Phenylethynyl Containing Reactive Additives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G., Jr. (Inventor); Hergenrother, Paul M. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Phenylethynyl containing reactive additives were prepared from aromatic diamine, containing phenylethvnvl groups and various ratios of phthalic anhydride and 4-phenylethynviphthalic anhydride in glacial acetic acid to form the imide in one step or in N-methyl-2-pvrrolidinone to form the amide acid intermediate. The reactive additives were mixed in various amounts (10% to 90%) with oligomers containing either terminal or pendent phenylethynyl groups (or both) to reduce the melt viscosity and thereby enhance processability. Upon thermal cure, the additives react and become chemically incorporated into the matrix and effect an increase in crosslink density relative to that of the host resin. This resultant increase in crosslink density has advantageous consequences on the cured resin properties such as higher glass transition temperature and higher modulus as compared to that of the host resin.

Y2O3:Eu phosphor particles prepared by spray pyrolysis from a solution containing citric acid and polyethylene glycol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roh, H. S.; Kang, Y. C.; Park, H. D.; Park, S. B.

Y2O3:Eu phosphor particles were prepared by large-scale spray pyrolysis. The morphological control of Y2O3:Eu particles in spray pyrolysis was attempted by adding polymeric precursors to the spray solution. The effect of composition and amount of polymeric precursors on the morphology, crystallinity and photoluminescence characteristics of Y2O3:Eu particles was investigated. Particles prepared from a solution containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) with an average molecular weight of 200 had a hollow structure, while those prepared from solutions containing adequate amounts of citric acid (CA) and PEG had a spherical shape, filled morphology and clean surfaces after post-treatment at high temperature. Y2O3:Eu particles prepared from an aqueous solution with no polymeric precursors had a hollow structure and rough surfaces after post-treatment. The phosphor particles prepared from solutions with inadequate amounts of CA and/or PEG also had hollow and/or fragmented structures. The particles prepared from the solution containing 0.3 M CA and 0.3 M PEG had the highest photoluminescence emission intensity, which was 56% higher than that of the particles prepared from aqueous solution without polymeric precursors.

Process for separating and recovering an anionic dye from an aqueous solution

DOEpatents

Rogers, Robin; Horwitz, E. Philip; Bond, Andrew H.

1998-01-01

A solid/liquid phase process for the separation and recovery of an anionic dye from an aqueous solution is disclosed. The solid phase comprises separation particles having surface-bonded poly(ethylene glycol) groups, whereas the aqueous solution from which the anionic dye molecules are separated contains a poly(ethylene glycol) liquid/liquid biphase-forming amount of a dissolved lyotropic salt. After contact between the aqueous solution and separation particles, the anionic dye is bound to the particles. The bound anionic dye molecules are freed from the separation particles by contacting the anionic dye-bound particles with an aqueous solution that does not contain a poly(ethylene glycol) liquid/liquid biphase-forming amount of a dissolved lyotropic salt to form an aqueous anionic dye solution whose anionic dye concentration is preferably higher than that of the initial dye-containing solution.

Evaluation of efficiency of insulin suppository formulations containing sodium salicylate or sodium cholate in insulin dependent diabetic patients.

PubMed

Hosny, Ehab A; Al-Marzouki, Zohair M H; Metwally, Mohammed E S; Souaida, Mamdouh Y S; Alshaik, Abdel Rhman A M

2003-10-01

Two formulations of insulin suppositories were prepared to contain different amounts of sodium salicylate and sodium cholate as absorption promoters and also of insulin with the purpose of obtaining the most effective formulation in reducing plasma glucose levels after rectal administration to diabetic patients. The results show that insulin suppositories containing 100 mg sodium salicylate and 100 or 200 U of crystalline insulin showed no significant difference in AUC, Cmax and Tmax and both formulations showed significant reduction in plasma glucose level compared to initial values within 1.5-2 h. The results from experiments carried out in health volunteers showed that 100 mg sodium salicylate is the optimum amount to be included in insulin suppositories producing significantly higher Cmax and AUC compared to those produced after rectal administration of insulin suppositories containing 50 or 200 mg sodium salicylate. The results also show that using sodium cholate in 50 mg amount did not produce any significant reduction in plasma glucose levels of insulin dependent diabetic patients given suppositories containing 100 U of insulin, but this amount in suppositories containing 200 U of insulin was able to produce significant (p < 0.05) reduction in plasma glucose level within 1 h which lasted till end of experiment producing Cmax of 29.7 +/- 6.61% at Tmax of 1.5 +/- 0.61 h. On increasing the amount of sodium cholate to 100 mg in the suppositories, a marked (p < 0.01) reduction in plasma glucose level took place and the Cmax increased to 47.7 +/- 12.24% at Tmax of 1.5 +/- 0.63 h. This resulted in AUC of 86.7 +/- 22.4 mg%h which was non significantly higher from that produced after administration of suppositories containing 50 mg sodium cholate and 200 U insulin (62.5 +/- 17.6 mg%h). The results also show that insulin suppositories containing 100 mg sodium cholate and 200 U insulin resulted in a non significant differences in Cmax and AUC from those produced by S.C. injection of insulin (20 U) but significantly (p < 0.001) shorter Tmax. This formulation also shows non significant differences in Tmax and AUC and significantly (p < 0.05) higher Cmax than from those produced after rectal administration of suppositories containing 100 mg of sodium salicylate and same amount of insulin. Further more this formulation produced severe hypoglycemia in control healthy volunteers within 1 h of administration producing Cmax of 57.0 +/- 18.8% at Tmax of 0.75 +/- 0.35 h. The results of this study showed that the formulation containing 100 mg of sodium cholate and 200 U of insulin tested in fasted insulin dependent diabetic patients produced a maximum % reduction in plasma glucose levels (Cmax) of 47.7 +/- 12.24% at tmax of 1.5 +/- 0.63 h compared to Cmax of 50.56 +/- 6.8% at tmax of 2.93 +/- 0.19 h resulted after subcutaneous injection of 20 U insulin. These suppositories produced an area under the curve (AUC) of 87 +/- 22.4 mg%h compared to an AUC of 81 +/- 13.4 mg%h obtained after subcutaneous injection. This formulation of suppositories studied in 7 insulin dependent diabetic patients was found to abolish the 2-h post-prandial significant rise in plasma glucose levels after meal. These results show that these insulin suppositories containing 100 mg of sodium cholate and 200 U of insulin can serve as effective buffer against meal related hyperglycemia. The suppositories were safe, effective, accepted and well tolerated by the tested individuals.

Phosphorylated mesoporous carbon as effective catalyst for the selective fructose dehydration to HMF

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Villa, Alberto; Schiavoni, Marco; Fulvio, Pasquale F

Phosphorylated mesoporous carbons (PMCs) have been synthesized using an already reported one pot methodology. These materials have been applied as acidic catalysts in the dehydration of fructose to hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). PMCs showed better selectivity to HMF compared to sulfonated carbon catalyst (SC) despite lower activity. The concentration of P-O groups correlates to the activity/selectivity of the catalysts; the higher the P-O concentration the higher the activity. However, the higher the P-O content the lower the selectivity to HMF. Indeed a lower concentration of the P-O groups (and even the acidic groups) minimized the degradation of HMF to levulinic acid andmore » the formation of by-products, such as humines. Stability tests showed that these systems deactivate due to the formation of humines, water insoluble by-products derived from the dehydration of fructose, blocking the active site of the catalyst. Increasing the amount of P-O groups, higher amount of humines are formed; therefore carbons containing lower amount of phosphorylated groups, such as P/N-0.25, are less prone to deactivation. Keywords: Phosphorylated mesoporous carbons; fructose dehydration; HMF« less

Carbohydrate absorption from one serving of fruit juice in young children: age and carbohydrate composition effects.

PubMed

Nobigrot, T; Chasalow, F I; Lifshitz, F

1997-04-01

To test the hypotheses that: the efficiency of carbohydrate absorption in childhood increases with age, and decreased carbohydrate absorption occurs more frequently with juices containing more fructose than glucose and/or sorbitol than with juices which contain equal amounts of fructose and glucose and are sorbitol-free. One hundred and four healthy children were recruited from the Ambulatory Center at Maimonides Children's Center. They were assigned to one of three age groups: approximately 1, 3 and 5 years of age. Each child received one age-specific dose (by randomization) of one of four juices: a) pear juice which contains fructose in excess to glucose and a large amount of sorbitol; b) apple juice which is similar to pear juice in its fructose to glucose ratio but contains four times less sorbitol than pear juice; c) white grape juice or d) purple grape juice both of which contain equal amounts of fructose and glucose and are sorbitol-free. Breath hydrogen excretion (BH2) was utilized as the index of carbohydrate absorption. It was measured in fasting children and at 30-minute intervals for 3 hours after drinking the single serving of juice. Multiple breath hydrogen related parameters were quantified and results were expressed as: BH2 peak, area under the curve, and degree of carbohydrate malabsorption. After the test, parents completed a questionnaire and recorded signs and symptoms of intestinal malabsorption for 24 hours. Pear juice related BH2 levels were significantly higher among children 1 and 3 years of age as compared to the levels achieved after the other juices. Apple juice related BH2 levels were significantly higher only among the youngest age group of children. There was no significant difference in carbohydrate absorption among the 5 year old children regardless of the juice consumed. Incomplete carbohydrate absorption (BH2 peak above 20 ppm) occurred more frequently after pear juice consumption (84%) than after apple juice (41%) or grape juice (white 20%, purple 24%) [p < 0.05]. Further outcome measures of BH2 excretion did not elicit differences beyond those detected by the above-mentioned parameters. Parents reported diarrhea in six children after pear juice, two after apple juice and two after purple grape juice and these children had the highest BH2 levels in their respective groups. No other symptoms were reported. The data show that the efficiency of carbohydrate absorption of one age-specific serving of juice increases with advancing age of children. Decreased carbohydrate absorption occurs more often after ingestion of juices that contain more sorbitol, a nonabsorbable sugar and higher concentrations of fructose over glucose than after ingestion of juices which lack sorbitol and contain equal amounts of fructose and glucose.

Production of Mushroom Mycelium as a Protein and Fat Source in Submerged Culture in Medium of Vinasse

PubMed Central

Falanghe, H.

1962-01-01

Of ten mushroom cultures investigated, only Agaricus campestris, Boletus indecisus, and Tricholoma nudum were capable of growing in submerged culture in medium of vinasse with added salts. Higher fermentative efficiencies were found under these conditions than in medium containing molasses or waste sulfite liquor. A. campestris showed a better capacity to produce protein but, since B. indecisus is capable of developing greater mycelium weight, its fermentative efficiencies are comparable. Both microorganisms could be grown in medium of vinasse with greatly varied amounts, producing higher mycelial weight in media with greater vinasse. The capacity of B. indecisus and A. campestris to utilize the noncarbohydrate fraction in total solids, instead of the total carbohydrates when they are in smaller amount, was observed in medium containing vinasse. B. indecisus and A. campestris were easily separated by filtration from the medium, although T. nudum was difficult to separate by this procedure. In experiments with A. campestris, the adaptative capacity of the organism to vinasse was demonstrated. PMID:13962715

Protease and Hemicellulase Assisted Extraction of Dietary Fiber from Wastes of Cynara cardunculus

PubMed Central

Santo Domingo, Cinthia; Soria, Marcelo; Rojas, Ana M.; Fissore, Eliana N.; Gerschenson, Lía N.

2015-01-01

The action of protease and hemicellulase for the extraction of fractions enriched in soluble fiber from bracts and stems of Cynara cardunculus was evaluated. Using a two-factor simplex design comprising protease amounts of 0–200 μL and hemicellulase amounts of 0–200 mg for 5 g of material, we explored the effect of a 5 h enzymatic treatment at 40 °C on the chemical composition and yield of the fractions isolated. The fractions contained inulin and pectin. In general, the protein, inulin, and polyphenol contents and also the yields were higher for fractions obtained from stems. The most marked effects were observed when enzymes were used at higher concentrations, especially for hemicellulase. The inclusion of a pre-heating step increased the yield and the inulin content for fractions isolated from bracts and stems and decreased the protein and polyphenol contents, and the galacturonic acid for bracts. These fractions, in general, contained the polyphenolic compounds monocaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin, and pinoresinol. PMID:25809605

Collection of Pyrethroids in Water and Sediment Matrices: Development and Validation of a Standard Operating Procedure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hladik, Michelle; Orlando, James L.; Kuivila, Kathryn

2009-01-01

Loss of pyrethroid insecticides onto surfaces during sample collection can confound the interpretation of analytical and toxicity test results. Sample collection devices, container materials, and water matrix composition have a significant influence on the association of pyrethroids to container walls, which can be as high as 50 percent. Any sample collection method involving transfer through multiple containers or pieces of equipment increases the potential for pyrethroid loss. This loose 'surface-association' with container walls can be reversed through agitation. When sampling water matrices with pumps or autosamplers, no pyrethroids were lost as long as the water was moving continuously through the system. When collecting water matrices in containers, the material with the least amount of pyrethroid sorption is as follows: glass less than (<) plastic less than (<) Teflon. Additionally, pyrethroids were easier to re-suspend from the glass container walls. Since the amount of surface-association is proportional to the ratio of volume-to-contact-area of the sample, taking larger-volume field samples (greater than 3 liters) reduced pyrethroid losses to less than 10 percent. The amount of surface-association cannot be predicted easily because of the dependence on water matrix composition; samples with higher dissolved organic carbon or suspended-sediment concentrations were observed to have lower percent loss. Sediment samples were not affected by glass-container sorption (the only containers tested). Standardized sample-collection protocols are critical to yield accurate pyrethroid concentrations for assessment of potential effects, and have been summarized in an accompanying standard operating procedure.

Process for separating and recovering an anionic dye from an aqueous solution

DOEpatents

Rogers, R.; Horwitz, E.P.; Bond, A.H.

1998-01-13

A solid/liquid phase process for the separation and recovery of an anionic dye from an aqueous solution is disclosed. The solid phase comprises separation particles having surface-bonded poly(ethylene glycol) groups, whereas the aqueous solution from which the anionic dye molecules are separated contains a poly(ethylene glycol) liquid/liquid biphase-forming amount of a dissolved lyotropic salt. After contact between the aqueous solution and separation particles, the anionic dye is bound to the particles. The bound anionic dye molecules are freed from the separation particles by contacting the anionic dye-bound particles with an aqueous solution that does not contain a poly(ethylene glycol) liquid/liquid biphase-forming amount of a dissolved lyotropic salt to form an aqueous anionic dye solution whose anionic dye concentration is preferably higher than that of the initial dye-containing solution. 7 figs.

Production of functional pita bread using date seed powder.

PubMed

Platat, Carine; Habib, Hosam M; Hashim, Isameldin Bashir; Kamal, Hina; AlMaqbali, Fatima; Souka, Usama; Ibrahim, Wissam H

2015-10-01

Functional foods represent a novel approach to prevent diet-related diseases. Due to its excellent nutritional and antioxidant properties, date seed was used to develop functional pita bread. Flour was replaced by 5, 10, 15 and 20 % date seed powder. Regular and whole wheat pita breads were the references. Results clearly showed that date seed powder containing bread contained comparable dietary fibers levels as in whole wheat bread and higher levels of flavonoids and phenolics. Date seed powder containing breads were particularly rich in flavan-3-ols whereas reference breads did not contain any of them and only a limited amount of other phenolic compounds. They also exhibited a much higher antioxidant capacity. Additionally, compared to regular bread, acrylamide level was significantly lower in 5 % date seed powder containing bread, and lower in all date seed powder containing breads compared to whole wheat bread. Date seed powder supplemented bread appears as a promising functional ingredient to prevent chronic diseases.

Oxidation Resistance of Alloys from Nb-Si-Cr System for High Temperature Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-02

higher education for undergraduate students while prepare the graduate students for professional careers in research (at one of the ONR facilities...generate interest in students to pursue higher education for undergraduate students while prepare the graduate students for professional careers in...reduces the amount of primary a significantly but still contains a rather coarser eutectic like microconstituent. A NbßSi (3-1 silicide ) silicide phase

EDTA-insoluble, calcium-binding proteoglycan in bovine bone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hashimoto, Y.; Lester, G. E.; Caterson, B.; Yamauchi, M.

1995-01-01

A calcium ion precipitable, trypsin-generated proteoglycan fragment has been isolated from the demineralized, EDTA-insoluble matrices of bone. The demineralized matrix was completely digested with trypsin, increasing concentrations of CaCl2 were added to the supernatant, and the resulting precipitates were analyzed. The amount of precipitate gradually increased with higher concentrations of calcium and was reversibly solubilized by EDTA. After molecular sieve and anion exchange chromatography, a proteoglycan-containing peak was obtained. Immunochemical analysis showed that this peak contained chondroitin 4-sulfate and possibly keratan sulfate. Amino acid analysis showed that this proteoglycan contained high amounts of aspartic acid/asparagine (Asx), serine (Ser), glutamic acid/glutamine (Glx), proline (Pro), and glycine (Gly); however, it contained little leucine (Leu) which suggests that it is not a member of the leucine-rich small proteoglycan family. In addition, significant amounts of phosphoserine (P-Ser) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) were identified in hydrolysates of this fraction. A single band (M(r) 59 kDa) was obtained on SDS-PAGE that stained with Stains-all but not with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250. If bone powder was trypsinized prior to demineralization, this proteoglycan-containing fraction was not liberated. Collectively, these results indicate that a proteoglycan occurs in the demineralized matrix that is precipitated with CaCl2 and is closely associated with both mineral and collagen matrices. Such a molecule might facilitate the structural network for the induction of mineralization in bone.

Use of $gamma$ irradiation to prevent aflatoxin production in bread

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bullerman, L.B.; Barnhart, H.M.; Hartung, T.E.

Irradiation doses of 100 and 200 Krad reduced the growth of Aspergillus parasiticus in bread stored for 10 days at 254DEC. With bread stored longer than 2 wk, mold growth in irradiated samples tended to approach the amount which occurred in the non-irradiated controls. Mold strain NRRL 3000 seemed slightly more sensitive to irradiation-than strain NRRL 2999. A 200 Krad dose prevented anatoxin production by either strain at both high and low levels of inoculation with spores in bread stored for 10 days, except in one case where a very low level of anatoxins was detected. At 100 Krad, breadmore » inoculated with 102 spores/ slice contained none to low concentrations of anatoxins after storage for 10 days, but with 106 spores/slice higher amounts of toxins were detected. When ihe inoculated bread was stored for periods up to 6 wk, the 200 Krad treatment prevented aflatoxin production in all bread samples containing 10/sup 2/ spores/ slice, and in almost all samples containing 10/sup 6/ spores/ slice. The 100 Krad treatment also prevented aflatoxin production during 6 wk of storage in bread that contained 10/sup 2/ spores/ slice. However, with 10/sup 6/ spores/ slice both strains were capable of producing very high amounts of aflatoxins after irradiation nt 100 Krad. At 1, 2 and 6 wk of storage, these amounts were greater than the unirradiated controls, suggesting possible stimulation of aflatoxin production. (auth)« less

Production and characterization of a functional Iranian white brined cheese by replacement of dairy fat with vegetable oils.

PubMed

Achachlouei, B Fathi; Hesari, J; Damirchi, S Azadmard; Peighambardoust, Sh; Esmaiili, M; Alijani, S

2013-10-01

Full-fat cheese usually contains high amounts of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, which may have negative health effects. In this study, full-fat white brined cheese, as a control sample, and experimental cheeses with olive and canola oils (T1, white brined cheese containing 50% canola oil, T2, white brined cheese containing 50% olive oil, T3, white brined cheese containing 100% canola oil and T4, white brined cheese containing 100% olive oil) were prepared from bovine milk. Physicochemical properties, lipolysis, proteolysis patterns and sensorial properties in the prepared samples were determined during 80 days of storage at 20-day intervals. Cheese incorporating vegetable oils showed lower amounts of saturated fatty acids and higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids compared with the full-fat cheese (control) samples. Moisture, pH, lipolysis value, as assessed by the acid-degree value, and proteolysis values (pH 4.6 SN/TN% and NPN/TN%) significantly (p < 0.05) were increased in all samples, whereas total titrable acidity decreased during 40 days of ripening but then increased slightly. Sensory properties of white brined cheese incorporating with vegetable oils were different from those of full-fat cheese samples. White brined cheese containing olive and canola oils (100% fat substitution) received better sensory scores compared to other samples. The results showed that it is possible to replace dairy fat with olive and canola oils, which can lead to produce a new healthy and functional white brined cheese.

Effect of tomato extract supplementation against high-fat diet-induced hepatic lesions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Higher intake of tomatoes or tomato-based products has been associated with lower risk for liver cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementing tomato extract (TE), which contains mainly lycopene (LY) and less amounts of its precursors, phytoene (PT) and phytofluene (PTF) agains...

Synthesis and properties of hydroxyapatite-containing coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hui; Han, Yu; Wu, Tao; Tao, Wei; Jian, Xian; Wu, Yunfeng; Xu, Fangjun

2017-04-01

In this study, hydroxyapatite-containing coatings were prepared by microarc oxidation on AZ31 magnesium alloy surface to improve its biodegradation performance. Five applied voltages were chosen to prepare the MAO coatings. The results demonstrate that the number of micropores in the films increases but their dimensions decrease after higher voltage is applied. As the surface roughness of the MAO coatings increases with the applied voltage, the wettability of the coatings improves continuously. The MAO coatings were mainly composed of magnesium oxide (MgO) and hydroxyapatite. The amount of hydroxyapatite phase increased with increasing voltage that was applied. The bonding strength became slightly weaker after a higher voltage was applied. But the bonding strengths of all the coatings were consistently higher than 37 MPa, which met the requirement of implant biomaterials. All coatings exhibited higher corrosion resistances and lower hydrogen evolution rate than the bare AZ31 Mg substrate, implying that the degradation rate of the AZ31 Mg alloy was enhanced by the hydroxyapatite-containing coatings. The results indicate that the present treatment of applying hydroxyapatite-containing coatings is a promising technique for the degradable Mg-based biomaterials for orthopedic applications.

Quali-quantitative analysis of best selling drugs from pharmacy, street market and traditional herbal medicine: a pilot study of market surveillance in Senegal.

PubMed

Pichini, Simona; Rotolo, Maria Concetta; Bellotti, Pasquale; Minutillo, Adele; Mastrobattista, Luisa; Pacifici, Roberta

2015-02-01

A pilot study of market surveillance in Senegal has been performed analyzing best selling drugs from an official pharmacy and a street market in two principal cities of Senegal and some traditional preparations from herbal medicine from the same market. A simple and rapid gas chromatography method with mass spectrometry detection has been applied after a liquid-liquid extraction of pharmaceutical products and traditional preparations at acidic, neutral and basic pH with chloroform-isopropanol (9:1, v/v). The assay was validated in the range from 10mg to 250 mg/g powder preparations with good determination coefficients (r(2)≥ 0.99) for the calibration curves. At three concentrations spanning the linear dynamic ranges of the calibration curves, mean recoveries of substances under investigation were always higher than 90% and intra-assay and inter-assay precision and accuracy were always better than 15%. The four best selling drugs purchased from a Dakar local pharmacy exactly contained the amount of active principles reported in the respective labels while the best selling drugs freely purchased from Kaolack market contained an amount of active ingredients lower than that declared on the label. No pharmacological active compound, but salicylic acid was found in one of the traditional herbal preparations. This pilot study showed that whereas official drugs sold in pharmacies at prices accessible for a very few portion of the population contained the amount of active principles as reported in the labels, those from street market bought by the majority of population contained an amount of active ingredients lower than that declared on the label and finally traditional herbal preparations seldom contain pharmacological active principles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A facile magnesium-containing calcium carbonate biomaterial as potential bone graft.

PubMed

He, Fupo; Zhang, Jing; Tian, Xiumei; Wu, Shanghua; Chen, Xiaoming

2015-12-01

The calcium carbonate is the main composition of coral which has been widely used as bone graft in clinic. Herein, we readily prepared novel magnesium-containing calcium carbonate biomaterials (MCCs) under the low-temperature conditions based on the dissolution-recrystallization reaction between unstable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and metastable vaterite-type calcium carbonate with water involved. The content of magnesium in MCCs was tailored by adjusting the proportion of ACC starting material that was prepared using magnesium as stabilizer. The phase composition of MCCs with various amounts of magnesium was composed of one, two or three kinds of calcium carbonates (calcite, aragonite, and/or magnesian calcite). The different MCCs differed in topography. The in vitro degradation of MCCs accelerated with increasing amount of introduced magnesium. The MCCs with a certain amount of magnesium not only acquired higher compressive strength, but also promoted in vitro cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, the facile MCCs shed light on their potential as bone graft. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nutritional evaluation of low-phytate peas (Pisum sativum L.) for young broiler chicks.

PubMed

Thacker, Philip; Deep, Aman; Petri, Daniel; Warkentin, Thomas

2013-02-01

This experiment determined the effects of including normal and low-phytate peas in diets fed to young broiler chickens on performance, phosphorus availability and bone strength. A total of 180, day-old, male broilers (Ross-308 line) were assigned to six treatments. The control was based on corn and soybean meal while two additional corn-based diets were formulated containing 30% of either normal or low-phytate pea providing 0.45% available phosphorus. For each of these three diets, a similar diet was formulated by reducing the amount of dicalcium phosphate to produce a diet with 0.3% available phosphorus. The total tract apparent availability (TTAA) of phosphorus was higher (p = 0.02) for broilers fed the low-phytate pea than for birds fed the normal pea diets. Birds fed diets containing the lower level of phosphorus had a higher TTAA of phosphorus (50.64 vs. 46.68%) than broilers fed diets adequate in phosphorus. Protein source had no effect on weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion. Broilers fed the low phosphorus diets had lower weight gain (p = 0.04) and feed intake (p < 0.01) than broilers fed the higher phosphorus level. Bone strength was higher (p < 0.01) for broilers fed diets based on low-phytate pea than for those fed diets based on normal pea or soybean meal. Increasing the availability of the phosphorus in peas could mean that less inorganic phosphorus would be required in order to meet the nutritional requirements of broilers. Since inorganic phosphorus sources tend to be expensive, a reduction in their use would lower ration costs. In addition, increased availability of phosphorus would reduce the amount of phosphorus excreted thus reducing the amount of phosphorus that can potentially pollute the environment.

Enzymes extracted from apple peels have activity in reducing higher alcohols in Chinese liquors.

PubMed

Han, Qi'an; Shi, Junling; Zhu, Jing; Lv, Hongliang; Du, Shuangkui

2014-10-01

As the unavoidable byproducts of alcoholic fermentation, higher alcohols are unhealthy compounds widespread in alcoholic drinks. To investigate the activity of apple crude enzymes toward higher alcohols in liquors, five kinds of apple peels, namely, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Star, and Jonagold, were chosen to prepare enzymes, and three kinds of Chinese liquors, namely, Xifeng (containing 45% ethanol), Taibai (containing 50% ethanol), and Erguotou (containing 56% ethanol), were tested. Enzymes were prepared in the forms of liquid solution, powder, and immobilized enzymes using sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan. The treatment was carried out at 37 °C for 1 h. The relative amounts of different alcohols (including ethanol, 1-propanol, isobutanol, 1-butanol, isoamylol, and 1-hexanol) were measured using gas chromatography (GC). Conditions for preparing SA-immobilized Fuji enzymes (SA-IEP) were optimized, and the obtained SA-IEP (containing 0.3 g of enzyme) was continuously used to treat Xifeng liquor eight times, 20 mL per time. Significant degradation rates (DRs) of higher alcohols were observed at different degrees, and it also showed enzyme specificity according to the apple varieties and enzyme preparations. After five repeated treatments, the DRs of the optimized Fuji SA-IEP remained 70% for 1-hexanol and >15% for other higher alcohols.

Solid-State NMR Investigation of Bio-chars Produced from Biomass Components and Whole Biomasses

DOE PAGES

Ben, Haoxi; Hao, Naijia; Liu, Qian; ...

2017-08-24

Bio-char is a by-product from thermochemical treatment of biomass and has been identified as an energy condensed product with a comparable heating value as commercial coal. However, the combustion of such solid product as an energy resource is only a preliminary application. It is highly possible to convert bio-char, which always has a condensed aromatic and porous structure to various high-value products. The investigations of the structures and formation pathways for the bio-char are very important to any future applications. In this study, six different biomass components, including cellulose, lignin, and tannin, and three whole biomasses—pine wood, pine residue, andmore » pine bark—have been used to produce bio-char at 400, 500, and 600 °C. Solid-state NMR and FT-IR have been employed in this study to characterize the structures for the bio-chars. The results indicated that the bio-chars produced from lignin contained some methoxyl groups, and the bio-chars produced from tannin contained significantly higher amount of phenolic hydroxyl groups. Compared to the bio-chars produced from pine wood and residue, the bio-chars produced from pine bark contained more aromatic C–O bonds, and aliphatic C–O and C–C bonds, which may be due to the significantly higher amount of lignin and tannin in the pine bark. Furthermore, the elevated amounts of aromatic C–O and aliphatic C–O and C–C bonds in the bio-chars from pine bark appeared to be completely decomposed at 600 °C.« less

The Role of Avocados in Maternal Diets during the Periconceptional Period, Pregnancy, and Lactation.

PubMed

Comerford, Kevin B; Ayoob, Keith T; Murray, Robert D; Atkinson, Stephanie A

2016-05-21

Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in influencing fertility, fetal development, birth outcomes, and breast milk composition. During the critical window of time from conception through the initiation of complementary feeding, the nutrition of the mother is the nutrition of the offspring-and a mother's dietary choices can affect both the early health status and lifelong disease risk of the offspring. Most health expert recommendations and government-sponsored dietary guidelines agree that a healthy diet for children and adults (including those who are pregnant and/or lactating) should include an abundance of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. These foods should contain a variety of essential nutrients as well as other compounds that are associated with lower disease risk such as fiber and bioactives. However, the number and amounts of nutrients varies considerably among fruits and vegetables, and not all fruit and vegetable options are considered "nutrient-rich". Avocados are unique among fruits and vegetables in that, by weight, they contain much higher amounts of the key nutrients folate and potassium, which are normally under-consumed in maternal diets. Avocados also contain higher amounts of several non-essential compounds, such as fiber, monounsaturated fats, and lipid-soluble antioxidants, which have all been linked to improvements in maternal health, birth outcomes and/or breast milk quality. The objective of this report is to review the evidence that avocados may be a unique nutrition source for pregnant and lactating women and, thus, should be considered for inclusion in future dietary recommendations for expecting and new mothers.

Solid-State NMR Investigation of Bio-chars Produced from Biomass Components and Whole Biomasses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ben, Haoxi; Hao, Naijia; Liu, Qian

Bio-char is a by-product from thermochemical treatment of biomass and has been identified as an energy condensed product with a comparable heating value as commercial coal. However, the combustion of such solid product as an energy resource is only a preliminary application. It is highly possible to convert bio-char, which always has a condensed aromatic and porous structure to various high-value products. The investigations of the structures and formation pathways for the bio-char are very important to any future applications. In this study, six different biomass components, including cellulose, lignin, and tannin, and three whole biomasses—pine wood, pine residue, andmore » pine bark—have been used to produce bio-char at 400, 500, and 600 °C. Solid-state NMR and FT-IR have been employed in this study to characterize the structures for the bio-chars. The results indicated that the bio-chars produced from lignin contained some methoxyl groups, and the bio-chars produced from tannin contained significantly higher amount of phenolic hydroxyl groups. Compared to the bio-chars produced from pine wood and residue, the bio-chars produced from pine bark contained more aromatic C–O bonds, and aliphatic C–O and C–C bonds, which may be due to the significantly higher amount of lignin and tannin in the pine bark. Furthermore, the elevated amounts of aromatic C–O and aliphatic C–O and C–C bonds in the bio-chars from pine bark appeared to be completely decomposed at 600 °C.« less

The Role of Avocados in Maternal Diets during the Periconceptional Period, Pregnancy, and Lactation

PubMed Central

Comerford, Kevin B.; Ayoob, Keith T.; Murray, Robert D.; Atkinson, Stephanie A.

