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Background Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) has been used for cosmetic indications for many decades. Consumption of BoNT/A usage has been markedly increased for a few years. Even new formulations of BoNT/A to decrease immunogenicity have been released, repeated treatment to maintain efficacy outcome is inevitable and could finally provoke immune response. In the past, prevalence of botulinum treatment failure (BTF) in cosmetic indication was rare leading to less medical concern. Current decade, case reports on BTF, especially antibody-induced botulinum toxin treatment failure (ABTF) have been increasingly revealed as well as risk factors associated with ABTF have been intensively studied. Aim In this article, we will review antibody-induced botulinum toxin treatment failure (ABTF), risk-associated ABTF, prevalence and recent case reports of ABTF, and new approach to deal with ABTF. Methods Literature search was conducted using PubMed. The relevant literatures published between January 2000 and May 2020 concerning BTF and ABTF including investigation for ABTF were included and analyzed. Results Possible causes of BTF were summarized. ABTF could be a tip of iceberg of BTF, its prevalence and currently 10-year case reports of ABTF were published evidence. Risk factors and investigation methods for ABTF were also summarized. Based on previous studies and our experience, novel approach to management of ABTF was described. Conclusion Effective management of BTF is to explore causes of treatment failure. Antibodies against BoNT/A complex could be one of many possibilities. Laboratory in vitro tests could be alternative tools to decrease adverse effect and rebooting immune responses in BTF patients.

The investigation of Ecological Agriculture (EA) patterns can reveal the differences, aggregation, and diversity of agriculture development, providing specific paths in agriculture development and ...

Summary Current guidelines in the setting of exposures to potentially rabid bats established by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) address post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administration in situations where a person may not be aware that a bite or direct contact has occurred and the bat is not available for diagnostic testing. These include instances when a bat is discovered in a room where a person awakens from sleep, is a child without an adult witness, has a mental disability or is intoxicated. The current ACIP guidelines, however, do not address PEP in the setting of multiple persons exposed to a bat or a bat colony, otherwise known as mass bat exposure (MBE) events. Due to a dearth of recommendations for response to these events, the reported reactions by public health agencies have varied widely. To address this perceived limitation, a survey of 45 state public health agencies was conducted to characterize prior experiences with MBE and practices to mitigate the public health risks. In general, most states (69% of the respondents) felt current ACIP guidelines were unclear in MBE scenarios. Thirty-three of the 45 states reported prior experience with MBE, receiving an average of 16.9 MBE calls per year and an investment of 106.7 person-hours annually on MBE investigations. PEP criteria, investigation methods and the experts recruited in MBE investigations varied between states. These dissimilarities could reflect differences in experience, scenario and resources. The lack of consistency in state responses to potential mass exposures to a highly fatal disease along with the large contingent of states dissatisfied with current ACIP guidance warrants the development of national guidelines in MBE settings.

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) is a geotechnical in situ site investigation method and is widely applied in urbanized areas of the Netherlands. Approximately 20,000 CPTs are conducted in the Netherlands each year. The frequency of such testing, and the presence of archaeological deposits within the subsurface, results in a relatively high probability that archaeological deposits could be encountered during sounding. A significant amount of the results of these CPTs are freely available and are easily accessible in a national database. This combination of frequency and accessibility suggests that CPT could potentially be a very attractive tool for archaeological prospection. However, in practice, the integration of CPT in archaeology is poor. This is largely the result of the lack of a general overview of characteristics concerning the recognition of archaeological deposits in CPT data. This study explores the potential of CPTs for archaeological prospection in urbanized areas by characterizing archaeological deposits in CPT log data, with a special focus on the historical city centre of Amsterdam. In total, seven CPTs conducted at two archaeological sites in Amsterdam were analysed. A characterization based on the examined CPTs was subsequently used to identify archaeological deposits in 407 CPTs conducted in Amsterdam, deriving from the national database. This resulted in a map depicting the spatial distribution and thickness of archaeological deposits in the city centre of Amsterdam, solely based on CPTs. The map was validated using data from previously published archaeological reports. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The objective of this research work is to provide a systematic method to perform test and evaluation on the nonlinear optical properties of Al-doped ZnO nano thin film structure for designing a high-performance optical-electronic structure. Some different kinds of samples can be manufactured for testing. The samples are designed by changing technical parameters such as sputtering power of Al and ZnO, pressure and sputtering time and each parameter has three levels. The test results show that the main factor is the sputtering power of Al, which means the doping density of Al. In the meantime, the Maxwell–Garnett theory is used to investigate the optical prosperities of Al-doped ZnO nano thin films in the visible range. The optical band gap of Al-doped ZnO nano thin films increases with the increasing of Al doping density, but it becomes slowly when the doping density is more than 16.0%. The results and the investigation method are useful for designing and manufacturing for nano thin films.

