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Investigating Biological Activity Spectrum for Novel Styrylquinazoline Analogues
In this study, series of ring-substituted 2-styrylquinazolin-4(3H)-one and 4-chloro-2-styrylquinazoline derivatives were prepared. The syntheses of the discussed compounds are presented. The compounds were analyzed by RP-HPLC to determine lipophilicity. They were tested for their inhibitory activity on photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts. Primary in vitro screening of the synthesized compounds was also performed against four mycobacterial strains and against eight fungal strains. Several compounds showed biological activity comparable with or higher than that of the standard isoniazid. It was found that the electronic properties of the R substituent, and not the total lipophilicity of the compound, were decisive for the photosynthesis-inhibiting activity of tested compounds
Rational Design of Improved Pharmabiotics
Herein we review the most recent advances in probiotic research and applications with particular emphasis on the novel concept of patho-biotechnology: the application of pathogen-derived (ex vivo and in vivo) stress survival strategies for the design of more technologically robust and effective probiotic cultures with improved biotechnological and clinical applications
Observation Of Gamma-Ray Emission From The Galaxy M87 Above 250 Gev With Veritas
The multiwavelength observation of the nearby radio galaxy M87 provides a unique opportunity to study in detail processes occurring in active galactic nuclei from radio waves to TeV γ-rays. Here we report the detection of γ-ray emission above 250 GeV from M87 in spring 2007 with the VERITAS atmospheric Cerenkov telescope array and discuss its correlation with the X-ray emission. The γ-ray emission is measured to be pointlike with an intrinsic source radius less than 4.5\u27. The differential energy spectrum is fitted well by a power-law function: dΦ/dE = (7.4 ± 1.3stat ± 1.5sys)(E/TeV)(− 2.31 ± 0.17stat ± 0.2sys) 10−9 m−2 s−1 TeV−1. We show strong evidence for a year-scale correlation between the γ-ray flux reported by TeV experiments and the X-ray emission measured by the ASM RXTE observatory, and discuss the possible short-timescale variability. These results imply that the γ-ray emission from M87 is more likely associated with the core of the galaxy than with other bright X-ray features in the jet
VERITAS discovery of \u3e 200 GeV gamma-ray emission from the intermediate-frequency-peaked BL Lacertae object W Comae
We report the detection of very high energy γ-ray emission from the intermediate-frequency-peaked BL Lacertae object W Comae (z = 0.102) by VERITAS. The source was observed between 2008 January and April. A strong outburst of γ-ray emission was measured in the middle of March, lasting for only 4 days. The energy spectrum measured during the two highest flare nights is fit by a power law and is found to be very steep, with a differential photon spectral index of Γ = 3.81 ± 0.35stat± 0.34syst. The integral photon flux above 200 GeV during those two nights corresponds to roughly 9% of the flux from the Crab Nebula. Quasi-simultaneous Swift observations at X-ray energies were triggered by the VERITAS observations. The spectral energy distribution of the flare data can be described by synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) or external Compton (EC) leptonic jet models
The June 2008 flare of Markarian 421 from Optical to TeV energies
We present optical, X-ray, high-energy (30 GeV) and very high energy (100 GeV; VHE) observations of the high-frequency peaked blazar Mrk 421 taken between 2008 May 24 and June 23. A high-energy γ-ray signal was detected by AGILE with between June 9 and 15, with F(E\u3e100 MeV) = 42+14 –12 × 10–8 photons cm–2 s–1. This flaring state is brighter than the average flux observed by EGRET by a factor of ~3, but still consistent with the highest EGRET flux. In hard X-rays (20-60 keV) SuperAGILE resolved a five-day flare (June 9-15) peaking at ~55 mCrab. SuperAGILE, RXTE/ASM and Swift/BAT data show a correlated flaring structure between soft and hard X-rays. Hints of the same flaring behavior are also detected in the simultaneous optical data provided by the GASP-WEBT. A Swift/XRT observation near the flaring maximum revealed the highest 2-10 keV flux ever observed from this source, of 2.6 × 10–9 erg cm–2 s–1 (i.e. \u3e100 mCrab). A peak synchrotron energy of ~3 keV was derived, higher than typical values of ~0.5-1 keV. VHE observations with MAGIC and VERITAS between June 6 and 8 showed the flux peaking in a bright state, well correlated with the X-rays. This extraordinary set of simultaneous data, covering a 12-decade spectral range, allowed for a deep analysis of the spectral energy distribution as well as of correlated light curves. The γ-ray flare can be interpreted within the framework of the synchrotron self-Compton model in terms of a rapid acceleration of leptons in the jet
Brand Loyalty in Fast Moving Consumer Good Markets: The Role of Bonds
This paper examines the concept of brand loyalty in Fast Moving Consumer Good (FMCG) markets. The primary objective of the study was to explore why loyalty develops in FMCG markets from the consumers’ perspective. In addition, this study explored the consumers’ perspective on the types of bonds that exist in FMCG markets and the role of bonds in the development of brand loyalty.
