For liquid-crystalline membranes, the average structure is manifested by the segmental order parameters

(Scp) of the lipids. Solid-state H-2 NMR yields observables directly related to the stress field of the lipid bilayer. The extent to which lipid bilayers are deformed by osmotic pressure is integral to how lipid-protein interactions affect membrane functions. Calculations of the average area per lipid and related structural properties are pertinent to bilayer remodeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of membranes. To establish structural quantities, such as area per lipid and volumetric bilayer thickness, a mean-torque GSK2879552 nmr analysis of H-2 NMR order parameters is applied. Osmotic stress is introduced by adding polymer solutions or by gravimetric dehydration, which are thermodynamically equivalent. SU5402 purchase Solid-state NMR studies of lipids under osmotic stress probe membrane

interactions involving collective bilayer undulations, order-director fluctuations, and lipid molecular protrusions. Removal of water yields a reduction of the mean area per lipid, with a corresponding increase in volumetric bilayer thickness, by up to 20% in the liquid-crystalline state. Hydrophobic mismatch can shift protein states involving mechanosensation, transport, and molecular recognition by G-protein-coupled receptors. Measurements of the order parameters versus osmotic pressure yield the elastic area compressibility modulus and the corresponding bilayer thickness at an atomistic level. Solid-state H-2 NMR thus reveals how membrane deformation can affect protein conformational changes within the stress field of the lipid bilayer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: NMR Spectroscopy for Atomistic Views

of Biomembranes and Cell Surfaces. Guest Editors: Lynette Cegelski and selleck compound David P. Weliky. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The treatment of children with life-limiting diseases and their families involves many challenges. This article presents a compilation of the state of knowledge on the situation in this patient group. Supported by an analysis of the literature on this subject, the aim of this article is to compile knowledge about the situation of children with life-limiting diseases and their families as well as their problems and needs. The questions asked are: what information can be found in the literature on the situation of families with children with life-limiting diseases, what aspects have been investigated and dealt with and which have not yet been taken into consideration? On this basis further considerations are formulated particularly with respect to future research needs.