Multiplex PCR: use of heat-stable Thermus thermophilus RecA protein to minimize non-specific PCR products

In this paper we report that the inclusion of heat-resistant RecA protein from a thermophilic bacteria, Thermus thermophilus, and its cofactor (ATP) in PCR effectively eliminates non-specific PCR products. The effect of RecA protein, which catalyzes pairing between homologous DNA molecules with great fidelity in genetic recombination, is due to its promotion of precise priming in PCR (i.e. priming at sites where the primer sequence is completely complementary to that of the target sequence). In addition, the RecA protein substantially reduces the primer concentration required for PCR. These experimental results have led to the realization of multiplex PCR, which involves PCR for multiple sites in the same reaction mixture. We were able to successfully perform multiplex PCR with over a dozen reactions without affecting the amplification pattern of the PCR products

Deformation Behavior and Workability of Supercooled Liquid in Zr_<65>Al_<10>Ni_<10>Cu_<15> Metallic Glass

The tensile deformation behavior and the workability of Zr_Al_Ni_Cu_ Metallic Glass with a wide supercooled liquid have been examined. The glassy solid exhibited the homogeneous deformation at higher temperatures and lower strain rates. The supercooled liquid revealed a homogeneous deformation even at high strain rates above 0.5 s^. The strength in the homogeneous deformation region was lower at higher temperatures and lower strain rates. The supercooled liquid exhibited similar deformation behavior to the other high-strain-rate superplastic materials. Using this superplastic-like deformation in the supercooled liquid, complex-shaped glassy component with original strength was produced through an extrusion process

In vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ellagitannin metabolite urolithin A

Urolithin A is a major metabolite produced by rats and humans after consumption of pomegranate juice or pure ellagitannin geraniin. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of urolithin A on carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The volume of paw edema was reduced at 1 h after oral administration of urolithin A. In addition, plasma in treated mice exhibited significant oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) scores with high plasma levels of the unconjugated form at 1 h after oral administration of urolithin A. These results indicate strong associations among plasma urolithin A levels, the plasma ORAC scores, and anti-inflammatory effects and may help explain a mechanism by which ellagitannins confer protection against inflammatory diseases