Use of multiple structural alignment for recognizing the type of protein spatial architecture]

A new approach to the inverse folding problem is proposed, which is based on the analysis of multiple structural alignments of protein families. The incorporation of multiple structure information allows one to take into account the variability of structural characteristics amongst protein structures of the same fold. The new method was tested on two highly populated structural families.     

Periodic fluctuations of the blood pressure and heart contraction rate in premature newborn infants

To study the postnatal development of circadian rhythm of the blood pressure and the heart rate these parameters were monitored automatically during 24-72 hours at 5h intervals. Fifty infants were investigated at the age 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The results were compared with the cosine curves of different periods (1-48 h) by the IBM PC XT. The fluctuations with all mentioned periods including circadian could be determined in each infant, dominating period being of any duration. In traditional approach the expressiveness of periodical fluctuations is evaluated by the amplitude of cosine curve. Application of the criterion has shown that only amplitude values exceeding 8 mm Hg should be taken into account. Hence, the analysis of BP and HR time series has demonstrated that about 45-50% of the infants have noncircadian rhythms, 20-20% have no significant periodical fluctuations and only 25-30% have circadian rhythm.     

ATP synthesis in the membrane fragments of Staphylococcus aureus cells induced by a sudden increase in pH

Membrane fragments of St. aureus are able to synthesize up to 7 nmol/mg protein of ATP after a jump-like increase of pH value. The presence of respiratory substrates is obligatory. The effect is realized only during the jump, if pH passes of 7.4 value. ADP phosphorylation induced by pH-jump is completely inhibited by DCCD.     

Studies on Disaccharide Nucleoside Synthesis. Mechanism of the Formation of Trisaccharide Purine Nucleosides

Abstract

The unexpected formation of trisaccharide nucleosides during synthesis of purine 5′-O-β-D-ribofuranosylnucleosides in the presence of Lewis acids was observed.