пятница, 16 ноября 2012 г.

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IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 15162-15176: The Characterization of SaPIN2b, a Plant Trichome-Localized Proteinase Inhibitor from Solanum americanum

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Proteinase inhibitors play an important role in plant resistance of insects and pathogens. In this study, we characterized the serine proteinase inhibitor SaPIN2b, which is constitutively expressed in Solanum americanum trichomes and contains two conserved motifs of the proteinase inhibitor II (PIN2) family. The recombinant SaPIN2b (rSaPIN2b), which was expressed in Escherichia coli, was demonstrated to be a potent proteinase inhibitor against a panel of serine proteinases, including subtilisin A, chymotrypsin and trypsin. Moreover, rSaPIN2b also effectively inhibited the proteinase activities of midgut trypsin-like proteinases that were extracted from the devastating pest Helicoverpa armigera. Furthermore, the overexpression of SaPIN2b in transgenic tobacco plants resulted in enhanced resistance against H. armigera. Taken together, our results demonstrated that SaPIN2b is a potent serine proteinase inhibitor that may act as a protective protein in plant defense against insect attacks.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 15137-15161: Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) as a Tool for Dissecting the Molecular Mechanisms for Maturation of the Shigella Type III Secretion Needle Tip Complex

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) provides a powerful tool for monitoring intermolecular interactions and a sensitive technique for studying Å-level protein conformational changes. One system that has particularly benefited from the sensitivity and diversity of FRET measurements is the maturation of the Shigella type III secretion apparatus (T3SA) needle tip complex. The Shigella T3SA delivers effector proteins into intestinal cells to promote bacterial invasion and spread. The T3SA is comprised of a basal body that spans the bacterial envelope and a needle with an exposed tip complex that matures in response to environmental stimuli. FRET measurements demonstrated bile salt binding by the nascent needle tip protein IpaD and also mapped resulting structural changes which led to the recruitment of the translocator IpaB. At the needle tip IpaB acts as a sensor for host cell contact but prior to secretion, it is stored as a heterodimeric complex with the chaperone IpgC. FRET analyses showed that chaperone binding to IpaB’s N-terminal domain causes a conformational change in the latter. These FRET analyses, with other biophysical methods, have been central to understanding T3SA maturation and will be highlighted, focusing on the details of the FRET measurements and the relevance to this particular system.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 15126-15136: Catalytic Hydrogenation of the Sweet Principles of Stevia rebaudiana, Rebaudioside B, Rebaudioside C, and Rebaudioside D and Sensory Evaluation of Their Reduced Derivatives

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Catalytic hydrogenation of rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, and rebaudioside D; the three ent-kaurane diterpene glycosides isolated from Stevia rebaudiana was carried out using Pd(OH)2. Reduction of steviol glycosides was performed using straightforward synthetic chemistry with the catalyst Pd(OH)2 and structures of the corresponding dihydro derivatives were characterized on the basis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data indicating that all are novel compounds being reported for the first time. Also, the taste properties of all reduced compounds were evaluated against their corresponding original steviol glycosides and sucrose.

IJMS, Vol. 13, Pages 15107-15125: Mast Cells in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Mast cells (MCs) are best known as key immune players in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent allergic reactions. In recent years, several lines of evidence have suggested that MCs might play an important role in several pathological conditions, including autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS. Since their first description in MS plaques in the late 1800s, much effort has been put into elucidating the contribution of MCs to the development of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity. Mouse models of MC-deficiency have provided a valuable experimental tool for dissecting MC involvement in MS and EAE. However, to date there is still major controversy concerning the function of MCs in these diseases. Indeed, although MCs have been classically proposed as having a detrimental and pro-inflammatory role, recent literature has questioned and resized the contribution of MCs to the pathology of MS and EAE. In this review, we will present the main evidence obtained in MS and EAE on this topic, and discuss the critical and controversial aspects of such evidence.