This paper investigates local groups’ opinions on interpreting a dark heritage site for the promotion of tourism and analyzes their roles in tourism activities, through a case study of Hiroshima, Japan. As the first city suffered nuclear bombing, Hiroshima is a primary tourism destination in Japan but faced the challenge of revitalization. Fieldwork investigation methods, including semi-structured interviews, were applied. The results suggest that local people hold favorable attitudes toward tourism development. They conduct an alternative approach to rejuvenating Hiroshima by identifying the essence of the place – a cheerful and peaceful city – and incorporating it into tourism events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

For reinforced concrete structures a localisation of all significant critical areas can only be done by a full surface inspection. The economic advantages are obvious: uncritical areas have not to be repaired expensively 1. The first step of the assessment should always be a visual inspection 2. The range of deterioration causes can be limited and the degree of deterioration may be estimated roughly. The inspection program can be adjusted to the requirements. By means of a full surface potential mapping areas with a high risk for chloride induced reinforcement corrosion can be localised, although no deteriorations are visually detectable at the concrete surface. In combination with concrete cover depth and resistivity measurements areas with corrosion promoting exposure conditions can be localised even if the reinforcement is not yet depassivated. The following publication gives an overview about the essential full surface investigation methods to localise critical areas regarding corrosion of steel in concrete. The selection of methods is based on the inspection procedure given in 2.

Bei der Grundung von Offshore-Strukturen kommt es oftmals zu einer Ausbildung von Kolken um die Grundungsbauwerke, die einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die Standsicherheit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit der Anlagen haben konnen. Fur komplexe Strukturen liegen derzeit noch keine ausreichenden Erkenntnisse zur Kolkbildung fur die Bemessung vor. Im Zuge umfassender Untersuchungen werden daher die Kolkphanomene um komplexe Grundungen wie den Tripod detailliert erforscht und analysiert, um so physikalische Prozesse und Einflussgrosen genauer beschreiben zu konnen. Als Untersuchungsinstrument dienen hierbei Messdaten aus klein- und grosskaligen physikalischen Modellversuchen, numerische CFD-Simulationen sowie Naturmessdaten, aus denen sich insgesamt eine Variabilitat der Kolkbildung in Abhangigkeit der Randbedingungs- und Strukturparameter mit grosten Kolktiefen unterhalb der Tripod-Struktur abzeichnen. Investigations on scour at tripod foundations Regarding offshore constructions, in most cases scouring occurs around the foundation, considerably influencing the stability and usability of the structure. There is still a lack in knowledge of scour progression for complex foundations at present, which is however necessary for the dimensioning of the construction. Therefore comprehensive investigations are carried out, mainly focusing on the scouring phenomena at complex foundations like the tripod, in order to describe physical processes and influencing factors. The investigation method consists of a unique combination of small and large scale physical modeling, numerical CFD simulations and in-situ measured scour data, which generally show a variability of scouring depending on load boundary conditions and structural parameters with largest scours measured under the tripod structure.

We present a comprehensive characterization of an individual multiwalled carbon nanotube transport device combining electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy with electrical measurements. Each method gives complementary information that mutually help to interpret each other. A sample design that allows for combining these investigation methods on individual carbon nanotube devices is introduced. This offers a direct correlation of transport features and shifts of Raman modes with structural properties as e.g. the contact interface and the morphology of the nanotube.

Aim To assess differences in observed cross-sectional areas of root canals and filling materials, as imaged by three microscopy and two tomography methods. Methodology Six roots filled with laterally compacted Gutta-percha and AH26 were scanned with phase-contrast enhanced microtomography in a synchrotron facility. Reconstructed virtual slices were compared with sections of both wet and acrylic-embedded roots, evaluated also by light and electron microscopy (EM) and laboratory-based microtomography (μCT). The different contrasts of Gutta-percha, voids, sealer and root dentine were identified and correlated. Inner canal border, outer Gutta-percha rim and the external margin of a void were manually delineated, and the enclosed areas were repeatedly measured by three observers. Interobserver and interimaging method differences were tested by 2-way anova with Bonferroni adjustments (P < 0.05). Percentages of Gutta-percha-filled canal areas (PGP) were determined. Results Phase-contrast enhanced microtomography revealed internal interfaces and detailed 3D volumes of accentuated voids as well as micrometre-sized particles and gaps within the treated roots. Overestimates in the cross-sectional areas were obtained by light microscopy, whereas underestimates were obtained by μCT and EM. Differences exceeded 40%; however, PGP values by all methods were within 5% for the same slice. Differences between observers were sometimes significant, but they were not method related (

