Antimicrobial Properties of TiO2 Microparticles Coated with Ca- and Cu-Based Composite Layers

The ability of TiO₂ to generate reactive oxygen species under UV radiation makes it an efficient candidate in antimicrobial studies. In this context, the preparation of TiO₂ microparticles coated with Ca- and Cu-based composite layers over which Cu(II), Cu(I), and Cu(0) species were identified is presented here. The obtained materials were characterized by a wide range of analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficiency was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative standard methods and standard clinical microbial strains. A significant aspect of this composite is that the antimicrobial properties were evidenced both in the presence and absence of the light, as result of competition between photo and electrical effects. However, the antibacterial effect was similar in darkness and light for all samples. Because no photocatalytic properties were found in the absence of copper, the results sustain the antibacterial effect of the electric field (generated by the electrostatic potential of the composite layer) both under the dark and in light conditions. In this way, the composite layers supported on the TiO₂ microparticles’ surface can offer continuous antibacterial protection and do not require the presence of a permanent light source for activation. However, the antimicrobial effect in the dark is more significant and is considered to be the result of the electric field effect generated on the composite layer.     

The Link between Activities of Hepatic 11beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase-1 and Monoamine Oxidase-A in the Brain Following Repeated Predator Stress: Focus on Heightened Anxiety

We investigated the presence of a molecular pathway from hepatic 11-βHSD-1 to brain MAO-A in the dynamics of plasma corticosterone involvement in anxiety development. During 14 days following repeated exposure of rats to predator scent stress for 10 days, the following variables were measured: hepatic 11-βHSD-1 and brain MAO-A activities, brain norepinephrine, plasma corticosterone concentrations, and anxiety, as reflected by performance on an elevated plus maze. Anxiety briefly decreased and then increased after stress exposure. This behavioral response correlated inversely with plasma corticosterone and with brain MAO-A activity. A mathematical model described the dynamics of the biochemical variables and predicted the factor(s) responsible for the development and dynamics of anxiety. In the model, hepatic 11-βHSD-1 was considered a key factor in defining the dynamics of plasma corticosterone. In turn, plasma corticosterone and oxidation of brain ketodienes and conjugated trienes determined the dynamics of brain MAO-A activity, and MAO-A activity determined the dynamics of brain norepinephrine. Finally, plasma corticosterone was modeled as the determinant of anxiety. Solution of the model equations demonstrated that plasma corticosterone is mainly determined by the activity of hepatic 11-βHSD-1 and, most importantly, that corticosterone plays a critical role in the dynamics of anxiety following repeated stress.     

Polycondensed Peptide Carriers Modified with Cyclic RGD Ligand for Targeted Suicide Gene Delivery to Uterine Fibroid Cells

Suicide gene therapy was suggested as a possible strategy for the treatment of uterine fibroids (UFs), which are the most common benign tumors inwomen of reproductive age. For successful suicide gene therapy, DNAtherapeutics should be specifically delivered to UF cells. Peptide carriers are promising non-viral gene delivery systems that can be easily modified with ligands and other biomolecules to overcome DNA transfer barriers. Here we designed polycondensed peptide carriers modified with a cyclic RGD moiety for targeted DNA delivery to UF cells. Molecular weights of the resultant polymers were determined, and inclusion of the ligand was confirmed by MALDI-TOF. The physicochemical properties of the polyplexes, as well as cellular DNA transport, toxicity, and transfection efficiency were studied, and the specificity of αvβ3 integrin-expressing cell transfection was proved. The modification with the ligand resulted in a three-fold increase of transfection efficiency. Modeling of the suicide gene therapy by transferring the HSV-TK suicide gene to primary cells obtained from myomatous nodes of uterine leiomyoma patients was carried out. We observed up to a 2.3-fold decrease in proliferative activity after ganciclovir treatment of the transfected cells. Pro- and anti-apoptotic gene expression analysis confirmed our findings that the developed polyplexes stimulate UF cell death in a suicide-specific manner.     

Actinide ENDF/B-VII cross-section evaluations and validation testing

We describe advances made recently at Los Alamos for ENDF/B-VII, and for future ENDF releases, of actinide cross-section evaluations. Using americium as an illustrative example, we describe recent experiments that have largely confirmed the nuclear theory predictions that were the basis for the ENDF/B-VII.0 data for these americium reactions. The goal of this paper is to highlight some of the open issues in our understanding of the actinide nuclear data – especially for fast reactor applications – and show examples of how experiment, theory, and integral data validation has advanced our understanding. We will also describe the usage of these data in MCNP and S_N radiation transport simulations of various integral critical systems, for both criticality and for transmutation reaction rates.     

