Modeling of optical constants of diamond-like carbon

A new model of optical constants of diamond-like carbon parameterizing joint density of states (PJDOS) is introduced and compared with a previously published model based on the parameterization of density of states (PDOS). Both the models employ only six parameters: three parameters for π → π^⁎ and three parameters for the σ → σ^⁎ transitions. These parameters have a clear physical meaning. One describes the minimum energy needed for the band transition, i.e. band gap, the second is the maximum energy of transitions and the third is proportional to the total density of the corresponding electronic states. An inherent disadvantage of the PDOS model is in the necessity of a numerical calculation. On the other hand the PJDOS model is analytical and, therefore, it can be implemented in a simple manner. The efficiency of both the models for the study of DLC structure is demonstrated in several examples.     

Sporadic incidence of factor XI deficiency in Holstein cattle

BACKGROUND: Factor XI (FXI) is a plasma serine protease involved in the early activation of the blood coagulation cascade. A survey of Holstein cattle, and Czech Simmental cattle crossed with Holstein, was done to determine whether animals heterozygous for FXI deficiency were present. Mutations in exon 12 and in exon 9 were analysed. RESULTS: The method used was based on the polymerase chain reaction and subsequent distinction of the length of fragments. In the panel analysed (279 Holsteins and 30 Simmentals), one heterozygous carrier of the recessive allele in exon 12 (a German Holstein cow) was found. Some authors have found that the frequency is high in some breeding lines and low in others. Evidently the lines in our analysis are part of the group with a low frequency. In exon 9, all the animals (100 Holsteins and 52 Simmentals), were homozygous wild type. To date, the mutation in exon 9 has been found only in Japanese black cattle, and its breed‐specific occurrence was therefore not disconfirmed by our assay. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed a low occurrence of F11 mutant alleles. The DNA‐based test determines all genotypes regardless of phenotype and FXI activity. This is important as veterinarians need a reliable method. Of course, the testing of numerous sires by molecular methods is not necessary from the breeders' point of view, but in breeding lines where testing is deemed appropriate heterozygous animals could be easily and surely detected. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microstructural Engineering in Eutectoid Steel: A Technological Possibility?

Eutectoid wire rods were subjected to controlled thermo-mechanical processing (TMP). Both increased cooling rate and applied stress during the austenite-to-pearlite decomposition produced significant changes in the microstructure: major increases in the pearlite’s axial alignment and minor decreases in the interlamellar spacing. The pearlite alignment was correlated with changes in the ferrite crystallographic texture and the state of residual stress. Microstructural engineering, improved axial alignment of pearlite, through controlled TMP gave a fourfold increase in torsional ductility. TMP of eutectoid steel thus appears to have interesting technological possibilities.     

The Effect of Melatonin on Periodontitis

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic disease with a complex etiology that includes bacterial colonization, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress. The hormone melatonin has antioxidant properties and might contribute to alleviating chronic conditions by reducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of exogenous melatonin on periodontitis in an animal model of the disease as well as in patients with periodontitis. Methods: In rats with ligature-induced periodontitis, melatonin was administered in drinking water for two weeks. In the human study, patients with treatment-resistant periodontitis were asked to rinse their mouths with a solution containing melatonin or placebo every evening for two weeks. Periodontal status as well as salivary markers of oxidative stress were assessed at the end of the study. Results: Neither radiography nor μCT revealed any significant effects of melatonin on alveolar bone loss. Gum recession was the only improved macroscopic measure in rats (p < 0.05). Analysis of salivary markers of oxidative stress revealed no effects of treatment in rats or humans despite clearly elevated melatonin concentrations in melatonin treated groups. Conclusion: Our results do not support the use of melatonin for the treatment of periodontitis. However, the negative outcome is limited by the short duration of the study and the chosen route of application as well as the dose of melatonin.     

Environmental aspects and economic evaluation of new green hydrolysis method for waste feather processing

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - In recent years, an increase in the chicken meat process industry has been growing quickly, which brings a large amount of difficult to process waste,...     

Effect of Polymeric Nanoparticles with Entrapped Fish Oil or Mupirocin on Skin Wound Healing Using a Porcine Model

The utilization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) with entrapped fish oil (FO) loaded in collagen-based scaffolds for cutaneous wound healing using a porcine model is unique for the present study. Full-depth cutaneous excisions (5 × 5 cm) on the pig dorsa were treated with pure collagen scaffold (control, C), empty PLGA NPs (NP), FO, mupirocin (MUP), PLGA NPs with entrapped FO (NP/FO) and PLGA NPs with entrapped MUP (NP/MUP). The following markers were evaluated on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 post-excision: collagen, hydroxyproline (HP), angiogenesis and expressions of the COX2, EGF, COL1A1, COL1A3, TGFB1, VEGFA, CCL5 and CCR5 genes. The hypothesis that NP/FO treatment is superior to FO alone and that it is comparable to NP/MUP was tested. NP/FO treatment increased HP in comparison with both FO alone and NP/MUP (day 14) but decreased (p < 0.05) angiogenesis in comparison with FO alone (day 3). NP/FO increased (p < 0.05) the expression of the CCR5 gene (day 3) and tended (p > 0.05) to increase the expressions of the EGF (day 7, day 14), TGFB1 (day 21) and CCL5 (day 7, day 21) genes as compared with NP/MUP. NP/FO can be suggested as a suitable alternative to NP/MUP in cutaneous wound treatment.     