2016-01-01

Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in influencing fertility, fetal development, birth outcomes, and breast milk composition. During the critical window of time from conception through the initiation of complementary feeding, the nutrition of the mother is the nutrition of the offspring—and a mother’s dietary choices can affect both the early health status and lifelong disease risk of the offspring. Most health expert recommendations and government-sponsored dietary guidelines agree that a healthy diet for children and adults (including those who are pregnant and/or lactating) should include an abundance of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. These foods should contain a variety of essential nutrients as well as other compounds that are associated with lower disease risk such as fiber and bioactives. However, the number and amounts of nutrients varies considerably among fruits and vegetables, and not all fruit and vegetable options are considered “nutrient-rich”. Avocados are unique among fruits and vegetables in that, by weight, they contain much higher amounts of the key nutrients folate and potassium, which are normally under-consumed in maternal diets. Avocados also contain higher amounts of several non-essential compounds, such as fiber, monounsaturated fats, and lipid-soluble antioxidants, which have all been linked to improvements in maternal health, birth outcomes and/or breast milk quality. The objective of this report is to review the evidence that avocados may be a unique nutrition source for pregnant and lactating women and, thus, should be considered for inclusion in future dietary recommendations for expecting and new mothers. PMID:27213449

The factors affecting on estimation of carbohydrate content of meals in carbohydrate counting

PubMed Central

Kawamura, Tomoyuki; Takamura, Chihiro; Hirose, Masakazu; Hashimoto, Tomomi; Higashide, Takashi; Kashihara, Yoneo; Hashimura, Kayako; Shintaku, Haruo

2015-01-01

Abstract. The objective of this study was to identify factors affecting on errors in carbohydrate (CHO) content estimation during CHO counting. Thirty-seven type 1 diabetes patients and 22 of their parents and 28 physicians/dieticians were enrolled in this study. CHO counting was counted in “Carb”, with 1 Carb defined as 10 g of CHO. To evaluate the accuracy of CHO counting, 80 real-size photographs of cooked meals were presented to the subjects for Carb estimation. Carbs tended to be overestimated for foods containing relatively small amounts of Carbs. On the other hands, Carbs tended to be underestimated for foods with higher than 6 Carbs. Accurate estimation of the Carbs in food containing a large amount of rice was particularly difficult even in the subjects having the CHO counting experience. The Carb contents of high-calorie foods such as meats, fried foods, and desserts tended to be overestimated. This error was smaller in subjects having the CHO counting experience. In conclusion, misunderstanding of high-calorie dishes containing high amounts of CHO was observed in inexperienced subjects, indicating the efficacy of the current methodology of CHO counting. On the other hand it was difficult even for experienced subjects to assess the amount of seasoned rice, suggesting the need for a new methodology for accurate estimation. PMID:26568656

Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles of marine snail Rapana venosa meat, visceral mass and operculum.

PubMed

Luo, Fenglei; Xing, Ronge; Wang, Xueqin; Peng, Quancai; Li, Pengcheng

2017-12-01

Rapana venosa (Rv), an important marine snail, demonstrates an increasing nutritional and economic importance. However, there is still limited information available on their nutritional composition. The present study highlights and provides new information on the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles of different body parts of Rv, aiming for its better application and research. The operculum contained a high amount of protein and flavor amino acids. The edible tissues, including meat and visceral mass, were valuable sources of essential amino acids (EAA) apart from methionine and cysteine. In addition, the meat contained high amount of taurine. Fatty acid analysis indicated that the edible tissues contained high amounts of ω3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6ω3), and had a low ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio. Interestingly, significantly higher concentrations of most nutritional elements such as fat, EAA, EPA and DHA, were found in the visceral mass compared to those in the meat. The operculum of Rv may became a very interesting source for some protein and flavor peptide development, and the edible parts of Rv may be utilized for special dietary applications requiring high amounts of taurine, EPA, DHA and a lower ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polymerization kinetics of experimental bioactive composites containing bioactive glass.

PubMed

Par, Matej; Tarle, Zrinka; Hickel, Reinhard; Ilie, Nicoleta

2018-06-21

To investigate the polymerization kinetics and the degree of conversion (DC) of experimental resin composites with varying amount of bioactive glass 45S5 (BG). Experimental resin composites based on a photo-curable Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin system were prepared. The composite series contained 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 wt% of BG and reinforcing fillers up to the total filler amount of 70 wt%. Composite specimens were light cured with 1,219 mW/cm 2 for 20 or 40 s and their DC was monitored during 5 min at the data collection rate of 2 s -1 using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The 5-min DC values for experimental composites were in the range of 42.4-55.9% and 47.3-57.9% for curing times of 20 and 40 s, respectively. The differences in the 5-min DC between curing times of 20 s or 40 s became more pronounced in materials with higher BG amount. Within both curing times, a decreasing trend of the 5-min DC values was observed with the increasing percentage of BG fillers. The maximum polymerization rate also decreased consistently with the increasing BG amount. Unsilanized BG fillers showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on polymerization rate and the DC. Extending the curing time from 20 to 40 s showed a limited potential to improve the DC of composites with higher BG amount. The observed inhibitory effect of BG fillers on the polymerization of resin composites may have a negative influence on mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Contribution of mesopores in MgO-templated mesoporous carbons to capacitance in non-aqueous electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kado, Yuya; Soneda, Yasushi; Yoshizawa, Noriko

2015-02-01

MgO-templated mesoporous carbons were fabricated by annealing trimagnesium dicitrate nonahydrate at various temperatures from 700 to 1000 °C with subsequent acid leaching of MgO. The obtained carbons contained a large amount of mesopores. Performances of electric double-layer capacitors using these carbons were examined for propylene carbonate electrolyte containing 1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate. The mesoporous carbons synthesized at higher temperatures showed better rate capabilities. AC impedance measurements indicated that high-temperature annealing of the carbon precursors and the presence of mesopores were important for high rate performance. In addition, the contribution of mesopores to capacitance was more significant at higher current densities of 30 A g-1.

Total, Soluble and Insoluble Oxalate Contents of Ripe Green and Golden Kiwifruit.

PubMed

Nguyễn, Hà Vũ Hồng; Savage, Geoffrey P

2013-03-05

Three bulk samples of two different cultivars of kiwifruit, green ( Actinidia deliciosa L . ) and golden ( Actinidia chinensis L . ) were bought ripe, ready to eat from a local market. The aim of the study was to determine the oxalate composition of each of the three fractions of kiwifruit, namely skin, pulp and seeds. The pulp consisted of 90.4% of the edible portion of the two cultivars while the skin and seeds made up a mean of 8.0% and 1.6% respectively. Total oxalate was extracted with 2.0 M HCL at 21 °C for 15 min and soluble oxalates extracted at 21 °C in water for 15 min from each fraction. The total and soluble oxalate compositions of each fraction were determined using ion exchange HPLC chromatography. The pulp of golden kiwifruit contained lower amounts of total oxalates (15.7 vs. 19.3 mg/100 g FW) and higher amounts of soluble oxalates (8.5 vs. 7.6 mg/100 g FW) when compared to the green cultivar. The skin of the green cultivar contained lower levels of insoluble oxalates (36.9 vs. 43.6 mg/100 g FW), while the seeds of the green cultivar contained higher levels of insoluble oxalates 106.7 vs. 84.7 mg/100 g FW.

Is there a role for dietetic foods in the management of diabetes and/or obesity?

PubMed

Wunschel, I M; Sheikholislam, B M

1978-01-01

The cost and nutritional value (calorie, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content) of 108 regular products were compared with 101 dietetic products. The cost of dietetic candies, cookies, fruits, preserves/syrups, and puddings/gelatins was significantly greater (p less than 0.005, p less than 0.005, p less than 0.005, and p less than 0.025, respectively). Dietetic candies and cookies contained more calories than the regular ones. These differences were significant only for candies (p less than 0.005). In contrast, dietetic fruits and preserves/syrups had significantly fewer calories than the regular ones (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.005 respectively). Dietetic puddings/gelatins were significantly less expensive and contained fewer calories than the regular products (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.005, respectively). Dietetic ice creams were generally more expensive with varying amounts of carbohydrate content. Most dietetic products contained higher amounts of protein than regular food products. Since the dietetic products constitute only a fraction of total food intake, the differences in their composition have little or no effect on the relationship of nutrients consumed within a 24-hour period. Thus, in most cases the consumer receives little or no nutritional benefit from the higher cost of dietetic products.

Removal of two antibacterial compounds triclocarban and triclosan in a waste water treatment plant

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study investigates the fate of Triclocarban (TCC) and Triclosan (TCS) in a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). Our goal was to identify the most effective removal step and to determine the amount on the solid phase versus degraded. Our influent contained higher TCS than TCC concentrations (8....

Looking for High Quality Accreditation in Higher Education in Colombia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pérez Gama, Jesús Alfonso; Vega Vega, Anselmo

2017-01-01

We look for the High Quality Accreditation of tertiary education in two ways: one, involving large amount of information, including issues such as self-assessment, high quality, statistics, indicators, surveys, and field work (process engineering), during several periods of time; and the second, in relation to the information contained there about…

Analytical advantages of copolymeric microspheres for fluorimetric sensing - tuneable sensitivity sensors and titration agents.

PubMed

Stelmach, Emilia; Maksymiuk, Krzysztof; Michalska, Agata

2017-01-15

Analytical benefits related to application of copolymeric microspheres containing different number of carboxylic acid mers have been studied on example of acrylate copolymers. These structures can be used as a reagent in heterogeneous pH titration, benefiting from different number of reactive groups - i.e. different concentration of a titrant - within the series of copolymers. Thus introducing the same amount of different microspheres from a series to the sample, different amount of the titrant is introduced. Copolymeric microspheres also can be used as optical sensors - in this respect the increasing number of reactive groups in the series is useful to improve the analytical performance of microprobes - sensitivity of determination or/and response range. The increase in ion-permeability of the spheres with increasing number of reactive mers is advantageous. It is shown that for pH sensitive microspheres containing higher number of carboxyl groups the higher sensitivity for alkaline pH samples is observed for an indicator present in the beads. The significant increase of optical responses is related to enhanced ion transport within the microspheres. For zinc or potassium ions model sensors tested it was shown that by choice of pH conditions and type of microspheres from the series, the optical responses can be tuned - to enhance sensitivity for analyte concentration change as well as to change the response pattern from sigmoidal (higher sensitivity, narrow range) to linear (broader response range). For classical optode systems (e.g. microspheres containing an optical transducer - pH sensitive dye and optically silent ionophore - receptor) copolymeric microspheres containing carboxylic acid mers in their structure allow application of the sensor in alkaline pH range, which is usually inaccessible for applied optical transducer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adaptive response due to changes in gene regulation: a study with Drosophila.

PubMed Central

McDonald, J F; Chambers, G K; David, J; Ayala, F J

1977-01-01

In spite of the critical role of the process of adaptation in evolution, there are few detailed studies of the genotypic and molecular basis of the process. Drosophila melanogaster flies selected for increased tolerance to ethanol exhibited higher levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol:NAD+ oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.1) activity than unselected controls. A series of tests (electrophoresis, product inhibition, temperature stability, pH optima, substrate specificity, and Michaelis constants) gave no evidence of structural differences in the enzyme of the selected and the control flies. However, quantitative immunological assays showed that the selected flies contained significantly higher amounts of alcohol dehydrogenase. Adaptation of the selected flies to higher alcohol tolerance has most likely taken place by changes not in the structural gene locus coding for the enzyme, but by regulatory changes affecting the amount of gene product. Images PMID:412190

Nutritional Composition of Three Domesticated Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms: Oudemansiella sudmusida, Lentinus squarrosulus, and Tremella aurantialba.

PubMed

Zhou, Shuai; Tang, Qing-Jiu; Zhang, Zhong; Li, Chuan-hua; Cao, Hui; Yang, Yan; Zhang, Jing-Song

2015-01-01

The nutritional composition of three recently domesticated culinary-medicinal mushroom species (Oudemansiella sudmusida, Lentinus squarrosulus, and Tremella aurantialba) was evaluated for contents of protein, fiber, fat, total sugar content, amino acid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide components. The data indicated that fruiting bodies of these three mushroom species contained abundant nutritional substances. The protein contents of L. squarrosulus and O. submucida were 26.32% and 14.70%, which could be comparable to other commercially cultivated species. T. aurantialba contained 74.11% of carbohydrate, of which soluble polysaccharide was 40.55%. Oudemansiella sudmusida contained 15.95% of arabitol as the highest sugar alcohol in three mushrooms. These mushrooms also possessed distinct taste by their flavor component composition. Among them, L. squarrosulus contained 10.68% and 9.25% of monosodium glutamate-like and sweet amino acids, which were higher than the other two mushrooms. However, the nucleotide amounts of the three mushrooms were all lower than those of other commercially cultivated mushrooms. Among them, L. squarrosulus contained the highest amount of flavor nucleotides, which was 1.01‰. Results revealed that these three mushroom species are potentially suitable resources for commercial cultivation and healthy food.

Effect of cationic lipid composition on properties of oligonucleotide/emulsion complexes: Physico-chemical and release studies.

PubMed

Martini, Erico; Fattal, Elias; de Oliveira, Mônica Cristina; Teixeira, Helder

2008-03-20

This paper describes the influence of cationic lipid composition on physico-chemical properties of complexes formed between oligonucleotides (ON) and cationic emulsions. Formulations containing medium chain triglycerides, egg lecithin, increasing amounts of either oleylamine (OA) or 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), and water were prepared by a spontaneous emulsification procedure. ON adsorption on emulsions was evidenced by the inversion of the zeta-potential, the increase in droplet size, and the morphology of the oil droplet examined through transmission electron microscopy. Adsorption isotherms showed a higher amount of ON adsorbed on emulsions containing DOTAP when compared to emulsions containing OA. In a final step, the role of the main parameters, which may in fact influence the ON release rate from emulsions, was investigated. ON were progressively released from emulsions with an increase in dilution ratio and remained quite similar for both OA and DOTAP emulsions over time. Conversely, the effect of the cationic lipid composition was observed upon increasing the charge ratio of complexes. ON release at a same charge ratio was lower from emulsions containing DOTAP (bearing dioleyl chains) than from those containing OA (bearing monoleyl chain).

Assessment of oil content and fatty acid composition variability in two economically important Hibiscus species.

PubMed

Wang, Ming Li; Morris, Brad; Tonnis, Brandon; Davis, Jerry; Pederson, Gary A

2012-07-04

The Hibiscus genus encompasses more than 300 species, but kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) are the two most economically important species within the genus. Seeds from these two Hibiscus species contain a relatively high amount of oil with two unusual fatty acids: dihydrosterculic and vernolic acids. The fatty acid composition in the oil can directly affect oil quality and its utilization. However, the variability in oil content and fatty acid composition for these two species is unclear. For these two species, 329 available accessions were acquired from the USDA germplasm collection. Their oil content and fatty acid composition were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Using NMR and GC analyses, we found that Hibiscus seeds on average contained 18% oil and seed oil was composed of six major fatty acids (each >1%) and seven minor fatty acids (each <1%). Hibiscus cannabinus seeds contained significantly higher amounts of oil (18.14%), palmitic (20.75%), oleic (28.91%), vernolic acids (VA, 4.16%), and significantly lower amounts of stearic (3.96%), linoleic (39.49%), and dihydrosterculic acids (DHSA, 1.08%) than H. sabdariffa seeds (17.35%, 18.52%, 25.16%, 3.52%, 4.31%, 44.72%, and 1.57%, respectively). For edible oils, a higher oleic/linoleic (O/L) ratio and lower level of DHSA are preferred, and for industrial oils a high level of VA is preferred. Our results indicate that seeds from H. cannabinus may be of higher quality than H. sabdariffa seeds for these reasons. Significant variability in oil content and major fatty acids was also detected within both species. The variability in oil content and fatty acid composition revealed from this study will be useful for exploring seed utilization and developing new cultivars in these Hibiscus species.

Hydroxyl radical formation and oxidative DNA damage induced by areca quid in vivo.

PubMed

Chen, Chiu-Lan; Chi, Chin-Wen; Liu, Tsung-Yun

2002-02-01

Chewing areca quid (AQ) has been implicated as a major risk factor for the development of oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC). Recent studies have suggested that AQ-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the contributing factors for oral carcinogenesis. However, the AQ used in Taiwan is different from that used in other countries. This study is designed to test whether ROS are generated and the consequent effects in locally prepared AQ in vivo. We measured the hydroxyl radical formation, as represented by the presence of o- and m-tyrosine in saliva from volunteers who chewed AQ containing 20 mg phenylalanine. Their saliva contained significantly higher amounts (p < .05) of o- and m-tyrosine as compared to the controls. In addition, chewing AQ containing Piper betle inflorescence generated higher amounts of m-tyrosine, but not o-tyrosine, in saliva than did chewing AQ containing betel leaf. We further tested the oxidative DNA damaging effect of the reconstituted AQ, as evidenced by the elevation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) levels, in hamster buccal pouch. Following daily painting for 14 d, the 8-OH-dG level in hamster buccal pouch is significantly elevated (p < .05) in the AQ-treated group versus the controls. These findings demonstrate that ROS, such as hydroxyl radical, are formed in the human oral cavity during AQ chewing, and chewing such prepared AQ might cause oxidative DNA damage to the surrounding tissues.

Carbon stocks of trees killed by bark beetles and wildfire in the western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hicke, Jeffrey A.; Meddens, Arjan J.H.; Allen, Craig D.; Kolden, Crystal A.

2013-01-01

Forests are major components of the carbon cycle, and disturbances are important influences of forest carbon. Our objective was to contribute to the understanding of forest carbon cycling by quantifying the amount of carbon in trees killed by two disturbance types, fires and bark beetles, in the western United States in recent decades. We combined existing spatial data sets of forest biomass, burn severity, and beetle-caused tree mortality to estimate the amount of aboveground and belowground carbon in killed trees across the region. We found that during 1984-2010, fires killed trees that contained 5-11 Tg C year-1 and during 1997-2010, beetles killed trees that contained 2-24 Tg C year-1, with more trees killed since 2000 than in earlier periods. Over their periods of record, amounts of carbon in trees killed by fires and by beetle outbreaks were similar, and together these disturbances killed trees representing 9% of the total tree carbon in western forests, a similar amount to harvesting. Fires killed more trees in lower-elevation forest types such as Douglas-fir than higher-elevation forest types, whereas bark beetle outbreaks also killed trees in higher-elevation forest types such as lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce. Over 15% of the carbon in lodgepole pine and spruce/fir forest types was in trees killed by beetle outbreaks; other forest types had 5-10% of the carbon in killed trees. Our results document the importance of these natural disturbances in the carbon budget of the western United States.

Phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity in four Italian traditional maize (Zea mays L.) varieties.

PubMed

Capocchi, Antonella; Bottega, Stefania; Spanò, Carmelina; Fontanini, Debora

2017-08-01

Flours of four pigmented (from orange to red and dark red) local Italian corns, studied for their soluble, soluble conjugate, and insoluble-bound phenols and flavonoids, showed a prevalence of the insoluble-bound fraction (70-80%). Correlations were found between the flours antioxidant capacity, measured with CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH methods, and soluble phenols and flavonoids content. A correlation was also found between ascorbic acid content and flours antioxidant power. Anthocyanins were present in small amounts in the red/dark red seeds; however, acid-alcohol assays and spectral analyses of pericarp extracts indicated the presence of red-brick phlobaphenes in these varieties. Spectrophotometrically quantified total carotenoids were significantly higher in one of the local varieties (Nano); RP-HPLC analyses indicated that the local varieties contained significantly higher amounts of zeaxanthin and β-carotene, and lower amounts of lutein, than a commercial line. Among local varieties, Nano expressed the highest levels of zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin.

Soybeans vs. textured soy proteins as meat extenders. Cooking losses, palatability, and thiamin content of freshly cooked and frozen meat loaves.

PubMed

Ali, F S; Perry, A K; Van Duyne, F O

1982-10-01

The effects of replacing 30 percent of the ground beef in meat loaves with boiled ground soybeans or textured soy protein (TSP) were studied. The substitutions were equally effective in increasing yields of freshly cooked, raw frozen and cooked, and cooked, frozen, and reheated meat loaves. Scores for several palatability characteristics, including general desirability, were higher for meat loaves containing soybeans than for loaves containing TSP. The mixtures and loaves contained similar amounts of protein and thiamin. Cooking losses and mean palatability scores indicated advantages for freezing raw loaf mixtures rather than cooked loaves.

Relative Composition of Fibrous Connective and Fatty/Glandular Tissue in Connective Tissue Grafts Depends on the Harvesting Technique but not the Donor Site of the Hard Palate.

PubMed

Bertl, Kristina; Pifl, Markus; Hirtler, Lena; Rendl, Barbara; Nürnberger, Sylvia; Stavropoulos, Andreas; Ulm, Christian

2015-12-01

Whether the composition of palatal connective tissue grafts (CTGs) varies depending on donor site or harvesting technique in terms of relative amounts of fibrous connective tissue (CT) and fatty/glandular tissue (FGT) is currently unknown and is histologically assessed in the present study. In 10 fresh human cadavers, tissue samples were harvested in the anterior and posterior palate and in areas close to (marginal) and distant from (apical) the mucosal margin. Mucosal thickness, lamina propria thickness (defined as the extent of subepithelial portion of the biopsy containing ≤25% or ≤50% FGT), and proportions of CT and FGT were semi-automatically estimated for the entire mucosa and for CTGs virtually harvested by split-flap (SF) preparation minimum 1 mm deep or after deepithelialization (DE). Palatal mucosal thickness, ranging from 2.35 to 6.89 mm, and histologic composition showed high interindividual variability. Lamina propria thickness (P >0.21) and proportions of CT (P = 0.48) and FGT (P = 0.15) did not differ significantly among the donor sites (anterior, posterior, marginal, apical). However, thicker palatal tissue was associated with higher FGT content (P <0.01) and thinner lamina propria (P ≤0.03). Independent of the donor site, DE-harvested CTG contained a significantly higher proportion of CT and a lower proportion of FGT than an SF-harvested CTG (P <0.04). Despite high interindividual variability in terms of relative tissue composition in the hard palate, DE-harvested CTG contains much larger amounts of CT and much lower amounts of FGT than SF-harvested CTG, irrespective of the harvesting site.

Do Abrasives Play a Role in Toothpaste Efficacy against Erosion/Abrasion?

PubMed

Ganss, Carolina; Möllers, Maike; Schlueter, Nadine

2017-01-01

Abrasives may counteract the efficacy of anti-erosion toothpastes either due to physical effects or due to interaction with active agents. This study aimed to investigate whether the amount of abrasives is a determinant for the efficacy of Sn2+-containing toothpastes with or without chitosan additive. Enamel samples were eroded (0.50 wt% citric acid, pH 2.5; 6 × 2 min/day) on a shaking desk - 30/min in experiment 1 (E1) and 35/min in experiments 2 (E2) and 3 (E3) - and immersed in toothpaste slurries (2 × 2 min). Half of the samples were additionally brushed (15 s, load 200 g) within the immersion time. The toothpastes contained 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% silica. In E1 and E2 the active ingredients were F- (700 ppm as amine fluoride, 700 ppm as NaF) and Sn2+ (3,500 ppm as SnCl2); in E3 chitosan (0.5%) was additionally added. The placebo contained 20% silica. Tissue loss was determined profilometrically. In E1, slurries completely inhibited tissue loss; distinct surface deposits occurred. With brushing, tissue loss significantly increased up to an abrasive content of 10%, but decreased significantly with higher amounts; 20% silica revealed similar values as the abrasive-free formulation. In E2, all slurries inhibited tissue loss distinctly irrespective of the amounts of abrasives. With brushing, a similar trend as in E1 was observed but with much less efficacy. The chitosan-containing formulations in E3 were much more effective; similar results as in E1 were found. In conclusion, the amount of abrasives had no effect when toothpastes were applied as slurries, but played an important role with brushing. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Experimental outgassing of toxic chemicals to simulate the characteristics of hazards tainting globally shipped products.

PubMed

Budnik, Lygia Therese; Austel, Nadine; Gadau, Sabrina; Kloth, Stefan; Schubert, Jens; Jungnickel, Harald; Luch, Andreas

2017-01-01

Ambient monitoring analyses may identify potential new public health hazards such as residual levels of fumigants and industrial chemicals off gassing from products and goods shipped globally. We analyzed container air with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (TD-2D-GC-MS/FPD) and assessed whether the concentration of the volatiles benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane exceeded recommended exposure limits (REL). Products were taken from transport containers and analyzed for outgassing of volatiles. Furthermore, experimental outgassing was performed on packaging materials and textiles, to simulate the hazards tainting from globally shipped goods. The mean amounts of benzene in analyzed container air were 698-fold higher, and those of ethylene dichloride were 4.5-fold higher than the corresponding REL. More than 90% of all containers struck with toluene residues higher than its REL. For 1,2-dichloroethane 53% of containers, transporting shoes exceeded the REL. In standardized experimental fumigation of various products, outgassing of 1,2-dichloroethane under controlled laboratory conditions took up to several months. Globally produced transported products tainted with toxic industrial chemicals may contribute to the mixture of volatiles in indoor air as they are likely to emit for a long period. These results need to be taken into account for further evaluation of safety standards applying to workers and consumers.

Pyrolysis behavior of different type of materials contained in the rejects of packaging waste sorting plants.

PubMed

Adrados, A; De Marco, I; Lopez-Urionabarrenechea, A; Caballero, B M; Laresgoiti, M F

2013-01-01

In this paper rejected streams coming from a waste packaging material recovery facility have been characterized and separated into families of products of similar nature in order to determine the influence of different types of ingredients in the products obtained in the pyrolysis process. The pyrolysis experiments have been carried out in a non-stirred batch 3.5 dm(3) reactor, swept with 1 L min(-1) N(2), at 500°C for 30 min. Pyrolysis liquids are composed of an organic phase and an aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is greater as higher is the cellulosic material content in the sample. The organic phase contains valuable chemicals as styrene, ethylbenzene and toluene, and has high heating value (HHV) (33-40 MJ kg(-1)). Therefore they could be used as alternative fuels for heat and power generation and as a source of valuable chemicals. Pyrolysis gases are mainly composed of hydrocarbons but contain high amounts of CO and CO(2); their HHV is in the range of 18-46 MJ kg(-1). The amount of COCO(2) increases, and consequently HHV decreases as higher is the cellulosic content of the waste. Pyrolysis solids are mainly composed of inorganics and char formed in the process. The cellulosic materials lower the quality of the pyrolysis liquids and gases, and increase the production of char. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proximate composition and functionality of the culinary-medicinal tiger sawgill mushroom, Lentinus tigrinus (higher Basidiomycetes), from the Philippines.

PubMed

Dulay, Rich Milton R; Arenas, Minerva C; Kalaw, Sofronio P; Reyes, Renato G; Cabrera, Esperanza C

2014-01-01

The proximate composition and functionality of Lentinus tigrinus were evaluated to establish and popularize this mushroom as functional food source. The evaluation of functionality focused on the antibacterial and hypoglycemic activities of the mushroom extracts. An acute single oral dose toxicity test in mice was used for its biosafety analysis. The pileus contained higher amounts of protein (25.9%), fat (2.1%), and ash (7.4%) and a higher energetic value (142.1 kcal/100 g) than the corresponding stipe, whereas the stipe contained higher amounts of total carbohydrates (67.7%), which consist of dietary fiber (63.0%) and reducing sugar (4.7%), than the pileus. Biosafety analysis confirmed that L. tigrinus is an edible mushroom species; it was found to be toxicologically safe in imprinting control region mice. The administration of lyophilized hot water extract of the fruiting body (both 100 and 250 mg/ kg doses) to diabetic mice significantly lowered the glucose level by 26.9% in the third week, which was significantly comparable to the results of the antidiabetic agent glibenclamide, which was used as a positive control. In vitro antibacterial assay showed that the ethanolic extract of the fruiting body and the immobilized secondary mycelia had high antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus but not on Escherichia coli. Combining its useful nutrients and significant biological properties, L. tigrinus can be considered a natural source of safe nutraceuticals.

The occurrence of chlorine in serpentine minerals

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miura, Y.; Rucklidge, J.; Nord, G.L.

1981-01-01

Partially serpentinized dunites containing small amounts of Chlorine (< 0.5%) from Dumont, Quebec, and Horoman, Hokkaido, Japan, and one containing less than 0.05% Chlorine from Higashi-Akaishi-Yama, Ehime, Japan have been examined using the electron probe microanalyzer and scanning transmission electron microscope with X-ray analytical capabilities. Chlorine was found together with Si, Mg, Ca and Fe in the serpentine minerals of the Dumont and Hokkaido dunites but not in the Ehime dunite. Chlorine is found associated only with the most finely crystalline facies of the serpentine (grain size less than 10 nm). The Ehime dunite contained no such fine grained serpentine, and was thus effectively chlorine-free, as are the coarser grained serpentines of the other samples. The finegrained chlorine-bearing serpentine also has a much higher concentration of Fe, and can contain smaller amounts of Ca, Ni and Mn than the coarse-grained variety as well as minute awaruite (FeNi3) grains. This fine-grained serpentine probably represents an early stage in the transformation of olivine to serpentine, with chlorine from hydrothermal solutions assisting the necessary chemical changes. The Cl increases the reaction rate by lowering the activation barrier to reaction by the introduction of reaction steps. ?? 1981 Springer-Verlag.

Analysis of ecdysteroids in different developmental stages of Hymenolepis diminuta.

PubMed

Mercer, J G; Munn, A E; Arme, C; Rees, H H

1987-08-01

Prepatent and patent adult Hymenolepis diminuta from the intestines of rats, H. diminuta eggs recovered from the faeces of rats harbouring patent infections, and infective cysticercoids from the beetle intermediate host were analysed for free and conjugated ecdysteroids. Adult worms and eggs contained both free ecdysteroids and hydrolysable polar conjugated ecdysteroids, with comparatively large amounts of immunoreactive material also being detected following hydrolysis of the possible apolar conjugated ecdysteroid fraction. Free ecdysteroids were not detected in the cysticercoid sample. The concentration of free ecdysteroids in H. diminuta eggs was higher than that detected in the tissues of the adult worms. Ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone were the major identified compounds of the free ecdysteroid fraction, whereas in the hydrolysed polar conjugated ecdysteroid fraction these two compounds were accompanied by 20,26-dihydroxyecdysone. The free ecdysteroid fraction also contained comparatively large amounts of unidentified immunoreactive material.

Evaluation and auger analysis of a zinc-dialkyl-dithiophosphate antiwear additive in several diester lubricants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.; Ferrante, J.

