Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ARCHITECTURE”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,423 records · Page 79Linked to original sources

Three-dimensional architecture and distribution of collagen components in the goat hypophysis.

The three-dimensional architecture of collagen fibrils in the connective tissue framework and the distribution of collagen types in the goat hypophysis were studied by the cell maceration method in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemistry. The pars distalis of the adenohypophysis consisted of many cell clusters. SEM revealed that the wall of cell clusters appeared as various-sized flat bundles of collagen fibrils woven in a basket-like configuration. In the pars tuberalis, the aggregates of collagen fibrils were denser and bundles thicker compared to the pars distalis. The density of collagen fibrils changed from the pars tuberalis to pars distalis without a distinct border. The collagen framework in the pars intermedia was mainly divided into three parts, the dorsal region with large hollows, the middle region, and the ventral sheet facing the cavum hypophysis. In the lobus nervosus of the neurohypophysis, the collagen network exhibited a sponge-like appearance at low magnification. Collagen fibrils of various sizes consisted of loose wavy bundles distributed around the cavities. Immunohistochemistry revealed types I, III, IV, V, and VI collagen throughout the hypophysis. It is concluded that to maintain structural and functional integration, the components of collagen are in different configurations throughout the regions of the goat hypophysis.

Animals↗

Architecture of the ciliary muscle of Gallus domesticus.

There are species-related anatomical differences in the ciliary muscle of the avian eye. The arrangement of muscular fibers in the avian eye is not well defined. To clarify this situation, we studied the architecture of ciliary muscle of Gallus domesticus by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results showed the existence of three main muscular groups that we defined as anterior, posterior, and intermediary. These muscle divisions correspond to the description of the ciliary muscle as previously stated by Crampton (1813), Brucke, and Muller (1856). The striated fibers have a meridian orientation. The anterior and posterior muscular groups are inserted in the sclera, around the Schlemm's canal wall and ciliary process stroma. The vitreal intermediary muscle has fibers inserted in Schlemm's canal wall and ciliary process stroma. The framework of these muscular fibers may according to its insertions participate in the visual accommodation mechanism and outflow of the aqueous humor system.

Animals↗

Design-based stereological analysis of the lung parenchymal architecture and alveolar type II cells in surfactant protein A and D double deficient mice.

Alveolar epithelial type II cells synthesize and secrete surfactant. The surfactant-associated proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D), members of the collectin protein family, participate in pulmonary immune defense, modulation of inflammation, and surfactant metabolism. Both proteins are known to have overlapping as well as distinct functions. The present study provides a design-based stereological analysis of adult mice deficient in both SP-A and SP-D (A(-)D(-)) with special emphasis on parameters characterizing alveolar architecture and surfactant-producing type II cells. Compared to wild-type, A(-)D(-) mice have fewer and larger alveoli, an increase in the number and size of type II cells, as well as more numerous and larger alveolar macrophages. More surfactant-storing lamellar bodies are seen in type II cells, leading to a threefold increase in the total volume of lamellar bodies per lung, but the mean volume of a single lamellar body remains constant. These results demonstrate that chronic deficiency of SP-A and SP-D in mice leads to parenchymal remodeling, type II cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and disturbed intracellular surfactant metabolism. The design-based stereological approach presented here provides a framework for the quantitative lung structure analysis in gene-manipulated mice as well as in human lung disease.

Animals↗

Molecular architecture of intermediate filaments.

Together with microtubules and actin microfilaments, approximately 11 nm wide intermediate filaments (IFs) constitute the integrated, dynamic filament network present in the cytoplasm of metazoan cells. This network is critically involved in division, motility and other cellular processes. While the structures of microtubules and microfilaments are known in atomic detail, IF architecture is presently much less understood. The elementary 'building block' of IFs is a highly elongated, rod-like dimer based on an alpha-helical coiled-coil structure. Assembly of cytoplasmic IF proteins, such as vimentin, begins with a lateral association of dimers into tetramers and gradually into the so-called unit-length filaments (ULFs). Subsequently ULFs start to anneal longitudinally, ultimately yielding mature IFs after a compaction step. For nuclear lamins, however, assembly starts with a head-to-tail association of dimers. Recently, X-ray crystallographic data were obtained for several fragments of the vimentin dimer. Based on the dimer structure, molecular models of the tetramer and the entire filament are now a possibility.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cooperative interactions between epigenetic modifications and their function in the regulation of chromosome architecture.

