main Wood-Look Sports Flooring Embodies Performance and Ease of Maintenance By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400 In addition to typical rubber sports flooring, wood-look rubber flooring fulfills a variety of fitness facility needs such as basketball courts, group fitness spaces and functional training areas. Full Article
main Allagash Brewing Company turns to Limble to Reduce Reactive Maintenance By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:15:00 -0400 Allagash Brewing Company reports that it has experienced a more than 40% reduction in unplanned work orders since implementing Limble, a CMMS and asset management platform, across its maintenance organization. Full Article
main SCI Floor Covering Expands Through Strategic Acquisitions, Remains Bullish on Industry Growth By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 SCI Floor Covering, backed by Ranier Capital, is expanding through strategic acquisitions in the Midwest. Despite some market softness, SCI President and CEO Dave Elberson remains optimistic about the flooring industry's outlook. Learn about his acquisition strategy, business outlook and SCI's career path for installers. Full Article
main All About Air Filtration Part 4: Care and Maintenance of Dust Collector Cartridge Filters By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400 Learn how long cartridge filters last, how to know when they need to be changed and what you can do to extend their life and performance. Full Article
main Processors up to speed on FSMA, but security issues remain By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Mon, 30 May 2022 13:24:04 -0400 FSMA’s Intentional Adulteration rule is still a work in progress for some sites, meanwhile processors and retailers are eyeing indoor grow facilities. Full Article
main For Designers, Flooring is the Main Ingredient By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0400 Selecting the right flooring for a space not only adds to its look, but experience and overall feel. That is one of the main points designers said when Floor Trends polled them to find out just what they’re looking for when designing for commercial spaces. Full Article
main Wisconsin’s H.J. Martin Maintains Humbleness, Family Focus By www.floortrendsmag.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0400 When you speak with David Martin, you cannot help but recognize his sense of history, place and responsibility. He is the fourth generation of Martins to work at one of the country’s largest flooring retailers. Full Article
main Cal-Maine Foods Invests in Egg Products Joint Venture By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:25:00 -0400 Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. has completed a strategic investment with Crepini LLC, establishing a new egg products and prepared foods joint venture. Full Article
main Frozen Dessert Maker Maintains Authenticity with In-house Processing By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 Kaurina’s Kulfi could take shortcuts with its ‘Indian ice cream’ for more product and profit, but instead chooses a scaled up process first used in the family’s kitchen in order to stay true to the frozen treat’s heritage. Full Article
main Laminator Offers Smaller Footprint, Flexibility, Easier Sanitation and Maintenance By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:32:24 -0400 With precise, automatic and synchronized control of dough sheet length, conveyor speed and number of laminations, the operator has an efficient and effective process, resulting in consistent, high-quality product. Full Article
main 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
main Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Expansion Plans for Additional Cage-Free Production Capabilities By www.foodengineeringmag.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:32:55 -0400 The projects will include the addition of five new cage-free layer houses across its locations in Florida, Georgia, Utah and Texas. Full Article
main Factors Influencing the Translation of Evidence Into Clinical Practice for Hospital Allied Health Professionals in Terms of the Domains of Behaviour Change Theory: A Systematic Review By ifp.nyu.edu Published On :: Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:32:38 +0000 Evaluation &the Health Professions, Ahead of Print. This systematic review provides an overview of the unique challenges allied health professions face in the translation and implementation of evidence into practice, which remain relatively under reported and uninformed by a theoretical basis of behaviour change. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus databases from 2010 to 2022 were […] The post Factors Influencing the Translation of Evidence Into Clinical Practice for Hospital Allied Health Professionals in Terms of the Domains of Behaviour Change Theory: A Systematic Review was curated by information for practice. Full Article Meta-analyses - Systematic Reviews
main States’ Share of Medicaid Costs Remains Low but Is Set to Increase By ifp.nyu.edu Published On :: Sat, 26 Oct 2024 20:31:01 +0000 The post States’ Share of Medicaid Costs Remains Low but Is Set to Increase was curated by information for practice. Full Article Infographics
main Entry points for disaster risk reduction mainstreaming in humanitarian shelter and settlements interventions By ifp.nyu.edu Published On :: Sun, 03 Nov 2024 23:08:24 +0000 The post Entry points for disaster risk reduction mainstreaming in humanitarian shelter and settlements interventions was curated by information for practice. Full Article Grey Literature
