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Denatured whey protein concentrate was fractionated by centrifugation to study the effect of its different components (sedimentable aggregates, non-sedimentable component, and diffusible component) on rennet-induced coagulation of milk and gel contraction capacity. Milk coagulation properties were characterized by optical density measurement and dynamic rheometry. The contraction kinetics of the gel during cooking was also characterized. The diffusible component of denatured whey protein concentrate showed no significant effect on coagulation or contraction parameters. Sedimentable aggregates negatively influenced the kinetics of rennet gel formation, as measured by rheology; these aggregates also reduced the contraction capacity of the gel. The non-sedimentable component negatively influenced milk coagulation properties, as measured with both optical and rheological methods, and decreased the contraction capacity of the gel. The results suggest that, beyond the effect of sedimentable whey protein aggregates, soluble proteinaceous complexes (non-sedimentable and non-diffusible) could interact with renneted casein micelles and limit gel formation and contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the different stressor techniques used in microelectronics, in the scope of the Ultra-Thin Body & Buried Oxide Fully-Depleted Silicon On Insulator technology (UTBB FD-SOI). We compare the mechanical efficiency of the various stressors and present the impact of device dimensions (active area, gate length and pitch) on their efficiency. Our study emphasizes the high efficiency, for the FD-SOI technology, of the intrinsically strained channels, compared to the traditional embedded raised source/drain and contact-etch stop liner. With these techniques FD-SOI technology has already demonstrated channel stress higher than 1.5 GPa for n type transistor and −2.3 GPa for the p type devices and we envision channel stress values up to ±3 GPa for n and p transistor channel, respectively. This performance is partly due to the mechanical configuration of intrinsically strained channels, in parallel mode rather than in serial mode as for the previous generation of stressors, which makes them less sensitive to the scaling of the contacted gate pitch. We also highlight another key element the high mechanical stability of the UTBB technology, related to the limited channel thickness (around 6 nm) which enables achieving highly stressed channel without substantial adaptation of the integration flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An alternative strategy to integrate electrochemical cells composed of two and three electrodes into total COC polymeric microsystems is presented. Results based on in-situ amperometric and potentiometric measurements are shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ability of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) to induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is mediated by SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent pathways such as the activation of Rho GTPase signalling. Upon activation, GTP-bound Rho stimulates the ROCK kinases, which in turn phosphorylate numerous substrates including the LIM kinases (LIMK). The net result of ROCK activation is increased actin–myosin contractile force generation, with a contribution from LIMK-induced actin filament stabilisation. In this study, we made use of siRNA-mediated knockdown and selective inhibitors to determine the contributions of ROCK and LIMK to TGFβ-induced responses. We find that both ROCK and LIMK are required for TGFβ stimulation of serum-response factor (SRF) transcriptional activity and actin stress fibre formation during EMT. In contrast, although LIMK inhibition had little effect on cell motility in scratch wound and Transwell migration assays, ROCK inhibition actually promoted TGFβ-induced cell motility by helping individual cells to break free from the epithelial sheet. Furthermore, we demonstrate that selective inhibition of LIMK, but not ROCK, effectively blocked TGFβ driven invasion through a layer of matrigel extracellular matrix protein. These results indicate that the roles of LIMK and ROCK in the Rho signalling pathway downstream of TGFβ are not identical and suggest that LIMK represents an attractive therapeutic target in TGFβ driven organ fibrosis and metastatic cancer spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The actions of RhoA in cytoskeletal regulation have been extensively studied. RhoA also contributes to proliferation and oncogenic transformation by less well-characterized means. Elevated RhoA signalling has been associated with human cancer; through increased RhoA expression, mutation or elevated expression of activating Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), or from deletion or decreased expression of inhibitory Rho GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Unlike the Ras oncogene, constitutively-activated GTPase-deficient RhoA mutants have not been identified in tumours. To investigate the effects of active RhoA on proliferation, we generated Swiss3T3 cells that inducibly express wild-type RhoA or GTPase-deficient active V14RhoA. We found that V14RhoA inhibited cell proliferation by retarding entry into the DNA synthetic cell cycle phase and blocking successful