Epigenetic information is encoded by DNA methylation and by covalent modifications of histone tails. While defined epigenetic modification patterns have been frequently correlated with particular states of gene activity, very little is known about the integration level of epigenetic signals. Recent experiments have resulted in the characterization of several epigenetic adaptors that mediate interactions between distinct modifications. These adaptors include methyl-DNA binding proteins, chromatin remodelling enzymes and siRNAs. Complex interactions between epigenetic modifiers and adaptors provide the foundation for the stability of epigenetic inheritance. In addition, they also provide an explanation for the long-range effects of epigenetic mechanisms. We propose that a major aspect of epigenetic regulation lies in the modification of chromosome architecture and that local changes in gene expression would be secondary consequences. This view is consistent with many results from recent genomic analyses.

Animals↗

Chromatin architectural proteins and transcription factors: a structural connection.

It has long been assumed that the architectural proteins of chromatin (the histones, for example) are unrelated to their functional proteins (transcription factors, polymerases, etc). New studies drastically change this perspective. It appears that a portion of the general transcription initiation complex TFIID is made up of proteins that not only carry marked sequence and structural resemblances to the core histones of the nucleosome, but also form an octameric complex similar to the histone octamer. This can now be seen as part of a general pattern of continuity among structural and functional chromatin proteins.

Animals↗

Construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using dielectrophoresis and flocculation.

A novel approach was developed for the construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using AC electrokinetics and flocculation. Artificial structured microbial consortia (ASMC) consisting of localized layered microcolonies of different cell types were formed by sequentially attracting different cell types to high field regions near microelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. Stabilization of the microbial consortia on the electrode surface was achieved by crosslinking the cells using the flocculant polyethyleneimine (PEI). Consortia of Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were made as model systems. Also, more natural consortia were made of the bacteria Pseudomonas putida, Clavibacter michiganense, and Methylobacterium mesophilum, which are found together in consortia during biodegradation of metal-cutting waste fluids.

Actinomycetales↗

The influence of grafted polymer architecture and fluid hydrodynamics on protein separation by entropic interaction chromatography.

Entropic interaction chromatography (EIC) provides efficient size-based separation of protein mixtures through the entropy change associated with solute partitioning into a layer of hydrophilic homopolymer that has been end-grafted within the pores of a macroporous chromatography support. In this work, surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is used to prepare a library of EIC stationary phases covering a wide range of grafted-chain densities and molecular weights. Exhaustive chain cleavage and analysis by saponification and GPC-MALLS, respectively, show that the new ATRP synthesis procedure allows for excellent control over graft molecular weight and polydispersity. The method is used to prepare high-density grafts (up to 0.164 +/- 0.005 chains/nm(2)) that extend the range of EIC applications to include efficient buffer-exchange and desalting of protein preparations. Reducing the graft density allows for greater partitioning of high molecular weight solutes, extending the linear range of the selectivity curve. Increasing graft molecular weight also alters selectivity, but more directly affects column capacity by increasing the volume of the grafted layer. Protein partitioning in high-density EIC columns is found to decrease with mobile-phase velocity (u). Although solute mass transfer resistances leading to an increase in plate height can explain this effect, pressure drop data across the column are indicative of weak convective flow through at least a fraction of the grafted architecture. Modeling of the grafted brush properties in the presence of solvent flow by subjecting a self-consistent-field theory representation of the brush to a viscous shear force predicts that the grafted chains will tilt and elongate in the direction of flow. The shear force may therefore act to reduce the number of conformations available to chains, increasing their rigidity without significantly altering the thickness of the grafted layer. A reduction in protein partitioning is then predicted when the dependence on u of the solute entropy loss is stronger than that of the grafted polymer, a condition met at high graft densities.

Chromatography, Gel↗

Changes in bone architecture in the femoral head and neck in osteoarthritis.

This study analyses changes in the bony architecture of the femoral head and neck in osteoarthritis. Five osteoarthritic hips were obtained from female patients undergoing total hip replacement and were compared to non-arthritic control specimens from the dissecting room. Analysis was carried out on a coronal bony slice of the femoral head and on a transverse section of the upper femoral neck. The results indicated that in the region of the compressive trabeculae the intertrabecular areas were generally smaller in the osteoarthritic specimens and that the inferior part of the cortex of the femoral neck had thickened. Our data thus quantified changes consistent with the thickening of compressive trabeculae reported by others and with thickening of the region of the femoral neck on which they converge. We found less trabecular bone in non-weight-bearing regions of the lower femoral head and in the medulla of the upper neck in the osteoarthritic specimens consistent with loss of tensile trabeculae. Scanning electron microscopy suggested that bone resorption activity was higher in the subchondral and non-weight-bearing regions of the osteoarthritic femoral heads than in the controls.

