We describe methods for densitometry of electrophoretically separated proteins in 25-millimeter microslab gels. The methods are sufficiently sensitive to use with several individually excised plant cells, for which we describe an extraction procedure. In brief, submicrogram samples are excised from freeze-dried plant tissue. Extraction takes place under oil in microliter droplets of detergent. ...

Previous studies have utilized in vitro alloy cytotoxicity tests to evaluate dental casting alloys. The purposes of this study were to: (1) evaluate the precision of the optical density and visual tests previously used, (2) evaluate a new test measuring absorbance of solubilized formazan dyes, and (3) test the correlation between these tests for cytotoxicity. Balb/c 3T3 cells were plated in 24-...

A simple, sensitive, rapid (3 min), and highly reproducible solid-phase assay for the detection of proteins in the low nanogram range (4 ng) is described. The assay is based on differential Ponceau S staining of the protein spots on nitrocellulose and quantification of the protein-dye complexes on lubricated membranes using a densitometer. The dye solution used for protein staining contained 0....

The exact relation of the elementary bodies of vaccinia to the causative agent of the disease has long been a subject of discussion. Recent observations of others as well as those made by us indicate that it is an intimate one, and that in general the infectivity of a suspension is related to the number of elementary bodies contained therein (1, 2, 3). Furthermore, the agglutinating properties ...

Background Elucidating the relation between bone health condition and muscle strength can provide useful knowledge for Japan's super-aged society. This study ascertained the Speed Of Sound (SOS) of the calcaneus and upper and lower limb muscle strength in a general population. Methods Medical examinations were conducted of 277 adult residents (100 men, 177 women; average age 67.1 years) of a ...

For the acceptance test and annual quality assurance of the Leksell Gamma Unit, measurement of the beam accuracy, defined as a distance between mechanical and radiological isocenters, poses a challenge to medical physicists. The specification for the beam accuracy is within 0.5 mm for the 4-mm collimator helmet. In this report, we introduce a simple technique to analyze the beam accuracy by usi...

BACKGROUND Mammography is a radiological diagnostic method which relies on an X-ray examination of breasts and is a process involving the use of low-dose amplitude-X-rays (usually around 0.7 mSv). Combining the use of small doses and high quality images requires extensive quality protocols, part of them being included in regulations adopted by the Minister of Health. AIM The aim of this study...

The influence of sex on bone mineral density (BMD) and the bone mineral content (BMC) have been analysed in selected bones of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of African ostriches. The examination was conducted with the use of a densitometer, using the technology of affinited beam of X-ray and the programme for animal research. It was shown that the analysed bones of ostrich skeleton differed sign...