Synopsis The effects of aqueous solutions of 2-hydroxyalkanoic acids and analogous materials on the extensibility of an in vitro model for human stratum corneum have been investigated. The increase in extensibility of stratum corneum caused by treatment with 2-hydroxy acid solutions reaches a peak at C8 in the case of the saturated molecules. Introducing unsaturation into the hydrocarbon chain shifts the point of maximum efficacy to a longer chain length. Further modifications to the molecular backbone, such as the replacement of a methylene group by heteroatoms, can improve significantly the relative plasticization obtained from aqueous treatment. Alteration of the acidic head group markedly influences the elasticity increase. The free acid is the most efficacious species. An increase in the pKa of HCA by the addition of polyol increases the extensibility improvement. Movement of the hydroxyl group from C-2 is not advantageous, but replacement with a 2-thio derivative is beneficial in terms of increased plasticization. The best systems for improving extensibility have a strong affinity for protein. Resume Nous avons analyse les effets de solutions aqueuses d'acides 2-hydroxyalkanoiques et de materiaux similaires sur l'extensibilite in vitro d'un echantillon de stratum corneum humain. L'augmentation de l'extensibilite du stratum corneum generee par le traitement aux solutions des acides 2-hydroxy atteint un pic a C8 dans le cas de molecules saturees. L'introduction d'une insaturation au niveau de la chaine d'hydrocarbone amene le point d'efficacite maximum a une chaine plus longue. Des modifications apportees aux molecules principales, telles que le remplacement du groupe methylene par des heteroatomes peuvent ameliorer de facon significative la plasticite relative obtenue par un traitement aqueux. L'alteration du groupe acide de tete influence de facon notable l'augmentation de l'elasticite. L'acide libre est la plus efficace. Une augmentation du pKa de l'acide 2-hydroxy caprylique par addition de polyol accroit l'amelioration de l'extensibilite. Le deplacement du groupe hydroxy de C-2 n'est pas efficace mais le remplacement par des derives 2-thio ameliore la plasticite. Les systemes qui ameliorent au maximum l'extensibilite ont une affinite importante avec les proteines.

Specimens of fossil wood preserved lignified in Pliocene brown coal and identified as Pinus armandii Francher come from an opencast coalmine at Longling in western Yunnan Province, China. Phytochemical investigation of the fossil wood isolated using liquid column chromatography seven compounds (1-7) including a new fluorene derivative named 11,11-dimethyl-11H-benzo[b]fluorene. A further 28 volatiles were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spectroscopic investigation methods, including MS and 1D and 2D-NMR techniques elucidated the structure of the seven compounds. Two types of natural products, isopimara and stilbene commonly occuring in extant and Pliocene fossil P armandii indicate phytochemical fidelity during burial under certain circumstances in sediments. Discovery of stilbenes that can inhibit the activities of wood-destroying fungi in the Pliocene P armandii prompts the assumption that the chemical preservation of this Pliocene fossil wood of R armandii in brown coal might contribute to the presence of inner natural inhibitors against wood-destroying fungi.

Bei der Anwendung dynamischer Untersuchungsmethoden zur Zustandsbewertung von Ingenieurbauwerken aus Stahl- und Spannbeton sowie Verbundbau spielen Veranderungen von Rand- und Umweltbedingungen auf die modalen Parameter eine wesentliche Rolle. Wahrend man diese im Laborexperiment weitest gehend uberwachen bzw. ausschliesen kann, sind sie bei in-situ Versuchen nur schwer zu kontrollieren. Am Beispiel einer Verbundbrucke soll demonstriert werden, welche Grosenordnung die Veranderung von Randbedingungen (z. B. Veranderung von anregenden Kraften) und Umwelteinflusse (z. B. Temperatur) auf die dynamischen Parameter einer in-situ Struktur haben konnen. Die Grosenordnung dieser Veranderungen wird mit Veranderungen, die aus wirklichen Strukturschaden resultieren konnen, verglichen und bewertet. Dynamic Condition Assessment of a Composite Bridge: Investigation of External and Nonlinear Influences on the Modal Properties Using dynamic investigation methods to assess the state of civil constructions like reinforced and prestressed concrete structures as well as composite structures, changes in boundary conditions and environmental influences play a decisive role. Under laboratory conditions it is possible to control respectively to exclude these influences but it is not always possible to control and to exclude them when testing in-situ. By means of dynamic measurements which are conducted on a composite bridge, possible changes in dynamic properties resulting from changes in the amplitude of the excitation force and resulting from changes in the temperature conditions are demonstrated. The dimension of these changes is compared with changes in modal properties resulting from real structural defects and structural damages.

