Rapid Identification of Bio-Molecules Applied for Detection of Biosecurity Agents Using Rolling Circle Amplification

Detection and identification of pathogens in environmental samples for biosecurity applications are challenging due to the strict requirements on specificity, sensitivity and time. We have developed a concept for quick, specific and sensitive pathogen identification in environmental samples. Target identification is realized by padlock- and proximity probing, and reacted probes are amplified by RCA (rolling-circle amplification). The individual RCA products are labeled by fluorescence and enumerated by an instrument, developed for sensitive and rapid digital analysis. The concept is demonstrated by identification of simili biowarfare agents for bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pantoea agglomerans) and spores (Bacillus atrophaeus) released in field

AMP-activated protein kinase - not just an energy sensor

Orthologues of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) occur in essentially all eukaryotes as heterotrimeric complexes comprising catalytic α subunits and regulatory β and γ subunits. The canonical role of AMPK is as an energy sensor, monitoring levels of the nucleotides AMP, ADP, and ATP that bind competitively to the γ subunit. Once activated, AMPK acts to restore energy homeostasis by switching on alternate ATP-generating catabolic pathways while switching off ATP-consuming anabolic pathways. However, its ancestral role in unicellular eukaryotes may have been in sensing of glucose rather than energy. In this article, we discuss a few interesting recent developments in the AMPK field. Firstly, we review recent findings on the canonical pathway by which AMPK is regulated by adenine nucleotides. Secondly, AMPK is now known to be activated in mammalian cells by glucose starvation by a mechanism that occurs in the absence of changes in adenine nucleotides, involving the formation of complexes with Axin and LKB1 on the surface of the lysosome. Thirdly, in addition to containing the nucleotide-binding sites on the γ subunits, AMPK heterotrimers contain a site for binding of allosteric activators termed the allosteric drug and metabolite (ADaM) site. A large number of synthetic activators, some of which show promise as hypoglycaemic agents in pre-clinical studies, have now been shown to bind there. Fourthly, some kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate AMPK, including one (SU6656) that binds in the catalytic site. Finally, although downstream targets originally identified for AMPK were mainly concerned with metabolism, recently identified targets have roles in such diverse areas as mitochondrial fission, integrity of epithelial cell layers, and angiogenesis

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide natural products: Overview and recommendations for a universal nomenclature

Covering: 1988 to 2012 This review presents recommended nomenclature for the biosynthesis of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), a rapidly growing class of natural products. The current knowledge regarding the biosynthesis of the >20 distinct compound classes is also reviewed, and commonalities are discussed

New activities of universities in transfer and extension: Multiple requirements and manifold solutions

The third mission encompasses all activities of universities beyond their first and second missions, education and research. An analysis of various countries with different economic, political and geographic features reveals an increased demand for such activities in particular with regard to technology transfer, but also as to the support of the civil society in more general terms. Therefore the universities have to find a new balance between education, research and transfer/extension. However, suitable solutions are often complicated by the orientation of the universities and the policy actors on non-scrutinized paradigms originating in other contexts. The strategies in different countries are embedded in their specific context, making it impossible to determine a best practice. Nonetheless, many interesting approaches can be observed, and mutual learning can be fruitful

New challenges for universities beyond education and research

The two time-honoured tasks of universities are teaching and research which have long provided society with specific skills and new knowledge and ideas. Expectations have increased exponentially and demands are originating from a much wider range of stakeholders. Universities are now given progressively more important roles in economic expansion, social development, better forms of political organization and governance, plus providing education for more students, and developing and transferring technology to industry. The capacity of universities to respond is insufficient, in both the developed and developing worlds. New models to guide the evolution of universities include the triple helix, the creation of entrepreneurial or specialized universities, large-scale excellence-driven environments or the concept of developmental universities. Most of these ultimately suggest that the universities move towards technology-oriented third missions, thus a closer interaction with enterprises. This special issue of Science and Public Policy explores such issues in 12 countries

Intumescent coating surface temperature measurement in a cone calorimeter using laser-induced phosphorescence

Intumescent coating acts as a thermal barrier for construction materials during fire hazards. The coating has the ability to expand by a factor of 40 or more during heat exposure. However, due to its fragile consistence, no physical or optical measurement technique has previously been able to measure the coating surface temperature during expansion. This is undesirable since without accurate information about the coating surface temperature, it will always be difficult to fully understand the heat transfer processes from the fire exposure to the coating and within the coating. Thermographic phosphor technique makes it possible to reliably measure intumescent coating surface thermometry. This paper presents the results of an experimental study using this technique. It compares experimental results with predictions of a calculation model for measurements made inside a cone calorimeter in well-controlled conditions. The coating was applied to steel plates having different thickness, in layers of 1000 g/m(2) by means of a brush. Thermographic phosphor particles were seeded on the surface of the coating. The coated plate was placed in a non-standard electric cone calorimeter, which was calibrated to give a constant radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m(2), measured by a Gardon-type Medtherm heat flux meter at a height of 40 mm from the surface of the coating before expansion, being about the expected position after the intumescent coating had fully expanded. The third harmonic generation of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 355 nm was used to excite the phosphor particles. A photomultiplier detector monitored the subsequent emission and an ICCD camera was used to measure the expansion rate of the intumescent coating. A comparison between measurement results using this technique and predictions of a model that adequately describes the heat transfer condition of the test setup shows that the measured and predicted surface temperatures were generally in good agreement. The inaccuracy in the predicted results is due to the uncertainty over the emissivity value of the intumescent coating surface. The results of this study clearly indicate that thermographic phosphor technique is promising. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved