Constant-distance mode scanning potentiometry. 1. Visualization of calcium carbonate dissolution in aqueous solution

Constant-distance mode scanning potentiometry was established by integrating potentiometric microsensors as ion-selective scanning probes into a SECM setup that was equipped with a piezoelectric shear force-based tip-to-sample distance control. The combination of specially designed micrometer-sized potentiometric tips with an advanced system for tip positioning allowed simultaneous acquisition of both topographic and potentiometric information at solid/liquid interfaces with high spatial resolution. The performance of the approach was evaluated by applying Ca(2+)-selective constant-distance mode potentiometry to monitor the dissolution of calcium carbonate occurring either at the (104) surface of calcite crystals or in proximity to the more complex surface of cross sections of a calcium carbonate shell of Mya arenaria exposed to slightly acidic aqueous solutions. Micrometer-scale heterogeneities in the apparent calcium activity profiles have successfully been resolved for both samples.     

Biological evaluation and structural determinants of p38α mitogen-activated-protein kinase and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 3 inhibition by flavonoids

A series of 42 naturally occurring flavonoids and one flavonoid glucuronide were tested for their ability to inhibit p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α) and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3). Potent inhibitors with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range were identified. Structure-activity relationships were evaluated and the most promising compounds were docked into the ATP binding site of these kinases. Among the different classes of flavonoids, the flavonol group showed better inhibition of p38α. Of this class, kaempferol-7,4'-dimethylether was a potent p38α inhibitor, displaying 13-fold selectivity for p38α over JNK3. The flavone compounds without a 6-methoxy group preferentially inhibited JNK3. The flavone glycoside, luteolin-7-O-glycoside, was identified as a potent inhibitor with the greatest selectivity toward JNK3. In contrast, the flavanol compounds displayed similar inhibitory activities toward both kinases.     

城市森林

重庆是中国最年轻的直辖市,城市规划建设大有可为,完全有条件建成一个大家公认的宜居城市,一个环境优美的城市,一个交通顺畅的城市,甚至变成一个森林城市。一个有希望、有活力的地方,要敢于设想和设计自己的美好未来。——薄熙来(重庆市长)     

Möglichkeiten,die Wirkungsweise originären Fettes von Fleisch bei Angebot,Einkauf und Zubereitung einzubeziehen

Possibilities of Including the Effects of Origin Fat of Meat with Respect to Offer, Purchase and Dressing Each species of animal possesses a specific, quantitative and qualitative fat spectrum which can be influenced genetically and by environment. Basing on proved correlations it can be assessed under practice conditions, too, at least limited for the utilization of meat and fat tissue. Regarding this point of view, category origin, fattening degree and anatomic localisation of the tissue of slaughtered bodies have been demonstrated to be significant causes of variety, but not homogenous ones concerning their effects and their correlations, with respect to fat, protein and connective tissue content, fatty acid patterns, fat cell size and fat colour. The evidence of the refraction indices of fats among the species of animals are so instable that these data which seem to be rather interesting because of their small time and material expenditure, represent no significant correlation mark. In the used cooking media - hot air, contact grill, water - fat criteria referred to origin, have altogether stronger effects in the frying-oven and during grilling than in boiling water. The perception of the optimal worth of delight is individual and a pointed realisation of individual flavour ideas should be possible by corresponding ways of offer. The physiological status of development of an animal at the time of slaughter can be an orientation beside the localisation of the tissues and the during purchase visible intra- and intermuscular or subcutaneous fat, if a practicable declared obviousness as a conglomeration of relevant characterisation signs could be developed in the final consumption step.     

Microbiological investigations for sanitary assessment of wastewater treated in constructed wetlands

Microbiological investigations into the occurrence and fate of pathogens in wastewater were carried out in a multi-annual measurement programme, using samples from three artificial wetlands equipped with pre-treatment systems (multi-chamber septic tanks, lagoons) and predominantly treating domestic wastewater. In this study, the concentrations of indicator organisms and pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms were determined in the various components or stages of the systems. The evaluation of data from some 3.600 microbiological analyses and a comparison with older data from a plant which has already been operation for 18 y made it possible for the first time ever to include operational factors in the assessment. Average removal of all major indicator organisms and pathogens is 1.5-2.5 log units for one-stage systems and increases to 3-5 log units for multi-stage systems. Significant differences between horizontal and vertical filters were not found. If no clogging problems arise during their operation, multi-stage systems can meet the requirements of the EU bathing water and irrigation water directives. Influent concentration, wastewater temperature, and hydraulic loading rate were found to be major factors of influence. The performance of constructed wetlands in removing microorganisms is clearly superior to that of conventional biological activated sludge systems.     

