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Appl. Sci., Volume 1, Issue 1 (December 2011) – 3 articles , Pages 1-55

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5525 KiB  
Review
New Roles Assigned to the α1–β1 (and α2–β2) Interface of the Human Hemoglobin Molecule from Physiological to Cellular
by Yoshiaki Sugawara, Mai Yamada, Eriko Ueno, Mai Okazaki, Aya Okamoto, Mariko Miyake, Fusako Fukami and Ai Yano
Appl. Sci. 2011, 1(1), 13-55; https://doi.org/10.3390/app1010013 - 17 Nov 2011
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7323
Abstract
Cellular life is reliant upon rapid and efficient responses to internal and external conditions. The basic molecular events associated with these processes are the structural transitions of the proteins (structural protein allostery) involved. From this view, the human hemoglobin (Hb) molecule (α2 [...] Read more.
Cellular life is reliant upon rapid and efficient responses to internal and external conditions. The basic molecular events associated with these processes are the structural transitions of the proteins (structural protein allostery) involved. From this view, the human hemoglobin (Hb) molecule (α2β2) holds a special position in this field. Hb has two types of αβ interface (i.e., α1β1 [and α2β2] and α1β2 [and α2β1]). The latter α1–β2 (and α2–β1) interface is known to be associated with cooperative O2 binding, and exhibits principal roles if the molecule goes from its deoxy to oxy quaternary structure. However, the role of the former α1–β1 (and α2–β2) interface has been unclear for a long time. In this regard, important and intriguing observations have been accumulating. A new role was attributed first as stabilizing the HbO2 tetramer against acidic autoxidation. That is, the α1–β1 (and α2–β2) interface produces a conformational constraint in the β chain whereby the distal (E7) histidine (His) residue is tilted slightly away from the bound O2 so as to prevent proton-catalyzed displacement of O2 by a solvent water molecule. The β chains thus acquire pH-dependent delayed autoxidation in the HbO2 tetramer. The next role was suggested by our studies searching for similar phenomena in normal human erythrocytes under mild heating. Tilting of the distal (E7) His in turn triggered degradation of the Hb molecule to hemichrome, and subsequent clustering of Heinz bodies within the erythrocyte. As Heinz body-containing red cells become trapped in the spleen, it was demonstrated that the α1–β1 (and α2–β2) interface may exert delicate control of the fate (removal) of its own erythrocyte. Herein we review and summarize the related results and current interpretation of the oxidative behavior of human Hb, emphasizing the correlation between hemichrome emergence and Heinz-body formation, and specifically discuss the new roles assigned to the α1–β1 (and α2–β2) interface. The α1–β1 (and α2–β2) interface seems to adequately differentiate between the two types of function (dual roles) from physiological to cellular. Full article
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98 KiB  
Editorial
Applied Sciences—Connecting Theories with Practice
by Takayoshi Kobayashi
Appl. Sci. 2011, 1(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/app1010012 - 16 Sep 2011
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5431
Abstract
Applied sciences cover many interdisciplinary fields that put basic sciences to application and make big changes by taking the one not-so-small step from “knowing how” to “knowing how-to”, the serendipity of which is often intriguing. Applied sciences are so deeply entrenched in almost [...] Read more.
Applied sciences cover many interdisciplinary fields that put basic sciences to application and make big changes by taking the one not-so-small step from “knowing how” to “knowing how-to”, the serendipity of which is often intriguing. Applied sciences are so deeply entrenched in almost all aspects of our daily lives. To provide an advanced forum for scholars all over the world to discuss and communicate the cutting-edge development in this field, on behalf of the Editorial Board members, I am honored to introduce Applied Sciences, a scholarly, peer-reviewed open access journal. [...] Full article
203 KiB  
Article
Objective Measures of Emotion During Virtual Walks through Urban Environments
by Moritz Geiser and Peter Walla
Appl. Sci. 2011, 1(1), 1-11; https://doi.org/10.3390/app1010001 - 01 Jul 2011
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 10412
Abstract
Previous studies were able to demonstrate different verbally stated affective responses to environments. In the present study we used objective measures of emotion. We examined startle reflex modulation as well as changes in heart rate and skin conductance while subjects virtually walked through [...] Read more.
Previous studies were able to demonstrate different verbally stated affective responses to environments. In the present study we used objective measures of emotion. We examined startle reflex modulation as well as changes in heart rate and skin conductance while subjects virtually walked through six different areas of urban Paris using the StreetView tool of Google maps. Unknown to the subjects, these areas were selected based on their median real estate prices. First, we found that price highly correlated with subjective rating of pleasantness. In addition, relative startle amplitude differed significantly between the area with lowest versus highest median real estate price while no differences in heart rate and skin conductance were found across conditions. We conclude that interaction with environmental scenes does elicit emotional responses which can be objectively measured and quantified. Environments activate motivational and emotional brain circuits, which is in line with the notion of an evolutionary developed system of environmental preference. Results are discussed in the frame of environmental psychology and aesthetics. Full article
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