An optimized capillary electrophoresis method for the simultaneous analysis of biomass degradation products in ionic liquid containing samples.

An indirect capillary electrophoresis method for a quantitative determination of mono-, di- and oligosaccharides was developed to investigate biomass degradation, the isomerization of glucose into fructose and conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in ionic liquids (ILs). Three chromophores, namely 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDC), maleic acid and phthalic acid, were used to perform indirect detection. The electroosmotic flow (EOF) was reversed to reduce analysis time, using 1-tetradecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C14MImCl).

Automatic spot preparation and image processing of paper microzone-based assays for analysis of bioactive compounds in plant extracts.

The colorimetric determination of the concentration of phytochemicals in plant extract samples using a spotting automatic system, mobile phone camera and a computer with developed software for quantification is described. Method automation was achieved by using a robotic system for spotting. The instrument was set to disperse the appropriate aliquots of the reagents and sample on a Whatman paper sheet.

Dissecting the human BDNF locus: bidirectional transcription, complex splicing, and multiple promoters.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the nerve growth factor family of neurotrophins, has central roles in the development, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. We have elucidated the structure of the human BDNF gene, identified alternative transcripts, and studied their expression in adult human tissues and brain regions. In addition, the transcription initiation sites for human BDNF transcripts were determined and the activities of BDNF promoters were analyzed in transient overexpression assays.

Mouse and rat BDNF gene structure and expression revisited.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has important functions in the development of the nervous system and in brain plasticity-related processes such as memory, learning, and drug addiction. Despite the fact that the function and regulation of rodent BDNF gene expression have received close attention during the last decade, knowledge of the structural organization of mouse and rat BDNF gene has remained incomplete. We have identified and characterized several mouse and rat BDNF transcripts containing novel 5' untranslated exons and introduced a new numbering system for mouse and rat BDNF exons.