Production of human growth hormone by Lactococcus lactis

A synthetic gene coding for human growth hormone was expressed in Lactococcus lactis. The presence of the recombinant protein was assayed and quantified using ELISA tests. Human growth hormone was detected at high concentrations and displayed a biological activity similar to the one shown by commercial human growth hormone.     

Endothelial repair process and its relevance to longitudinal neointimal tissue patterns: comparing histology with in silico modelling

Re-establishing a functional endothelium following endovascular treatment is an important factor in arresting neointimal proliferation. In this study, both histology (in vivo) and computational simulations (in silico) are used to evaluate neointimal growth patterns within coronary arteries along the axial direction of the stent. Comparison of the growth configurations in vivo and in silico was undertaken to identify candidate mechanisms for endothelial repair. Stent, lumen and neointimal areas were measured from histological sections obtained from eight right coronary stented porcine arteries. Two re-endothelialization scenarios (endothelial cell (EC) random seeding and EC growth from proximal and distal ends) were implemented in silico to evaluate their influence on the morphology of the simulated lesions. Subject to the assumptions made in the current simulations, comparison between in vivo and in silico results suggests that endothelial growth does not occur from the proximal and distal ends alone, but is more consistent with the assumption of a random seeding process. This may occur either from the patches of endothelium which survive following stent implantation or from attachment of circulating endothelial progenitor cells.     

Fuzzy mathematical morphology for biological image segmentation

Due to the imaging devices, real-world images such as biological images may have poor contrast and be corrupted by noise, so that regions in the images present soft edges and their segmentation turns out to be quite difficult. Fuzzy mathematical morphology can be successfully applied to segment biological images having such characteristics of vagueness and imprecision. In this work we introduce an approach based on fuzzy mathematical morphology to segment images of human oocytes in order to extract the oocyte region from the entire image. The approach applies fuzzy morphological operators to detect soft edges in the oocyte images, followed by morphological reconstruction operators to isolate the oocyte region. The main concepts from fuzzy mathematical morphology are briefly introduced and the results of applying fuzzy morphological operators are reported in low-contrast images of human oocytes.     

Genetic analysis of geraniol metabolism during fermentation

Geraniol produced by grape is the main precursor of terpenols which play a key role in the floral aroma of white wines. We investigated the fate of geraniol during wine fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The volatile compounds produced during fermentation of a medium enriched with geraniol were extracted by Stir-bar sorptive extraction and analysed by GC–MS. We were able to detect and quantify geranyl acetate but also citronellyl- and neryl-acetate. The presence of these compounds partly explains the disparition of geraniol. The amounts of terpenyl esters are strain dependant. We demonstrated both by gene overexpression and gene-deletion the involvement of ATF1 enzyme but not ATF2 in the acetylation of terpenols. The affinity of ATF1 enzyme for several terpenols and for isoamyl alcohol was compared. We also demonstrated that OYE2 is the enzyme involved in geraniol to citronellol reduction. Fermenting strain deleted from OYE2 gene produces far less citronellol than wild type strain. Moreover lab strain over-expressing OYE2 allows 87% geraniol to citronellol reduction in bioconversion experiment compared to about 50% conversion with control strain.     

Using pore space 3D geometrical modelling to simulate biological activity: Impact of soil structure

This study is the follow-up to a previous one devoted to soil pore space modelling. In the previous study, we proposed algorithms to represent soil pore space by means of optimal piecewise approximation using simple 3D geometrical primitives: balls, cylinders, cones, etc. In the present study, we use the ball-based piecewise approximation to simulate biological activity. The basic idea for modelling pore space consists in representing pore space using a minimal set of maximal balls (Delaunay spheres) recovering the shape skeleton. In this representation, each ball is considered as a maximal local cavity corresponding to the “intuitive” notion of a pore as described in the literature. The space segmentation induced by the network of balls (pores) is then used to spatialise biological dynamics. Organic matter and microbial decomposers are distributed within the balls (pores). A valuated graph representing the pore network, organic matter and microorganism distribution is then defined. Microbial soil organic matter decomposition is simulated by updating this valuated graph. The method has been implemented and tested on real data. As far as we know, this approach is the first one to formally link pore space geometry and biological dynamics. The long-term goal is to define geometrical typologies of pore space shape that can be attached to specific biological dynamic properties. This paper is a first attempt to achieve this goal.     