Materials, Vol. 5, Pages 2360-2382: Wear Behavior of Fiber Laser Textured TiN Coatings in a Heavy Loaded Sliding Regime

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

In heavy loaded mating components, such as sliders and sliding bearings, guaranteeing the efficiency of lubricant films for long times during severe service conditions is very complicated. In this work, the benefits deriving from the use of fiber laser sources for surface texturing of very thin TiN coatings in severe wear working conditions were demonstrated. Evaluations of the laser textured dimples shape, geometry and density are given. Wear performance of the fiber laser textured surfaces was evaluated in discontinuous oil lubricated conditions with a flat contact. High normal load and low sliding speed were applied. Comparison tests were also performed on commercial TiN and WC/C coatings. In terms of average wear volume and maximum wear depth, Laser Surface Texturing of TiN provided respectively a 70% and a 45% reduction if compared to plain TiN. If compared to WC/C the wear resistance gains were lower but LST TiN maintained such benefits for longer wear runs. SEM analysis also revealed that the laser interaction provided a localized thermal cracking to the TiN coating. However, the sliding action caused very limited and localized coating fragmentation or delamination.

Materials, Vol. 5, Pages 2353-2359: Carbon Nanotube Electron Emitter for X-ray Imaging

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

The carbon nanotube field emitter array was grown on silicon substrate through a resist-assisted patterning (RAP) process. The shape of the carbon nanotube array is elliptical with 2.0 × 0.5 mm2 for an isotropic focal spot size at anode target. The field emission properties with triode electrodes show a gate turn-on field of 3 V/µm at an anode emission current of 0.1 mA. The author demonstrated the X-ray source with triode electrode structure utilizing the carbon nanotube emitter, and the transmitted X-ray image was of high resolution.

Materials, Vol. 5, Pages 2342-2352: Time-Dependent Behavior of Reinforced Polymer Concrete Columns under Eccentric Axial Loading

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Polymer concretes (PCs) represent a promising alternative to traditional cementitious materials in the field of new construction. In fact, PCs exhibit high compressive strength and ultimate compressive strain values, as well as good chemical resistance. Within the context of these benefits, this paper presents a study on the time-dependent behavior of polymer concrete columns reinforced with different bar types using a mechanical model recently developed by the authors. Balanced internal reinforcements are considered (i.e., two bars at both the top and bottom of the cross-section). The investigation highlights relevant stress and strain variations over time and, consequently, the emergence of a significant decrease in concrete’s stiffness and strength over time. Therefore, the results indicate that deferred effects due to viscous flow may significantly affect the reliability of reinforced polymer concrete elements over time.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13631-13641: Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Alstonia yunnanensis and Their Cytotoxic and Anti-inflammatory Activities

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

The 80% ethanol extract of Alstonia yunnanensis afforded five new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids: 11-hydroxy-6,7-epoxy-8-oxo-vincadifformine (1), 14-chloro-15-hydroxy- vincadifformine (2), perakine N4-oxide (3), raucaffrinoline N4-oxide (4), and vinorine N1,N4-dioxide (5), together with three known compounds: 11-methoxy-6,7-epoxy-8-oxo- vincadifformine (6), vinorine N4-oxide (7) and vinorine (8). The structures of the isolated compounds were established based on 1D and 2D (1H-1H-COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for cytotoxic potential against seven tumor cell lines and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 3, 4 and 7 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines and selective inhibition of Cox-2 (>85%).

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13622-13630: Amelioration of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice by Rhodobacter sphaeroides Extract

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Bacteria can produce some compounds in response to their environment. These compounds are widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Some probiotics have immunomodulatory activities and modulate the symptoms of several diseases. Autoimmune diseases represent a complex group of conditions that are thought to be mediated through the development of autoreactive immunoresponses. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common autoimmune disease that affects many individuals worldwide. Previously, we found that the extracts of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Lycogen) inhibited nitric oxide production and inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression in activated macrophages. In this study, the effect of Lycogen™, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, was evaluated in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Oral administration of Lycogen™ reduced the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) in female BABL/c mice. In addition, the increased number of bacterial flora in the colon induced by DSS was amelirated by Lycogen™. The histological score of intestinal inflammation in 5% DSS-treated mice after oral administration of Lycogen™ was lower than that of control mice. Meanwhile, Lycogen™ dramatically prolonged the survival of mice with severe colitis. These findings identified that Lycogen™ is an anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to ameliorate DSS-induced colitis.

