1,2,3-Triazolium-based poly(acrylate ionic liquid)s

Nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization of a tailor-made acrylate carrying a 1,2,3-triazole group with an undecanoyl spacer affords a well-defined (M_n = 7860 g mol⁻¹ and D = 1.39) neutral polyacrylate precursor. A series of 1,2,3-triazolium-based poly(ionic liquid)s (TPILs) is then obtained by straightforward quaternization of the 1,2,3-triazole groups with methyl iodide and subsequent anion metathesis reactions. Among the prepared materials, TPIL with bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide anion exhibits low glass transition temperature (T_g = −40 °C), high thermal stability (T_d10 = 325 °C) and anhydrous ionic conductivity of 4 × 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ at 30 °C, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and broadband dielectric spectroscopy, respectively.     

Large-scale production of a hypoallergenic preparation of F(ab′)2 fragments from bovine colostrum

A method for the production of bovine colostral F(ab′)₂ fragments at pilot-plant scale was developed. Optimum yield of immunoglobulins in colostral whey was obtained after rennet treatment of first milking colostrum. Pepsin digestion was carried out directly on the colostral whey at pH 3·8 for 4 h, which led to the complete digestion of immunoglobulins into F(ab′)₂ fragments. Elimination of β-lactoglobulin, the main immunogenic protein, was achieved by anion exchange on Duolite A560 at pH 6·0. The preparation was diafiltered with a 5000 Da membrane and the retentate spray-dried. The powder obtained contained approximately 34% F(ab′)₂ fragments, with an antibody activity three times higher than the initial colostrum.     

Macrophage-Mediated Melanoma Reduction after HP-NAP Treatment in a Zebrafish Xenograft Model

The Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil Activating Protein (HP-NAP) is endowed with immunomodulatory properties that make it a potential candidate for anticancer therapeutic applications. By activating cytotoxic Th1 responses, HP-NAP inhibits the growth of bladder cancer and enhances the anti-tumor activity of oncolytic viruses in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. The possibility that HP-NAP exerts its anti-tumor effect also by modulating the activity of innate immune cells has not yet been explored. Taking advantage of the zebrafish model, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of HP-NAP against metastatic human melanoma, limiting the observational window to 9 days post-fertilization, well before the maturation of the adaptive immunity. Human melanoma cells were xenotransplanted into zebrafish embryos and tracked in the presence or absence of HP-NAP. The behavior and phenotype of macrophages and the impact of their drug-induced depletion were analyzed exploiting macrophage-expressed transgenes. HP-NAP administration efficiently inhibited tumor growth and metastasis and this was accompanied by strong recruitment of macrophages with a pro-inflammatory profile at the tumor site. The depletion of macrophages almost completely abrogated the ability of HP-NAP to counteract tumor growth. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of activated macrophages in counteracting melanoma growth and support the notion that HP-NAP might become a new biological therapeutic agent for the treatment of metastatic melanomas.     

Emulsifying properties of soy protein isolates obtained by microfiltration

Soy protein isolate (SPI) fractions were produced using two different pore size microfiltration membranes. Microfiltration was carried out on SPI produced by isoelectric precipitation of a crude protein extract. Five fractions were obtained: two retentates and two permeates from the two membranes plus an intermediate fraction obtained as the retentate on the small‐pore‐size membrane using the permeate from the larger‐pore‐size membrane. Emulsions stabilised by the retentate fractions exhibited higher values (P < 0.01) of emulsion stability index (ESI) and emulsifying activity index (EAI) than those stabilised with fractions made from the permeates. The intermediate fraction gave intermediate ESI values, while the EAI values were not significantly different from those for SPI and one of the retentates. SDS‐PAGE profiles indicated that the fractions exhibiting high functionality in terms of ESI and EAI were also richer in 7S globulin soy protein subunits. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Update on optimized purification and characterization of natural milk allergens

Highly purified allergens namely cow's milk alpha-lactalbumin (ALA). (Bos d 4), beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) (Bos d 5) and casein (Bos d 8) and goat's milk casein were prepared from the raw milk from a single animal with a known genetic background. Consequently the natural isoforms are limited, constant and characterized. Purification included selective precipitations and chromatographical steps. Characterization of structure and allergenic activity assessment of milk allergens were carried out using physicochemical and immunochemical methods. Taken together data demonstrated the absence of impurities and of contamination by other milk allergens in each preparation. NMR and circular dichroism analyses confirmed the native conformation and proper folding of ALA and BLG and the expected absence of folding of bovine and caprine casein. Enzyme immuno assays confirmed the native conformation of BLG and the purity and immunoreactivity of all the proteins. The allergenic activity, e. g. the IgE binding capacity, of purified proteins was identical as that of those proteins when present in milk. The purified proteins also demonstrated the ability to provoke the degranulation of humanized rat basophilic leukaemia cells. All the data thus confirm the purity, identity, structural conformation and functionality of the prepared milk allergens.     

韧性概念的重新审视

自《2005—2015兵库行动框架》被采纳以来,受灾社区的恢复力紧密取决于受灾社区的韧性,已经成为灾害风险控制项目的共同特征。现在人们越来越多地关注受灾社区在灾难发生后不依靠或少依靠外部援助而"反弹"或恢复的能力。与其仅仅关注受灾对象的需求和弱点,不如把着眼点放在应对灾难的韧性上,这突出了灾害风险控制领域需要转变。然而在灾害学界的研究和学术领域,对韧性这一概念达成共识依然是个挑战。本文梳理了不同情况下韧性的定义,脆弱性在韧性主题中所扮演的角色和意义,以及脆弱性和韧性之间的差异。文章最后探讨和总结了韧性思维在我们认识和应对灾害时所具有的指导意义。     

Modelling complex manufacturing systems using discrete event simulation

This paper presents an approach in simulating complex manufacturing systems. The approach is founded on developing several general purpose simulation generators for an assembly station, a manufacturing cell, and an inventory transfer function. These simulation generators can then be linked together to create a model of a complex manufacturing system. A typical manufacturing system is modelled using these simulation generators and the results summarized.     

EELS microanalysis of polycrystalline silicon thin films for solar cells grown at low temperatures

The aim of this work is the quantitative chemical analysis of polycrystalline silicon thin films grown on glass substrates at temperatures <600°C by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectrometry (EELS). Specimens produced with two different methods were investigated. We found significant differences in grain size and morphology, as well as in the distribution of oxygen. A surprisingly high amount of Ba diffusion from the subtrate was detected.