Site‐Specific Labeling of MicroRNA Precursors: A Structure–Activity Relationship Study

Functionalized oligoribonucleotides are essential tools in RNA chemical biology. Various synthetic routes have been developed over recent years to conjugate functional groups to oligoribonucleotides. However, the presence of the functional group on the oligoribonucleotide backbone can lead to partial or total loss of biological function. The limited knowledge concerning the positioning of functional groups therefore represents a hurdle for the development of oligoribonucleotide chemical tools. Here we describe a systematic investigation of site‐specific labeling of pre‐miRNAs to identify positions for the incorporation of functional groups, in order not to hinder their processing into active mature miRNAs.     

First insights into antimicrobial resistance among faecal Escherichia coli isolates from small wild mammals in rural areas

Wild rodents can be carriers of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli. As rodents are known to be involved in the transmission of bacteria of human and animal health concern, they could likewise contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment. The aim of this study was therefore to get first insights into the antimicrobial resistance status among E. coli isolated from wild small mammals in rural areas. We tested 188 faecal isolates from eight rodent and one shrew species originating from Germany. Preselected resistant isolates were screened by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing or agar diffusion test and subsequent PCR analysis of resistance genes. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistant isolates was low with only 5.5% of the isolates exhibiting resistant phenotypes against at least one antimicrobial compound including beta-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides and sulfonamides.These results suggest a minor role of wild rodents from rural areas in the cycle of transmission and spread of antimicrobial resistant E. coli into the environment. Nevertheless E. coli with multiple antimicrobial resistances were significantly more often detected in wildlife rodents originating from areas with high livestock density suggesting a possible transmission from livestock to wild rodents.     

Development and validation of a drinking water temperature model in domestic drinking water supply systems

Domestic drinking water supply systems (DDWSs) are the final step in the delivery of drinking water to consumers. Temperature is one of the rate-controlling parameters for many chemical and microbiological processes and is, therefore, considered as a surrogate parameter for water quality processes. In this study, a mathematical model is presented that predicts temperature dynamics of the drinking water in DDWSs. A full-scale DDWS resembling a conventional system was built and run according to one year of stochastic demands with a time step of 10 s. The drinking water temperature was measured at each point-of-use in the systems and the data-set was used for model validation. The temperature model adequately reproduced the temperature profiles, both in cold and hot water lines, in the full-scale DDWS. The model showed that inlet water temperature and ambient temperature have a large effect on the water temperature in the DDWSs.     

Comparison of conventional and higher-resolution reduced-FOV diffusion-weighted imaging of breast tissue

Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine - Reduced FOV-diffusion-weighted imaging (rFOV-DWI) allows for acquisition of a tissue region without back-folding, and may have better...     

The Schumpeterian entrepreneur: a review of the empirical evidence on the antecedents,behaviour and consequences of innovative entrepreneurship

Abstract

Innovative entrepreneurship is considered an important pillar for economic development and has sparked a lively discussion in academia and practice alike. Oftentimes, however, the debate is not sufficiently grounded on solid empirical evidence. The academic literature is growing but very scattered and is separated into several disciplines. We provide a summary that takes stock of the academic knowledge about innovative entrepreneurship and summarizes the evidence from 102 empirical studies published in the primary economics and management journals on the antecedents, behavior, and consequences of innovative entrepreneurship. Based on this state-of-the-art literature review, directions for future research are discussed.     

Preparation,properties, and laser processing of poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends with addition of natural fibers as a potential for printing plates application

In this research, biodegradable blend of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is proposed as a new material for the production of a printing plate for embossing process. Printing plates for embossing consist of raised printing elements and recessed nonimage elements. In production of printing plates, laser technology was used in order to form a relief printing plate. The embossing process is based on the principle of the pressure of the relief printing plate into the printing substrate, which causes the controlled deformation of the substrate and three-dimensional (3D) effect. Coir fibers (CFs) were added as a natural filler to PCL/PLA blends to improve and adjust the properties of produced blends. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs, dynamic mechanical analysis analysis, roughness, and hardness were measured on prepared materials, and 2D and 3D microscopy was conducted on laser engraved printing plates. Results have shown that the addition of CFs improved the mechanical properties of produced materials. DMA results indicate the semicrystalline structure of all prepared blends, and that the addition of CFs raises the elasticity of the composites. Laser engraving showed that it is possible to engrave the produced biodegradable materials and to use it as a material for production of printing plates.     

The Effect of Surface Roughness on the Corrosion Properties of Type AISI 304 Stainless Steel in Diluted NaCl and Urban Rain Solution

Due to their good corrosion resistance, favorable mechanical properties, and reasonable price regarding their excellent properties, austenitic stainless steels have, over recent decades, become one of the alloys that are increasingly used in civil engineering and building, as well as for specific architectural purposes. Architects often design stainless steel exterior elements with higher surface roughnesses, which are not resistant to corrosion processes. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of different types of surface finishes to stainless steel of quality AISI 304 on the corrosion properties of this steel. In order to achieve this goal, electrochemical tests were performed on different surface finishes in two different environments: in an NaCl aqueous solution, and in simulated urban rain which contained no chlorides. In addition to the electrochemical methods used, surface roughness was also measured, and XPS surface analyses were performed. The results of the investigation showed that surface roughness affects the growth of the passive layer in urban rain significantly; however, the growth of such a film is retarded in the case of the NaCl aqueous solution. Based on the results of the performed analyses, it was found that, in the NaCl solution, the pitting potential depended strongly upon the surface roughness and the surface finish, but this was not true for the samples tested in urban rain.