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ABSTRACT: Infrared spectra of three new thorium oxide species have been obtained in argon and neon matrixes. All of the products are experimentally characterized using isotopic oxygen samples with the aid of electronic structure calculations. Ground state thorium atoms react with O(2) to form the ThO(2) molecules, which can dimerize to give Th(2)O(4) products. Th(2)O(4) is predicted to have nonplanar C(2h) symmetry for its closed shell singlet ground state. The rhombus-shaped Th(2)O(2) molecule in the (1)A(g) (D(2h)) ground state is also observed and its formation is proposed via the reaction of Th(2) with O(2). In addition, electron capture of neutral thorium dioxide results in the formation of the ThO(2)(-) anion. It is predicted to have a doublet ground state with a geometry similar to that of the neutral ThO(2) molecule. Electronic structure calculations on the unobserved Th(2)O and Th(2)O(3) molecules are also provided.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 12/2011; 115(50):14407-16. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ebolavirus (Ebov), an enveloped virus of the family Filoviridae, causes hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates. The viral glycoprotein (GP) is solely responsible for virus-host membrane fusion, but how it does so remains elusive. Fusion occurs after virions reach an endosomal compartment where GP is proteolytically primed by cathepsins. Fusion by primed GP is governed by an internal fusion loop found in GP2, the fusion subunit. This fusion loop contains a stretch of hydrophobic residues, some of which have been shown to be critical for GP-mediated infection. Here we present liposome fusion data and NMR structures for a complete (54-residue) disulfide-bonded internal fusion loop (Ebov FL) in a membrane mimetic. The Ebov FL induced rapid fusion of liposomes of varying compositions at pH values at or below 5.5. Consistently, circular dichroism experiments indicated that the α-helical content of the Ebov FL in the presence of either lipid-mimetic micelles or small liposomes increases in samples exposed to pH ≤5.5. NMR structures in dodecylphosphocholine micelles at pH 7.0 and 5.5 revealed a conformational change from a relatively flat extended loop structure at pH 7.0 to a structure with an ∼90° bend at pH 5.5. Induction of the bend at low pH reorients and compacts the hydrophobic patch at the tip of the FL. We propose that these changes facilitate disruption of lipids at the site of virus-host cell membrane contact and, hence, initiate Ebov fusion.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 06/2011; 108(27):11211-6. · 9.68 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Reactions of laser-ablated U atoms with P(4) molecules upon codeposition in excess argon gave weak new infrared absorptions at 504, 483, and 426 cm(-1), which are best identified as binary uranium phosphide UP(4) species based on extensive B3LYP, BPW91, and PBE density functional and CASSCF/CASPT2 wave function based calculations. These UP(4) adducts may be considered as simple models for P(4) activation products by ligand-supported transition and main group metal complexes. The sought-after PUP molecule in the (3)Φ(u) ground state probably absorbs under the intense P(4) precursor band near 465 cm(-1). The triplet U(IV) molecule PUP is 7 kcal/mol lower in energy than the U(VI) analog, singlet PUP. The (3)Φ(u) ground state of PUP, with 2.54 effective bond order computed by CASPT2, may be compared to the (1)Σ(g)(+) ground state of N≡U≡N with 2.87 effective bond order, where third row elements are less effective for π bond formation than second row elements.