completion of cytokinesis, resulting in an increased incidence of binucleate cells. These effects were associated with inhibition of mitogen-induced activation of the MAPK pathway, and suppression of several proteins involved in mitosis, including anillin, ECT2 and cyclin B1 which would be expected to result in reduced activation of endogenous RhoA at the cell equator. Accumulation of active RhoA protein in the midbody of cells in telophase was inhibited in V14RhoA-expressing cells, suggesting that RhoA inactivation must occur prior to re-activation. Defective cytokinesis was also associated with prominent actin structures in V14RhoA-expressing cells, which might be incompatible with equatorial furrowing. Using super-resolution imaging based on single-molecule switching, we have significantly improved the resolution of active RhoA in midbodies. These results indicate that constitutively-active RhoA antagonizes several cellular activities that contribute to proliferation, highlighting the importance for cycling between GTP/GDP-bound states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of cream pasteurization on the composition and microstructure of buttermilk after pasteurization, evaporation and spray-drying was studied. The composition of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) isolated from buttermilk samples was also characterized. Pasteurization of cream resulted in higher lipid recovery in the buttermilk. Spray-drying of buttermilk had a significant effect on phospholipid content and composition. After spray-drying, the phospholipid content decreased by 38.2% and 40.6%, respectively in buttermilk from raw or pasteurized cream when compared with initial buttermilks. Pasteurization of cream resulted in the highest increase in whey protein recovery in MFGM isolates compared with all other processing steps applied on buttermilk. A reduction in phospholipid content was also observed in MFGM isolates following spray-drying. Transmission electron microscopy of the microstructure of buttermilks revealed extremely heterogeneous microstructures but failed to reveal any effect of the treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Local stressors techniques are extensively used in CMOS technologies starting with the 90nm node to compensate the mobility loss induced by extensive scale down. The purpose is to generate some strain within the silicon channel to enhance carrier mobility. To achieve nMOS performance at the 45nm node, gate stressors are required in addition to standard nitride liners. With this option, the stress generated within the gate is directly transmitted into the channel and more than 10% gain in saturation current is achievable on nMOS. Stress is generated within the polysilicon gate through annealing under a capping liner. After liner removal, a part of this stress is memorized within the gate material. Final gate stress depends on both polysilicon pre-treatments and liner properties. This paper deals with material studies performed on capping liners in parallel to tests on electrical devices. Important parameters to generate stress under capping are presented. This allows providing a simple model and guidelines for further optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The bioactive alkaloid (−)-lobeline was synthesized via the stereoselective acylation (desymmetrization) of meso-lobelanidine by vinyl acetate in the presence of Candida antarctica lipase B. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the UPST was objectived by stabilometric parameters in both bipodal and unipodal stations. Twenty-six women, 15 men, average age 34 ± 6.9 years, are divided into 2 groups by an expert practitioner according to the results of the UPST. They were then evaluated in bipodal stance on force platform (Médicapteurs©, Fusyo®, France) for 31.6 sec at 40 Hz, under 4 conditions: – open eyes; – closed eyes; – open eyes with foam and; – closed eyes with foam (Capitoner® 8sh 2 mm). Subjects were recorded in unipodal situation for 5 sec at 40 Hz on the left and right feet, eyes open and eyes closed. All registrations were randomized and volunteers with a dominant left foot (2) or a UPST dysfunction on the left were excluded (4). Data analysis was performed by two MANOVA for each experimental time. Subjects with bilateral instability to the UPST showed a significantly larger surface area of the Centre of Pressure in the bipodal situation with eyes closed (F (2.32) = 4.48; P = 0.02 (η2 = 0.22)) and in unipedal situation with eyes open, only on the left foot (F (2.32) = 5.7; P = 0.008 (η2 = 0.26)) compared to volunteers without pelvic instabilities. The subjects with right dysfunctions to the UPST showed no significant difference in stabilometric parameters compared to the control population. Subjects with bilateral pelvic instability have poorer postural stability in both bipodal and unipedal stance while isolated right pelvic instability cannot be characterized by force platform exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A factorial experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of denatured whey protein and fat concentrations in milk on rennet gel properties. The coagulation properties were characterized by dynamic rheometry. Decreased coagulation rate and storage modulus (G′) were observed when denatured whey protein concentrate (DWPC) was added