bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Characterization of Organic Thin Films and Interfaces with Evanescent Waves
Authors: Knoll Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

Among the numerous experimental techniques available for comprehensive materials characterization, light optical methods play an outstanding role. Based, in all cases, on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter in various configurations (e.g., for absorption, thermalization, re-emission, elastic and inelastic scattering, or for microscopic imaging experiments), optical techniques provide detailed information about many structural, electronic, and other materials properties. Typically, propagating electromagnetic waves (“normal” photons) are used for these studies, and a broad spectrum of powerful optical instruments is available for investigating all kinds of bulk materials. However, where thinner and thinner samples are of interest—eventually only one monomolecular layer (or even less) thick—some of these standard techniques lack the sensitivity necessary to be useful. On the other hand, there is a growing (nano)tech-nological demand for thin-film preparations especially in the polymeric materials area, e.g., as thin lubricating, isolation, or protective coatings, for integrated or nonlinear optical devices, or to increase the biocompatibility of inorganic materials. This has stimulated the development of novel optical techniques with increased sensitivity, specificity, and spatial resolution. For interfacial properties and thin film samples, the use of a different kind of light, called evanescent waves, has proved in recent years to be particularly helpful because their high surface specificity allows sensitive monitoring of the properties of interfaces and thin layers without the interference of information from the bulk.
Bark Harvesting Systems of Drimys brasiliensis Miers in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: MARIOT ALEXANDRE , MANTOVANI ADELAR , REIS MAURÍCIO S. DOS
Published: August 2014

Drimys brasiliensis Miers, locally known as cataia or casca-de-anta, is a native tree species of the Atlantic Rainforest. Its bark is harvested from natural populations. This study examined the recovery capacity of the bark of D. brasiliensis under different bark harvesting methods, as well as the influence of these approaches on its population dynamics and reproductive biology. While none of these treatments resulted in changes in phenological behavior or the rate of increase of diameter at breast height and tree height, the removal of wider bark strips resulted in lower rates of bark recovery and higher rates of insect attack and diseases. Accordingly, the results recommend using strips of bark 2 cm wide and 2 m long, with 4 cm between strips, for effective rates of bark regrowth and for lower susceptibility to insect attack and diseases. From these studies, we concluded that D. brasiliensis has a high potential for sustainable management of its natural populations, demonstrating the possibility of generating an important supplementary income for farmers and contributing to the use and conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest.
Probiotics protect the intestinal wall of morphological changes caused by malnutrition
Authors: AZEVEDO JORGE F. DE , HERMES-ULIANA CATCHIA , LIMA DIRLENE P. , SANT'ANA DÉBORA M.G. , ALVES GILBERTO , ARAÚJO EDUARDO J.A.
Published: August 2014

This study sought to morphometrically analyze the jejunal wall of protein-malnourished rats administered a probiotic supplement. The sample consisted of recently weaned Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) distributed among four groups: animals given a commercial diet (G1, n = 4); animals given the same ration as G1 plus a probiotic supplement (G2, n = 4); animals given a 4% protein diet (G3, n = 4); and animals given the same ration as G3 plus a probiotic supplement (G4, n = 4). After 12 weeks, part of the jejunum was harvested and subjected to routine histological processing. Transverse sections with a thickness of 3 µm were stained with HE, and histochemical techniques were used to assay for glycoconjugates, including staining with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) + diastase, Alcian Blue (AB) solution at pH 2.5, and Alcian Blue solution at pH 1.0. Morphometric analysis of the bowel wall showed that the probiotic culture used in this study induced hypertrophy of several layers of the jejunal wall in well-nourished animals and reduced the bowel wall atrophy usually observed in protein-malnourished animals. Neither malnutrition nor the use of probiotics altered the relationship between the number of goblet cells and the number of enterocytes.
A harder edge: reframing Brazil's power relation with Africa
Authors: Seabra Pedro
Published: August 2014

