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Rapid separation and laser-induced fluorescence detection of mutated DNA by capillary electrophoresis in a self-coating, low-viscosity polymer matrix.

The detection of point and other simple mutations in DNA is important for cancer research and diagnosis and other biological studies. Capillary electrophoresis has been successfully used for separating DNA fragments. However, a low-viscosity polymer sieving buffer for DNA separation with on-line coating has never been reported. In this paper, a new method using capillary electrophoresis with on-line coating and laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF) for screening for point or simple DNA mutations has been demonstrated. The method uses an on-line dynamic coating technique that increases capillary lifetime and analysis reproducibility, and employs a low-viscosity polymer solution, which allows the user to rinse the capillary rapidly and refill with polymer solution easily. Experiments proved that the additives in the separation buffer for on-line capillary coating do not affect the separation efficiency of the running buffer, and do not interfere with the formation of hydrogen-bonded network between boric acid, mannitol and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose polymers. The stability of the dynamically coated capillary was quantitatively studied; the capillary lifetime was increased 6- to 7-fold compared with that of permanently coated CE columns. Standard DNA fragments containing mutations, with sizes of 209, 219, and 338 bps, were successfully separated and detected with this system, after the mutated DNA fragments were cleaved by CEL-I endonuclease. The technique is very sensitive for the size-separation of low-range, middle-range, and high-range DNA fragments. Results were compared with the HPLC methods developed by Transgenomic, Inc. and were in good agreement. The method should be applicable to mutation detection for all relevant biological and clinical studies. The factors influencing separations and the stability of dynamic capillary coatings are also discussed in the paper.

Boric Acids↗

Cross-linked coatings for electrophoretic separations in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels.

We have developed a strategy using ultraviolet light to polymerize mixed monomer solutions onto the surface of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microdevice. By including monomers with different chemical properties, electrophoretic separations were optimized for a test set of analytes. The properties of surfaces grafted with a single neutral monomer, a neutral and a negative monomer, or a neutral, negative, and cross-linking monomer were assessed. The highest quality separations were achieved in channels with cross-linked coatings. The separation efficiency for biologically relevant peptides (kinase substrates) on these surfaces was as high as 18 600 theoretical plates in a 2.5 cm channel. The test peptides were fluorescein-AEEEIYGEFEAKKKK, fluorescein-GRPRAATFAEG, fluorescein-GRPRAA(T-PO(3))FAEG, fluorescein-DLDVPIP GRFDRRVSVAAE, and fluorescein-DLDVPIPGRFDRRV(S-PO(3))VAAE. Separations between two different peptides occurred in as little as 400 ms after injection into the separation channel. The simultaneous separation of five kinase and phosphatase substrates was also demonstrated. By carefully selecting mixtures of monomers with the appropriate properties, it may be possible to tailor the surface of PDMS for a large number of different electrophoretic separations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Polymeric alkenoxy amino acid surfactants: II. Chiral separations of beta-blockers with multiple stereogenic centers.

Two amino acid-based (leucine and isoleucine) alkenoxy micelle polymers were employed in this study for the separation of multichiral center-bearing beta-blockers, nadolol and labetalol. These polymers include polysodium N-undecenoxy carbonyl-L-leucinate (poly-L-SUCL) and polysodium N-undecenoxy carbonyl-L-isoleucinate (poly-L-SUCIL). Detailed synthesis and characterization were reported in our previous paper [26]. It was found that poly-L-SUCIL gives better chiral separation than poly-L-SUCL for both nadolol and labetalol isomers. The use of 50-100 mM poly-L-SUCIL as a single chiral selector provided separation of four and three isomers of labetalol and nadolol, respectively. Further optimization in separation of both enantiomeric pairs of nadolol and labetalol was achieved by evaluation of type and concentration of organic solvents, capillary temperature as well type and concentration of cyclodextrins. A synergistic approach, using a combination of poly-L-SUCIL and sulfated beta-CD (S-beta-CD) was evaluated and it showed dramatic separation for enantiomeric pairs of nadolol. On the other hand for labetalol enantiomers, separation was slightly decreased or remain unaffected using the dual chiral selector system. Finally, simultaneous separation of both nadolol and labetalol enantiomers was achieved in a single run using 25 mM poly-L-SUCIL and 5% w/v of S-beta-CD in less then 35 min highlighting the importance of high-throughput chiral analysis.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Optimization of the separation of a group of triazine herbicides by micellar capillary electrophoresis using experimental design and artificial neural networks.