For many decades, the capacity for mass spectrometry (MS) to analyse matterin all of its forms was shackled by an inability to ionise large molecules into the gas phase. It was only in the late 1980s, when the capabilities of the 'soft' ionisation protocols of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionisation (MALDI) and electrospray ionisation (ESI) became apparent, that these shackles were effectively removed. The emergence of soft ionisation methodologies acted as a driving force for significant advances in MS instrumentation; as a result, MS now represents one of the most potent means by which insights into the structural details of synthetic polymer samples can be obtained.However, despiteMSbeing acknowledged to be a mainstream analytical tool in the field of polymer chemistry, the number of MS-based studies into polymer systems remains significantly limited whencompared to other analytical methods, and it would thus appear that MS is still being severely underutilised. In this Trend article, important fundamental concepts of soft ionisation MS are presented in a tutorial style fashion within the context of the analysis of polymer systems, and the remarkable breadth, power andversatility of these techniques is illustrated using selected examples. We suggest that MS-based analyses represent one of the most promising areas of research in polymer science, and that the polymer chemistry community would bewell servedby utilising this analytical discipline in a more intensive manner. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Because of their unique mechanical, optical, thermal and electrical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) form the basis for a wide variety of multifunctional devices and materials; many of these applications require that CNTs be dispersed and processed in liquids such as organic solvents, polymer melts or surfactant solutions. One of the most problematic issues affecting the CNT research community is the lack of standards and uniform characterization methods for CNT dispersion. A 2005 NASA-NIST workshop aimed to address this issue and made a clear distinction between ‘nanodispersion’ of individual CNTs and ‘macrodispersion’ of CNT bundles. Unfortunately, this distinction has yet to percolate through the CNT dispersion literature. The present article seeks to elucidate and commend these concepts, identify the situations where this difference is most critical, note some scenarios where these concepts have been underutilized and posit experimental and computational characterization methods for quantifying the degree of nanodispersion. Particular attention is devoted to the controversial claims of complete nanodispersion and how such claims may be verified. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

Influence of arthropod sampling solutions on insect genotyping reliability Bernhard C. Stoeckle, Kai Dworschak, Martin M. Gossner & Ralph Kuehn* Unit of Molecular Zoology, Department of Animal Science, Technische Universitat Munchen, Am Hochanger 13, 85354 Freising, Germany, Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology & Ecosystem Management, Technische Universitat Munchen, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany, and Institute of Ecology, FriedrichSchiller University, Dornburger Str. 159, 07743 Jena, Germany

An der Filteranlage des Wasserwerks Langenau wurden Risse und Abplatzungen im Bereich der Spannkopfe von Spannbetonbindern festgestellt. Erste Untersuchungen zeigten, dass chloridinduzierte Korrosion vorlag. Da konstruktionsbedingt insbesondere die Spannbewehrung betroffen war, wurde eine eingehende Untersuchung der Schaden veranlasst, welche das Ziel hatte, neben der Entwicklung eines geeigneten Instandsetzungskonzepts auch Aussagen zur Resttragfahigkeit der Spannglieder zu treffen. Die Untersuchungen vor Ort offenbarten neben den Korrosionsschaden an den Spannkopfen auch ausgepragte Verpressfehler im Bereich der Festanker. Nachfolgend werden die Herangehensweise an die Problematik, die durchgefuhrten Untersuchungen und die dabei angewandten Untersuchungsmethoden, das entwickelte Instandsetzungskonzept (Konservierung des Ist-Zustands) und die Schlussfolgerungen zur Resttragfahigkeit erlautert. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse konnte die Korrosionsursache (Chloridquelle) eindeutig bestimmt und die Standsicherheit der Halle nachgewiesen werden. Die Halle wurde zwischenzeitlich instand gesetzt und wird zukunftig auf Wunsch des Bauherrn durch regelmasige Uberwachung auf neuerliche Auffalligkeiten kontrolliert. Assessment and Repair of Chloride Induced Corrosion on the Prestressed Concrete Binder of a Filtration System for Drinking Water On the filter system of the Langenau water work, cracks and spalling were identified in the area of the clamping chucks of the prestressed concrete binder. Initial investigations showed, that chloride induced corrosion was present. Since especially the prestressed reinforcement was affected, an expert assessment of the damages was conducted, which had the objective of, along with the development of an appropriate repair plan, making statements regarding the residual strength of the tendons. In addition to the corrosion of the clamping heads, the investigations revealed a distinctive injection defect in the area of the fixed anchor. Consecutively, the approach to the problem, the conducted investigations and the investigation methods used, the developed repair concept (conservation of the actual status) and the conclusions on the remaining carrying capacity are explained. Based on the results, the cause of the corrosion (the source of the chloride) could be clearly determined and the stability of the hall could be verified. In the meantime, the hall has since been repaired and in the future will be controlled through regular monitoring of noticeable problems at the request of the client.

