D-amino acid oxidase from Trigonopsis variabilis: immobilisation of whole cells in natural polymeric gels for glutaryl-7-aminocephalosporanic acid production

The enzymatic oxidation of cephalosporin C to glutaryl-7-amminocephalosporanic acid (glutaryl-7-ACA) was carried out utilizing permeabilized whole cells of the yeast Trigonopsis variabilis entrapped in Ca-alginate beads. The biomass, cultured in a rich medium containing D,L methionine and harvested after 72 h of growth, exhibited high levels of D-aminoacid oxidase activity. Prior to use, thewho,lke cells were permeabilized with four freeze-thawing cycles and immobilized in polysaccharide matrices, such as Ca-alginate and K- carrageenan, and in an insolubilised gelatin gel. The best results in terms of activity yield and storage stability were obtained with cells entrapped in Ca-alginate beads. These cells were utilized for glutaryl-7-ACA production in a continuous stirred batch reactor (CSTR) and in a packed bed reactor working in a plug flow reactor (PFR), using 50 mm Cephalosporin C as substrate. The performances of the two systems were compared. The overall on a void volume basis) were 1.63 g and 255 mg of glutaryl-7-ACA h-1 in the PFR and in CSTR, respectively

Feminino e mística: ressonâncias trágicas e barrocas do que ultrapassa o fio das palavras

Em seu projeto de retornar à leitura dos textos de Sigmund Freud, de modo a extrair consequências para a clínica e a teoria psicanalítica, Jacques Lacan investigou diversos temas da história do pensamento humano à luz da dinâmica inconsciente. No seu ensino, a dimensão do feminino ocupa um lugar muito particular, que ele articula à experiência mística. O presente artigo destaca alguns pontos centrais deste percurso, traçando aproximações com a tragédia e o barroco. Desse modo, procura mostrar como a psicanálise de orientação lacaniana concebe o feminino não apenas enquanto uma posição na partilha dos sexos, mas também enquanto um lugar mais além da divisão sexual. Em seguida, explora de que maneira essa dimensão que aponta para um gozo Outro, que não o fálico, encontra-se também atrelada ao avanço do tratamento analítico e, em última instância, ao fim de análise. Por fim, investiga de que modo esse processo conecta a perda do asseguramento fálico a uma certa dimensão de dessubjetivação. Esta possibilita um alargamento daqueles enquadramentos que, por meio da operação simbólica denominada complexo de Édipo, delimitam a fantasia inconsciente. Nesse contexto, tratamos, portanto, de um ponto situado mais além do referencial edípico, que ultrapassa o fio das palavras

Conjugated linoleic acid enhances glutathione synthesis and attenuates pathological signs in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr mice

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) ligand, exhibits proapoptotic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. In this study, we examined the biological effects of CLA administration in the MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr) mouse, an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We found that CLA exerted apparently opposed activities in in vitro experiments, depending on its concentration: 100 microM CLA downregulated IFN gamma synthesis and cell proliferation of splenocytes, in association with apoptosis induction and a decrease of intracellular thiols (GSH + GSSG), whereas 25 microM CLA did not significantly influence cell proliferation but enhanced the expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and intracellular GSH concentration. Interestingly, the antiproliferative effect at 100 microM was not inhibited by the PPAR gamma antagonist GW9662. In vivo, CLA administration drastically reduced SLE signs (splenomegaly, autoantibodies, and cytokine synthesis), a condition paralleled by the enhancement of GCLC expression and intracellular GSH content. Moreover, CLA administration significantly downregulated nuclear factor kappaB activity independent of PPAR gamma activation and apoptosis induction. In conclusion, enhanced GSH content and GCLC expression in CLA-treated mice suggest a novel biochemical mechanism underlying its immunomodulatory activity and the beneficial effects on murine SLE signs

