Biocontrol of Biofilm Formation: Jamming of Sessile-Associated Rhizobial Communication by Rhodococcal Quorum-Quenching

Biofilms are complex structures formed by a community of microbes adhering to a surface and/or to each other through the secretion of an adhesive and protective matrix. The establishment of these structures requires a coordination of action between microorganisms through powerful communication systems such as quorum-sensing. Therefore, auxiliary bacteria capable of interfering with these means of communication could be used to prevent biofilm formation and development. The phytopathogen Rhizobium rhizogenes, which causes hairy root disease and forms large biofilms in hydroponic crops, and the biocontrol agent Rhodococcus erythropolis R138 were used for this study. Changes in biofilm biovolume and structure, as well as interactions between rhizobia and rhodococci, were monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy with appropriate fluorescent biosensors. We obtained direct visual evidence of an exchange of signals between rhizobia and the jamming of this communication by Rhodococcus within the biofilm. Signaling molecules were characterized as long chain (C₁₄) N-acyl-homoserine lactones. The role of the Qsd quorum-quenching pathway in biofilm alteration was confirmed with an R. erythropolis mutant unable to produce the QsdA lactonase, and by expression of the qsdA gene in a heterologous host, Escherichia coli. Finally, Rhizobium biofilm formation was similarly inhibited by a purified extract of QsdA enzyme.     

Beyond keeping active: Concomitants of being a volunteer in old-old age.

This study examines concomitants of volunteering in the context of other lifestyle activities. Investigating formal volunteering in old-old age, the authors analyzed data of 148 volunteers versus 1,195 nonvolunteers in a national sample of the Israeli Jewish population aged 75-94. As hypothesized, being a volunteer related (whether as a cause or effect) to more positive functioning on psychosocial markers and prospectively resulted in reduced mortality risk even when other activity outlets (physical activity, everyday activities, having a hobby) were controlled. These findings suggest that the benefits of volunteering in late life are not reducible to those of other activities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

以美国为例的生活方式家居品牌特征探析

目的 对美国相对成熟的生活方式家居品牌的设计特征及营销模式等进行研究,为国内家居品牌的发展提供可借鉴的研究案例。方法 对美国具有代表性的生活方式家居品牌数据资料进行梳理,结合对目标品牌的实地调研,综合分析不同品牌的相同特征。调研发现,美国的生活方式家居品牌的设计特征反映在整体规划、产品配搭方法、反映消费者生活形态等方面,再现场景式、互动式及引导式营销等方面也都有十分相似的成功经验及做法,国内传统家居企业在这些方面还比较欠缺。结论 美国作为具有多年发展经验的成熟市场,其优胜之处值得国内传统家居企业学习,也值得行业从业者的进一步探讨。当下国内生活方式家居市场正在高速发展,美国生活方式家居品牌可以作为国内新兴的及正在转型的企业的重要参考。     

以方便为前提的商品包装设计

分析了商品经济的发展及生活方式的改变对现代商品包装设计的影响,提出了\"一切以方便为前提\"的商品包装设计新观念,并结合日常生活中的各类商品包装,从商品的生产、运输储存、陈列、使用、携带、回收利用等方面进行了论述,进而阐明了\"一切以方便为前提\"这一全新观念的重要性,它是一切商品包装设计的前提和准则。     

Lifestyle and mental health.

Mental health professionals have significantly underestimated the importance of lifestyle factors (a) as contributors to and treatments for multiple psychopathologies, (b) for fostering individual and social well-being, and (c) for preserving and optimizing cognitive function. Consequently, therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) are underutilized despite considerable evidence of their effectiveness in both clinical and normal populations. TLCs are sometimes as effective as either psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy and can offer significant therapeutic advantages. Important TLCs include exercise, nutrition and diet, time in nature, relationships, recreation, relaxation and stress management, religious or spiritual involvement, and service to others. This article reviews research on their effects and effectiveness; the principles, advantages, and challenges involved in implementing them; and the forces (economic, institutional, and professional) hindering their use. Where possible, therapeutic recommendations are distilled into easily communicable principles, because such ease of communication strongly influences whether therapists recommend and patients adopt interventions. Finally, the article explores the many implications of contemporary lifestyles and TLCs for individuals, society, and health professionals. In the 21st century, therapeutic lifestyles may need to be a central focus of mental, medical, and public health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sopite syndrome in wind-excited buildings: productivity and wellbeing impacts

Tall buildings vibrate in response to strong winds at frequencies below 1?Hz, which can cause motion sickness and sopite syndrome in humans. Sopite syndrome is characterized by sleepiness, low motivation and low mood that can reduce productivity in office workers. This paper uses recent multidisciplinary research to estimate the cost of building motion on organizations in tall buildings, and provides a framework for future research. The potential costs of wind-induced building motion to organizations are highly variable, depending on the local weather climate, but are likely to be significant in the long-term. It is argued that wind-induced building motion is a negative externality, a cost of inadequate design passed to building users. A three-factor approach towards reducing adverse impacts of wind-induced building motion is discussed: (1) further research investigating the characteristics of motion that provoke sopite syndrome, (2) create a new generation of serviceability criteria, and (3) regulations setting the maximum acceptable motion dose for office workers. This three-factor approach will likely produce comprehensive, yet usable, guidelines to develop strategies that reduce the adverse effects of motion on occupants in both new and existing buildings.     

The diversification of urbanisation: New challenges for New Zealand planning

Analysis of recent census data shows that the historical population drift to the north and the dominance of Auckland no longer explain urban differentiation in New Zealand. Growth in “sunbelt” communities and exurban areas is changing the shape of settlement. These parallel trends require new research and will demand novel responses from planners.     

The self as perpetual experiment: Psychodynamic comments on some aspects of contemporary urban culture.

The author examines the interaction between a dominant trend in contemporary urban culture and the dynamics of the search for identity and exemplifies it through the therapeutic work with a young woman who sought to find a personal voice and style within urban space. Sociologists and philosophers have argued that contemporary urban culture, in a Nietzschean way, views the self as the locus of perpetual experimentation. The self is to be created like a work of art, ranging from the shaping of the body to the conscious creation of one's lifestyle. The search for authorship over one's life has become an integral part of culture, and helping patients in this search requires clinicians to develop a new vocabulary. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

绿色之路——理念与绿色建筑管理制度

绿色建筑是我国城镇化发展的必经之路。观念是行动的先导。绿色建筑理念和绿色生活方式应成为国人一种行为习惯和生活常态。建立针对性强、可行性高的绿色建筑国家和地方标准体系是当务之急。提出日常生活的绿色理念,研究、梳理了我国的绿色建筑管理制度,为我国绿色建筑标准体系的建立从实施层面提出建议。