1,3,5‐Triazino Peptide Derivatives: Synthesis,Characterization, and Preliminary Antileishmanial Activity

A library of short di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐peptides with an s‐triazine moiety at the N terminus and either an amide or ethyl ester C terminus was prepared in solution and on the solid phase. The two remaining positions of the s‐triazine moiety were substituted with methoxy, morpholino, or piperidino groups. All the synthesized peptide derivatives were analyzed by HPLC and fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF). A preliminary study of the antileishmanial activity of the 1,3,5‐triazinyl peptide derivatives revealed that four dipeptide amide derivatives showed higher antipromastigote or antiamastigote activity than the reference standard drug miltefosine with no significance acute toxicity.     

Comparison of the sensory profiles of regular and reduced-fat commercial processed cheese spreads

The sensory character of 16 samples of commercial, processed cheese spread has been characterized. Samples were selected to provide information on variations both between brands and, for products differing in fat content, within brands. Products were rated for eight flavour attributes and six textural attributes by a panel of 13 professional assessors. Significant differences in both the flavour and the texture of the spreads were associated with brand. No systematic differences were found between the flavour attributes and the fat content of the spread. However, differences were revealed between spreads – classified on the basis of fat content as regular, light and ultra light – in the sensory dimensions associated with texture and mouth feel. Nevertheless, within some brands the effect of reducing fat content was minimal. This result was probably achieved by other changes in product formulation.     

Construction projects and the environment in Palestine

Continuing the series of papers on construction in Palestine, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, the author concentrates on the need for harmonized development to sustain the environment. An analysis of the Gaza seaport project demonstrates the need to educate professionals working within the construction industry on environmental issues, in particular the steps needed in carrying out the environmental impact assessment of any construction project. The author believes that further studies to increase knowledge are needed. Poursuivant sa serie d'articles sur les activites du batiment en Palestine, l'une des regions les plus peuplees au monde, l'auteur se penche ici sur la necessite d'un amenagement harmonise soucieux de l'environnement et s'inscrivant dans la duree. Suite a une analyse du projet de port: maritime a Gaza, il apparait clairement que les professionnels du secteur de la construction ont besoin d'une formation dans le domaine de la protection de l'environnement, en particulier pour la realisation d'etudes d'impact sur l'environnement de projets de construction. L'auteur estime que des etudes complementaires sont necessaires pour approfondir les connaissances en la matiere.     

On a consistent field transfer in non linear inelastic analysis and ultimate load computation

In this work we propose a field transfer operator for remeshing carried out in the course of incremental analysis of a non linear inelastic behavior. The proposed procedure is geared towards the ultimate load computation of a complex structure, where we choose the appropriate mesh grading for each different phase of computations, starting with a coarse mesh for the initial linear response and going towards a more refined mesh for highly nonlinear inelastic response. The proposed projection operator is developed on the basis of diffuse approximation method. The key feature of such an operator is to guarantee the conservation of relevant mechanics quantities which ensures a superior performance of the proposed field transfer with respect to the standard remeshing procedure. We present the illustrative results both for an isotropic damage model and standard plasticity model, indicating very satisfying performance.     

Measurements and statistical model calculations of activation cross-sections for 26Mg(n,α)23Ne reaction between 13.6 and 14.9 MeV neutron energies

Activation cross-sections were measured at neutron energies from 13.6 to 14.9 MeV for the reaction ²⁶Mg(n,α)²³Ne. The production of relatively short-lived activity and the spectra accumulation have been carried out by the cyclic activation method. Corrections were made for the effects of gamma-ray attenuation, random coincidence summing (pulse pile-up), dead time, and scattered low energy neutron contribution. Statistical model calculations for which the pre-equilibrium emission effects are taken into consideration were also performed. Results were compared with the previous investigations.     

A study on the optical properties of three‐armed polystyrene and poly(styrene‐b‐isobutyl methacrylate)

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of three‐armed polystyrene[PS] and poly(styrene‐b‐isobutyl methacrylate)[PS‐b‐PiBμMA] were accomplished using an initiator with tri‐active C‐Br end group function and cuprous (I) bromide/2,2′‐bipyridyne catalytic system. The characterization obtained by FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR, and GPC techniques. The average molecular weight and polydispersity of PS and PS‐b‐PiBμMA were determined as 19,800, 29,300 and as 1.37 and 1.15, respectively, which indicates that the constant concentration of growing chains are present throughout the polymerization. The refractive index and extinction coefficient of the samples were determined in the visible range as a function of wavelength. The refractive index dispersion curves of the thin films were fitted by the Cauchy‐Sellmeier model. The width of localized states (E_u) values changed inversely with optical band gaps (E_g) of the films. While the calculated E_u values of films for initiator, PS and PS‐b‐PiBμMA were determined as 2.72, 2.98, and 2.94 eV, the E_g values were determined as 3.43; 3.11, and 3.16 eV, respectively. The dispersion parameters of thin films were determined. These parameters changed in the investigated wavelength ranges. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Metabolic fingerprint of patients showing responsiveness to treatment of septic shock in intensive care unit

Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine - An early metabolic signature associated with the responsiveness to treatment can be useful in the better management of septic shock...     

Predicting catastrophic temperature changes based on past events via a CNN-LSTM regression mechanism

Neural Computing and Applications - The modelling and prediction of extreme temperature changes in enclosed compartments is a domain with applications ranging from residential fire alarms,...     

Construction safety issues in Gaza Strip

Safety is considered a critical problem in developed and developing countries. The author examines the causes of accidents on building sites and the safety procedures used by local contractors in Gaza Strip. A wide range of recommendations are necessary if hazards are to be eliminated and accidents reduced. Recommendations include a suitable training programme, supervisory methods for product quality and working conditions on site, improved working conditions, a safety regulatory framework including a safety institution, standards, and penalties. La securite est consideree comme un probleme critique dans les pays industrialises et dans les pays en developpement. L'auteur examine les causes des accidents sur les chantiers de construction dans la Bande de Gaza ainsi que les procedures de securite appliquees par les entreprises locales. Pour eliminer les dangers et reduire le nombre d'accidents, il conviendrait de formuler de nombreuses recommandations portant, notamment, sur un programme de formation approprie, des methodes de suivi de la "qualito produits" et de supervision des conditions de travail sur les chantiers. Il faudrait d'ailleurs ameliorer ces conditions et definir un cadre de reglementation en matiere de securite comprenant, entre autres, la creation d'un institut de la securite, l'elaboration de normes et la mise en place d'un mecanisme de penalites.