Influence of technological variables on the functionality of the cell‐free fraction of fermented buttermilk

Buttermilk is a suitable substrate for fermentation with proteolytic strains of Lactobacillus in order to release peptide fractions able to enhance the gut mucosal immune system. We aimed to determine the influence of the degree of proteolysis of buttermilk proteins on their functionality. Animals received for seven consecutive days the cell‐free fraction of 10 or 20% (w/v) buttermilk fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis 210 at pH 6. The pH was controlled either with NaOH or Ca(OH)₂. No significant differences in the number of IgA‐producing cells in the small intestine of mice were found. The functional capacity of the product under study was not affected by the technological variables considered.     

Immunization with Genetically Modified Trypanosomes Provides Protection against Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are incurable neurodegenerative diseases, associated with the conversion of the physiological prion protein to its disease-associated counterpart. Even though immunization against transmissible spongiform encephalopathies has shown great potential, immune tolerance effects impede the use of active immunization protocols for successful prophylaxis. In this study, we evaluate the use of trypanosomes as biological platforms for the presentation of a prion antigenic peptide to the host immune system. Using the engineered trypanosomes in an immunization protocol without the use of adjuvants led to the development of a humoral immune response against the prion protein in wild type mice, without the appearance of adverse reactions. The immune reaction elicited with this protocol displayed in vitro therapeutic potential and was further evaluated in a bioassay where immunized mice were partially protected in a representative murine model of prion diseases. Further studies are underway to better characterize the immune reaction and optimize the immunization protocol.     

工业以太网线缆新趋势

工厂级别的网络系统需要与集中过程控制和制造执行系统互联互通，TIA-1005就是为了实现在工业安装中全新结构化布线的理念。     

An overview of decision networks and organizations

The paper summarizes recent results on both binary and M-ary distributed hypothesis testing problems with decision makers (DMs) organized in structured decision networks. The general problem of finding an optimal organizational structure and decision strategy for such networks is formulated as a functional optimization problem. A normative model to study the effect of interactions between task structure and organizational design on the performance of hierarchical organizations is presented. A binary signal detection model is considered to illustrate the joint impact of organizational design and of task environment on the organizational decision performance. The concept of a congruent organizational structure (i.e., a structure that achieves centralized performance with minimal communication) is introduced, and a graph decomposition algorithm to synthesize congruent structures is discussed     

Measuring and modelling the reflectance spectra of male Swinhoe's pheasant feather barbules

A range of iridescent colour appearances are presented by male Swinhoe''s pheasants'' (Lophura swinhoii) mantle feathers. Two distinct regions of the open pennaceous portion of its feathers display particularly conspicuous angle-dependent reflection. A bright blue band appears in one region at normal incidence that spatially shifts to another at higher illumination angles. The two-dimensional photonic crystal-like nanostructures inside the barbules of these two regions are similar. However, this study found that the spatial variation in their colour appearance results from a continuously changing orientation of barbules with respect to the alignment of their associated barb. A multi-layered rigorous coupled-wave analysis approach was used to model the reflections from the identified intra-barbule structures. Well-matched simulated and measured reflectance spectra, at both normal and oblique incidence, support our elucidation of the origin of the bird''s distinctive feather colour appearance.     

Determining moisture levels in straw bale construction

The use of straw bales for the construction of buildings in the UK has to date generally been limited to the self-build fringe sector. In order to bring this form of construction into the mainstream sector, to benefit from its inherent low carbon and high insulation characteristics, it is necessary to guarantee the long-term durability of the straw. Maintaining low moisture levels is critical to the long-term resistance of straw to biological decomposition. This paper presents results from a study on moisture monitoring in straw bale construction, and includes the development of an empirical equation which relates straw moisture content to surrounding microclimate relative humidity and temperature. This knowledge allows continuous non-invasive condition monitoring of the straw in on-going research work and potentially as part of future managed maintenance of straw bale buildings.     

The alpha prime to delta reversion transformation in Pu-Ga alloys

The α′→δ reversion transformation in stabilized δ phase Pu-Ga alloys containing 0.5 wt.% and 0.6 wt.% Ga was studied using dilatometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The α′→δ reversion was observed to occur as a series of transformation bursts spread over a 20°C to 40°C temperature range. The enthalpy of the endothermic α′→δ reversion transformation was estimated to be approximately 0.56 J/g for the 0.6 wt.% Ga alloy. Lower gallium was found to raise the α′→δ reversion temperature in specimens cooled to −155°C from 44–48°C for 0.6 wt.% Ga to 92°C for 0.5 wt.% Ga. Repeated cycling to −155°C caused the reversion onset temperature to decrease by ∼10°C. Raising the minimum hold temperature from −150°C to −125°C caused the reversion onset temperature to decrease by 5–10°C. Annealing at 300–400°C was required to erase all traces of the effects of cold exposure; material heated to only 200°C after thermal cycling displayed decreased reversion onset temperatures during subsequent thermal cycling. For more information, contact D.S. Schwartz, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NMT Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545.     

Design of humanitarian tents for use in cold climates

Extreme climatic risks pose significant challenges to displaced populations that often lack adequate shelter. Contemporary policy documents concerning emergency shelter reveal that the scope of shelter-associated risk is much wider than simply exposure to the elements and includes a significant social dimension. However, disparity exists between implicitly accepted risks described in aid agency literature and field practice. Experience in recent disaster assistance programmes in Kosovo and Afghanistan illustrates how ill equipped the aid community is to deal with cold weather affecting transitional settlements. A review of the environmental risks associated with living in tented accommodation in cold climates reveals the difficulty of providing thermal comfort and fire safety in both heated and unheated tents. In addition, social surveys and field trials with displaced populations in Afghanistan illustrate that shelter is used, perceived and valued differently according to the ethnic and cultural background of occupants, and that these are also factors that impact on the risks they bear. Several design recommendations and guides for the use of cold climate relief tents are made, whilst acknowledging that the provision of alternative, longer-term shelter provision during the phase of emergency response is nearly always preferable.