Characterization of a Deswapped Triple Mutant Bovine Odorant Binding Protein

The stability and functionality of GCC-bOBP, a monomeric triple mutant of bovine odorant binding protein, was investigated, in the presence of denaturant and in acidic pH conditions, by both protein and 1-aminoanthracene ligand fluorescence measurements, and compared to that of both bovine and porcine wild type homologues. Complete reversibility of unfolding was observed, though refolding was characterized by hysteresis. Molecular dynamics simulations, performed to detect possible structural changes of the monomeric scaffold related to the presence of the ligand, pointed out the stability of the β-barrel lipocalin scaffold

Sistema especialista para diagnostico de unidades de disco

Orientadores: Wagner C. Amaral, Fernando A. C. GomideDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia EletricaResumo: Este trabalho apresenta um sistema especialista para diagnóstico de unidades de disco que auxilia os usuários no diagnóstico de problemas detectados durante o processo de teste dessas unidades. Inicialmente apresenta-se o princípio de funcionamento das unidades de disco e seu processo de teste e diagnóstico. Considerações são feitas em relação a utilização de sistemas especialistas em processos de teste e diagnóstico. A seguir apresenta-se a modelagem formal do problema. Frames e regras de produção são utilizadas para a representação do conhecimento. A implementação da base de conhecimento é apresentada e discutida. Por fim, o desempenho do sistema especialista desenvolvido nesse trabalho é avaliado. Os resultados e as conclusões obtidas com a utilização desse sistema são discutidosAbstract: Not informed.MestradoMestre em Engenharia Elétric

An atrial natriuretic factor analogue at low doses attenuates forearm reflex vasoconstriction to cardiopulmonary receptor deactivation in patients with hypertension.

Contrasting data exist about a possible modulation of the autonomic function by atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in human beings, particularly at low, biologically, significant concentrations. We have evaluated that possibility by increasing plasma ANF levels through the infusion of a synthetic analogue (WY-47,663, anaritide) in five male patients with mild to moderate uncomplicated hypertension. Nonhypotensive lower body negative pressure (-10 mm Hg x 5 min) was used to selectively deactivate cardiopulmonary receptors and to stimulate sympathetic efferent tone reflexogenically. ANF was given at either a low rate (0.005 micrograms/kg/min x 60 min, which was previously shown to increase plasma ANF in a range compatible with physiologic stimuli) or at a high rate (0.05 micrograms/kg/min x 60 min, each). Administration of ANF was preceded and followed by vehicle infusion (Haemacell x 30 min). Forearm blood flow (venous plethysmography), intraarterial blood pressure, and heart rate were monitored continuously, and venous immunoreactive ANF, plasma renin activity, aldosterone level, and venous hematocrit were measured at the end of both control and infusion periods. Arterial norepinephrine values, an indirect index of sympathetic discharge, were measured at rest and during lower body negative pressure conditions. Graded systemic ANF infusion increased immunoreactive ANF and venous hematocrit, decreased aldosterone level and plasma renin activity, whereas resting norepinephrine levels, blood pressure, and heart rate did not change. Lower body negative pressure decreased forearm blood flow during vehicle infusion, but it lost its vasoconstrictor effect during infusion of ANF. To identify the site of that inhibitory action, ANF was also infused into the brachial artery at rates that raised local but not systemic levels of immunoreactive ANF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS