Direct interaction of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase and caveolin-1 inhibits synthase activity

Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and caveolin-1 are associated within endothelial plasmalemmal caveolae. It is not known, however, whether eNOS and caveolin-1 interact directly or indirectly or whether the interaction affects eNOS activity. To answer these questions, we have cloned the bovine caveolin-1 cDNA and have investigated the eNOS-caveolin-1 interaction in an in vitro binding assay system using glutathione S-transferase (GST)-caveolin-1 fusion proteins and baculovirus-expressed bovine eNOS. We have also mapped the domains involved in the interaction using an in vivo yeast two-hybrid system. Results obtained using both in vitro and in vivo protein interaction assays show that both N- and C-terminal cytosolic domains of caveolin-1 interact directly with the eNOS oxygenase domain. Interaction of eNOS with GST-caveolin-1 fusion proteins significantly inhibits enzyme catalytic activity. A synthetic peptide corresponding to caveolin-1 residues 82-101 also potently and reversibly inhibits eNOS activity by interfering with the interaction of the enzyme with Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM). Regulation of eNOS in endothelial cells, therefore, may involve not only positive allosteric regulation by Ca2+/CaM, but also negative allosteric regulation by caveolin-1.

Reciprocal phosphorylation and regulation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase in response to bradykinin stimulation

Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is phosphorylated at Ser-1179 (bovine sequence) by Akt after growth factor or shear stress stimulation of endothelial cells, resulting in increased eNOS activity. Purified eNOS is also phosphorylated at Thr-497 by purified AMP-activated protein kinase, resulting in decreased eNOS activity. We investigated whether bradykinin (BK) stimulation of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) regulates eNOS through Akt activation and Ser-1179 or Thr-497 phosphorylation. Akt is transiently activated in BK-stimulated BAECs. Activation is blocked completely by wortmannin and LY294002, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, suggesting that Akt activation occurs downstream from phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. BK stimulates a transient phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser-1179 that is correlated temporally with a transient dephosphorylation of eNOS at Thr-497. Phosphorylation at Ser-1179, but not dephosphorylation at Thr-497, is blocked by wortmannin and LY294002. BK also stimulates a transient nitric oxide (NO) release from BAECs with a time-course similar to Ser-1179 phosphorylation and Thr-497 dephosphorylation. NO release is not altered by wortmannin. BK-stimulated dephosphorylation of Thr-497 and NO release are blocked by the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporin A. These data suggest that BK activation of eNOS in BAECs primarily involves deinhibition of the enzyme through calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation at Thr-497.

Interaction of neuronal nitric-oxide synthase with caveolin-3 in skeletal muscle. Identification of a novel caveolin scaffolding/inhibitory domain

Neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS) has been shown previously to interact with alpha1-syntrophin in the dystrophin complex of skeletal muscle. In the present study, we have examined whether nNOS also interacts with caveolin-3 in skeletal muscle. nNOS and caveolin-3 are coimmunoprecipitated from rat skeletal muscle homogenates by antibodies directed against either of the two proteins. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the membrane-proximal caveolin-3 residues 65-84 and 109-130 and homologous caveolin-1 residues 82-101 and 135-156 potently inhibit the catalytic activity of purified, recombinant nNOS. Purified nNOS also binds to a glutathione S-transferase-caveolin-1 fusion protein in in vitro binding assays. In vitro binding is completely abolished by preincubation of nNOS with either of the two caveolin-3 inhibitory peptides. Interactions between nNOS and caveolin-3, therefore, appear to be direct and to involve two distinct caveolin scaffolding/inhibitory domains. Other caveolin-interacting enzymes, including endothelial nitric-oxide synthase and the c-Src tyrosine kinase, are also potently inhibited by each of the four caveolin peptides. Inhibitory interactions mediated by two different caveolin domains may thus be a general feature of enzyme docking to caveolin proteins in plasmalemmal caveolae.