Aged↗

Fractal analysis of lumbar vertebral cancellous bone architecture.

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone mineral density (BMD) decreasing and spongy bone rearrangement with consequent loss of elasticity and increased bone fragility. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) quantifies bone mineral content but does not describe spongy architecture. Analysis of trabecular pattern may provide additional information to evaluate osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the fractal analysis of the microradiography of lumbar vertebrae provides a reliable assessment of bone texture, which correlates with the BMD. The lumbar segment of the spine was removed from 22 cadavers with no history of back pain and examined with standard x-ray, traditional tomography, and quantitative computed tomography to measure BMD. The fractal dimension, which quantifies the image fractal complexity, was calculated on microradiographs of axial sections of the fourth lumbar vertebra to determine its characteristic spongy network. The relationship between the values of the BMD and those of the fractal dimension was evaluated by linear regression and a statistically significant correlation (R = 0.96) was found. These findings suggest that the application of fractal analysis to radiological analyses can provide valuable information on the trabecular pattern of vertebrae. Thus, fractal dimensions of trabecular bone structure should be considered as a supplement to BMD evaluation in the assessment of osteoporosis.

Adult↗

Aided self-assembly of porphyrin nanoaggregates into ring-shaped architectures.

The formation of micrometer-sized, highly ordered porphyrin rings on surfaces has been investigated. The porphyrin-based nanoarchitectures are formed by deposition from evaporating solutions through a surface dewetting process which can be tuned by variations in the substitution pattern of the molecules used, the coating of the surface and the conditions under which the evaporation takes place. Control over the combined self-assembly and surface dewetting results in nanorings possessing a defined internal architecture. The ordering of the molecules within the rings has been studied by a variety of microscopy techniques (TEM, AFM, fluorescence microscopy) and the exact ordering of the porphyrins within the rings has been quantified.

Journal Article↗

Towards surface-supported supramolecular architectures: tailored coordination assembly of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate and Fe on Cu(100).

We present a comprehensive investigation of the modular assembly of surface-supported metal-organic coordination systems with specific topologies and high structural stability formed by vapor deposition of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid molecules and iron atoms on a Cu(100) surface under ultra-high vacuum conditions. By making use of the two carboxylate moieties available for lateral linkage to Fe atoms, we succeeded in the fabrication of distinct Fe-carboxylate coordination architectures at the surface by carefully adjusting the ligand and metal concentration ratio and the temperature of the post-deposition annealing treatment. The mononuclear, 1D-polymeric and fully 2D-reticulated metallosupramolecular arrangements obtained were characterized in situ at the single-molecule level by scanning tunneling microscopy.

Journal Article↗

Hierarchical self-assembly of supramolecular spintronic modules into 1D- and 2D-architectures with emergence of magnetic properties.

Hierarchical self-assembly of complex supramolecular architectures allows for the emergence of novel properties at each level of complexity. The reaction of the ligand components A and B with Fe(II) cations generates the [2x2] grid-type functional building modules 1 and 2, presenting spin-transition properties and preorganizing an array of coordination sites that sets the stage for a second assembly step. Indeed, binding of La(III) ions to 1 and of Ag(I) ions to 2 leads to a 1D columnar superstructure 3 and to a wall-like 2D layer 4, respectively, with concomitant modulation of the magnetic properties of 1 and 2. Thus, to each of the two levels of structural complexity generated by the two sequential self-assembly steps corresponds the emergence of novel functional features.

Journal Article↗

An enantiomeric nanoscale architecture obtained from a pseudoenantiomeric aggregate: covalent fixation of helical chirality formed in self-assembled discotic triazine triamides by chiral amplification.

