Fluorescence screening of antioxidant capacity in pumpkin seed oils and other natural oils

Plant oils provide a rich source of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and mostly lipophilic antioxidants. PUFAs are both in their free form and as components of glycerolipids preferred targets of free radical‐induced oxidation, leading to the formation of highly atherogenic compounds. Thus, stabilization of polyunsaturated lipids by radical scavengers in the oils is important in order to avoid pathophysiological side effects of these essential components of our diet. To determine lipid oxidizability and its inhibition by endogenous antioxidants, we developed a simple fluorescence technique. It is based on solubilisation of the oils in aqueous buffer, labeling of the resulting emulsions with a suitable reporter fluorophore, which reflects lipid oxidation, and continuous monitoring of the decomposition process. Using this method, we found that oxidizability of the oils depended only to a limited extent on the content of lipophilic antioxidants. In addition, a smaller fraction of polar (phenolic) compounds showed comparable protective effects, especially in pumpkin seed oil, which is a non‐refined product therefore containing antioxidative components that are removed from most other edible oils during processing. Therefore, the contribution of these “minor” compounds has to be taken into account when potential biological effects of plant oils are evaluated.     

Identification of mutants of pyruvate kinase from red blood cells by means of trypsinization, electrophoresis, kinetic properties and immunological methods

Enzymopathies of pyruvate kinase (PK) are characterized by polymorphism. 11 different mutants of PK were detected in 12 analysed cases. The frequency of double heterozygotes of the PK deficiency is very high. The mutant forms have been identified by electrophoretic, kinetic and immunologic methods in red blood cells of patients and members of their families. The effect of trypsin has greatly increased the sensitivity of the differentiation procedures. Differences in activity and quality of the proteolytic systems in liver and kidney in comparison to red blood cells are responsible for inactivation and degradation of PK mutants in both organs. Homozygotes and double heterozygotes show clinic manifestations. The rigidity of red blood cells increases with the severity of the nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia.     

Feuchtemessungen in Bauteilen und anderen Strukturen mit Bluetooth Low Energy

Moisture measurements in construction elements and other structures using Bluetooth Low Energy During the last decade, the data transfer from long‐term monitoring of data, recorded e. g. in structures and dams, was undergoing a challenge from cable connected sensors to Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) [2]. The sensor networks shall act as early warning systems for the set‐in of initiating damage processes or if, e. g., moisture penetrates a structural element or any massive structure (embankments, dykes, dams) that allow for adverse and damaging substances penetrating structural elements. During first feasibility tests we applied commercially available multifunctional sensors like a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Module for investigation of the influence of moisture in a certain volume of building material on the received signal. The investigated parameters were the so‐called Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Signal and the transmission power emitted by an embedded BLE‐Module. The BLE‐Module communicates with a mobile smart receiver as a tablet or a smartphone as s. c. SmartHub. The change of the RSS‐Indicator is a measure for the damping as a result of changing moisture content in a structural element while the transmission power remains constant. While the BLE‐Signal transfers a moist section in any material, eg. building material, the RSS‐Indicator changes. After a successful feasibility study, a ZIM‐project was confirmed, which was composed within the in the German Network MI4G (Modern Industry for Germany) between the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) with the small enterprise LinTech GmbH, Berlin. The report presents first results and gives an outlook on further research activities.     

Laser-induced breakdown spectra in the infrared region from 750 to 2000 nm using a cooled InGaAs diode array detector

Emissions from a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) plasma were examined in the region from 750 nm to 2000 nm. A Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm and 75 mJ per pulse were used to initiate the plasma. The detector was an InGaAs 1024 element diode array cooled to -100 degrees C. An f/4 spectrometer with gratings blazed for this region was used as the dispersive element. Survey spectra of soils, uranium, and other selected samples were taken in air and in a flow cell purged with argon at a local pressure of 0.84 x 10(5) Pa. Strong infrared lines of neutral aluminum, carbon, potassium, silicon, sulfur, and uranium, as well as once ionized lines of calcium, were observed out to 1670 nm. For potassium, the detection limits of the infrared (IR) system were compared with those obtained from a standard intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) spectrometer arrangement, using the 766-770 nm doublet. Detection limits with the IR system were twice as high as those obtained from the ICCD detector.     

A Group Theoretical Analysis of Conformational Flexibility

The chemical identity group of a conformationally flexible molecule has very special properties. An analysis of its group structure leads to a detailed interpretation of the properties of the conformationally flexible molecules and their permutation isomers. In contrast to conventional conformational analysis our treatment of conformationally flexible molecules on the basis of chemical identity groups emphasizes ensembles of interconverting conformers. This leads to an interpretation of the observed increase in “symmetry” through conformational flexibility.     

The Office of the Future: Integrating Information in the Care System

Healthcare's shift in focus, demand and expectations presents medical practices with opportunities to effect change in office operations and patient services. Developing strategies to incorporate technology among staff and physicians is a high priority for practice administrators today. A computerized medical record is a significant change in the daily activities of physicians, clinical support staff, and patients. A multi-manufacturer, integrated information system that routes data from a patient's body through a point-of-care device and straight into a patient management system - all without keyboard entry - is the Office of the Future.     

Silica Nanodepletors: Targeting and Clearing Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid Plaques

Abnormal accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptide aggregates in the brain is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ aggregates interfere with neuronal communications, ultimately causing neuronal damage and brain atrophy. Much effort has been made to develop AD treatments that suppress Aβ aggregate formation, thereby attenuating Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity. Here, the design of Aβ nanodepletors consisting of ultralarge mesoporous silica nanostructures and anti‐Aβ single‐chain variable fragments, with the goal of targeting and eliminating aggregative Aβ monomers, is reported. The Aβ nanodepletors impart a notable decline in Aβ aggregate formation, resulting in significant mitigation of Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, stereotaxic injections of Aβ nanodepletors into the brain of an AD mouse model system successfully suppress Aβ plaque formation in vivo up to ≈30%, suggesting that Aβ nanodepletors can serve as a promising antiamylodoisis material.