All-occurrence recording is generally thought to yield unbiased results. However, its accuracy and power to detect real effects may depend on the temporal patterning of the observation periods. Although several studies evaluated the suitability of time-sampling methods (one-zero and instantaneous sampling), there has not been an evaluation of various temporal patterns of the 'all-occurrence' method to date. Here we present an empirical comparison of time-sampling and all-occurrence recording methods, based on a large data set, with special reference to various temporal patterns of all-occurrence recording. The three different sampling methods were imposed on raw data protocols. The scores, obtained by the use of each method and temporal pattern, were compared with true values from the corresponding continuous video recordings. The accuracy and power of each method was estimated by comparison of medians and magnitudes of effect (r m ), respectively. We were able to confirm results of earlier studies on the suitability of time-sampling methods (one-zero and instantaneous sampling), but we found that different temporal patterns of all-occurrence sampling yielded magnitudes of effect that differed from true value magnitudes. We conclude that behavioural studies may reveal different results, even when all conditions are the same, only because of power differences of different temporal pattern of the observation periods, for example 1 x 15 min versus 15 x 1 min. Recommendations are made about appropriate application of methods.

This article presents a theoretical approach to predict the characterization of wave propagating in nonsymmetric laminated plates based on first-order shear deformation theory. It was developed as an extension of Mindlin theory including the effects of shear and rotary inertia. We formulated the equations of motion by substituting the deformations including three displacement functions and two rotary functions, and in any case of laminated plates, more precise wave velocities were calculated. We also described velocity–frequency curves of waves in five modes from the numerical results and investigated the influence of the laminate angle, number of layers, and stacking sequence in detail. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1914–1921, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.

A quantitative purity evaluation of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using resonance Raman spectroscopy was proposed. Linearity between purity and G-band Raman intensity of isolated SWCNT solution was confirmed and quantitative purity was evaluated directly from an intensity ratio of pristine and high-purity SWCNTs prepared by ultracentrifugation. We confirmed that the purity evaluated by Raman intensity of pristine and ultracentrifuged topping of SWCNTs [purity evaluated by Raman intensity of pristine and ultracentrifuged topping of single-wall carbon nanotubes (PERIPUTOS)] gave the same value for the different laser wavelengths and could be applied to any kinds of SWCNT.

Effective product quality control is only possible when it is known what effect changing a process parameter setting has on one or more product properties in quantitative terms. “Adding so much more bleaching earth reduces the colour by so much.” Accordingly, such quantitative relationships have to be determined experimentally in the plant. However, the raw materials used in the plant and the plant performance may be inconsistent, vary gradually over time. Diacylglycerols for instance, affect the rate of crystallisation and their concentration varies from one lot of raw material to another. Consequently, an investigation method is required that is not affected by these inconsistencies or eliminates their influence on the correlations being sought. Such an investigation method is described in the present paper. It makes use of changes that either occur inadvertently or that have been introduced deliberately and measures the effect these changes have on dependent parameters. “What effect has a change in hydrogenation catalyst level on hydrogenation time or trans content?” Since these changes are sudden, they are superimposed on the gradual changes and can thus be separated. By introducing changes on a systematic basis, the effect of these changes can be quantified to the degree of accuracy required for product quality control. Moreover, the effect can be used to optimise the process by a kind evolutionary operation.

Summary. Twenty different keratin-rich substrates were screened as keratin baits for isolation of keratinophilic fungi from different soil sample of Chhindwara District, India. Fungi easily formed colonies on different baits. However, hair, feathers and horns were found to be more suitable than nails, fish fins and fish scales. Zusammenfassung. Zwanzig unterschiedliche Keratin-Substrate wurden auf ihre Eignung als Keratin-Koder zur Isolierung keratinophiler Pilze aus Bodenproben des Chhindwara-Distrikts, Indien, untersucht. Auf verschiedenen Keratinen wuchsen die Pilze gut an. Haare, Federn und Hornmaterialien erwiesen sich als geeigneter als Nagel, Fischflossen und Fischchshuppen.

Summary: A method is presented which, for the first time, enables preparations to be tested cost-effectively and on a large scale to determine their fungicidal effect. A possible residual effect of the preparation on the fungi during the incubation period is prevented by completely washing out any traces of preparations that are nearly insoluble in water from the fungal suspension by means of a cell harvester and using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 as the solvent With its automated procedure, the method enables antimycotics to be tested in 8 or 12 concentrations with reproducible results. Despite the capital investment that is necessary, the new method is much more cost-effective than the original methods because the personnel involved per test compound can be considerably reduced. Zusammenfassung: Es wird eine Methode vorgestellt, die erstmals eine breite und kostengunstige Prufung von Praparaten auf ihre fungizide Wirkung ermoglicht. Durch die vollstandige Auswaschung von schwer wasserloslichen Praparatresten aus der Pilzsuspension mit Hilfe eines Zellerntegerates und der Anwendung von Polyethylenglycol (PEG) 400 als Losungsmittel wird ein moglicher Residualeffekt (Verschleppungseffekt) des Praparates auf die Pilze wahrend der Inkubationsperiode verhindert Durch automatisierte Verfahrensschritte gestattet die Methode die Pruning von Antimykotika in 8 bzw. 12 Konzentrationen mit reproduzierbaren Ergebnissen. Das neue Verfahren ist trotz notwendiger Investitionen deutlich kostengunstiger als das ursprunglich eingesetzte, weil der Personaleinsatz pro Prufsubstanz wesentlich reduziert werden kann.