The micellar electrokinetic chromatography separation of a group of triazine compounds was optimized using a combination of experimental design (ED) and artificial neural network (ANN). Different variables affecting separation were selected and used as input in the ANN. A chromatographic exponential function (CEF) combining resolution and separation time was used as output to obtain optimal separation conditions. An optimized buffer (19.3 mM sodium borate, 15.4 mM disodium hydrogen phosphate, 28.4 mM SDS, pH 9.45, and 7.5% 1-propanol) provides the best separation with regard to resolution and separation time. Besides, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach of the MEKC separation, using the same variables, was developed, and the best capability of the combination of ED-ANN for the optimization of the analytical methodology was demonstrated by comparing the results obtained from both approaches. In order to validate the proposed method, the different analytical parameters as repeatability and day-to-day precision were calculated. Finally, the optimized method was applied to the determination of these compounds in spiked and nonspiked ground water samples.

Chromatography, Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary↗

Nanomaterials and chip-based nanostructures for capillary electrophoretic separations of DNA.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE) using polymer solutions are two of the most powerful techniques for the analysis of DNA. Problems, such as the difficulty of filling polymer solution to small separation channels, recovering DNA, and narrow separation size ranges, have put a pressure on developing new techniques for DNA analysis. In this review, we deal with DNA separation using chip-based nanostructures and nanomaterials in CE and MCE. On the basis of the dependence of the mobility of DNA molecules on the size and shape of nanostructures, several unique chip-based devices have been developed for the separation of DNA, particularly for long DNA molecules. Unlike conventional CE and MCE methods, sieving matrices are not required when using nanostructures. Filling extremely low-viscosity nanomaterials in the presence and absence of polymer solutions to small separation channels is an alternative for the separations of DNA from several base pairs (bp) to tens kbp. The advantages and shortages of the use of nanostructured devices and nanomaterials for DNA separation are carefully addressed with respect to speed, resolution, reproducibility, costs, and operation.

DNA↗

High-speed separation of proteins by microchip electrophoresis using a polyethylene glycol-coated plastic chip with a sodium dodecyl sulfate-linear polyacrylamide solution.

In this paper, we describe a method for size-based electrophoretic separation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-protein complexes on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microchip, using a separation buffer solution containing SDS and linear polyacrylamide as a sieving matrix. We developed optimum conditions under which protein separations can be performed, using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated polymer microchips and electrokinetic sample injection. We studied the performance of protein separations on the PEG-coated PMMA microchip. The electrophoretic separation of proteins (21.5-116.0 kDa) was completed with separation lengths of 3 mm, achieved within 8 s on the PEG-coated microchip. This high-speed method may be applied to protein separations over a large range of molecular weight, making the PEG-coated microchip approach applicable to high-speed proteome analysis systems.

Acrylic Resins↗

Separation of living and dead polymers in synthetic polypeptide mixtures by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis using differences in ionization states.