main Despite Progress Of LGBT Rights In U.S., Challenges Remain Abroad By www.npr.org Published On :: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:53:32 -0400 Around the world, it can still be very hard to live as an openly gay man. Host Michel Martin learns more from two LGBT activists: Jamaican Maurice Tomlinson and Nigerian Bisi Alimi. Full Article
main Nat King Cole remains 'one of the great gifts of nature' By minnesota.publicradio.orghttps Published On :: Sun, 17 Mar 2019 09:50:00 -0500 Born 100 years ago today, Nat King Cole topped the charts year after year, sold more than 50 million records, pushed jazz piano in a new direction and paved the way for later generations of performers. Full Article
main Wisconsin high court to hear arguments on whether an 1849 abortion ban remains valid By www.mprnews.org Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:35:37 +0000 The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday on whether a law that legislators adopted more than a decade before the Civil War bans abortion and can still be enforced. Full Article
main Policast: Schools will remain closed; a new coronavirus testing plan By www.mprnews.org Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:41:13 +0000 Schools will remain closed; a new coronavirus testing plan Full Article
main Dallas Jenkins on bringing the Gospel to mainstream audiences through ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ By www.christianpost.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:17:35 -0400 Dallas Jenkins, creator of "The Chosen," shares how his new film, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," brings the Gospel story to a mainstream audience. Full Article
main Republicans maintain control of the US House of Representatives By www.christianpost.com Published On :: Mon, 11 Nov 2024 21:15:24 -0500 The Republican Party has secured a majority of the seats in the United States House of Representatives, having already secured the White House and the U.S. Senate. Full Article
main Zen: The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Long Since Lost By english.pravda.ru Published On :: Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:59:00 +0300 Spring arrived late. Much later than usual. It was already mid May. However, the numerous narrow streams of clean cool mountain water atop the blacktop, confirmed the season’s arrival. Those rivers of water were everywhere. This was normal. It was time. Lift the aluminum garage door. First, strip the tarp. Then roll the British Twin from its hibernation. This was its first season under covers, tucked away from the Old Man Winter. Kind of like a debutante’s arrival. Full Article Society
main Kamila Valieva's doping test still remains a mystery to all By english.pravda.ru Published On :: Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:46:00 +0300 Kamila Valieva's doping test revealed the presence of three substances to improve the heart function, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said. According to The New York Times, these drugs can be aimed at increasing endurance, if used in combination. According to USADA's chief Travis Tygart, Kamila Valieva's doping test revealed the presence of trimetazidine, L-carnitine and hypoxen. Of these three drugs, it is only trimetazidine that is included in the list of drugs prohibited for athletes. "It's a trifecta of substances — two of which are allowed, and one that is not allowed. The benefits of such a combination "seem to be aimed at increasing endurance, reducing fatigue and promoting greater efficiency in using oxygen," Travis Tygart said. Full Article Sport
main Extend the Lifespan of Your Gadgets - A Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist By www.retailtechnologyreview.com Published On :: By George Freeman, freelance writer.In our fast-paced world, electronic devices have become integral to our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and smartwatches, these gadgets keep us connected, entertained, and productive. However, the wear and tear of regular use can take a toll on our beloved devices. Full Article Critical Issues Mobile Computers
main Practicality, self-care, and surprises: why deep discounts aren’t the main motivator for consumers By www.retailtechnologyreview.com Published On :: While discounts and sales events have long been associated with holiday shopping, new data from e-commerce provider Visualsoft reveals that consumers are motivated by more than just deep discounts when it comes to their seasonal and gifting purchases. Full Article Internet Retailing Retail Supply Chain Critical Issues
main Maintaining "Good" Care: An Articulation Work Perspective on Organizational Ethics in the Healthcare Sector By www.newswise.com Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:15:34 EST Full Article
main Main Opposition Passes Special Counsel Bill Against First Lady By world.kbs.co.kr Published On :: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:08:19 +0900 [Politics] : A special counsel bill aimed at investigating various allegations surrounding First Lady Kim Keon-hee was passed at the National Assembly's legislation and judiciary committee meeting on Friday. The bill was passed unilaterally at the parliamentary judiciary subcommittee by members of the opposition after ...[more...] Full Article Politics
