Patterning of Protein/Quantum Dot Hybrid Bionanostructures

Here we demonstrate patterning of protein/quantum dot hybrid bionanostructures via electrostatic assembly of engineered negatively charged fluorescent protein with positively charged CdSe/ZnS QD patterns formed through e-beam lithography and post-patterning modification with cationic ligands.     

Bio and Nano Working Together: Engineering the Protein-Nanoparticle Interface

Surface engineering of nanoparticles controls the interaction of these materials with proteins and other biomolecules. These interactions provide an important tool for integrating synthetic and biological systems. We will discuss the use of nanoparticles to modulate the structure and function of proteins, the self-assembly of proteins and nanoparticles to create multifunctional materials, and the construction of nanoparticle-based sensors for the detection and identification of proteins and cells.     

Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in dogs in The Netherlands

The occurrence, the diagnosis, and the treatment of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in dogs in the Netherlands was evaluated by a survey among Dutch veterinarians carried out by the National Poisons Control Center (NPCC). The survey included information on 54 dogs, 32 being treated by veterinarians who consulted the NPCC and 22 that were admitted to the Utrecht University Clinic for Companion Animals (UUCCA). The poisons that were suspected were brodifacoum (n = 19), bromadiolone (n = 14), difenacoum (n = 8), difethialone (n = 6) and chlorophacinone (n = 1). In 6 dogs the identity of the poison was unknown. Of 31 dogs with hemorrhages, 2 died shortly after presentation to practitioners and 2 died shortly after admission to the UUCCA. Signs of bleeding occurred especially in poisoning by brodifacoum (n = 16). In all but one of the dogs without hemorrhages, the intake of poison had taken place within 24 hours before presentation. The method of treatment varied, with the induction of vomiting and the use of vitamin K mentioned most. The choice of therapy was determined by the length of time after intake of the poison, the clinical signs and whether or not an anticoagulant toxicosis was suspected at the time of the initial examination. These findings provide the basis for discussion of several aspects of diagnosis and treatment.     

The pachyderm and the pixel: an assessment of elephant habitat suitability in Sonitpur,India

Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GISs) are increasingly being used in protected area monitoring and habitat suitability studies. In this article, Erdas Imagine's Expert Classifier tool was used to assess the specific trajectories of habitat suitability change during 1994–2007 in the Sonitpur elephant habitat, India. Sonitpur has been witness to increasing human–elephant conflict in the past decade. The suitability analysis took into account information relating to forest type and density, elevation, slope, source of water, human activities in terms of settlement, agriculture, tea plantations, roads, and railways. Satellite imagery, data from topographical maps, digital elevation data, and global positioning system readings formed the major data inputs that were incorporated into a GIS. Various decision rules were created and confidence levels assigned to the input layers to generate high, medium, and low habitat suitability. The area witnessed a sharp decline in suitability from 63% in 1994 to less than 38% by 2007. The high-suitability area declined by more than 50% during this period. The unique natural protected areas of Sonitpur, which are a mix of reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and a national park, urgently need to be protected from further habitat degradation.