We analyzed the concentration of I-129 in the water of 26 rivers covering most of the runoff from Sweden, with the aim of assessing current contamination levels, distribution patterns and potential sources in freshwater systems of northern Europe. The results show relatively high values (up to 1.4 x 10(9) atoms 1(-1)), steeply decreasing levels with increasing latitude and a positive correlation w

A swallow flying in the Lund wind tunnel was observed from the side and from behind, by two synchronised highspeed video cameras. The side-view camera provided a record of the vertical position of a white mark, applied to the feathers behind and below the eye, from which the vertical acceleration was obtained. The rear-view camera provided measurements of the mean angle of the left and right humer

Objectives: To describe and compare the methods of pain management used by elderly individuals with chronic pain and requiring assistance with activities of daily living, depending on whether they live alone, with someone, at home or in special accommodations. Methods: This study comprised 294 people aged 76–100 years, identified as having chronic pain and requiring assistance with activities of

An analytical procedure based on supercritical-fluid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction was applied on six different real leather samples for the determination of banned azo dyes. Determination of the dyes was performed indirectly by measuring their corresponding harmful aromatic amines, formed after reduction. A comparative study between external standard calibration and standard additi

Local inflammatory reactions affect the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells, such as E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions. To elucidate this event, we investigated the effects of an inflammatory mediator, leukotriene D(4 )(LTD(4)), on the phosphorylation status and properties of vinculin, a multi-binding protein known to interact with both the E-cadherin-catenin complex and the cytoskel

Because of their limited size and complexity, de novo designed proteins are particularly useful for the detailed investigation of folding thermodynamics and mechanisms. Here, we describe how subtle changes in the hydrophobic core of a model three-helix bundle protein (GM-0) alter its folding energetics. To explore the folding tolerance of GM-0 toward amino acid sequence variability, two mutant pro

Abstract 10.1002/dvdy.20997.abs In mammals, the anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is responsible for the regression of the Müllerian ducts; therefore, Amh is an important factor of male sex differentiation. The amh gene has been cloned in various vertebrates, as well as in several teleost species. To date, all described species show a sexually dimorphic expression of amh during sex differentiation or a

Barnase folds cooperatively via an intermediate, followed by a rate-limiting transition state. We have probed possible movements of the intermediate and transition state on the energy landscape with changing temperature, from the temperature dependence of -values. These measure interaction energies at the level of individual residues. The results suggest that single destabilizing mutations can red

The respiratory gas exchange and ventilation during an incremental cycle exercise test were analysed in a group of 19 healthy, moderately fit men. Different computer algorithms were used to estimate the VO2 values where: (i) the rate of VCO2 increase just exceeds the rate of VO2 increase (DX, derivative crossing), (ii) VCO2/VO2 = 1·00 (PX, point of crossing) and (iii) ventilation (VE) increases di

Particle image velocimetry is applied to measure the vertical (r-z) plane flow structures in a light-duty direct-injection diesel engine with a realistic piston geometry. The measurements are corrected for optical distortions due to the curved piston bowl walls and the cylindrical liner. Mean flow fields are presented and contrasted for operation both with and without fuel injection and combustion

The relationships between dispersal and local transmission rate of parasites are essential to understanding host-parasite coevolution and the emergence and spread of novel disease threats. Here we show that year-round transmission, as opposed to summer transmission, has repeatedly evolved in malarial parasites (genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) of a migratory bird. Year-round transmission allows

Objective. To clarify the spontaneous course of important disease manifestations (a core set of outcome measures) over a period of 5 years in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and to analyze predictors of unfavorable outcome. To test the usefulness of the recently proposed core set of outcome measures. Methods. A cohort of patients with primary SS according to the American-European c

The distribution of substituents along the polymer backbone will have a strong influence on the properties of modified cellulose. Endoglucanases were used to degrade a series of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) derivatives with a high degree of substitution. The HPCs were characterized with cloud-point analysis prior to degradation. The extent of enzymatic degradation was determined with size-exclusi

Neutrophilic granulocytes contain the 55 kDa bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI). BPI binds to lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and exerts bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against a wide variety of Gram-negative bacterial species. We have investigated the subcellular location of BPI in immature and mature neutrophils using cryotechnique for immunoelectron microscopy. BPI was found

The heterotrimeric basement membrane protein laminin-111 is essential for early mouse embryogenesis. Its beta1 and gamma1 chains are crucial for endoderm differentiation and for the formation of basement membranes, whereas alpha1 chain null mice only lack the extraembryonic Reichert's membrane. Nevertheless, mice deficient in the cell-binding alpha1 globular domains 4-5 (LG4-5) have a more severe