1979-01-01

The wear of pure iron in sliding contact with hardened M-2 tool steel was measured for a series of synthetic diester fluids, both with and without a zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDP) antiwear additive, as test lubricants. Selected wear scars were analyzed by an Auger emission spectroscopy (AES) depth profiling technique in order to assess the surface film elemental composition. The ZDP was an effective antiwear additive for all the diesters except dibutyl oxalate and dibutyl sebacate. The high wear measured for the additive-containing oxalate was related to corrosion; the higher wear measured for the additive-containing sebacate was due to an oxygen interaction. The AES of dibutyl sebacate surfaces run in dry air and in dry nitrogen showed large differences only in the amount of oxygen present. The AES of worn surfaces where the additive was effective showed no zinc, only a little phosphorus, and large amounts of sulfur.

Determination of four different purines and their content change in seafood by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Qu, Xin; Sui, Jianxin; Mi, Nasha; Lin, Hong

2017-01-01

Seafood is regarded as a high-purine food that may induce gout, which has attracted extensive attention concerning its safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a simple and reliable method to determine the purine content in seafood and its change during storage to offer consumers healthy diet information. Chromatographic separation was carried out using Waters Atlantis dC 18 column, and potassium phosphate monobasic solution (0.02 mol L -1 , pH 3.6) as a mobile phase. The average recovery yields of four purines were 91.5-105.0%, and relative standard deviation values were around 1.8-6.5%. Shrimp and snail contained higher amounts of purine than fish and bivalves; the livers and skins of fish contained higher amounts of purine than muscles; and the main purine varied depending on the type of seafood. Also, purine content of seafood changed during storage. The purine content of seafood differed depending on species, body part and degree of freshness, which could recommend consumers a healthy diet, especially for people with hyperuricemia and gout. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of metal-ions containing sludges in the preparation of black inorganic pigments.

PubMed

Hajjaji, W; Seabra, M P; Labrincha, J A

2011-01-30

Inorganic pigments were prepared from industrial wastes: galvanizing sludges resulting from Cr/Ni plating processes (S, G, and T) and a sludge generated from steel wiredraw process that is Fe-rich (F). These industrial wastes were characterized in order to determine the main compositional variations and discover their influence on the colour characteristics of pigments for glazes and ceramics. The toxic character was also investigated and established. Attempting to form the black spinel structure, several combinations of sludges were prepared and then calcined at 1000 °C. XRD and microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of nichromite for compositions with higher Ni amounts, while trevorite was detected in iron-rich formulations. The combination of S and F sludges (SF compositions) generates pigments with higher black colorimetric quality, which is similar to, and sometimes better than, a commercial black pigment. Pigments containing GF and TF sludges develop brown hues on glazes and on porcelain stoneware bodies, being this effect more evident upon industrial firing trials. The addition of minor amounts of cobalt or manganese enhances the black coloration, and might adjust some formulation deviations. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nutritional and anti-nutritional potential of three accessions of itching bean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var. pruriens): an under-utilized tribal pulse.

PubMed

Kala, Balasubiramanian Kamatchi; Mohan, Veerabahu Ramasamy

2010-08-01

Three accessions of the under-utilized legume itching bean (Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens) were analysed for proximate composition, mineral profiles, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid), fatty acid profiles, amino acid profiles of total seed protein, in vitro protein digestibility and certain anti-nutritional factors. All three accessions of M. pruriens var. pruriens contained higher amounts of crude protein and crude lipid when compared with most of the commonly consumed pulses. The fatty acid profiles revealed that the seed lipids contained a higher concentration of palmitic acid and linoleic acids. Amino acid profiles of M. pruriens var. pruriens revealed that the seed protein contained relatively higher levels of certain essential amino acids compared with the FAO/WHO requirement pattern. The investigated seeds are rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and manganese. Anti nutritional substances such as total free phenolics, tannins, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitor activity, oligosaccharides and phytohaemagglutinating activity were investigated. The anti-nutritional fatty acid, behenic acid, also was detected in the present study.

Interactions between resin monomers and commercial composite resins with human saliva derived esterases.

PubMed

Jaffer, F; Finer, Y; Santerre, J P

2002-04-01

Cholesterol esterase (CE) and pseudocholinesterase (PCE) have been reported to degrade commercial and model composite resins containing bisphenylglycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) or the latter in combination with urethane modified BisGMA monomer systems. In addition, human saliva has been shown to contain esterase like activities similar to CE and PCE. Hence, it was the aim of the current study to determine to what extent human saliva could degrade two common commercial composite resins (Z250 from 3M Inc. and Spectrum TPH from L.D. Caulk) which contain the above monomer systems. Saliva samples from different volunteers were collected, processed, pooled, and freeze-dried. TEGDMA and BisGMA monomers were incubated with human saliva derived esterase activity (HSDEA) and their respective hydrolysis was monitored using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both monomers were completely hydrolyzed within 25 h by HSDEA. Photopolymerized composites were incubated with buffer or human saliva (pH 7.0 and 37 C) for 2, 8 and 16 days. The incubation solutions were analyzed using HPLC and mass spectrometry. Surface morphology characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy. Upon biodegradation, the Z250 composite yielded higher amounts of BisGMA and TEGDMA related products relative to the TPH composite. However, there were higher amounts of ethoxylated bis-phenol A released from the TPH material. In terms of total mass of products released, human saliva demonstrated a greater ability to degrade Z250. In summary, HSDEA has been shown to contain esterase activities that can readily catalyze the biodegradation of current commercial composite resins.

Quantification of individual proteins in silicone hydrogel contact lens deposits

PubMed Central

Zhao, Zhenjun; Zhu, Hua; Tilia, Daniel; Willcox, Mark D.P.

2013-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to quantify specific proteins deposited on daily wear silicone hydrogel lenses used in combination with multipurpose disinfecting solutions (MPDSs) by applying multiple-reaction-monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). Methods Balafilcon A or senofilcon A contact lenses used with different MPDSs on a daily wear schedule were collected. Each worn lens was extracted and then digested with trypsin. MRM-MS was applied to quantify the amounts of lysozyme, lactoferrin, lipocalin-1, proline-rich protein-4, and keratin-1 in the extracts. Results The amount of protein extracted from the contact lenses was affected by the individual wearers, lens material, and type of care system used. Higher amounts of proteins were extracted from lenses after wear when they were used with an MPDS containing polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and poloxamer 407 compared with MPDSs containing polyquaternium-1 (PQ-1)/alexidine dihydrochloride with Tetronic 904 or PQ-1/ PHMB with poloxamine and sulfobetaine (p<0.05). There was a correlation between the amount of lipocalin-1 or keratin-1 extracted from lenses and symptoms of ocular dryness. Conclusions The MRM-MS technique is a promising approach that could be used to reveal associations of individual proteins deposited on lenses with performance of contact lenses during wear. PMID:23441110

Timing of drainage tube removal after thyroid surgery: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Minami, Shigeki; Sakimura, Chika; Hayashida, Naomi; Yamanouchi, Kosho; Kuroki, Tamotsu; Eguchi, Susumu

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chronological changes in the amount of drainage fluid after thyroidectomy, and to establish standard indications for the drain to be removed. We examined a cohort of 249 patients undergoing thyroid surgery. The patients were divided into four groups: a Graves' group, a non-dissection group, a central-dissection group and a lateral-dissection group. The amount of drainage was measured every 6 h, and the drain was removed postoperatively when the drainage decreased in amount and contained serous fluid after a meal. In all four groups, the most drainage occurred in the first 6 h after surgery. The total amount of drainage from the operation to the time of drain removal was significantly higher in Graves' group and in the lateral-dissection group than in the other two groups. The median wound drainage significantly decreased from 12 to 18 h after surgery in all four groups. In the lateral-dissection group, the wound drainage significantly decreased again in the first 24-30 h. The findings of this study suggest that drains can be removed postoperatively if the drainage was less than 15 mL during a 6-h period and contain serous fluid.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Raspberry Seed Oil and Evaluation of Its Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Compositions and Antioxidant Activities

PubMed Central

Huang, Qun; Wang, Jinli; Lin, Qiyang; Liu, Mingxin; Lee, Won Young; Song, Hongbo

2016-01-01

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was employed for highly efficient separation of aroma oil from raspberry seeds. A central composite design with two variables and five levels was employed and effects of process variables of sonication time and extraction temperature on oil recovery and quality were investigated. Optimal conditions predicted by response surface methodology were sonication time of 37 min and extraction temperature of 54°C. Specifically, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) was able to provide a higher content of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, whereas conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE) resulted in a higher amount of saturated fatty acids. Moreover, raspberry seed oil contained abundant amounts of edible linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which suggest raspberry seeds could be valuable edible sources of natural γ-linolenic acid products. In comparison with SE, UAE exerted higher free radical scavenging capacities. In addition, UAE significantly blocked H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. PMID:27120053

Wheat leaf lipids during heat stress: I. High day and night temperatures result in major lipid alterations.

PubMed

Narayanan, Sruthi; Tamura, Pamela J; Roth, Mary R; Prasad, P V Vara; Welti, Ruth

2016-04-01

Understanding how wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants under high temperature (HT) regulate lipid composition is critical to developing climate-resilient varieties. We measured 165 glycerolipids and sterol derivatives under optimum and high day and night temperatures in wheat leaves using electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Levels of polar lipid fatty acyl chain unsaturation were lower in both heat-tolerant genotype Ventnor and susceptible genotype Karl 92 under HT, compared with optimum temperature. The lower unsaturation was predominantly because of lower levels of 18:3 acyl chains and higher levels of 18:1 and 16:0 acyl chains. Levels of 18:3-containing triacylglycerols increased threefold/more under HT, consistent with their possible role in sequestering fatty acids during membrane lipid remodelling. Phospholipids containing odd-numbered or oxidized acyl chains accumulated in leaves under HT. Sterol glycosides (SG) and 16:0-acylated sterol glycosides (ASG) were higher under HT than optimum temperatures. Ventnor had lower amounts of phospholipids with oxidized acyl chains under HT and higher amounts of SG and 16:0-ASG than Karl 92. Taken together, the data demonstrate that wheat leaf lipid composition is altered by HT, in which some lipids are particularly responsive to HT, and that two wheat genotypes, chosen for their differing physiological responses to HT, differ in lipid profile under HT. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Wheat leaf lipids during heat stress: I. High day and night temperatures result in major lipid alterations

PubMed Central

Narayanan, Sruthi; Tamura, Pamela J.; Roth, Mary R.; Vara Prasad, P.V.; Welti, Ruth

2016-01-01

Understanding how wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants under high temperature (HT) regulate lipid composition is critical to developing climate-resilient varieties. We measured 165 glycerolipids and sterol derivatives under optimum and high day and night temperatures in wheat leaves using electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Levels of polar lipid fatty acyl chain unsaturation were lower in both heat-tolerant genotype Ventnor and susceptible genotype Karl 92 under HT, compared to optimum temperature. The lower unsaturation was predominantly due to lower levels of 18:3 and higher levels of 18:1 and 16:0 acyl chains. Levels of 18:3-containing triacylglycerols increased 3-fold/more under HT, consistent with their possible role in sequestering fatty acids during membrane lipid remodeling. Phospholipids containing odd-numbered or oxidized acyl chains accumulated in leaves under HT. Sterol glycosides (SG) and 16:0-acylated sterol glycosides (ASG) were higher under HT than optimum temperatures. Ventnor had lower amounts of phospholipids with oxidized acyl chains under HT and higher amounts of SG and 16:0-ASG than Karl 92. Taken together, the data demonstrate that wheat leaf lipid composition is altered by HT, that some lipids are particularly responsive to HT, and that two wheat genotypes, chosen for their differing physiological responses to HT, differ in lipid profile under HT. PMID:26436679

Seasonal changes in minor membrane phospholipid classes, sterols and tocopherols in overwintering insect, Pyrrhocoris apterus.

PubMed

Koštál, Vladimír; Urban, Tomáš; Rimnáčová, Lucie; Berková, Petra; Simek, Petr

2013-09-01

Ectotherm animals including insects are known to undergo seasonal restructuring of the cell membranes in order to keep their functionality and/or protect their structural integrity at low body temperatures. Studies on insects so far focused either on fatty acids or on composition of molecular species in major phospholipid classes. Here we extend the scope of analysis and bring results on seasonal changes in minor phospholipid classes, lysophospholipids (LPLs), free fatty acids, phytosterols and tocopherols in heteropteran insect, Pyrrhocoris apterus. We found that muscle tissue contains unusually high amounts of LPLs. Muscle and fat body tissues also contain high amounts of β-sitosterol and campesterol, two phytosterols derived from plant food, while only small amounts of cholesterol are present. In addition, two isomers (γ and δ) of tocopherol (vitamin E) are present in quantities comparable to, or even higher than phytosterols in both tissues. Distinct seasonal patterns of sterol and tocopherol concentrations were observed showing a minimum in reproductively active bugs in summer and a maximum in diapausing, cold-acclimated bugs in winter. Possible adaptive meanings of such changes are discussed including: preventing the unregulated transition of membrane lipids from functional liquid crystalline phase to non-functional gel phase; decreasing the rates of ion/solute leakage; silencing the activities of membrane bound enzymes and receptors; and counteracting the higher risk of oxidative damage to PUFA in winter membranes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined alkaline hydrolysis and ultrasound-assisted extraction for the release of nonextractable phenolics from cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) waste.

PubMed

Gonzales, Gerard Bryan; Smagghe, Guy; Raes, Katleen; Van Camp, John

2014-04-16

Cauliflower waste contains high amounts phenolic compounds, but conventional solvent extraction misses high amounts of nonextractable phenolics (NEP), which may contribute more to the valorization of these waste streams. In this study, the NEP content and composition of cauliflower waste were investigated. The ability of alkaline hydrolysis, sonication, and their combination to release NEP was assessed. Alkaline hydrolysis with sonication was found to extract the highest NEP content (7.3 ± 0.17 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry waste), which was higher than the extractable fraction. The highest yield was obtained after treatment of 2 M NaOH at 60 °C for 30 min of sonication. Quantification and identification were done using U(H)PLC-DAD and U(H)PLC-ESI-MS(E). Kaempferol and quercetin glucosides along with several phenolic acids were found. The results of the study show that there are higher amounts of valuable health-promoting compounds from cauliflower waste than what is currently described in the literature.

Terrigenous helium in deep-sea sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcantonio, Franco; Higgins, Sean; Anderson, Robert F.; Stute, Martin; Schlosser, Peter; Rasbury, E. Troy

1998-05-01

We have measured the isotope ratios of helium contained in various terrigenous materials that contribute to deep-sea sediments. These materials include ice-rafted debris from the North Atlantic, Chinese Loess, and sediment collected at or near the mouths of three large rivers: the Amazon, the Ganges, and the Yangtze. We observe terrigenous 3He/ 4He ratios that vary from 1.8 × 10 -9 to 4.6 × 10 -7, i.e., values that are higher than the theoretically-derived range of 10 -9 to 10 -8. Atlantic and Pacific deep-sea sediment 3He/ 4He ratios can be explained by mixing of helium from similar extraterrestrial but different terrigenous sources. Terrigenous sources for North Atlantic and North Pacific sediments are characterized by 3He and 4He contents that are higher, and 3He/ 4He ratios that are lower, than those for central and eastern equatorial Pacific sediments. This is consistent with the supply to the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans of older cratonic continental material that contains high amounts of in situ-produced nucleogenic and radiogenic helium. Terrigenous material transported to central and eastern equatorial Pacific sediments contains lower amounts of 3He and 4He and higher 3He/ 4He ratios, indicative of supply from a more juvenile Andean source. In the equatorial Atlantic (core V31-135), we have used previously-published 230Th data to determine an extraterrestrial 3He flux of (1.16 ± 0.15) × 10 -12 cm 3STP · cm -2 · ka -1, within error of that previously determined in sediments from the equatorial Pacific Ocean ([0.78 ± 0.29] × 10 -13 cm 3STP · cm -2 · ka -1; Marcantonio et al., 1996).

Silver deposition and tissue staining associated with wound dressings containing silver.

PubMed

Walker, Michael; Cochrane, Christine A; Bowler, Philip G; Parsons, David; Bradshaw, Peter

2006-01-01

Argyria is the general term used to denote a clinical condition in which excessive administration and deposition of silver causes a permanent irreversible gray-blue discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes. The amount of discoloration usually depends on the route of silver delivery (ie, oral or topical administration) along with the body's ability to absorb and excrete the administered silver compound. Argyria is accepted as a rare dermatosis but once silver particles are deposited, they remain immobile and may accumulate during the aging process. Topical application of silver salts (eg, silver nitrate solution) may lead to transient skin staining. To investigate their potential to cause skin staining, two silver-containing dressings (Hydrofiber and nanocrystalline) were applied to human skin samples taken from electively amputated lower limbs. The potential for skin discoloration was assayed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. When the dressings were hydrated with water, a significantly higher amount of silver was released from the nanocrystalline dressing compared to the Hydrofiber dressing (P <0.005), which resulted in approximately 30 times more silver deposition. In contrast, when saline was used as the hydration medium, the release rates were low for both dressings and not significantly different (silver deposition was minimal). Controlling the amount of silver released from silver-containing dressings should help reduce excessive deposition of silver into wound tissue and minimize skin staining.

Quantification of oxysterols in Dutch foods: egg products and mixed diets.

PubMed

van de Bovenkamp, P; Kosmeijer-Schuil, T G; Katan, M B

1988-11-01

A sensitive and specific method is described for quantifying various cholesterol oxidation products in foodstuffs, including 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol, cholesterol-alpha-epoxide, cholestane-triol, 7-ketocholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol. A chloroform-methanol extract of the food was fractionated over two successive silica columns. Two fractions containing different classes of oxysterols were then analyzed as trimethylsilyl derivatives by capillary gas liquid chromatography, using on-column injection and a temperature gradient from 70 to 200 degrees C. The detection limit was about 0.5 microgram/g dry weight for egg yolk powder. Fresh egg yolk contained only 1.2 micrograms/g of total oxides per g dry weight, showing that artifactual oxidation during the procedure was minimal. Recovery of 5 pure oxysterols added to egg yolk at levels of 6.5 and 10 micrograms/g was between 93 and 102%. In commercial egg yolk and whole egg powder stored for one year, total amounts of oxysterols ranging from 21 to 137 micrograms/g dry weight were found. In duplicates of mixed Dutch diets, total amounts ranged from 3.6 to 6.2 micrograms/g dry weight. Duplicates containing mostly fried and baked foods did not have higher levels than duplicates in which foods had been prepared by boiling or left raw. We conclude that a normal mixed diet provides only minor amounts of cholesterol oxidation products.

Experimental outgassing of toxic chemicals to simulate the characteristics of hazards tainting globally shipped products

PubMed Central

Budnik, Lygia Therese; Austel, Nadine; Gadau, Sabrina; Kloth, Stefan; Schubert, Jens; Jungnickel, Harald; Luch, Andreas

2017-01-01

Ambient monitoring analyses may identify potential new public health hazards such as residual levels of fumigants and industrial chemicals off gassing from products and goods shipped globally. We analyzed container air with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (TD-2D-GC-MS/FPD) and assessed whether the concentration of the volatiles benzene and 1,2-dichloroethane exceeded recommended exposure limits (REL). Products were taken from transport containers and analyzed for outgassing of volatiles. Furthermore, experimental outgassing was performed on packaging materials and textiles, to simulate the hazards tainting from globally shipped goods. The mean amounts of benzene in analyzed container air were 698-fold higher, and those of ethylene dichloride were 4.5-fold higher than the corresponding REL. More than 90% of all containers struck with toluene residues higher than its REL. For 1,2-dichloroethane 53% of containers, transporting shoes exceeded the REL. In standardized experimental fumigation of various products, outgassing of 1,2-dichloroethane under controlled laboratory conditions took up to several months. Globally produced transported products tainted with toxic industrial chemicals may contribute to the mixture of volatiles in indoor air as they are likely to emit for a long period. These results need to be taken into account for further evaluation of safety standards applying to workers and consumers. PMID:28520742

Choline and Inositol Distribution in Algae and Fungi1

PubMed Central

Ikawa, Miyoshi; Borowski, Paul T.; Chakravarti, Ashima

1968-01-01

Inositol and choline were present in varying amounts among the species of Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta, Chlorophyta, and Euglenophyta examined. However, in the two members of the order Fucales (division Phaeophyta) examined, no detectable amounts of choline were found. In contrast, the species of Cyanophyta examined contained no detectable amounts of either choline or inositol. All species of the fungal classes Phycomyceteae, Ascomyceteae, and Basidiomyceteae collected contained both inositol and choline in varying amounts. The red, brown, and blue-green algae usually contained much less inositol and choline than do plant and animals sources, but the fungi and the algae Chlorella and Euglena contained amounts comparable to those present in plant sources. PMID:5647522

Issues around household pharmaceutical waste disposal through community pharmacies in Croatia.

PubMed

Jonjić, Danijela; Vitale, Ksenija

2014-06-01

Croatian regulations mandate pharmacies to receive unused medicines from households. Pharmacies are considered as producers and holders of pharmaceutical waste and are obliged to finance this service. Model where pharmacies are responsible for financing disposal of unused medicines without reimbursement is not common in Europe. Present service was not tested before implementation. To investigate the elements of the pharmaceutical waste disposal service provided by pharmacies, and to gain insight into the factors that might influence the effectiveness of the service. Setting All pharmacies in the city of Zagreb. Each pharmacy was asked to weigh the collected waste from the public during a period of 30 days, between June 1st and July 10th of 2011, absent from any media advertisement and answer a specifically designed questionnaire that was exploring possible connections between the amount of collected waste, type of pharmacy ownership, discretion while disposing, location of the container, appropriate labeling and to compare the amount of collected waste between neighborhoods. Quantity of collected unused medicines from the public. Of 210 pharmacies, 91 participated completing the questionnaire (43 % response rate). The total amount of collected waste was 505 kg. Pharmacies owned by the city of Zagreb had higher response rate (74 %) than privately owned pharmacies (36 %), and collected significantly higher amount of waste. Anonymity when disposing influenced collected quantity, while labelling and location of the container did not. There were differences in the amount of collected waste between neighborhoods due to the demographic characteristics and number of pharmacies per capita. The effectiveness of the pharmacy service of collecting unused medicines in Croatia shows a number of weaknesses. The amount of collected medicines is below the European average. Functioning of the service seems to be negatively influenced by the type of pharmacy ownership, distribution of pharmacies and lack of anonymity when disposing unused medicines. Additionally, type of ownership is connected with financial burden for pharmacies. Governmental bodies should examine current legislation regulating pharmaceutical waste disposal, particularly financial responsibility for providing the service, in order to increase pharmacies' compliance. Advertising of the service may increase awareness of the importance of proper disposal of unused medicines.

Characterization of feed coal and coal combustion products from power plants in Indiana and Kentucky

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brownfield, M.E.; Affolter, R.H.; Cathcart, J.D.

1999-07-01

The US Geological Survey, Kentucky Geological Survey, and the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research are collaborating with Indiana and Kentucky utilities to determine the physical and chemical properties of feed coal and coal combustion products (CCP) from three coal-fired power plants. These three plants are designated as Units K1, K2, and I1 and burn high-, moderate-, and low-sulfur coals, respectively. Over 200 samples of feed coal and CCP were analyzed by various chemical and mineralogical methods to determine mode of occurrence and distribution of trace elements in the CCP. Generally, feed coals from all 3 Units containmore » mostly well-crystallized kaolinite and quartz. Comparatively, Unit K1 feed coals have higher amounts of carbonates, pyrite and sphalerite. Unit K2 feed coals contain higher kaolinite and illite/muscovite when compared to Unit K1 coals. Unit I1 feed coals contain beta-form quartz and alumino-phosphates with minor amounts of calcite, micas, anatase, and zircon when compared to K1 and K2 feed coals. Mineralogy of feed coals indicate that the coal sources for Units K1 and K2 are highly variable, with Unit K1 displaying the greatest mineralogic variability; Unit I1 feed coal however, displayed little mineralogic variation supporting a single source. Similarly, element contents of Units K1 and K2 feed coals show more variability than those of Unit I1. Fly ash samples from Units K1 and K2 consist mostly of glass, mullite, quartz, and spines group minerals. Minor amounts of illite/muscovite, sulfates, hematite, and corundum are also present. Spinel group minerals identified include magnetite, franklinite, magnesioferrite, trevorite, jacobisite, and zincochromite. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis reveals that most of the spinel minerals are dendritic intergrowths within aluminum silicate glass. Unit I1 fly ash samples contain glass, quartz, perovskite, lime, gehlenite, and apatite with minor amounts of periclase, anhydrite, carbonates, pyroxenes, and spinels. The abundant Ca mineral phases in the Unit I1 fly ashes are attributed to the presence of carbonate, clay and phosphate minerals in the coal.« less

Raman spectral observation of a new phase observed in nickel electrodes cycled to failure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loyselle, Patricia L.; Shan, X.; Cornilsen, B. C.; Reid, Margaret A.

1991-01-01

A new phase is reported in nickel electrodes from Ni/H2 boilerplate cells which were cycled to failure in electrolyte of variable KOH concentration (21 to 36 percent). Raman spectra clearly show the presence of this phase, and these spectra have been used to estimate the amounts present on these electrodes. Ten of 12 electrodes examined contain this new phase. The cycle life at higher KOH concentrations (31 and 36 percent) was greatly reduced, and nickel electrodes from these cells exhibited extensive amounts of this new phase. The presence of this new phase correlates with cell failure defined by low end of discharge voltages. It is proposed that the lowered capacity and failure of these electrodes was caused by loss of active mass and formation of a phase with reduced electrochemical activity. These results indicate that formation of the new phase is accelerated at higher KOH concentrations.

Dose equivalent neutron dosimeter

DOEpatents

Griffith, Richard V.; Hankins, Dale E.; Tomasino, Luigi; Gomaa, Mohamed A. M.

1983-01-01

A neutron dosimeter is disclosed which provides a single measurements indicating the amount of potential biological damage resulting from the neutron exposure of the wearer, for a wide range of neutron energies. The dosimeter includes a detecting sheet of track etch detecting material such as a carbonate plastic, for detecting higher energy neutrons, and a radiator layer containing conversion material such as .sup.6 Li and .sup.10 B lying adjacent to the detecting sheet for converting moderate energy neutrons to alpha particles that produce tracks in the adjacent detecting sheet. The density of conversion material in the radiator layer is of an amount which is chosen so that the density of tracks produced in the detecting sheet is proportional to the biological damage done by neutrons, regardless of whether the tracks are produced as the result of moderate energy neutrons striking the radiator layer or as the result of higher energy neutrons striking the sheet of track etch material.

Mammalian mucosal α-glucosidases coordinate with α-amylase in the initial starch hydrolysis stage to have a role in starch digestion beyond glucogenesis.

PubMed

Dhital, Sushil; Lin, Amy Hui-Mei; Hamaker, Bruce R; Gidley, Michael J; Muniandy, Anbuhkani

2013-01-01

Starch digestion in the human body is typically viewed in a sequential manner beginning with α-amylase and followed by α-glucosidase to produce glucose. This report indicates that the two enzyme types can act synergistically to digest granular starch structure. The aim of this study was to investigate how the mucosal α-glucosidases act with α-amylase to digest granular starch. Two types of enzyme extracts, pancreatic and intestinal extracts, were applied. The pancreatic extract containing predominantly α-amylase, and intestinal extract containing a combination of α-amylase and mucosal α-glucosidase activities, were applied to three granular maize starches with different amylose contents in an in vitro system. Relative glucogenesis, released maltooligosaccharide amounts, and structural changes of degraded residues were examined. Pancreatic extract-treated starches showed a hydrolysis limit over the 12 h incubation period with residues having a higher gelatinization temperature than the native starch. α-Amylase combined with the mucosal α-glucosidases in the intestinal extract showed higher glucogenesis as expected, but also higher maltooligosaccharide amounts indicating an overall greater degree of granular starch breakdown. Starch residues after intestinal extract digestion showed more starch fragmentation, higher gelatinization temperature, higher crystallinity (without any change in polymorph), and an increase of intermediate-sized or small-sized fractions of starch molecules, but did not show preferential hydrolysis of either amylose or amylopectin. Direct digestion of granular starch by mammalian recombinant mucosal α-glucosidases was observed which shows that these enzymes may work either independently or together with α-amylase to digest starch. Thus, mucosal α-glucosidases can have a synergistic effect with α-amylase on granular starch digestion, consistent with a role in overall starch digestion beyond their primary glucogenesis function.

Mammalian Mucosal α-Glucosidases Coordinate with α-Amylase in the Initial Starch Hydrolysis Stage to Have a Role in Starch Digestion beyond Glucogenesis

PubMed Central

Dhital, Sushil; Lin, Amy Hui-Mei; Hamaker, Bruce R.; Gidley, Michael J.; Muniandy, Anbuhkani

2013-01-01

Starch digestion in the human body is typically viewed in a sequential manner beginning with α-amylase and followed by α-glucosidase to produce glucose. This report indicates that the two enzyme types can act synergistically to digest granular starch structure. The aim of this study was to investigate how the mucosal α-glucosidases act with α-amylase to digest granular starch. Two types of enzyme extracts, pancreatic and intestinal extracts, were applied. The pancreatic extract containing predominantly α-amylase, and intestinal extract containing a combination of α-amylase and mucosal α-glucosidase activities, were applied to three granular maize starches with different amylose contents in an in vitro system. Relative glucogenesis, released maltooligosaccharide amounts, and structural changes of degraded residues were examined. Pancreatic extract-treated starches showed a hydrolysis limit over the 12 h incubation period with residues having a higher gelatinization temperature than the native starch. α-Amylase combined with the mucosal α-glucosidases in the intestinal extract showed higher glucogenesis as expected, but also higher maltooligosaccharide amounts indicating an overall greater degree of granular starch breakdown. Starch residues after intestinal extract digestion showed more starch fragmentation, higher gelatinization temperature, higher crystallinity (without any change in polymorph), and an increase of intermediate-sized or small-sized fractions of starch molecules, but did not show preferential hydrolysis of either amylose or amylopectin. Direct digestion of granular starch by mammalian recombinant mucosal α-glucosidases was observed which shows that these enzymes may work either independently or together with α-amylase to digest starch. Thus, mucosal α-glucosidases can have a synergistic effect with α-amylase on granular starch digestion, consistent with a role in overall starch digestion beyond their primary glucogenesis function. PMID:23638112

Physicochemical and bioactive properties of innovative resin-based materials containing functional halloysite-nanotubes fillers.

PubMed

Degrazia, Felipe Weidenbach; Leitune, Vicente Castelo Branco; Takimi, Antonio Shigueaki; Collares, Fabrício Mezzomo; Sauro, Salvatore

2016-09-01

This study aimed to assess the degree of conversion, microhardness, solvent degradation, contact angle, surface free energy and bioactivity (e.g., mineral precipitation) of experimental resin-based materials containing, pure or triclosan-encapsulated, aluminosilicate-(halloysite) nanotubes. An experimental resin blend was prepared using bis-GMA/TEGDMA, 75/25wt% (control). Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) doped with or without triclosan (TCN) were first analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HNT or HNT/TCN fillers were incorporated into the resin blend at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20wt%). Seven experimental resins were created and the degree of conversion, microhardness, solvent degradation and contact angle were assessed. Bioactive mineral precipitation induced by the experimental resins was evaluated through Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX. TEM showed a clear presence of TCN particles inside the tubular lumen and along the outer surfaces of the halloysite nanotubes. The degree of conversion, surface free energy, microhardness, and mineral deposition of polymers increased with higher amount of HNTs. Conversely, the higher the amount (20wt%) of TCN-loaded HNTs the lower the microhardness of the experimental resins. The incorporation of pure or TCN-loaded aluminosilicate-(halloysite) nanotubes into resin-based materials increase the bioactivity of such experimental restorative materials and promotes mineral deposition. Therefore, innovative resin-based materials containing functional halloysite-nanotube fillers may represent a valuable alternative for therapeutic minimally invasive treatments. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of diets containing high or low amounts of stearic acid on plasma lipoprotein fractions and fecal fatty acid excretion of men.

