Complex structural dynamics of nanocatalysts revealed in Operando conditions by correlated imaging and spectroscopy probes.

Understanding how heterogeneous catalysts change size, shape and structure during chemical reactions is limited by the paucity of methods for studying catalytic ensembles in working state, that is, in operando conditions. Here by a correlated use of synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy in operando conditions, we quantitatively describe the complex structural dynamics of supported Pt catalysts exhibited during an exemplary catalytic reaction-ethylene hydrogenation. This work exploits a microfabricated catalytic reactor compatible with both probes.

A novel X-ray diffractometer for studies of liquid-liquid interfaces.

The study of liquid-liquid interfaces with X-ray scattering methods requires special instrumental considerations. A dedicated liquid surface diffractometer employing a tilting double-crystal monochromator in Bragg geometry has been designed. This diffractometer allows reflectivity and grazing-incidence scattering measurements of an immobile mechanically completely decoupled liquid sample, providing high mechanical stability.

Phenalenone-type phytoalexins mediate resistance of banana plants (Musa spp.) to the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis.

The global yield of bananas-one of the most important food crops-is severely hampered by parasites, such as nematodes, which cause yield losses up to 75%. Plant-nematode interactions of two banana cultivars differing in susceptibility to Radopholus similis were investigated by combining the conventional and spatially resolved analytical techniques (1)H NMR spectroscopy, matrix-free UV-laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, and Raman microspectroscopy. This innovative combination of analytical techniques was applied to isolate, identify, and locate the banana-specific type of phytoalexins, phenylphenalenones, in the R.

Exploring quality in gradient copolymers.

Quality of gradient copolymers is evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and correlated with molecular weight distribution (MWD) values. ARGET ATRP is employed with decreasing levels of catalyst concentrations to generate copolymers with increasing M¯w/M¯n values. The copolymers are transformed into molecular bottlebrushes to enable imaging and analysis of individual molecules by AFM.

Activators Regenerated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in Miniemulsion with 50 ppm of Copper Catalyst.

The design and synthesis of a powerful ligand is reported for use in activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) in miniemulsion. The structure of ',″-dioctadecyl-',″-bis[2-(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl)pyridylmethyl]ethane-1,2-diamine (DOD-BPED*) was formulated to produce a tetradentate ligand which was both hydrophobic and highly active. Studies in homogeneous ARGET ATRP with CuBr/DOD-BPED* demonstrated a high degree of control, similar to those ligands traditionally used.

Genetic ablation of carotene oxygenases and consumption of lycopene or tomato powder diets modulate carotenoid and lipid metabolism in mice.

Carotene-15,15'-monooxygenase (CMO-I) cleaves β-carotene to form vitamin A, whereas carotene-9',10'-monooxygenase (CMO-II) preferentially cleaves non-provitamin A carotenoids. Recent reports indicate that β-carotene metabolites regulate dietary lipid uptake, whereas lycopene regulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor expression. To determine the physiologic consequences of carotenoids and their interactions with CMO-I and CMO-II, we characterized mammalian carotenoid metabolism, metabolic perturbations, and lipid metabolism in female CMO-I(-/-) and CMO-II(-/-) mice fed lycopene or tomato-containing diets for 30 days.

In situ X-ray studies of adlayer-induced crystal nucleation at the liquid-liquid interface.

Crystal nucleation and growth at a liquid-liquid interface is studied on the atomic scale by in situ Å-resolution X-ray scattering methods for the case of liquid Hg and an electrochemical dilute electrolyte containing Pb(2+), F(-), and Br(-) ions. In the regime negative of the Pb amalgamation potential Φ(rp) = -0.70 V, no change is observed from the surface-layered structure of pure Hg.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affect both penetration and further life stage development of root-knot nematodes in tomato.

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita poses a worldwide threat to agriculture, with an increasing demand for alternative control options since most common nematicides are being withdrawn due to environmental concerns. The biocontrol potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) against plant-parasitic nematodes has been demonstrated, but the modes of action remain to be unraveled. In this study, M.

Lycopene and apo-12'-lycopenal reduce cell proliferation and alter cell cycle progression in human prostate cancer cells.

Lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. However, lycopene may not be wholly responsible for the effects seen in vivo or in cell culture systems. Apo-lycopenals or other lycopene metabolites, whether produced by cleavage enzymes within the body or consumed with tomato products, can be found in tissues at concentrations equivalent to physiological retinoid concentrations.

Emerging molecular knowledge on Radopholus similis, an important nematode pest of banana.

Taxonomy: Superkingdom Eukaryota; Kingdom Metazoa; Phylum Nematoda; Class Chromadorea; Order Rhabditida; Suborder Tylenchina; Infraorder Tylenchomorpha; Superfamily Tylenchoidea; Family Pratylenchidae; Subfamily Radopholinae; Genus Radopholus.

Physical Properties: Microscopic unsegmented worm; migratory endoparasite of plants. Strong sexual dimorphism; reproduction both by amphimixis and self-fertilization.

Surface layering at the mercury-electrolyte interface.

X-ray reflectometry reveals atomic layering at a liquid-liquid interface--mercury in a 0.01 M NaF solution. The interface width exceeds capillary wave theory predictions and displays an anomalous dependence on the voltage applied across it, displaying a minimum positive of the potential of zero charge.

AMF-induced biocontrol against plant parasitic nematodes in Musa sp.: a systemic effect.

Although mycorrhizal colonization provides a bioprotectional effect against a broad range of soil-borne pathogens, including plant parasitic nematodes, the commercial use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biocontrol agents is still in its infancy. One of the main reasons is the poor understanding of the modes of action. Most AMF mode of action studies focused on AMF-bacterial/fungal pathogens.

3,5-Difluoro-phenyl phenyl sulfone.

In the title compound, C(12)H(8)F(2)O(2)S, which is a precursor of functionalised poly(aryl-ene ether sulfone) polymers, the dihedral angle between the aromatic ring planes is 84.43 (8)°. In the crystal structure, aromatic π-π stacking [centroid-centroid separations = 3.

Cryopreservation of Radopholus similis, a tropical plant-parasitic nematode.

For obligate plant-parasitic nematodes, cryopreservation has advantages over the usual preservation methods on whole plants or axenic culture systems, because the latter two are labourious and time and space consuming. In addition, cross contamination among different isolates can occur easily. Moreover, specific genetic studies require maintenance of the original population.

Challenges in tropical plant nematology.

A major challenge facing agricultural scientists today is the need to secure food for an increasing world population. This growth occurs predominantly in developing, mostly tropical countries, where the majority of hungry people live. Reducing yield losses caused by pathogens of tropical agricultural crops is one measure that can contribute to increased food production.

Use of root organ cultures to investigate the interaction between Glomus intraradices and Pratylenchus coffeae.

The interaction between Glomus intraradices and Pratylenchus coffeae on transformed carrot roots was studied in root organ culture. G. intraradices provided the roots with increased protection against P.

Aseptic Culture Systems of Radopholus similis for In Vitro Assays on Musa spp. and Arabidopsis thaliana.

Radopholus similis is one of the most damaging nematodes in bananas. Chemical control is currently the most-used method, but nematode control through genetic improvement is widely encouraged. The objective of this study was to establish an aseptic culture system for R.

Construction and sequencing of new derivatives of the pIN-III-ompA secretion vector.

The growing interest in proteins exported by bacteria led to the development of cloning vectors designed for targeting recombinant proteins to extracytoplasmic compartments. The pIN-III-ompA vector family fulfils such a function. Here we report the construction and sequencing of new pIN-III-ompA derivatives with alternate polylinker sites, increasing the cloning flexibility of these vectors.