Subunit interactions of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase. Comparisons to the neuronal and inducible nitric-oxide synthase isoforms

Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is comprised of two identical subunits. Each subunit has a bidomain structure consisting of an N-terminal oxygenase domain containing heme and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and a C-terminal reductase domain containing binding sites for FAD, FMN, and NADPH. Each subunit is also myristoylated and contains a calmodulin (CaM)-binding site located between the oxygenase and reductase domains. In this study, wild-type and mutant forms of eNOS have been expressed in a baculovirus system, and the quaternary structure of the purified enzymes has been analyzed by low temperature SDS-PAGE. eNOS dimer formation requires incorporation of the heme prosthetic group but does not require myristoylation or CaM or BH4 binding. In order to identify domains of eNOS involved in subunit interactions, we have also expressed eNOS oxygenase and reductase domain fusion proteins in a yeast two-hybrid system. Corresponding human neuronal NOS (nNOS) and murine inducible NOS (iNOS) fusion proteins have also been expressed. Comparative analysis of NOS domain interactions shows that subunit association of eNOS and nNOS involves not only head to head interactions of oxygenase domains but also tail to tail interactions of reductase domains and head to tail interactions between oxygenase and reductase domains. In contrast, iNOS subunit association involves only oxygenase domain interactions.

Structure-activity relationships among 2-substituted 5,6-dichloro-, 4,6-dichloro-, and 4,5-dichloro-1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl]- and -1-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy) methyl]benzimidazoles

The sodium salt of 2,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole (8a) was condensed with [2-(benzyloxy)ethoxy]-methyl chloride (9) and [1,3-bis(benzyloxy)-2-propoxy]methyl chloride (18) to provide the corresponding protected acyclic nucleosides 10a and 19a, which on debenzylation afforded 2,5,6-trichloro-1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]benzimidazole (11a) and 2,5,6-trichloro-1-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl] benzimidazole (20a), respectively. A similar condensation of 2,4,6-trichlorobenzimidazole (2a) and 2,4,5-trichlorobenzimidazole (7a) followed by debenzylation yielded 11b, 20b, 11c, and 20c, respectively. A nucleophilic displacement of the 2-chloro group of 11a-c and 20a-c with liquid ammonia, methylamine, dimethylamine, and thiourea furnished several interesting 2-substituted compounds in good yields, e.g., 12-14(a-e), 21-23(a-e), 15-17, and 24-26. Alkylation of the 2-thio analogs 15-17 and 24-26 with benzyl chloride furnished the 2-alkylthio acyclic nucleosides 12d-14d and 21d-23d. Desulfurization of 15 and 24 with Raney Ni furnished 5,6-dichloro-1[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]benzimidazole (12e) and 5,6-dichloro-1-[1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]benzimidazole (21e), respectively (acyclic analog of 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole). Similarly the dihalo compounds 13e, 14e, and 23e were prepared in moderate yields from the 2-thio analogs 16,17, and 26. Treatment of 2-bromo-5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole (8b) with 27 and 30 gave the protected acyclic compounds 28a and 31a, which on deacetylation with sodium carbonate and potassium cyanide yielded 2-bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]benzimidazole (29a) and 2-bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]benzimidazole (32a), respectively, in moderate yields. The 2-bromo-4,6-dichlorobenzimidazole and 2-bromo-,5-dichlorbenzimidazole analogs 29b,c and 32b,c were prepared in a similar manner. Compounds were tested for activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and for cytotoxicity. In marked contrast to the ribosylbenzimidazoles, none of the acyclic analogs were specific and potent inhibitors of HCMV. Only the 2-thiobenzyl analogs 12d, 13d, 14d, and 23d and the 2-Br analogs 32a,b were active, but activity was not well separated from cytotoxicity. The lack of specific and potent antiviral activity strongly suggests that these acyclic nucleoside analogs are not phosphorylated by HCMV or HSV-1 gene products and that the ribosylbenzimidazoles do not require phosphorylation for antiviral activity.

In vitro evaluation of hepatitis B virus polymerase mutations associated with famciclovir resistance

Several mutations (V521L, P525L, L528M, T532S, and V555I) in the gene for hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase have been identified in HBV isolated from patients that displayed break-through viremia during famciclovir treatment. To determine whether these mutations cause phenotypic resistance to famciclovir, we compared the inhibition constants (K(i)) of penciclovir triphosphate (PCVTP, the active metabolite of famciclovir) for recombinant wild-type and mutant HBV polymerases containing these mutations. In in vitro enzymatic assays, the V555I mutation displayed the most resistance (with K(i) increased by 6.2-fold) to PCVTP. The V521L and L528M mutations showed moderately decreased sensitivity to PCVTP (K(i) increased by >3-fold). We also analyzed the cross-resistance profiles of these variants for adefovir and lamivudine, two other antiviral agents that also inhibit DNA replication by HBV polymerase. All 5 famciclovir-associated mutations were sensitive to adefovir diphosphate (ADVDP) in in vitro enzymatic assays (<2.3-fold decreased sensitivity). The V521L, L528M, and T532S mutations were also sensitive to lamivudine triphosphate (LAMTP); however, the P525L and V555I mutations displayed moderately decreased sensitivity to LAMTP in enzymatic assays (3.6-fold decreased sensitivity). The lamivudine-resistant mutations M552I, M552V, and L528M+M552V, which were previously shown to display 8- to 25-fold resistance to LAMTP, were less resistant (< or = 3.1-fold) to PCVTP.