Summary. Five strains of Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from small animals in Bratislava were subcultured, maintained under sterile paraffin oil and preserved in liquid nitrogen. Morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the analysis of long chain fatty acids of the cell mass were determined. The results showed that the maintenance in liquid nitrogen is the most satisfactory method of preservation of pure cultures of Malassezia pachydermatis. Zusammenfassung. Funf Stamme der Art Ma-lassezia pachydermatis wurden von verschiedenen Kleintieren in Bratislava isoliert, subkultiviert und unter Paraffinol und in flussigem Stickstoff aufbe-wahrt. Die morphologischen und physiologischen Eigenschaften sowie auch die langkettigen Fettsau-ren in der Zellmasse wurden untersucht. Die Re-sultate zeigen, das die Aufbewahrung im flussigen Stickstoff die beste Methode fur die Stammhaltung von Malassezia pachydermatis ist, die bis jetzt nur sehr schwer in Sammlungen zu halten war.

Renyi statistical entropy as a means to quantify mixing in two-dimensional binary systems is presented. The use of Renyi entropies in defining the scale and intensity of segregation for mixing quality determination is analyzed. Finally, the relationship between the mixing process and the structures generated in the system is explored by using the Renyi entropy as an easy and computationally efficient method to calculate the system spectrum of fractal dimensions.

Apart from the protection offered by clothing, the application of sunscreen products suited to each type of skin constitutes one way for decreasing the frequency of skin cancers nowadays. After having adapted an in vitro method for determining the efficacy of sunscreens in emulsion form, we wished to transpose this technique by adapting it for the anti-solar sticks for the evaluation of sun protection factor (SPF) using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. To do this, we tested 14 products in the market as well as sticks that we ourselves fabricated in the laboratory. In a base common to all of these sticks, we added organic (13 filters tested) and inorganic (two filters tested, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) to their maximum permitted concentration in the European Union. In parallel, emulsions containing the same filters at the same percentage of use were studied; to be in keeping with the results on the products packaging on the one hand, and with the results obtained for the emulsion form on the other hand, we were able to determine the optimal mass which needed to be placed on the support used the in vitro test to determine the SPF.

Tiefe Erkundungsbohrungen sind Grundlage und Voraussetzung fur die Planung und Ausfuhrung von grosen Tunnelprojekten. Dabei spielen die Auswahl der Erkundungsmethode und der Einsatz der dazu erforderlichen Geratschaften eine wesentliche Rolle. Der Beitrag gibt einen Uberblick uber die Bohrmethoden zur Untergrunderkundung und berichtet uber praktische Erfahrungen aus Bohrarbeiten fur tiefliegende Tunnelprojekte. Technical options and practical experiences of deep investigation drillings for tunnelling Deep investigation core drilling is the basis for the design and construction of successful tunnel projects. The right choice of the investigation method and the machinery are very important. The article summarizes the different drilling methods for site investigations and the practical experience gained in different tunnelling projects from exploration drilling.

Data obtained from a pilot radio-tracking study of Great Tits are presented. Three males were tracked intensively in sequence between January and April with varying efficiency. Radio-tracking provided useful information on range size and spatial patterns of range use. It also facilitated behavioural observations and the construction of time budgets. If the use of radio signals is a reliable means of predicting behaviour, the data presented from this study indicate that standard observation may be highly biased.

Combinatorial and high-throughput experimentation is used to accelerate the rate of experimentation in macromolecular science. Combinatorial and high-throughput methods are used in macromolecular science to discover and optimize catalysts for polymerization reactions, discover compositions that have specific desired properties, and systematically explore polymer structure-property relationships. The use of high-throughput methods can enable the discovery of complex catalyst systems or polymer compositions that would not be feasible using conventional experimental methods. In addition, combinatorial data can be used as inputs into computer models to enable the accurate prediction of material properties as a function of composition.