The dominant conclusion arising from this study is that brand loyalty exists in FMCG markets for both cognitive and emotional reasons. Essentially this research determined that the development of brand loyalty is predicated on the development of customer-brand bonds. This research concludes that the challenge for marketers is to develop and nurture the bonds that lead to and that can strengthen brand loyalty. The research also concludes that brand loyalty studies in the future should focus on both cognitive and emotional reasons for brand loyalty and the role of bonds therein. Exploring brand loyalty in this way should assist in the analysis of and understanding of brand loyalty in FMCG markets and should consequently result in the development of effective marketing strategies designed to build brand loyalty
Molecular characterisation of a bovine-like rotavirus detected from a giraffe
Background
Rotavirus (RV), is a member of the Reoviridae family and an important etiological agent of acute viral gastroenteritis in the young. Rotaviruses have a wide host range infecting a broad range of animal species, however little is known about rotavirus infection in exotic animals. In this paper we report the first characterisation of a RV strain from a giraffe calf. Results
This report describes the identification and detailed molecular characterisation of a rotavirus strain detected from a 14-day-old Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), presenting with acute diarrhea. The RV strain detected from the giraffe was characterized molecularly as G10P[11]. Detailed sequence analysis of VP4 and VP7 revealed significant identity at the amino acid sequence level to Bovine RV (BoRV). Conclusion
This study demonstrates the need for continuous surveillance of RV strains in various animal populations, which will facilitate the identification of rotavirus hosts not previously reported. Furthermore, extending typical epidemiology studies to a broader host range will contribute to the timely identification of new emerging strain types
Resource Sharing via Planed Relay for HWN
We present an improved version of adaptive distributed cross-layer routing algorithm (ADCR) for hybrid wireless network with dedicated relay stations () in this paper. A mobile terminal (MT) may borrow radio resources that are available thousands mile away via secure multihop RNs, where RNs are placed at pre-engineered locations in the network. In rural places such as mountain areas, an MT may also communicate with the core network, when intermediate MTs act as relay node with mobility. To address cross-layer network layers routing issues, the cascaded ADCR establishes routing paths across MTs, RNs, and cellular base stations (BSs) and provides appropriate quality of service (QoS). We verify the routing performance benefits of over other networks by intensive simulation
Managing the American Tourist Experience in Ireland: An Emotional Context
The special relationship that exists between the United States of America and the island of Ireland has its origins predominantly in emigration. Through several centuries, the interaction generated by familial ties has steadily developed into a strong and lasting bond irrevocably linking both nations. The relationship between the United States of America and Ireland has provided the impetus for a continual flow of traffic across the Atlantic. This movement of people and vessels to and fro, engaged in the varied tasks of commerce, family interaction, and leisure, created a new energy for the tourism industry sector in Ireland which continues to flourish into modern times. This paper presents new findings on the Irish tourism industry, with particular reference to the American tourist’s emotional relationship. The paper seeks to outline the historical framework governing the development of the relationship between the United States and Ireland, and identifies the emotional and connectional factors that bind the two nations