to milk. Increasing the fat content barely affected milk coagulation, with a slight decrease in G′ at 60 min. The contraction kinetics of the gels during cooking was also characterized. Only the increase in DWPC reduced the contraction capacity of the gel. The use of DWPC in miniature cheese production linearly increased cheese yield and moisture. Introducing DWPC did not reduce fat retention in the curd, except at 0.75% when combined with the highest fat level (3.4%). Fat globules and DWPC aggregates are both considered to be fillers in rennet gels, but our results clearly show different impacts on gel mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Enzymatic acylation is commonly used for the kinetic resolution of alcohols and amines. The simple acyl group introduced during the enzymatic reaction is usually removed or replaced by another group. Retention of more complex acyl moieties as part of the target structures would be a more efficient strategy. We have studied the enantioselective acylation of a model alcohol substrate, 1-phenylethanol, with vinyl esters bearing various functionality on the acyl moieties in the presence of three lipases (Candida antarctica, Candida rugosa and Burkholderia cepacia) frequently used in organic synthesis. C. antarctica lipase is the most versatile lipase for this type of biotransformations. We applied this strategy to the synthesis of a protein kinase C ligand and a natural product, phoracantholide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Virus-induced expression of interferon (IFN)-A genes is regulated by two members of the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family, IRF-3 and IRF-7, which are activated by phosphorylation during viral infection by the IKK-related serine/threonine kinases TBK1 and IκB kinase ϵ (IKKϵ). In this study, we demonstrate that three IRF-binding sites located in the virus-responsive element mediate the transcriptional activation of the IFN-A4 promoter by IRF-3. The precise arrangement of these IRF elements is required for synergistic activation of the IFN-A4 promoter following Newcastle disease virus infection or activation by TBK1 or IKKϵ. The ordered assembly of IRF-3 multimers on the promoter also determines cooperative recruitment of IRF-3 and CREB-binding protein and differential virus-induced expression of IFN-A4 gene promoter compared with IFN-A11. Naturally occurring nucleotide substitutions disrupt two of the IRF elements in the IFN-A11 gene promoter, leading to a dramatic decrease in IRF-3 and CREB-binding protein recruitment and in IRF-3-dependent transcription. Transcription of the IFN-A4 promoter by IRF-7 is mediated by two IRF elements; promoter mutants that carry a reversed IRF element retain the ability to respond to IKKϵ or TBK1 expression in the presence of IRF-7 but lose the capacity to respond to virus or kinase-induced IRF-3. Interestingly, IKKϵ or TBK1 stimulates the IRF-7-mediated transcription of IFN-A11, although at a lesser extent compared with IFN-A4. Our data indicate that virus-induced expression of IFN-A genes is dictated by the organization of IRF elements within the IFN-A promoters and that the differential IFN-A gene expression, based on the IRF-3 responsiveness, is partially compensated in the presence of IRF-7 when both factors are activated by IKKϵ or TBK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experiments the incidence of a 2 mm thin median bar (BM®) and truncated median bar (BMt®) plantar relief in bilateral pelvic instabilities, considering the effect of the presence or not of plantar afferences inefficiency on unipedal stabilometric performance [1]. Eleven subjects with bilateral pelvic instability at the unipedal pelvic stability test (TSPU) [1] and with a right dominant foot were evaluated. Randomized measurements were performed in bipodal stance on force platform (Médicapteurs©, Fusyo®, France) for 31.6 sec at 40 Hz and then in unipedal stance for 5 sec at 40 Hz on each foot, eyes open and eyes closed under three conditions: – Control; – BM® – BMt®. Repeated and factorial variance analyses were then carried out. The population was divided into two groups according to their Plantar Quotient (PQ) greater or less than 100 determined by the bipodal registrations [2]. Seven subjects showed a QP greater than 100 and 4 subjects a QP less than 100. The BM® and BMt® stimuli enhanced the Surface of the Centre of Pressure (CoP) on the right foot with eyes closed. Taking into account the QP, subjects with a QP greater than 100 were enhanced on the surface of the CoP with BMt® only. In this condition, both median bars (BM® and BMt®) enhanced the subjects if their QP was less than 100. This study on bilateral pelvic instabilities with thin plantar stimuli confirms their therapeutic interest in these dysfunctions of postural control and illustrates fundamental interest of two notions: – foot dominance and; – efficiency or inefficiency of plantar afferences. These results require further research that considers these intra and inter individual differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we demonstrate the use of Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator (FDSOI) transistors as pH sensors with a 23 nm silicon nitride sensing layer built in the Back-End-Of-Line (BEOL). The back end process to deposit the sensing layer and fabricate the electrical