PubMed

Dougherty, R M; Allman, M A; Iacono, J M

1995-05-01

Ten middle-aged males participated in a crossover study to determine the cholesterolemic effect of high amounts of stearic acid in a natural diet. They consumed a 20-d stabilization diet followed by two 40-d intervention diets containing either 1.5% of energy as stearic (18:0) acid and 7.3% of energy as palmitic (16:0) acid (low stearate: LS) or 2.4% of energy as 16:0 and 7.3% of energy as 18:0 (high stearate: HS). The experimental diets also contained approximately 10% of energy each as saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and 7.2-8% of energy as polyunsaturated fatty acids. The primary source of 18:0 in the HS diet was sheanut oil (commercially referred to as shea butter) and palm oil and butter in the LS diet. Plasma total, low-density-lipoprotein, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly lower with the HS than with the LS diet. Total fecal fatty acid excretion was higher throughout the HS period. Apparent digestibility of the major dietary fatty acids showed that all of the selected fatty acids, except 18:0, were > or = 95% absorbed. These data demonstrate that feeding diets containing about two times the usual amount of stearic acid consumed in the United States, contributed to an increase in plasma lipoprotein concentrations at 40 d from an earlier decrease at 20 d. The time required to achieve stable cholesterol concentrations appears to vary depending on the kind of saturated fatty acids present in the diet.

Particle size effects on bioaccessible amounts of ingestible soil-borne toxic elements.

PubMed

Qin, Junhao; Nworie, Obinna Elijah; Lin, Chuxia

2016-09-01

The unified BARGE method was used to examine the effects of soil particle size on the bioaccessible amounts of potentially toxic elements in multi-contaminated soils from a closed landfill site. The results show that bioaccessible As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn increased with decreasing soil particle size and the <0.002 mm soil fraction contained much greater amounts of the bioaccessible elements, as compared to other soil fractions (0.002-0.063 mm, 0.063-0.125 mm, and 0.125-0.250 mm). As, Al and Cr had much lower bioaccessibility, as compared to the six cationic heavy metals. In contrast with other elements, As bioaccessibility tended to be higher in the gastrointestinal phase than in the gastric phase. There was a significant soil particle size effect on bioaccessibility of As and Al in the gastrointestinal phase: As bioaccessibility decreased with decreasing particle size, and the finer soil fractions tended to have a higher Al bioaccessibility, as compared to the coarser soil fractions. The research findings prompt the need for further division of soil particle size fractions in order to more accurately assess the bioaccessible amounts of soil-borne potentially toxic elements in contaminated lands. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Premixed calcium silicate cement for endodontic applications

PubMed Central

Persson, Cecilia; Engqvist, Håkan

2011-01-01

Calcium silicate-based materials (also called MTA) are increasingly being used in endodontic applications. However, the handling properties of MTA are not optimal when it comes to injectability and cohesion. Premixing the cements using glycerol avoids these issues. However, there is a lack of data on the effect of common cement variables on important properties of premixed cements for endodontic applications. In this study, the effects of liquid-to-powder ratio, amount of radiopacifier and amount of calcium sulfate (added to control the setting time) were screened using a statistical model. In the second part of the study, the liquid-to-powder ratio was optimized for cements containing three different amounts of radiopacifier. Finally, the effect of using glycerol rather than water was evaluated in terms of radiopacity. The setting time was found to increase with the amount of radiopacifier when the liquid-to-powder ratio was fixed. This was likely due to the higher density of the radiopacifier in comparison to the calcium silicate, which gave a higher liquid-to-powder ratio in terms of volume. Using glycerol rather than water to mix the cements led to a decrease in radiopacity of the cement. In conclusion, we were able to produce premixed calcium silicate cements with acceptable properties for use in endodontic applications. PMID:23507729

Premixed calcium silicate cement for endodontic applications: injectability, setting time and radiopacity.

PubMed

Persson, Cecilia; Engqvist, Håkan

2011-01-01

Calcium silicate-based materials (also called MTA) are increasingly being used in endodontic applications. However, the handling properties of MTA are not optimal when it comes to injectability and cohesion. Premixing the cements using glycerol avoids these issues. However, there is a lack of data on the effect of common cement variables on important properties of premixed cements for endodontic applications. In this study, the effects of liquid-to-powder ratio, amount of radiopacifier and amount of calcium sulfate (added to control the setting time) were screened using a statistical model. In the second part of the study, the liquid-to-powder ratio was optimized for cements containing three different amounts of radiopacifier. Finally, the effect of using glycerol rather than water was evaluated in terms of radiopacity. The setting time was found to increase with the amount of radiopacifier when the liquid-to-powder ratio was fixed. This was likely due to the higher density of the radiopacifier in comparison to the calcium silicate, which gave a higher liquid-to-powder ratio in terms of volume. Using glycerol rather than water to mix the cements led to a decrease in radiopacity of the cement. In conclusion, we were able to produce premixed calcium silicate cements with acceptable properties for use in endodontic applications.

Development and physico-chemical characterization of cyclodextrin DNA complexes loaded liposomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavares, Guilherme D.; Viana, Cristiane M.; Araújo, José G. V. C.; Ramaldes, Gilson A.; Carvalho, Wânia S.; Pesquero, Jorge L.; Vilela, José M. C.; Andrade, Margareth S.; de Oliveira, Mônica C.

2006-10-01

In the present study, anionic and pH-sensitive liposomes containing DNA were developed and characterized. These liposomes were obtained by binding the DNA with 6-monodeoxy-6-monoamine-β-cyclodextrin (Am-β-CD). This complex was encapsulated into the liposomes, which were characterized by encapsulation rate, diameter, zeta potential, and atomic force microscopy. The binding between Am-β-CD and the DNA was higher as of the +/- charge ratio. The amount of DNA encapsulated was approximately 10-14 μg/mL. The mean diameter and zeta potential were 186.0 nm and -56 mV, respectively. Liposomes which did not contain the complex were more prone to collapse over the mica surface. The vesicles containing the complex presented a narrower size distribution.

Effect of cold water and inverse lighting on growth performance of broiler chickens under extreme heat stress.

PubMed

Park, Sang-oh; Park, Byung-sung; Hwangbo, Jong

2015-07-01

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of provision of extreme heat stress diet (EHD), inverse lighting, cold water on growth performance of broiler chickens exposed to extreme heat stress. The chickens were divided into four treatment groups, (T1, T2, T3, T4) as given below: Ti (EHD 1, 10:00-19:00 dark, 19:00-10:00 light, cool water 9 degrees C); T2 (EHD 2, 10:00-19:00 dark, 19:00-10:00 light, cool water 9 degrees C); T3 (EHD 1, 09:00-18:00 dark, 18:00-09:00 light, cool water 141C); T4 (EHD 2, 09:00-18:00 dark, 18:00-09:00 light, cool water 14 degrees C. EHD 1 contained soybean oil, molasses, methionine and lysine; EHD 2 contained the same ingredients as EHD 1 with addition of vitamin C. Groups T1 and T2 were given cooler water than the othertwo groups, and displayed higher body weight increase and diet intake as compared to T3 and T4 (p<0.05). The weights of their liver and gizzard were similar but the weights of the thymus and bursa of fabricius (F) were higher in groups T1 and T2 (p<0.05). It was observed that groups T1 and T2 displayed higher concentrations of blood triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and blood sugar as compared to T3 and T4; however LDL-cholesterol level was higher in groups T3 and T4 (p<0.05). T1 and T2 displayed higher levels of immunity substances such as IgG, IgAand IgM as compared to T3 and T4, but the blood level of corticosterone was lower in groups T1 and T2 (p<0.05). Ti and T2 contained higher amount of fecal Lactobacill as compared to T3 and T4; howeverT3 and T4 contained higher amount of fecal E. coli, total aerobic bacteria and coliform bacteria (p<0.05). Groups T1 and T2 displayed higher concentrations of cecal total short chain fatty acids, acetic acid and propionic acid but groups T3 and T4 displayed higher concentrations of butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid and isovaleric acid (p<0.05). The present study reports novel results such that the supply of extreme heat stress diet, inverse lighting (10:00-19:00 dark, 19:00-10:00 light) with cold water at 9 degrees C under extreme heat stress could enhance growth performance of broiler chickens.

Copper-containing plastocyanin used for electron transport by an oceanic diatom.

PubMed

Peers, Graham; Price, Neil M

2006-05-18

The supply of some essential metals to pelagic ecosystems is less than the demand, so many phytoplankton have slow rates of photosynthetic production and restricted growth. The types and amounts of metals required by phytoplankton depends on their evolutionary history and on their adaptations to metal availability, which varies widely among ocean habitats. Diatoms, for example, need considerably less iron (Fe) to grow than chlorophyll-b-containing taxa, and the oceanic species demand roughly one-tenth the amount of coastal strains. Like Fe, copper (Cu) is scarce in the open sea, but notably higher concentrations of it are required for the growth of oceanic than of coastal isolates. Here we report that the greater Cu requirement in an oceanic diatom, Thalassiosira oceanica, is entirely due to a single Cu-containing protein, plastocyanin, which--until now--was only known to exist in organisms with chlorophyll b and cyanobacteria. Algae containing chlorophyll c, including the closely related coastal species T. weissflogii, are thought to lack plastocyanin and contain a functionally equivalent Fe-containing homologue, cytochrome c6 (ref. 9). Copper deficiency in T. oceanica inhibits electron transport regardless of Fe status, implying a constitutive role for plastocyanin in the light reactions of photosynthesis in this species. The results suggest that selection pressure imposed by Fe limitation has resulted in the use of a Cu protein for photosynthesis in an oceanic diatom. This biochemical switch reduces the need for Fe and increases the requirement for Cu, which is relatively more abundant in the open sea.

Nectar sugars and amino acids in day- and night-flowering Nicotiana species are more strongly shaped by pollinators' preferences than organic acids and inorganic ions.

PubMed

Tiedge, Kira; Lohaus, Gertrud

2017-01-01

Floral nectar contains mainly sugars but also amino acids, organic acids, inorganic ions and secondary compounds to attract pollinators. The genus Nicotiana exhibits great diversity among species in floral morphology, flowering time, nectar compositions, and predominant pollinators. We studied nectar samples of 20 Nicotiana species, composed equally of day- and night-flowering plants and attracting different groups of pollinators (e.g. hummingbirds, moths or bats) to investigate whether sugars, amino acids, organic acids and inorganic ions are influenced by pollinator preferences. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were the only sugars found in the nectar of all examined species. Sugar concentration of the nectar of day-flowering species was 20% higher and amino acid concentration was 2-3-fold higher compared to the nectar of night-flowering species. The sucrose-to-hexose ratio was significantly higher in night-flowering species and the relative share of sucrose based on the total sugar correlated with the flower tube length in the nocturnal species. Flowers of different tobacco species contained varying volumes of nectar which led to about 150-fold higher amounts of total sugar per flower in bat- or sunbird-pollinated species than in bee-pollinated or autogamous species. This difference was even higher for total amino acids per flower (up to 1000-fold). As a consequence, some Nicotiana species invest large amounts of organic nitrogen for certain pollinators. Higher concentrations of inorganic ions, predominantly anions, were found in nectar of night-flowering species. Therefore, higher anion concentrations were also associated with pollinator types active at night. Malate, the main organic acid, was present in all nectar samples but the concentration was not correlated with pollinator type. In conclusion, statistical analyses revealed that pollinator types have a stronger effect on nectar composition than phylogenetic relations. In this context, nectar sugars and amino acids are more strongly correlated with the preferences of predominant pollinators than organic acids and inorganic ions.

Nectar sugars and amino acids in day- and night-flowering Nicotiana species are more strongly shaped by pollinators’ preferences than organic acids and inorganic ions

PubMed Central

Tiedge, Kira; Lohaus, Gertrud

2017-01-01

Floral nectar contains mainly sugars but also amino acids, organic acids, inorganic ions and secondary compounds to attract pollinators. The genus Nicotiana exhibits great diversity among species in floral morphology, flowering time, nectar compositions, and predominant pollinators. We studied nectar samples of 20 Nicotiana species, composed equally of day- and night-flowering plants and attracting different groups of pollinators (e.g. hummingbirds, moths or bats) to investigate whether sugars, amino acids, organic acids and inorganic ions are influenced by pollinator preferences. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were the only sugars found in the nectar of all examined species. Sugar concentration of the nectar of day-flowering species was 20% higher and amino acid concentration was 2-3-fold higher compared to the nectar of night-flowering species. The sucrose-to-hexose ratio was significantly higher in night-flowering species and the relative share of sucrose based on the total sugar correlated with the flower tube length in the nocturnal species. Flowers of different tobacco species contained varying volumes of nectar which led to about 150-fold higher amounts of total sugar per flower in bat- or sunbird-pollinated species than in bee-pollinated or autogamous species. This difference was even higher for total amino acids per flower (up to 1000-fold). As a consequence, some Nicotiana species invest large amounts of organic nitrogen for certain pollinators. Higher concentrations of inorganic ions, predominantly anions, were found in nectar of night-flowering species. Therefore, higher anion concentrations were also associated with pollinator types active at night. Malate, the main organic acid, was present in all nectar samples but the concentration was not correlated with pollinator type. In conclusion, statistical analyses revealed that pollinator types have a stronger effect on nectar composition than phylogenetic relations. In this context, nectar sugars and amino acids are more strongly correlated with the preferences of predominant pollinators than organic acids and inorganic ions. PMID:28467507

Effect of Boron and Titanium Addition on the Hot Ductility of Low-Carbon Nb-Containing Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wei-Jian; Li, Jing; Shi, Cheng-Bin; Huo, Xiang-Dong

2015-12-01

The effect of boron and titanium addition on the hot ductility of Nb-containing steel was investigated using hot tensile tests. The fracture surface and the quenched longitudinal microstructure were examined by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that both steel samples had the similar change from 1,100°C to 700°C. The hot ductility of Nb-containing steel with boron and titanium addition was higher than the steel without boron and titanium in the temperature range of 900-750°C. Because the formation of intergranular ferrite was inhibited by solute boron segregating on the grain boundary, the formation of TiN changed the distribution of Nb- and boron-containing precipitates and improved the amount of intragranular ferrite.

Characterization of pea (Pisum sativum) seed protein fractions.

PubMed

Rubio, Luis A; Pérez, Alicia; Ruiz, Raquel; Guzmán, M Ángeles; Aranda-Olmedo, Isabel; Clemente, Alfonso

2014-01-30

Legume seed proteins have to be chemically characterized in order to properly link their nutritional effects with their chemical structure. Vicilin and albumin fractions devoid of cross-contamination, as assessed by mass peptide fingerprinting analysis, were obtained from defatted pea (Pisum sativum cv. Bilbo) meal. The extracted protein fractions contained 56.7-67.7 g non-starch polysaccharides kg⁻¹. The vicilin fraction was higher than legumins in arginine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine. The most abundant amino acids in the albumin fraction were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine and arginine, and the amounts of methionine were more than double than those in legumins and vicilins. The pea albumin fraction showed a clear enrichment of protease inhibitory activity when compared with the seed meal. In vitro digestibility values for pea proteins were 0.63 ±  0.04, 0.88 ±  0.04 and 0.41 ±  0.23 for legumins, vicilins and albumins respectively. Vicilin and albumin fractions devoid of cross-contamination with other proteins were obtained from pea seed meal. The vicilin fraction also contained low amounts of soluble non-starch polysaccharides and was enriched in isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine. In vitro digestibility values for pea proteins were similar or even numerically higher than those for control proteins. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Accumulation and distribution of iron, cadmium, lead and nickel in cucumber plants grown in hydroponics containing two different chelated iron supplies.

PubMed

Csog, Árpád; Mihucz, Victor G; Tatár, Eniko; Fodor, Ferenc; Virág, István; Majdik, Cornelia; Záray, Gyula

2011-07-01

Cucumber plants grown in hydroponics containing 10 μM Cd(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II), and iron supplied as Fe(III) EDTA or Fe(III) citrate in identical concentrations, were investigated by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with special emphasis on the determination of iron accumulation and distribution within the different plant compartments (root, stem, cotyledon and leaves). The extent of Cd, Ni and Pb accumulation and distribution were also determined. Generally, iron and heavy-metal contaminant accumulation was higher when Fe(III) citrate was used. The accumulation of nickel and lead was higher by about 20% and 100%, respectively, if the iron supply was Fe(III) citrate. The accumulation of Cd was similar. In the case of Fe(III) citrate, the total amounts of Fe taken up were similar in the control and heavy-metal-treated plants (27-31 μmol/plant). Further, the amounts of iron transported from the root towards the shoot of the control, lead- and nickel-contaminated plants were independent of the iron(III) form. Although Fe mobility could be characterized as being low, its distribution within the shoot was not significantly affected by the heavy metals investigated. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Development of fluorous lipid-based nanobubbles for efficiently containing perfluoropropane.

PubMed

Oda, Yusuke; Suzuki, Ryo; Mori, Tatsuya; Takahashi, Hideyo; Natsugari, Hideaki; Omata, Daiki; Unga, Johan; Uruga, Hitoshi; Sugii, Mutsumi; Kawakami, Shigeru; Higuchi, Yuriko; Yamashita, Fumiyoshi; Hashida, Mitsuru; Maruyama, Kazuo

2015-06-20

Nano-/microbubbles are expected not only to function as ultrasound contrast agents but also as ultrasound-triggered enhancers in gene and drug delivery. Notably, nanobubbles have the ability to pass through tumor vasculature and achieve passive tumor targeting. Thus, nanobubbles would be an attractive tool for use as ultrasound-mediated cancer theranostics. However, the amounts of gas carried by nanobubbles are generally lower than those carried by microbubbles because nanobubbles have inherently smaller volumes. In order to reduce the injection volume and to increase echogenicity, it is important to develop nanobubbles with higher gas content. In this study, we prepared 5 kinds of fluoro-lipids and used these reagents as surfactants to generate "Bubble liposomes", that is, liposomes that encapsulate nanobubbles such that the lipids serve as stabilizers between the fluorous gas and water phases. Bubble liposome containing 1-stearoyl-2-(18,18-difluoro)stearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine carried 2-fold higher amounts of C3F8 compared to unmodified Bubble liposome. The modified Bubble liposome also exhibited increased echogenicity by ultrasonography. These results demonstrated that the inclusion of fluoro-lipid is a promising tool for generating nanobubbles with increased efficiency of fluorous gas carrier. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of methods of preparation on distribution of heavy metals in different size fractions of municipal solid waste composts.

PubMed

Saha, J K; Panwar, N R; Coumar, M Vassanda

2013-11-01

The present study compares the distribution and nature of heavy metals in composts from 12 cities of India, prepared from different types of processed urban solid wastes, namely mixed wastes (MWC), partially segregated wastes (PSWC), and segregated bio-wastes (BWC). Compost samples were physically fractionated by wet sieving, followed by extraction of heavy metals by dilute HCl and NaOH. Bigger particles (>0.5 mm) constituted the major fraction in all three types of composts and had a relatively lower concentration of organic matter and heavy metals, the effect being more pronounced in MWC and PSWC in which a significant portion of the heavy metals was distributed in finer size fractions. Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn were extracted to a greater extent by acid than by alkali, the difference being greater in MWC, which contained a higher amount of mineral matter. In contrast, Cu and Cr were extracted to a greater extent by dilute alkali, particularly from BWC containing a higher amount of organic matter. Water-soluble heavy metals were generally related to the water-soluble C or total C content as well as to pH, rather than to their total contents. This study concludes that wet sieving with dilute acid can effectively reduce heavy metal load in MWC and PSWC.

Biological Response of Osteoblastic and Chondrogenic Cells to Graphene-Containing PCL/Bioactive Glass Bilayered Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering Applications.

PubMed

Deliormanlı, Aylin M; Atmaca, Harika

2018-05-25

Graphene-containing 13-93 bioactive glass and poly(ε-caprolactone)-based bilayer, electrically conductive scaffolds were prepared for osteochondral tissue repair. Biological response of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 and chondrogenic ATDC5 cells to the composite scaffolds was assessed under mono-culture and co-culture conditions. Cytotoxicity was investigated using MTT assay, cartilage matrix production was evaluated by Alcian blue staining, and mineralization of both types of cells in the different culture systems was observed by Alizarin red S staining. Results showed that osteoblastic and chondrogenic cells utilized in the study did not show toxic response to the prepared scaffolds under mono-culture conditions and higher cell viability rates were obtained in co-culture conditions. Larger mineralized areas were determined under co-culture conditions and calcium deposition amount significantly increased compared with that in control group samples after 21 days. Additionally, the amount of glycosaminoglycans synthesized in co-culture was higher compared to mono-culture conditions. Electric stimulation applied under mono-culture conditions suppressed the viability of MC3T3-E1 cells whereas it enhanced the viability rates of ATDC5 cells. The study suggests that the designed bilayered osteochondral constructs have the potential for osteochondral defect repair.

Preliminarily comparison of nutritional composition of some fresh and processed seafood.

PubMed

Aberoumand, Ali

2012-10-01

Processing made fish less susceptible to spoilage. Fish are rich in protein content but the protein content is reduced with processing gave a better result when long-time preservation was carried out. Aim of this study was comparison of proximate analysis of some fresh and processed seafoods. Raw materials and processed seafoods (canned mackerel tuna, frozen Sea-Bream and Pressed caviar) were obtained from different firms and analyzed. Analysis carried out according AOAC methods. Moisture, protein and fat values of tuna fish were estimated to be 51, 23.9 and 21.4%, respectively. In this study, moisture content of pressed caviar was 36%, protein content was 34.4% and fat content was 16.7%, carbohydrate and energy values were 4.9% and 316 kcal/100 g, respectively. Pressed and smoked seafoods contained lower amount of moisture but higher amounts of the other components than raw materials (p < 0.05). Canned mackerel tuna, frozen sea bream and pressed caviar also contained higher amounts of fat, carbohydrate and energy, respectively (p < 0.05) than raw material. Except canning with water, all processing technologies decreased the moisture content but increased energy values (p < 0.05) of the fish. It is concluded that processed seafoods are rich in chemical components and very nutritive. Canned tuna with salted water may be advised for low-calorie diets. Caviar pressed was one the best sea foods that was produced in Iran. Since fishes are consumed as a major protein source in food, it is very important that the protein content should not be compromised during table preparation.

Structure–property relationships in hybrid dental nanocomposite resins containing monofunctional and multifunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

PubMed Central

Wang, Weiguo; Sun, Xiang; Huang, Li; Gao, Yu; Ban, Jinghao; Shen, Lijuan; Chen, Jihua

2014-01-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials, such as polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), have the potential to improve the mechanical properties of the methacrylate-based composites and resins used in dentistry. In this article, nanocomposites of methacryl isobutyl POSS (MI-POSS [bears only one methacrylate functional group]) and methacryl POSS (MA-POSS [bears eight methacrylate functional groups]) were investigated to determine the effect of structures on the properties of dental resin. The structures of the POSS-containing networks were determined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Monofunctional POSS showed a strong tendency toward aggregation and crystallization, while multifunctional POSS showed higher miscibility with the dimethacrylate monomer. The mechanical properties and wear resistance decreased with increasing amounts of MI-POSS, indicating that the MI-POSS agglomerates act as the mechanical weak point in the dental resins. The addition of small amounts of MA-POSS improved the mechanical and shrinkage properties. However, samples with a higher MA-POSS concentration showed lower flexural strength and flexural modulus, indicating that there is a limited range in which the reinforcement properties of MA-POSS can operate. This concentration dependence is attributed to phase separation at higher concentrations of POSS, which affects the structural integrity, and thus, the mechanical and shrinkage properties of the dental resin. Our results show that resin with 3% MA-POSS is a potential candidate for resin-based dental materials. PMID:24550674

Structure-property relationships in hybrid dental nanocomposite resins containing monofunctional and multifunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes.

PubMed

Wang, Weiguo; Sun, Xiang; Huang, Li; Gao, Yu; Ban, Jinghao; Shen, Lijuan; Chen, Jihua

2014-01-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials, such as polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), have the potential to improve the mechanical properties of the methacrylate-based composites and resins used in dentistry. In this article, nanocomposites of methacryl isobutyl POSS (MI-POSS [bears only one methacrylate functional group]) and methacryl POSS (MA-POSS [bears eight methacrylate functional groups]) were investigated to determine the effect of structures on the properties of dental resin. The structures of the POSS-containing networks were determined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Monofunctional POSS showed a strong tendency toward aggregation and crystallization, while multifunctional POSS showed higher miscibility with the dimethacrylate monomer. The mechanical properties and wear resistance decreased with increasing amounts of MI-POSS, indicating that the MI-POSS agglomerates act as the mechanical weak point in the dental resins. The addition of small amounts of MA-POSS improved the mechanical and shrinkage properties. However, samples with a higher MA-POSS concentration showed lower flexural strength and flexural modulus, indicating that there is a limited range in which the reinforcement properties of MA-POSS can operate. This concentration dependence is attributed to phase separation at higher concentrations of POSS, which affects the structural integrity, and thus, the mechanical and shrinkage properties of the dental resin. Our results show that resin with 3% MA-POSS is a potential candidate for resin-based dental materials.

Comparison between the Amount of Environmental Change and the Amount of Transcriptome Change

PubMed Central

Ogata, Norichika; Kozaki, Toshinori; Yokoyama, Takeshi; Hata, Tamako; Iwabuchi, Kikuo

2015-01-01

Cells must coordinate adjustments in genome expression to accommodate changes in their environment. We hypothesized that the amount of transcriptome change is proportional to the amount of environmental change. To capture the effects of environmental changes on the transcriptome, we compared transcriptome diversities (defined as the Shannon entropy of frequency distribution) of silkworm fat-body tissues cultured with several concentrations of phenobarbital. Although there was no proportional relationship, we did identify a drug concentration “tipping point” between 0.25 and 1.0 mM. Cells cultured in media containing lower drug concentrations than the tipping point showed uniformly high transcriptome diversities, while those cultured at higher drug concentrations than the tipping point showed uniformly low transcriptome diversities. The plasticity of transcriptome diversity was corroborated by cultivations of fat bodies in MGM-450 insect medium without phenobarbital and in 0.25 mM phenobarbital-supplemented MGM-450 insect medium after previous cultivation (cultivation for 80 hours in MGM-450 insect medium without phenobarbital, followed by cultivation for 10 hours in 1.0 mM phenobarbital-supplemented MGM-450 insect medium). Interestingly, the transcriptome diversities of cells cultured in media containing 0.25 mM phenobarbital after previous cultivation (cultivation for 80 hours in MGM-450 insect medium without phenobarbital, followed by cultivation for 10 hours in 1.0 mM phenobarbital-supplemented MGM-450 insect medium) were different from cells cultured in media containing 0.25 mM phenobarbital after previous cultivation (cultivation for 80 hours in MGM-450 insect medium without phenobarbital). This hysteretic phenomenon of transcriptome diversities indicates multi-stability of the genome expression system. Cellular memories were recorded in genome expression networks as in DNA/histone modifications. PMID:26657512

Quality evaluation of radiographic contrast media in large-volume prefilled syringes and vials.

PubMed

Sendo, T; Hirakawa, M; Yaginuma, M; Aoyama, T; Oishi, R

1998-06-01

The authors compared the particle contaminations of radiographic contrast media packaged in large-volume prefilled syringes and vials. Particle counting was performed for four contrast media packaged in large-volume prefilled syringes (iohexol, ioversol, ioversol for angiography, and ioxaglate) and three contrast media packaged in vials (iohexol, ioversol, and ioxaglate). X-ray emission spectrometry was performed to characterize the individual particles. The amount of silicone oil in the syringe was quantified with infrared spectrophotometry. The particle contamination in syringes containing ioversol was higher than that in syringes containing iohexol or ioxaglate. Particle contamination in the vials was relatively low, except with ioxaglate. X-ray emission spectrometry of the components of the syringe and vial showed that the source of particles was internal material released from the rubber stopper or inner surface. The particle counts for contrast media packaged in syringes and vials varied considerably among the different contrast media and were related to the amount of silicone oil on the inner surface and rubber piston of the syringe.

Quantitative metabolite profiling of edible onion species by NMR and HPLC-MS.

PubMed

Soininen, Tuula H; Jukarainen, Niko; Auriola, Seppo O K; Julkunen-Tiitto, Riitta; Karjalainen, Reijo; Vepsäläinen, Jouko J

2014-12-15

Allium genus is a treasure trove of valuable bioactive compounds with potentially therapeutically important properties. This work utilises HPLC-MS and a constrained total-line-shape (CTLS) approach applied to (1)H NMR spectra to quantify metabolites present in onion species to reveal important inter-species differences. Extensive differences were detected between the sugar concentrations in onion species. Yellow onion contained the highest and red onion the lowest amounts of amino acids. The main flavonol-glucosides were quercetin 3,4'-diglucoside and quercetin 4'-glucoside. In general, the levels of flavonols were, higher in yellow onions than in red onions, and garlic and leek contained a lower amount of flavonols than the other Allium species. Our results highlight how (1)H NMR together with HPLC-MS can be useful in the quantification and the identification of the most abundant metabolites, representing an efficient means to pinpoint important functional food ingredients from Allium species. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes of parameters during composting of bio-waste collected over four seasons.

PubMed

Hanc, Ales; Ochecova, Pavla; Vasak, Filip

2017-07-01

This study investigated the evolution of several main parameters during the composting of separately collected household bio-waste originating from urban settlements (U-bio-waste) and family houses (F-bio-waste) from four climate seasons. When comparing both types of composts, U-bio-waste compost contained a higher amount of nutrients, however F-bio-waste compost was characterized by greater yield, greater availability of phosphorus and magnesium, and faster stability. In terms of seasons, compost from bio-waste collected in spring contained the highest amount of nutrients, reflecting the high content of nutrients in plant feedstock. Dissolved organic carbon and pH in U- and F-bio-waste compost, respectively, frequently showed close relationships with other parameters. The seasonal variations of most of the parameters in the composts were found to be lower compared to the variations observed in the feedstocks. The greatest seasonal variation was found in nitrate nitrogen, which is the reason for the more frequent analysis of this parameter.

Rheological characterization of cataplasm bases composed of cross-linked partially neutralized polyacrylate hydrogel.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Zhang, Hongqin; An, Dianyun; Yu, Jian; Li, Wei; Shen, Teng; Wang, Jianxin

2014-10-01

Viscoelasticity is a useful parameter for characterizing the intrinsic properties of the cross-linked polyacrylate hydrogel used in cataplasm bases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various formulation parameters on the rheological characteristics of polyacrylate hydrogel. The hydrogel layers were formed using a partially neutralized polyacrylate (Viscomate(™)), which contained acrylic acid and sodium acrylate in different copolymerization ratios, as the cross-linked gel framework. Dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate (DAAA), which produces aluminum ions, was used as the cross-linking agent. Rheological analyses were performed using a "stress amplitude sweep" and a "frequency sweep". The results showed that greater amounts of acrylic acid in the structure of Viscomate as well as higher concentrations of DAAA and Viscomate led to an increase in the elastic modulus (G'). However, greater amounts of acrylic acid in the structure of Viscomate and higher concentrations of DAAA had an opposite on the viscous modulus (G″); this might be owing to higher steric hindrance. The results of this study can serve as guidelines for the optimization of formulations for cataplasms.

