian Dollars. Past performance does not guarantee future returns, investments may increase or decrease in value, and you may lose money. Leede employees may buy and sell shares of the companies that are recommended for their own accounts and for the accounts of other clients. Disclosure codes are used in accordance with Policy 3600 of CIRO. Dissemination All final research reports are disseminated to existing and potential institutional clients of Leede Financial Inc. (Leede) in electronic form to intended recipients thorough e-mail and third-party aggregators. Research reports are posted to the Leede website and are accessible to customers who are entitled to the firm’s research. Reproduction of this report in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Research Analyst Certification The Research Analyst(s) who prepare this report certify that their respective report accurately reflects his/her personal opinion and that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views as to the securities or companies. Leede Financial Inc. (Leede) compensates its research analysts from a variety of sources and research analysts may or may not receive compensation based upon Leede investment banking revenue. Canadian Disclosures This research has been approved by Leede Financial Inc. (Leede), which accepts sole responsibility for this research and its dissemination in Canada. Leede is registered and regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). Canadian clients wishing to effect transactions in any designated investment discussed should do so through a Leede Registered Representative. U.S. Disclosures This research report was prepared by Leede Financial Inc. (Leede). Leede is registered and regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). This report does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities discussed herein. Leede is not registered as a broker-dealer in the United States and is not subject to U.S. rules regarding the preparation of research reports and the independence of research analysts. Any resulting transactions should be effected through a U.S. broker-dealer. ( Companies Mentioned: PROF:NASDAQ; PRN:TSX, ) Full Article
format Information Security: Harnessing the Overlooked Source for SMB Competitive Advantage By www.itsecurity.com Published On :: Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:43:36 +0000 On-Demand Webinar > Watch Now!>>SPONSORED BY: AT&TWatch this FREE on-demand webinar to learn how to make the connections between information security and competitive success for yo... Full Article
format Catawba County makes information on traffic incident locations available via Twitter. By www.catawbacountync.gov Published On :: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST Catawba County has upgraded a feed from its 911 Center of the information on calls regarding traffic incidents. The feed shows the type of incident reported, such as a vehicle accident, stranded motorist or vehicle fire, and gives the location of the incident. Only traffic related incidents are reported through this feed. Full Article News Release FYI Public Notice
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format Catawba County Facts and Figures page gives wealth of information in many categories By www.catawbacountync.gov Published On :: Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST Catawba County has launched a performance dashboard, a program that will be the gateway for hundreds of pieces of data on dozens of topics related to the County government, demographics and quality of life. Catawba County Facts and Figures, offers users a choice of exploring data grouped into eight broad categories. Full Article News Release FYI Public Notice