Inorganic Chemistry 10/2010; 49(20):9230-5. · 4.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The synaptic vesicle protein synaptobrevin engages with syntaxin and SNAP-25 to form the SNARE complex, which drives membrane fusion in neuronal exocytosis. In the SNARE complex, the SNARE motif of synaptobrevin forms a 55-residue helix, but it has been assumed to be mostly unstructured in its prefusion form. NMR data for full-length synaptobrevin in dodecylphosphocholine micelles reveals two transient helical segments flanked by natively disordered regions and a third more stable helix. Transient helix I comprises the most N-terminal part of the SNARE motif, transient helix II extends the SNARE motif into the juxtamembrane region, and the more stable helix III is the transmembrane domain. These helices may have important consequences for SNARE complex folding and fusion: helix I likely forms a nucleation site, the C-terminal disordered SNARE motif may act as a folding arrest signal, and helix II likely couples SNARE complex folding and fusion.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 11/2009; 106(48):20306-11. · 9.68 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In order to better understand the dynamics of an integral membrane protein, backbone amide (15)N NMR dynamics measurements of the beta-barrel membrane protein OmpA have been performed at three magnetic fields. A total of nine relaxation data sets were globally analyzed using an extended model-free formalism. The diffusion tensor was found to be prolate axially symmetric with an axial ratio of 5.75, indicating a possible rotation of the protein within the micelle. The generalized order parameters gradually decreased from the mid-plane towards the two ends of the barrel, counteracting the dynamic gradient of the lipids in a matching bilayer, and were dramatically reduced in the extracellular loops. Large-scale internal motions on the ns time scale indicate that entire loops most likely undergo concerted ("sea anemone"-like) motions emanating from their anchoring points on the barrel. The case of OmpA in DPC micelles also illustrates inherent limitations of analyzing the data with even the most sophisticated current models of the model-free formalism. It is likely that conformational exchange processes on the ms-mus also play a role in describing the motions of some residues, but their analysis did not produce unique results that could be independently verified.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 09/2009; 1798(2):68-76. · 4.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sulfur diatomic molecules were reacted with laser ablated Cu, Ag, and Au atoms in excess argon and condensed at 7 K. Several reaction products were identified for each metal from matrix infrared spectra through sulfur-34 isotopic shifts, spectra of sulfur isotopic mixtures, and frequencies calculated by density functional theory. The linear centrosymmetric (63)CuS(2), (65)CuS(2), and AuS(2) metal disulfide molecules were observed at 508.7, 504.8, and 455.9 cm(-1), respectively. The bent CuSS, AgSS, and AuSS isomers were identified from 608.6, 580.7, and 601.1 cm(-1) S-S stretching fundamentals, respectively. These group 11 metals also formed cyclic tetrasulfur molecules, MS(4), in contrast to group 10 metal atoms, which formed side-bonded disulfur complexes M(S(2))(2).
Dalton Transactions 07/2009; · 3.84 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Laser-ablated Ni, Pd, and Pt atoms were reacted with sulfur molecules emerging from a microwave discharge in argon during condensation at 7 K. Reaction products were identified from matrix infrared spectra, sulfur isotopic shifts, spectra of sulfur isotopic mixtures, and frequencies from density functional calculations. The strongest absorptions are observed at 597.9, 596.1, and 583.6 cm(-1), respectively, for the group 10 metals. These absorptions show large sulfur-34 shifts and 32/34 isotopic frequency ratios (1.0282, 1.0285, 1.0298) that are appropriate for S-S stretching modes. Of most importance, mixed 32/34 isotopic 1/4/4/2/4/1 sextets identify this product with two equivalent S(2) molecules containing equivalent atomic positions as the bisdisulfur pi complexes M(S(2))(2). Our DFT calculations find stable D(2h) structures with B(1u) ground states and intense b(1u) infrared active modes a few wavenumbers higher than the observed values. A minor Ni product at 505.8, 502.7 cm(-1) shows the proper sulfur-34 shift for assignment to (58)NiS, (60)NiS. Another major product with Pt at 512.2 cm(-1) reveals an asymmetric triplet absorption with mixed sulfur 32/34, which is appropriate for assignment to the SPtS disulfide molecule. A weak 491.7 cm(-1) peak exhibits the sulfur-34 shift expected for PtS, and this assignment follows.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 05/2009; 113(14):3336-43. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Small sulfur molecules were reacted with laser-ablated Fe, Ru, and Os atoms in excess argon and condensed at 7 K. Reaction products were identified from matrix infrared spectra through sulfur-34 isotopic shifts, spectra of sulfur isotopic mixtures, and frequencies from density functional calculations. The strongest absorptions of the MS(2) disulfide molecules are observed at 540.2, 535.5, and 537.5 cm(-1), respectively, for the group 8 metals, and a 523.2 cm(-1) band is assigned to the FeS vibrational fundamental in solid argon. The FeS(2)(-) anion was detected in the spectrum at 542.1 cm(-1). The RuS(2) absorption exhibited resolved natural ruthenium isotopic splittings. Evidence is also presented for side-bound M(S(2)) isomers and MS(4) molecules with different structures including Fe(S(2))(2), (S(2))RuS(2), and tetrahedral OsS(4). Although OsO(4) is a well-known molecule, this, we believe, is the first experimental observation of OsS(4).