Lipid and carotenoid synthesis by Rhodosporidium diobovatum, grown on glucose versus glycerol, and its biodiesel properties.

PubMed

Nasirian, Nima; Mirzaie, Maryam; Cicek, Nazim; Levin, David B

2018-04-01

Relationships between lipid and carotenoid synthesis by Rhodosporidium diobovatum were investigated for cell cultures in nitrogen-limited medium (GMY) containing equimolar amounts of carbon of glucose or glycerol. The cultures were also supplemented with additional substrate at 120 h postinoculation (pi) and during a fed-batch experiment. Growth of R. diobovatum on glucose resulted in higher yields of triacyglycerides (TAGs) and carotenoid than when grown on glycerol, even though the cultures contained equimolar amounts of carbon. After the addition of fresh substrate at 120 h pi, total carotenoid concentrations were significantly different from the concentrations measured at 120 h pi in both glucose and glycerol cultures, with no concomitant increase in lipid concentrations, suggesting that carotenoid synthesis is linked to exponential-phase growth, while lipid synthesis is linked to stationary phase. We also compared the calculated properties of biodiesel that could be made with TAGs derived from R. diobovatum with properties of biodiesel made from TAGs of other oleaginous yeasts, microalgae, vegetable oils, and animal fats. This study shows that R. diobovatum can be an effective strain for production of neutral lipids containing high percentages of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid, as well as carotenoids.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid and ascorbate on peroxidation of retinal membranes of ODS rats.

PubMed

Wang, Jin-Ye; Sekine, Seiji; Saito, Morio

2003-04-01

Mutant male osteogenic disorder Shionogi (ODS) rats, unable to synthesize ascorbic acid, were fed diets containing a high content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and different amounts of ascorbic acid, to study the effect of DHA on peroxidative susceptibility of the retina and possible antioxidant action of ascorbic acid. ODS rats were fed from 7 weeks of age with diets containing high DHA (6.4% of total energy). A control group received a diet high in linoleic acid. The diets also contained varying amounts of ascorbic acid. Fatty acid compositions and phospholipid hydroperoxides in rod outer segment (ROS) membranes, and retinal ascorbic acid were analyzed. DHA in ROS membranes was significantly increased in rats fed high DHA, compared with the linoleic acid diet. Levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides in the DHA-fed rats were significantly higher than the linoleic acid-fed rats. Ascorbic acid supplementation did not suppress the phospholipid hydroperoxide levels after a high DHA diet, even when the supplement increased the content of retinal ascorbic acid. In conclusion, high DHA feeding induced a marked increase of phospholipid hydroperoxides in ROS membranes of ODS rats. Supplementation of ascorbic acid did not reverse this increase.

Lithium and potassium absorption, dehydroxylation temperature, and structural water content of aluminous smectites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schultz, Leonard Gene

1969-01-01

X-ray analysis of Li+- and K+-saturated samples, differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and chemical analysis of 83 samples enable a distinction to be made between Wyoming, Tatatilla, Otay, Chambers, and non-ideal types of montmorillonite, and between ideal and non-ideal types of beidellite. The Greene-Kelly Li+-test differentiates between the montmorillonites and beidellites. Re-expansion with ethylene glycol after K+-saturation and heating at 300°C depends upon total net layer charge and not upon location of the charge. Wyoming-type montmorillonites characteristically have low net layer charge and re-expand to 17 Å. whereas most other montmorillonites and beidellites have a higher net layer charge and re-expand to less than 17 Å.Major differences in dehydroxylation temperatures cannot be related consistently to the amount of Al3+-for-Si4+ substitution, nor to the amount of Mg, Fe, type of interlayer cations, or particle size. The major factor controlling temperature of dehydroxylation seems to be the amount of structural (OH). Of 19 samples analyzed by TGA, montmorillonites and the one ideal beidellite that give dehydroxylation endotherms on their DTA curves between 650° and 760°C all contain nearly the ideal amount of 4(OH) per unit cell, but the non-ideal montmorillonites and beidellites that give dehydroxylation peaks between 550° and 600°C do not. Non-ideal beidellites contain more than the ideal amount of structural (OH) and non-ideal montmorillonites seem to contain less, although the low temperature of dehydroxylation of the latter could also be due to other structural defects. Change in X-ray diffraction intensity of the 001 reflection during dehydroxylation suggests that the extra (OH) of beidellite occurs at the apex of SiO4 or AlO4 tetrahedrons with the H+ of the (OH)- polarized toward vacant cation sites in the octahedral sheet.

Processable Polyimides Containing APB and Reactive End Caps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jensen, Brian J.

2003-01-01

Imide copolymers that contain 1,3- bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene (APB) and other diamines and dianhydrides and that are terminated with appropriate amounts of reactive end caps have been invented. The reactive end caps investigated thus far include 4-phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride (PEPA), 3- aminophenoxy-4-phenylethynylbenzop henone (3-APEB), maleic anhydride (MA), and 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride [also known as nadic anhydride (NA)]. The advantage of these copolyimides terminated with reactive groups, relative to other polyimides terminated with reactive groups, is a combination of (1) higher values of desired mechanical-property parameters and (2) greater ease of processing into useful parts.

Destruction of Navy Hazardous Wastes by Supercritical Water Oxidation

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

cleaning and derusting (nitrite and citric acid solutions), electroplating ( acids and metal bearing solutions), electronics and refrigeration... acid forming chemical species or that contain a large amount of dissolved solids present a challenge to current SCWO •-chnology. Approved for public...Waste streams that contain a large amount of mineral- acid forming chemical species or that contain a large amount of dissolved solids present a challenge

Interface Analyses Between a Case-Hardened Ingot Casting Steel and Carbon-Containing and Carbon-Free Refractories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fruhstorfer, Jens; Dudczig, Steffen; Rudolph, Martin; Schmidt, Gert; Brachhold, Nora; Schöttler, Leandro; Rafaja, David; Aneziris, Christos G.

2018-06-01

Corrosion tests of carbon-free and carbon-containing refractories were performed. The carbon-free crucibles corroded, whereas the carbon-containing crucibles were negligibly attacked. On them, inclusions were attached. This study investigates melt oxygen contents, interface properties, and steel compositions with their non-metallic inclusions in order to explore the inclusion formation and deposition mechanisms. The carbon-free crucibles were based on alumina, mullite, and zirconia- and titania-doped alumina (AZT). The carbon-containing (-C) ones were alumina-C and AZT-C. Furthermore, nanoscaled carbon and alumina additives (-n) were applied in an AZT-C-n material. In the crucibles, the case-hardened steel 17CrNiMo7-6 was remelted at 1580 °C. It was observed that the melt and steel oxygen contents were higher for the tests in the carbon-free crucibles. Into these crucibles, the deoxidizing alloying elements Mn and Si diffused. Reducing contents of deoxidizing elements resulted in higher steel oxygen levels and less inclusions, mainly of the inclusion group SiO2-core-MnS-shell (2.5 to 8 μ m). These developed from smaller SiO2 nuclei. The inclusion amount in the steel was highest after remelting in AZT-C-n for 30 minutes but decreased strongly with increasing remelting time (60 minutes) due to inclusions' deposition on the refractory surface. The Ti from the AZT and the nanoadditives supported inclusion growth and deposition. Other inclusion groups were alumina and calcium aluminate inclusions. Their contents were high after remelting in carbon- or AZT-containing crucibles but generally decreased during remelting. On the AZT-C-n crucible, a dense layer formed from vitreous compositions including Al, Ca, Mg, Si, and Ti. To summarize, for reducing forming inclusion amounts, mullite is recommended as refractory material. For capturing formed inclusions, AZT-C-n showed a high potential.

Structural features and complement-fixing activity of pectin from three Brassica oleracea varieties: white cabbage, kale, and red kale.

PubMed

Samuelsen, Anne Berit; Westereng, Bjørge; Yousif, Osman; Holtekjølen, Ann Katrin; Michaelsen, Terje E; Knutsen, Svein H

2007-02-01

Leaves of different cabbage species are used both as food and as wound healing remedies in traditional medicine. This supposed wound healing activity might be connected to presence of immunomodulating water soluble polysaccharides. To study this, three different cabbage varieties, white cabbage (W), kale (K), and red kale (RK), were pretreated with 80% ethanol and then extracted with water at 50 degrees C and 100 degrees C for isolation of polysaccharide-containing fractions. The fractions were analyzed for monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, Mw distribution, protein content, and phenolic compounds and then tested for complement-fixing activity. All fractions contained pectin type polysaccharides with linkages corresponding to homogalacturonan and hairy regions. Those extracted at 50 degrees C contained higher amounts of neutral side chains and were more active in the complement-fixation test than those extracted at 100 degrees C. The fractions can be ranged by decreasing activity: K-50 > RK-50 > W-50 approximately = K-100 > RK100 approximately = W-100. Studies on structure-activity relationships (SAR) employing multivariate statistical analysis strongly suggest that the magnitude of the measured activity is influenced by the content of certain side chains in the polymers. High activity correlates to large neutral side chains with high amounts of (1-->6)- and (1-->3,6)-linked Gal and low amounts of (1-->4)-linked GalA but not on molecular weight distribution of the polymers.

Metal ion release from silver soldering and laser welding caused by different types of mouthwash.

PubMed

Erdogan, Ayse Tuygun; Nalbantgil, Didem; Ulkur, Feyza; Sahin, Fikrettin

2015-07-01

To compare metal ion release from samples welded with silver soldering and laser welding when immersed into mouthwashes with different ingredients. A total of 72 samples were prepared: 36 laser welded and 36 silver soldered. Four samples were chosen from each subgroup to study the morphologic changes on their surfaces via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each group was further divided into four groups where the samples were submerged into mouthwash containing sodium fluoride (NaF), mouthwash containing sodium fluoride + alcohol (NaF + alcohol), mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (CHX), or artificial saliva (AS) for 24 hours and removed thereafter. Subsequently, the metal ion release from the samples was measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The metal ion release among the solutions and the welding methods were compared. The Kruskal-Wallis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used for the group comparisons, and post hoc Dunn multiple comparison test was utilized for the two group comparisons. The level of metal ion release from samples of silver soldering was higher than from samples of laser welding. Furthermore, greater amounts of nickel, chrome, and iron were released from silver soldering. With regard to the mouthwash solutions, the lowest amounts of metal ions were released in CHX, and the highest amounts of metal ions were released in NaF + alcohol. SEM images were in accord with these findings. The laser welding should be preferred over silver soldering. CHX can be recommended for patients who have welded appliances for orthodontic reasons.

Application of high-performance liquid chromatography for research of salicin in bark of different varieties of Salix.

PubMed

Kenstaviciene, Palmyra; Nenortiene, Palma; Kiliuviene, Guoda; Zevzikovas, Andrejus; Lukosius, Audronis; Kazlauskiene, Daiva

2009-01-01

Willow (Salix L.) species are widely spread in Lithuanian natural dendroflora. Willow bark contains active substances known for anti-inflammatory properties and is known as a phytotherapeutic precursor of aspirin. Bark extracts are components of analgesic and antirheumatic preparations. Therapeutic effectiveness is associated with salicin (2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside), which turns into salicylic acid. Increasing attention to natural preparations gives primary importance to research of plants. This study focused on 12 willow taxa and employed routine pharmacopoeia methods. High-performance liquid chromatography method was applied for the analysis of bark extractions. The investigation revealed that not all willow species accumulated a therapeutically sufficient amount of salicin. Bark samples were investigated after 1- and 2-year growth in autumn and spring. Salicin content ranged from 0.08 to 12.6%. Higher contents of active materials were determined in autumn and in 2-year-old willows. Certain willow taxa (Salix alba L., Salix mollissima L., Salix triandra L., Salix viminalis "Americana", Salix dasyclados L.) possessed extremely low salicin amounts. In the second year, analysis covered 32 willow species. Results indicated striking differences in salicin amounts (from 0.04% in Salix viminalis "Americana" to 12.06% in Salix acutifolia). Willow species, plant age, and season should be considered when collecting medicinal plant material. The amount of salicylates in 2-year-old willow bark collected in autumn exceeded by 25% that in 1-year-old willow bark collected in spring. Bark of some analyzed willow species contained the amount of salicylates too low for using as anti-inflammatory or antipyretic remedy.

POSS-Containing Bioinspired Adhesives with Enhanced Mechanical and Optical Properties for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Pramudya, Irawan; Rico, Catalina G; Lee, Choogon; Chung, Hoyong

2016-12-12

A new terpolymer adhesive, poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate-co-N-methacryloyl 3,4-dihydroxyl-l-phenylalanine-co-heptaisobutyl substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane propyl methacrylate) (poly(MEA-co-MDOPA-co-MPOSS) was synthesized by thermally initiated radical polymerization. In this study, we investigated the effect of the POSS component on adhesion, mechanical, and optical properties of the catechol-group containing bioinspired adhesives. The terpolymer contains the catechol group which is known to improve the adhesion properties of polymers. Only a very small amount of the POSS-containing monomer, MPOSS, was included, 0.5 mol %. In the presence of POSS, the synthesized poly(MEA-co-MDOPA-co-MPOSS) demonstrated strong adhesion properties, 23.2 ± 6.2 J/m 2 with 0.05 N preloading and 300 s holding time, compared to many previously prepared catechol-containing adhesives. The mechanical properties (Young's modulus and stress at 10% strain) of the POSS-containing terpolymer showed significant increases (6-fold higher) over the control polymer, which does not contain POSS. Optical transmittance of the synthesized terpolymer was also improved significantly in the visible light range, 450-750 nm. Cell testing with human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293A) indicates that the new terpolymer is a promising candidate in biomedical adhesives without acute cytotoxicity. The synthesized poly(MEA-co-MDOPA-co-MPOSS) is the first example of POSS-containing pressure sensitive bioinspired adhesive for biomedical applications. The study of poly(MEA-co-MDOPA-co-MPOSS) demonstrated a convenient method to enhance two important properties, mechanical and optical properties, by the addition of a very small amount of POSS. Based on this study, it was found that POSS can be used to strengthen mechanical properties of bioinspired adhesive without the need for a covalent cross-linking step.

Contribution of dietary oxalate to urinary oxalate excretion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, R. P.; Goodman, H. O.; Assimos, D. G.

2001-01-01

BACKGROUND: The amount of oxalate excreted in urine has a significant impact on calcium oxalate supersaturation and stone formation. Dietary oxalate is believed to make only a minor (10 to 20%) contribution to the amount of oxalate excreted in urine, but the validity of the experimental observations that support this conclusion can be questioned. An understanding of the actual contribution of dietary oxalate to urinary oxalate excretion is important, as it is potentially modifiable. METHODS: We varied the amount of dietary oxalate consumed by a group of adult individuals using formula diets and controlled, solid-food diets with a known oxalate content, determined by a recently developed analytical procedure. Controlled solid-food diets were consumed containing 10, 50, and 250 mg of oxalate/2500 kcal, as well as formula diets containing 0 and 180 mg oxalate/2500 kcal. Changes in the content of oxalate and other ions were assessed in 24-hour urine collections. RESULTS: Urinary oxalate excretion increased as dietary oxalate intake increased. With oxalate-containing diets, the mean contribution of dietary oxalate to urinary oxalate excretion ranged from 24.4 +/- 15.5% on the 10 mg/2500 kcal/day diet to 41.5 +/- 9.1% on the 250 mg/2500 kcal/day diet, much higher than previously estimated. When the calcium content of a diet containing 250 mg of oxalate was reduced from 1002 mg to 391 mg, urinary oxalate excretion increased by a mean of 28.2 +/- 4.8%, and the mean dietary contribution increased to 52.6 +/- 8.6%. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that dietary oxalate makes a much greater contribution to urinary oxalate excretion than previously recognized, that dietary calcium influences the bioavailability of ingested oxalate, and that the absorption of dietary oxalate may be an important factor in calcium oxalate stone formation.

Seasonal comparison of wild and farmed brown trout (Salmo trutta forma fario L., 1758): crude lipid, gonadosomatic index and fatty acids.

PubMed

Kaya, Yalçin; Erdem, Mehmet Emіn

2009-08-01

Brown trout is one of the most preferred wild freshwater fish species in the east Black Sea region (Turkey) due to its nutritional value and palatable aroma as well as being popular for sport fishing. In this research, seasonal variations in the crude lipid, gonadosomatic index and fatty acid composition of wild and farmed brown trout were investigated. The spawning period of wild and farmed brown trout appears to be from August to October and from October to January, respectively. The mean crude lipid content in farmed brown trout (3.62%) was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than that of wild brown trout (2.80%). Significant seasonal differences (P≤0.05) in crude lipid content were observed in both fish. The percentage of total saturated fatty acids was similar (P≥0.05) in both fish. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher (P≤0.05) in the wild brown trout compared with the farmed brown trout, while its total monounsaturated fatty acids content was lower (P≤0.05). The muscle lipids of wild fish contained significantly (P≤0.05) higher percentages of C16:1n-7, C17:1n-7, C18:3n-3, C20:2n-6, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3 and C22:2n-6 fatty acids and contained lower percentages of C14:0, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C20:1n-9, C24:1n-9 and C22:6n-3 fatty acids than farmed fish. The total amounts of n-3 fatty acids in wild fish were higher than in farmed fish, but total amounts of n-6 fatty acids in farmed fish were higher than in wild fish. The n3/n6 proportion in wild fish was higher than that of farmed fish.

In vitro permeation and disposition of niacinamide in silicone and porcine skin of skin barrier-mimetic formulations.

PubMed

Haque, Tasnuva; Lane, Majella E; Sil, Bruno C; Crowther, Jonathan M; Moore, David J

2017-03-30

Niacinamide (NIA) is an amide form of vitamin B3 which is used in cosmetic formulations to improve various skin conditions and it has also been shown to increase stratum corneum thickness following repeated application. In this study, three doses (5, 20 and 50μL per cm 2 ) of two NIA containing oil-in-water skin barrier-mimetic formulations were evaluated in silicone membrane and porcine ear skin and compared with a commercial control formulation. Permeation studies were conducted over 24h in Franz cells and at the end of the experiment membranes were washed and niacinamide was extracted. For the three doses, retention or deposition of NIA was generally higher in porcine skin compared with silicone membrane, consistent with the hydrophilic nature of the active. Despite the control containing a higher amount of active, comparable amounts of NIA were deposited in skin for all formulations for all doses; total skin absorption values (permeation and retention) of NIA were also comparable across all formulations. For infinite (50μL) and finite (5μL) doses the absolute permeation of NIA from the control formulation was significantly higher in porcine skin compared with both test formulations. This likely reflects differences in formulation components and/or presence of skin penetration enhancers in the formulations. Higher permeation for the 50 and 20μL dose was also evident in porcine skin compared with silicone membrane but the opposite is the case for the finite dose. The findings point to the critical importance of dose and occlusion when evaluating topical formulations in vitro and also the likelihood of exaggerated effects of excipients on permeation at infinite and pseudo-finite dose applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of periprosthetic capsular tissue from women with silicone breast implants by magic-angle spinning NMR.

PubMed

Garrido, L; Young, V L

1999-09-01

The amount of silicone (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]) in capsular tissue surgically removed from women with breast implants was measured by using (29)Si and (1)H magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Twelve women having smooth surface silicone gel-filled implants, including a subject with "low-bleed" double-lumen implants, had detectable levels of PDMS ranging from 0. 05 to 9.8% silicon in wet tissue (w/w). No silicon-containing compounds other than PDMS were detected. No correlation was found between the amount of PDMS measured in the capsular tissue and the length of implantation time (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0. 22). The results showed no relationship between higher amounts of PDMS and capsular contracture (p = 0.74) or other symptoms (p = 0. 53). Magn Reson Med 42:436-441, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Heat-resistant variants of the Chinese hamster ovary cell: alteration of cellular structure and expression of vimentin.

PubMed

Lee, Y J; Hou, Z Z; Curetty, L; Armour, E P; al-Saadi, A; Bernstein, J; Corry, P M

1992-04-01

Three heat-resistant mutant cell lines (78-1, 78-2, 78-3) were previously selected from Chinese hamster ovary cells. In this study, we investigated whether the differences in intrinsic thermal sensitivity result from alteration of stress protein levels or cellular structural changes. Although there was no significant difference in the levels of stress proteins, i.e., constitutive HSP70 in wild type and three heat-resistant mutant strains, there were marked differences in the amounts of vimentin among the cell lines. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blot showed a 2.3-2.9-fold increase in the level of vimentin in the mutant cells under normal growth conditions. Northern blot also revealed higher amounts of vimentin mRNA in the mutant cells. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence suggest that increased amounts of the vimentin-containing intermediate filaments are correlated with the heat-resistant phenotypes.

Bottom-simulating reflector dynamics at Arctic thermogenic gas provinces: An example from Vestnesa Ridge, offshore west Svalbard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plaza-Faverola, A.; Vadakkepuliyambatta, S.; Hong, W.-L.; Mienert, J.; Bünz, S.; Chand, S.; Greinert, J.

2017-06-01

The Vestnesa Ridge comprises a >100 km long sediment drift located between the western continental slope of Svalbard and the Arctic mid-ocean ridges. It hosts a deep water (>1000 m) gas hydrate and associated seafloor seepage system. Near-seafloor headspace gas compositions and its methane carbon isotopic signature along the ridge indicate a predominance of thermogenic gas sources feeding the system. Prediction of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone for theoretical pressure and temperature conditions and measured gas compositions results in an unusual underestimation of the observed bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) depth. The BSR is up to 60 m deeper than predicted for pure methane and measured gas compositions with >99% methane. Models for measured gas compositions with >4% higher-order hydrocarbons result in a better BSR approximation. However, the BSR remains >20 m deeper than predicted in a region without active seepage. A BSR deeper than predicted is primarily explained by unaccounted spatial variations in the geothermal gradient and by larger amounts of thermogenic gas at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. Hydrates containing higher-order hydrocarbons form at greater depths and higher temperatures and contribute with larger amounts of carbons than pure methane hydrates. In thermogenic provinces, this may imply a significant upward revision (up to 50% in the case of Vestnesa Ridge) of the amount of carbon in gas hydrates.

Quantitative determination of fatty acids in marine fish and shellfish from warm water of Straits of Malacca for nutraceutical purposes.

PubMed

Abd Aziz, Nurnadia; Azlan, Azrina; Ismail, Amin; Mohd Alinafiah, Suryati; Razman, Muhammad Rizal

2013-01-01

This study was conducted to quantitatively determine the fatty acid contents of 20 species of marine fish and four species of shellfish from Straits of Malacca. Most samples contained fairly high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n3). Longtail shad, yellowstripe scad, and moonfish contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. Meanwhile, fringescale sardinella, malabar red snapper, black pomfret, Japanese threadfin bream, giant seaperch, and sixbar grouper showed considerably high content (537.2-944.1 mg/100 g wet sample) of desirable omega-3 fatty acids. The polyunsaturated-fatty-acids/saturated-fatty-acids (P/S) ratios for most samples were higher than that of Menhaden oil (P/S = 0.58), a recommended PUFA supplement which may help to lower blood pressure. Yellowstripe scad (highest DHA, ω - 3/ω - 6 = 6.4, P/S = 1.7), moonfish (highest ALA, ω - 3/ω - 6 = 1.9, P/S = 1.0), and longtail shad (highest EPA, ω - 3/ω - 6 = 0.8, P/S = 0.4) were the samples with an outstandingly desirable overall composition of fatty acids. Overall, the marine fish and shellfish from the area contained good composition of fatty acids which offer health benefits and may be used for nutraceutical purposes in the future.

Quantitative Determination of Fatty Acids in Marine Fish and Shellfish from Warm Water of Straits of Malacca for Nutraceutical Purposes

PubMed Central

Abd Aziz, Nurnadia; Azlan, Azrina; Ismail, Amin; Mohd Alinafiah, Suryati; Razman, Muhammad Rizal

2013-01-01

This study was conducted to quantitatively determine the fatty acid contents of 20 species of marine fish and four species of shellfish from Straits of Malacca. Most samples contained fairly high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n3). Longtail shad, yellowstripe scad, and moonfish contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. Meanwhile, fringescale sardinella, malabar red snapper, black pomfret, Japanese threadfin bream, giant seaperch, and sixbar grouper showed considerably high content (537.2–944.1 mg/100g wet sample) of desirable omega-3 fatty acids. The polyunsaturated-fatty-acids/saturated-fatty-acids (P/S) ratios for most samples were higher than that of Menhaden oil (P/S = 0.58), a recommended PUFA supplement which may help to lower blood pressure. Yellowstripe scad (highest DHA, ω − 3/ω − 6 = 6.4, P/S = 1.7), moonfish (highest ALA, ω − 3/ω − 6 = 1.9, P/S = 1.0), and longtail shad (highest EPA, ω − 3/ω − 6 = 0.8, P/S = 0.4) were the samples with an outstandingly desirable overall composition of fatty acids. Overall, the marine fish and shellfish from the area contained good composition of fatty acids which offer health benefits and may be used for nutraceutical purposes in the future. PMID:23509703

Volatiles in raw and cooked meat from lambs fed olive cake and linseed.

PubMed

Gravador, R S; Serra, A; Luciano, G; Pennisi, P; Vasta, V; Mele, M; Pauselli, M; Priolo, A

2015-04-01

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding olive cake and linseed to lambs on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in raw and cooked meat. Four groups of eight male Appenninica lambs each were fed: conventional cereal-based concentrates (diet C), concentrates containing 20% on a dry matter (DM) basis of rolled linseed (diet L), concentrates containing 35% DM of stoned olive cake (diet OC), or concentrates containing both rolled linseed (10% DM) and stoned olive cake (17% DM; diet OCL). The longissimus dorsi muscle of each lamb was sampled at slaughter and was subjected to VOC profiling through the use of SPME-GC-MS. In the raw meat, the concentration of 3-methylpentanoic acid was higher in treatment C as compared with treatments L, OC and OCL (P<0.01). Moreover the level of nonanoic acid was greater in treatments C and OC than in treatment L (P<0.05). With respect to alcohols, in raw meat the amount of 2-phenoxyethanol in treatment OCL was lower than in treatments C (P<0.01) and OC (P<0.05), while in cooked meat the amount of 1-pentanol was higher in treatment C than in treatment OC (P<0.05). Apart from these compounds, none of the lipid oxidation-derived volatiles was significantly affected by the dietary treatment. Therefore, the results suggest that the replacement of cereal concentrates with linseed and/or olive cake did not cause appreciable changes in the production of volatile organic compounds in lamb meat.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ebert, W. L.; Snyder, C. T.; Frank, Steven

This report describes the scientific basis underlying the approach being followed to design and develop “advanced” glass-bonded sodalite ceramic waste form (ACWF) materials that can (1) accommodate higher salt waste loadings than the waste form developed in the 1990s for EBR-II waste salt and (2) provide greater flexibility for immobilizing extreme waste salt compositions. This is accomplished by using a binder glass having a much higher Na 2O content than glass compositions used previously to provide enough Na+ to react with all of the Cl– in the waste salt and generate the maximum amount of sodalite. The phase compositions andmore » degradation behaviors of prototype ACWF products that were made using five new binder glass formulations and with 11-14 mass% representative LiCl/KCl-based salt waste were evaluated and compared with results of similar tests run with CWF products made using the original binder glass with 8 mass% of the same salt to demonstrate the approach and select a composition for further studies. About twice the amount of sodalite was generated in all ACWF materials and the microstructures and degradation behaviors confirmed our understanding of the reactions occurring during waste form production and the efficacy of the approach. However, the porosities of the resulting ACWF materials were higher than is desired. These results indicate the capacity of these ACWF waste forms to accommodate LiCl/KCl-based salt wastes becomes limited by porosity due to the low glass-to-sodalite volume ratio. Three of the new binder glass compositions were acceptable and there is no benefit to further increasing the Na content as initially planned. Instead, further studies are needed to develop and evaluate alternative production methods to decrease the porosity, such as by increasing the amount of binder glass in the formulation or by processing waste forms in a hot isostatic press. Increasing the amount of binder glass to eliminate porosity will decrease the waste loading from about 12% to 10% on a mass basis, but this will not significantly impact the waste loading on a volume basis. It is likely that heat output will limit the amount of waste salt that can be accommodated in a waste canister rather than the salt loading in an ACWF, and that the increase from 8 mass% to about 10 mass% salt loadings in ACWF materials will be sufficient to optimize these waste forms. Although the waste salt composition used in this study contained a moderate amount of NaCl, the test results suggest waste salts with little or no NaCl can be accommodated in ACWF materials by using the new binder glass, albeit at waste loadings lower than 8 mass%. The higher glass contents that will be required for ACWF materials made with salt wastes that do not contain NaCl are expected to result in much lower porosities in those waste forms.« less

Does allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde in clothes treated with durable-press chemical finishes exist in the USA?

PubMed

de Groot, Anton C; Maibach, Howard I

2010-03-01

Recent US studies have presented case series of patient with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) allegedly caused by formaldehyde in clothes treated with durable-press chemical finishes (DPCF), which are known formaldehyde releasers. However, the amounts of formaldehyde released by modern DPCF are thought to be well below the levels previously estimated to be able to elicit ACD. The objectives of this review are (i) to investigate whether clothes sold in the USA may contain enough free formaldehyde to elicit ACD in previously sensitized individuals and (ii) to assess the validity of US reports on ACD from formaldehyde in DPCF treated clothes. Literature was examined using various resources. The threshold level for formaldehyde in clothes that may cause ACD in sensitized individuals is unknown; we present data suggesting that levels < 200 ppm will be safe for most patients and that textiles will rarely contain higher amounts. All US studies presenting patients with ACD from formaldehyde in clothes had some weaknesses and in no report was the diagnosis proven beyond doubt. Currently, there is no definite proof that textile ACD from formaldehyde in DPCF in the USA exists. Future research should be directed at establishing the elicitation threshold and the amounts of formaldehyde present in textiles.

Ammonia Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ward, William Douglas (Inventor)

2014-01-01

The different advantageous embodiments provide for identifying gas leakage in a platform. A processor unit identifies a rate of the gas of the substance leaking from a container in a first compartment for a platform. The processor unit also identifies an amount of gas that has leaked from the container at a selected time based on the rate of the gas of the substance leaking from the container and a total time. The processor unit identifies an amount of the gas of the substance present in a number of compartments associated with the first compartment using the amount of gas leaked from the container in the first compartment and a pressure for each compartment in the number of compartments. The processor unit determines whether the amount of gas in at least one of the first compartment and the number of compartments is outside of a desired amount for the gas.

Hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1,4-butanediol over rhenium catalyst supported on copper-containing mesoporous carbon.