Failure of Diphtheria Toxin Model to Induce Parkinson-Like Behavior in Mice

Rodent models of Parkinson’s disease are based on transgenic expression of mutant synuclein, deletion of PD genes, injections of MPTP or rotenone, or seeding of synuclein fibrils. The models show histopathologic features of PD such as Lewi bodies but mostly only subtle in vivo manifestations or systemic toxicity. The models only partly mimic a predominant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. We therefore generated mice that express the transgenic diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) specifically in DA neurons by crossing DAT-Cre mice with Rosa26 loxP-STOP-loxP DTR mice. After defining a well-tolerated DTx dose, DAT-DTR and DTR-flfl controls were subjected to non-toxic DTx treatment (5 × 100 pg/g) and subsequent histology and behavioral tests. DAT protein levels were reduced in the midbrain, and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons were reduced in the substantia nigra, whereas the pan-neuronal marker NeuN was not affected. Despite the promising histologic results, there was no difference in motor function tests or open field behavior. These are tests in which double mutant Pink1^−/−SNCA^A53T Parkinson mice show behavioral abnormalities. Higher doses of DTx were toxic in both groups. The data suggest that DTx treatment in mice with Cre/loxP-driven DAT-DTR expression leads to partial ablation of DA-neurons but without PD-reminiscent behavioral correlates.     

Production and processing of foods as core aspects of nutrition-sensitive agriculture and sustainable diets

Some forms of malnutrition are partly due to agriculture not having nutrient outputs as an explicit goal. A better understanding of what is required from agricultural production and food processing for healthy and sustainable diets is needed. Besides nutritional quality or nutrient output, important factors are: water, soil, health hazards, agrobiodiversity and seasonality. Therefore, possible interactions among constituents of the food chain – human health, the environment, knowledge and education – should be considered from a systemic perspective. Nutrition-sensitive agriculture needs to consider and understand the role of biodiversity in improving dietary quality and dietary diversity as well as seasonality in food supply. Apart from improving agricultural systems in order to close the nutrition gap, efficient storage and food processing technologies to prolong shelf-life are required. If processing is poor, high food losses can cause food insecurity or increase the risk of producing unsafe and unhealthy food. Food storage and processing technologies, particularly at household level, are challenging and often not applicable to traditional crops. In order to achieve the aims of nutrition-sensitive agriculture, it is necessary to comprehend its complexity and the factors that influence it. This will require a trans-disciplinary approach, which will include the three sectors agriculture, nutrition and health at research, extension and political levels. Ensuring that farmers are knowledgeable about production systems, which sustainably provide adequate amounts of nutritious food while conserving the environment is an essential part of nutrition-sensitive agriculture. At the same time, for the benefits of nutrition-sensitive agriculture to be realized, educated consumers are required who understand what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet.     

Über die IR-Spektren kurzkettiger aliphatischer Trimethylbetainamide. IR-spektroskopische Untersuchungen über β-Homobetainamid, γ-Butyrobetainamid und die Konglomeratbildung beim kristallinen razemischen Carnitinamid

The Infrared Spectra of Some Low-molecular Aliphatic Amides with Quaternary Nitrogen Infrared Spectroscopical Investigations of β-Homobetaine Amide, γ-Butyrobetaine Amide and the Conglomerate from D- and L-Carnitine Amide The infrared absorption spectra of β-homobetaine amide, γ-butyrobetaine amide D,L-, D- and L-carnitine amide in KBr-discs were recorded in the frequency range from 400 cm⁻¹ to 4000 cm⁻¹. Assignments of the characteristic group frequencies have been proposed. In crystallized state D,L-carnitine amide forms a conglomerate from D- and L-carnitine amide, but no chemical compound because of the identity of the infrared spectra obtained from the three optical isomeric carnitine amides.