Producing and Consuming the nation: ethnography of a Czech National Memorial

Sander Roberto Maurano Filho Producing and Consuming the Nation: Ethnography of a Czech National Memorial Abstract Following a research agenda stimulated by Billig (1995), Palmer (1998) and Fox (2008) towards the study of aspects of everyday life through which nations are reproduced, this work approaches the National Memorial on Vítkov Hill, part of the Czech National Museum in Prague. In order to investigate to what extend national cultural productions constrain people's practices and understandings, this research offers an ethnographic study of the production and consumption of the monument, considering practices of consumption and occupation that reproduce, subvert or negotiate its national content and colossal planning. The National Memorial on Vítkov Hill combines memorial, museum, statue and park, which had their meanings re-negotiated by different political regimes during the 20th century. Re-opened in 2009 aiming to 'make sense' of national history, identity and memory in the context of a new, democratic and European Czech Republic, the monument combines official ceremonies, such as military parades and presidential rituals, with permanent and temporary exhibitions with national functions. Although planned to celebrate the nation, exhibitions are consumed by visitors that distort the national...Sander Roberto Maurano Filho Producing and Consuming the Nation: Ethnography of a Czech National Memorial Abstrakt Podle Billig (1995), Palmer (1998) a Fox (2008) současní výzkumná agenda musí studovat aspektů každodenního života, které reprodukují národ, a proto tento výzkum analyzuje Národní Památník na Vítkově, část českého Národního muzea v Praze. Cílem je analyzovat jak národní kulturní produkce omezuje praktiky lidí a jejich znalosti. Tento práce je etnografická studie o produkci a spotřebě pomníku, a popisuje praktiky spotřeby a okupaci, které reprodukují nebo podvracejí národní konstrukce.Národní Památník na Vítkově funguje jako památník, muzeum, socha a park, které změnili významy podle různých politických režimů v průběhu 20. století. Národní Památník byl znovuotevřen v roce 2009 s cílem opravit národní dějiny, identitu a paměti v souvislosti demokratickou a evropské České republice. Národní Památník spojuje oficiální obřady, vojenské přehlídky, prezidentské rituály a expozice a vystavy s národními funkcemi. Národní památník byl plánován na oslavu národa, ale návštěvníků mohou změnit významy výstavy. Ačkoli byl plánovan na vojenských přehlídkách a národní obřady, různé sociální skupiny, např. starší lidé, rodiče s dětmi a mládeží, doplňují nebo změní oficiální národní konstrukce v každodenním...Katedra ruských a východoevropských studiíDepartment of Russian and East European StudiesFaculty of Social SciencesFakulta sociálních vě

AMOR, ÓDIO E IGNORÂNCIA: EFEITOS DO BOLSONORISMO NA PSICANÁLISE E NA POLÍTICA

Inspirada pela iniciativa da Revue Psychologie Clinique sob o projeto de Olivier Douville, Luis Eduardo Prado de Oliveira que recolheu, traduziu e editou diversos textos que compuseram na revista mencionada, uma seção intitulada: “A psicanálise na tormenta: testemunho de brasileiros”, tivemos a ideia de publicarmos o presente número especial intitulado: Psicanálise e Política: versões e reversões do mundo e do imundo. Para tal, convidamos a escrever, tanto alguns colegas que já haviam colaborado com referida revista, quanto vários outros psicanalistas ou não, que pudessem se pronunciar sobre as memórias desses tempos conturbados.

Funcionalização de elastômeros termoplásticos com anidrido maleico e sua utilização como modificador das propriedades de impacto do nylon-6

