Cyrus R. Safinya

Bio: Cyrus R. Safinya is an academic researcher from University of California, Santa Barbara. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cationic liposome & Liquid crystal. The author has an hindex of 60, co-authored 242 publications receiving 14302 citations. Previous affiliations of Cyrus R. Safinya include KAIST & University of Colorado Boulder.

Structure of DNA-Cationic Liposome Complexes: DNA Intercalation in Multilamellar Membranes in Distinct Interhelical Packing Regimes

Abstract: Cationic liposomes complexed with DNA (CL-DNA) are promising synthetically based nonviral carriers of DNA vectors for gene therapy. The solution structure of CL-DNA complexes was probed on length scales from subnanometer to micrometer by synchrotron x-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. The addition of either linear lambda-phage or plasmid DNA to CLs resulted in an unexpected topological transition from liposomes to optically birefringent liquid-crystalline condensed globules. X-ray diffraction of the globules revealed a novel multilamellar structure with alternating lipid bilayer and DNA monolayers. The lambda-DNA chains form a one-dimensional lattice with distinct interhelical packing regimes. Remarkably, in the isoelectric point regime, the lambda-DNA interaxial spacing expands between 24.5 and 57.1 angstroms upon lipid dilution and is indicative of a long-range electrostatic-induced repulsion that is possibly enhanced by chain undulations.

An inverted hexagonal phase of cationic liposome-DNA complexes related to DNA release and delivery

Abstract: A two-dimensional columnar phase in mixtures of DNA complexed with cationic liposomes has been found in the lipid composition regime known to be significantly more efficient at transfecting mammalian cells in culture compared to the lamellar (LalphaC) structure of cationic liposome-DNA complexes. The structure, derived from synchrotron x-ray diffraction, consists of DNA coated by cationic lipid monolayers and arranged on a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice (HIIC). Two membrane-altering pathways induce the LalphaC --> HIIC transition: one where the spontaneous curvature of the lipid monolayer is driven negative, and another where the membrane bending rigidity is lowered with a new class of helper-lipids. Optical microscopy revealed that the LalphaC complexes bind stably to anionic vesicles (models of cellular membranes), whereas the more transfectant HIIC complexes are unstable and rapidly fuse and release DNA upon adhering to anionic vesicles.

Antiferromagnetism in La 2 CuO 4-y

Abstract: Powder neutron diffraction studies of undoped ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$ have revealed new superlattice peaks below \ensuremath{\sim}220 K. The absence of corresponding x-ray superlattice lines and an observed susceptibility anomaly near 220 K suggest the occurrence of antiferromagnetism. From the magnetic peak intensities we deduce a structure consisting of ferromagnetic sheets of Cu spins alternating along the [100] orthorhombic axis, with the spins aligned along the [001] orthorhombic axis, The low-temperature magnetic moment is approximately 0.5${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathrm{B}}$/(Cu atom). The tetragonal-orthorhombic transition at 505 K has also been studied.

"Chevron" local layer structure in surface-stabilized ferroelectric smectic-C cells.

Abstract: Mise en evidence de la structure par des etudes de diffusion de rayons X haute resolution d'echantillons minces smectiques C prepares entre deux lames solides par refroidissement a partir de la phase smectique A

疟原虫var基因转换速率变化导致抗原变异[英]／Paul H, Robert P, Christodoulou Z, et al//Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Abstract: 抗原变异可使得多种致病微生物易于逃避宿主免疫应答。表达在感染红细胞表面的恶性疟原虫红细胞表面蛋白1（PfPMP1）与感染红细胞、内皮细胞、树突状细胞以及胎盘的单个或多个受体作用，在黏附及免疫逃避中起关键的作用。每个单倍体基因组var基因家族编码约60种成员，通过启动转录不同的var基因变异体为抗原变异提供了分子基础。

Principles of Neural Science

Abstract: I have developed "tennis elbow" from lugging this book around the past four weeks, but it is worth the pain, the effort, and the aspirin. It is also worth the (relatively speaking) bargain price. Including appendixes, this book contains 894 pages of text. The entire panorama of the neural sciences is surveyed and examined, and it is comprehensive in its scope, from genomes to social behaviors. The editors explicitly state that the book is designed as "an introductory text for students of biology, behavior, and medicine," but it is hard to imagine any audience, interested in any fragment of neuroscience at any level of sophistication, that would not enjoy this book. The editors have done a masterful job of weaving together the biologic, the behavioral, and the clinical sciences into a single tapestry in which everyone from the molecular biologist to the practicing psychiatrist can find and appreciate his or

Recent advances with liposomes as pharmaceutical carriers.

Abstract: Liposomes — microscopic phospholipid bubbles with a bilayered membrane structure — have received a lot of attention during the past 30 years as pharmaceutical carriers of great potential. More recently, many new developments have been seen in the area of liposomal drugs — from clinically approved products to new experimental applications, with gene delivery and cancer therapy still being the principal areas of interest. For further successful development of this field, promising trends must be identified and exploited, albeit with a clear understanding of the limitations of these approaches.

Conjugated polymer-based chemical sensors.

Abstract: When considering new sensory technologies one should look to nature for guidance. Indeed, living organisms have developed the ultimate chemical sensors. Many insects can detect chemical signals with perfect specificity and incredible sensitivity. Mammalian olfaction is based on an array of less discriminating sensors and a memorized response pattern to identify a unique odor. It is important to recognize that the extraordinary sensory performance of biological systems does not originate from a single element. In actuality, their performance is derived from a completely interactive system wherein the receptor is served by analyte delivery and removal mechanisms, selectivity is derived from receptors, and sensitivity is the result of analyte-triggered biochemical cascades. Clearly, optimal artificial sensory sys-