We created a computational optical model of spherical fish lenses that takes into account the effects of the peripheral layers that differ in cellular composition from the bulk of the lens. A constant refractive index, except for the lens capsule, in the outer about 6 % of lens radius made it possible to uniquely infer the refractive index gradient in more central layers from a known or desired lo

In this article, we demonstrate that interaction of human papillomavirus-like particles (HPV-VLPs) with the putative glucosaminoglycan binding receptor is strictly dependent on conformational integrity. Such conformations are present on VLPs and capsomeres but not on monomers of the major capsid protein, L1, confirming reports that capsomeres can induce virus-neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore,

In running waters, chemical cues have generally been assumed to always come from upstream locations. Here, we present ¢eld and laboratory evidence that Gammarus pulex can use chemical cues from down- stream predators to adaptively adjust drifting behaviour. In the ¢eld, signi¢cantly fewer Gammarus migrated into stream enclosures where brown trout (Salmo trutta) were present than into control enclo

A method for ligand screening by automated nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-ESI/MS) is described. The core of the system consisted of a chip-based platform for automated sample delivery from a 96-well plate and subsequent analysis based on noncovalent interactions. Human fatty acid binding protein, H-FABP (heart) and A-FABP (adipose), with small potential ligands was analyzed.

In patchily distributed species dispersal connects local populations into metapopulations. Reliable quantifications of dispersal are therefore crucial to understanding the population dynamics and genetic structure of such metapopulation systems. The great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) inhabits eutrophic lakes and has a patchy breeding distribution. In this study we investigated the disp

Folate concentrations in strawberries and folate retention during storage and commercial processing of strawberries were investigated. No previous study has focused on the effects of cultivar, ripeness, and year of harvest of strawberries with respect to the folate content. This study showed the folate concentration in strawberries to significantly depend on all of these different factors. Total f

Objective The aim of this analysis was to delineate perceived associations between androgens and cardiovascular events in perimenopausal women. Design A cross-sectional, population-based study of 6440 perimenopausal women aged 50-59 years, living in Southern Sweden. In all, 461 (7.1%) women were premenopausal (PM), 3328 (51.7%) postmenopausal without hormone therapy (HT) (PMO) and 2651 (41.2%) pos

Pancreaticobiliary diversion (PBD) and biliodigestive shunt (BDS) cause long-standing hypercholecystokininemia followed by pancreatic hyperplasia. These changes have been suggested to be due to the lack of intraluminal trypsin and bile, respectively, in the upper small intestine. The aim of these experiments was to study the effect of restoration of intraluminal trypsin and bile on plasma levels o

Implementation of guidelines for coronary heart disease prevention is less optimal in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate if specific knowledge (patients' knowledge about their own coronary heart disease risk factors) would correlate to their adherence as measured by self-reported lifestyle changes, reaching defined treatment goals and adhering to treatment with prescribed

The development of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow is dependent on communication with bone marrow stroma cells, making these cells central for the appropriate regulation of hematopoiesis. To identify transcription factors that may play a role in gene regulation in stroma cells, we performed comparative gene expression analysis of fibroblastic NIH3T3 cells, unable to su

The accurate diagnosis of a sentinel node in melanoma includes a sequence of procedures from different medical specialities (nuclear medicine, surgery, oncology, and pathology). The items covered are presented in 11 sections and a reference list: (1) definition of a sentinel node, (2) clinical indications, (3) radiopharmaceuticals and activity injected, (4) dosimetry, (5) injection technique, (6)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between structural, functional and circulatory placental changes in pregnancies complicated by impaired glucose metabolism. DESIGN: Umbilical artery (UA) blood flow resistance was measured by Doppler velocimetry in 21 gravidae with diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 10 healthy gravidae. Umbilical and placental vessel segments were incubated for det

Background In the US cotton industry, airborne cotton dust levels are regulated, and other countries are moving to specify safety limits for airborne endotoxins. There is concern about potential respiratory health hazards associated with agricultural and otherorganic dusts. In laboratories, ranking which samples have high and low levels of endotoxin is usually in good agreement between laboratorie

The gene encoding Amy 34, a maltohexaose-forming α-amylase from Bacillus halodurans LBK 34 isolated from Lake Bogoria, Kenya, was cloned and sequenced. The mature peptide consists of 958 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight of 107.2 kDa and pI 4.41, respectively. The gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant enzyme purified to homogeneity by a combination of metal chela

The pied flycatcher is one of the most phenotypically variable bird species in Europe. The geographic variation in phenotypes has often been attributed to spatial variation in selection regimes that is associated with the presence or absence of the congeneric collared flycatcher. Spatial variation in phenotypes could however also be generated by spatially restricted gene flow and genetic drift. We