The growing economic pressure on tunnelling and mining operations has lead to an increasing importance of investigation methods for assessing the abrasiveness of rock and soil. Such investigations can be based on a wide variety of testing procedures and standards covering a wide span of scale, ranging from real-scale tests on site to model tests with simplified tools and microscopic and chemical analyses of rocks and minerals. This paper gives an overview over some of the most important procedures, technical aspects of their application, classification of testing results and the current state of experience. Abrasivitatstest, quo vadis? Ein kommentierter Uberblick uber Abrasivitats-Testverfahren Der stetig zunehmende wirtschaftliche Druck auf Tunnelbau und Rohstoffgewinnung fuhrt zu einer steigenden Bedeutung von Untersuchungsverfahren zur Bewertung der Abrasivitat von Fest- und Lockergesteinen. Derartige Untersuchungen konnen mit einer Vielzahl von Verfahren durchgefuhrt werden, die von Untersuchungen vor Ort im Realmasstab uber Modellversuche mit vereinfachten Werkzeugen bis hin zu mikroskopischen oder chemischen Untersuchungen eine weite Bandbreite an Untersuchungsmasstaben einschliesen. Der vorliegende Beitrag soll einen Uberblick uber die derzeit wesentlichsten Untersuchungsverfahren, versuchstechnische Aspekte, angewandte Klassifizierungsschlussel sowie Einsatzerfahrungen mit den jeweiligen Verfahren geben.

The interchain contraction and association of polystyrene in semidilute solution near the Θ temperature are studies using NET. The results reveal that during a drop of temperature, polystyrene chains pass through different states: a smooth change of conformation at temperatures above the Θ temperature, an accelerated contraction and association, aggregation of polymer chains, and then further continuous contraction below the Θ temperature. A pronounced hysteresis is observed during repeated heating. A viscosity study of the same solution was compared with the NET results. It indicates that NET can effectively be used to study conformational changes like contraction and association of polymer chains in a semidilute solution.

Fingerprinting of the degradation product patterns by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was evaluated as a tool to monitor the degree of degradation in polyester-ether networks. Fo ...

We demonstrate a novel method to analyse ex situ prepared protein chips by attenuated total reflection Fourier IR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which circumvents tedious functionalisation steps of internal reflection elements (IREs), and simultaneously allows for complementary measurements by other analytical techniques. This concept is proven by utilising immobilised metal affinity capture (IMAC) chips containing about 10 mum thick films of copolymers coated with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) groups, which originally was manufactured for surface enhanced laser desorption ionisation (SELDI) spectrometry. Three immobilisation steps were analysed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy: 1) NTA complexation with nickel(II) ions 2) binding of two histidine (His)-tagged synthetic peptides of 25 (25-His6) and 48 (48-His6) amino acids to the NTA-groups and 3) attachment of a ligand, mesyl amide, to the surface-bound 48-His6. Despite interference from H(2)O, both amide I and II were well resolved. Utilising peptide adsorption in the thick copolymer matrix yields a high saturation peptide concentration of approximately 100 mg mL(-1) and a dissociation constant of 116+/-11 muM, as determined by a detailed analysis of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The mesyl amide ligand was directly seen in the raw ATR-FTIR spectrum with specific peaks in the fingerprint region at 1172 and 1350 cm(-1). Several aspects of the fine structure of the amide I band of the peptide were analysed: influences from secondary structure, amino side chains and competing contamination product. We believe that this approach has great potential as a stand-alone or complementary analytical tool for determination of the chemical composition of functionalised surfaces. We emphasise further that with this approach no chemical treatment of IREs is needed; the chips can be regenerated and reused, and applied in other experimental set-ups.

[Chemical structure: see text] The interactions between a biomaterial and biomolecules present in body fluids often determine the fate of the biomaterial. This paper presents a study on hyaluronan (HA)-containing materials (in soluble or colloidal form) that focuses on their interactions with lipids and proteins and for the first time uses PFG NMR as an analytical technique for probing these events. The interactions of HA-based polymers with phospholipids (DPPC and DPPG liposomes) are shown to depend both on charge and hydrophobicity factors. Despite the difference in behavior between albumin (substantially non-adhesive) and fibrinogen (adhesive), the interactions of the polymers with proteins do not seem to be based on hydrophobic effects but on surface polar interactions.

Improved methods for obtaining, preparing, and staining fish chromosomes are described. Included are procedures for resolving serial or G-type bands. A brief review of various metaphase banding procedures and their use in fishes is also presented.