PubMed

Hong, Ung Gi; Park, Hai Woong; Lee, Joongwon; Hwang, Sunhwan; Kwak, Jimin; Yi, Jongheop; Song, In Kyu

2013-11-01

Copper-containing mesoporous carbon (Cu-MC) was prepared by a single-step surfactant-templating method. For comparison, copper-impregnated mesoporous carbon (Cu/MC) was also prepared by a surfactant-templating method and a subsequent impregnation method. Rhenium catalysts supported on copper-containing mesoporous carbon and copper-impregnated mesoporous carbon (Re/Cu-MC and Re/Cu/MC, respectively) were then prepared by an incipient wetness method, and they were applied to the liquid-phase hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1,4-butanediol (BDO). It was observed that copper in the Re/Cu-MC catalyst was well incorporated into carbon framework, resulting in higher surface area and larger pore volume than those of Re/Cu/MC catalyst. Therefore, Re/Cu-MC catalyst showed higher copper dispersion than Re/Cu/MC catalyst, although both catalysts retained the same amounts of copper and rhenium. In the liquid-phase hydrogenation of succinic acid to BDO, Re/Cu-MC catalyst showed a better catalytic activity than Re/Cu/MC catalyst. Fine dispersion of copper in the Re/Cu-MC catalyst was responsible for its enhanced catalytic activity.

Levels of Phosphate Esters in Spirodela

PubMed Central

Bieleski, R. L.

1968-01-01

The duckweed Spirodela oligorrhiza was grown in sterile nutrient solutions that contained 1 mm phosphate-32P at various specific activities. In solutions with activities higher than 2 μc per μmole per ml, plant growth was inhibited after a time, and the physical appearance of the plants was affected. The critical level of radiation, at which growth was first affected, corresponded to 5 kilorads. Plants were grown for 9 days (5 generations) in a culture solution containing phosphate at 0.5 μc per μmole per ml (radiation load approx 0.5 kilorads) so that all phosphorus-containing materials in the tissue became uniformly labeled. The various radioactive compounds were extracted, chromatographed, identified, and their radioactivity was measured. From this radioactivity plus the specific activity of the supplied phosphate, the amount of each compound was calculated. The data constitute a complete balance-sheet for phosphorus in a plant tissue. The identity of 98% of the phosphorus in the tissue was determined. Inorganic phosphate (32,700 mμmoles/g fr wt) was the predominant phosphorus-containing compound; RNA (5100 mμmoles P/g fr wt) was the main organic phosphate; phosphatidyl choline (1600 mμmoles/g fr wt) was the main phospholipid, and glucose-6-phosphate (500 mμmoles/g fr wt) the main acid-soluble phosphate ester. Amounts of other phosphorus compounds are given. Images PMID:16656910

Identification and Characterization of Diploid and Tetraploid in Platycodon grandiflorum.

PubMed

Shin, Jeoung-Hwa; Ahn, Yun Gyong; Jung, Ju-Hee; Woo, Sun-Hee; Kim, Hag-Hyun; Gorinstein, Shela; Boo, Hee-Ock

2017-03-01

Platycodon grandiflorum (PG), a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant of the family Campanulaceae, has been used as a traditional oriental medicine for bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, hepatic fibrosis, bone disorders and many others similar diseases and as a food supplement. For the primary profiling of PG gas chromatography coupled with high resolution - time of flight mass spectrometry (GC/HR-TOF MS) was used as an analytical tool. A comparison of optimal extraction of metabolites was carried out with a number of solvents [hexane, methylene chloride, methanol, ethanol, methanol: ethanol (70:30, v:v)]. In extracts with methanol: ethanol (70:30 v:v) were detected higher amounts of metabolites than with other solvents. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) plots showed significant differences between the diploid and tetraploid metabolite profiles. Extracts of tetraploid showed higher amounts of amino acids, while extracts of diploid contained more organic acids and sugars. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Effects of Ti-Based Additives on the Hydrogen Storage Properties of a L i B H 4 / C a H 2 Destabilized System

DOE PAGES

Yang, Hongwei; Ibikunle, Adeola; Goudy, Andrew J.

2010-01-01

Tmore » he hydrogen storage properties of a destabilized LiBH 4 / CaH 2 system ball-milled with iCl 3 , iF 3 , and iO 2 additives have been investigated. It is found that the system with iCl 3 additive has a lower dehydrogenation temperature than the ones with other additives. Further study shows that a higher amount of iCl 3 is more effective in reducing the desorption temperature of the LiBH 4 / CaH 2 system, since it leads to a lower activation energy of dehydrogenation. he activations energies for mixtures containing 4, 10, and 25 mol% of iCl 3 are 141, 126, and 110 kJ/mol, respectively. However, the benefits of higher amounts of iCl 3 are offset by a larger reduction in hydrogen capacity of the mixtures.« less

Swarm motility inhibitory and antioxidant activities of pomegranate peel processed under three drying conditions.

PubMed

John, K M Maria; Bhagwat, Arvind A; Luthria, Devanand L

2017-11-15

During processing of ready-to-eat fresh fruits, large amounts of peel and seeds are discarded as waste. Pomegranate (Punicagranatum) peels contain high amounts of bioactive compounds which inhibit migration of Salmonella on wet surfaces. The metabolic distribution of bioactives in pomegranate peel, inner membrane, and edible aril portion was investigated under three different drying conditions along with the anti-swarming activity against Citrobacter rodentium. Based on the multivariate analysis, 29 metabolites discriminated the pomegranate peel, inner membrane, and edible aril portion, as well as the three different drying methods. Punicalagins (∼38.6-50.3mg/g) were detected in higher quantities in all fractions as compared to ellagic acid (∼0.1-3.2mg/g) and punicalins (∼0-2.4mg/g). The bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-swarming) and phenolics content was significantly higher in peels than the edible aril portion. Natural anti-swarming agents from food waste may have promising potential for controlling food borne pathogens. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Evaluation of humic fractions potential to produce bio-oil through catalytic hydroliquefaction.

PubMed

Lemée, L; Pinard, L; Beauchet, R; Kpogbemabou, D

2013-12-01

Humic substances were extracted from biodegraded lignocellulosic biomass (LCBb) and submitted to catalytic hydroliquefaction. The resulting bio-oils were compared with those of the initial biomass. Compared to fulvic and humic acids, humin presented a high conversion rate (74 wt.%) and the highest amount of liquid fraction (66 wt.%). Moreover it represented 78% of LCBb. Humin produced 43 wt.% of crude oil and 33 wt.% of hexane soluble fraction containing hydrocarbons which is a higher yield than those from other humic substances as well as from the initial biomass. Hydrocarbons were mainly aromatics, but humin produces the highest amount of aliphatics. Considering the quantity, the quality and the molecular composition of the humic fractions, a classification of the potential of the latter to produce fuel using hydroliquefaction process can be assess: Hu>AF>AH. The higher heating value (HHV) and oxygen content of HSF from humin were fully compatible with biofuel characteristics. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of lipases on the protective effect of SEDDS for incorporated peptide drugs towards intestinal peptidases.

PubMed

Leonaviciute, Gintare; Zupančič, Ožbej; Prüfert, Felix; Rohrer, Julia; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

2016-07-11

The aim of this study is the development of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) differing in amounts of ester substructures and to evaluate their stability in presence of pancreatic lipase and protective effect against luminal enzymatic metabolism using leuprorelin as model peptide drug. Hydrophobic leuprolide oleate was incorporated into three different SEDDS formulations and their stability towards pancreatic lipases was investigated utilizing a dynamic in vitro digestion model. Protective effect of SEDDS in respect to peptide drug stability against proteolytic enzymes, trypsin and α-chymotrypsin, was determined via HPLC. Results of in vitro digestion demonstrated that 80% of SEDDS containing the highest amount of ester linkages was degraded within 60min. In comparison to that, SEDDS without ester bonds showed no degradation. With increasing oil droplets hydrolysis the remaining amount of peptide encapsulated into formulation decreased. Furthermore, after 180min incubation with trypsin up to 33.5% and with α-chymotrypsin up to 60.5% of leuprolide oleate was intact while leuprorelin acetate aqueous solution was completely metabolized by trypsin within 120min and by α-chymotrypsin within 5min. Protective effect in environment containing lipases was lower due to oil phase degradation, however, the amount of peptide in ester-free SEDDS was remarkably higher compared to SEDDS susceptible to lipases. The present study revealed that SEDDS stable towards hydrolysis is able to exhibit a protective effect for oral peptide delivery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Articular chondrocyte metabolism and osteoarthritis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leipold, H.R.

The three main objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if depletion of proteoglycans from the cartilage matrix that occurs during osteoarthritis causes a measurable increase of cartilage proteoglycan components in the synovial fluid and sera, (2) to observe what effect intracellular cAMP has on the expression of matrix components by chondrocytes, and (3) to determine if freshly isolated chondrocytes contain detectable levels of mRNA for fibronectin. Canine serum keratan sulfate and hyaluronate were measured to determine if there was an elevation of these serum glycosaminoglycans in a canine model of osteoarthritis. A single intra-articular injection of chymopapain intomore » a shoulder joint increased serum keratan sulfate 10 fold and hyaluronate less than 2 fold in 24 hours. Keratan sulfate concentrations in synovial fluids of dogs about one year old were unrelated to the presence of spontaneous cartilage degeneration in the joints. High keratan sulfate in synovial fluids correlated with higher keratan sulfate in serum. The mean keratan sulfate concentration in sera of older dogs with osteoarthritis was 37% higher than disease-free controls, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Treatment of chondrocytes with 0.5 millimolar (mM) dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP) caused the cells to adopt a more rounded morphology. There was no difference between the amount of proteins synthesized by cultures treated with DBcAMP and controls. The amount of fibronectin (FN) in the media of DBcAMP treated cultures detected by an ELISA was specifically reduced, and the amount of {sup 35}S-FN purified by gelatin affinity chromatography decreased. Moreover, the percentage of FN containing the extra domain. A sequence was reduced. Concomitant with the decrease in FN there was an increase in the concentration of keratan sulfate.« less

Headspace concentrations of explosive vapors in containers designed for canine testing and training: theory, experiment, and canine trials.

PubMed

Lotspeich, Erica; Kitts, Kelley; Goodpaster, John

2012-07-10

It is a common misconception that the amount of explosive is the chief contributor to the quantity of vapor that is available to trained canines. In fact, this quantity (known as odor availability) depends not only on the amount of explosive material, but also the container volume, explosive vapor pressure and temperature. In order to better understand odor availability, headspace experiments were conducted and the results were compared to theory. The vapor-phase concentrations of three liquid explosives (nitromethane, nitroethane and nitropropane) were predicted using the Ideal Gas Law for containers of various volumes that are in use for canine testing. These predictions were verified through experiments that varied the amount of sample, the container size, and the temperature. These results demonstrated that the amount of sample that is needed to saturate different sized containers is small, predictable and agrees well with theory. In general, and as expected, once the headspace of a container is saturated, any subsequent increase in sample volume will not result in the release of more vapors. The ability of canines to recognize and alert to differing amounts of nitromethane has also been studied. In particular, it was found that the response of trained canines is independent of the amount of nitromethane present, provided it is a sufficient quantity to saturate the container in which it is held. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal and mechanical analysis of PVA / sulfonated carbon nanotubes composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Vikrant; Sharma, Prem P.; Rajput, Abhishek; Kulshrestha, Vaibhav

2018-04-01

Nanocomposites of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sulfonated carbon nanotubes (s-CNT) with enhanced properties were synthesized successfully. Effect of different amount of sulfonated nanotubes on thermal and mechanical properties of resultant nanocomposites derived from s-CNT and PVA were studied. Structural analysis for functionalization of CNT was done by using FTIR spectra. Thermal and mechanical analysis were done by using TGA, DSC and UTM. Nanocomposite containing s-CNT shows higher elastic moduli, higher melting temperature in consort with lower weight loss at same temperature, compared with pristine PVA. The novelty of this work is to use PVA/s-CNT based composites with improved thermomechanical properties in different nanotechnologies.

Proximate composition, fatty acid analysis and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score of three Mediterranean cephalopods.

PubMed

Zlatanos, Spiros; Laskaridis, Kostas; Feist, Christian; Sagredos, Angelos

2006-10-01

Proximate composition, fatty acid analysis and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) in three commercially important cephalopods of the Mediterranean sea (cuttlefish, octopus and squid) were determined. The results of the proximate analysis showed that these species had very high protein:fat ratios similar to lean beef. Docosahexaenoic, palmitic and eicosipentaenoic acid were the most abundant fatty acids among analyzed species. The amount of n-3 fatty acids was higher than that of saturated, monounsaturated and n-6 fatty acids. Despite the fact that cephalopods contain small amounts of fat they were found quite rich in n-3 fatty acids. Finally, PDCAAS indicated that these organisms had a very good protein quality.

Inter-serotype comparison of polysaccharides produced by extracellular enzymes from Streptococcus mutans.

PubMed

Yakushiji, T; Inoue, M; Koga, T

1984-04-15

The biochemical and morphological characteristics of polysaccharides synthesized from sucrose by extracellular enzymes from D-glucose-grown Streptococcus mutans representing serotypes a-g were compared. The polysaccharides synthesized by the enzymes from serotypes a, d, and g formed visible aggregates and firmly adhered to glass surfaces, whereas those formed by the enzymes from serotypes b, c, e, and f floated homogeneously and were poorly adherent. The enzymes of serotypes a, d, and g produced large amounts of water-insoluble polysaccharides (IPs, D-glucans), and those of serotypes b, c, e, and f water-soluble polysaccharides (SPs, D-glucans and D- fructans ). As compared with the IPs of serotypes b, c, e, and f, the IPs of serotypes a, d, and g (a) contained a higher proportion of (1----3)-alpha-D-glucosidic linkages and alpha-D-(1----3,6) branch linkages; (b) showed higher susceptibility to (1----3)-alpha-D-glucanase (serotype a excepted) and lower (1----6)-alpha-D-glucanase sensitivity; (c) contained larger amounts of high-molecular-weight fractions; (d) showed higher intrinsic viscosities (serotype b excepted); and (e) had lower S. mutans cell-agglutination activities. On electron-microscope observation, the IPs of all serotypes showed two fibrillar components; a double-stranded fibril, with short, fluffy protrusions extending out of its periphery, and a fine, single-stranded fibril. Thus, the serotypes could be divided into two major groups: a, d, and g; and b, c, e, and f. No similar grouping of serotypes was indicated by the chemical and morphological properties of SPs.

[Oxidation of sulfur-containing substrates by aboriginal and experimentally designed microbial communities].

PubMed

Pivovarova, T A; Bulaev, A G; Roshchupko, P V; Belyĭ, A V; Kondrat'eva, T F

2012-01-01

Aboriginal and experimental (constructed of pure microbial cultures) communities of acidophilic chemolithotrophs have been studied. The oxidation of elemental sulfur, sodium thiosulfate, and potassium tetrathionate as sole sources of energy has been monitored. The oxidation rate of the experimental community is higher as compared to the aboriginal community isolated from a flotation concentrate of pyrrhotine-containing pyrite-arsenopyrite gold-arsenic sulfide ore. The degree of oxidation of the mentioned S substrates amounts to 17.91, 68.30, and 93.94% for the experimental microbial community and to 10.71, 56.03, and 79.50% for the aboriginal community, respectively. The degree of oxidation of sulfur sulfide forms in the ore flotation concentrate is 59.15% by the aboriginal microbial community and 49.40% by the experimental microbial community. Despite a higher rate of oxidation of S substrates as a sole source of energy by the experimental microbial community, the aboriginal community oxidizes S substrates at a higher rate in the flotation concentrate of pyrrhotine-containing pyrite-arsenopyrite gold-arsenic sulfide ore, from which it was isolated. Bacterial-chemical oxidation of the flotation concentrate by the aboriginal microbial community allows for the extraction of an additional 32.3% of gold from sulfide minerals, which is by 5.7% larger compared to the yield obtained by the experimental microbial community.

Inhibitory effects of rosmarinic acid extracts on porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro.

PubMed

McCue, Patrick P; Shetty, Kalidas

2004-01-01

Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase (PPA) was allowed to react with herbal extracts containing rosmarinic acid (RA) and purified RA. The derivatized enzyme-phytochemical mixtures obtained were characterized for residual amylase activity. These in vitro experiments showed that the amylase activity was inhibited in the presence of these phytochemicals. The extent of amylase inhibition correlated with increased concentration of RA. RA-containing oregano extracts yielded higher than expected amylase inhibition than similar amount of purified RA, suggesting that other phenolic compounds or phenolic synergies may contribute to additional amylase inhibitory activity. The significance of food-grade, plant-based amylase inhibitors for modulation of diabetes mellitus and other oxidation-linked diseases is hypothesized and discussed.

Nickel hydroxide electrode. 3: Thermogravimetric investigations of nickel (II) hydroxides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dennstedt, W.; Loeser, W.

1982-01-01

Water contained in Ni hydroxide influences its electrochemical reactivity. The water content of alpha and beta Ni hydroxides is different with respect to the amount and bond strength. Thermogravimetric experiments show that the water of the beta Ni hydroxides exceeding the stoichiometric composition is completely removed at 160 deg. The water contained in the interlayers of the beta hydroxide, however, is removed only at higher temperatures, together with the water originating from the decomposition of the hydroxide. These differences are attributed to the formation of II bonds within the interlayers and between interlayers and adjacent main layers. An attempt is made to explain the relations between water content and the oxidizability of the Ni hydroxides.

Photoanode Thickness Optimization and Impedance Spectroscopic Analysis of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells based on a Carbazole-Containing Ruthenium Dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jongwan; Kim, Felix Sunjoo

2018-03-01

We studied the influence of photoanode thickness on the photovoltaic characteristics and impedance responses of the dye-sensitized solar cells based on a ruthenium dye containing a hexyloxyl-substituted carbazole unit (Ru-HCz). As the thickness of photoanode increases from 4.2 μm to 14.8 μm, the dye-loading amount and the efficiency increase. The device with thicker photoanode shows a decrease in the efficiency due to the higher probability of recombination of electron-hole pairs before charge extraction. We also analyzed the electron-transfer and recombination characteristics as a function of photoanode thickness through detailed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis.

Detection of tiny amounts of fissile materials in large-sized containers with radioactive waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batyaev, V. F.; Skliarov, S. V.

2018-01-01

The paper is devoted to non-destructive control of tiny amounts of fissile materials in large-sized containers filled with radioactive waste (RAW). The aim of this work is to model an active neutron interrogation facility for detection of fissile ma-terials inside NZK type containers with RAW and determine the minimal detectable mass of U-235 as a function of various param-eters: matrix type, nonuniformity of container filling, neutron gen-erator parameters (flux, pulse frequency, pulse duration), meas-urement time. As a result the dependence of minimal detectable mass on fissile materials location inside container is shown. Nonu-niformity of the thermal neutron flux inside a container is the main reason of the space-heterogeneity of minimal detectable mass in-side a large-sized container. Our experiments with tiny amounts of uranium-235 (<1 g) confirm the detection of fissile materials in NZK containers by using active neutron interrogation technique.

Hidden sources of phosphorus: presence of phosphorus-containing additives in processed foods.

PubMed

Lou-Arnal, Luis M; Arnaudas-Casanova, Laura; Caverni-Muñoz, Alberto; Vercet-Tormo, Antonio; Caramelo-Gutiérrez, Rocío; Munguía-Navarro, Paula; Campos-Gutiérrez, Belén; García-Mena, Mercedes; Moragrera, Belén; Moreno-López, Rosario; Bielsa-Gracia, Sara; Cuberes-Izquierdo, Marta

2014-01-01

An increased consumption of processed foods that include phosphorus-containing additives has led us to propose the following working hypothesis: using phosphate-rich additives that can be easily absorbed in processed foods involves a significant increase in phosphorus in the diet, which may be considered as hidden phosphorus since it is not registered in the food composition tables. The quantity of phosphorus contained in 118 processed products was determined by spectrophotometry and the results were contrasted with the food composition tables of the Higher Education Centre of Nutrition and Diet, those of Morandeira and those of the BEDCA (Spanish Food Composition Database) Network. Food processing frequently involves the use of phosphoric additives. The products whose label contains these additives have higher phosphorus content and higher phosphorus-protein ratio. We observed a discrepancy with the food composition tables in terms of the amount of phosphorus determined in a sizeable proportion of the products. The phosphorus content of prepared refrigerated foods hardly appears in the tables. Product labels provide little information on phosphorus content. We observed a discrepancy in phosphorus content in certain foods with respect to the food composition tables. We should educate our patients on reviewing the additives on the labels and on the limitation of processed foods. There must be health policy actions to deal with the problem: companies should analyse the phosphorus content of their products, display the correct information on their labels and incorporate it into the food composition tables. Incentives could be established to prepare food with a low phosphorus content and alternatives to phosphorus-containing additives.

Sylvatiins, acetylglucosylated hydrolysable tannins from the petals of Geranium sylvaticum show co-pigment effect.

PubMed

Tuominen, Anu; Sinkkonen, Jari; Karonen, Maarit; Salminen, Juha-Pekka

2015-07-01

Four hydrolysable tannins, named as sylvatiins A (1), B (2), C (3) and D (4), were isolated from the petals of Geranium sylvaticum. On the basis of spectrometric evidence of NMR analysis ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DQF-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC), circular dichroism (CD) and ESI-MS/MS, sylvatiins A, B and C were characterized as galloyl glucoses containing one or two acetylglucoses attached to the 3-OH of the galloyl group, whereas sylvatiin D was found to have a chebulinic acid core containing acetylglucose attached in a similar way. The potential of these compounds to act as defensive compounds against herbivores was evaluated using the radial diffusion assay that measures the protein precipitation capacity. In addition, the capacity of sylvatiins to act as co-pigments with anthocyanins of G. sylvaticum petals was measured in vitro at different pH values. Sylvatiins A and D maintained efficiently the purple flower color near the natural pH of petal cells. The amount of sylvatiins was changed according to the flower color; deep purple petals with higher amount of anthocyanin contained more sylvatiins A and C than whiter petals. It was concluded that G. sylvaticum petal cells may accumulate sylvatiins for intermolecular co-pigmentation purposes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in Trace Gas Nitrogen Emissions as a Response to Ecosystem Type Conversion in a Semi-Arid Climate.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, H.; Eberwein, J. R.; Jenerette, D.

2016-12-01

As humans continue to introduce exotic plants and to alter climate and fire regimes in semi-arid ecosystems, many plant communities have begun to shift from perennial forbs and shrubs to annual grasses with different functional traits. Shifts in plant types are also associated with shifts in microclimate, microbial activity, and litter inputs, all of which contribute to the efficiency of nitrogen processing and the magnitude of trace gas emissions (NOx and N2O), which are increasingly important fluxes in water-limited systems. Here, we explored how changes in plant litter impact trace gas emissions, asking the question: How does conversion from a native shrubland to exotic grassland ecosystem alter NOx and N2O fluxes in a semi-arid climate? We posed two hypotheses to explain the impacts of different types of litter on soils disturbed by exotic grasses and those that were still considered shrublands: 1.) Soils that have undergone conversion by exotic grasses release higher amounts of NOx and N2O than do those of unconverted shrublands, due to disruptions of native plant and soil processes by exotic grasses, and 2.) Because litter of exotic grasses has lower C:N than that of shrubs, litter inputs from exotic grasses will increase NOx and N2O emissions from soils more than will litter inputs from shrubs. As a preliminary study, we experimentally wetted mesocosms in a laboratory incubation containing converted and unconverted soils that had been mixed with no litter or either exotic grass or coastal sage scrub (CSS) litter. We measured N2O fluxes from mesocosms over a 48-hour period. 24 hours after wetting, samples with grass litter produced higher amounts of N2O than those with CSS litter; similarly, converted soils produced higher amounts of N2O than unconverted soils. These two effects combined resulted in exotic grassland conditions (converted soils with exotic grass litter) producing 10 times the amount of N2O as those containing native shrubland conditions (unconverted soils with CSS litter). Additionally, soils with no litter peaked in N2O emissions earlier than those with litter (12 hours after wetting compared to 24 hours after wetting). Following preliminary results, we suggest that differences in plant traits, such as litter, play a significant role in the magnitude and timing of trace gas nitrogen emissions.

Extra-phosphate load from food additives in commonly eaten foods: a real and insidious danger for renal patients.

PubMed

Benini, Omar; D'Alessandro, Claudia; Gianfaldoni, Daniela; Cupisti, Adamasco

2011-07-01

Restriction of dietary phosphorus is a major aspect of patient care in those with renal disease. Restriction of dietary phosphorus is necessary to control for phosphate balance during both conservative therapy and dialysis treatment. The extra amount of phosphorus which is consumed as a result of phosphate-containing food additives is a real challenge for patients with renal disease and for dieticians because it represents a "hidden" phosphate load. The objective of this study was to measure phosphorus content in foods, common protein sources in particular, and comprised both those which included a listing of phosphate additives and those which did not. Determinations of dry matter, nitrogen, total and soluble phosphate ions were carried out in 60 samples of foods, namely cooked ham, roast breast turkey, and roast breast chicken, of which, 30 were with declared phosphate additives and the other 30 similar items were without additives. Total phosphorus (290 ± 40 mg/100 g vs. 185 ± 23 mg/100 g, P < .001) and soluble phosphorus (164 ± 25 mg/100 g vs. 100 ± 19 mg/100 g, P < .001) content were higher in products containing additives than in foods without additives. No difference was detected between the 2 groups regarding dry matter (27.2 ± 2.0 g/100 g vs. 26.7 ± 1.9 g/100 g) or total nitrogen (3.15 ± 0.40 g/100 g vs. 3.19 ± 0.40 g/100 g). Consequently, phosphorus intake per gram of protein was much greater in the foods containing phosphorus additives (15.0 ± 3.1 mg/g vs. 9.3 ± 0.7 mg/g, P < .001). Our results show that those foods which contain phosphate additives have a phosphorus content nearly 70% higher than the samples which did not contain additives. This creates a special concern because this extra amount of phosphorus is almost completely absorbed by the intestinal tract. These hidden phosphates worsen phosphate balance control and increase the need for phosphate binders and related costs. Information and educational programs are essential to make patients with renal disease aware of the existence of foods with phosphate additives. Moreover, these facts highlight the need for national and international authorities to devote more attention to food labels which should clearly report the amount of natural or added phosphorus. Copyright © 2011 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wine by-products: phenolic characterization and antioxidant activity evaluation of grapes and grape pomaces from six different French grape varieties.

PubMed

Ky, Isabelle; Lorrain, Bénédicte; Kolbas, Natallia; Crozier, Alan; Teissedre, Pierre-Louis

2014-01-02

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan Noir, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Alicante Bouchet grape seeds and skins, harvested in 2009 and 2010 in the Rhône valley area of France, and their respective pomaces remaining after vinification, were analyzed for their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. The polyphenol content was quantified by HPLC and the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The antioxidant potential was measured with four different assays: ORAC, FRAP, ABTS and DPPH. Seeds contained higher amounts of total polyphenols, up to 44.5 mg of gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g dry weight in Alicante pomace, than skin extracts. The maximum total phenolic in skins was 31.6 mg GAE/g dry weight detected in 2010 Alicante pomace. Seeds also had the highest antioxidant capacity. HPLC analysis revealed that, despite the vinification process, pomaces still contained an appreciable amount of proanthocyanidins as well as several anthocyanin glycosides. Alicante and Syrah proved to be the varieties of most interest in terms of their potential development for nutraceutical purposes.

Flavanol binding of nuclei from tree species.

PubMed

Feucht, W; Treutter, D; Polster, J

2004-01-01

Light microscopy was used to examine the nuclei of five tree species with respect to the presence of flavanols. Flavanols develop a blue colouration in the presence of a special p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMACA) reagent that enables those nuclei loaded with flavanols to be recognized. Staining of the nuclei was most pronounced in both Tsuga canadensis and Taxus baccata, variable in Metasequoia glyptostroboides, faint in Coffea arabica and minimal in Prunus avium. HPLC analysis showed that the five species contained substantial amounts of different flavanols such as catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins. Quantitatively, total flavanols were quite different among the species. The nuclei themselves, as studied in Tsuga seed wings, were found to contain mainly catechin, much lower amounts of epicatechin and traces of proanthocyanidins. Blue-coloured nuclei located centrally in small cells were often found to maximally occupy up to 90% of a cell's radius, and the surrounding small rim of cytoplasm was visibly free of flavanols. A survey of 34 gymnosperm and angiosperm species indicated that the first group has much higher nuclear binding capacities for flavanols than the second group.

Amino acid composition in determination of collagen origin and assessment of physical factors effects.

PubMed

Gauza-Włodarczyk, Marlena; Kubisz, Leszek; Włodarczyk, Dariusz

2017-11-01

The amino acid composition of collagen is a characteristic feature of this protein. Collagen, irrespective of its origin, contains 19 amino acids, including hydroxyproline which does not occur in other proteins. Its atypical amino acid composition is characterized by high content of proline and glycine, as well as the absence of cysteine. This paper shows the comparison of qualitative composition of amino acids of fish skin (FS) collagen, bovine Achilles tendon (BAT) collagen, and bone collagen. Results demonstrate that FS collagen as well as BAT collagen contains no cysteine and significantly different amount of hydroxyproline. In BAT collagen hydroxyproline content is 30% higher than hydroxyproline content of FS collagen. In bone collagen the amount of hydroxyproline is two times more than in FS collagen. Furthermore, it is shown that sensitivity to radiation of individual amino acids varies and depends on the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation. The changes observed in the amino acid composition become very intense for the doses of 500kGy and 1000kGy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning the Functional Properties of Bitter Vetch (Vicia ervilia) Protein Films Grafted with Spermidine

PubMed Central

Roviello, Valentina; Sabbah, Mohammed

2017-01-01

Bitter vetch protein films containing positively charged spermidine, alone or with low amounts of glycerol, showed high tensile strength that progressively decreased by increasing the plasticizer concentration. Accordingly, lower film elongation at break and higher Young’s module values were detected in the presence of the polyamine without or with small amounts of glycerol. These data suggest that spermidine not only acts as a plasticizer itself by ionically interacting with proteins, but that it also facilitates glycerol-dependent reduction of the intermolecular forces along the protein chains, consequently improving the film flexibility and extensibility. Thus, spermidine may be considered not only as a primary, but also as a secondary plasticizer because of its ability to enhance glycerol plasticizing performance. Such double behavior of the polyamine was confirmed by the film permeability tests, since spermidine increased the barrier properties to gases and water vapor, while glycerol emphasized this effect at low concentrations but led to its marked reversal at high concentrations. Film microscopic images also substantiated these findings, showing more compact, cohesive, and homogeneous matrices in all spermidine-containing films. PMID:29292733

Effect of nonionic compound emulsifiers Tween80 and Span80 on the properties of microencapsulated phase change materials.

PubMed

Zhan, Shiping; Zhou, Zhiyi; Wang, Weijing; Zhao, Qicheng; Hou, Weimin

2014-01-01

In this article, the nonionic compound emulsifiers Tween80 and Span80 were used to prepare microcapsules containing phase change materials (microPCMs) with melamine-formaldehyde (MF) shells by in situ polymerization method. The effects of compound emulsifiers Tween80 and Span80 on the structure, morphologies and properties of microPCMs containing paraffin were studied. SEM morphological investigation suggests that a complex of Tween80 and Span80 as emulsifiers are optimal for the fabrication of microPCMs in this study compared to Tween60 or OP-10. The diameter distributions of microPCMs synthesized with different amounts of compound emulsifiers are uniform, whereas compound emulsifiers' amount affect the mean diameter of microPCMs decreasing from 5.34 to 3.05 µm. These microPCMs with the core/shell weight ratio 3/1 have smoother surface and a higher core content of 68.7% than other core/shell ratio. Anti-osmosis measurements indicate that microPCMs have good compactness and stable performance compared to those synthesized by one type of emulsifier.

Pollutant formation in the pyrolysis and combustion of materials combining biomass and e-waste.