Caveolin-1 detergent solubility and association with endothelial nitric oxide synthase is modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation

Caveolin-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are associated within endothelial caveolae. We have shown previously that eNOS is translocated to the detergent-insoluble, cytoskeletal fraction of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) in response to bradykinin (BK)-stimulation or tyrosine phosphatase inhibition. In the present study, we have examined whether caveolin-1 is similarly translocated in response to these or other stimuli. Exposure of BAEC to the eNOS-activating agonists, BK, histamine, or ATP produces transient increases in the amounts of detergent-insoluble caveolin-1. Increases in insolubility are blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and are potently mimicked by tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. Increased insolubility is accompanied by an increased association of caveolin-1 with eNOS and inhibition of eNOS catalytic activity. Agonist-activation of eNOS in endothelial cells thus appears to involve tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent changes in the interaction of eNOS with caveolin-1. Increased interaction of eNOS with caveolin-1 may deactivate the enzyme subsequent to its activation by Ca2+/calmodulin.

Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of certain disubstituted benzimidazole ribonucleosides

Ribosylation of 2-chloro-5(6)-nitrobenzimidazole (3) gave 2-chloro-5-nitro-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazol e (4a) and 2-chloro-6-nitro-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazol e (4b) as a mixture of positional isomers. Subsequent hydrogenation of this mixture over Raney Nickel afforded the corresponding 5-amino and 6-amino derivatives 5 and 6. At this stage the products were readily resolved via silica column chromatography into pure isomeric forms, and the pure isomers 5 and 6 were diazotized with tert-butyl nitrite and cupric chloride to furnish the isomerically pure 5-chloro derivative 2a and 6-chloro derivative 2b. Deprotection of 5, 6, 2a, and 2b with methanolic ammonia yielded the free nucleosides 5-amino-2-chloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (7), 6-amino-2-chloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole (8), 2,5-dichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (9), and 2,6-dichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (10), respectively. Treatment of 10 with thiourea afforded 6-chloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole-2-thione (14). Alkylation of 14 with methyl iodide and benzyl bromide gave good yields of the corresponding 2-methylthio (12) and the 2-benzylthio (13) analogs. The synthesis of 6-chloro-2-methoxy-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (11) was accomplished by the treatment of 2b with sodium methoxide in methanol. A difference NOE spectroscopic experiment was conducted to allow unequivocal assignment of regiochemistry to the positional isomers 5 and 6. Evaluation of compounds for activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 revealed that the heterocycle 3 was active against both viruses but also was cytotoxic. Only the dichloro compounds 9 and 10 were weakly active against HCMV and noncytotoxic in their antiviral dose range. These data further substantiate the conclusion that activity against HCMV at noncytotoxic concentrations by benzimidazole ribonucleosides requires a halogen not only at the 2-position, but also more than one halogen on the benzene moiety.

A system dynamics approach for regional environmental planning and management: a study for the Lake Erhai Basin

In recent years, water-quality deterioration associated with rapid socio-economic development in the Lake Erhai Basin, China, has acquired more and more attention from the public and the government. An effective planning for the basin's environmental management system is desired for sustainable regional development. In this study, an environmental system dynamics model, named ErhaiSD, is developed for supporting this planning task. The ErhaiSD consists of dynamic simulation models that explicitly consider information feedback that governs interactions in the system. Such models are capable of synthesizing component-level knowledge into system behaviour simulation at an integrated level. This capability is very useful in analyzing and recommending policy decisions. For the study case, interactions among a umber of system components within a time frame of 15 years are examined dynamically. Four planning alternatives are considered. The base run is based on an assumption that the existing pattern of human activities will prevail in the entire planning horizon, and the other alternatives are based on previous planning studies. The contributions of various nonpoint pollution sources to the lake's eutrophication problems, and the effects of industrial activities and wastewater treatment processes on pollution problems in the Xier River are analyzed through the developed modeling system. The exercise draws attention to the implications of different alternatives to the system's environmental and socio-economic objectives. The modeling results are directly useful for simulating and evaluating a variety of decision actions and their dynamic consequences, and answering questions such as 'What should I do?', 'What if I do?' and 'What are the expected consequences?'.