Brazil's rapprochement with Africa during the last decade has been mostly explained as an attempt to improve political dialogue, raise economic interactions, and provide technical cooperation assistance. This article, however, argues that such framework does not sufficiently account for the use of Brazilian material resources in order to attain harder strategic goals towards the continent. By focusing on defense cooperation ties, it highlights an important niche in South-South relations that has also grown exponentially, with important consequences on how Brazil exerts power across the Atlantic.
Indicadores antropométricos de estado nutricional como preditores de capacidade em idosos
Authors: Santos Kleyton Trindade , Santos Júnior José Carlos Cândido dos , Rocha Saulo Vasconcelos , Reis Luciana Araújo dos , Coqueiro Raildo da Silva , Fernandes Marcos Henrique
Published: August 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Trata-se de estudo seccional que analisou dados de pesquisa epidemiológica de base populacional e domiciliar conduzida em um município do nordeste do Brasil.OBJETIVO: Identificar os indicadores antropométricos de estado nutricional que apresentam melhor capacidade preditiva de capacidade funcional em idosos.MÉTODOS: A população foi constituída por 316 idosos que foram avaliados por meio de questionário contendo informações sociodemográficas, atividade física e condições de saúde, seguido de avaliação antropométrica. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada por meio das escalas de Katz e de Lawton e Brody para atividades básicas e instrumentais da vida diária, respectivamente. Foram utilizados como indicadores de estado nutricional, o índice de massa corporal, a área muscular do braço e o perímetro da panturrilha. Estimou-se modelos simples e múltiplos de regressão logística multinomial, tendo a capacidade funcional como variável dependente e os indicadores antropométricos como variáveis de interesse.RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 173 mulheres (54,7%) e 143 homens (45,3%). Os resultados da regressão múltipla mostraram que o perímetro da panturrilha foi o único preditor de capacidade funcional em mulheres (≤ P25: OR = 5,77, p = 0,028, para dependência nas atividades instrumentais), enquanto que nos homens o índice de massa corporal foi o único indicador associado (baixo peso: OR = 11,36, p = 0,006; sobrepeso: OR = 22,06, p = 0,002; para dependência nas atividades básicas e instrumentais).CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitem concluir que os indicadores antropométricos preditores de capacidade funcional em idosos variam de acordo com o sexo, com o perímetro da panturrilha sendo mais adequada às mulheres e o índice de massa corporal aos homens.
Aspectos microscópicos da interação feijoeiro-Colletotrichum lindemuthianum mediados pelo silício
Authors: Cruz Maria Fernanda Antunes , Araujo Leonardo , Polanco Leonora Rodriguez , Rodrigues Fabrício de Ávila
Published: August 2014

A antracnose, causada pelo fungo Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, é uma das doenças mais destrutivas que afetam a cultura do feijoeiro. Com o objetivo de encontrar alternativas para o controle dessa doença, o presente trabalho investigou, em nível microscópico, o efeito do silício (Si) na resistência do feijoeiro à infecção por C. lindemuthianum. Plantas de feijoeiro (cv. Pérola) foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva contendo 0 (-Si) ou 2 mM (+Si) de Si e inoculadas no estádio de crescimento V4 com uma suspensão de conídios de C. lindemuthianum. A severidade da antracnose decresceu cerca de 52% nas folhas das plantas supridas com Si (4,4%) em relação às folhas das plantas não supridas (8,5%). Observações de folhas de feijoeiro das plantas não supridas com Si no microscópio eletrônico de varredura revelaram alterações morfológicas nas nervuras em contraste com as folhas de plantas supridas com Si. Utilizando-se a microanálise de raios-X, verificou-se maior concentração dos minerais enxofre, potássio e Si nas folhas das plantas supridas com Si. Em conclusão, o suprimento de Si em plantas de feijoeiro foi importante para reduzir os sintomas da antracnose.
¿Cómo mujeres inmigrantes enfrentan la violencia en la relación de pareja?
Authors: Alencar-Rodrigues Roberta de , Espinosa Leonor María Cantera
Published: August 2014

Este estudio cualitativo tiene el objetivo de identificar las estrategias de las mujeres inmigrantes latinoamericanas para enfrentar la violencia de género en la pareja. Los datos obtenidos a través de entrevistas semi estructuradas indican que los recursos personales que facilitan corresponden a estrategias de enfrentamiento enfocadas en la resolución de problemas y emoción, mientras los factores que obstaculizan son el miedo, la vergüenza, la soledad y las creencias tradicionales. Se subraya que la decisión de salir de una relación de violencia de género en la pareja no depende solo de factores individuales y externos, pues aunque la mujer desee interrumpir la relación, resulta importante que ella perciba que tiene medios (apoyo social, apoyo institucional, recursos materiales) para concretar este objetivo.
Recompensas em organizações: abordagens de pesquisa e padrões de citação utilizados no Brasil
Authors: Steil Andrea Valéria , Farsen Thaís Cristine , Garcia Carolina Esteves , Bonilla María Alejandra Maldonado
Published: August 2014

Este artigo utiliza indicadores de produção e de citação para aprofundar o conhecimento da produção acadêmica sobre recompensas em organizações no Brasil. O estudo levantou, nas 101 publicações identificadas em 24 periódicos indexados de Psicologia e Administração e em três anais de eventos destas áreas, os autores mais produtivos, suas afiliações institucionais e as abordagens de pesquisa utilizadas. Das 101 publicações, sessenta são artigos com texto completo e 41 resumos publicados em anais de eventos. Nos artigos com textos completos foram identificados também a constituição, a origem e os padrões das citações utilizadas. Compiladas, essas informações ajudam a compreender o estágio de desenvolvimento do construto no Brasil. O artigo também apresenta implicações destas análises para a pesquisa relacionada a recompensas em organizações.
Percepção monocular da profundidade ou relevo na ilusão da máscara côncava na esquizofrenia
Authors: Alves Arthur , Quaglia Maria Amélia Cesari , Bachett Lívia da Silva , Oliveira Marcos Santos de
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o propósito de investigar a percepção monocular da profundidade ou relevo da máscara côncava por 29 indivíduos saudáveis, sete indivíduos com esquizofrenia sob uso de antipsicótico por um período inferior ou igual a quatro semanas e 29 sob uso de antipsicótico por um período superior a quatro semanas. Os três grupos classificaram o reverso de uma máscara policromada em duas situações de iluminação, por cima e por baixo. Os resultados indicaram que a maioria dos indivíduos com esquizofrenia inverteu a profundidade da máscara côncava na condição de observação monocular e perceberam-na como convexa, sendo, portanto, suscetíveis à ilusão da máscara côncava. Os indivíduos com esquizofrenia sob uso de medicação antipsicótica pelo período superior a quatro semanas estimaram a convexidade da máscara côncava iluminada por cima em menor comprimento comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis.
Implicações da relação entre estigma internalizado e suporte social para a saúde: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela Correia Lubambo , Silveira Pollyanna Santos da , Noto Ana Regina , Ronzani Telmo Mota
Published: August 2014