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 04/2009; 113(18):5375-84. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The vibrational spectra of UBz and ThBz have been measured in solid argon. Complementary quantum chemical calculations have allowed the assignments of the vibrational spectra. According to the calculations, AcBz are stable molecules, as well as other species like BzAcBz and BzAc2Bz. Experimentally, there is no evidence for the sandwich compounds BzAcBz and BzAc2Bz due to the limitations in the reagent concentrations.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 12/2007; 111(47):11996-2000. · 2.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The bacterial outer membrane protein G (OmpG), a monomeric pH-gated porin, was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and refolded in beta-octyl glucoside micelles. After transfer into dodecylphosphocholine micelles, the solution structure of OmpG was determined by solution NMR spectroscopy at pH 6.3. Complete backbone assignments were obtained for 234 of 280 residues based on CA, CB, and CO connection pathways determined from a series of TROSY-based 3D experiments at 800 MHz. The global fold of the 14-stranded beta-barrel was determined based on 133 long-range NOEs observed between neighboring strands and local chemical shift and NOE information. The structure of the barrel is very similar to previous crystal structures, but the loops of the solution structure are quite flexible.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 11/2007; 104(41):16140-5. · 9.68 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The structure determination of membrane proteins is one of the most challenging applications of solution NMR spectroscopy. The paucity of distance information available from the highly deuterated proteins employed requires new approaches in structure determination. Here we demonstrate that significant improvement in the structure accuracy of the membrane protein OmpA can be achieved by refinement with residual dipolar couplings (RDCs). The application of charged polyacrylamide gels allowed us to obtain two alignments and accurately measure numerous heteronuclear dipolar couplings. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that using a large set of RDCs in the refinement can yield a structure with 1 A rms deviation to the backbone of the high-resolution crystal structure. Our simulations with various data sets indicate that dipolar couplings will be critical for obtaining accurate structures of membrane proteins.
Journal of the American Chemical Society 06/2006; 128(21):6947-51. · 9.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A major challenge for the structure determination of integral membrane proteins by solution NMR spectroscopy is the limited number of NOE restraints in these systems stemming from extensive deuteration. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) by means of nitroxide spin-labels can provide valuable long-range distance information but, in practice, has limits in its application to membrane proteins because spin-labels are often incompletely reduced in highly apolar environments. Using the integral membrane protein OmpA as a model system, we introduce a method of parallel spin-labeling with paramagnetic and diamagnetic labels and show that distances in the range 15-24 Angstroms can be readily determined. The protein was labeled at 11 water-exposed and lipid-covered sites, and 320 PRE distance restraints were measured. The addition of these restraints resulted in significant improvement of the calculated backbone structure of OmpA. Structures of reasonable quality can even be calculated with PRE distance restraints only, i.e., in the absence of NOE distance restraints.