Neste trabalho foi realizada a funcionalização de elastômeros termoplásticos (SBS e SEBS) com anidrido maleico (AM). Foi utilizado um planejamento fatorial para avaliar o efeito das concentrações de AM e de peróxido de dicumila (DCP) e da temperatura na funcionalidade, conversão, peso molecular, polidispersão e torque. A determinação da funcionalidade foi realizada por titulometria de neutralização e por espectroscopia na região do infravermelho. Os três polímeros SEBS foram funcionalizados em câmara de mistura. O SEBS com peso molecular superior apresentou separação de fase durante a reação, sendo que as fases apresentaram composição similar. Os três SEBS estudados apresentaram aumento da funcionalidade com o aumento da concentração de AM e da temperatura. O efeito da concentração de DCP na funcionalidade foi dependente da estrutura dos polímeros. Foi observado que existe uma relação ótima entre a concentração de AM e de DCP resultando em uma área de funcionalidade máxima. O peso molecular diminuiu com o aumento da temperatura de reação. Nas reações de funcionalização do SBS em câmara de mistura foi observado que a funcionalidade aumentou com o aumento da concentração de AM e diminuiu com o aumento na concentração de DCP. Os polímeros SBS também foram funcionalizados em extrusora e foi verificado que houve incorporação de AM mesmo sem a utilização de peróxido. Os resultados de funcionalidade e teor de insolubilidade foram dependentes da presença de aditivos no material de partida. Foram obtidas blendas de nylon-6/SEBS e nylon-6/SEBS-AM. As blendas de nylon-6/SEBS sem AM apresentaram fraca adesão entre as fases com partículas dispersas grandes. Isto caracteriza a incompatibilidade do sistema, como mostram as análises reológica, morfológica e das propriedades mecânicas (tensão versus deformação e teste de impacto Izod). As blendas de nylon-6/SEBS-AM apresentaram morfologia homogênea devido à redução do tamanho das partículas da fase dispersa. A melhora da compatibilidade entre as fases melhorou as propriedades mecânicas do material, confirmado pela análise reológica e o teste de impacto Izod. A análise térmica mostrou que os valores de Tm do nylon-6 não foram afetados, entretanto a cinética de cristalização foi afetada. O teor de cristalinidade das blendas nylon-6/SEBS-AM foi levemente afetada pela funcionalidade do elastômero.In this work was accomplished the functionlaization reaction of thermoplastic elastomers (SBS and SEBS) with maleic anydride (MA). A factorial design was performed to evaluated the effect of MA and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) concentrations and temperature on functionality, conversion, molecular weight, polidispersity and torque. The functionality was determinéd by titration and infrared spectroscopy. The three SEBS copolymers were functionalized in the melt mixing process. The SEBS with high molecular weight presented phase separation during the melt processing and the results showed that both phases presented the same composition. The results showed that the functionality increases with both MA concentration and temperature for all SEBS studied. The DCP concentration effect was dependent of polymers structure. The maximum functionality was obtained when was used a MA and DCP optimum ratio. The molecular weight decreases when temperature decreases. In the functionalization reaction of SBS using melt IDixmg process the functionality increases with MA concentration and decreases with DCP concentration. The SBS copolymers also functionalized by extrusion. There were MA incorporation on polymer chain without peroxide. The functionality and insolubility values was dependent ofthe additives presents on the polymers. Blends of nylon-6/SEBS and nylon-6/SEBS-MA were prepared. The morphological and mechanical properties (strength versus elongation and Izod impact tests) showed that the nylon-6/SEBS blends were incompatible, with weak adhesion between phases, large particles of disperse phase, small fracture energy and small elongation. The nylon-6/SEBS-MA blends presented homogeneous morphology due to the reduction of the dispersed particles size. The improved in the compatibility between phases improved mechanical properties of materiais, confirmed by rheological analysis and impact Izod test. The thermal analysis showed that the Tm values were not affected however the kinetic of crystallization was affected. The cristallinity of the blends was affected by the functionality ofthe elastomers

Using Small-Scale Studies to Prioritize Threats and Guide Recovery of a Rare Hemiparasitic Plant: Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. littoralis

BACKGROUND: Recovering endangered species would benefit from identifying and ranking of the factors that threaten them. Simply managing for multiple positive influences will often aid in recovery; however, the relative impacts of multiple threats and/or interactions among them are not always predictable. We used a series of experiments and quantitative observational studies to examine the importance of five potential limiting factors to the abundance of a state-listed endangered hemiparasitic annual forb, Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. littoralis (C.r.l., California, USA): host availability, mammalian herbivores, insect seed predators, fire suppression, and exotic species. While this initial assessment is certainly not a complete list, these factors stem from direct observation and can inform provisional recommendations for management and further research. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Studies were conducted at five sites and included assessments of the influence of host availability, exotic species, exclusion of mammalian herbivores and insect seed predators on C.r.l. productivity, and simulated effects of fire on seed germination. C.r.l. was limited by multiple threats: individuals with access to host species produced up to three times more inflorescences than those lacking hosts, mammalian herbivory reduced C.r.l. size and fecundity by more than 50% and moth larvae reduced seed production by up to 40%. Litter deposition and competition from exotic plant species also appears to work in conjunction with other factors to limit C.r.l. throughout its life cycle. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The work reported here highlights the contribution that a series of small-scale studies can make to conservation and restoration. Taken as a whole, the results can be used immediately to inform current management and species recovery strategies. Recovery of C.r.l. will require management that addresses competition with exotic plant species, herbivore pressure, and availability of preferred host species

Impact of nongeminate recombination on the performance of pristine and annealed P3HT:PCBM solar cells

Transient photovoltage (TPV) and voltage dependent charge extraction (CE) measurements were applied to poly(3-hexylthiophene)(P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells to analyze the limitations of solar cell performance in pristine and annealed devices. From the determined charge carrier decay rate under open circuit conditions and the voltage dependent charge carrier densities n(V) the nongeminate loss current jloss of the device is accessible. We found that jloss alone is sufficient to describe the j-V characteristics across the whole operational range, for annealed and, not yet shown before, also for the lower performing pristine solar cells. Even in a temperature range from 300 K to 200 K nongeminate recombination is found to be the dominant and, therefore, performance limiting loss process. Consequently, charge photogeneration is voltage independent in the voltage range studied.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures; Rapid Research Letter 201