Considerando os impactos negativos da internalização do estigma para a vida do indivíduo, e as possíveis características protetoras do suporte social para o enfrentamento da condição, objetivou-se realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura acerca da relação entre estigma internalizado e suporte social, e suas implicações para a saúde. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus e Web of Science. A amostra foi composta por 13 estudos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Os resultados apresentaram evidências de uma relação negativa entre estigma internalizado e suporte social, considerando o suporte social como uma possível estratégia de enfrentamento ao estigma internalizado, destacando o seu efeito protetor ao amenizar as consequências negativas de eventos estressantes sobre o bem-estar físico e psicológico.
Application of the Rasch Model to Measure Five Dimensions of Wellness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Strout Kelley , Howard Elizabeth P.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose: Nurse researchers and practicing nurses need reliable and valid instruments to measure key clinical concepts. The purpose of this research was to develop an innovative method to measure dimensions of wellness among older adults. Method: A sample of 5,604 community-dwelling older adults was drawn from members of the COLLAGE consortium. The Wellness Assessment Tool (WEL) of the COLLAGE assessment system provided the data used to create the scores. Application of the Rasch analysis and Masters’ partial credit method resulted in logit values for each item within the five dimensions of wellness as well as logit values for each person in the sample. Results: The items fit the Rasch model, and the composite scores for each dimension demonstrated high reliability (1.00). The person reliability was low: social (.19), intellectual (.33), physical (.29), emotional (.20), and spiritual (.29). The small number of items within each dimension and the homogenous sample appear to have contributed to this low reliability. Conclusion: Ongoing research using multidimensional tools to measure dimensions of wellness among older adults is needed to advance wellness science and wellness promotion in nursing practice.
Liver Agenesis with Omphalocele: A Report of Two Human Embryos Using Serial Histological Sections
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Hwang Si Eun , Rodríguez-Vázquez José Francisco , Murakami Gen , Cho Baik Hwan
Published: August 2014

We identified 2 human embryos, with crown-rump lengths (CRLs) of 22 mm and 23 mm and a gestational age of approximately 7 weeks (O'Rahilly's stage 21–22), with liver agenesis and omphalocele. Serial histological sections were prepared of the entire body of one specimen, whereas sections of the neck, including the upper part of the heart, were missed for the other specimen as a result of tissue damage during the abortion. In addition, isolated omphalocele was assessed in another embryo (CRL = 25 mm) for comparison with atypical omphalocele in the embryos with liver agenesis. The 2 embryos with liver agenesis were characterized by (1) the absence of the anterior part of the diaphragm; (2) abnormality in the venous pole of the heart; (3) a normal stomach in the left upper abdominal cavity; and (4) normal pancreas development with normal midgut rotation. The most likely cause of liver agenesis, when combined with isolated omphalocele, was a defect in the anterior extension or migration of the septum transversum rather than a mechanical separation of the hepatic diverticulum from the septum transversum.
Serum Ferritin Status in Microcytic Hypochromic Anaemic Medical Students
Authors: Akhter Hafiza , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Ferdous Tabassum , Akhter Hasina , Nazneen Mafruha
Published: August 2014

Background: Microcytic hypochromic anaemia is common in young adults , specially in females. It is important to know the serum ferritin status of the medical students who will be involved, in future, with the health care delivery system and to prevent anaemia among them. Objective: To observe the serum ferritin status in microcytic hypochromic anaemic medical students. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka from July 2009 to June 2010. A total number of 516 apparently healthy young adults of both sexes, age ranged from 18 to 22 years , were selected for the study from two medical college in Dhaka city. Of them, 276 were nonanaemic (control group A) and 240 were anaemic (study group B). Again , anaemic (B) subjects are divided into anaemic female (B1) and anaemic male (B2) . Among the anaemic (B) subjects, 170 had normocytic normochromic , 68 had microcytic hypochromic and 2 had macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. Serum ferritin was estimated by Micro-particle Enzyme Immunoassay in subjects (68 in number) who were suffering from microcytic hypochromic anaemia. The statistical analysis was done by using unpaired t test , Pearsons correlation coefficient test as applicable. Result: The mean serum ferritin level was almost similar and showed no statistically significant difference between group B1 and B2. Again, a significant positive correlation of serum ferritin level with haemoglobin was observed in both female and male in microcytic hypochromic anaemic group. Conclusion: This study reveals that serum ferritin level is one of the most sensitive and accurate indicator indicating iron status and thus microcytic hypochrmic anaemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v28i1-2.20077 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2012; 28(1&2):23-28
Pattern of skin diseases in patients attended OPD of Dermatology and Venereology in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Yousuf Abul Kalam Mohammad , Joarder Yasmin , Aktar Ayasha , Hoq Md. Nazmul , Rahman Mushfika , Akter Farhana , Begum Halima , Akhtar Md. Rafiqul , Rahman AKM Shahidur
Published: August 2014

