Identification of the genetic variants of κ-casein in milk by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis

The genetic variants of κ-casein (κ-CN) A and B were analysed in milk from Holstein–Friesian (HF) and Jersey cows by means of isoelectric focusing (IEF) electrophoresis. Milk samples were obtained in triplicate from pure-breed HF and Jersey cows (three of each) to estimate the protein content, casein and purify κ-CN. The protein and casein contents in the milk from both breeds were statistically different ( P <  0.05). The κ-CN A migrates first with an isoelectric point (pI) of 7.2–7.3 and then B with a pI of 7.5–7.7. Differences in the expression proportion of both variants were detected.     

Arabinosylated phenolics obtained from SO2‐steam‐pretreated sugarcane bagasse

A pentose‐rich hydrolysate fraction obtained by extraction of steam‐pretreated sugarcane bagasse was analysed with regard to dissolved phenolics. The liquid obtained after steam pretreatment (2% SO₂ (w/w) at 190 °C for 5 min) was divided into two parts: one containing dissolved compounds originating from hemicellulose (with xylose as the dominating compound), and the other containing predominantly dissolved compounds originating from lignin. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, the main dissolved compounds originating from lignin were identified as the glycosylated aromatics, 5‐O‐(trans‐feruloyl)‐L‐Arabinofuranose and 5‐O‐(trans‐coumaroyl)‐L‐Arabinofuranose, together with p‐coumaric acid and small amounts of more common free phenolics such as p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillin. The phenolic compounds were analysed and quantified using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The findings show that SO₂ steam explosion opened up new degradation pathways during lignin degradation. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition of the cellular biomass of yeasts

This work is aimed at analyzing yeast strains, possibly used in animal feeding, obtained by batch cultivation from cheese whey as main carbohydrated substrate. For that purpose 10 yeast strains selected for its biomass production capacity were chemically analyzed. From the results, it can be observed that the chemical composition of the strains is quiet variable, showing in all cases high protein content, good solubility and enzymatic digestibility. In all of them, the RNA content is low, being this important if the biomass is utilized in human feeding. On the other hand, they have an adequate content of essential amino acids, although the sulphur amino acids content is deficient. Among the tested yeasts, Kluyveromyces marxianus var. lactis (No. 10) stands out for the good relationship it has between protein and RNA content, as well as for the detection of methionine among its essential amino acids.     

A high-efficiency regulation technique for a zero-voltagezero-current power switching converter

This paper describes the application of a new regulation technique to a resonant converter that features zero-voltage (ZV) and zero-current (ZC) switching and works at constant frequency and duty cycle. The regulator utilizes the concept of regulating only a percentage of the total power in a bidirectional manner, thus allowing the converter to be optimized for both mass and efficiency. The proposed regulation technique has a wide range of applicability to almost all types of power converters or inverters that utilize a transformer to produce an isolated output. By using the concept of addition or subtraction of AC voltages, a fully regulated output voltage is achieved. The resultant effect of this regulation technique is that the main transformer of the converter or inverter appears to have a variable turns ratio. This turns ratio can be changed dynamically and in almost a lossless way to maintain the converter (or inverter) regulation. This technique can be used most effectively when input-voltage variation is limited to a reasonable tolerance range (e.g., + or -25%)     

Recurrent neural network array for CDMA mobile communicationsystems

The application of a recurrent neural network structure to adaptive antenna arrays in a CDMA system is presented. This novel approach enables space and time diversity combining of the signals, and is evaluated over multipath fading channels. Computer simulation results show that the recurrent structure performs better and has a lower computational complexity than the RLS-based adaptive array     

Experimental evaluation of a new device for percutaneous transrenal ureteral occlusion

PURPOSE: To develop a device for percutaneous transrenal ureteral occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The device was a double-body Gianturco-R?sch biliary stent constrained at the junction of the two stents to create an hourglass shape. One stent was coated with silicone. One device was percutaneously placed in each of nine pigs through a 9-F Teflon sheath. Urographic and hematologic follow-up was performed for up to 12 weeks. RESULTS: Seven pigs showed immediate, complete ureteral occlusion, and two pigs exhibited persistent incomplete high-grade obstruction. All animals exhibited varying degrees of hydronephrosis and hydroureter. No device migration was noted. Minor complications were encountered during device placement in three pigs. Mucosal folds and villus-like projections that arose from the lamina propria protruded into the lumen of the ureter at the cranial end of the covered stent and around the wire of the caudal stent. Varying degrees of mural inflammation and edema were noted. CONCLUSION: Transrenal ureteral occlusion with the described device appears to be a viable method for treating urinary fistulas.     

A histochemical study of the biological effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the intestine of the gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L

Infantile myofibromatosis (IMF) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity characterized by solitary or multicentric tumors present at birth or in early infancy with a typical biphasic (central hemangiopericytoma-like, peripheral leiomyoma-like) histologic pattern. We present a case of IMF in two siblings with onset of disease in late childhood. Histology of the primary as well as several later tumors was characterized by a monophasic cellular appearance with a prominence of tiny capillaries initially suggesting an unusual vascular tumor. Diagnosis was established by the development of more characteristic biphasic lesions during the course of disease. Immunocytochemistry (Ulex, factor VIII, JC/70A [CD31], PAL-E, BMA120, EN4, QBEnd10 [CD34], SMS actin) and ultrastructural studies showed no (marked) differences between different types of IMF. The monophasic cellular pattern should be recognized as an unusual histologic manifestation of IMF, in particular in patients outside the classical setting or presentation.     

Synthesis of planar inductors in low temperature co-fired ceramic technology

A simple bisection algorithm for the synthesis of planar inductors using a fast electromagnetic analysis algorithm is presented in this work. Both bisection and electromagnetic analysis algorithms are based on a set of heuristic and physical rules obtained from the study of the electromagnetic behavior of these planar devices. With this procedure, the benefits are two fold: (i) the number of iterations is kept moderately low in the synthesis loop, and (ii) the analysis at each iteration step is speed up without compromising accuracy. The algorithm is applied to the development of an inductor library for a low temperature co-fired ceramic process technology.     

Intratumoral Thermal Reading During Photo‐Thermal Therapy by Multifunctional Fluorescent Nanoparticles

The tremendous development of nanotechnology is bringing us closer to the dream of clinical application of nanoparticles in photothermal therapies of tumors. This requires the use of specific nanoparticles that must be highly biocompatible, efficient light‐to‐heat converters and fluorescent markers. Temperature reading by the heating nanoparticles during therapy appears of paramount importance to keep at a minimum the collateral damage that could arise from undesirable excessive heating. In this work, this thermally controlled therapy is possible by using Nd³⁺ ion‐doped LaF₃ nanocrystals. Because of the particular optical features of Nd³⁺ ions at high doping concentrations, these nanoparticles are capable of in vivo photothermal heating, fluorescent tumor localization and intratumoral thermal sensing. The successful photothermal therapy experiments here presented highlight the importance of controlling therapy parameters based on intratumoral temperature measurements instead of on the traditionally used skin temperature measurements. In fact, significant differences between intratumoral and skin temperatures do exist and could lead to the appearance of excessive collateral damage. These results open a new avenue for the real application of nano­particle‐based photothermal therapy at clinical level.