main S. Korea, US, Japan Launch Massive Freedom Edge Multidomain Exercise By world.kbs.co.kr Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:47:29 +0900 [Politics] : Anchor: South Korea, the United States and Japan are conducting their second trilateral multidomain exercise in international waters south of South Korea’s Jeju Island. The U.S. Navy’s USS George Washington aircraft carrier, South Korea’s ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong destroyer and Japan’s JS Haguro ...[more...] Full Article Politics
main Why the V Engine Remains a Top Choice for Car Enthusiasts By auto.howstuffworks.com Published On :: Fri, 18 Oct 2024 10:05:02 -0400 The V engine has been a favorite among car lovers for many years. Known for its unique design and powerful performance, it is the engine of choice for many vehicles today. Full Article
main Atypical phase transition, twinning and ferroelastic domain structure in bis(ethylenediammonium) tetrabromozincate(II) bromide, [NH3(CH2)2NH3]2[ZnBr4]Br2 By journals.iucr.org Published On :: A unique phase transition, twinning and ferroelastic domain structure in [NH3(CH2)2NH3]2[ZnBr4]Br2 is found. The new additional domain structure is observed at the phase transition on heating, which is preserved after cooling to room temperature. Full Article text
main Atypical phase transition, twinning and ferroelastic domain structure in bis(ethylenediammonium) tetrabromozincate(II) bromide, [NH3(CH2)2NH3]2[ZnBr4]Br2 By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-11-04 Single-crystal growth, differential thermal analysis (DTA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray structural studies and polarized microscopy observations of bis(ethylenediammonium) tetrabromozincate(II) bromide [NH3(CH2)2NH3]2[ZnBr4]Br2 are presented. A reversible phase transition is described. At room temperature, the complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system. In some cases, the single crystals are twinned into two or more large domains of ferroelastic type with domain walls in the (100) crystallographic plane. DTA and DTG measurements show chemical stability of the crystal up to ∼538 K. In the DSC studies, a reversible isostructural phase transition was revealed at ∼526/522 K on heating/cooling run, respectively. Optical observation on the heating run reveals that at the phase transition the plane of twinning (domain wall) does not disappear and additionally the appearance of a new domain structure of ferroelastic type with domain walls in the planes (101), (101), (100) and (001) is observed. The domain structure pattern is preserved after cooling to the room-temperature phase and the symmetry of this phase is unchanged. Full Article text
main Permissible domain walls in monoclinic ferroelectrics. Part II. The case of MC phases By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-04-29 Monoclinic ferroelectric phases are prevalent in various functional materials, most notably mixed-ion perovskite oxides. These phases can manifest as regularly ordered long-range crystallographic structures or as macroscopic averages of the self-assembled tetragonal/rhombohedral nanodomains. The structural and physical properties of monoclinic ferroelectric phases play a pivotal role when exploring the interplay between ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity, giant piezoelectricity and multiferroicity in crystals, ceramics and epitaxial thin films. However, the complex nature of this subject presents challenges, particularly in deciphering the microstructures of monoclinic domains. In Paper I [Biran & Gorfman (2024). Acta Cryst. A80, 112–128] the geometrical principles governing the connection of domain microstructures formed by pairing MAB type monoclinic domains were elucidated. Specifically, a catalog was established of `permissible domain walls', where `permissible', as originally introduced by Fousek & Janovec [J. Appl. Phys. (1969), 40, 135–142], denotes a mismatch-free connection between two monoclinic domains along the corresponding domain wall. The present article continues the prior work by elaborating on the formalisms of permissible domain walls to describe domain microstructures formed by pairing the MC type monoclinic domains. Similarly to Paper I, 84 permissible domain walls are presented for MC type domains. Each permissible domain wall is characterized by Miller indices, the transformation matrix between the crystallographic basis vectors of the domains and, crucially, the expected separation of Bragg peaks diffracted from the matched pair of domains. All these parameters are provided in an analytical form for easy and intuitive interpretation of the results. Additionally, 2D illustrations are provided for selected instances of permissible domain walls. The findings can prove valuable for various domain-related calculations, investigations involving X-ray diffraction for domain analysis and the description of domain-related physical properties. Full Article text