structures needed for testing is detailed. A series of tests employing different pH buffer solutions has been performed on transistors of different geometries, controlled via the back gate. The main findings show a shift of the drain current (I D ) as a function of the back gate voltage (V B ) when different pH buffer solutions are probed in the range of pH 6 to pH 8. This shift is observed at V B voltages swept from 0 V to 3 V, demonstrating the sensor operation at low voltage. A high sensitivity of up to 250 mV/pH unit (more than 4-fold larger than Nernstian response) is observed on FDSOI MOS transistors of 0.06 µm gate length and 0.08 µm gate width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of a denatured whey protein concentrate (DWPC) and its fractions on cheese yield, composition, and rheological properties, and (2) to separate the direct effect of the DWPC or its fractions on cheese rheological properties from the effect of a concomitant increase in cheese moisture. Semihard cheeses were produced at a laboratory scale, and mechanical properties were characterized by dynamic rheometry. Centrifugation was used to induce a moisture gradient in cheese to separate the direct contribution of the DWPC from the contribution of moisture to cheese mechanical properties. Cheese yield increased and complex modulus (G*) decreased when the DWPC was substituted for milk proteins in milk. For cheeses with the same moisture content, the substitution of denatured whey proteins for milk proteins had no direct effect on rheological parameters. The DWPC was fractionated to evaluate the contribution of its different components (sedimentable aggregates, soluble component, and diffusible component) to cheese yield, composition, and rheological properties. The sedimentable aggregates were primarily responsible for the increase in cheese yield when DWPC was added. Overall, moisture content explained to a large extent the variation in cheese rheological properties depending on the DWPC fraction. However, when the effect of moisture was removed, the addition of the DWPC sedimentable fraction to milk increased cheese complex modulus. Whey protein aggregates were hypothesized to act as active fillers that physically interact with the casein matrix and confer rigidity after pressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning (SAQP) is used in advanced CMOS-FET technologies to enable the formation of arrays of fins at sub-40 nm pitches. As these technology nodes keep scaling down and the fins get taller for performance improvement, the patterns become denser and present very high aspect ratio (HAR). The scaling trends make the fin pattern more subject to mechanical instabilities during the processing steps. We describe in this paper a specific mechanical fin bending mode linked to the SAQP scheme targeting 24 nm pitch, the HAR and the formation and recess steps of the isolating oxide. We investigated the evolution of fin bending throughout the fin and isolation formation. We observed fins start bending at the FCVD deposition step exhibiting rotation angles up to 3 degrees. The bending was then worsened along the subsequent process steps causing mechanical failure after fin reveal where up to 7–8° of bending angles were observed. After having studied the influence of the key process steps, we can report a path to mitigate this phenomenon. Finally, we propose a simple mechanical analysis to validate quantitatively the root cause and extrapolate the mechanical robustness of this system for further scaling nodes where fin pitch is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2-Substituted glycerol derivatives 4a–g were resolved by acylation with vinyl butyrate in the presence of lipases in organic media. The reverse reaction, the enzymatic hydrolysis of the corresponding butyrates 5a–g, was also highly stereoselective and provided the opposite enantiomers. High enantioselectivities (ee >90%) and good isolated yields were obtained for all substrates using the appropriate lipase. Pseudomonas cepacia lipase or the closely related Pseudomonas sp. lipase were the most efficient enzymes for the resolution of substrates bearing smaller aliphatic groups. Candida antarctica lipase B was more suitable as the biocatalyst in the resolution of more sterically demanding aromatic substrates. 2-Benzylglycerol derivatives were resolved in the presence of Rhizopus sp. lipase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The enantioselective acylation (desymmetrization) of meso-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanediol 2 by vinyl acetate in the presence of Candida antarctica lipase B gave the corresponding (1R,2R,3S,4S)-monoester 4 in high enantiomeric purity (ee⩾98%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have investigated phenol replacements in a series of diaryl amino piperidine delta opioid agonists. From this study we have demonstrated that the hydroxy functional group can be replaced with a primary amide group, giving enhanced activity at the delta receptor, increased selectivity versus mu and kappa as well as improved in vitro metabolic stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Different members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family are early activated by viral infection of eukaryotic cells. The IRFs participate in the virus-induced transcriptional regulation