Journal of the American Chemical Society 05/2006; 128(13):4389-97. · 9.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Laser-ablated U atoms react with H2O during condensation in excess argon. Infrared absorptions at 1416.3, 1377.1, and 859.4 cm(-1) are assigned to symmetric H-U-H, antisymmetric H-U-H, and U=O stretching vibrations of the primary reaction product H(2)UO. Uranium monoxide, UO, also formed in the reaction, inserts into H2O to produce HUO(OH), which absorbs at 1370.5, 834.3, and 575.7 cm(-1). The HUO(OH) uranium(IV) product undergoes ultraviolet photoisomerization to a more stable H2UO2 uranium(VI) molecule, which absorbs at 1406.4 and 885.9 cm(-1). Several of these species, particularly H2UO2, appear to form weak Ar-coordinated complexes. The predicted vibrational frequencies, relative absorption intensities, and isotopic shifts from relativistic DFT calculations are in good agreement with observed spectra, which further supports the identification of novel uranium oxyhydrides from matrix infrared spectra.
Inorganic Chemistry 05/2005; 44(7):2159-68. · 4.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Laser-ablated U atoms react with H2O during condensation in excess argon. Infrared absorptions at 1416.3, 1377.1, and 859.4 cm-1 are assigned to symmetric HUH, antisymmetric HUH, and UO stretching vibrations of the primary reaction product H2UO. Uranium monoxide, UO, also formed in the reaction, inserts into H2O to produce HUO(OH), which absorbs at 1370.5, 834.3, and 575.7 cm-1. The HUO(OH) uranium(IV) product undergoes ultraviolet photoisomerization to a more stable H2UO2 uranium(VI) molecule, which absorbs at 1406.4 and 885.9 cm-1. Several of these species, particularly H2UO2, appear to form weak Ar-coordinated complexes. The predicted vibrational frequencies, relative absorption intensities, and isotopic shifts from relativistic DFT calculations are in good agreement with observed spectra, which further supports the identification of novel uranium oxyhydrides from matrix infrared spectra.
03/2005;
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ABSTRACT: Beta-barrel membrane proteins occur in the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts. The membrane-spanning sequences of beta-barrel membrane proteins are less hydrophobic than those of alpha-helical membrane proteins, which is probably the main reason why completely different folding and membrane assembly pathways have evolved for these two classes of membrane proteins. Some beta-barrel membrane proteins can be spontaneously refolded into lipid bilayer model membranes in vitro. They may also have this ability in vivo although lipid and protein chaperones likely assist with their assembly in appropriate target membranes. This review summarizes recent work on the thermodynamic stability and the mechanism of membrane insertion of beta-barrel membrane proteins in lipid model and biological membranes. How lipid compositions affect folding and assembly of beta-barrel membrane proteins is also reviewed. The stability of these proteins in membranes is not as large as previously thought (<10 kcal/mol) and is modulated by elastic forces of the lipid bilayer. Detailed kinetic studies indicate that beta-barrel membrane proteins fold in distinct steps with several intermediates that can be characterized in vitro. Formation of the barrel is synchronized with membrane insertion and all beta-hairpins insert simultaneously in a concerted pathway.
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 11/2004; 1666(1-2):250-63. · 4.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Uranium atoms excited by laser ablation react with CO in excess neon to produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) when the heavier noble gases are added. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng substitution on the neon matrix infrared spectra and by comparison to DFT frequency calculations. The U-C and U-O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from frequencies for the (1)Sigma(+) CUO ground state, which identifies singlet ground state CUO(Ng) complexes. In solid neon the CUO molecule is also a complex CUO(Ne)(n), and the CUO(Ne)(n-1)(Ng) complexes are likewise specified. The next singlet CUO(Ne)(x)(Ng)(2) complexes in excess neon follow in like manner. However, the higher CUO(Ne)(x)(Ng)(n) complex (n = 3, 4) stretching modes approach pure argon matrix CUO(Ar)(n) values and isotopic behavior, which are characterized as triplet ground state complexes by DFT frequency calculations. This work suggests that the singlet-triplet crossing occurs with 3 Ar, 3 Kr, or 4 Xe and a balance of Ne atoms coordinated to CUO in the neon matrix host.