Hydrocolloids with emulsifying capacity. Part 2 – Adsorption properties at the n-hexadecane–Water interface

The ability to adsorb at n-hexadecane – water interface of natural hydrocolloids was quantified by dynamic drop tensiometry. Conventional and matured hydrocolloids samples from Acacia senegal, Acacia seyal (AcSey), Sugar Beet Pectin (SBP) and natural untreated Gum Ghatti (GG), were studied in aqueous solutions at pH 4.5. Maturation of A. senegal gum (Acacia (sen) SUPERGUM? EM2, designated as EM2) increased its ability to lower interfacial tension and the elastic characteristics of the interfacial film. This change in properties can be attributed to the increase in molecular weight and in arabino-galactan-protein (AGP) content. EM2 exhibited the best interfacial properties. Conventional and matured AcSey presented interfacial properties that were similar to conventional A. senegal (GAc), correlating with minimal changes observed in their structural features after maturation. Gum ghatti reacted similarly to EM2 and presented relatively fast kinetic profiles, revealing the good qualities of this gum. The kinetics associated with all the hydrocolloids at pH 4.5 have been described using a mathematical model, from which quantitative parameters as onset time or half-time of interfacial-tension-decrease were determined. Compared to the other hydrocolloids, SBP adsorbs by a different mechanism. However, pectin presented the lowest final interfacial tension and gave the more elastic interfacial film. Acidification of hydrocolloid solutions to pH 3.1 increased both the ability to lower the interfacial tension and the elastic characteristics of interfacial film. The effect of structural modifications on interfacial properties was demonstrated, and clarifies further the already observed emulsification behaviour of the studied hydrocolloid.     

Drivers of groundwater utilization in water-limited rice production systems in Nepal

ABSTRACT

Most rice farmers in Nepal’s Terai region do not fully utilize irrigation during breaks in monsoon rainfall. This leads to yield losses despite abundant groundwater resources and ongoing expansion of diesel pumps and tubewell infrastructure. We investigate this puzzle by characterizing delay factors governing tubewell irrigation across wealth and precipitation gradients. After the decision to irrigate, different factors delay irrigation by roughly one week. While more sustainable and inexpensive energy for pumping may eventually catalyze transformative change, we identify near-term interventions that may increase rice farmers’ resilience to water stress in smallholder-dominated farming communities based on prevailing types of irrigation infrastructure.     

French fries with less than 100 μg/kg acrylamide. A collaboration between cooks and analysts

In collaboration with cooking experts, the preparation of French fries in oil and in ovens was optimized, aiming at optimum culinary quality combined with a minimum acrylamide content. French fries with 40–70 g/kg acrylamide were consistently produced, i.e. with 5–10 times less acrylamide than currently normal. The raw potato should contain little reducing sugars, i.e. be of a suitable cultivar, and storage at temperatures below about 10 °C must be avoided. After cutting and elimination of the fines, the potato is immersed in standing cold or boiler-warm water for some 15 min in order to extract asparagine and sugars from the surface without washing out the starch. Pre-frying in oil (ca. 140 °C for 2.5 min) improves crispiness. Frying should occur at an initial oil temperature of about 170 °C, adding some 100 g potato/l oil. Since acrylamide formation increases exponentially towards the end of the process, the most important factor to keep acrylamide contents low is the determination of the proper end point of the frying process. French fries should be crispy with slight browning of the tips to achieve the typical flavor, but without general browning. Preparation in the oven, starting from frozen prefabricates, requires temperatures of around 190 °C or 220 °C, depending on whether or not the air is circulated. The proper determination of the end point is again the most critical step.     

Resonances in Acoustic Bottom Reflection And Their Relation to the Ocean Bottom Properties

An analysis of the resonances in the acoustic reflection coefficient of a layered ocean bottom is carried out, ilustrated by a representative example with constant sound velocities in each layer. Resonances are evident in the reflection coefficient both as a function of frequency and of angle of incidence. They are shown to depend on the properties of the layered ocean bottom in such a way that the bottom parameters may be extracted from a measurement of certain characteristic features of the resonances, thus providing a solution of the inverse scattering problem.