main Preliminary X-ray diffraction and ligand-binding analyses of the N-terminal domain of hypothetical protein Rv1421 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-06-27 Mycobacterium tuberculosis can reside and persist in deep tissues; latent tuberculosis can evade immune detection and has a unique mechanism to convert it into active disease through reactivation. M. tuberculosis Rv1421 (MtRv1421) is a hypothetical protein that has been proposed to be involved in nucleotide binding-related metabolism in cell-growth and cell-division processes. However, due to a lack of structural information, the detailed function of MtRv1421 remains unclear. In this study, a truncated N-terminal domain (NTD) of MtRv1421, which contains a Walker A/B-like motif, was purified and crystallized using PEG 400 as a precipitant. The crystal of MtRv1421-NTD diffracted to a resolution of 1.7 Å and was considered to belong to either the C-centered monoclinic space group C2 or the I-centered orthorhombic space group I222, with unit-cell parameters a = 124.01, b = 58.55, c = 84.87 Å, β = 133.12° or a = 58.53, b = 84.86, c = 90.52 Å, respectively. The asymmetric units of the C2 or I222 crystals contained two or one monomers, respectively. In terms of the binding ability of MtRv1421-NTD to various ligands, uridine diphosphate (UDP) and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine significantly increased the melting temperature of MtRv1421-NTD, which indicates structural stabilization through the binding of these ligands. Altogether, the results reveal that a UDP moiety may be required for the interaction of MtRv1421-NTD as a nucleotide-binding protein with its ligand. Full Article text
main First crystal structure of the DUF2436 domain of virulence proteins from Porphyromonas gingivalis By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-26 Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogenic oral bacterium that is responsible for periodontal disease. It is linked to chronic periodontitis, gingivitis and aggressive periodontitis. P. gingivalis exerts its pathogenic effects through mechanisms such as immune evasion and tissue destruction, primarily by secreting various factors, including cysteine proteases such as gingipain K (Kgp), gingipain R (RgpA and RgpB) and PrtH (UniProtKB ID P46071). Virulence proteins comprise multiple domains, including the pro-peptide region, catalytic domain, K domain, R domain and DUF2436 domain. While there is a growing database of knowledge on virulence proteins and domains, there was no prior evidence or information regarding the structure and biological function of the well conserved DUF2436 domain. In this study, the DUF2436 domain of PrtH from P. gingivalis (PgDUF2436) was determined at 2.21 Å resolution, revealing a noncanonical β-jelly-roll sandwich topology with two antiparallel β-sheets and one short α-helix. Although the structure of PgDUF2436 was determined by the molecular-replacement method using an AlphaFold model structure as a template, there were significant differences in the positions of β1 between the AlphaFold model and the experimentally determined PgDUF2436 structure. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool sequence-similarity search program showed no sequentially similar proteins in the Protein Data Bank. However, DaliLite search results using structure-based alignment revealed that the PgDUF2436 structure has structural similarity Z-scores of 5.9–5.4 with the C-terminal domain of AlgF, the D4 domain of cytolysin, IglE and the extracellular domain structure of PepT2. This study has elucidated the structure of the DUF2436 domain for the first time and a comparative analysis with similar structures has been performed. Full Article text
main Mapping domain structures near a grain boundary in a lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric film using X-ray nanodiffraction By journals.iucr.org Published On :: Direct measurements have been taken of nanoscale domain structure in ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate around a grain boundary. Characterizing the evolution of this structure under an electric field is critical for predicting dielectric and piezoelectric response. Full Article text
main Mapping domain structures near a grain boundary in a lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric film using X-ray nanodiffraction By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-29 The effect of an electric field on local domain structure near a 24° tilt grain boundary in a 200 nm-thick Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 bi-crystal ferroelectric film was probed using synchrotron nanodiffraction. The bi-crystal film was grown epitaxially on SrRuO3-coated (001) SrTiO3 24° tilt bi-crystal substrates. From the nanodiffraction data, real-space maps of the ferroelectric domain structure around the grain boundary prior to and during application of a 200 kV cm−1 electric field were reconstructed. In the vicinity of the tilt grain boundary, the distributions of densities of c-type tetragonal domains with the c axis aligned with the film normal were calculated on the basis of diffracted intensity ratios of c- and a-type domains and reference powder diffraction data. Diffracted intensity was averaged along the grain boundary, and it was shown that the density of c-type tetragonal domains dropped to ∼50% of that of the bulk of the film over a range ±150 nm from the grain boundary. This work complements previous results acquired by band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy, suggesting that reduced nonlinear piezoelectric response around grain boundaries may be related to the change in domain structure, as well as to the possibility of increased pinning of domain wall motion. The implications of the results and analysis in terms of understanding the role of grain boundaries in affecting the nonlinear piezoelectric and dielectric responses of ferroelectric materials are discussed. Full Article text
