Algorithm to find distant repeats in a single protein sequence

Distant repeats in protein sequence play an important role in various aspects of protein analysis. A keen analysis of the distant repeats would enable to establish a firm relation of the repeats with respect to their function and three-dimensional structure during the evolutionary process. Further, it enlightens the diversity of duplication during the evolution. To this end, an algorithm has been developed to find all distant repeats in a protein sequence. The scores from Point Accepted Mutation (PAM) matrix has been deployed for the identification of amino acid substitutions while detecting the distant repeats. Due to the biological importance of distant repeats, the proposed algorithm will be of importance to structural biologists, molecular biologists, biochemists and researchers involved in phylogenetic and evolutionary studies.     

Caffeine Modulates Vesicle Release and Recovery at Cerebellar Parallel Fibre Terminals,Independently of Calcium and Cyclic AMP Signalling

BackgroundCerebellar parallel fibres release glutamate at both the synaptic active zone and at extrasynaptic sites—a process known as ectopic release. These sites exhibit different short-term and long-term plasticity, the basis of which is incompletely understood but depends on the efficiency of vesicle release and recycling. To investigate whether release of calcium from internal stores contributes to these differences in plasticity, we tested the effects of the ryanodine receptor agonist caffeine on both synaptic and ectopic transmission.MethodsWhole cell patch clamp recordings from Purkinje neurons and Bergmann glia were carried out in transverse cerebellar slices from juvenile (P16-20) Wistar rats.ConclusionsWe conclude that caffeine increases release probability and inhibits vesicle recovery at parallel fibre synapses, independently of known pharmacological targets. This complex effect would lead to potentiation of transmission at fibres firing at low frequencies, but depression of transmission at high frequency connections.     

A new mutation, 3905insT, accounts for 4.8% of 1173 CF chromosomes in Switzerland and causes a severe phenotype

We have analysed 1173 cystic fibrosis (CF) chromosomes from Switzerland for eight mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This permitted the identification of 88.5% of all mutations present. A novel insertion mutation in exon 20 of the CFTR gene, 3905insT, was discovered. This mutation accounted for 4.8% of CFTR gene mutations in Switzerland and has since been identified in other populations of probable Swiss descent. It is associated with a highly variable clinical phenotype but always with pancreatic insufficiency. Haplotype analysis with three intragenic microsatellites in the CFTR gene showed that the mutation is associated with a haplotype rarely identified on other CFTR alleles and, therefore, that the frequency of the mutation in Switzerland is explained by a founder effect of a relatively recent mutation event. Received: 17 February 1997 / Accepted: 26 March 1977     

Robust Hotelling-Type T2 Statistics

To test an assumed mean vector, and to test the equality of two mean vectors, robust statistics are developed which have exactly the same form as the Hotelling T² statistics. These statistics are shown to have remarkable type I error robustness and power.     

Biofungicides as alternative to synthetic fungicide control of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) – prospects and challenges

Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive pathogens of ve?getables and fruits both in the field and storage. There have been several research activities focused on developing biocontrol strategies for the pathogen due to its resistance to the commonly used synthetic fungicides. Additionally, concerns have been raised over residual effect of current synthetic fungicides used for its control. Most of these research activities have focused on Trichoderma spp., Ulocladium spp., Bacillus subtilis, plant extracts and their essential oils with some commercial products available on the market for the control of B. cinerea disease. This review summarises some of the current published information on the use of biocontrol agents and plant-based compounds for B. cinerea control. Some limitations and future prospects were also mentioned.     

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial properties of some trivalent metal complexes with [(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde)-3-isatin]-bishydrazone

Complexes of manganese(III), iron(III) and cobalt(III) with a bishydrazone, formed by condensation of isatin monohydrazone with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, have been synthesized. The spectral data reveal that the ligand acts as monobasic tridentate, coordinating through the deprotonated naphtholate oxygen, azomethine nitrogen, and carbonyl oxygen. Molar conductance values adequately support the electrolytic nature of the complexes. On the basis of the above observations the complexes have been formulated as [M(NIB)2]X where M = Mn(III), Fe(III) or Co(III); X = Cl-, NO3(-); or OAc-; HNIB = [(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde)-3-isatin]-bishydrazone. Based on electronic spectral data and magnetic moment values, an octahedral geometry has been proposed. The iron(III) complex has been subjected to thermal decomposition studies. The ligand and the metal complexes have been screened for their antibacterial activity and it has been observed that the complexes are more potent bactericides than the ligand.     

Assessing Exposures to Household Air Pollution in Public Health Research and Program Evaluation

EcoHealth - Exposure to smoke from the use of solid fuels and inefficient stoves for cooking and heating is responsible for approximately 4 million premature deaths yearly. As increasing...