Myoglobin as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitor: a limitation for PCR from skeletal muscle tissue avoided by the use of Thermus thermophilus polymerase

Skeletal muscle tissue contains polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors that are coextracted by conventional nucleic acid extraction procedures. Myoglobin, a heme-containing molecule, was shown to act as a potent Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase inhibitor and is likely to be involved in muscle tissue-associated PCR inhibition. The use of Thermus thermophilus DNA polymerase avoids muscle tissue-associated PCR inhibition, and should be used in case of small amounts or instability of the targeted nucleic acid.     

Structural investigation of chemically crosslinked low density polyethylene

The effects of chemical crosslinking on low density polyethylene are investigated, using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, n.m.r., and gel fraction determination. The results of these studies are discussed in terms of the degree of crosslinking estimated on the basis of peroxide content.     

Experimental simulation of solar drying of garlic using an adsorbent energy storage bed

Solar drying of garlic with energy storage in silica gel is experimentally simulated in a closed system in which the air is continuously circulated between food and adsorbent. Kinetics of the drying process are studied and equilibrium data are predicted by a mathematical model developed from the experimental results. By comparing the end points of drying with equilibrium values the length of the drying process can be established.From sorption data, a garlic surface area of 63–188 m² g^?1 and a heat of adsorption in the first layer of 2548–2691 kJ kg^?1 have been calculated. A value of 746 kJ kg^?1 has been deduced for the activation energy for water removal.     

Molecular monitoring of the microbial dynamics occurring on historical limestone buildings during and after the in situ application of different bio-consolidation treatments

Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation is proposed as an environmentally friendly method to protect decayed ornamental stone and introduced in the field of preservation of Cultural Heritage. Recent conservation studies performed under laboratory conditions on non-sterile calcarenite stones have successfully reported on the application of a suitable nutritional solution, inoculated and non-inoculated with Myxococcus xanthus, as a bioconsolidation treatment. Furthermore, this procedure has been applied in situ, very recently, to selected historical buildings in Granada, Spain. For the first time, we evaluate the efficiency and risks of the in situ application of the above mentioned treatments onto two historical buildings in Granada. The evaluation consists of a detailed investigation of the micro-biota actively growing during the seven days of the treatments - short-term monitoring and of that remaining on the stones after six and twelve months of the application - long-term monitoring. A molecular strategy, including DNA extraction, PCR amplification of 16S rRNA sequences, construction of clone libraries and fingerprinting by DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) analysis followed by sequencing was used to gain insight into the microbial diversity present on the differentially treated stones. The monitoring of M. xanthus was performed by PCR using species-specific primers. Similar dynamics were triggered on both buildings by the application of the nutritional solution (inoculated or non-inoculated). 16S rDNA sequencing revealed the dominant occurrence of members belonging to the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria during the seven days of the treatment, whereas after one year the order Bacillales of the phylum Firmicutes was the predominantly detected microorganisms. M. xanthus could be detected only during the seven days of the treatment. The treatments seem to activate no dangerous microorganisms and furthermore, to select the remainder of a homogeneous group of carbonatogenic bacteria on the stones after a long period of time.     

Novel Ag–Glass Composite Interconnect Materials for Anode‐Supported Flat‐Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Operated at an Intermediate Temperature

We developed novel Ag–glass composite interconnect materials for anode‐supported flat‐tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operated at 700 °C by optimization of the glass content. For this purpose, the variations of phase stability, area specific resistance (ASR), microstructure, gas leak rate, cell performance, and open circuit voltage (OCV) were determined for the Ag–glass composite materials with respect to the glass content. The Ag–glass composite materials maintain phase stability without chemical reactions. The ASR increased as the glass content increases due to glass existing as an insulator between the Ag phases. All the composite materials showed dense coating layers on the anode support and had a low gas leak. The cell performance and OCV were measured to identify the optimum composition of the Ag–glass composites. Our results confirm that Ag–glass composites are suitable for high performance interconnects in anode‐supported flat‐tubular fuel cells operated below 700 °C.