Development of an amyloid protein-based composite biomaterial for coating applications

Streptomyces bacteria are highly versatile micro-organisms, which have been recognised as potent biochemical, soil and biomaterials engineers. In particular, functional non-pathogenic amyloid proteins can be formed from the expression of β-sheet proteins. These β-sheet proteins known as chaplins, which aggregate to form a fibrillar morphology, has been shown to protect against desiccation in hydrophobic environments. These robust Chaplin proteins have served here as a source of inspiration for materials development, based on the chaplins’ ability to modulate the properties of its own surface and that of its natural environment.This study has developed more economical and environmentally friendlier methods for chaplin protein production by replacing the existing TES buffer for a potassium bicarbonate buffer and by modifying the downstream processing to assist in the removal of trifluoroacetic acid. Combinations of different media and buffers were tested for alternative fermentations that support Streptomyces morphological differentiation in liquid media, in which a potassium bicarbonate buffer system proved as efficient as well as more economical when compared to conventional fermentations with expensive organic buffer systems that support differentiation. Downstream processing of amyloid proteins was furthermore improved by adopting synthetic peptide procedures resulting in an environmentally friendlier amyloid purification method. This modified medium was also demonstrated within a bioreactor at 1.7 L scale which further enhances the economic benefit which could be implemented for production of other secondary metabolites.The resulting chaplin proteins were then applied with β-glucans to form a biocomposite for different industrial applications. Material properties and anti-corrosion were determined by goniometry and high-resolution imaging, and by qualitative and quantitative electrochemistry. Our protein-based corrosion resistant nano-coating has great potential for the manufacturing, defence and other industries, including healthcare and biomaterials manufacturing

Enhancing career decision-making self-efficacy via a university career course intervention

The present study further evaluated the extension of Bandura\u27s self-efficacy (SE) theory to the career decision-making (CDM) domain. The purposes of this investigation were to: (a) evaluate the effectiveness of a SE based career intervention using various outcome variables, including measures of CDM self-efficacy and career indecision; (b) examine the relationship between CDM self-efficacy and CDM task (performance) success, CDM anxiety, and career indecision (decidedness); and (c) further evaluate the validity of the Short-Form Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale (SFCDMSE). Subjects consisted of 159 college students, primarily undergraduates, who participated in either a career decision-making and planning course (treatment group) or a learning skills course (control group) under the direction of the counseling center of a large, western, state university. During pretest and posttest assessments, subjects completed demographic data sheets and measures of: CDM self-efficacy; career indecision and decidedness; CDM task success (posttest assessment only); CDM anxiety; and academic SE. Analyses of variance/covariance and regression analyses were conducted via a general linear model;Results supported hypotheses which predicted significant pre-versus-post increases in both CDM self-efficacy and career decidedness, and reductions in career indecision for treatment subjects relative to control subjects. As hypothesized, findings indicated a significant direct relationship between CDM self-efficacy and CDM task success, as well as a significant inverse relationship between CDM self-efficacy and CDM anxiety. As predicted, both career decision-making task success and anxiety significantly predicted subjects\u27 CDM self-efficacy. Career decision-making SE scores significantly accounted for additional variance in the prediction of career indecision scores, over-and-above that accounted for by the other career variables for most multiple regression analyses. Results further confirmed the existence of a significant inverse relationship between CDM self-efficacy and career indecision. Findings regarding the validity of the SFCDMSE were generally supportive;Clinical and research implications of the findings are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided

Optimal and sub-optimal, low-thrust, Earth-Moon trajectories using sequential quadratic programming

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2293979

Spatial modelling of wetness for the Antarctic Dry Valleys

This paper describes a method used to model relative wetness for part of the Antarctic Dry Valleys using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The model produces a relative index of liquid water availability using variables that influence the volume and distribution of water. Remote sensing using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images collected over four years is used to calculate an average index of snow cover and this is combined with other water sources such as glaciers and lakes. This water source model is then used to weight a hydrological flow accumulation model that uses slope derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) elevation data. The resulting wetness index is validated using three-dimensional visualization and a comparison with a high-resolution Advanced Land Observing Satellite image that shows drainage channels. This research demonstrates that it is possible to produce a wetness model of Antarctica using data that are becoming widely available

Identifying solidarity : the ILC project on the protection of persons in disasters and human rights

The article considers the ambitious International Law Commission (ILC) project on the draft articles on the protection of persons in disasters and its declaration of solidarity on the part of the international community towards disaster-stricken individuals. The project adopted a rights-based approach and by its focus on a duty of international cooperation initially suggested a radical move to a more explicit intertwining of protective duties of disaster-affected states and various external actors. The ILC project also seemed to signpost a new direction for human rights protection. By moving away from the oft-criticized, but still powerful, model of treaty-making driven by identity politics, the ILC draft Articles focused instead on a broad notion of universal humanity and needs-based assistance. This article considers the need for the ILC project, its rationale and its particular provisions as regards the responsibilities of various actors when a natural disaster strikes. In articulating what he understood by “solidarity,” the project’s Special Rapporteur invoked specific writings by Emer de Vattel. This article evaluates the ILC draft Articles in the light of this particular understanding of solidarity. The article concludes that the draft Articles in their current form do not meaningfully establish a partnership of immediate post-disaster humanitarian assistance between a disaster-affected state and relevant external actors (particularly third states). The full potential of the duty of cooperation has been thwarted by concerns and objections expressed by states during the drafting process. Further, by allowing offers of assistance to remain a matter of discretion, for states in particular, the draft Articles simply privilege the Westphalian preserve. It would seem that for many external actors, the plight of disaster victims will continue to be someone else’s problem and one which they do not wish to identify or identify with

A duty of solidarity? : the International Law Commission’s draft articles and the right to offer assistance in disasters

International solidarity is proclaimed as a key value of the international community. Natural disasters offer the perfect context for its demonstration. Oftentimes international actors readily offer aid and assistance but the governing legal framework remains uncertain. Thus, the current ILC drafting project presents a welcome opportunity to codify and concretise matters. This chapter analyses the ILC draft Article concerning external actors’ rights to offer assistance to disaster-stricken states. If the project’s focus is the protection of stricken populations, does this ‘right’ suggest or encourage the possibility of a duty to offer assistance when natural disasters strike? An alternative reading challenges any such duty. This chapter analyses the ‘right to offer’ in its own terms, and in the context of the other draft Articles, and considers whether the draft provision materialises international solidarity

RISK AND RETURN TO IP GRAIN PRODUCTION: THE CASE OF HIGH OIL CORN

Returns for soybeans, commodity corn and high oil corn under an export and domestic market buyer's-call contract were simulated. High oil corn is competitive with commodity corn when yield drag is two percent and bundling reduces seed cost. Commodity loan rate is important in reducing high oil corn price risk.Crop Production/Industries,