The complexity in the mechanisms of polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides requires the development of new analytical techniques able to separate mixtures of synthetic polypeptides. This work focuses on the separation of poly(N(epsilon)-trifluoroacetyl-L-lysine) (PTLL) mixtures by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (CE). The main goal of this work was to find electrophoretic conditions that permit the separation and the quantification of the dead polymer families that were previously identified in the samples. The influence of the pH of the electrolyte on the selectivity of the separation was carefully investigated. The mechanisms of separation of the PTTLs are discussed as a function of their ionization state. The separations obtained on a noncovalently coated capillary were compared with those obtained on a fused-silica capillary. Finally, using two different electrolytes, it is possible to quantify the three families of PTLLs, namely, the living PTLLs, the dead PTLLs with N-formyl end group and the dead PTLLs with a carboxylic end group. These results confirm the importance of CE for the separation of synthetic organic polymers in nonaqueous electrolytes.

Biopolymers↗

Capillary electrophoretic and micellar electrokinetic separations of asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine and structurally related amino acids: quantitation in human plasma.

We report the development of efficient electrophoretic methods for the separation and quantification of L-arginine and six naturally occurring derivatives that are structurally and functionally related. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) employing a concentrated borate buffer at pH 9.4 achieves the separation of mixtures containing dimethyl-L-arginine, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, L-arginine, L-homoarginine, L-ornithine, and L-citrulline as 4-fluoro-7-nitrobenzofurazan derivatives. In addition, the separation of the isomeric dimethyl-L-arginine derivatives (symmetric and asymmetric) is attained with baseline resolution by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) when a high concentration of deoxycholic acid is added as a surfactant to the same running buffer. The influence of buffer type, concentration, and pH on the separation was studied to optimize separation conditions. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine in aqueous solution was determined to be 20 microM using UV absorption in a CE separation and 0.1 microM using laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection in an MEKC separation. This newly developed method was successfully applied for the quantitation of asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine and L-arginine in human plasma samples at levels that might be used as a clinical diagnostic for cardiovascular disease (0.125 microM LOQ).

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗

On-line redox derivatization liquid chromatography using double separation columns and one derivatization unit.

A new on-line redox derivatization technique using double separation columns and one redox derivatization unit was presented for enhancement of separation selectivity of HPLC. This on-line redox derivatization HPLC system consisted of two separation columns and one redox derivatization unit placed between them. The redox reaction proceeds in the derivatization unit so that an analyte compound migrates as its original form in the first column, while as its oxidized or reduced form in the second column. The retention of the analytes is controlled by the lengths of the two separation columns in this system. We adopted a small column packed with porous graphitic carbon (PGC) as a redox derivatization unit and two C18 silica columns treated with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride as separation columns. The redox activity of PGC and the efficiency of the on-line redox derivatization HPLC system for enhancement of separation selectivity were investigated using EDTA complexes of some metal ions. Original untreated PGC and PGC treated with hydrogen peroxide completely oxidized Co(II)-EDTA and converted it to Co(III)-EDTA, while the other metal complexes eluted as their original oxidation states throughout the system. Selective separation and determination of cobalt in a reference copper alloy by the developed method were demonstrated.

Journal Article↗

Precision in estimating the frequency separation between spectral lines.

It is common to estimate the frequency separation between peaks in a digitized frequency-domain spectrum by fitting an appropriate function to the experimental spectrum using least-squares procedures. In this paper, we assess from first principles the precision associated with such measurements of frequency separation. In addition to the frequency separation between the peaks, other parameters involved in fitting the spectrum are the peak widths, the lineshape functions (Gaussian, Lorentzian, etc.) for the peaks, and the peak amplitudes. The precision also depends on the signal-to-noise ratio and the spacing between adjacent data points in the digitized spectrum. It is assumed that the residuals considered in the least-squares fitting procedure are the differences between the intensities of corresponding digitized data points in the experimental and fitted spectra. Under these conditions, analytical expressions for the precision in peak separation are derived for the following cases: (i) when the amplitudes of two peaks are known and the two peaks have known equal widths; (ii) when the ratio of the amplitudes of two peaks is known, and the widths of the two peaks are known to be equal, but the actual value of the peak width is not known. In each case, the situation with two Gaussian peaks and the situation with two Lorentzian peaks are considered. In all cases, the absolute precision P(eta) in the estimated frequency separation eta between the two peaks is approximated by an equation of the type P(eta) approximately F(eta/Delta, alpha)SK, where Delta is the peak width, alpha is the ratio A2/A1 of amplitudes of the two peaks, S is the signal-to-noise ratio, and K is the density of data points in the frequency-domain spectrum. The form of the function F(eta/Delta, alpha) depends on the type of lineshape (Gaussian or Lorentzian), and depends on which of the parameters A1, A2, and Delta are known independently of the fitting procedure. Attempts to extend our first-principles approach to assess the precision in least-squares estimates of frequency separation between peaks in more complex situations than those discussed above generally lead to analytical expressions that are formidably complicated. In such cases, numerical approaches based on the theoretical framework developed here may be employed to assess the precision in estimating the frequency separation.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy↗

Pattern separability in a random neural net with inhibitory connections.

Some interesting properties on pattern separation have been shown through researches by neural models of cerebellar cortex. It seems to us that those results are a part of the properties of pattern separation. A two layer random nerve net with inhibitory connections is given as a model of the cerebellar cortex. The model is composed of threshold elements there. A more general theory of pattern separation than those studied earlier is given, and the pattern separability of the model is considered. It is revealed that the standard deviation of threshold values of threshold elements has a great effect on the pattern separability and the control of the firing rate. The present study is also intended to investigate the pattern separability in such a case that the firing rate of input patterns are not equal, and a pattern includes the other pattern. It is assumed there that the standard deviation is small. Some properties of the degree of pattern separation are cleaned up.

Cerebellum↗

Anatomic plane of separation between external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle: clinical implications.

PURPOSE: The possible existence of an anatomic and functional separation between the external sphincter and the puborectalis muscle has been reported in the medical literature. In this article we confirm, by means of anatomic and clinical observations, the presence of such a separation, focusing on its importance in understanding the pathway of diffusion for some suppurative anal lesions and to plan advanced sphincter-sparing procedures. METHODS: Twenty adult anatomic specimens of the anal region (12 from women) were cut in the sagittal, coronal, and paracoronal planes, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined. The pelvic floor musculature was examined in three patients undergoing postanal repair operations. Thirty primary posterior and posterolateral anal fistulas, preoperatively classified as transsphincteric (22) or suprasphincteric (8) were carefully traced during and after staged fistulotomy in 30 (11 female) patients, and their relationship with puborectalis muscle and external sphincter was evaluated. An attempt was made peranally to separate the external sphincter from the puborectalis muscle in four patients (3 females) aged 56 to 65 years with rectal cancers 4 to 5 cm from the anal verge so as to perform a sphincter-sparing procedure. RESULTS: A connective plane of separation between puborectalis muscle and external sphincter was clearly identified in 14 (70 percent) anatomic specimens. In three (21 percent) cases the two muscles presented a pronounced overlapping arrangement. An anatomicofunctional separation between puborectalis muscle and external sphincter was easily demonstrated during post-anal repair operations. All fistulous tracks ran between the external sphincter and puborectalis muscle, despite the pronounced upward direction of the ones preoperatively classified as suprasphincteric. A plane of separation between puborectalis muscle and external sphincter was identified and developed in four patients with very low rectal cancers. An abdominoperanal rectolevatorial excision was performed. A coloanal anastomosis was performed on the residual lower anal canal. CONCLUSION: An anatomic plane of separation is present between the puborectalis muscle and the external sphincter. The presence of this plane is important to help understand the diffusion of some suppurative anal lesions and to plan advanced sphincter-sparing procedures.

Aged↗

Two alternative mechanisms of cell separation in staphylococci: one lytic and one mechanical.

