Motivation: The pairwise alignment of biological sequences obtained from an algorithm will in general contain both correct and incorrect parts. Hence, to allow for a valid interpretation of the alignment, the local trustworthiness of the alignment has to be quantified. Results: We present a novel approach that attributes a reliability index to every pair of residues, including gapped regions, in t

The erythro form of the lignin model compound 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1,3-propanediol (1) was oxidized with laccase/ABTS, lead(IV) tetraacetate (LTA), lignin peroxidase/H2O2, cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) and Fenton's reagent. The product profiles obtained with the different oxidants were compared after separation, identification and quantification of the products using HP

The effect of strain and transforming growth factor beta on equine tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) was assessed in vitro. Tenocytes were isolated from flexor and extensor tendons of horses from foetal to 10 years of age. These cells were cultured until confluent on collagen-coated silicone dishes. Cyclic biaxial strain of 9 +/- 1% was applied at 0.5 Hz for 24 hours with or without added TGFbeta1 or

Hyperglycemia and hypercapnia aggravate intra-ischemic acidosis and subsequent brain damage. However, hyperglycemia causes more extensive post-ischemic damage than hypercapnia, particularly in the cingulate cortex. We investigated the changes in the subcellular distribution of protein kinase Cgamma(PKCgamma) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), as well as changes in protei

Determination of dissolved L-lactate in tomato paste and baby food samples using a SIRE-based (sensors based on injection of the recognition element) biosensor is reported. The measuring principle is based on the use of a small amount of enzyme, which is injected into an internal delivery flow system and held in direct spatial contact with the amperometric transducer by the use of a semipermeable

Calcineurin inhibitor toxicity is a major reason for long-term graft loss (chronic rejection). Here is a snap shot of the ongoing quest to balance continuing efficacy against toxicity.

Objective. Ovarian cancer has one of the highest fractions of hereditary cases. The hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, primarily due to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, is the main cause of heredity, but also the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome confers an increased risk of ovarian cancer. In order to clarify the contribution of HNPCC to the development of ovaria

We use agarose gel electrophoresis to characterize how the monovalent catioinic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) compacts double-stranded DNA, which is detected as a reduction in electrophoretic DNA velocity. The velocity reaches a plateau at a ratio R = 1.8 of CTAB to DNA-phosphate charges, i.e., above the neutralization point, and the complexes retain a net negative charge at lea

Recent studies have shown that certain nocturnal insect and vertebrate species have true color vision under nocturnal illumination. Thus, their vision is potentially affected by changes in the spectral quality of twilight and nocturnal illumination, due to the presence or absence of the moon, artificial light pollution and other factors. We investigated this in the following manner. First we measu

Male moth pheromone-detecting receptor neurons are known to be highly specific and very sensitive. We investigated physiological and behavioral responses to female sex pheromone components in male Ostrinia furnacalis moths (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Using recordings from a cut-sensillum technique, trichoid sensilla could be grouped into four physiological types (1-4), according to the response of r

Type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by a personal and family history of bleeding coincident with reduced levels of normal plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF). The molecular basis of the disorder is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine phenotype and genotype and their relationship in patients historically diagnosed with type 1 VWD. Families were recruited in 9

Ion exchange media involving charge groups attached to flexible polymers are widely used for protein purification. Such media often provide enhanced target protein purity and yield. Yet, little is understood about protein interaction with such media at the molecular level, or how different media architectures might affect separation performance. To gain a better understanding of such adsorptive sy

Ghrelin is produced by the A-like cells of the stomach and mobilized by food deprivation. It was reported recently that acute psychological stress increases ghrelin gene expression in rat oxyntic mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of such stress on circulating ghrelin levels. To this end, we measured plasma ghrelin in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (a high-anxiety strain) and Sprague

Apoptosis can be induced in primary cultures of mouse thymocytes using the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Addition of the polyamine spermine simultaneously with dexamethasone reduces the induction of apoptosis compared to treatment with dexamethasone alone. We investigated the signal transduction pathway at the mitochondrial level in order to elucidate spermine's protective effect. Mitochondrial in

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) often have osteoporosis of the high-turnover type, suggesting that estrogen could have a beneficial effect. However, the cholestatic potential of estrogen could imply a risk of increased cholestasis in a disease characterized by cholestasis. The aim of the present study was to test whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be use

This study investigated whether human postural stability and adaptation were affected by sleep deprivation and the relationship between motor performance and subjective scores of sleepiness (visuo-anlogue sleepiness scores, VAS). Postural stability and subjective sleepiness were examined in 18 healthy subjects (mean age 23.8 years) following 24 and 36 h of continued wakefulness, ensured by portabl