“Seat of the soul”? The structure and function of the pineal gland in women with alleged spirit possession—Results of two experimental studies

AbstractObjectiveWe identify the impacts of structural differences on functionality of EG3_S2 endoglucanase enzyme with MD studies. The results of previous experimental studies have been explained in details with computational approach. The objective of this study is to explain the functional differences between shuffled enzyme (EG3_S2) and its native counterpart (EG3_nat) from Trichoderma reseei, via Molecular Dynamics approach.Materials and methodsFor this purpose, we performed MD simulations along 30 ns at three different reaction temperatures collected as NpT ensemble, and then monitored the backbone motion, flexibilities of residues, and intramolecular interactions of EG3_S2 and EG3_nat enzymes.ResultsAccording to MD results, we conclude that EG3_S2 and EG3_nat enzymes have unique RMSD patterns, e.g. RMSD pattern of EG3_S2 is more dynamic than that of EG3_nat at all temperatures. In addition to this dynamicity, EG3_S2 establishes more salt bridge interactions than EG3_nat.ConclusionBy taking these results into an account with the preservation of catalytic Glu residues in a proper manner, we explain the structural basis of differences between shuffled and native enzyme via molecular dynamic studies.

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Complex Analyses of Plankton Structure and Function

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/tsw.2001.19 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 119-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Karl E. Havens

Keyword(s):

Size Structure ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Structure And Function ◽

Size Spectrum ◽

Phytoplankton Productivity ◽

Resource Managers ◽

Carbon Transfer ◽

And Function ◽

Freshwater Plankton ◽

Plankton Communities

This paper critically evaluates some complex methods that have been used to characterize the structure and function of freshwater plankton communities. The focus is on methods related to plankton size structure and carbon transfer. The specific methods reviewed are 1) size spectrum analysis, 2) size-fractionated phytoplankton productivity, 3) size-fractionated zooplankton grazing, 4) plankton ecological transfer efficiency, and 5) grazer effects on phytoplankton community structure. Taken together, these methods can provide information on community ecological properties that are directly related to practical issues including water quality and fisheries productivity. However, caution is warranted since application without a complete understanding of assumptions and context of the manipulations could lead to erroneous conclusions. As an example, experimental studies involving the addition or removal of zooplankton, especially when coupled with nutrient addition treatments, could provide information on the degree of consumer vs. resource control of phytoplankton. Resource managers subsequently could use this information in developing effective measures for controlling nuisance algal biomass. However, the experiments must be done critically and with sufficient safeguards and other measurements to ensure that treatments (e.g., zooplankton exclosure by screening of water) actually are successful and do not introduce other changes in the community (e.g., removal of large algae). In all of the methods described here, the investigator must take care when generalizing results and, in particular, carry out a sufficient number of replications to encompass both the major seasonal and spatial variation that occurs in the ecosystem.

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Microglia play a role in mediating the effects of cytokines on the structure and function of the rat pineal gland

Cell and Tissue Research ◽

10.1007/s004410000330 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 303 (3) ◽

pp. 423-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

S.-Y. Tsai ◽

T.E. O'Brien ◽

J.A. McNulty

Keyword(s):

Pineal Gland ◽

Structure And Function ◽

And Function ◽

Rat Pineal Gland

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