main 3D imaging of magnetic domains in Nd2Fe14B using scanning hard X-ray nanotomography By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-21 Nanoscale structural and electronic heterogeneities are prevalent in condensed matter physics. Investigating these heterogeneities in 3D has become an important task for understanding material properties. To provide a tool to unravel the connection between nanoscale heterogeneity and macroscopic emergent properties in magnetic materials, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) is combined with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. A vector tomography algorithm has been developed to reconstruct the full 3D magnetic vector field without any prior noise assumptions or knowledge about the sample. Two tomographic scans around the vertical axis are acquired on single-crystalline Nd2Fe14B pillars tilted at two different angles, with 2D STXM projections recorded using a focused 120 nm X-ray beam with left and right circular polarization. Image alignment and iterative registration have been implemented based on the 2D STXM projections for the two tilts. Dichroic projections obtained from difference images are used for the tomographic reconstruction to obtain the 3D magnetization distribution at the nanoscale. Full Article text
main Investigation of how gate residues in the main channel affect the catalytic activity of Scytalidium thermophilum catalase By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-01-24 Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into molecular oxygen and water. In all monofunctional catalases the pathway that H2O2 takes to the catalytic centre is via the `main channel'. However, the structure of this channel differs in large-subunit and small-subunit catalases. In large-subunit catalases the channel is 15 Å longer and consists of two distinct parts, including a hydrophobic lower region near the heme and a hydrophilic upper region where multiple H2O2 routes are possible. Conserved glutamic acid and threonine residues are located near the intersection of these two regions. Mutations of these two residues in the Scytalidium thermophilum catalase had no significant effect on catalase activity. However, the secondary phenol oxidase activity was markedly altered, with kcat and kcat/Km values that were significantly increased in the five variants E484A, E484I, T188D, T188I and T188F. These variants also showed a lower affinity for inhibitors of oxidase activity than the wild-type enzyme and a higher affinity for phenolic substrates. Oxidation of heme b to heme d did not occur in most of the studied variants. Structural changes in solvent-chain integrity and channel architecture were also observed. In summary, modification of the main-channel gate glutamic acid and threonine residues has a greater influence on the secondary activity of the catalase enzyme, and the oxidation of heme b to heme d is predominantly inhibited by their conversion to aliphatic and aromatic residues. Full Article text
main Fragment-based screening targeting an open form of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease binding pocket By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-01-30 To identify starting points for therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2, the Paul Scherrer Institute and Idorsia decided to collaboratively perform an X-ray crystallographic fragment screen against its main protease. Fragment-based screening was carried out using crystals with a pronounced open conformation of the substrate-binding pocket. Of 631 soaked fragments, a total of 29 hits bound either in the active site (24 hits), a remote binding pocket (three hits) or at crystal-packing interfaces (two hits). Notably, two fragments with a pose that was sterically incompatible with a more occluded crystal form were identified. Two isatin-based electrophilic fragments bound covalently to the catalytic cysteine residue. The structures also revealed a surprisingly strong influence of the crystal form on the binding pose of three published fragments used as positive controls, with implications for fragment screening by crystallography. Full Article text
main New insights into the domain of unknown function (DUF) of EccC5, the pivotal ATPase providing the secretion driving force to the ESX-5 secretion system By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-05-28 Type VII secretion (T7S) systems, also referred to as ESAT-6 secretion (ESX) systems, are molecular machines that have gained great attention due to their implications in cell homeostasis and in host–pathogen interactions in mycobacteria. The latter include important human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological cause of human tuberculosis, which constitutes a pandemic accounting for more than one million deaths every year. The ESX-5 system is exclusively found in slow-growing pathogenic mycobacteria, where it mediates the secretion of a large family of virulence factors: the PE and PPE proteins. The secretion driving force is provided by EccC5, a multidomain ATPase that operates using four globular cytosolic domains: an N-terminal domain of unknown function (EccC5DUF) and three FtsK/SpoIIIE ATPase domains. Recent structural and functional studies of ESX-3 and ESX-5 systems have revealed EccCDUF to be an ATPase-like fold domain with potential ATPase activity, the functionality