A sensitive immunoassay based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer from up-converting nanoparticles and graphene oxide for one-step detection of imidacloprid

In this study, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) immunoassay based on graphene oxide (GO) and up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) was established for rapid detection of imidacloprid, a commonly-used insecticide. Under 980 nm near-infrared light excitation, emission of UCNPs at 542 nm can be absorbed by the energy acceptor GO. The carboxyl-functionalized GO and UCNPs were coupled with competitive antigen and antibody against imidacloprid. After optimization, the FRET immunoassay showed a wide detection range of 0.08-50 ng/mL to imidacloprid, with cross-reaction toward other three neonicotinoids including imidaclothiz (74.4%), thiacloprid (36.9%) and clothianidin (31.9%). The average recoveries of spiked water, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, honey and tea samples were 76.8%-101.8%. The accuracy and reliability of the FRET immunoassay were verified by UPLC-MS/MS with a good correlation (R² = 0.9816). In a summary, this study provides a sensitive and one-step method for monitoring imidacloprid residue in food and environmental samples within 1 h.

Design, synthesis, and antiviral evaluation of 2-chloro-5,6-dihalo-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazoles as potential agents for human cytomegalovirus infections

2-Chloro-5,6-difluorobenzimidazole (8) was prepared from 4,5-difluoro-2-nitroaniline (5) via successive reduction, cyclization, and diazotization reactions. 2-Chloro-5,6-dibromobenzimidazole (10) was obtained by a direct bromination of 2-chlorobenzimidazole (9) with bromine-water. 2-Chloro-5,6-diiodobenzimidazole (15) was synthesized by a stepwise transformation of the nitro functions of 2-chloro-5,6-dinitrobenzimidazole (11) into iodo groups via diazotization reactions. Ribosylation of 8, 10, and 15 gave the respective beta nucleosides 16a-c as the major products along with a small amount of the alpha anomers 17a-c. Deprotection of 16a-c afforded the corresponding free beta nucleosides 2-chloro-5,6-difluoro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (2), 2-chloro-5,6-dibromo-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (3), and 2-chloro-5,6-diiodo-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (4). Similar deprotection of the alpha anomers (17a-c) resulted in a removal of the acetyl protecting groups and a concomitant cyclization to give the 2,2'-O-cyclonucleosides (18a-c). Most of the benzimidazole heterocycles, but not the difluoro analog, were active against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) (IC50's = 3-40 microM) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (IC50's = 50-90 microM). This activity, however, was not well separated from cytotoxicity, IC50's = 10-100 microM. The corresponding unsubstituted, the 5,6-dimethyl, and the 5,6-difluoro ribonucleosides (19, 20, and 2, respectively), were inactive against both viruses. Similar to the previously reported 2,5,6-trichloro analog (TCRB), the 5,6-dibromo ribonucleoside 3 was active against HCMV (IC50 approximately 4 microM) but more cytotoxic than TCRB. The 5,6-diiodo analog 4 also was active (IC50 approximately 2 microM) but more cytotoxic (IC50 = 10-20 microM) than either 3 or TCRB. The cyclonucleosides were inactive against both viruses and not cytotoxic, or slightly active with corresponding cytotoxicity. The order of activity against HCMV of the dihalobenzimidazole ribonucleosides was I approximately equal to Br approximately equal to CI > > F > H = CH3. The order of cytotoxicity among the most active compounds, however, was I > Br > Cl, thereby establishing that TCRB had the best antiviral properties.

Bradykinin activates the Janus-activated kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in vascular endothelial cells: localization of JAK/STAT signalling proteins in plasmalemmal caveolae

Bradykinin (BK) is an important physiological regulator of endothelial cell function. In the present study, we have examined the role of the Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway in endothelial signal transduction through the BK B2 receptor (B2R). In cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs), BK activates Tyk2 of the JAK family of tyrosine kinases. Activation results in the tyrosine phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of STAT3. BK also activates the mitogen-activated p44 and p42 protein kinases, resulting in STAT3 serine phosphorylation. Furthermore, Tyk2 and STAT3 form a complex with the B2R in response to BK stimulation. Under basal conditions, Tyk2, STAT3 and the B2R are localized either partially or entirely in endothelial plasmalemmal caveolae. Following BK stimulation of BAECs, however, the B2R and STAT3 are translocated out of caveolae. Taken together, these data suggest that BK activates the JAK/STAT pathway in endothelial cells and that JAK/STAT signalling proteins are localized in endothelial caveolae. Moreover, caveolar localization of the B2R and STAT3 appears to be regulated in an agonist-dependent manner.