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13605-13621: Organophosphorus Chemistry for the Synthesis of Dendrimers

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Dendrimers are multifunctional, hyperbranched and perfectly defined macromolecules, synthesized layer after layer in an iterative manner. Besides the nature of the terminal groups responsible for most of the properties, the nature of the internal structure, and more precisely of the branching points, is also of crucial importance. For more than 15 years, we have demonstrated that the presence of phosphorus atom(s) at each branching point of the dendrimeric structure is particularly important and highly valuable for three main reasons: (i) the versatility of phosphorus chemistry that allows diversified organochemistry for the synthesis of dendrimers; (ii) the use of 31P-NMR, which is a highly valuable tool for the characterization of dendrimers; (iii) some properties (in the fields of catalysis, materials, and especially biology), that are directly connected to the nature of the internal structure and of the branching points. This review will give an overview of the methods of synthesis of phosphorus-containing dendrimers, as well on the ways to graft phosphorus derivatives as terminal groups, with emphasis on the various roles played by the chemistry of phosphorus.

Console war update: Sony reveals how many PS3s have been sold. And it’s quite a lot

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 02:52 AM PST

Sony has released updated sales figures for PlayStation 3. According to the official numbers, PlayStation 3 recently surpassed the 70 million unit

SlothCam 3.44 - Dashboard webcam viewer.. (Free)

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 02:13 AM PST



Slothcam is the only fully customizable webcam viewer for Dashboard. Just type your favorite webcam image URL into the preferences (or use one of the built-in webcams) and watch your favorite webcam from the Apple Dashboard environment.

Slothcam features include:

  • The ability to add and delete cameras, each with their own refresh rate.
  • The ability to cycle between cameras when dashboard is activated, at a set interval, or by pressing the arrow keys.

There is also now an iOS version of SlothCam for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch! Check out the SlothCam website for an app store link if you are interested!

Version 3.44:

  • SlothCam is now a native Mac OS X application. Added information on the widget about the new Mac app.
  • Added St. Catharines Ontario as another default webcam for new users.
  • Bug fixes.


Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Intel/PPC

Download Now

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Molecules, Vol. 17, Pages 13592-13604: Ivabradine: An Intelligent Drug for the Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Heart rate (HR) is a precisely regulated variable, which plays a critical role in health and disease. Elevated resting HR is a significant predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population and patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). β-blocking drugs exert negative effects on regional myocardial blood flow and function when HR reduction is eliminated by atrial pacing; calcium channel antagonists (CCAs) functionally antagonize coronary vasoconstriction mediated through α-adreno-receptors and are thus devoid of this undesired effect, but the compounds are nevertheless negative inotropes. From these observations derives the necessity to find alternative, more selective drugs to reduce HR through inhibition of specific electrical current (If). Ivabradine (IVA) is a novel specific HR-lowering agent that acts in sinus atrial node (SAN) cells by selectively inhibiting the pacemaker If current in a dose-dependent manner by slowing the diastolic depolarization slope of SAN cells, and by reducing HR at rest during exercise in humans. Coronary artery diseases (CAD) represent the most common cause of death in middle–aged and older adults in European Countries. Most ischemic episodes are triggered by an increase in HR, that induces an imbalance between myocardial oxygen delivery and consumption. IVA, a selective and specific inhibitor of the If current which reduced HR without adverse hemodynamic effects, has clearly and unequivocally demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris (CSAP) and myocardial ischemia with optimal tolerability profile due to selective interaction with If channels. The aim of this review is to point out the usefulness of IVA in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Sensors, Vol. 12, Pages 15888-15906: A Presence-Based Context-Aware Chronic Stress Recognition System

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Stressors encountered in daily life may play an important role in personal well-being. Chronic stress can have a serious long-term impact on our physical as well as our psychological health, due to ongoing increased levels of the chemicals released in the ‘fight or flight’ response. The currently available stress assessment methods are usually not suitable for daily chronic stress measurement. The paper presents a context-aware chronic stress recognition system that addresses this problem. The proposed system obtains contextual data from various mobile sensors and other external sources in order to calculate the impact of ongoing stress. By identifying and visualizing ongoing stress situations of an individual user, he/she is able to modify his/her behavior in order to successfully avoid them. Clinical evaluation of the proposed methodology has been made in parallel by using electrodermal activity sensor. To the best of our knowledge, the system presented herein is the first one that enables recognition of chronic stress situations on the basis of user context.

