Showing papers by "University of Valencia published in 1995"

Spin crossover in a catenane supramolecular system.

Abstract: The compound [Fe(tvp)(2)(NCS)(2)] . CH(3)OH, where tvp is 1,2-di-(4-pyridyl)-ethylene, has been synthesized and characterized by x-ray single-crystal diffraction. It consists of two perpendicular, two-dimensional networks organized in parallel stacks of sheets made up of edge-shared [Fe(II)](4) rhombuses. The fully interlocked networks define large square channels in the [001] direction. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mossbauer studies reveal that this compound shows low-spin to high-spin crossover behavior in the temperature range from 100 to 250 kelvin. The combined structural and magnetic characterization of this kind of compound is fundamental for the interpretation of the mechanism leading to the spin crossover, which is important in the development of electronic devices such as molecular switches.

Biochemistry and genetics of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal proteins

Abstract: Current knowledge of biochemical mechanisms of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis is reviewed. Available information on resistance inheritance and on patterns of cross-resistance is included. Modification of the binding sites for B. thuringiensis insecticidal crystal proteins has been found in different populations of three insect species. This resistance mechanism seems to be inherited as a single recessive or partially recessive major gene, and the resistance levels reached are high. Altered proteolytic processing of B. thuringiensis crystal proteins has been suggested to be involved in one case of resistance. From the available data it seems that binding site modification is the most significant resistance mechanism under field conditions.

Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine whether lipoic acid (LA) will reduce oxidative stress in diabetic peripheral nerves and improve neuropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy (SDN) and evaluated the efficacy of LA supplementation in improving nerve blood flow (NBF), electrophysiology, and indexes of oxidative stress in peripheral nerves affected by SDN, at 1 month after onset of diabetes and in age-matched control rats. LA, in doses of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally five times per week after onset of diabetes. RESULTS NBF in SDN was reduced by 50% LA did not affect the NBF of normal nerves but improved that of SDN in a dose-dependent manner. After 1 month of treatment, LA-supplemented rats (100 mg/kg) exhibited normal NBF. The most sensitive and reliable indicator of oxidative stress was reduction in reduced glutathione, which was significantly reduced in streptozotocin-induced diabetic and alpha-tocopherol-deficient nerves; it was improved in a dose-dependent manner in LA-supplemented rats. The conduction velocity of the digital nerve was reduced in SDN and was significantly improved by LA. CONCLUSIONS These studies suggest that LA improves SDN, in significant part by reducing the effects of oxidative stress. The drug may have potential in the treatment of human diabetic neuropathy.

Thermal remote sensing of land surface temperature from satellites: Current status and future prospects

Abstract: In this paper we review the current status for deriving land surface temperatures (LSTs) by remote sensing from satellites in the thermal infrared. Because of its widespread use and global applicability, we concentrate on the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). The theoretical framework and methodologies used to derive LSTs are reviewed and amplified. Practical algorithms are described and their accuracy and application critically evaluated through sensitivity studies and by inter‐comparison. The important effects of the atmosphere, surface emissivity and instrument noise are considered and the current practice for removing these effects is specified. The accuracy currently attainable from the AVHRR for the LST algorithms studied lies between 1 and 2 K, depending critically upon the surface characteristics and the atmospheric structure. Suggestions about what improvements could be made to reduce the errors in LST estimation from space and the directions of future research are summar...

Attenuation of sucrose consumption in mice by chronic mild stress and its restoration by imipramine.

Abstract: Chronic exposure to mild unpredictable stressors (CMS) has previously been found to reduce the consumption of palatable, sweet solutions in rats. In the present study, the utility of this procedure was assessed in mice. Male AP mice subjected to CMS showed reduced consumption of a 2% or 4% sucrose solution. This effect was reversed by chronic (3 weeks) treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (20 mg/kg per day). These results extend previous reports of a generalized decrease in sensitivity to reward (anhedonia) in rats caused by CMS and the efficacy of antidepressant treatment in this paradigm. Chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice appears to provide a realistic animal model of depression.

Investigations on the steroidal anti-inflammatory activity of triterpenoids from Diospyros leucomelas.

Abstract: Three triterpenes were isolated from Diospyros leucomelas and identified as betulin, betulinic acid, and ursolic acid. They showed anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan and serotonin paw edema tests and TPA and EPP ear edema tests. The blockade of their effects by progesterone, actinomycin D, and cycloheximide has served to determine the mechanism of action in relationship with that of glucocorticoids. Betulinic acid was the most affected and therefore a mode of action similar to these drugs may be postulated for it.

Topological approach to drug design.