Inorganic Chemistry 03/2004; 43(3):882-94. · 4.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Uranium atoms excited by laser ablation react with CO in excess neon to produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) when the heavier noble gases are added. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng substitution on the neon matrix infrared spectra and by comparison to DFT frequency calculations. The U−C and U−O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from frequencies for the 1Σ+ CUO ground state, which identifies singlet ground state CUO(Ng) complexes. In solid neon the CUO molecule is also a complex CUO(Ne)n, and the CUO(Ne)n-1(Ng) complexes are likewise specified. The next singlet CUO(Ne)x(Ng)2 complexes in excess neon follow in like manner. However, the higher CUO(Ne)x(Ng)n complex (n = 3, 4) stretching modes approach pure argon matrix CUO(Ar)n values and isotopic behavior, which are characterized as triplet ground state complexes by DFT frequency calculations. This work suggests that the singlet−triplet crossing occurs with 3 Ar, 3 Kr, or 4 Xe and a balance of Ne atoms coordinated to CUO in the neon matrix host.
01/2004;
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ABSTRACT: Laser-ablated U atoms co-deposited with CO in excess neon produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms distinct Ng complexes (Ng=Ar, Kr, Xe) with the heavier noble gases. The CUO(Ng) complexes are identified through CO isotopic and Ng reagent substitution and comparison to results of DFT frequency calculations. The U[bond]C and U[bond]O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ng) complexes are slightly red-shifted from neon matrix (1)Sigma(+) CUO values, which indicates a (1)A' ground state for the CUO(Ng) complexes. The CUO(Ng)(2) complexes in excess neon are likewise singlet molecules. However, the CUO(Ng)(3) and CUO(Ng)(4) complexes exhibit very different stretching frequencies and isotopic behaviors that are similar to those of CUO(Ar)(n) in a pure argon matrix, which has a (3)A" ground state based on DFT vibrational frequency calculations. This work suggests a coordination sphere model in which CUO in solid neon is initially solvated by four or more Ne atoms. Up to four heavier Ng atoms successively displace the Ne atoms leading ultimately to CUO(Ng)(4) complexes. The major changes in the CUO stretching frequencies from CUO(Ng)(2) to CUO(Ng)(3) provides evidence for the crossover from a singlet ground state to a triplet ground state.
Chemistry 11/2003; 9(19):4781-8. · 5.93 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which is trapped in a triplet state in solid argon at 7 K, based on agreement between observed and relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculated isotopic frequencies ((12)C(16)O, (13)C(16)O, (12)C(18)O). This observation contrasts a recent neon matrix investigation, which trapped CUO in a linear singlet state calculated to be about 1 kcal/mol lower in energy. Experiments with krypton and xenon give results analogous to those with argon. Similar work with dilute Kr and Xe in argon finds small frequency shifts in new four-band progressions for CUO in the same triplet states trapped in solid argon and provides evidence for four distinct CUO(Ar)(4-n)(Ng)(n) (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes for each Ng. DFT calculations show that successively higher Ng complexes are responsible for the observed frequency progressions. This work provides the first evidence for noble gas-actinide complexes, and the first example of neutral complexes with four noble gas atoms bonded to one metal center.
Journal of the American Chemical Society 04/2003; 125(10):3126-39. · 9.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Laser-ablated U atoms react with CO in excess argon to produce CUO, which gives rise to 852.5 and 804.3 cm-1 infrared absorptions for the triplet state CUO(Ar)n complex in solid argon at 7 K. Relativistic density functional calculations show that the CUO(Ar) complex is stable and that up to four or five argon atoms can complex to CUO. When 1-3% Xe is added to the argon/CO reagent mixture, strong absorptions appear at 848.0 and 801.3 cm-1 and dominate new four-band progressions, which increase on annealing to 35-50 K as Xe replaces Ar in the intimate coordination sphere. Analogous spectra are obtained with 1-2% Kr added. This work provides evidence for eight distinct CUO(Ng)n(Ar)4-n (Ng = Kr, Xe, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) complexes and the first characterization of neutral complexes involving four noble-gas atoms on one metal center.
Journal of the American Chemical Society 09/2002; 124(31):9016-7. · 9.91 Impact Factor