Background: Skin problems are one of the most common health problems seen in the developing countries. Objective: To assess the pattern of skin diseases most commonly encountered in Dermatology & Venereology Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) of Northern International Medical college Hospital (NIMCH). Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Dermatology & Venereology OPD of NIMCH, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of January 2012 to December 2012. A total of 1169 patients (511male and 658 female) aged 10-44 years, attended in the OPD in which 969 patients (450 male and 519 female) were found to have dermatological problems. Data were analyzed by using SPSS soft-ware version 18. Results: The pattern of skin diseases was higher in females (53.6%) than in males (46.4%). The most common disorders seen in outpatient department is eczema (23.7%) followed by fungal infection (15.5%), scabies (13.4%) and acne vulgaris (11.9%). A remarkable part (41.4%) of the patients was illiterate. Majority of the patients (67.6%) belonged to poor socio-economic class. 61.4 % patients were residing in overcrowded homes and 53% patients were not maintained personal hygienic standards Conclusion: This study gives a fair picture of pattern of common skin diseases in urban Dhanmondi and its surrounding locality, Dhaka. From this study, it can be concluded that better health education, maintaining personal hygiene, improvement in the standard of living, proper case diagnosis and proper treatment may remain of importance in managing common skin diseases. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v29i1-2.20061 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 29(1&2) : 8-11
Relationship of serum fasting insulin with gonadotropins in infertile women
Authors: Bari Shamima , Begum Rokeya , Akter Qazi Shamima , Alam Tanvir , Begum Kadeja
Published: August 2014

Background: Infertility has become a global health problem in the world wide affecting 8-10% of couple. It is also a matter of social injustice and inequality. Increase level of insulin has been implicated as a cause of infertility. Objective: To find out the association of fasting serum insulin level with gonadotropins in infertile women. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. A total number of 150 female age ranged from 20  40 years were included in this study. Out of them100 infertile women were selected as study group (group B). Group B was subdivided into group B1 and B2. Group B1 consisted of 50 primary infertile women and group B2 consisted of 50 secondary infertile women. Rest 50 age matched apparently healthy parous women were considered as base line control group A. All the study subjects were selected from out patient department of infertility unit, BSMMU, Dhaka. The control subjects were selected by personal contact. Serum fasting insulin was measured by enzyme-link-immunosorbend assay. Fasting blood glucose and blood glucose two hours after breakfast were measured by glucose oxidase method. The Data were collected in a prescribed data sheet after taking written consent. Statistical analyses were done by unpaired students t tests by SPSS program version 12. The level of significance was calculated and p value <0.05 was accepted as level of significance. Results: In this study, the mean fasting serum insulin level were significantly higher in infertile women than those of fertile women (p<0.001). Within the study group serum fasting insulin was higher in primary infertile women than that of secondary infertile women both were statistically not significant. Again, serum FSH and LH levels were significantly lower (P<.0001) in infertile women than those of fertile women. But serum FSH level was lower and LH level was higher in primary infertile women than that of secondary infertile women. In addition, fasting blood glucose level was almost similar but within normal limits in all groups. Blood glucose 2HABF was significantly higher in secondary infertile women than that of fertile women but within in normal limit. Moreover, fasting serum insulin level was negatively correlated with serum FSH and LH in primary infertility but negatively correlated with serum FSH and positive correlation with serum LH in secondary infertility. Conclusion: From the above study it may be concluded that fasting serum insulin level was higher in infertile women than those of healthy fertile women. These alterations may lead to menstrual irregularities, ovulatory dysfunction and infertility. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v29i1-2.20063 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 29(1&2) : 17-24
An Agent-Based Model of Institutional Life-Cycles
Authors: Wäckerle Manuel , Rengs Bernhard , Radax Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