Abstract: In this paper we demonstrated that by an adequate combination of different topological indices it is possible to select and design new active compounds in different therapeutical scopes, with a very high efficiency level. Particularly successful in the search of new "lead drugs", the results show the surprising ability of the topological methods to describe molecular structures.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of 2'-Hydroxychalcones and Flavones as Inhibitors of Inflammatory Mediators Generation

Abstract: 2'-Hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxy-3',4'-dimethylchalcone (3a), 2'-hydroxy-3',4',3,4-tetramethoxychalcone (3b), and their corresponding flavones, 3',4'-dimethoxy-7,8-dimethylflavone (4a) and 3',4',7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (4b), were prepared from 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid and the respective phenol. The four compounds inhibited enzymic lipid peroxidation and showed weak peroxyl scavenging activity. They also reduced LTB 4 release from human neutrophils stimulated by A23187. The chalcone 3b was the only compound able to inhibit in a concentration-dependent way, synovial human recombinant phospholipase A 2 activity, human platelet TXB 2 generation, and human neutrophil degranulation. This chalcone exerted topical antiinflammatory effects in mice.

Interfacial activation-based molecular bioimprinting of lipolytic enzymes.

Abstract: Interfacial activation-based molecular (bio)-imprinting (IAMI) has been developed to rationally improve the performance of lipolytic enzymes in nonaqueous environments. The strategy combinedly exploits (i) the known dramatic enhancement of the protein conformational rigidity in a water-restricted milieu and (ii) the reported conformational changes associated with the activation of these enzymes at lipid-water interfaces, which basically involves an increased substrate accessibility to the active site and/or an induction of a more competent catalytic machinery. Six model enzymes have been assayed in several model reactions in nonaqueous media. The results, rationalized in light of the present biochemical and structural knowledge, show that the IAMI approach represents a straightforward, versatile method to generate manageable, activated (kinetically trapped) forms of lipolytic enzymes, providing under optimal conditions nonaqueous rate enhancements of up to two orders of magnitude. It is also shown that imprintability of lipolytic enzymes depends not only on the nature of the enzyme but also on the "quality" of the interface used as the template.

Parsec-Scale Synchrotron Emission from Hydrodynamic Relativistic Jets in Active Galactic Nuclei

Abstract: We present the first numerical simulations of the parsec-scale synchrotron emission from hydrodynamic relativistic jets. The jet structure is calculated using a relativistic time-dependent hydrodynamic code based on an approximate Riemann solver. The radio emission from the model jets is calculated by integrating the transfer equations of the synchrotron radiation, accounting for the appropriate opacity and relativistic effects, such as Doppler boosting and relativistic aberration. In order to study the influence of the external medium, we present two hydrodynamical jet simulations: one with a constant external pressure, and a second model with a decreasing external pressure. Multifrequency radio images of the synchrotron emission from these flows are presented, showing the existence of stationary quasi-periodic knots associated with internal oblique shocks. Whereas for the model with constant external pressure the knots remain almost constant in intensity and even in spacing, the model with decreasing external pressure shows stationary knots of progressively lower intensity and wider spacing as a function of distance down the jet.

Fire and aspect induced differences on the erodibility and hydrology of soils at La Costera, Valencia, southeast Spain

Abstract: This paper presents measurements of soil aggregation parameters and rainfall simulation experiments from areas of Mediterranean scrubland vegetation in La Costera district, in the southern part of Valencia Province, Spain. Data were obtained using a portable rainfall simulator and from laboratory studies of aggregate stability, using the water-drop test and ultrasonic dispersion methods. Three locations were chosen to enable the influences of aspect and the post-fire recovery time of the vegetation on soil erosion and hydrology to be investigated. The slopes studied were (a) a north-facing slope burnt ten years before the experiment, (b) a south-facing slope burnt at the same time, and (c) a north facing slope, burnt two years before the experiment, similar to slope "a" in terms of its basic characteristics. The experiments demonstrate the importance of both wildfires and aspect on hydrological and erosional soil surface processes. The north facing slope at La Costera (slope a) has a higher aggregate stability than the corresponding south facing slope (slope b). The recently burnt north facing slope (c) is intermediate in terms of aggregation, but has the most erodible soils because of the lower infiltration rates and the low vegetation and litter cover. Nevertheless, for the slopes burnt ten years previously, the south-facing slope is more erodible than the north-facing one. The results suggest that the forest fire ten years ago did not produce a persistent degradation of the ecosystem, only higher soil and water losses during the first years following the fire. A southern aspect, where vegetation recovery rates are slower and the hydraulic stress is higher, favours the development of soils with a relatively low aggregate stability.

Noise levels in an urban hospital and workers' subjective responses.