of which is essential for secretion. Here, the crystal structure of the MtbEccC5DUF domain is reported at 2.05 Å resolution, which reveals a nucleotide-free structure with degenerated cis-acting and trans-acting elements involved in ATP binding and hydrolysis. This crystallographic study, together with a biophysical assessment of the interaction of MtbEccC5DUF with ATP/Mg2+, supports the absence of ATPase activity proposed for this domain. It is shown that this degeneration is also present in DUF domains from other ESX and ESX-like systems, which are likely to exhibit poor or null ATPase activity. Moreover, based on an in silico model of the N-terminal region of MtbEccC5DUF, it is hypothesized that MtbEccC5DUF is a degenerated ATPase domain that may have retained the ability to hexamerize. These observations draw attention to DUF domains as structural elements with potential implications in the opening and closure of the membrane pore during the secretion process via their involvement in inter-protomer interactions. Full Article text
main The crystal structure of Shethna protein II (FeSII) from Azotobacter vinelandii suggests a domain swap By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-10 The Azotobacter vinelandii FeSII protein forms an oxygen-resistant complex with the nitrogenase MoFe and Fe proteins. FeSII is an adrenodoxin-type ferredoxin that forms a dimer in solution. Previously, the crystal structure was solved [Schlesier et al. (2016), J. Am. Chem. Soc. 138, 239–247] with five copies in the asymmetric unit. One copy is a normal adrenodoxin domain that forms a dimer with its crystallographic symmetry mate. The other four copies are in an `open' conformation with a loop flipped out exposing the 2Fe–2S cluster. The open and closed conformations were interpreted as oxidized and reduced, respectively, and the large conformational change in the open configuration allowed binding to nitrogenase. Here, the structure of FeSII was independently solved in the same crystal form. The positioning of the atoms in the unit cell is similar to the earlier report. However, the interpretation of the structure is different. The `open' conformation is interpreted as the product of a crystallization-induced domain swap. The 2Fe–2S cluster is not exposed to solvent, but in the crystal its interacting helix is replaced by the same helix residues from a crystal symmetry mate. The domain swap is complicated, as it is unusual in being in the middle of the protein rather than at a terminus, and it creates arrangements of molecules that can be interpreted in multiple ways. It is also cautioned that crystal structures should be interpreted in terms of the contents of the entire crystal rather than of one asymmetric unit. Full Article text
main Microcrystal electron diffraction structure of Toll-like receptor 2 TIR-domain-nucleated MyD88 TIR-domain higher-order assembly By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-09-04 Eukaryotic TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor protein) domains signal via TIR–TIR interactions, either by self-association or by interaction with other TIR domains. In mammals, TIR domains are found in Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytoplasmic adaptor proteins involved in pro-inflammatory signaling. Previous work revealed that the MAL TIR domain (MALTIR) nucleates the assembly of MyD88TIR into crystalline arrays in vitro. A microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) structure of the MyD88TIR assembly has previously been solved, revealing a two-stranded higher-order assembly of TIR domains. In this work, it is demonstrated that the TIR domain of TLR2, which is reported to signal as a heterodimer with either TLR1 or TLR6, induces the formation of crystalline higher-order assemblies of MyD88TIR in vitro, whereas TLR1TIR and TLR6TIR do not. Using an improved data-collection protocol, the MicroED structure of TLR2TIR-induced MyD88TIR microcrystals was determined at a higher resolution (2.85 Å) and with higher completeness (89%) compared with the previous structure of the MALTIR-induced MyD88TIR assembly. Both assemblies exhibit conformational differences in several areas that are important for signaling (for example the BB loop and CD loop) compared with their monomeric structures. These data suggest that TLR2TIR and MALTIR interact with MyD88 in an analogous manner during signaling, nucleating MyD88TIR assemblies unidirectionally. Full Article text
main Capturing the blue-light activated state of the Phot-LOV1 domain from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-07-22 Light–oxygen–voltage (LOV) domains are small photosensory flavoprotein modules that allow the conversion of external stimuli (sunlight) into intracellular signals responsible for various cell behaviors (e.g. phototropism and chloroplast relocation). This ability relies on the light-induced formation of a covalent thioether adduct between a flavin chromophore and a reactive cysteine from the protein environment, which triggers a cascade of structural changes that result in the activation of a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase. Recent developments in time-resolved crystallography may allow the activation cascade of the LOV domain to be observed in real time, which has been elusive. In this study, we report a robust protocol for the production and stable delivery of microcrystals of the LOV domain of phototropin Phot-1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrPhotLOV1) with a high-viscosity injector for time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography (TR-SSX). The detailed process covers all aspects, from sample optimization to data collection, which may serve as a guide for soluble protein preparation for TR-SSX. In addition, we show that the crystals obtained preserve the photoreactivity using infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the results of the TR-SSX experiment provide high-resolution insights into structural alterations of CrPhotLOV1 from Δt = 2.5 ms up to Δt = 95 ms post-photoactivation, including resolving the geometry of the thioether adduct and the C-terminal region implicated in the signal transduction process. Full Article text