Electron microscopy studies revealed two different mechanisms of cell separation in Staphylococcus aureus. Both mechanisms were initiated by the centrifugal lytic action (directed outward from the center) of murosomes, which perforated the peripheral cell wall. Thereafter, during the first type of cell separation, murosomes also lysed large parts of the cross wall proper in the opposite, i.e., centripetal direction, forming spokelike lytic lesions ("separation scars") next to the most prominent structure of the cross wall, the splitting system. This bidirectional lytic action of murosomes revealed that the staphylococcal cross wall is composed of permanent and transitory parts; transitory parts constituted about one-third of the volume of the total cross wall and seemed to be digested during cell separation. The second mechanism of cell separation was encountered within the splitting system, which has been regarded as the main control unit for lytic cell separation for more than 25 years. The splitting system, however, represents mainly a mechanical aid for cell separation and becomes effective when cell-wall autolytic activities are insufficient.

Microscopy, Electron↗

Separation of positional isomers by the use of coupled shape-selective stationary phase columns.

The successful separation of 2- and 3-methyl-substituted positional isomers of butanol, butyl acetate, and butanoic acid and its ethyl ester, is reported. These compounds are of interest in the study of wine flavour, however the separation of the 2- and 3-methyl isomers may present problems, and more so in the presence of the wine matrix components, when single capillary column gas chromatography (GC) is used. The strategy to achieve separation was based on the use of shape-selective cyclodextrin derivative (CDD) capillary columns (commonly referred to as chiral columns). These columns provide simultaneous resolution of the enantiomeric pairs of the 2-methyl isomers, and at the same time the ability to separate the 3-methyl isomer from the 2-methyl is achieved in all but the case of the ( S)-2- and 3-methylbutanol. The advantages of using shape-selective columns to perform this study is demonstrated, with coupling of two CDD columns giving improved separations of these compounds. Although these compounds are relatively volatile, cryogenic modulated comprehensive two-dimensional GC was shown to provide good pulsed peak profiles with chiral separation in the first dimension when a thicker film trapping column segment was employed. The components of interest were well separated from other wine matrix components.

Journal Article↗

Separation of the enantiomers of substituted dihydrofurocoumarins by HPLC using macrocyclic glycopeptide chiral stationary phases.

Enantiomer separations by HPLC using the macrocyclic glycopeptides teicoplanin (Chirobiotic T), teicoplanin aglycon (Chirobiotic TAG), and ristocetin A (Chirobiotic R) chiral stationary phases (CSP) have been achieved on a unique series of potentially biologically active racemic analogues of dihydrofurocoumarin. The macrocyclic glycopeptides have proven to be very selective for this class of compound. All of the 28 chiral analogues examined afforded baseline separation on at least one of the macrocyclic glycopeptide CSP. The teicoplanin CSP showed the broadest enantioselectivity with 24 of the compounds baseline separated. The TAG and the R CSP produced 23 and 14 baseline separations respectively. All three mobile phase modes, i.e. normal phase (NP), reversed phase (RP), and new polar organic modes (PO), have been evaluated. The NP mode proved to be most effective for the separation of chiral dihydrofurocoumarins on all CSP tested. In the reversed phase (RP) mode, all three CSP separated a similar number of compounds. It was observed that the structural characteristics of the analytes and steric effects are very important factors leading to chiral recognition. Hydrogen bonding was found to play a secondary role in chiral discrimination in the normal phase and polar organic modes. Hydrophobic interactions are important for chiral separation in the reversed-phase mode. Chromatographic retention data does not provide information on the absolute configuration of these chiral dihydrofurocoumarin derivatives. However, when coupled with circular dichroism using the exciton coupling chirality method, the enantiomer elution order and the absolute configuration of some chiral dihydrofurocoumarins were successfully determined.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Factors moderating children's adjustment to parental separation: findings from a community study in England.