Abstract: Internal noise levels were measured in a 232-point grid that encompassed the main building of a major University Hospital in Valencia, Spain. Most noise equivalent sound levels that were obtained exceeded 55 dBA, and in some instances these sound levels were very high. Hospital workers' subjective responses to noise were evaluated with a self-answered questionnaire. A total of 295 workers volunteered to participate. Their answers revealed that the most important noise sources were located primarily inside the hospital. Noise levels were perceived to be sufficiently high to interfere with their work, and noise levels were also thought to affect patients' comfort and recovery. Most subjects thought it feasible to reduce noise levels in the hospital, and some preventive measures were proposed.

Evidence that water transmits Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2 infections to eels.

Abstract: Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2 is classically considered an obligate eel pathogen. However, it has recently been associated with one human septicemic case. In this paper, the opportunistic behavior of this pathogen is discussed. The bacterium can survive alone in brackish water or attached to eel surfaces for at least 14 days. It is able to spread through water and infect healthy eels by using skin as a portal of entry. These results suggest that water and infected eels may act as reservoirs of infection. A capsule seems to be essential for waterborne infectivity, which would explain why cells recovered from naturally diseased eels give rise to pure cultures of opaque colonies. The spread of the disease is dependent on temperature and water salinity, thus suggesting a method to reduce the risk of epizootics and that of infection for humans.

Aetiology of age-associated aneuploidy : a mechanism based on the 'free radical theory of ageing'

Abstract: A general model is put forward to explain the mechanism by which age-associated aneuploidies are produced. This is based on the free radical theory of ageing, which assumes a rise in oxidative stress with age. It is proposed that determination of indicators of oxidative stress in oocytes from various sources could be a first step in the testing of this hypothesis.

Ecological genetics of a cyclical parthenogen in temporary habitats

Abstract: Populations of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis inhabiting three temporary ponds in Torreblanca Marsh (Castellon, Spain) were regularly screened for allozyme variation, sexual reproduction levels and population densities during an annual cycle Relevant ecological parameters in the ponds were also recorded The electrophoretic survey of the three ponds (Poza Sur, Poza Norte and Canal Central) revealed a high level of overall genetic polymorphism in four marker loci, but only 13 multilocus genotypes were found We classified clones into three clonal groups (SS, SM, L) characterized by unique arrays of alleles in the four marker loci, and significant differences in body shape and size Clonal group succession took place in Poza Sur; SM clones occurring in spring, SS clones from spring to fall, and L clones from fall to spring Despite the partial overlapping of sexual periods, the absence of heterozygotes indicates that gene flow is strongly restricted between clonal groups In the transition periods, the population was far from Hardy—Weinberg equilibrium due to hetereozygote deficiencies in all four markers In clonal group L, the only polymorphic locus, Pgi, was in Hardy—Weinberg equilibrium In clonal group SM, both polymorphic loci were in Hardy—Weinberg equilibrium in Poza Norte, but not in Poza Sur Factor analysis on the limnological parameters recorded during field sampling indicates that genetically different clonal groups are also ecologically specialized These findings suggest that the taxonomical species B plicatilis is in fact a species complex The complete genetic discontinuity model of rotifer population succession is supported by these data Our results are similar to those found in cladocerans inhabiting temporary habitats

Theoretical Studies of the Electronic Spectra of Organic Molecules

Abstract: The complete active space (CAS) SCF method in conjunction with multiconfigurational second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) has been used to study the electronic spectra of a large number of molecules. The wave functions and the transition properties are computed at the CASSCF level, while dynamic correlation contributions to the excitation energies are obtained through the perturbation treatment. The methods yield energies, which are accurate to at least 0.2 eV, except in a few cases, where the CASSCF reference function does not characterize the electronic state with sufficient accuracy. The applications comprise: the polyenes from ethene to octatetraene (cis- and trans-forms); a number of cyclic pentadienes; norbornadiene; benzene, phenol, phosphabenzene, and the azabenzenes; free base porphin; and the nucleic acid base monomers cytosine, uracil, thymine, and guanine. Finally, the photochemistry of the molecules aminobenzonitrile (ABN) and dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) has also been studied, in particular the double fluorescence that occurs in DMABN. Taken together these studies comprise large amounts of new spectroscopic data of high accuracy, which either confirm existing assignments of experimental data or lead to new predictions and qualitative as well as quantitative understanding of a large number of electronic spectra. Most studies are restricted to ground state geometries (vertical energies), but in a few cases (octatetraene, ABN, and DMABN) also excited state geometries have been determined, thus yielding 0-0 transition energies and emission spectroscopic data.

Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for high myopia

Abstract: One hundred and thirty-three eyes of 103 patients had photorefractive keratectomy with a slit scan mode excimer laser for myopia ranging from −6.00 to −22.00 diopters (D). The epithelium was removed with 20% ethanol, and the ablation was done with a tapered profile surrounding the optical zone. Patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative myopia: Group A, −6.00 D to −12.00 D (88 eyes); Group B, −12.50 D to −22.00 D (45 eyes). In Group A, mean preoperative refraction was −9.59 ± 1.79 D. Mean postoperative refraction was −0.29 ± 1.47 D at one month, −0.85 ± 1.68 D at three months, −1.17 ± 2.04 D at six months, and −0.56 ± 0.74 D at one year. Anterior stromal haze was greatest at the end of the first month; it diminished thereafter. This haze did not reduce the best corrected visual acuity in any eye in Group A. Mean preoperative refraction in Group B was −14.69 ± 5.27 D. Mean postoperative refraction was −1.34 ± 2.02 D at one month, −0.76 ± 2.08 D at three months, −3.88 ± 2.32 D at six months, and −5.50 ± 5.00 D at one year. Three eyes in Group B lost one or two lines of best corrected visual acuity as a result of severe stromal haze and epithelial scarring. Group A's results were similar to those obtained in eyes with low myopia. In Group B, although a percentage of eyes obtained fairly good results, the lower degree of predictability and large variation in the results suggest that using this technique is unadvisable in eyes with extremely high myopia except in selected cases.

The geometry of surfaces in 4-space from a contact viewpoint

Abstract: We study the geometry of the surfaces embedded in ℝ4 through their generic contacts with hyperplanes. The inflection points on them are shown to be the umbilic points of their families of height functions. As a consequence we prove that any generic convexly embedded 2-sphere in ℝ4 has inflection points.

Narrow-band to broad-band conversion for Meteosat-visiible channel and broad-band albedo using both AVHRR-1 and -2 channels

Abstract: Satellite-derived broad-band albedo offers a useful tool for monitoring surface conditions Given the limited wavelength window of most satellite radiometers, satellite albedo studies need to define narrow-band to a broad-band transformations Signals from the AVHRR channels on board the NOAA-11 satellite, the Meteosat visible channel and a rectangular spectral band from 0-3 to 25 μm were simulated for a set of 20 representative land surfaces The radiative transfer code described in Tanre et al (1990) was used to obtain top of the atmosphere radiances The derived signals were then correlated to predict broadband albedo and the Meteosal response via the two AVHRR signals The results indicated that the use of the two AVHRR bands makes the narrow-band to broad-band conversion independent of the surface type Finally, the regression was applied to two concurrent AVHRR and Meteosat images so as to compare a broad-band AVHRR-derived top of the atmosphere (TOA) albedo for the Meteosat-band with a c

Discovery and molecular characterization of a plasmid localized in buchnera sp. bacterial endosymbiont of the aphid rhopalosiphum padi

Abstract: We have identified and completely sequenced a novel plasmid isolated from the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. Evidence which suggests that the plasmid occurs localized within the bacterial endosymbionts is presented. The plasmid contains the four genes that constitute the entire leucine operon. This fact makes it really unique since most plasmids are dispensable and lack genes that encode essential anabolic functions. Four more phloem-feeding aphid species also seem to contain homologous plasmids. Although further work is necessary, we hypothesize that this plasmid has appeared during the evolution of the symbiotic association between the aphid and the bacterial endosymbiont. The fact that this plasmid contains the entire leucine operon can be related to physiological evidence showing that the aphid host's diet of plant phloem is deficient in essential amino acids.

Aeromonas encheleia sp. nov., Isolated from European Eels

Abstract: Four strains isolated from European eels in Valencia, Spain, were found to constitute a DNA relatedness group which is 0 to 50% related to the 13 species and DNA group 11 of the genus Aeromonas. Phenotypically, these strains have all of the properties that define the genus Aeromonas. However, they differ from the previously described Aeromonas species by three or more properties. The strains are positive for motility, growth at 37°C, indole production, and arginine dihydrolase activity. They exhibit negative reactions in tests for growth at 42°C and in thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose medium (Oxoid), Simmons citrate tests, and tests for lysine and ornithine decarboxylase activities. They produce acid from salicin but not from l-arabinose, d-cellobiose, or lactose. All four strains hydrolyze esculin and arbutin but not elastin. They use l-serine as a sole carbon and energy source but cannot utilize l-arabinose, l-arginine, d-gluconate, or l-glutamine. The strains are resistant to ampicillin. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the DNA is 59.4 to 60.8 mol%. The name Aeromonas encheleia sp. nov. is proposed for these strains; strain S181 (= CECT 4342) is the type strain. This new species is generally not pathogenic for eels or mice.

Nested PCR method for rapid and sensitive detection of Vibrio vulnificus in fish, sediments, and water.

Abstract: A nested PCR for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus in fish farms was developed as an alternative to cultural methods by using universal primers flanking the V. vulnificus-specific sequences directed against 23S rRNA genes. This specific assay detected 10 fg of DNA or 12 to 120 cells in artificially inoculated samples without enrichment and within 24 h.