Bar-Ilan University

About: Bar-Ilan University is a education organization based out in Ramat Gan, Israel. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 12835 authors who have published 34964 publications receiving 995648 citations. The organization is also known as: Bar Ilan University & BIU.

Non‐invasive photoacoustic spectroscopic determination of relative endogenous nitric oxide and ethylene content stoichiometry during the ripening of strawberries Fragaria anannasa (Duch.) and avocados Persea americana (Mill.)

Abstract: relationship exists and that, concomitantly, NO may be employed as a post-harvest senescence retarding agent Employing non-invasive photoacoustic spectrometry, (Leshem and Wills, 1998; Leshem et al., 1998). This emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and ethylene in post- criticism particularly pertains to endogenous plant NO harvest strawberries and avocados were monitored. emissions which, in the above reports, were partially A clear-cut stoichiometric relationship was found based on data obtained from an invasive technique between the two gases: unripe fruit manifesting high whereby an NO-sensitive microprobe was inserted into NO and low ethylene levels—the converse in ripe fruit. the fruit tissue and therefore that the wounding caused, Findings are discussed in the light of putative control albeit minor, NO emissions which ordinarily would not of ethylene-promoted fruit senescence by endogen- occur. The present research addresses this contention by ous NO. using the recently renewed non-invasive and rapid PAS technique as described in the Materials and methods.

Microwave synthesis of core-shell gold/palladium bimetallic nanoparticles

Abstract: The microwave-assisted polyol reduction method was applied to the synthesis of core−shell gold/palladium bimetallic nanoparticles by the simultaneous reduction of the AuIII and PdII ions. The thickness of the palladium shell was calculated to be ∼3 nm, and the gold core diameter is 9 nm. The structure and composition of the bimetallic particles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy equipped with a nanoarea energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy attachment, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

The impact of reduced pH on the microbial community of the coral Acropora eurystoma.

Abstract: Rising concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide are acidifying the world's oceans. Surface seawater pH is 0.1 units lower than pre-industrial values and is predicted to decrease by up to 0.4 units by the end of the century. This change in pH may result in changes in the physiology of ocean organisms, in particular, organisms that build their skeletons/shells from calcium carbonate, such as corals. This physiological change may also affect other members of the coral holobiont, for example, the microbial communities associated with the coral, which in turn may affect the coral physiology and health. In the present study, we examined changes in bacterial communities in the coral mucus, tissue and skeleton following exposure of the coral Acropora eurystoma to two different pH conditions: 7.3 and 8.2 (ambient seawater). The microbial community was different at the two pH values, as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Further analysis of the community in the corals maintained at the lower pH revealed an increase in bacteria associated with diseased and stressed corals, such as Vibrionaceae and Alteromonadaceae. In addition, an increase in the number of potential antibacterial activity was recorded among the bacteria isolated from the coral maintained at pH 7.3. Taken together, our findings highlight the impact that changes in the pH may have on the coral-associated bacterial community and their potential contribution to the coral host.

Neonatal state organization, neuromaturation, mother-infant interaction, and cognitive development in small-for-gestational-age premature infants.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to examine the relations among neuromaturation, mother-infant relationship, and cognitive development in small-for-gestational-age premature infants and to assess the interactive effects of birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction on developmental outcomes. METHODS. We studied 120 singleton premature infants (birth weight: 530–1790 g; gestational age: 25–35 weeks). In group 1, 40 small-for-gestational-age infants (22 girls) were case-matched with group 2 (n = 40) for birth weight (appropriate for gestational age matched for birth weight) and group 3 (n = 40) matched for gestational age (appropriate for gestational age matched for gestational age). Exclusion criteria included intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4, perinatal asphyxia, central nervous system infections, and genetic conditions. Infants were further divided into those born below and above 1000-g subgroups. Neonatal state organization was observed for 4 consecutive hours. Neuromaturation was assessed with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. At 3 and 24 months9 corrected age, mother-infant interaction was evaluated. At 1 and 2 years9 corrected age, the infants9 cognitive development was tested with the Bayley Scale of Infant Development, 2nd edition. RESULTS. Small-for-gestational-age infants showed less organized state and less mature neurobehavioral profiles, particularly in the orientation and motor domains. Mother-infant interactions were characterized by maternal intrusiveness and miscoordination and negative infant engagement. Cognitive outcomes at 1 and 2 years were lower for the small-for-gestational-age group. Small-for-gestational-age infants born CONCLUSION. Small-for-gestational-age premature infants are at higher risk for developmental and cognitive delays, as well as difficulties in the mother-infant relationship across infancy. Those born at extremely low birth weight are at a double risk. This group should receive special clinical attention and care.