Highly stable Fe/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation

BACKGROUND: A highly stable Fe/γ‐Al₂O₃ catalyst for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation has been studied using phenol as target pollutant. The catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of γ‐Al₂O₃ with an aqueous solution of Fe(NO₃)₃· 9H₂O. The influence of pH, temperature, catalyst and H₂O₂ doses, as well as the initial phenol concentration has been analyzed. RESULTS: The reaction temperature and initial pH significantly affect both phenol conversion and total organic carbon removal. Working at 50 °C, an initial pH of 3, 100 mg L^?1 of phenol, a dose of H₂O₂ corresponding to the stoichiometric amount and 1250 mg L^?1 of catalyst, complete phenol conversion and a total organic carbon removal efficiency close to 80% were achieved. When the initial phenol concentration was increased to 1500 mg L^?1, a decreased efficiency in total organic carbon removal was observed with increased leaching of iron that can be related to a higher concentration of oxalic acid, as by‐product from catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol. CONCLUSION: A laboratory synthesized γ‐Al₂O₃ supported Fe has shown potential application in catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenolic wastewaters. The catalyst showed remarkable stability in long‐term continuous experiments with limited Fe leaching, < 3% of the initial loading. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Electrochemical behavior of multifunctional graphene–polyimide nanocomposite film in two different electrolyte solutions

The effect of solvent on specific capacitance, bulk resistance, and charge/discharge capacity of graphene/polyimide composite films is studied by electrochemical methods. Composite films are synthesized by in situ condensation polymerization of poly (amic acid) in the presence of 50 wt % partly exfoliated graphene sheets followed by thermal curing at 250°C. Raman spectrum of the exfoliated graphene sheets show an increase in the ratio of I_D to I_G peak intensities from 0.167 to 0.222, suggesting increased defects in graphene basal planes. Electrochemical measurements carried out by using 0.4M potassium hexafluorophosphate (KPF₆) dissolved in propylene carbonate and N‐methylpyrrolidone at 25°C show that the composite system exhibits both pseudocapacitance and supercapacitance behaviors, with an average capacitance of 40 and 36.5 F g^?1, respectively. Bulk resistance of the composite obtained by using KPF₆–propylene carbonate electrolyte solution is 300% lower than that obtained in KPF₆–N‐methylpyrrolidone solution, with a fairly stable specific capacity of 85 μAhr g^?1, with 80% retention observed after 30 charge–discharge cycles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements show shifts in the cyclic imide carbonyl peak from 1778 to 1774 cm^?1, which suggests that some form of interaction exists between the graphene and polyimide. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42673.     

The impact of childhood symptoms of conduct disorder on driver aggression in adulthood

Background

Despite limited empirical investigation, existing scientific literature suggests that individuals with a history or current diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD) may be more likely to demonstrate reckless and aggressive driving. Much of the limited research in this field examines the impact of childhood CD on driver behaviour and collision risk in young adults. Few if any, studies assess the impact of this disorder on driver behaviour beyond age 21 years. The current research is a population-based study of the impact of CD symptoms during childhood on the risk of engaging in driver aggression during adulthood.

Methods

Data are based on telephone interviews with 5230 respondents who reported having driven in the past year. Data are derived from the 2011–2013 cycles of the CAMH Monitor, an ongoing cross-sectional survey of adults in Ontario, Canada aged 18 years and older. A binary logistic regression analysis of self-reported driver aggression in the previous 12 months was conducted, consisting of measures of demographic characteristics, driving exposure, problem substance use, alcohol- and drug-impaired driving, symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and childhood (before age 15) symptoms of CD.

Results

When entered with demographic characteristics, driving exposure, and other potential confounders, childhood symptoms of CD increased the odds of reporting driver aggression more than two-fold (adjusted OR = 2.12). Exploratory analyses of the interaction between childhood symptoms of CD and age was not a significant predictor of driver aggression.

Conclusions

Results suggest that symptoms of CD during childhood are associated with significantly increased odds of self-reported driver aggression during adulthood. Limitations and future directions of the research are discussed.     

Engineering Gold Nanotubes with Controlled Length and Near‐Infrared Absorption for Theranostic Applications

Important aspects in engineering gold nanoparticles for theranostic applications include the control of size, optical properties, cytotoxicity, biodistribution, and clearance. In this study, gold nanotubes with controlled length and tunable absorption in the near‐infrared (NIR) region have been exploited for applications as photothermal conversion agents and in vivo photoacoustic imaging contrast agents. A length‐controlled synthesis has been developed to fabricate gold nanotubes (NTs) with well‐defined shape (i.e., inner void and open ends), high crystallinity, and tunable NIR surface plasmon resonance. A coating of poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) endows the nanotubes with colloidal stability and low cytotoxicity. The PSS‐coated Au NTs have the following characteristics: i) cellular uptake by colorectal cancer cells and macrophage cells, ii) photothermal ablation of cancer cells using single wavelength pulse laser irradiation, iii) excellent in vivo photoacoustic signal generation capability and accumulation at the tumor site, iv) hepatobiliary clearance within 72 h postintravenous injection. These results demonstrate that these PSS‐coated Au NTs have the ideal attributes to develop their potential as effective and safe in vivo imaging nanoprobes, photothermal conversion agents, and drug delivery vehicles. To the best of knowledge, this is the first in vitro and in vivo study of gold nanotubes.     