Research findings show that there is marked variability in children's response to parental separation, but few studies identify the sources of this variation. This prospective longitudinal study examines the factors modifying children's adjustment to parental separation in a community sample of 5,635 families in England. Children's behavioral/emotional problems were assessed when children were aged 47 and 81 months; marital quality, maternal depression, socioeconomic circumstances, and demographic variables were assessed prior to the separation from maternal report. Results indicated that 346 mothers separated from their partners in the 3-year period. Preseparation differences were found for measures of family process and parent risk factors, with effect sizes ranging from small to trivial. Parental separation was associated with a significant but modest increase in behavioral/emotional problems, independent of marital quality, maternal depression, socioeconomic circumstances, and demographic variables. Moderation analyses showed that children of cohabiting parents had a greater increase in adjustment problems following parental separation than children of married parents. Further research elucidating the factors that moderate children's adjustment to parental separation is needed to improve our understanding of who may most likely benefit from preventive interventions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Keratoplasty wound separations.

Forty cases of partial or full-thickness corneal wound separtions after penetrating keratoplasty comprised three groups. One group of separations occurred before suture removal, due to technical problems encountered at surgery or increased intraocular pressure, or both. Most separations occurred immediately after suture removal and may be the most preventable. The third group of separations occurred long after suture-removal and may not be associated with obvious trauma. About 50% of all wound separations caused graft failure, but patients with fullthickness wound separations had a worse prognosis for visual acuity recovery. Of those grafts that failed after wound separation and were retransplanted, there is a good chance of visual recovery. In our series, fullthickness wound separations or partial wound gape occurred in about 5.7% of our transplant cases. With delay of suture removal associated with a more adequate clinical means of evaluating wound healing, this number may be decreased.

Adolescent↗

The nature and magnitude of the charge-separation reactions of ubiquinol cytochrome c2 oxidoreductase.

The transdielectric charge separation reaction catalyzed by the ubiquinol-cytochrome c2 oxidoreductase is achieved in two fractional steps. We present a detailed analysis which addresses the nature of the charge transferred, the redox groups directly involved in charge separation and the contributions of each to the full charge separation catalyzed by the enzyme. Accounting for light saturation effects, reaction centers unconnected to cytochrome c2 and the fraction of total cytochrome bc1 turning over per flash permits detailed quantitation of: (1) the red carotenoid bandshift associated with electron transfer between ubiquinol at site Qz and the high- (2Fe2S center, cytochrome c1) and low-potential (cytochrome bL, cytochrome bH) components of cytochrome bc1; (2) the blue bandshift accompanying reduction of cytochrome bH by ubiquinol via site Qc (the reverse of the physiological reaction); and (3) the effect of delta psi on the Qc-cytochrome bH redox equilibrium. Studies were performed at pH values above and below the redox-linked pK values of the redox centers known to be involved in each reaction at equilibrium. The conclusions of this study may be summarized as follows: (1) there is no transdielectric charge separation apparent in the redox reactions between Qz and cytochrome bL, 2Fe2S and cytochrome c1 (in agreement with Glaser, E. and Crofts, A.R. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 766, 223-235), i.e., charge separation accompanies electron transfer between cytochrome bL and cytochrome bH; (2) the redox reactions between cytochrome bL and cytochrome bH and between cytochrome bH and Qc constitute the full electrogenic span; (3) electron transfer between cytochrome bL and cytochrome bH contributes approx. 60% of this span; (4) electron transfer between cytochrome bH and Qc contributes 45-55% as calculated from the blue bandshift or the delta psi-dependent equilibrium shift; (5) there is no discernable pH dependence of the Qz-cytochrome bH or Qc-cytochrome bH charge-separation reactions; (6) cytochrome bL, Qz, 2Fe2S, and cytochrome c1 are on the periplasmic side out of the low dielectric part of the membrane while cytochrome bH is buried in the low dielectric medium; (7) electron transfer is the predominant if not the sole contributor to charge separation; (8) Qz and Qc are on opposite sides of the membrane dielectric profile.

Carotenoids↗