We use an agent-based model to investigate the interdependent dynamics between individual agency and emergent socioeconomic structure, leading to institutional change in a generic way. Our model simulates the emergence and exit of institutional units, understood as generic governed social structures. We show how endogenized trust and exogenously given leader authority influences institutional change, i.e., diversity in institutional life-cycles. It turns out that these governed institutions (de)structure in cyclical patterns dependent on the overall evolution of trust in the artificial society, while at the same time, influencing this evolution by supporting social learning. Simulation results indicate three scenarios of institutional life-cycles. Institutions may, (1) build up very fast and freeze the artificial society in a stable but fearful pattern (ordered system); (2) exist only for a short time, leading to a very trusty society (highly fluctuating system); and (3) structure in cyclical patterns over time and support social learning due to cumulative causation of societal trust (complex system).
Cross-Species, Amplifiable Microsatellite Markers for Neoverrucid Barnacles from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents Developed Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Nakajima Yuichi , Shinzato Chuya , Khalturina Mariia , Watanabe Hiromi , Inagaki Fumio , Satoh Nori , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: August 2014

Barnacles of the genus Neoverruca are abundant near deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the northwestern Pacific Ocean, and are useful for understanding processes of population formation and maintenance of deep-sea vent faunas. Using next-generation sequencing, we isolated 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Neoverruca sp., collected in the Okinawa Trough. These microsatellite loci revealed 2–19 alleles per locus. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.286 to 1.000 and 0.349 to 0.935, respectively. Cross-species amplification showed that 9 of the 12 loci were successfully amplified for Neoverruca brachylepadoformis in the Mariana Trough. A pairwise FST value calculated using nine loci showed significant genetic differentiation between the two species. Consequently, the microsatellite markers we developed will be useful for further population genetic studies to elucidate genetic diversity, differentiation, classification, and evolutionary processes in the genus Neoverruca.
Beclin 1 Expression is Closely Linked to Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Distant Metastasis of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Mei-Ying , Gou Wen-Feng , Zhao Shuang , Mao Xiao-Yun , Zheng Zhi-Hong , Takano Yasuo , Zheng Hua-Chuan
Published: August 2014

Beclin 1 participates in development, autophagy, differentiation, anti- apoptosis, neurodegeneration, tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The roles of Beclin 1 in colorectal carcinogenesis and its subsequent progression are still unclear. Here, the mRNA and protein expression of Beclin 1 were determined in colorectal carcinoma and matched mucosa by Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) were performed on tissue microarryer with colorectal carcinoma, adenoma and mucosa. The expression of Beclin 1 mRNA and protein was found to be higher in colorectal carcinoma than matched mucosa by real-time PCR and Western blot (p < 0.05). According to the ISH data, Beclin 1 expression was lower in colorectal non-neoplastic mucosa (NNM) than adenoma and carcinoma (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, primary carcinoma showed stronger Beclin 1 expression than NNM and metastatic carcinoma in the liver (p < 0.05). Beclin 1 protein expression was negatively related to liver and distant metastasis (p < 0.05), but not correlated with age, sex, depth of invasion, lymphatic or venous invasion, lymph node metastasis, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging, differentiation or serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration (p > 0.05). Survival analysis indicated that Beclin 1 expression was not linked to favorable prognosis of the patients with colorectal carcinoma (p > 0.05). Cox’s model indicated that depth of invasion and distant metastasis were independent prognostic factors for colorectal carcinomas (p < 0.05). It was suggested that Beclin 1 expression is closely linked to colorectal carcinogenesis and distant metastasis of colorectal carcinoma.
Imaging Live Cells at the Nanometer-Scale with Single-Molecule Microscopy: Obstacles and Achievements in Experiment Optimization for Microbiology
Authors: Haas Beth , Matson Jyl , DiRita Victor , Biteen Julie
Published: August 2014

Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy enables biological investigations inside living cells to achieve millisecond- and nanometer-scale resolution. Although single-molecule-based methods are becoming increasingly accessible to non-experts, optimizing new single-molecule experiments can be challenging, in particular when super-resolution imaging and tracking are applied to live cells. In this review, we summarize common obstacles to live-cell single-molecule microscopy and describe the methods we have developed and applied to overcome these challenges in live bacteria. We examine the choice of fluorophore and labeling scheme, approaches to achieving single-molecule levels of fluorescence, considerations for maintaining cell viability, and strategies for detecting single-molecule signals in the presence of noise and sample drift. We also discuss methods for analyzing single-molecule trajectories and the challenges presented by the finite size of a bacterial cell and the curvature of the bacterial membrane.
Effect on the Aroma Profile of Graciano and Tempranillo Red Wines of the Application of Two Antifungal Treatments onto Vines
Authors: Noguerol-Pato Raquel , Sieiro-Sampredro Thais , González-Barreiro Carmen , Cancho-Grande Beatriz , Simal-Gándara Jesús
Published: August 2014