Sensors, Vol. 12, Pages 15873-15887: Two Dimensional Array of Piezoresistive Nanomechanical Membrane-Type Surface Stress Sensor(MSS) with Improved Sensitivity

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

 We present a new generation of piezoresistive nanomechanical Membrane-type Surface stress Sensor(MSS) chips, which consist of a two dimensional array of MSS on a single chip. The implementation of several optimization techniques in the design and microfabrication improved the piezoresistive sensitivity by 3~4 times compared to the first generation MSS chip, resulting in a sensitivity about ~100 times better than a standard cantilever-type sensor and a few times better than optical read-out methods in terms of experimental signal-to-noise ratio. Since the integrated piezoresistive read-out of the MSS can meet practical requirements, such as compactness and not requiring bulky and expensive peripheral devices, the MSS is a promising transducer for nanomechanical sensing in the rapidly growing application fields in medicine, biology, security, and the environment. Specifically, its system compactness due to the integrated piezoresistive sensing makes the MSS concept attractive for the instruments used in mobile applications. In addition, the MSS can operate in opaque liquids, such as blood, where optical read-out techniques cannot be applied.

Energies, Vol. 5, Pages 4683-4696: Structural Optimization Design of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Blades Using a Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Finite Element Method

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

This paper presents an optimization method for the structural design of horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) combined with the finite element method (FEM). The main goal is to create an optimization tool and to demonstrate the potential improvements that could be brought to the structural design of HAWT blades. A multi-criteria constrained optimization design model pursued with respect to minimum mass of the blade is developed. The number and the location of layers in the spar cap and the positions of the shear webs are employed as the design variables, while the strain limit, blade/tower clearance limit and vibration limit are taken into account as the constraint conditions. The optimization of the design of a commercial 1.5 MW HAWT blade is carried out by combining the above method and design model under ultimate (extreme) flap-wise load conditions. The optimization results are described and compared with the original design. It shows that the method used in this study is efficient and produces improved designs.

Energies, Vol. 5, Pages 4665-4682: A PEV Charging Service Model for Smart Grids

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:00 AM PST

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are envisioned to be more popular during the next decade as part of Smart Grid implementations. Charging multiple PEVs at the same time within a power distribution area constitutes a major challenge for energy service providers. This paper discusses a priority-based approach for charging PEVs in a Smart Grid environment. In this work, ideas from the communication network paradigm are being utilized and tailored toward achieving the desired objective of monitoring and controlling PEVs electric load in Smart Grid. A detailed example is given to show how uncontrolled penetration of PEVs can impact distribution transformer reliability. The paper introduces the concept of Charging Quality of Service (CQoS) as a smart electric vehicle charging scheme and models it using a priority-controlled leaky bucket approach. The performance of such a model is investigated under the umbrella of a Smart Grid environment.

Bless Cross-Country Trekking & Flying - A Hands-On

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 01:03 AM PST

Neowiz Games' upcoming MMO seems to nail immersion and visual flair with its use of the Unreal Engine 3, but what of its gameplay? GameSpot's Jonathan finds out on his playthrough of Bless.

 

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

"Bless Cross-Country Trekking & Flying - A Hands-On" was posted by rreydebarros on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:03:44 -0800

The Sights & Sounds of G-Star 2012

Posted: 16 Nov 2012 12:08 AM PST

Missed out on G-Star 2012 and its elaborate show floor? Don't fret: we've got the whole experience on camera for your viewing pleasure!

 

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

"The Sights & Sounds of G-Star 2012" was posted by rreydebarros on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:08:47 -0800

Meet The Pros - Australian StarCraft II

Posted: 15 Nov 2012 10:45 PM PST

Some of Australia's top StarCraft 2 players tgun, Rossi and Light speak about getting into the game, career highlights, rivals, thoughts about Heart of the Swarm and more in Meet The Pros.

 

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

"Meet The Pros - Australian StarCraft II" was posted by edmondt on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:45:38 -0800
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