The isothermal and nonisothermal cure behaviors of a novel nitrogen-containing epoxy resin (XT resin) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Various kinetic parameters and details of cure process were obtained based on the Avrami theory. The results indicated that Avrami method is suitable for calculating the kinetic parameters up to the gel point at least. The apparent activation energy (Ea) for isothermal cure process was in agreement with that for nonisothermal cure process. Ea value in the early stage (78.5–81.0 KJ mol−1) was about three times than that in the later stage (23.3–26.5 KJ mol−1). The kinetic results from Avrami theory may present a combined effect of all factors, and which is helpful to understand the cure technique for XT–DDS system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3483–3489, 2006

Current procedures for evaluating fatigue strength of welded structures may be not consistent with the real fatigue behaviour of welded joints. A local strain method for the prediction of the WELded joints FAtigue REsistance (WEL.FA.RE.), by local strain measurements at the weld toe, was recently proposed on the basis of fatigue tests on more than 10 series of welded joints (T, cruciform, angular and butt joints) in structural steel, with 10-25mm main-plate thickness. This paper reports fatigue test results obtained from 30 cruciform and butt welded joints (3-5 mm thick), under two load ratios (0.1 and -1), in order to extend the applicability of the method to thin welded joints.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used as a tool to explore the nanomechanical properties of isotactic poly(propylene) (PP) homopolymer and of high impact poly(propylene) (hiPP) products with different rubber contents. It was shown that the interpretation of the approach curves (force vs. piezo displacement) allows one to identify the relative amounts of rubber at different spots within the particles. In addition, it was possible to differentiate between areas where the rubber layers were less than 10 nm thick, and those where there was more rubber. Comparison of the mechanical properties of PP and hiPP particles allowed us to propose a model for the distribution of rubber within the particles.

Testing for potential adverse skin effects is a key part of both the overall safety assessment for many consumer products and the evaluation of potential product improvements in mildness. Whilst modern tissue and paper products (i.e. facial tissues, catamenial products, baby wipes and baby and adult diapers) are inherently very mild to skin, current test methodology may not be robust enough to evaluate future improvements in such products. This article provides a commentary on several technologies we have been exploring to improve the sensitivity of test methods for tissue and paper products. The focus has been on three approaches: (i) further exaggerating exposure conditions using novel approaches to sample application, (ii) increasing the sensitivity of the manner in which we score for irritant effects, either visually or via instrumentation and (iii) quantitatively measuring additional endpoints, i.e. subjective sensory effects.

A procedure for determining the transition time in chronopotentiometry is proposed. The method is based on the existence of three straight sections in a chronopotentiometric curve. The experimental values are fitted by multilinear regression using dummy variables. Agreement between the proposed method and a classical graphical procedure is observed.

Sensitive skin is a condition of subjective cutaneous hyperreactivity to environmental factors. Subjects experiencing this condition report exaggerated reactions when their skin is in contact with cosmetics, soaps and sunscreens, and they often report worsening after exposure to dry and cold climate. Although no sign of irritation is commonly detected, itching, burning, stinging and a tight sensation are constantly present. Generally substances that are not commonly considered irritants are involved in this abnormal response. They include many ingredients of cosmetics such as: dimethyl sulfoxide, benzoyl peroxide preparations, salicylic acid, propylene glycol, amyldimethylaminobenzoic acid and 2-ethoxyethyl methoxycinnamate. Sensitive skin and subjective irritation are widespread but still far from being completely defined and understood. The aim of this paper is to summarize the relevant literature in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sensitive skin and the best testing methodologies for investigation of sensitive skin.

Summary 1. Radio-tracking is used ubiquitously in studies of wild vertebrates, a fundamental assumption being that tagged animals do not significantly differ, behaviourally or otherwise, from untagged animals. 2. We studied two populations of water voles Arvicola terrestris : one population was livetrapped from April to September for 2 years (2000, 2001) and then concurrently radiotracked and trapped in a third year (2002). The second population was trapped only during 2002. 3. During 2002, a substantial decline in female numbers in the radio-collared population was recorded, apparently resulting from a male skew in the sex ratios of offspring born to this population. The mean numbers of males and females born during trapping only were 25·7 (SD 2·1) and 29·0 (SD 7·0), respectively. Recruits to the radio-tracked population were skewed heavily in favour of males (43 : 13). 4. Both hypotheses commonly invoked to explain mammalian sex-ratio manipulation refer to the condition of mothers. The altered sex ratio resulted from a 48% decrease in numbers of females born, a decrease similar to the proportion (0·49) of the female population that was collared. No similar decline in male births occurred. This suggests that radio-collaring of females caused male-skewed sex ratios. 5. Synthesis and applications . We conclude that the observed decline in female numbers resulted from male-skewed recruitment sex ratios due to the attachment of radio-collars to female water voles. These results question the assumption that the use of radio-collars does not fundamentally affect the biology of collared water voles.

Dynamic mechanical analysis is combined with mass spectrometry to study nitrocellulose under oscillating strain At a constant temperature (150-160°C) and frequency (400-600 Hz) nitrocellulose fractures demonstrating a modulus drop and release of products with m/z: 30 and 44. At linear heating (2 °C . min -1 ) and a frequency of 10-50 Hz similar products are released in two steps, the second of which demonstrates a modulus drop and a temperature increase indicating ignition.