Group awareness and regulation in computer-supported collaborative learning

Group awareness is of critical relevance for collaborative learning and interaction and is thus often referred to in CSCL research. However, the concept is only vaguely defined as some kind of understanding or perception of characteristics of learning partners or the collaborating group. Most CSCL research activities concerned with group awareness aim at modifying learners' awareness using so-called group awareness tools. However, there are much less attempts to measure group awareness and to conceptualize its formation. Thus, building on existing group awareness research, this article derives a conceptualization with six defining aspects of group awareness: (1) group awareness is cognitive, (2) group awareness is conscious, (3) group awareness is current, (4) group awareness is individual, (5) group awareness is social, and (6) group awareness is perceived as valid. Additionally, while it is often assumed that group awareness builds on self-regulatory skills, its role in regulating behavior and cognition within a social context is seldom explored. Thus, this article aims at defining and analyzing the concept of group awareness, specifying its relation to regulatory processes, and sketching possible research paths whilst building on, complementing, and informing tool-driven research.

     

Nuclear Cytoskeleton in Virus Infection

The nuclear lamina is the main component of the nuclear cytoskeleton that maintains the integrity of the nucleus. However, it represents a natural barrier for viruses replicating in the cell nucleus. The lamina blocks viruses from being trafficked to the nucleus for replication, but it also impedes the nuclear egress of the progeny of viral particles. Thus, viruses have evolved mechanisms to overcome this obstacle. Large viruses induce the assembly of multiprotein complexes that are anchored to the inner nuclear membrane. Important components of these complexes are the viral and cellular kinases phosphorylating the lamina and promoting its disaggregation, therefore allowing virus egress. Small viruses also use cellular kinases to induce lamina phosphorylation and the subsequent disruption in order to facilitate the import of viral particles during the early stages of infection or during their nuclear egress. Another component of the nuclear cytoskeleton, nuclear actin, is exploited by viruses for the intranuclear movement of their particles from the replication sites to the nuclear periphery. This study focuses on exploitation of the nuclear cytoskeleton by viruses, although this is just the beginning for many viruses, and promises to reveal the mechanisms and dynamic of physiological and pathological processes in the nucleus.     

DNA Methylation Mediates EMT Gene Expression in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Due to abundant stroma and extracellular matrix, accompanied by lack of vascularization, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by severe hypoxia. Epigenetic regulation is likely one of the mechanisms driving hypoxia-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), responsible for PDAC aggressiveness and dismal prognosis. To verify the role of DNA methylation in this process, we assessed gene expression and DNA methylation changes in four PDAC cell lines. BxPC-3, MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, and SU.86.86 cells were exposed to conditioned media containing cytokines and inflammatory molecules in normoxic and hypoxic (1% O₂) conditions for 2 and 6 days. Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Crosstalk and Human Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition RT² Profiler PCR Arrays were used to identify top deregulated inflammatory and EMT-related genes. Their mRNA expression and DNA methylation were quantified by qRT-PCR and pyrosequencing. BxPC-3 and SU.86.86 cell lines were the most sensitive to hypoxia and inflammation. Although the methylation of gene promoters correlated with gene expression negatively, it was not significantly influenced by experimental conditions. However, DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine efficiently decreased DNA methylation up to 53% and reactivated all silenced genes. These results confirm the role of DNA methylation in EMT-related gene regulation and uncover possible new targets involved in PDAC progression.     

Synthetic resins. XIII. Synthesis and characterization of the resins derived from quinacetophenone/substituted benzoic acid/furfuraldehyde

Some resins have been synthesized by reacting quinacetophenone with substituted benzoic acids and furfuraldehyde in the presence of basic catalysts. The resins have been characterized by IR spectra of the characteristic groups. The number average molecular weights of the resins have been evaluated by the conductance method. The solubility and viscosity behaviors of the resin copolymers have been determined. Cu⁺², Ni⁺², Co⁺², Mn⁺², and Mg⁺² chelates have been prepared. The resins were shown to be selective ion-exchange resins for certain metal ions. A batch equilibrium method was used for studying the selectivity of the metal ions. The thermal behavior of the resins has been determined and the values of energy of activation of the resins were computed by using the Freeman–Anderson and Broido methods. The biological assays of some of the resin copolymers were found to be highly sensitive.