main Structural characterization of TIR-domain signalosomes through a combination of structural biology approaches By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-08-27 The TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domain represents a vital structural element shared by proteins with roles in immunity signalling pathways across phyla (from humans and plants to bacteria). Decades of research have finally led to identifying the key features of the molecular basis of signalling by these domains, including the formation of open-ended (filamentous) assemblies (responsible for the signalling by cooperative assembly formation mechanism, SCAF) and enzymatic activities involving the cleavage of nucleotides. We present a historical perspective of the research that led to this understanding, highlighting the roles that different structural methods played in this process: X-ray crystallography (including serial crystallography), microED (micro-crystal electron diffraction), NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy and cryo-EM (cryogenic electron microscopy) involving helical reconstruction and single-particle analysis. This perspective emphasizes the complementarity of different structural approaches. Full Article text
main Structure of MltG from Mycobacterium abscessus reveals structural plasticity between composed domains By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-11-01 MltG, a membrane-bound lytic transglycosylase, has roles in terminating glycan polymerization in peptidoglycan and incorporating glycan chains into the cell wall, making it significant in bacterial cell-wall biosynthesis and remodeling. This study provides the first reported MltG structure from Mycobacterium abscessus (maMltG), a superbug that has high antibiotic resistance. Our structural and biochemical analyses revealed that MltG has a flexible peptidoglycan-binding domain and exists as a monomer in solution. Further, the putative active site of maMltG was disclosed using structural analysis and sequence comparison. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the transglycosylation reaction of the MltG family, aiding the design of next-generation antibiotics targeting M. abscessus. Full Article text
main Celebrating JSR's 30th anniversary: reminiscences of a Main Editor By journals.iucr.org Published On :: 2024-10-01 Full Article text
main PayComplete research shows cash remains a widely used payment method By thepaypers.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:40:00 +0100 PayComplete has unveiled a report that... Full Article
main Complete classification of six-dimensional iso-edge domains By journals.iucr.org Published On :: We enumerate the 55083357 iso-edge subdivisions of six-dimensional translational lattices. We report on the use of the method of canonical forms that allows us to apply hashing techniques used in modern databases. Full Article text
main Roth MKM Maintains Buy Rating on Energy Co. Following Insider Purchase By www.streetwisereports.com Published On :: Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 PST Source: Leo Mariani 11/01/2024 "We rate Matador Resources Co. (MTDR:NYSE) a Buy based on the company's best-in-class production growth, strong inventory of wells, growing base dividend, and reasonable balance sheet," wrote Roth MKM analyst Leo Mariani.Roth MKM analyst Leo Mariani, in a research report published on November 1, 2024, maintained a Buy rating on Matador Resources Co. (MTDR:NYSE) with a price target of US$68.00. The report follows the announcement that MTDR's EVP of Production Glenn Stetson purchased company shares in the open market. Mariani highlighted the insider purchase, stating, "MTDR reported that EVP of Production Glenn Stetson bought 1,000 MTDR shares in the open market on October 30 for total proceeds of US$51,330 at an average price of US$51.33, which was 1.5% below yesterday's closing price of US$52.11." The analyst explained his positive view on the company, noting, "We rate Matador Resources Co. (MTDR) a Buy based on the company's best-in-class production growth, strong inventory of wells, growing base dividend, and reasonable balance sheet." Regarding Matador's operations, Mariani noted that the company has "192,000 net Permian acres, and most of its position is in the heart of the Delaware Basin. Its production mix is roughly 59% oil and 41% natural gas/NGLs." He also highlighted the company's midstream presence through its "51% ownership in San Mateo Midstream, which owns oil, gas, and water-gathering assets that are tied into MTDR's producing assets." Roth MKM's valuation methodology is based on a multiple of Debt-Adjusted Cash Flow (DACF). Mariani explained, "Our US$68 price target for MTDR is based on a 4.2x multiple of our 2025 DACF estimate, which is based on US$70 WTI oil and US$3.10 HH gas." The analyst also outlined several risk factors, including "slightly higher leverage than peers, completely unhedged in 2024; and acquisition risk given the company's propensity to do bolt-on M&A." In conclusion, Roth MKM's maintenance of a Buy rating and US$68 price target reflects confidence in Matador Resources' operational excellence and growth potential in the Permian Basin. The share price at the time of the report of US$52.11 represents a potential return of approximately 30.5% to the analyst's target price, suggesting significant upside potential as the company continues to execute its development strategy. 