Equilibrium hydrogen-exchange measurements are a powerful tool for investigating the structures, stabilities, and dynamics of native and nonnative states of proteins.1-4 Previous analyses of hydrogen-exchange data have provided considerable insight into such properties for a variety of proteins

dynamics irrespective of the size of the assembly. Partial digestion of the exchanged protein with pepsin allows for region-speci®c assignment of the exchange. Procapsids and mature capsids were probed under native and slightly denaturing conditions. These experiments revealed regions that exhibit

Understanding the relationships between conformations of proteins and their stabilities is one key to address the protein folding paradigm. The free energy change (DG) of unfolding reactions of proteins is measured by traditional denaturation methods and native hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange

, by stopped-flow CD 1 experiments and pulsed hydrogen-exchange methods combined with two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, that many proteins fold via at least partially structured intermediates, referred to as "molten globules" (1-3). These partially folded states are characterized by substantial

EL in prokaryotes, TRiC in eukaryotes, and the thermosome in archaea). Chaperonins are responsible for binding and encapsulating non-native proteins, thereby helping them to reach their functional conformations. It is estimated that 10% of cytosolic proteins interact with chaperonins [1 ,2 ], and in prokaryotes

(specifically, bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A) could refold to an active enzyme after reductive denaturation. Naturally, ribonuclease became emblematic of the fundamental tenet of protein folding -that the primary sequence of a protein specifies an energy landscape and a successful route to the native state

The recent discovery of dark energy has prompted an investigation of ways in which the accelerated expansion of the universe can be realized. In this dissertation, we present two separate projects related to dark energy. The first project analyzes a class of braneworld models in which multiple branes float in a five-dimensional anti-de Sitter bulk, while the second investigates a class of dark energy models from an effective field theory perspective. Investigations of models including extra dimensions have led to modifications of gravity involving a number of interesting features. In particular, the Randall-Sundrum model is well-known for achieving an amelioration of the hierarchy problem. However, the basic model relies on Minkowski branes and is subject to solar system constraints in the absence of a radion stabilization mechanism. We present a method by which a four-dimensional low-energy description can be obtained for braneworld scenarios, allowing for a number of generalizations to the original models. This method is applied to orbifolded and uncompactified N-brane models, deriving an effective four-dimensional action. The parameter space of this theory is constrained using observational evidence, and it is found that the generalizations do not weaken solar system constraints on the original model. Furthermore, we find that general

how state-of-the-art MS methods, including native MS, top-down protein sequencing, cross-linking-MS, and hydrogen-deuterium exchange-MS, nowadays enable the characterization of biomolecular structures, functions, and interactions. In particular, we focus on the role of mass spectrometry in integrated

This report focuses on the evidence about the health.consequences of smoking for women, and is intended to serve.the public health and medical communities as 'a unified source of existing scientific research. The major issues about tobacco use and women's health are examined, including trends in consumption, biomedical evidence, and determinants of smoking ititiation, maintenance, and cessation. The biomedical aspects ofsmoking are presented in terms of mortality, morbiplity, cardiovasculaidiseases, cancer, pregnancy and infant,health,, Teptic ulcer disease, drug reactions and, interactions, food constituents, and responses to,diagnostic tests. The psychosocial and behavioraj. aspects, of smoking in women are discussed, along with the docffiented increases in- the risk of contracting lung cancer, heart,disease, or lung disease. The harmful effects of pregnant mothers smoking behaviors, are also docudented. Adhitionally, recent data are enumerated to indicate a trend of,decreasing tobacco usage among women in response to the warnings of the gavernMent, voluntary agencie, and physicrins. (Author /NRB)' DOCUMENT RESUME cc 015 465

Corporate Governance determinants of voluntary disclosure and its effects on information asymmetry: an analysis for Iberian Peninsula listed companies.