Process monitoring with disposable chemical sensors fit in the framework of process analysis technology (PAT) for innovative pharmaceutical development and quality assurance

The innovative principle of enzymatic sensors applied to monitor the feeding process in disposable bioreactors is described. Innovative is the type of enzyme immobilized within the 'paste' to monitor L-glutamate. Innovative is the application of the miniaturized disposable sensor developed at C-CIT AG for continuous monitoring. The sensor allows the amount of the digested nutrient to be estimated from the amperometric signal. Innovative is the wireless signal transduction between the sensor mounted to the bioreactor and the signal receiver. An example of a process control run is given and, also, the biocompatibility and the specifications of the biosensors. The comparison of results evaluated by different analytical methods is discussed.     

Inhibition of HIV-1 by a peptide ligand of the genomic RNA packaging signal Psi

The interaction of the nucleocapsid NCp7 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag polyprotein with the RNA packaging signal Psi ensures specific encapsidation of the dimeric full length viral genome into nascent virus particles. Being an essential step in the HIV-1 replication cycle, specific genome encapsidation represents a promising target for therapeutic intervention. We previously selected peptides binding to HIV-1 Psi-RNA or stem loops (SL) thereof by phage display. Herein, we describe synthesis of peptide variants of the consensus HWWPWW motif on membrane supports to optimize Psi-RNA binding. The optimized peptide, psi-pepB, was characterized in detail with respect to its conformation and binding properties for the SL3 of the Psi packaging signal by NMR and tryptophan fluorescence quenching. Functional analysis revealed that psi-pepB caused a strong reduction of virus release by infected cells as monitored by reduced transduction efficiencies, capsid p24 antigen levels, and electron microscopy. Thus, this peptide shows antiviral activity and could serve as a lead compound to develop new drugs targeting HIV-1.     

Phase diagrams for lead-free solder alloys

The need for new, improved solder alloys and a better understanding of reactions during the soldering process grows steadily as the need for smaller and more reliable electronic products increases. Information obtained from phase equilibria data and thermodynamic calculations has proven to be an important tool in the design and understanding of new lead-free solder alloys. A wide range of candidate alloys can be rapidly evaluated for proper freezing ranges, susceptibility to contamination effects, and reactions with substrate materials before the expensive process of preparing and testing candidate alloys is initiated.     

Analysis of the Structure and Biosynthesis of the Lipopolysaccharide Core Oligosaccharide of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is important for bacterial viability in general and host–pathogen interactions in particular. Negative charges at its core oligosaccharide (core-OS) contribute to membrane integrity through bridging interactions with divalent cations. The molecular structure and synthesis of the core-OS have been resolved in various bacteria including the mammalian pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A few core-OS structures of plant-associated Pseudomonas strains have been solved to date, but the genetic components of the underlying biosynthesis remained unclear. We conducted a comparative genome analysis of the core-OS gene cluster in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000, a widely used model pathogen in plant–microbe interactions, within the P. syringae species complex and to other plant-associated Pseudomonas strains. Our results suggest a genetic and structural conservation of the inner core-OS but variation in outer core-OS composition within the P. syringae species complex. Structural analysis of the core-OS of Pst DC3000 shows an uncommonly high phosphorylation and presence of an O-acetylated sugar. Finally, we combined the results of our genomic survey with available structure information to estimate the core-OS composition of other Pseudomonas species.     

Interactive minds: A facilitative setting for wisdom-related performance?

Two goals guided the present study: to develop ecologically relevant and functional interactive-minds settings for the assessment of wisdom-related performance and to investigate whether and under which conditions such settings would facilitate higher levels of wisdom-related performance. After baseline assessment of wisdom-related performance, a sample of 122 natural dyads (244 participants), ranging in age from 20 to 70 years, were randomly assigned to 5 experimental conditions. These conditions varied in the degree to which they were judged to be ecologically relevant and functional and involved the interaction of minds. It was found that performance settings that were judged to be ecologically relevant and functional and provided for actual or "virtual" (internal) interaction of minds increased wisdom-related performance levels by 1 SD. In addition, older adults profited more than younger adults from 1 setting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Synthesis of a mesoporous material from two natural sources

Mesoporous materials were obtained from two natural silica sources, diatomite and pumicite, under hydrothermal conditions, autogenic pressure and in presence of the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the template. Using diatomite, a temperature of 383 K and the following molar ratios in the initial reaction gel: SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 8.86; CTAB/SiO₂ = 0.1; Na₂O/SiO₂ = 0.10–0.25 and H₂O/Na₂O = 250–300, the mesoporous material MCM‐41 was obtained in a reaction time of 48 h. When pumicite was used, a mesoporous material was obtained in a reaction time of 96 h, a reaction temperature of 423 K and an initial reaction gel with the following molar ratios: SiO₂/Al₂O₃ = 8.86; CTAB/SiO₂ = 0.1; Na₂O/SiO₂ = 0.25 and H₂O/Na₂O = 330. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Developmental models of supervision: It is development—Response to Holloway.

This article is a response to Holloway's critique of developmental models of psychotherapy supervision. Our position is that developmental models of supervision can benefit from taking guidance from and drawing parallels to more general models of human development. It should not be assumed, however, that these models of supervision are direct translations of other models. The metaphor of development has proven useful in a number of domains of human activity. We argue that this analogy is also useful in conceptualizing the training process in counseling and psychotherapy by providing a detailed framework through which changes in trainees over time and optimal supervisory approaches can be examined. Although Holloway's impression of the state of research on developmental models of clinical supervision is that there exists little evidence in support of the models, other authors have noted considerable consistency between the constructs of these models and the published research. We support Holloway's suggestion for improving research methodology in this area, and we note additional directions for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)