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. For additional disclosures, please click here. Disclosures for Roth MKM, Matador Resources Co., November 1, 2024 Regulation Analyst Certification ("Reg AC"): The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this report certifies the following under Reg AC: I hereby certify that all views expressed in this report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject company or companies and its or their securities. I also certify that no part of my compensation was, is or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. Disclosures: The price target and rating history for Matador Resources Co. prior to February 1, 2023 reflect MKM’s published opinion prior to the acquisition of MKM Partners, LLC by Roth Capital Partners, LLC. Within the last twelve months, ROTH Capital Partners, or an affiliate to ROTH Capital Partners, has received compensation for investment banking services from Matador Resources Co.. Within the last twelve months, ROTH Capital Partners, or an affiliate to ROTH Capital Partners, has managed or co-managed a public offering for Matador Resources Co. Not Covered [NC]: ROTH Capital does not publish research or have an opinion about this security. ROTH Capital Partners, LLC expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking or other business relationships with the covered companies mentioned in this report in the next three months. The material, information and facts discussed in this report other than the information regarding ROTH Capital Partners, LLC and its affiliates, are from sources believed to be reliable, but are in no way guaranteed to be complete or accurate. This report should not be used as a complete analysis of the company, industry or security discussed in the report. Additional information is available upon request. This is not, however, an offer or solicitation of the securities discussed. Any opinions or estimates in this report are subject to change without notice. An investment in the stock may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Additionally, an investment in the stock may involve a high degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. No part of this report may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of ROTH. Copyright 2024. Member: FINRA/SIPC. ( Companies Mentioned: MTDR:NYSE, ) Full Article
main Asian and Pacific Islanders Remain Largely Invisible In Popular Film, Study Shows By www.scpr.org Published On :: Fri, 28 May 2021 09:09:34 -0700 Actor Dwayne Johnson (L) and Simone Alexandra Johnson attend the People's Choice Awards 2017 at Microsoft Theater on January 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. ; Credit: Christopher Polk James Chow | FilmWeekWhen Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson debuted his Hollywood persona in World Wrestling Entertainment in 2003, he was two years removed from his first successful protagonist role in "The Scorpion King" and on the heels of more film success with roles in "The Rundown" and "Walking Tall." Little did anyone foresee that "Hollywood" Rock would buoy the overall representation for Asian and Pacific Islanders in popular film for the next 20 years. Last week, the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released a report documenting the prevalence of Asian and Pacific Islanders both on-and off-screen across the top-grossing films each year from 2007 to 2019. Of the 1,300 films examined, only 44 featured API actors playing lead roles, nearly a third of which were played by Johnson. The report offers more staggering statistics: In 2019, over a quarter of API characters in the top-grossing films died. Most died by drowning, explosions, stabbing or suicides Of the over 51,000 speaking characters in the 1,300 films examined, only 6% were Asian, Asian American or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders Only 50 of the 1,447 directors in the 1,300 films examined were of API heritage. In 2019, 67% of API characters played stereotyped roles The release of this report comes at a time of rising anti-Asian hate crimes nationally, and the authors of the report believe the portrayal of Asian and Pacific Islanders in mass media contributes to that. Today on FilmWeek, we delve into the study's findings and discuss the history of API filmmakers and actors in Hollywood. Guests: Nancy Wang Yuen, professor of sociology at Biola University in La Mirada; she is co-author of “The Prevalence and Portrayal of Asian and Pacific Islanders Across 1,300 Popular Films”; she tweets @nancywyeun Justin Chang, film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR’s Fresh Air; he tweets @JustinCChang This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org. Full Article