Covalent fixation of a chiral helical structure which is created in a self-assembling system by a chiral-amplification method based on the sergeants/soldiers principle is reported. Disk-shaped triazine triamides self-assembled to form columnar-type helical aggregates through pi-stacking interactions among the central triphenyltriazine moieties, hydrogen-bonding interactions among the amide groups, and van der Waals interactions among the alkyl groups in nonpolar solvents such as hexane, octane, toluene, and p-xylene. When the achiral triazine triamide soldier component is mixed with a tiny amount of the chiral triazine triamide sergeant component, control of the intrinsic supramolecular helicity of the self-assembled soldier component by the sergeant component leads to chiral amplification and formation of a pseudoenantiomeric aggregate with only one handedness of the helix. The helicity can be preserved by ring-closing olefin metathesis polymerization mediated by Grubbs catalyst when an achiral component with terminal olefinic groups forms the pseudoenantiomeric aggregate in the presence of a tiny amount of the chiral component without olefinic groups. After polymerization and removal of the chiral component, the polymeric architecture obtained from the achiral soldier component is optically active and thus can be regarded as an enantiomeric object in which the chiral information transferred from the chiral sergeant component is preserved. The nanoscale chiral structure is fixed perfectly, as indicated by CD spectroscopic evidence obtained in a polar THF medium at high temperature and low concentration. AFM and TEM observations show a nanoscale fibrous structure with a diameter of 2-4 nm, which corresponds to the molecular size of the triazine triamide monomer.

Amides↗

Formation of RACK- and grid-type metallosupramolecular architectures and generation of molecular motion by reversible uncoiling of helical ligand strands.

The interaction of appropriate metal ions (Pb(II), Zn(II)) with helical ligand strands, obtained by hydrazone polycondensation, generates polymetallic supramolecular architectures of rack and grid types, by uncoiling of the ligand. The interconversion between the helical free ligand and the linearly extended ligand in the complexes produces reversible ion-induced, nanomechanical molecular motions of large amplitude. It has been integrated in an acid-base neutralisation fuelled process, which links the extension/contraction of the ligand strands to alternating changes in pH.

Contraindications↗

Design, synthesis, and characterization of conifer-shaped dendritic architectures.

An elongated structural design leading to more conical-shaped dendritic architectures by using a combination of 1-->3, 1-->(2+1), and 1-->(2+1 Me) C-branched monomers is presented. Synthesis of the conifer-shaped macromolecule was achieved by reaction between isocyanate 20 and amine 26 in dry CH2Cl2. A resultant extended focal adamantane-modified dendron was deprotected to generate the water-soluble product, which was subsequently complexed with beta-cyclodextrin in D2O to create the desired tree-like product. Host-guest interactions of the adamantane moiety with the beta-cyclodextrin cavity were monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. All monomers, key intermediates, and final products were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, ESI or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy.

Journal Article↗

Hexagonal supramolecular architectures from ferrocenium cations incorporating [Ni(mnt)2]- columns: structures and properties of [alkylferrocene][Ni(mnt)2]- charge-transfer complexes (mnt=maleonitriledithiolate).

The crystal architecture, magnetic properties, and thermodynamic properties of [n-butylferrocene][Ni(mnt)2] (1), [tert-butylferrocene][Ni(mnt)2] (2), [1,1'-diethylferrocene][Ni(mnt)2] (3), and [1,1'-diisopropylferrocene][Ni(mnt)2] (4) were investigated (mnt=maleonitriledithiolate). These complexes exhibit a unique supramolecular structure in which the ferrocenium cations constitute honeycomb-like assembled structures surrounding columns of the anions. For 1, the cations form a dimer through a very short intermolecular ferrocene-ferrocene distance of 3.28 A, which mediates an antiferromagnetic interaction with a singlet-triplet energy gap of 5 K. First-order phase transitions occur in 1-3 at 364, 361, and 350 K, respectively, accompanied by thermal hysteresis.

Journal Article↗

Reconstruction of the projection periodicity and surface architecture of the flagellar central pair complex.

The substructure of central pair microtubule-associated components has been analyzed by comparing thin section and freeze-etch images of Chlamydomonas flagellar axonemes. The longitudinal periodicity of central pair projections that were previously described from cross-sectional image averages was determined from thin sections of axonemes isolated from either wild type or central pair assembly-defective strains. All projections directed toward one quadrant of the central pair repeat at 32 nm, while those in the other three quadrants all show 16-nm spacing. The surface architecture of these projections as seen in rapid-freeze deep-etch images of central pair complexes includes elements that form circumferentially oriented fibers around most of the central pair. This appearance changes dramatically along the lateral edge of the C1 microtubule where material is arranged in rows of separate particles that may play a unique role in spoke-mediated regulation of flagellar dynein activity.

Animals↗