Measurement of the W-boson mass in pp collisions at s = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the mass of the W boson is presented based on proton-proton collision data recorded in 2011 at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC, and corresponding to 4.6 fb - 1 of integrated luminosity. The selected data sample consists of 7.8 × 10 6 candidates in the W → μ ν channel and 5.9 × 10 6 candidates in the W → e ν channel. The W-boson mass is obtained from template fits to the reconstructed distributions of the charged lepton transverse momentum and of the W boson transverse mass in the electron and muon decay channels, yieldingm W = 80370 ± 7 ( stat. ) ± 11 ( exp. syst. ) ± 14 ( mod. syst. ) MeV = 80370 ± 19 MeV , where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second corresponds to the experimental systematic uncertainty, and the third to the physics-modelling systematic uncertainty. A measurement of the mass difference between the W + and W - bosons yieldsm W + - m W - = - 29 ± 28  MeV.

Differential expression of RAB5A in human lung adenocarcinoma cells with different metastasis potential

For the sake of better understanding the molecular mechanism of neoplasia, we have used the mRNA differential display technique to analyze two human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, AGZY83-a and Anip973. Anip973 was isolated from AGZY83-a, but manifested much higher metastatic potential than the parent line. We found that a significant differential cDNA fragment in Anip973 was over-expressed, then over-expressed cDNA fragment was cloned and sequenced. It showed that the over-expressed cDNA in Anip973 was RAB5A cDNA. And the RAB5A cDNA sequence was corresponding between the two cells. To determine whether RAB5A may be differentially expressed in the two human lung adenocarcinoma cells at protein level, we further detected RAB5A protein in the two cells by using immunofluorescent method. RAB5A protein was upregulated in highly metastatic Anip973. We also detected the difference in RAB5A gene expression at RNA level in human non-small cell lung carcinoma by RT-PCR. Using immunohistochemical staining, we also examined RAB5A change at protein level in 45 cases human non-small cell lung carcinoma paraffin sections. The results proved the evidence of upregulation of RAB5A in malignant tumor, indicated over-expression of RAB5A gene was correlated with the malignant degree and metastatic potential of lung cancer(chi2 test, p < 0.01). The RAB5A gene is a member of RAS superfamily, which can transcribe GTP-binding protein that plays an important role in signal transduction of protein trafficking at the cell surface and GDP/GTP cycle in the regulation of endocytotic membrane traffic. Thus our results indicated that overexpression of the RAB5A gene was involved in the process of transformation from AGZY83-a to the higher metastatic cell line Anip973. The result may be a powerful experimental evidence that over-expression of RAB5A gene associated with neoplasia metastasis.

Cloning and tissue distribution of human membrane-bound aminopeptidase P

Complementary DNA clones encoding human membrane-bound aminopeptidase P (AmP) were isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of human kidney and lung poly (A)+ RNA. Comparison of the human AmP sequence to that of the pig shows significant evolutionary divergence with only 83% amino acid sequence identity between the two species. Northern hybridization analysis and RT-PCR suggests that the soluble and membrane-bound forms of human AmP are products of two distinct genes or, through alternative splicing, have different C-terminal sequences.

Up-Converting Nanoparticle-Based Immunochromatographic Strip for Multi-Residue Detection of Three Organophosphorus Pesticides in Food

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are widely used to control pests because of their high activity. This study described a rapid and sensitive lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFIC) assay based on up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) for multi-residue detection of three OP pesticides. The developed assay integrated novel fluorescent material UCNPs labeled with a broad-specific monoclonal antibody. Based on the competitive platform by immobilized antigen in the test zone, the optimized UCNPs-LFIC assay enabled sensitive detection for parathion, parathion-methyl, and fenitrothion with IC50 of 3.44, 3.98, and 12.49 ng/mL (R 2 ≥ 0.9776) within 40 min. The detectable ability ranged from 0.98 to 250 ng/mL. There was no cross-reactivity with fenthion, phoxim, isocarbophos, chlorpyrifos, or triazophos, even at a high concentration of 500 ng/mL. Matrix interference from various agricultural products was also studied in food sample detection. In the spiked test, recoveries of the three OP pesticides ranged from 67 to 120% and relative standard deviations were below 19.54%. These results indicated that the proposed strip assay can be an alternative screening tool for rapid detection of the three OP pesticides in food samples.