The effect of two antifungals (boscalid + kresoxim-methyl and metrafenone) applied onto vines under Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) on the volatile composition of Tempranillo and Graciano red wines was studied. Changes in aroma profile in the wines were assessed from the combined odour activity values (OAVs) for the volatile compounds in each of seven different odorant series (viz., ripe fruits, fresh fruits, lactic, floral, vinous, spicy and herbaceous). Graciano wines obtained from grapes treated with the antifungals exhibited markedly increased concentrations of varietal volatile compounds (monoterpenes and C13-norisoprenoids) and aldehydes, and decreased concentrations of acetates and aromatic alcohols. By contrast, the concentrations of volatile compounds in Tempranillo wines showed different changes depending on the fungicide applied. Also, the aroma profiles of wines obtained from treated grapes were modified, particularly the ripe fruit nuances in Graciano wines. The OAV of this odorant series underwent an increase by more than 60% with respect to the control wine as a result of the increase of β-damascenone concentration (which imparts wine a dry plum note). The aroma profile of Tempranillo red wines containing metrafenone residues exhibited marked changes relative to those from untreated grapes.
Intracellular Diagnostics: Hunting for the Mode of Action of Redox-Modulating Selenium Compounds in Selected Model Systems
Authors: Mániková Dominika , Letavayová Lucia , Vlasáková Danuša , Košík Pavol , Estevam Ethiene , Nasim Muhammad , Gruhlke Martin , Slusarenko Alan , Burkholz Torsten , Jacob Claus , Chovanec Miroslav
Published: August 2014

Redox-modulating compounds derived from natural sources, such as redox active secondary metabolites, are currently of considerable interest in the field of chemoprevention, drug and phytoprotectant development. Unfortunately, the exact and occasionally even selective activity of such products, and the underlying (bio-)chemical causes thereof, are often only poorly understood. A combination of the nematode- and yeast-based assays provides a powerful platform to investigate a possible biological activity of a new compound and also to explore the “redox link” which may exist between its activity on the one side and its chemistry on the other. Here, we will demonstrate the usefulness of this platform for screening several selenium and tellurium compounds for their activity and action. We will also show how the nematode-based assay can be used to obtain information on compound uptake and distribution inside a multicellular organism, whilst the yeast-based system can be employed to explore possible intracellular mechanisms via chemogenetic screening and intracellular diagnostics. Whilst none of these simple and easy-to-use assays can ultimately substitute for in-depth studies in human cells and animals, these methods nonetheless provide a first glimpse on the possible biological activities of new compounds and offer direction for more complicated future investigations. They may also uncover some rather unpleasant biochemical actions of certain compounds, such as the ability of the trace element supplement selenite to induce DNA strand breaks.
Trends in Protein-Based Biosensor Assemblies for Drug Screening and Pharmaceutical Kinetic Studies
Authors: Gonçalves Ana , Pedro Augusto , Santos Fátima , Martins Luís , Maia Cláudio , Queiroz João , Passarinha Luís
Published: August 2014

The selection of natural and chemical compounds for potential applications in new pharmaceutical formulations constitutes a time-consuming procedure in drug screening. To overcome this issue, new devices called biosensors, have already demonstrated their versatility and capacity for routine clinical diagnosis. Designed to perform analytical analysis for the detection of a particular analyte, biosensors based on the coupling of proteins to amperometric and optical devices have shown the appropriate selectivity, sensibility and accuracy. During the last years, the exponential demand for pharmacokinetic studies in the early phases of drug development, along with the need of lower molecular weight detection, have led to new biosensor structure materials with innovative immobilization strategies. The result has been the development of smaller, more reproducible biosensors with lower detection limits, and with a drastic reduction in the required sample volumes. Therefore in order to describe the main achievements in biosensor fields, the present review has the main aim of summarizing the essential strategies used to generate these specific devices, that can provide, under physiological conditions, a credible molecule profile and assess specific pharmacokinetic parameters.
Caffeic Acid Inhibits the Formation of 7-Carboxyheptyl Radicals from Oleic Acid under Flavin Mononucleotide Photosensitization by Scavenging Singlet Oxygen and Quenching the Excited State of Flavin Mononucleotide
Authors: Asano Marie , Iwahashi Hideo
Published: August 2014

We examined the effects of caffeic acid (CA) and related compounds on 7-carboxyheptyl radical formation. This analysis was performed using a standard D2O reaction mixture containing 4.3 mM oleic acid, 25 μM flavin mononucleotide (FMN), 160 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 10 mM cholic acid, 100 mM α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone, and 1 mM Fe(SO4)2(NH4)2 during irradiation with 7.8 J/cm2 at 436 nm. 7-Carboxyheptyl radical formation was inhibited by CA, catechol, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, noradrenalin, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Quinic acid, benzoic acid, and p-anisic acid had no effect on radical formation. These results suggest that a phenol moiety is essential for these inhibitory effects. The fluorescence intensity of FMN decreased by 69% ± 2% after CA addition, suggesting that CA quenches the singlet excited state of FMN. When 1 mM CA was added to a standard reaction mixture containing 25 μM FMN, 140 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), and 10 mM 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, the electron spin resonance signal of 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxy disappeared. This finding suggests that singlet oxygen was scavenged completely by CA. Therefore, CA appears to inhibit 7-carboxyheptyl radical formation by scavenging singlet oxygen and quenching the excited state of FMN.
Effectiveness of Phenolic Compounds against Citrus Green Mould
Authors: Sanzani Simona , Schena Leonardo , Ippolito Antonio
Published: August 2014

