The complexity of Ca2+ cell signaling is dependent on a plethoria of Ca2+-binding proteins that respond to signals in different ranges of Ca2+ concentrations. Since the function of these proteins is directly coupled to their Ca2+-binding properties, there is a need for accurately determined equilibrium Ca2+-binding constants. In this work we outline the experimental techniques available to determi

Study objective: To analyse the association between perceived discrimination and refraining from seeking required medical treatment and the contribution of socioeconomic disadvantage. Design and setting: Data from the Swedish National Survey of Public Health 2004 were used for analysis. Respondents were asked whether they had refrained from seeking required medical treatment during the past 3 mont

The frequency of visibly phage-infected bacterial cells (FVIB) and the average number of phages per cell [i.e. burst size (BS)] were determined in Antarctic and Arctic ultra-oligotrophic freshwater environments. Water samples were collected from two Antarctic freshwater lakes and cryoconite holes from a glacier in the Arctic. Data from this bipolar study show the highest FVIB (average 26.1%, range

The vascularization of neural grafts in ischemic brain was studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats grafted with a suspension of fetal neocortical tissue into the infarcted area five to six days after ligation of the middle cerebral artery. The brain vasculature was examined by scanning electron microscopy of corrosion vascular casts and the cortical microvasculature was stereologically quantifi

Insulin-like growth factor II is a fetal promoter of cell proliferation that is involved in some forms of cancer and overgrowth syndromes in humans. Here, we provide two sources of genetic evidence for a novel, pivotal role of locally produced insulin-like growth factor II in the development of atherosclerosis. First, we show that homozygosity for a disrupted insulin-like growth factor II allele i

The effect of process stream recirculation on ethanol production from steam- pretreated softwood based on simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was investigated for two process configurations. In the first configuration, a part of the stillage stream after distillation was recycled and, in the second configuration, the liquid after SSF was recycled. The aim was to minimize the energ

In this work the A-site deficiency limit for undoped SrTiO3, calcined in air or reducing atmosphere, was investigated. XRD and SEM analyses showed that when using the solid-state synthesis route it was difficult to achieve any A-site deficiency. Even very small deviations from unity in the Sr/Ti-ratio resulted in impurity phases. The effects of Sr/Ti-ratio on the performance of SrTiO3 anodes for s

Poly(lactic acid), PLA, was blended with monomeric and oligomeric plasticizers in order to enhance its flexibility and thereby overcome its inherent problem of brittleness. Differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and tensile testing were used to investigate the properties of the blends. Monomeric plasticizers, such as tributyl citrate, TbC,

Complex circuits involving both local intrinsic neurones (i.e. enteric nervous system; ENS) and extrinsic neurones achieve nervous control of digestive functions. The ENS is comprised of many functionally different types of neurons: sensory neurons, interneurons and secreto-motor neurons. Each neuronal population is required to manifest local reflex behavior and is central to the regulation of bot

Optimization of hexyl-beta-glycoside synthesis from lactose in hexanol at low water activity and high temperature was investigated using beta-glycosidases from hyperthermophilic organisms: Sulfolobus solfataricus (LacS) and Pyrococcus furiosus (CelB). The method for water activity adjustment by equilibration with saturated salt solutions was adapted for use at high temperature. The influence of en

A currently popular hypothesis states that the expression of carotenoid-dependent sexual ornaments and immune function may be correlated because both traits are positively affected by carotenoids. However, such a correlation may arise for another reason: it is well known that immune function is dependent on nutritional condition. A recent study has suggested that the expression of ornaments may to

After reactions of uranium atoms with NF3 and PF3 to form the N UF3 and P UF3 molecules, the analogous reaction with AsF3 produced the novel terminal arsenide As UF3. This first molecule with a uranium-arsenic bond was identified from matrix infrared spectra through comparison with spectra of the uranium nitride and phosphide species, with spectra using other metals, and with frequencies computed

We relate variation in the timing of arrival by migrating birds breeding at northerly latitudes to individual differences in the prior accumulation of energy stores. Balancing starvation risks early in the season against the almost universal declining trend in reproductive prospects with advancing date is seen as an individual decision with fitness consequences. We review three studies implicating

The consequences of inbreeding for host immunity to parasitic infection have broad implications for the evolutionary and dynamical impacts of parasites on populations where inbreeding occurs. To rigorously assess the magnitude and the prevalence of inbreeding effects on immunity, multiple components of host immune response should be related to inbreeding coefficient (f) in free-living individuals.