Conference news

RESOURCES: ENVIRONMENT AND POLICY, by John Fernie and Alan Pitkethly, Harper and Row, London, 1985, 338 pp. (#bp12.95, paperback)

THE ECONOMICS OF FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, by Per‐Olov Johansson and Karl‐Gustaf Lofgren, Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 1985, 292 pp. (#bp29.50, hardback only)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: STANDARDS, COMPLIANCE AND COSTS, edited by T. J. Lack, J. Wiley &; Son, Chichester, 1984, 329 pp. (#bp30, hardback)

ENVIRONMENT AND ENFORCEMENT: REGULATION AND THE SOCIAL DEFINITION OF POLLUTION, by K. Hawkins, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1984, 253 pp. (#bp15 hardback; #bp6.95, paperback)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, VOLUME 1: ELEMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS, by George Tolley, Philip Graves and Glenn Blomquist, Ballinger, Cambridge, Mass, and Harper and Row, London, 1981. (#bp27.50, hardback)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, VOLUME 4: SOLID WASTES, by George Tolley, Jospeh Havlicek and Robert Fabian, Ballinger, Cambridge, Mass. and Harper and Row, London, 1985. (#bp44.00, hardback)

World Health Organisation, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL IN RELATION TO DEVELOPMENT, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Technical Report Series, 718, 1985, 63 pp.

TRANSPORT IS FOR PEOPLE: NINTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON THEORY AND PRACTICE IN TRANSPORT ECONOMICS, European Conference of Ministers of Transport, 1983, Paris (#bp15.00)

RECREATION MANAGEMENT AND PRICING, by A. G. Bovaird, M. J. Tricker and R. Stoakes, Gower Press, Aldershot, 1984, 182 pp. (#bp15, hardback)

URBAN LAND AND SHELTER FOR THE POOR, by Patrick McAuslan, Earthscan#shInternational Institute for Environment and Development, London, 1985, 145 pp.

CARING FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. Prepared for the Association of Metro‐polital Authorities by Susan Balloch, Chris Hume, Brian Jones and Peter Westland. Publishers: Bedford Square Press, London, 1985, for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

THE LONG‐TERM UNEMPLOYED. ACTION FOR A FORGOTTEN MILLION, by Peter Ashby (Head, NVCO Policy Analysis Unit). An NCVO Policy Discussion document, Bedford Square Press, London (1985).

ANTHROPOGENIC COMPOUNDS: Volume 3 Part C of The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, edited by O. Hutzinger, Springer‐Verlag, Germany, 248 pp. 1986. (DM 188.00)

HEAVY METALS IN NATURAL WATERS: APPLIED MONITORING AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT, by James W. Moore and S. Ramamoorthy, Springer‐Verlag, U.S.A. and Germany, viii #pl 268 pages, index, 1984. (DM 108.00)

DESTRUCTION AND DISPOSAL OF PCBs BY THERMAL AND NON‐THERMAL METHODS, by D. G. Ackerman, L. L. Scinto, P. S. Bakshi, R. G. Delumyea, R. J. Johnson, G. Richard, A. M. Takata and E. M. Sworzyn. Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, New Jersey, 1983, xiv #pl 417 pages (no index). (#dl48.00)

ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR MANUAL (Pollution Technology Review No. 91), by Jack R. McDonald and Alan H. Dean, Noyes Data Corporation, U.S.A., 1982. (#dl48.00)

PATTY'S INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY, edited by Lewis J. Cralley and Lester V. Cralley, Volume 3 (2nd Edition)—Theory and Rationale of Industrial Hygiene Practice: (i) Volume 3A—The Work Environment (#bp97.20); (ii) Volume 3B—Biological Responses (#bp92.00) J. Wiley and Sons Ltd., Chichester U.K. 1985.

SAFE DRINKING WATER. THE IMPACT OF CHEMICALS ON A LIMITED RESOURCE, edited by R. G. Rice, J. Wiley and Sons, Chichester, U.K., Lewis Publishers Inc. Chelsea MI, 1985. (#bp36.00)

PLANTS FOR ARID LANDS. (Proceedings of the Kew International Conference on Economic Plants for Arid Lands held in the Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, 23‐27 July 1984), edited by G. E. Wickens, J. R. Goodwin and D. V. Field. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1985. (#bp30.00)

REGULATED RIVERS, edited by A. Lillehammer and S. J. Saltveit, Univer‐sitetsforlaget AS, Oslo, 1984. (#bp47.50)

NUTRIENT CYCLING IN TROPICAL FOREST ECOSYSTEMS, by C. F. Jordan, Wiley, Chichester, 1985. (#bp13.45)