Mechanotransduction is often described in the context of force-induced changes in molecular conformation, but molecular-scale mechanical stimuli arise in vivo in the context of complex, multicellular tissue structures. For this reason, we highlight and review experimental methods for investigating mechanotransduction across multiple length scales. We begin by discussing techniques that probe th...

Changes in the skin that occur in the elderly may put them at increased risk for altered percutaneous penetration from pharmacotherapy along with potential adverse effects. Skin factors that may have a role in age-related percutaneous penetration include blood flow, pH, skin thickness, hair and pore density, and the content and structure of proteins, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), water, and lipids...

Proteins are heteropolymers with evolutionary selected native sequences of residues. These native sequences code for unique and stable 3D structures indispensable for biochemical activity and for proteolysis resistance, the latter which guarantees an appropriate lifetime for the protein in the protease rich cellular environment. Cross-links between residues close in space but far in the primary...

Comparative genomics shows that a substantial fraction of the genes in sequenced genomes encodes 'conserved hypothetical' proteins, i.e. those that are found in organisms from several phylogenetic lineages but have not been functionally characterized. Here, we briefly discuss recent progress in functional characterization of prokaryotic 'conserved hypothetical' proteins and the possible criteri...

NMR and NMR imaging (MRI) are finding increasing use not only in the clinical and medical fields, but also in material, physicochemical, biological, geological, industrial and environmental applications. This short review is limited to two topics: (i) new techniques and pulse sequences and their application to non-clinical fields that may have clinical application; and (ii) new trends in MR con...

A simple approach was proposed to synthesize three types of ellipsoidal hollow nanostructures whose shells are assembled from anatase TiO(2) nanosheets (NSs) with exposed (001) facets. Among them, ellipsoid Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)-NS nanorattles can be readily generated as a magnetically separable photocatalyst with enhanced activity through in situ reduction of the α-Fe(2)O(3) core.

Limitations to the data and subjectivity in the structure-determination process may cause errors in macromolecular crystal structures. Appropriate validation techniques may be used to reveal problems in structures, ideally before they are analysed, published or deposited. Additionally, such techniques may be used a posteriori to assess the (relative) merits of a model by potential users. Weak v...

Corrugator supercilii muscle activity is considered an objective measure of valence because it increases in response to negatively valenced facial expressions (angry) and decreases to positive expressions (happy). The authors sought to determine if corrugator activity could be used as an objective measure of positivity-negativity bias. The authors recorded corrugator responses as participants r...

introduction: hunger and reduction in regular energy intake can lead to a number of problems based on their intensity. for instance, low energy level can cause blood cell production to decline or it may pose a higher risk of anemia. it can also weaken the immune system and platelet aggregation or negatively affect clot formation. this study aimed to have a closer look at fasting and regular phy...