Stored citrus fruit suffer huge losses because of the development of green mould caused by Penicillium digitatum. Usually synthetic fungicides are employed to control this disease, but their use is facing some obstacles, such public concern about possible adverse effects on human and environmental health and the development of resistant pathogen populations. In the present study quercetin, scopoletin and scoparone—phenolic compounds present in several agricultural commodities and associated with response to stresses—were firstly tested in vitro against P. digitatum and then applied in vivo on oranges cv. Navelina. Fruits were wound-treated (100 µg), pathogen-inoculated, stored and surveyed for disease incidence and severity. Although only a minor (≤13%) control effect on P. digitatum growth was recorded in vitro, the in vivo trial results were encouraging. In fact, on phenolic-treated oranges, symptoms appeared at 6 days post-inoculation (DPI), i.e., with a 2 day-delay as compared to the untreated control. Moreover, at 8 DPI, quercetin, scopoletin, and scoparone significantly reduced disease incidence and severity by 69%–40% and 85%–70%, respectively, as compared to the control. At 14 DPI, scoparone was the most active molecule. Based on the results, these compounds might represent an interesting alternative to synthetic fungicides.
Influence of the Morphology of Core-Shell Supports on the Immobilization of Lipase B from Candida antarctica
Authors: Pinto Martina , Freire Denise , Pinto José
Published: August 2014

Core-shell polymer particles with different properties were produced through combined suspension-emulsion polymerizations and employed as supports for immobilization of lipase B from Candida antarctica. In order to evaluate how the morphology of the particles affects the immobilization parameters, empirical models were developed to describe the performance of the biocatalysts as a function of the specific area, volume of pores and average pore diameter of the supports. It was observed that the average pore sizes did not affect the enzymatic activities in the analyzed range of pore sizes. It was also observed that the increase of the specific area (and of the volume of pores) led to higher enzyme loadings, also leading to an increase in the esterification activity, as expected. However, when the specific area (and volume of pores) increased, the hydrolytic activity and the retention of hydrolytic activity of the biocatalysts decreased, indicating the existence of diffusional limitations for some hydrolytic reactions, probably because of the high reaction rates.
pH-Dependent Deformations of the Energy Landscape of Avidin-like Proteins Investigated by Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Köhler Melanie , Karner Andreas , Leitner Michael , Hytönen Vesa , Kulomaa Markku , Hinterdorfer Peter , Ebner Andreas
Published: August 2014

Avidin and avidin-like proteins are widely used in numerous techniques since the avidin-biotin interaction is known to be very robust and reliable. Within this study, we investigated this bond at the molecular level under harsh conditions ranging from very low to very high pH values. We compared avidin with streptavidin and a recently developed avidin-based mutant, chimeric avidin. To gain insights of the energy landscape of these interactions we used a single molecule approach and performed the Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy atomic force microscopy technique. There, the ligand (biotin) is covalently coupled to a sharp AFM tip via a distensible hetero-bi-functional crosslinker, whereas the receptor of interest is immobilized on the probe surface. Receptor-ligand complexes are formed and ruptured by repeatedly approaching and withdrawing the tip from the surface. Varying both pulling velocity and pH value, we could determine changes of the energy landscape of the complexes. Our results clearly demonstrate that avidin, streptavidin and chimeric avidin are stable over a wide pH range although we could identify differences at the outer pH range. Taking this into account, they can be used in a broad range of applications, like surface sensors at extreme pH values.
High-Temperature Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Aluminosilicates from ZSM-5 Nanoseeds with Improved Acidic Properties
Authors: Vu Xuan , Eckelt Reinhard , Armbruster Udo , Martin Andreas
Published: August 2014

Ordered mesoporous SBA-15 analogs with different Si/Al ratios were successfully prepared in a two-step process from self-assembly of ZSM-5 nanoseeds at high temperature in mildly acidic media (473 K, pH 3.5). The obtained products were characterized as SAXS, XRD, N2 sorption, FTIR, TEM, NH3-TPD, AAS and ICP. The results show that the initial Si/Al molar ratio of ZSM-5 precursors strongly affects the final materials’ properties. A highly condensed, well-ordered mesoporous SBA-15 analog with improved hydrothermal stability and acidic properties can be prepared from low aluminum containing ZSM-5 precursors (Si/Al ≥ 20). Reducing the initial Si/Al molar ratio to 10, however, leads to the formation of a disordered mesoporous SBA-15 type material accompanied by degraded textural and acidic properties. The gas phase cracking of cumene, carried out as probe reaction to evaluate Brønsted acidity, reveals that an increased density of Brønsted acid sites has been achieved over the SBA-15 analogs compared to conventional Al-SBA-15 due to the preservation of zeolite building units in the mesopore walls of the SBA-15 analogs.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Diversification during Infection Development in Cystic Fibrosis Lungs—A Review
Authors: Sousa Ana , Pereira Maria
Published: August 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most prevalent pathogen of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Its long persistence in CF airways is associated with sophisticated mechanisms of adaptation, including biofilm formation, resistance to antibiotics, hypermutability and customized pathogenicity in which virulence factors are expressed according the infection stage. CF adaptation is triggered by high selective pressure of inflamed CF lungs and by antibiotic treatments. Bacteria undergo genetic, phenotypic, and physiological variations that are fastened by the repeating interplay of mutation and selection. During CF infection development, P. aeruginosa gradually shifts from an acute virulent pathogen of early infection to a host-adapted pathogen of chronic infection. This paper reviews the most common changes undergone by P. aeruginosa at each stage of infection development in CF lungs. The comprehensive understanding of the adaptation process of P. aeruginosa may help to design more effective antimicrobial treatments and to identify new targets for future drugs to prevent the progression of infection to chronic stages.
Iron and Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation
Authors: Gentile Valentina , Frangipani Emanuela , Bonchi Carlo , Minandri Fabrizia , Runci Federica , Visca Paolo
Published: August 2014

Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging nosocomial pathogen, responsible for infection outbreaks worldwide. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is mainly due to its multidrug-resistance and ability to form biofilm on abiotic surfaces, which facilitate long-term persistence in the hospital setting. Given the crucial role of iron in A. baumannii nutrition and pathogenicity, iron metabolism has been considered as a possible target for chelation-based antibacterial chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the effect of iron restriction on A. baumannii growth and biofilm formation using different iron chelators and culture conditions. We report substantial inter-strain variability and growth medium-dependence for biofilm formation by A. baumannii isolates from veterinary and clinical sources. Neither planktonic nor biofilm growth of A. baumannii was affected by exogenous chelators. Biofilm formation was either stimulated by iron or not responsive to iron in the majority of isolates tested, indicating that iron starvation is not sensed as an overall biofilm-inducing stimulus by A. baumannii. The impressive iron withholding capacity of this bacterium should be taken into account for future development of chelation-based antimicrobial and anti-biofilm therapies.
An MINLP Model that Includes the Effect of Temperature and Composition on Property Balances for Mass Integration Networks
Authors: Jiménez-Gutiérrez Arturo , Sandate-Trejo María , El-Halwagi Mahmoud
Published: August 2014

The synthesis of water networks based on properties has commonly ignored the effect of temperature on the property balances that are part of the formulation. When wide differences of temperatures are observed within the process, such an effect might yield significant errors in the application of conventional property balances. In this work, a framework for the development of water networks that include temperature effects on property balances is presented. The approach is based on the inclusion of constants in the property operators that are commonly used to carry out the property balances. An additional term to take care of composition effects is also included. The resulting approach is embedded into a formulation based on a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model for the design of water networks. A case study is presented that shows that the proposed approach yields an improvement in the prediction of the resulting properties for the integrated network, thus affecting the optimal solution.
An Energy Efficient Distance-Aware Routing Algorithm with Multiple Mobile Sinks for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Jin , Li Bin , Xia Feng , Kim Chang-Seob , Kim Jeong-Uk
Published: August 2014

Traffic patterns in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) usually follow a many-to-one model. Sensor nodes close to static sinks will deplete their limited energy more rapidly than other sensors, since they will have more data to forward during multihop transmission. This will cause network partition, isolated nodes and much shortened network lifetime. Thus, how to balance energy consumption for sensor nodes is an important research issue. In recent years, exploiting sink mobility technology in WSNs has attracted much research attention because it can not only improve energy efficiency, but prolong network lifetime. In this paper, we propose an energy efficient distance-aware routing algorithm with multiple mobile sink for WSNs, where sink nodes will move with a certain speed along the network boundary to collect monitored data. We study the influence of multiple mobile sink nodes on energy consumption and network lifetime, and we mainly focus on the selection of mobile sink node number and the selection of parking positions, as well as their impact on performance metrics above. We can see that both mobile sink node number and the selection of parking position have important influence on network performance. Simulation results show that our proposed routing algorithm has better performance than traditional routing ones in terms of energy consumption.
The Energy Upgrading of Existing Buildings: Window and Shading Device Typologies for Energy Efficiency Refurbishment
Authors: Carletti Cristina , Sciurpi Fabio , Pierangioli Leone
Published: August 2014

Residential buildings built after the Second World War have high energy consumption and inadequate thermal comfort, especially in summer conditions, largely attributable to the high transmittance of windows and lack of effective shading devices. Performance improvement of these components is essential for energy upgrading of existing buildings. This paper shows the results of the research, which aims to evaluate effects on energy consumption and environmental comfort of combined solutions of windows and shading devices applied to a case study representing a typical post World War II Italian building. In this paper, the main typologies of solar control systems are described and evaluated on the basis of a case study in different climatic locations (Berlin, Milan, Florence and Athens). Thermal behavior has been assessed through the EnergyPlus dynamic calculation code, by using appropriate performance indicators for energy and thermal sensation. Starting from performance evaluation of the existing building, different strategies have been assessed: replacement of existing windows with high-energy performance ones and introduction of shading devices and solar control glasses. Finally, a global comparative analysis has been carried out based on energy, acoustic and lighting performances, technical feasibility and management problems. Results of the different solar shading devices assessment are reported in the form of a data sheet.