PubMed

Soler, Aurora; Conesa, Juan A; Iñiguez, María E; Ortuño, Nuria

2018-05-01

Combustion and pyrolysis runs at 850°C were carried out in a laboratory scale horizontal reactor with different materials combining biomass and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Analyses are presented of the carbon oxides, light hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated benzenes (ClBzs), polychlorinated phenols (ClPhs), polybrominated phenols (BrPhs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Results showed that gas emissions were mainly composed of CO and CO 2 ; the high level of CO found in the pyrolytic runs was easily transformed into CO 2 by reaction with oxygen. The total amount of light hydrocarbons emitted was higher in the samples containing WEEE, methane being the most abundant light hydrocarbon in all the runs. However, the presence of WEEE reduced the emission of PAHs which decreased with the increase of the oxygen. The total amount of BrPhs increased in the decomposition of the samples containing WEEE, reaching its maximum in pyrolysis runs. Emission of PCDD/Fs was enhanced in pyrolytic conditions and easily decreased in the presence of oxygen. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ashraf-Khorassani, M.; Taylor, L.T.

The solubilities of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and wax have been measured in supercritical carbon dioxide (Co{sub 2}) at three pressures and temperatures under static conditions. The concentrations of each component were determined off-line via ultraviolet (TNT) and evaporative light scattering (wax) detection. The solubility of TNT was an order of magnitude higher than that of wax. Gas chromatographic assay of the wax extract revealed that only the lower molecular weight components dissolved. Fractionation of the TNT and wax from an explosive material referred to as Composition B was attempted by making incremental increases in CO{sub 2} density. Composition B contains 59.5%more » cyclotrimethylene triamine (RDX), 39.5% TNT, and 1% wax. While TNT and Wax could be easily isolated from nitramine TDX, attempts to separate TNT from wax were not totally successful. More specifically, the initial fractions contained the lower molecular weight wax components in addition to major amounts of TNT. Since the percentage of TNT was approximately 50 times the amount of wax, later fractions were 100% TNT although most of the TNT was removed at the lower densities.« less

Determination of purine contents in different parts of pork and beef by high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Rong, Shengzhong; Zou, Lina; Zhang, Yannan; Zhang, Guangteng; Li, Xiaoxia; Li, Miaojing; Yang, Fenghua; Li, Chunmei; He, Yingjuan; Guan, Hongjun; Guo, Yupeng; Wang, Dong; Cui, Xinyu; Ye, Hongting; Liu, Fenghai; Pan, Hongzhi; Yang, Yuexin

2015-03-01

Determination of adenine, hypoxanthine, guanine and xanthine in different parts of pork and beef using high performance liquid chromatography was described. Chromatographic separation was carried out on Waters Atlantis T3 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm × 5 μm) with column temperature at 30 °C. The mobile phase contained 99% 10.0 mmol/L ammonium formate solution at pH 3.6 and 1.0% methanol. Chromatography was achieved at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and detection wavelength at 254 nm. The results indicated that total purine amounts in pork rump and beef sirloin were higher than those in other parts (P<0.05). The principal purine bases were hypoxanthine and adenine, and hypoxanthine content was the most highest in all samples (P<0.05). As pork rump and beef sirloin contain considerable amounts of total purine and uricogenic purine base, we suggest that excess consumption of them be avoid, whereas pork loin chop and beef rib eye are more suitable for a low-purine diet. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oil-water separation property of polymer-contained wastewater from polymer-flooding oilfields in Bohai Bay, China.

PubMed

Chen, Hua-xing; Tang, Hong-ming; Duan, Ming; Liu, Yi-gang; Liu, Min; Zhao, Feng

2015-01-01

In this study, the effects of gravitational settling time, temperature, speed and time of centrifugation, flocculant type and dosage, bubble size and gas amount were investigated. The results show that the simple increase in settling time and temperature is of no use for oil-water separation of the three wastewater samples. As far as oil-water separation efficiency is concerned, increasing centrifugal speed and centrifugal time is highly effective for L sample, and has a certain effect on J sample, but is not valid for S sample. The flocculants are highly effective for S and L samples, and the oil-water separation efficiency increases with an increase in the concentration of inorganic cationic flocculants. There exist critical reagent concentrations for the organic cationic and the nonionic flocculants, wherein a higher or lower concentration of flocculant would cause a decrease in the treatment efficiency. Flotation is an effective approach for oil-water separation of polymer-contained wastewater from the three oilfields. The oil-water separation efficiency can be enhanced by increasing floatation agent concentration, flotation time and gas amount, and by decreasing bubble size.

Use of human wastes oxidized to different degrees in cultivation of higher plants on the soil-like substrate intended for closed ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tikhomirov, A. A.; Kudenko, Yu. A.; Ushakova, S. A.; Tirranen, L. S.; Gribovskaya, I. A.; Gros, J.-B.; Lasseur, Ch.

2010-09-01

To close mass exchange loops in bioregenerative life support systems more efficiently, researchers of the Institute of Biophysics SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk, Russia) have developed a procedure of wet combustion of human wastes and inedible parts of plants using H 2O 2 in alternating electromagnetic field. Human wastes pretreated in this way can be used as nutrient solutions to grow plants in the phototrophic unit of the LSS. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities of using human wastes oxidized to different degrees to grow plants cultivated on the soil-like substrate (SLS). The treated human wastes were analyzed to test their sterility. Then we investigated the effects produced by human wastes oxidized to different degrees on growth and development of wheat plants and on the composition of microflora in the SLS. The irrigation solution contained water, substances extracted from the substrate, and certain amounts of the mineralized human wastes. The experiments showed that the human wastes oxidized using reduced amounts of 30% H 2O 2: 1 ml/g of feces and 0.25 ml/ml of urine were still sterile. The experiments with wheat plants grown on the SLS and irrigated by the solution containing treated human wastes in the amount simulating 1/6 of the daily diet of a human showed that the degree of oxidation of human wastes did not significantly affect plant productivity. On the other hand, the composition of the microbiota of irrigation solutions was affected by the oxidation level of the added metabolites. In the solutions supplemented with partially oxidized metabolites yeast-like microscopic fungi were 20 times more abundant than in the solutions containing fully oxidized metabolites. Moreover, in the solutions containing incompletely oxidized human wastes the amounts of phytopathogenic bacteria and denitrifying microorganisms were larger. Thus, insufficiently oxidized sterile human wastes added to the irrigation solutions significantly affect the composition of the microbiological component of these solutions, which can ultimately unbalance the system as a whole.

Clovamide and Flavonoids from Leaves of Trifolium pratense and T. pratense subsp. nivale Grown in Italy.

PubMed

Tava, Aldo; Pecio, Łukasz; Stochmal, Anna; Pecetti, Luciano

2015-06-01

The phenolic content and composition in leaves of Trifolium pratense (red clover) and T. pratense subsp. nivale (snow clover) grown in Italy were evaluated by means of ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors. Compound identification was based on UV and MS data comparing results with those of reference compounds. Quantitative evaluation of all detected compounds was based on calibration curves obtained with available standards. Several phenolics were identified in both extracts, including clovamide, flavonols and isoflavones as their glycosilated and malonated derivatives. The total phenolic content was higher in red clover (53.7 ± 2.2 mg/g dry weight) than in snow clover (44.4 ± 4.9 mg/g dry weight). Red clover contained higher amounts of clovamide and isoflavones (15.6 ± 0.6 and 24.6 ± 1.6 mg/g dry weight, respectively) than snow clover (8.2 ± 0.1 mg/g and 16.9 ± 0.4 mg/g dry weight, respectively), while flavonols were quantified almost in the same amount in both extracts (13.2 ± 0.6 mg/g and 15.8 ± 0.6 mg/g dry weight in red clover and snow clover, respectively). Red clover was characterized by the presence of quercetin, formononetin and biochanin A derivatives as the most abundant flavonoids, whereas snow clover was characterized by higher amounts of quercetin and prunetin derivatives. This investigation, conducted for the first time on phenolics from T. pratense subsp. nivale, revealed the presence in this plant of several flavonoid derivatives the same as in T. pratense. The higher amount of prunetin in snow clover suggest a possible role of this isoflavone as a chemotaxonomic marker for this subspecies. Moreover, snow clover may represent an interesting new source of natural isoflavones with a different concentration pattern than in red clover.

Effects of low doses of caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in low and higher caffeine consumers.

PubMed

Smit, H J; Rogers, P J

2000-10-01

Caffeine is present in many widely consumed drinks and some foods. In the fairly extensive literature on the psychostimulant effects of caffeine, there are few dose-response studies and even fewer studies of the effects of doses of caffeine lower than 50 mg (the range of the amounts of caffeine contained in, for example, a typical serving of tea or cola). This study measured the effects of 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and thirst in adults with low and moderate to high habitual caffeine intakes. This was a double-blind, within-subjects study. Following overnight caffeine abstinence, participants (n=23) completed a test battery once before and three times after placebo or caffeine administration. The test battery consisted of two performance tests, a long duration simple reaction time task and a rapid visual information processing task, and a mood questionnaire (including also an item on thirst). Effects on performance and mood confirmed a psychostimulant action of caffeine. All doses of caffeine significantly affected cognitive performance, and the dose-response relationships for these effects were rather flat. The effects on performance were more marked in individuals with a higher level of habitual caffeine intake, whereas caffeine increased thirst only in low caffeine consumers. After overnight caffeine abstinence, caffeine can significantly affect cognitive performance, mood and thirst at doses within and even lower than the range of amounts of caffeine contained in a single serving of popular caffeine-containing drinks. Regular caffeine consumers appear to show substantial tolerance to the thirst-increasing but not to the performance and mood effects of caffeine.

Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and in vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Fruit Wines

PubMed Central

Ljevar, Ana; Tomašević, Marina; Radošević, Kristina; Srček, Višnja Gaurina; Ganić, Karin Kovačević

2016-01-01

Summary Fruit wines contain a wide range of phenolic compounds with biological effects, but their composition and potential benefits to human health have been studied to the much lesser extent compared to grape wines. The aim of this research is to study the phenolic profile of different types of fruit wines and to evaluate their antioxidant and biological potential. Commercially available fruit wines from blackberry, cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant, strawberry and apple produced in Croatia were analyzed. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first comprehensive screening of Croatian fruit wines. The phenolic characterization was performed by spectrophotometry and HPLC-PDA/MS analysis. The antioxidant capacity was determined using ABTS and FRAP assays, while in vitro biological activity was analyzed by the cytotoxicity assay on human breast (MCF-7), colon (CaCo-2) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. Among the studied fruit wines, blackberry, cherry and blackcurrant wines contained the highest amount of total phenolics, while the last two also contained the highest amount of total anthocyanins. The analysis of individual phenolic compounds showed distinctive phenolic composition of each type of fruit wine, notably as regards anthocyanins. Blackberry, followed by cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant wines also had a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than strawberry and apple wines. Fruit wines inhibited the growth of human cancer cells in vitro in a dose--dependent manner with differing susceptibility among tested cancer cells. Blackberry, cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant wines in the volume ratio of 10 and 20% showed to be the most effective anti-proliferative agents, with higher susceptibility in HeLa and MCF-7 cells than CaCo-2 cells. PMID:27904404

Allergenicity of milk of different animal species in relation to human milk.

PubMed

Pastuszka, Robert; Barłowska, Joanna; Litwińczuk, Zygmunt

2016-12-31

Protein content in cow milk (with over 20 proteins, and peptides may also occur as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis) ranges from 2.5% to 4.2% and is about 1.5-2 times higher than in human milk. Its most important allergens are considered to be β-lactoglobulin (absent in human milk) and αs1-casein. The most similar in composition to human milk is horse and donkey milk. It contains considerably more whey proteins (35-50%) than cow milk (about 20%), and the concentration of the most allergenic casein fraction αs1 is 1.5-2.5 g/l. In comparison, the content of αs1-casein in cow milk is about 10 g/l. β-lactoglobulin present in donkey milk is a monomer, while in milk of ruminants it is a dimer. Like human milk, it contains a substantial amount of lactose (about 7%), which determines its flavour and facilitates calcium absorption. The high lysozyme content (about 1 g/l) gives it antibacterial properties (compared to trace amounts in ruminants). Camel milk is also more digestible and induces fewer allergic reactions, because it lacks β-lactoglobulin, and its β-casein has a different structure. It also contains (compared to cow milk) more antibacterial substances such as lysozyme, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, and furthermore the number of immunoglobulins is compatible with human ones. Goat milk components have a higher degree of assimilability as compared to cow milk. Its main protein is β-casein, with total protein content depending on the αs1-casein genetic variant. Goats with the '0' variant do not synthesize this allergenic protein. Clinical and immunochemical studies indicate, however, that it cannot be a substitute for cow milk without the risk of an anaphylactic reaction.

Development of soft extraction method for structural characterization of boreal forest soil proteins with MALDI-TOF/MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanerva, Sanna; Ketola, Raimo A.; Kitunen, Veikko; Smolander, Aino; Kotiaho, Tapio

2010-05-01

Nitrogen (N) is usually the nutrient restricting productivity in boreal forests. Forest soils contain a great amount of nitrogen, but only a small part of it is in mineral form. Most part of soil N is bound in the structures of different organic compounds such as proteins, peptides, amino acids and more stabilized, refractory compounds. Due to the fact that soil organic N has a very important role in soil nutrient cycling and in plant nutrition, there is a need for more detailed knowledge of its chemistry in soil. Conventional methods to extract and analyze soil organic N are usually very destructive for structures of higher molecular weight organic compounds, such as proteins. The aim of this study was to characterize proteins extracted from boreal forest soil by "soft" extraction methods in order to maintain their molecular structure. The organic layer (F) from birch forest floor containing 78% of organic matter was sieved, freeze dried, pulverized, and extracted with a citrate or phosphate buffer (pH 6 or 8). Sequential extraction with the citrate or phosphate buffer and an SDS buffer (pH 6.8), slightly modified from the method of Chen et al. (2009, Proteomics 9: 4970-4973), was also done. Proteins were purified from the soil extract by extraction with buffered phenol and precipitated with methanol + 0.1M ammonium acetate at -20°C. Characterization of proteins was performed with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) and the concentration of total proteins was measured using Bradford's method. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a positive control in the extractions and as a standard protein in Bradford's method. Our results showed that sequential extraction increased the amount of extracted proteins compared to the extractions without the SDS-buffer; however, it must be noted that the use of SDS-buffer very probably increased denaturization of proteins. Purification of proteins from crude soil extracts by phenol extraction was essential prior to measurement of total proteins; there seemed to be a lot of compounds in crude soil extracts that interfere with the analysis of total proteins, causing overestimation in protein concentration. pH of the buffer solution did not seem to be very crucial for the extractability of soil natural proteins, but at the higher pH, the amount of interfering compounds increased. However, the recovery of BSA added was clearly higher at the higher pH. When the protein precipitates were analyzed with MALDI-TOF/MS, a large curve, most likely formed from wide peaks of several compounds, indicate that most of the compounds in the precipitate were <15 kDa or ~20-50 kDa in molecular weight. It seems that in order to identify individual proteins from mass spectra, a separation of compounds with varying molecular weight is needed before the MALDI-TOF/MS analysis. Due to the fact that a relatively high amount of BSA added was not recovered by the extractions and that the intensity of the signals observed in mass spectra was low, it is questionable whether it is possible to extract soil natural proteins effectively from soils containing a high amount of organic matter without destructing the structures of proteins.

BREEDING EXPERIMENTS ON MEDICINAL PLANTS. 27. ROENTGEN MUTATIONS AND ACTIVE SUBSTANCE CONTENT IN DATURA (in German)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steinegger, E.; Zbinden, F.

1961-10-01

The changes in alkaloid content of the Datura stramonium var. godronii are considered. About 1000 plants cultivated from irradiated and nonlrradiated seeds were examined for changes in total alkaloid content. In about 1.5% of the plants the alknloid content changed considerably, the decreases being more marked than the increases. Completely alkaloid-free plants, however, were not produced, in spite of the fact that occasionally the alkaloid content was so low that it could no longer be determined. There were two groups of mutants with increased alkaloid content. Some pharmaceutically important plants with higher total alkaloid production per plant and with loweredmore » alkaloid drug yield had double chromosome numbers and proved to be autotetraploid. However, the alkaloid contents of these plants were not higher than those of the artificially cultivated polyploids. The alkaloid content was evaluated by paper chromatography, which made possible the extraction of minute amounts of water- soluble basic amines as well as preventing the secondary changes of alkaloids. New alkaloids were not detected. Scopolamine content was found to decrease with age of the plant. In some mutants a reciprocal change in the amounts of some alkaloids could be demonstrated. A mutant containing a large amount of cuskohygrine was detected. (BBB)« less

[Changes in molecular forms of sex hormone binding globulin during menstrual cycle and menopause].

PubMed

Fonseca, M E; Masón, M; Ochoa, R; Hernández-V, M; Zárate, A

1996-11-01

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein that transports mainly androgens and estrogens regulating the amount of free and bound hormone which in turn plays a role in the metabolic balance. It is also known that estrogens increase the hepatic production of SHBG which circulates in various molecular forms containing different amounts of sialic acid as the main component of carbohydrates. In the present work we studied physiological variations of molecular forms of SHBG during the normal menstrual cycle and the menopause. During the follicular phase the form 54 KD was the predominant variant, in the periovulatory period was isomers 90 KD, and during the luteal phase corresponded to both 54 and 90 KD. In the menopause dimeric form of 90 KD corresponded to the major proportion and was present a higher molecular forms of 115-135 KD. Following estrogen therapy the chromatographic profile changed as to that observed during the menstrual cycle. Important changes in the proportion of sialic acid were observed in each of the phases of menstrual cycle and following estrogen replacement. And increase in the amount of sialic acid corresponded to higher estrogen concentrations. It is concluded that SHBG concentrations varies during the menstrual cycle according the estrogen levels which in addition regulates the proportion of molecular forms and sialic acid containt.

Patterns of binding of aluminum-containing adjuvants to Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal group C conjugate vaccines and components

PubMed Central

Otto, Robert B.D.; Burkin, Karena; Amir, Saba Erum; Crane, Dennis T.; Bolgiano, Barbara

2015-01-01

The basis of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (MenC) glycoconjugates binding to aluminum-containing adjuvants was studied. By measuring the amount of polysaccharide and protein in the non-adsorbed supernatant, the adjuvant, aluminum phosphate, AlPO4, was found to be less efficient than aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)3 at binding to the conjugates, at concentrations relevant to licensed vaccine formulations and when equimolar. At neutral pH, binding of TT conjugates to AlPO4 was facilitated through the carrier protein, with only weak binding of AlPO4 to CRM197 being observed. There was slightly higher binding of either adjuvant to tetanus toxoid conjugates, than to CRM197 conjugates. This was verified in AlPO4 formulations containing DTwP–Hib, where the adsorption of TT-conjugated Hib was higher than CRM197-conjugated Hib. At neutral pH, the anionic Hib and MenC polysaccharides did not appreciably bind to AlPO4, but did bind to Al(OH)3, due to electrostatic interactions. Phosphate ions reduced the binding of the conjugates to the adjuvants. These patterns of adjuvant adsorption can form the basis for future formulation studies with individual and combination vaccines containing saccharide-protein conjugates. PMID:26194164

PREPARATION OF URANIUM TRIOXIDE

DOEpatents

Buckingham, J.S.

1959-09-01

The production of uranium trioxide from aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate is discussed. The uranium trioxide is produced by adding sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound, such as thiourea, sulfamic acid, sulfuric acid, and ammonium sulfate, to the uranyl solution in an amount of about 0.5% by weight of the uranyl nitrate hexahydrate, evaporating the solution to dryness, and calcining the dry residue. The trioxide obtained by this method furnished a dioxide with a considerably higher reactivity with hydrogen fluoride than a trioxide prepared without the sulfur additive.

Effect of different packaging materials containing poly-[2-(tert-butylamino) methylstyrene] on the growth of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria on fresh meat.

PubMed

Dohlen, S; Braun, C; Brodkorb, F; Fischer, B; Ilg, Y; Kalbfleisch, K; Lorenz, R; Kreyenschmidt, M; Kreyenschmidt, J

2017-09-18

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of novel antimicrobial packaging materials containing poly-[2-(tertbutylamino) methylstyrene] (poly(TBAMS)) on the growth of typical spoilage and pathogenic bacteria present on meat. The antimicrobial activity of materials containing different poly(TBAMS) concentrations was determined by comparing the bacterial counts on reference and sample materials at different temperatures and times and in the presence of meat components. Storage tests with poultry fillets and veal cutlets were conducted with samples vacuum packaged in the reference foil and foil containing 10% poly(TBAMS). After specific time intervals, typical spoilage microorganisms, total viable count (TVC), sensory changes and pH value were analysed. The results of the different poly(TBAMS) containing packaging materials showed an increase of the antimicrobial activity with an increasing amount of poly(TBAMS) in the base polymer. A high antimicrobial activity against inoculum of spoilage and pathogenic organisms typical for meat products was detected of a multilayer foil containing 10% poly(TBAMS) in the inner layer after 24h at 7°C. Gram positive-bacteria were more sensitive to poly(TBAMS) foil than gram-negative bacteria. In storage tests however, over the entire storage, a significant effect of this poly(TBAMS) foil on microbial growth on chicken breast fillets and veal cutlets could not be identified. Poly(TBAMS) packaging materials showed very good antimicrobial properties against a wide range of bacteria. However, for a significant inhibition of microbial growth on fresh meat, a higher amount of poly(TBAMS) was necessary to prolong the shelf life of meat. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of additives on release and in vitro skin retention of flavonoids from emulsion and gel semisolid formulations.

PubMed

Dyja, R; Jankowski, A

2017-08-01

To assess the effect of two different additives (propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400)) on release and in vitro skin retention of quercetin and chrysin from semisolid bases (amphiphilic creams and acidic carbomer gels). For obtaining semisolid formulations, flavonoids were pre-dissolved in the liquid (PG or PEG 400) or directly suspended in the semisolid base. Three chrysin formulations ('cream 0', 'PG-cream' and 'PEG 400-cream') and five quercetin formulations ('cream 0', 'PG cream', 'PEG 400 cream', 'gel 0' and 'PG gel') were prepared. The release studies were carried out in Franz diffusion cells by means of a cellulose membrane. The porcine ear skin was used in in vitro skin retention studies. The dissolution was a prerequisite to increase the release rates of tested flavonoids from obtained semisolid formulations. The cumulative amount of chrysin released after 6 h from 'PEG 400 cream' containing partly dissolved form of that flavonoid was higher than that from 'cream 0' or 'PG cream' containing its suspended form. The formulations containing quercetin dissolved in PG ('PG cream', 'PG gel') or PEG 400 ('PEG 400 cream') exhibited higher release rates of that flavonoid than corresponding semisolid suspensions ('cream 0' or 'gel 0'). The effects of both liquid additives (PG and PEG 400) on the cumulative amount of quercetin released after 6 h were comparable. However, there was no correlation between the release rate and the skin retention. The amounts of the flavonoids found in the skin were strongly affected by the type of the used solvent. While PG increased the skin retention of both flavonoids, PEG 400 had no effect on chrysin skin retention and delayed quercetin skin absorption. The proper choice of the solvent added to the semisolid base is crucial for enhanced skin delivery of the tested flavonoids. PG is more efficient absorption promoter than PEG 400 of both chrysin and quercetin. © 2017 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Chimpanzees Sometimes See Fuller as Better: Judgments of Food Quantities Based on Container Size and Fullness

PubMed Central

Parrish, Audrey E.; Beran, Michael J.

2014-01-01

The context in which food is presented can alter quantity judgments leading to sub-optimal choice behavior. Humans often over-estimate food quantity on the basis of how food is presented. Food appears larger if plated on smaller dishes than larger dishes and liquid volumes appear larger in taller cups than shorter cups. Moreover, smaller but fuller containers are preferred in comparison to larger, but less full containers with a truly larger quantity. Here, we assessed whether similar phenomena occur in chimpanzees. Four chimpanzees chose between two amounts of food presented in different sized containers, a large (2 oz.) and small (1 oz.) cup. When different quantities were presented in the same-sized cups or when the small cup contained the larger quantity, chimpanzees were highly accurate in choosing the larger food amount. However, when different-sized cups contained the same amount of food or the smaller cup contained the smaller amount of food (but looked relatively fuller), the chimpanzees often showed a bias to select the smaller but fuller cup. These findings contribute to our understanding of how quantity estimation and portion judgment is impacted by the surrounding context in which it is presented. PMID:24374384

Thermal and electrochemical properties of nonflammable electrolyte solutions containing fluorinated alkylphosphates for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorov, Yanko Marinov; Aoki, Masahiro; Mimura, Hideyuki; Fujii, Kenta; Yoshimoto, Nobuko; Morita, Masayuki

2016-11-01

Nonflammable organic electrolyte solutions containing fluorinated alkylphosphates (FAP) have been examined as safer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Although the ionic conductivity of LiPF6 in neat tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphate (TFEP) solvent is very low, it increases upon the addition of alkyl carbonates such as ethylene carbonate (EC) and fluoroethylene carbonate (4-fluoro-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane, FEC). A specific conductivity of 1 mS cm-1 or higher was obtained at room temperature for the system containing proper amounts of the carbonates and 0.5 M (mol dm-3) LiPF6. A conventional mixed alkylcarbonate-based solution containing LiPF6 showed a sign of considerable exothermic reactions on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) response below 300 °C. However, the LiPF6/TFEP solution showed no significant exothermic response up to 400 °C, even in the presence of charged LiCoO2 (LCO) positive electrode. The addition of an alkylcarbonate to the LiPF6/TFEP solution produced an exothermic response as a result of the thermal decomposition of the carbonate over the charged LCO. However, the temperature at which the exothermic reaction starts was significantly higher in the system containing FEC than that containing EC. The thermal analysis results suggested that the LiPF6/FEC + TFEP combination could work as a safer electrolyte system in LIB under severe conditions.

Evaluation of maillard reaction variables and their effect on heterocyclic amine formation in chemical model systems.

PubMed

Dennis, Cara; Karim, Faris; Smith, J Scott

2015-02-01

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs), highly mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic by-products, form during Maillard browning reactions, specifically in muscle-rich foods. Chemical model systems allow examination of in vitro formation of HCAs while eliminating complex matrices of meat. Limited research has evaluated the effects of Maillard reaction parameters on HCA formation. Therefore, 4 essential Maillard variables (precursors molar concentrations, water amount, sugar type, and sugar amounts) were evaluated to optimize a model system for the study of 4 HCAs: 2-amino-3-methylimidazo-[4,5-f]quinoline, 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, and 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline. Model systems were dissolved in diethylene glycol, heated at 175 °C for 40 min, and separated using reversed-phase liquid chromatography. To define the model system, precursor amounts (threonine and creatinine) were adjusted in molar increments (0.2/0.2, 0.4/0.4, 0.6/0.6, and 0.8/0.8 mmol) and water amounts by percentage (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Sugars (lactose, glucose, galactose, and fructose) were evaluated in several molar amounts proportional to threonine and creatinine (quarter, half, equi, and double). The precursor levels and amounts of sugar were significantly different (P < 0.05) in regards to total HCA formation, with 0.6/0.6/1.2 mmol producing higher levels. Water concentration and sugar type also had a significant effect (P < 0.05), with 5% water and lactose producing higher total HCA amounts. A model system containing threonine (0.6 mmol), creatinine (0.6 mmol), and glucose (1.2 mmol), with 15% water was determined to be the optimal model system with glucose and 15% water being a better representation of meat systems. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Method for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass

DOEpatents

Kuzhiyil, Najeeb M.; Brown, Robert C.; Dalluge, Dustin Lee

2015-08-18

The present invention relates to a method for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass containing alkali and/or alkaline earth metal (AAEM). The method comprises providing a lignocellulosic biomass containing AAEM; determining the amount of the AAEM present in the lignocellulosic biomass; identifying, based on said determining, the amount of a mineral acid sufficient to completely convert the AAEM in the lignocellulosic biomass to thermally-stable, catalytically-inert salts; and treating the lignocellulosic biomass with the identified amount of the mineral acid, wherein the treated lignocellulosic biomass contains thermally-stable, catalytically inert AAEM salts.

The three subtypes of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors are expressed in the rat adrenal gland.

PubMed

Grandclément, B; Ronsin, B; Morel, G

1997-03-01

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) actions are mediated by highly selective and specific receptors. Three subtypes have been characterized and cloned: ANP receptor-A (or GC-A), -B (or GC-B) and -C (the so-called clearance receptor). In rat adrenal gland, the mRNA for each subtype was detected using 35S-dUTP or digoxigenin-11-dUTP specific labeled probes, and in situ hybridization at light and electron microscopic levels respectively. The three subtypes were expressed the most abundantly in the zona glomerulosa. The amount of GC-A mRNA expression, quantified using macro-autoradiography and densitometry, was higher than the amounts of GC-B mRNA and ANPR-C mRNA both in zona glomerulosa and medullary of adrenal gland. At electron microscopic level, the three subtypes of ANPR were revealed in glomerulosa cells. A noticeable signal was also present in the medullary area, especially for GC-A mRNA, in adrenaline-containing chromaffin cells. No signal was detected in noradrenaline-containing chromaffin cells. The subcellular localization of the three mRNAs is similar: in the cytoplasmic matrix and in the euchromatin of the nucleus in each cell of glomerulosa, and in the same compartments of the adrenaline-containing chromaffin cells. These data indicate that the adrenal gland is an important target tissue for ANP action both in glomerulosa cells and adrenaline-containing chromaffin cells. The mRNA expression levels were different for each ANPR subtype.

Aluminum elution and precipitation in glass vials: effect of pH and buffer species.

PubMed

Ogawa, Toru; Miyajima, Makoto; Wakiyama, Naoki; Terada, Katsuhide

2015-02-01

Inorganic extractables from glass vials may cause particle formation in the drug solution. In this study, the ability of eluting Al ion from borosilicate glass vials, and tendencies of precipitation containing Al were investigated using various pHs of phosphate, citrate, acetate and histidine buffer. Through heating, all of the buffers showed that Si and Al were eluted from glass vials in ratios almost the same as the composition of borosilicate glass, and the amounts of Al and Si from various buffer solutions at pH 7 were in the following order: citrate > phosphate > acetate > histidine. In addition, during storage after heating, the Al concentration at certain pHs of phosphate and acetate buffer solution decreased, suggesting the formation of particles containing Al. In citrate buffer, Al did not decrease in spite of the high elution amount. Considering that the solubility profile of aluminum oxide and the Al eluting profile of borosilicate glass were different, it is speculated that Al ion may be forced to leach into the buffer solution according to Si elution on the surface of glass vials. When Al ions were added to the buffer solutions, phosphate, acetate and histidine buffer showed a decrease of Al concentration during storage at a neutral range of pHs, indicating the formation of particles containing Al. In conclusion, it is suggested that phosphate buffer solution has higher possibility of forming particles containing Al than other buffer solutions.

Evaluation of the proliferation and differentiation behaviors of mesenchymal stem cells with partially converted borate glass containing different amounts of strontium in vitro.

