G protein βγ subunits have potential as a target for therapeutic treatment of a number of diseases. We performed virtual docking of a small-molecule library to a site on Gβγ subunits that mediates protein interactions. We hypothesized that differential targeting of this surface could allow for selective modulation of Gβγ subunit functions. Several compounds bound to Gβγ subunits with affinities from 0.1 to 60 μM and selectively modulated functional Gβγ-protein-protein interactions in vitro, chemotactic peptide signaling pathways in HL-60 leukocytes, and opioid receptor–dependent analgesia in vivo. These data demonstrate an approach for modulation of G protein–coupled receptor signaling that may represent an important therapeutic strategy.

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The use of carbon materials as catalytic support or direct catalyst in catalytic wet air oxidation (WAO) of organic pollutants is reviewed. The discussion covers important engineering aspects including the characterisation, activity and stability of carbon catalysts, process performance, reaction kinetics and reactor modelling. Recommendations for further research in catalytic WAO are outlined.

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A novel process for recovering lipids from microalgæ using a hydrated ionic liquid is presented.

The freshwater microalgae species Chlorella kessleri and Chlorella vulgaris, and the marine microalgae species Nannochloropsis oculata were cultivated in urban wastewater. The freshwater species demonstrated the possibility of growing in urban wastewater reaching high biomass production and nutrient removal when cultured in batch mode using a flat-panel airlift photobioreactor. Both microalgae species reached high biomass dry weights, 2.70 ± 0.08 g/L and 2.91 ± 0.02 g/L respectively, accompanied by nitrogen concentration reduction around 96% and 95%, and a phosphorous concentration reduction around 99% and 98% respectively. N. oculata was able to uptake nutrients from wastewater to grow but with less efficiency, indicating the need of microalgae acclimation or process optimisation to achieve high nutrient removals. During C. kessleri and C. vulgaris cultivation, the nitrogen consumption led to a progressive N-starvation process which increased the microalgae potential for biofuels production; both species produced 346 ± 3 mL CH 4 /g VS and 415 ± 2 mL CH 4 /g VS during anaerobic digestion, and 7.4 ± 0.2 g Biodiesel /100 g VS and 11.3 ± 0.1 g Biodiesel /100 g VS respectively.

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