Effect of age and breeding season on the developmental capacity of oocytes from unstimulated and follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated rhesus monkeys

Effects of age and season on the developmental capacity of oocytes from unstimulated and FSH-stimulated rhesus monkeys were examined. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in vitro in modified CMRL-1066 medium containing 20% bovine calf serum and subjected to in vitro fertilization followed by embryo culture. After fertilization, ova from unstimulated prepubertal monkeys displayed lower development to morula (4%) than those from unstimulated adult females (18% in breeding season and 22% in nonbreeding season). No developmental difference was found between ova from unstimulated adult monkeys in breeding and nonbreeding seasons. However, ova from FSH-primed prepubertal monkeys displayed greater development to blastocyst stage (54%) than those from adult monkeys in the breeding season (16%) and nonbreeding season (0%); and ova from FSH-primed adult females in the breeding season had significantly (P < 0.05) greater developmental competence than those obtained in the nonbreeding season (> or = morula stage, 54% vs. 3%; blastocyst stage, 16% vs. 0%). These data indicate that 1) rhesus monkey oocytes acquire developmental competence in a donor age-dependent manner, and 2) animal age and breeding season modulate the effect of FSH on oocyte developmental competence in the rhesus monkey.

Jet reconstruction and performance using particle flow with the ATLAS Detector

This paper describes the implementation and performance of a particle flow algorithm applied to 20.2 fb[Formula: see text] of ATLAS data from 8 TeV proton-proton collisions in Run 1 of the LHC. The algorithm removes calorimeter energy deposits due to charged hadrons from consideration during jet reconstruction, instead using measurements of their momenta from the inner tracker. This improves the accuracy of the charged-hadron measurement, while retaining the calorimeter measurements of neutral-particle energies. The paper places emphasis on how this is achieved, while minimising double-counting of charged-hadron signals between the inner tracker and calorimeter. The performance of particle flow jets, formed from the ensemble of signals from the calorimeter and the inner tracker, is compared to that of jets reconstructed from calorimeter energy deposits alone, demonstrating improvements in resolution and pile-up stability.

Design, synthesis, and antiviral evaluation of 2-substituted 4,5-dichloro- and 4,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazoles as potential agents for human cytomegalovirus infections

The syntheses of 2,4,6-trichlorobenzimidazole (4a) and 2-bromo-4,6-dichlorobenzimidazole (4b) were accomplished via the 2-amino intermediate (3) using a mild diazotization procedure. Ribosylation of 4a and 4b and subsequent deprotection afforded the corresponding 2,4,6-trichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (7a) and 2-bromo-4,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (7b). The 2-azido (10), 2-amino (11), 2-thione (13), 2-methylthio (14a), and 2-benzylthio (14b) derivatives were prepared via displacement reactions at the 2-position of the 2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl derivative of 7a. 2,4,5-Trichlorobenzimidazole (17a) and 2-bromo-4,5-dichlorobenzimidazole (17b) were synthesized from the corresponding 1,2-phenylenediamines via successive cyclization with cyanogen bromide and diazotization in the presence of an appropriate cupric halide. Ribosylation of compounds 17a and 17b was followed by deprotection to afford 2,4,5-trichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (20a), and 2-bromo-4,5-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (20b). Heterocycles (3, 4a, 17a) and nucleosides (7a, b, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14a,b, 20a,b) were evaluated for activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and for cytotoxicity. The 2-chloro but not the 2-amino heterocycles were active against HCMV (IC50's = 5-8 microM) but not HSV-1; both also were somewhat cytotoxic to uninfected cells (IC50's = 32-100 microM). Among the nucleosides, the 2-chloro and 2-bromo analogs in both the 4,5- and 4,6-dichloro series (20a,b, 7a,b, respectively) were active against HCMV (IC50's = 1-10 microM) and noncytotoxic in their antiviral dose ranges. The 2-bromo compounds were more active than the 2-chloro analogs; the 2-azido and 2-thiobenzyl analogs (10, 14b) were weakly active against HCMV, but this activity was not well separated from cytotoxicity. None of the nucleosides were active against HSV-1. This pattern of activity and cytotoxicity is similar to that of the 2-chloro- and 2-bromo-5,6-dichloro analogs (TCRB, BDCRB) which we reported previously. Although these new 4,5- and 4,6-dichloro analogs are potent and selective inhibitors of HCMV, they are not as potent at TCRB and BDCRB.