of different genes, including the multigenic interferon-A (IFN-A) family, members of which are involved in the establishment of an antiviral state, cell growth inhibition or apoptosis. This study presents the recent progress in the field of virus-induced transactivation and repression of IFN-A gene promoters. Data presented on the modular organization of IFN-A gene promoters and their transactivation dependent on IRF-3 and IRF-7 provide a new insight on the cooperativity mechanisms among the different IRF family members. Data on the transcriptional repression of virus-induced interferon-A promoters by the homeodomain protein Pitx1 contribute to our understanding of the complex differential transcriptional activation, repression and antirepression of the IFN-A genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The flat foot (FF) is a very frequent reason for consultation in clinical posturology. The aim of FF management is to refocus the anteroposterior axis of the foot and to minimize the effects of pronation on stability. In this context, we hypothesized that biomechanical plantar stimuli such as "Internal Band" (BI®) could change knee flexion and postural control by correcting the FF. Fourteen healthy subjects (33 ± 7 years) were evaluated in the Navicular drop test: 5 were classified as abnormal PP (NDTA) and 9 as normal foot (NDTN). Four conditions were compared: BI® 0 (Ctrl), 1 (BI1), 3 (BI3) and 6 mm (BI6). Knee flexion was measured with a smartphone (Goniometer pro®) and four variables were computed from the CoP displacements. A difference between conditions (ANOVA) was observed for three of the four variables computed: the LFS, the sagittal (Y) mean position of CoP and the variance of speed of CoP. Post-hoc tests showed a difference in BI 3 condition for all subjects, and in BI 3 and BI 6 for NDTA subjects. In addition, a change in knee flexion was observed between Ctrl and BI 1 conditions, and between BI 3 and BI 6 conditions. Using BI® contributes to changing knee flexion and postural control in correcting the FF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction La prise en charge du pied plat (PP) implique un recentrage de l'axe antéro-postérieur du pied plat afin de minimiser les effets de la pronation sur la stabilité des sujets. Dans ce contexte, des stimulations plantaires fines de type « Bande Interne® » (BI®) pourraient permettre la correction du pied et la modification du contrôle postural des sujets présentant un pied plat (PP). Matériel et méthodes Le Navicular Drop Test (NDT) [1] a permis un classement de 14 sujets sains en PP (NDTA, 5 sujets) et en pied normal (NDTN, 9 sujets). Quatre conditions ont été comparées : Bande interne (BI) 0 (Control), 1, 3 et 6 mm. Pour chaque condition, 4 paramètres stabilométriques ont été étudiés : la surface du stabilogramme, la position sagittale (Y) moyenne du centre de pression (CP), la longueur parcourue par le CP en fonction de la surface (LFS) et la variance de la vitesse du CP. Une analyse de variance a été réalisée pour chaque variable. En cas de significativité, une analyse post hoc a été réalisée pour comparer les données enregistrées dans les 3 conditions expérimentales BI par rapport à la condition contrôle. Résultats Des différences entre les conditions ont été observées pour 3 des 4 paramètres étudiés : le LFS, le Y moyen et la variance de la vitesse du CP. L'analyse post-hoc a montré une différence pour la condition BI3 pour l'ensemble des sujets, et pour les conditions BI3 et BI6 pour les sujets NDTA. Conclusion L'utilisation de BI de faible épaisseur contribue à la prise en charge thérapeutique du PP et permet une modulation du contrôle postural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Le pied plat (PP) est un motif de consultation très fréquent en routine clinique podologique. Son implication dans diverses pathologies et troubles musculo-squelettiques a largement été étudiée. En effet, le pied plat influence le mouvement des os et des articulations à proximité du pied pendant l'appui [1] et entraîne une augmentation de la rotation médiale du tibia [1,2]. Cette recherche a pour objet l'effet des stimulations plantaires fines de type Bande Interne® (BI®) sur la flexion de genou chez les sujets présentant un pied plat vs un pied normal. Matériel et méthodes Quatorze sujets sains (33 ± 7 ans) ont été évalué au Navicular Drop Test (NDT) [3] : 5 ont été classés en PP (NDTA) dit anormal et 10 avec un pied normal (NDTN). Des flexions de genoux ont été effectuées et mesurées avec un smartphone et le logiciel Goniometer pro® dans 4 conditions différentes : contrôle (CTRL), avec une bande interne® de 1 mm (BI1), de 3 mm (BI3) ou de 6 mm (BI6). Une analyse de variance a été réalisée, puis une analyse post-hoc LSD (Least Significant Difference) de Fisher pour les effets intra-sujets. Résultats Les BI® modifient la flexion de genou avec une augmentation de la flexion entre les conditions CTRL et BI1 (p = 0,050) mais aussi entre les conditions BI3 et BI6 (p = 0,021). Discussion/Conclusion Les stimulations plantaires fines de type BI® modifient la flexion de genou sur l'ensemble de la population. Ces stimulations plantaires spécifiques utilisées en cabinet de podologie-posturologie chez les sujets présentant des PP montrent ici leurs effets sur la cinétique du membre inférieur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]