Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are a class of biopolymers consisting of the pentameric repeat (VPGαG)n based on the sequence of mammalian tropoelastin that display a thermally induced soluble-to-insoluble phase transition in aqueous solution. We have discovered a remarkably simple approach to driving the spontaneous self-assembly of high molecular weight ELPs into nanostructures by geneticall...

We report the design of a structurally concise alanine derivative (Ala-hyd) that has a rotationally flexible aromatic N-protecting group for alanine and a hydrazide functionality at its carboxylic end. Ala-hyd requires mechanical agitation (physically stirring, vortexing or sonicating) to form supramolecular hydrogels at medium concentrations (0.4-0.8 wt%). At higher concentrations (>0.8 wt%), ...

BACKGROUND Because TAFI (thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) antigen varies widely among different populations, we performed this case-control study to explore the relationship between TAFI levels and stroke in a Chinese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our population-based case-control study included 217 stroke patients and 218 healthy controls. The plasma TAFI level was measured by i...

The application and efficacy of cleaning and disinfection methods are reviewed, together with the relevant European and French legislation. European Commission Hygiene Directive 93/43/EEC of 14 June 1993 proposes the adoption of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) for the meat industry, and this includes cleaning and disinfection. It is necessary to organise a team for washing, ...

Here, we used a fully automated, computer-directed centrifUgal analyzer (which permitted simultaneous turbidimetry and calculation of results) and purifed thrombin, fibrinogen, and various inhibitors to study clot formation. The l and Vmfor these reactionswere useful in detecting and partlycharacterizing anticoagulants. We also explored the generation and inactivation of thrombin, using the two...

The temperature-induced liquid-liquid phase transition (complex coacervation) of a polycation-anionic/nonionic mixed micelle system was examined over a range of macroion concentrations and polycation molecular weights (MW) using turbidimetry and dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS revealed a progressive increase in complex/aggregate size with temperature up to the phase transition at T(φ), foll...

To the Editor: The most widely used method for measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein is turbidimetry. We use the Du Pont Automatic Clinical Analyzer (aca; Du Pont Instruments, Wilmington, Del. 19898) for this measurement. In this method, CSF proteins are precipitated by trichloroacetic acid and the resulting turbidity is measured spectrophotometrically (1). Values are falsely l...

Latex immunoagglutination assays continue to be widely used in biology and medicine for the detection of small quantities of an antibody or antigen of interest in fluid test samples. Main characteristics of preparation and use of these assays are examined here. Physical adsorption of proteins onto latex particles surface, with special relevance to immunoglobulins, is analyzed with major attenti...

Within the past decade nephelometric methods of analysis have become increasingly popular in biochemical work, so that at present a nephelometer has come to be counted an indispensable piece of apparatus in every well equipped laboratory. Nephelometry has however the serious disadvantage that, as was first pointed out by Richards and Wells,i the amount of light reflected is not strictly proport...

Within the past decade nephelometric methods of analysis have become increasingly popular in biochemical work, so that at present a nephelometer has come to be counted an indispensable piece of apparatus in every well equipped laboratory. Nephelometry has however the serious disadvantage that, as was first pointed out by Richards and Wells,i the amount of light reflected is not strictly proport...