PubMed

Zhu, Yi; Ouyang, Yuanming; Chang, Yi; Luo, Congfeng; Xu, Jun; Zhang, Changqing; Huang, Wenhai

2013-04-01

The objective of this study was to examine the proliferation and differentiation behaviors of different compositions of strontium-containing (from 0-12 mol%) borate glasses with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay revealed that after three days of culturing, the 6Sr group had the highest cell growth rate. Analysis of cell morphology revealed that cells proliferated well near the particles of the samples in all the groups on day 3. On day 7, cells in the 6Sr group demonstrated a higher proliferation rate than other 4 groups under the microscope. When performing the Live-Dead staining experiment, the 6Sr group had the least number of dead cells. Total DNA qualification indicated that the 6Sr group had a statistically higher concentration compared with the remaining groups. It was found that on day 7, compared with the 0Sr group, the core binding factor α1 (Cbfa1) mRNA expression level was significantly higher in the 6Sr, 9Sr and 12Sr groups. On day 14, compared with the 0Sr group, the bone sialoprotein (BSP) mRNA level was significantly higher in the 6Sr group. Additionally, on day 21, the 6Sr and 9Sr groups demonstrated higher osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expression levels compared with the 0Sr group. In the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test, on day 21, the 6Sr group presented a higher activity than the 0Sr group. Further, the number of mineralized nodules per unit in MSCs was measured by Alizarin Red S staining. The results showed that the 6Sr and 9Sr groups had the greatest number of mineralized nodules. Therefore, it could be concluded that borate glasses containing strontium oxide of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 mol% demonstrate a significant level of proliferation when interacting with MSCs. The borate glass containing 6 mol% strontium oxide had the greatest level of proliferation when cultured with MSCs. The borate glass containing 6 and 9 mol% strontium oxide facilitated an improved bone formation ability compared with the remaining two compositions.

Semiconductor superlattice photodetectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chuang, S. L.; Hess, K.; Coleman, J. J.; Leburton, J. P.

1986-01-01

Technical progress made in the study of superlattice photoconductors is summarized and papers submitted for publication are listed. Since the quantum-well regions may contain several subbands, each of which may be occupied by electrons depending on the doping concentrations, it is important to include the multi-subbands in calculating the impact ionization rate. The electrons occupying the higher subbands require a smaller amount of energy to get out of the quantum well; thus, those higher level subband electrons contribute significantly to the impact ionization rate. The results of the subbands have been calculated. Results concerning the nonparabolicity effect of the band structure, the effect of the quantum-well size, and the effect of the band-edge discontinuity and doping are also summarized.

Development of new generation reduced activation ferritic-martenstic steels for advanced fusion reactors

DOE PAGES

Tan, Lizhen; Snead, Lance Lewis; Katoh, Yutai

2016-05-26

International development of reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steels has focused on 9 wt percentage Cr, which primarily contain M 23C 6 (M = Cr-rich) and small amounts of MX (M = Ta/V, X = C/N) precipitates, not adequate to maintain strength and creep resistance above ~500 °C. To enable applications at higher temperatures for better thermal efficiency of fusion reactors, computational alloy thermodynamics coupled with strength modeling have been employed to explore a new generation RAFM steels. The new alloys are designed to significantly increase the amount of MX nanoprecipitates, which are manufacturable through standard and scalable industrial steelmaking methods.more » Preliminary experimental results of the developed new alloys demonstrated noticeably increased amount of MX, favoring significantly improved strength, creep resistance, and Charpy impact toughness as compared to current RAFM steels. Furthermore, the strength and creep resistance were comparable or approaching to the lower bound of, but impact toughness was noticeably superior to 9–20Cr oxide dispersion-strengthened ferritic alloys.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tan, Lizhen; Snead, Lance Lewis; Katoh, Yutai

International development of reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steels has focused on 9 wt percentage Cr, which primarily contain M 23C 6 (M = Cr-rich) and small amounts of MX (M = Ta/V, X = C/N) precipitates, not adequate to maintain strength and creep resistance above ~500 °C. To enable applications at higher temperatures for better thermal efficiency of fusion reactors, computational alloy thermodynamics coupled with strength modeling have been employed to explore a new generation RAFM steels. The new alloys are designed to significantly increase the amount of MX nanoprecipitates, which are manufacturable through standard and scalable industrial steelmaking methods.more » Preliminary experimental results of the developed new alloys demonstrated noticeably increased amount of MX, favoring significantly improved strength, creep resistance, and Charpy impact toughness as compared to current RAFM steels. Furthermore, the strength and creep resistance were comparable or approaching to the lower bound of, but impact toughness was noticeably superior to 9–20Cr oxide dispersion-strengthened ferritic alloys.« less

A novel benzimidazole-functionalized 2-D COF material: synthesis and application as a selective solid-phase extractant for separation of uranium.

PubMed

Li, Juan; Yang, Xiaodan; Bai, Chiyao; Tian, Yin; Li, Bo; Zhang, Shuang; Yang, Xiaoyu; Ding, Songdong; Xia, Chuanqin; Tan, Xinyu; Ma, Lijian; Li, Shoujian

2015-01-01

A novel COF-based material (COF-COOH) containing large amounts of carboxylic groups was prepared for the first time by using a simple and effective one-step synthetic method, in which the cheap and commercially available raw materials, trimesoyl chloride and p-phenylenediamine, were used. The as-synthesized COF-COOH was modified with previously synthesized 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-benzimidazole (HBI) by "grafting to" method, and a new solid-phase extractant (COF-HBI) with highly efficient sorption performance for uranium(VI) was consequently obtained. A series of characterizations demonstrated that COF-COOH and COF-HBI exhibited great thermostabilities and irradiation stabilities. Sorption behavior of the COF-based materials toward U(VI) was compared in simulated nuclear industrial effluent containing UO2(2+) and 11 undesired ions, and the UO2(2+) sorption amount of COF-HBI was 81 mg g(-1), accounting for approximately 58% of the total sorption amount, which was much higher than the sorption selectivity of COF-COOH to UO2(2+) (39%). Batch sorption experiment results indicated that the uranium(VI) sorption on COF-HBI was a pH dependent, rapid (sorption equilibrium was reached in 30 min), endothermic and spontaneous process. In the most favorable conditions, the equilibrium sorption capacity of the adsorbent for uranium could reach 211 mg g(-1). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multi-block analysis coupled with GC-FID and ATR-MIR for the evaluation of thermal degradation in vegetable oils.

PubMed

Rampazzo, Valéria; Ribeiro, Leomara Floriano; Santos, Poliana Macedo; Ferreira, Maresa Custódio Molinari; Bona, Evandro; Maciel, Giselle Maria; Haminiuk, Charles Windson Isidoro

2018-04-01

The effect of heating in twenty-four different oil samples was evaluated via iodine value (IV), gas chromatography (GC) and mid-infrared (MIR) analyses. Common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA) was applied to distribute the samples according to their most relevant characteristics, thereby revealing the influence of heating on composition. Instrumental analysis indicated a high amount of beneficial fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, in less exploited oils such as chia oil. This oil can present nutritional damage when subjected to high temperatures and is thus less recommended for frying. Conversely, oils containing high amounts of linoleic acid, such as almond and nut oils, as well as those containing equivalent amounts of alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, such as golden flaxseed and flaxseed oils, displayed greater resistance to temperature. The 3008/cm band exhibited greater intensity in oils with a higher degree of unsaturation, such as chia and linseed oils, a phenomenon mainly influenced by the presence of linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids. After heating, there was a decrease in the intensity of this band. The main parameter discriminating the tested oil samples based on CCSWA was the degree of unsaturation. Overall, the employed statistical method was effective in analyzing the data obtained via the applied techniques, revealing the influence of each assessed parameter. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composition of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv «Maltaise demi-sanguine» juice. A comparison between organic and conventional farming.

PubMed

Letaief, Hend; Zemni, Hassen; Mliki, Ahmed; Chebil, Samir

2016-03-01

Juices from conventionally and organically grown Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Maltaise demi-sanguine blood orange were investigated for quality parameters and antioxidant capacity. This blood orange variety is particularly rich in linoleic, linolenic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds. The quantitative determination of these compounds in cv. Maltaise demi-sanguine juice produced under conventional and organic agricultural practices revealed significant differences. The organically grown fruits contained more hesperidin and total fatty acids amounts as well as a higher sugar content and a lower acidity. Conventionally-grown fruit was found to have an increase in antioxidant capacity. In addition to having higher antioxidant activity conventionally-grown fruit had an observed increase in the concentration of phenolic acids and most flavonoids. The results of this study indicated that organically-grown Maltaise demi-sanguine juice contained an increased concentration of hesperidin which has been observed to possess biological activities associated with a healthy life. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What's in your Douglas-fir bark?

Treesearch

M. Gabriela Buamscha; James E. Altland

2008-01-01

Douglas-fir bark is a common waste product of forest industry, and has potential use as a substrate in container nurseries. Douglas-fir bark (DFB) is strongly acidic and contains amounts of phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and manganese within or above the levels recommended for growing container crops. As the pH of DFB decreases, electrical conductivity and amounts...

Saskatoon and wild blueberries have higher anthocyanin contents than other Manitoba berries.

PubMed

Hosseinian, Farah S; Beta, Trust

2007-12-26

Studies have shown that anthocyanins present in berry fruits have some beneficial health effects such as reducing age-associated oxidative stress and possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, six Manitoba berries (wild blueberry, Saskatoon berry, raspberry, chokecherry, strawberry, and seabuckthorn) were studied for their anthocyanin compositions (mg/100 g) on dry weight basis. Saskatoon berry and wild blueberry showed a high content of total anthocyanins (562.4 and 558.3 mg/100 g, respectively) that were not significantly (P>0.05) different from each other. The corresponding values for other berries: raspberry (365.2 mg/100 g), chokecherry (177.39 mg/100 g), and strawberry (97.5 mg/100 g) were significantly different from each other (P<0.05), and the total anthocyanin content of seabuckthorn was negligible (0.84 mg/100 g). Fifteen major anthocyanins were isolated from Manitoba berries. Saskatoon berry and wild blueberry contained higher amounts of delphinidin 3-glucoside (Dp-3-glc), malvidin 3-glucoside (Mv-3-glc), and malvidin 3-galactoside (Mv-3-gal). Dp-3-glc was 263.8 (mg/100 g) in Saskatoon berry and 84.4 (mg/100 g) in wild blueberry, whereas the corresponding values for Mv-3-glc in these berries were 47.4 and 139.6 (mg/100 g), respectively. Raspberry, strawberry, and chokecherry contained higher amounts of cyanidin 3-glucoside (Cy-3-glc), cyanidin 3-rutinoside (Cy-3-rut), and pelargonidin 3-glucoside (Pg-3-glc). The total anthocyanin content of Manitoba fruits followed the order: Saskatoon berry and blueberry (high anthocyanin berries), raspberry and chokecherry (medium anthocyanin berries), strawberry (low anthocyanin berries), and seabuckthorn (negligible anthocyanin berries). This study demonstrated that Saskatoon berries and wild blueberries have high potential value for fruit growers as well as the food and nutraceutical manufacturers because of their high anthocyanin contents.

Effect of antibiotic, Lacto-lase and probiotic addition in chicken feed on protein and fat content of chicken meat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhar, Noor Amiza; Abdullah, Aminah

2015-09-01

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of chicken feed additives (antibiotic, Lacto-lase® and probiotic) on protein and fat content of chicken meat. Chicken fed with control diet (corn-soy based diet) served as a control. The treated diets were added with zinc bacitracin (antibiotic), different amount of Lacto-lase® (a mixture of probiotic and enzyme) and probiotic. Chicken were slaughtered at the age of 43-48 days. Each chicken was divided into thigh, breast, drumstick, drumette and wing. Protein content in chicken meat was determined by using macro-Kjeldahl method meanwhile Soxhlet method was used to analyse fat content. The result of the study showed that the protein content of chicken breast was significantly higher (p≤0.05) while thigh had the lowest protein content (p≤0.05). Antibiotic fed chicken was found to have the highest protein content among the treated chickens but there was no significant different with 2g/kg Lacto-lase® fed chicken (p>0.05). All thighs were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in fat content except for drumette of control chicken while breast contained the lowest fat content compared to other chicken parts studied. The control chicken meat contained significantly higher (p≤0.05) amount of fat compared to the other treated chickens. Chicken fed with 2g/kg Lacto-lase® had the lowest (p≤0.05) fat content. The result of this study indicated that the addition of Lacto-lase® as a replacement of antibiotic in chicken feed will not affect the content of protein and fat of chicken meat.

Liver cholesterol concentrations in mice fed diets containing various sources of fat, carbohydrates or fiber.

PubMed

Beynen, A C; Klaasen, H L; Koopman, J P; Fielmich-Bouman, A M; Lemmens, A G

1989-01-01

Liver cholesterol concentrations were measured in mice after feeding for 30 days cholesterol-free, semipurified diets containing various sources of fat, carbohydrates or fiber. Olive oil produced significantly higher liver cholesterol concentrations than tallow, sunflowerseed oil and cocoa fat. In mice fed either fructose or sucrose liver cholesterol was significantly increased when compared with mice fed galactose or lactose. Dietary cellulose, when compared with pectin, did not influence liver cholesterol. The amount of fat in the diet, in the form of either corn oil or coconut fat, had no significant effect on liver cholesterol. It is concluded that the type of carbohydrate and fat in the diet are major determinants of liver cholesterol in mice.

Coaxial nanofibers containing TiO2 in the shell for water treatment applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kizildag, N.; Geltmeyer, J.; Ucar, N.; De Buysser, K.; De Clerck, K.

2017-10-01

In recent years, the basic electrospinning setup has undergone many modifications carried out to enhance the quality and improve the functionality of the resulting nanofibers. Being one of these modifications, coaxial electrospinning has attracted great attention. It enables to use different materials in nanofiber production and produce multi-layered and functional nanofibers in one step. In this study, TiO2 has been added to the shell layer of coaxial nanofibers to develop functional nanofibers which may be used in water treatment applications. The coaxial nanofibers containing TiO2 in the shell layer are compared to uniaxial nanofibers containing TiO2 in bulk fiber structure, regarding their morphology and photocatalytic activity. Uniform uniaxial and coaxial nanofibers with TiO2 were obtained. The average nanofiber diameter of coaxial nanofibers were higher. Coaxial nanofibers, which contained lower amount of TiO2, displayed similar performance to uniaxial nanofibers with TiO2 in terms of photocatalytic degradation ability against isoproturon.

Isolation and characterization of bacterium producing lipid from short-chain fatty acids.

PubMed

Okamura, Yoshiko; Nakai, Shota; Ohkawachi, Masahiko; Suemitsu, Masahiro; Takahashi, Hirokazu; Aki, Tsunehiro; Matsumura, Yukihiko; Tajima, Takahisa; Nakashimada, Yutaka; Matsumoto, Mitsufumi

2016-02-01

Anaerobic fermentation generates propionic acid, which inhibits microbial growth and accumulates in wastewater containing increased amounts of organic matter. We therefore isolated a propionic acid-assimilating bacterium that could produce triacylglycerol, for use in wastewater treatment. Nitratireductor sp. strain OM-1 can proliferate in medium containing propionic, acetic, butyric, and valeric acids as well as glycerol, and produces triacylglycerol when both propionic and acetic acids or glycerol are present. In composite model wastewater containing acetic acid, propionic acid and glycerol, this strain shows an even higher conversion rate, suggesting that it is suitable for wastewater treatment. Further, nitrogen depletion in medium containing an acetic-propionic acid mixture resulted in the production of the light oil 2-butenoic acid 1-methylethyl ester, but not triacylglycerol. Collectively, our data indicate that strain OM-1 has the potential to reduce accumulation of activated sludge in wastewater treatment and may contribute to the production of biodiesel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Content of methylated inositols in familiar edible plants.

PubMed

Negishi, Osamu; Mun'im, Abdul; Negishi, Yukiko

2015-03-18

Familiar plants contain large amounts of inositols; soybean, white clover, red clover, bush clover, locust tree, wisteria, and kudzu of the legume family contain pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol) at approximately 200-600 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). The contents of pinitol in other plants were 260 mg/100 g FW for sticky mouse-ear, 275 mg/100 g FW for chickweed, and 332 mg/100 g FW for ginkgo. chiro-Inositol of 191 and 156 mg/100 g FW was also found in dandelion and Japanese mallotus, respectively. Ononitol (4-O-methyl-myo-inositol) of 166 mg/100 g FW was found in sticky mouse-ear. Furthermore, young leaves of ginkgo contained sequoyitol (5-O-methyl-myo-inositol) of 287 mg/100 g FW. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of the methylated inositols were higher than those of the original inositols. Effective uses of these familiar edible plants are expected to promote good health.

[Assessment of nutrition of seamen and fishermen].

PubMed

Babicz-Zielińska, E; Zabrocki, R

1998-01-01

The work was aimed at determining the food intake for seamen of the Polish Marine and fishermen. The research was carried out on the 55 sea-going vessels and 36 deep-sea fishing ships. The average food intake was determined and the daily calorie intake calculated. The quality assessment of the 112 week menus was made. The excessive consumption of eggs, meats and sausages, butter and sour milk, and processed vegetables and potatoes was determined. The recommended calorie intake in the diet was highly surpassed. The portion of energy derived from fats was higher, and that from carbohydrates lower than recommended. The menus were negatively evaluated, with no menu reported as very good or good, mainly because of insufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits, monotony in choice of products and an excessive use of frying and baking to prepare the meats. The present research showed that the food intake was incorrect in both amount and quality of foods, and a nutritional value of the diet. The calorie intake was substantially surpassing the recommended value that was originated mainly from very high intake of the fats. The diet contained higher, than recommended, amount of food rich in cholesterol and saturated fats. The intake of food, rich in complex carbohydrates and calcium, was insufficient, and acidifying products were predominant in the diet. The present food intake can result in overweight and obesity, coronary and heart diseases, liver and stomach diseases. The change in food intake by and increase in amount of cereals, milk and dairy products, and vegetable fats, and decrease in amount of meats and sausages, butter and sour cream, and eggs is recommended. The daily calorie intake should be lowered.

Occurrence of fibronectin-fibrin complexes in plasma of patients with multimorbidity due to the inflamm-aging phenomenon.

PubMed

Pupek, Małgorzata; Pawłowicz, Robert; Lindner, Karolina; Krzyżanowska-Gołąb, Dorota; Lemańska-Perek, Anna; Panaszek, Bernard; Kątnik-Prastowska, Iwona

2016-05-01

Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of chronic diseases associated with low-grade chronic inflammation of connective tissue. Frequency of occurrence and relative amounts of fibronectin (FN) complexes with fibrin (FN-fibrin) and FN monomer were analyzed in 130 plasma samples of 18 to 94-year-old multimorbid patients in relation to concentrations of FN and extra domain A (EDA)-FN, and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as to age, number of coexisting chronic diseases and presence of specified diseases. Immunoblotting revealed, besides FN dimer, the presence of FN monomer, and 750-, 1000-, and 1300-kDa FN-fibrin complexes in the multimorbid plasmas. The FN-fibrin complexes appeared more frequently and in higher relative amounts, but FN monomer less frequently and in a lower relative amount in the groups of elderly multimorbid patients, with a higher number of coexisting diseases and with dominance of cardiovascular diseases and osteoarthrosis, and with CRP concentration of 3-5mg/l. In contrast, the normal plasma contained only the FN-fibrin complex of 750 kDa in a lower relative amount, but with an increasing amount with normal aging. Moreover, FN concentration increased and EDA-FN decreased with the number of co-existing diseases and aging of patients, although both concentration values were lower than in the age-matched normal groups. FN concentration was the lowest in the exacerbation of a chronic disease and EDA-FN in the stable chronic disease groups. The alterations in plasma FN molecular status were associated with micro-inflammation and micro-coagulation, as well as multimorbidity of subjects and their physiological aging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fatty acid composition of lipids in pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) seed genotypes.

PubMed

Dulf, Francisc V; Pamfil, Doru; Baciu, Adriana D; Pintea, Adela

2013-01-17

Calendula officinalis L. (pot marigold) is an annual aromatic herb with yellow or golden-orange flowers, native to the Mediterranean climate areas. Their seeds contain significant amounts of oil (around 20%), of which about 60% is calendic acid. For these reasons, in Europe concentrated research efforts have been directed towards the development of pot marigold as an oilseed crop for industrial purposes. The oil content and fatty acid composition of major lipid fractions in seeds from eleven genotypes of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) were determined. The lipid content of seeds varied between 13.6 and 21.7 g oil/100 g seeds. The calendic and linoleic acids were the two dominant fatty acids in total lipid (51.4 to 57.6% and 28.5 to 31.9%) and triacylglycerol (45.7 to 54.7% and 22.6 to 29.2%) fractions. Polar lipids were also characterised by higher unsaturation ratios (with the PUFAs content between 60.4 and 66.4%), while saturates (consisted mainly of palmitic and very long-chain saturated fatty acids) were found in higher amounts in sterol esters (ranging between 49.3 and 55.7% of total fatty acids). All the pot marigold seed oils investigated contain high levels of calendic acid (more than 50% of total fatty acids), making them favorable for industrial use. The compositional differences between the genotypes should be considered when breeding and exploiting the pot marigold seeds for nutraceutical and pharmacological purposes.

Fatty acid composition of lipids in pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) seed genotypes

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Calendula officinalis L. (pot marigold) is an annual aromatic herb with yellow or golden-orange flowers, native to the Mediterranean climate areas. Their seeds contain significant amounts of oil (around 20%), of which about 60% is calendic acid. For these reasons, in Europe concentrated research efforts have been directed towards the development of pot marigold as an oilseed crop for industrial purposes. Results The oil content and fatty acid composition of major lipid fractions in seeds from eleven genotypes of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) were determined. The lipid content of seeds varied between 13.6 and 21.7 g oil/100 g seeds. The calendic and linoleic acids were the two dominant fatty acids in total lipid (51.4 to 57.6% and 28.5 to 31.9%) and triacylglycerol (45.7 to 54.7% and 22.6 to 29.2%) fractions. Polar lipids were also characterised by higher unsaturation ratios (with the PUFAs content between 60.4 and 66.4%), while saturates (consisted mainly of palmitic and very long-chain saturated fatty acids) were found in higher amounts in sterol esters (ranging between 49.3 and 55.7% of total fatty acids). Conclusions All the pot marigold seed oils investigated contain high levels of calendic acid (more than 50% of total fatty acids), making them favorable for industrial use. The compositional differences between the genotypes should be considered when breeding and exploiting the pot marigold seeds for nutraceutical and pharmacological purposes. PMID:23327299

Mineral content as a basis for food selection by western lowland gorillas in a forest clearing.

PubMed

Magliocca, Florence; Gautier-Hion, Annie

2002-06-01

The forests in northwest Republic of Congo contain a number of herbaceous swamp clearings that provide foraging sites for lowland gorillas (G.g. gorilla). A 10-month study at the Maya Nord clearing (Parc National d'Odzala) showed that feeding activities occupied 72% of the time visiting gorillas spent on the clearing. They fed on four plant species: Enydra fluctuans (Asteraceae), Cyperus sp., Pycreus mundtii, and Rhynchospora corymbosa (Cyperaceae) among the 45 species recorded on the clearing. These clearing food species have higher mineral contents (especially Na and Ca) than the dominant Marantaceae species (Haumania liebrechtsiana) that constituted a staple food plant for gorillas in this forest. They also have higher potassium contents and contain less lignin than non-eaten clearing items/species. Finally, the most actively searched for clearing food (Enydra fluctuans) was characterized by the highest amount of Na and Ca. These results suggest that the mineral content (especially in Na, Ca, and/or K) could determine the feeding selectivity of gorillas at the clearing. They also tend to confirm that the amount of fiber plays a deterrent role in food selectivity, as has been found by many authors. The high density of gorillas in that region could result from the combination of the large areas of Marantaceae forests that provide abundant though monotonous food, and the number of clearings that provide sufficient mineral supplies. Clearings should thus be considered as key habitats for the conservation of gorillas. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Drug adsorption to plastic containers and retention of drugs in cultured cells under in vitro conditions.

PubMed

Palmgrén, Joni J; Mönkkönen, Jukka; Korjamo, Timo; Hassinen, Anssi; Auriola, Seppo

2006-11-01

Loss of drug content during cell culture transport experiment can lead to misinterpretations in permeability analysis. This study analyses drug adsorption to various plastic containers and drug retention in cultured cells under in vitro conditions. The loss of various drugs to polystyrene tubes and well plates was compared to polypropylene and glass tubes both in deionised water and buffer solution. In cellular uptake experiments, administered drugs were obtained from cultured cells by liquid extraction. Samples were collected at various time points and drug concentrations were measured by a new HPLC-MS/MS method. Acidic drugs (hydrochlorothiazide, naproxen, probenicid, and indomethacin) showed little if any sorption to all tested materials in either water or buffer. In the case of basic drugs, substantial loss to polystyrene tubes and well plates was observed. After 4.5 h, the relative amount remaining in aqueous test solution stored in polystyrene tubes was 64.7 +/- 6.8%, 38.4 +/- 9.1%, 31.9 +/- 6.7%, and 23.5 +/- 6.1% for metoprolol, medetomidine, propranolol, and midazolam, respectively. Interestingly, there was no significant loss of drugs dissolved in buffer to any of the tested materials indicating that buffer reduced surficial interaction. The effect of drug concentration to sorption was also tested. Results indicated that the higher the concentration in the test solution the lower the proportional drug loss, suggesting that the polystyrene contained a limited amount of binding sites. Cellular uptake studies showed considerable retention of drugs in cultured cells. The amounts of absorbed drugs in cellular structures were 0.45%, 4.88%, 13.15%, 43.80%, 23.57% and 11.22% for atenolol, metoprolol, medetomidine, propranolol, midazolam, and diazepam, respectively. Overall, these findings will benefit development and validation of further in vitro drug permeation experiments.

Mineral resource assessment of the Iron River 1 degree x 2 degrees Quadrangle, Michigan and Wisconsin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cannon, William F.

1983-01-01

The Iron River 1? x 2? quadrangle contains identified resources of copper and iron. Copper-rich shale beds in the north part of the quadrangle contain 12.2 billion pounds (5.5 billion kilograms) of copper in well-studied deposits including 9.2 billion pounds (4.2 billion kilograms) that are economically minable by 1980 standards. At least several billion pounds of copper probably exist in other parts of the same shale beds, but not enough data are available to measure the amount. A small amount, about 250 million pounds (113 million kilograms), of native copper is known to remain in one abandoned mine, and additional but unknown amounts remain in other abandoned mines. About 13.25 billion tons (12.02 billion metric tons) of banded iron-formation averaging roughly 30 percent iron are known within 500 feet (152.4 meters) of the surface in the Gogebic, Marquette, and Iron River-Crystal Falls districts. A small percentage of that might someday be minable as taconite, but none is now believed to be economic. Some higher grade iron concentrations exist in the same iron-formations. Such material was the basis of former mining of iron in the region, but a poor market for such ore and depletion of many deposits have led to the decline of iron mining in the quadrangle. Iron mines of the quadrangle were not being worked in 1980. Many parts of the quadrangle contain belts of favorable host rocks for mineral deposits. Although deposits are not known in these belts, undiscovered deposits of copper, zinc, lead, silver, uranium, phosphate, nickel, chromium, platinum, gold, and diamonds could exist.

Determination of soluble immunoglobulin G in bovine colostrum products by Protein G affinity chromatography-turbidity correction and method validation.

PubMed

Holland, Patrick T; Cargill, Anne; Selwood, Andrew I; Arnold, Kate; Krammer, Jacqueline L; Pearce, Kevin N

2011-05-25

Immunoglobulin-containing food products and nutraceuticals such as bovine colostrum are of interest to consumers as they may provide health benefits. Commercial scale colostrum products are valued for their immunoglobulin G (IgG) content and therefore require accurate analysis. One of the most commonly used methods for determining total soluble IgG in colostrum products is based on affinity chromatography using a Protein G column and UV detection. This paper documents improvements to the accuracy of the Protein G analysis of IgG in colostrum products, especially those containing aggregated forms of IgG. Capillary electrophoresis-sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE-SDS) analysis confirmed that aggregated IgG measured by Protein G does not contain significant amounts of casein or other milk proteins. Size exclusion chromatography identified the content of soluble IgG as mainly monomeric IgG and aggregated material MW > 450 kDa with small amounts of dimer and trimer. The turbidity of the eluting IgG, mainly associated with aggregated IgG, had a significant effect on the quantitative results. Practical techniques were developed to correct affinity LC data for turbidity on an accurate, consistent, and efficient basis. The method was validated in two laboratories using a variety of colostrum powders. Precision for IgG was 2-3% (RSD(r)) and 3-12% (RSD(R)). Recovery was 100.2 ± 2.4% (mean ± RSD, n = 10). Greater amounts of aggregated IgG were solubilized by a higher solution:sample ratio and extended times of mixing or sonication, especially for freeze-dried material. It is concluded that the method without acid precipitation and with turbidity correction provides accurate, precise, and robust data for total soluble IgG and is suitable for product specification and quality control of colostrum products.

Application of cross-linked and hydrolyzed arabinoxylans in baking of model rye bread.

PubMed

Buksa, Krzysztof; Nowotna, Anna; Ziobro, Rafał

2016-02-01

The role of water extractable arabinoxylan with varying molar mass and structure (cross-linked vs. hydrolyzed) in the structure formation of rye bread was examined using a model bread. Instead of the normal flour, the dough contained starch, arabinoxylan and protein, which were isolated from rye wholemeal. It was observed that the applied mixes of these constituents result in a product closely resembling typical rye bread, even if arabinoxylan was modified (by cross-linking or hydrolysis). The levels of arabinoxylan required for bread preparation depended on its modification and mix composition. At 3% protein, the maximum applicable level of poorly soluble cross-linked arabinoxylan was 3%, as higher amounts of this preparation resulted in an extensively viscous dough and diminished bread volume. On the other hand highly soluble, hydrolyzed arabinoxylan could be used at a higher level (6%) together with larger amounts of rye protein (3% or 6%). Further addition of arabinoxylan leads to excessive water absorption, resulting in a decreased viscosity of the dough during baking and insufficient gas retention. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selenium content of game meat

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Medeiros, L.C.; Belden, R.P.

Selenium (Se) content of elk, deer, bison and beef were measured and compared. Samples were obtained from animals grazed on soil known to contain high, but variable amounts of Se. Beef were feedlot grazed and elk, deer, and bison were from captive or semi-captive herds. Selenium content was determined by graphite furnace after high pressure wet microwave digestion of samples. Deer and bison contained more Se than elk or beef. On a dry weight basis, deer contained more Se than bison. Game species contained more Se than beef. Within samples from male elk and deer and elk and bison ofmore » both genders, there were interactions between specie and muscle effects. Muscle and gender did not significantly influence Se content. The animals from which these samples were taken were supplemented with feeds grown on high Se containing soils, which was reflected in all values. Se values were twofold higher than those previously reported for meat. Those consuming large quantities of game from areas with high Se soil may need to monitor Se intake to avoid consuming excessive quantities.« less

Neem gum as a binder in a formulated paracetamol tablet with reference to Acacia gum BP.

PubMed

Ogunjimi, Abayomi Tolulope; Alebiowu, Gbenga

2014-04-01

This study determined the physical, compressional, and binding properties of neem gum (NMG) obtained from the trunk of Azadirachta indica (A Juss) in a paracetamol tablet formulation in comparison with official Acacia gum BP (ACA). The physical and flow properties were evaluated using density parameters: porosity, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, and flow rate. Compressional properties were analyzed using Heckel and Kawakita equations. The tensile strength, brittle fracture index, and crushing strength-friability/disintegration time ratio were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of paracetamol tablets while the drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration time and dissolution times. Tablet formulations containing NMG exhibited faster onset and higher amount of plastic deformation during compression than those containing ACA. Neem gum produced paracetamol tablets with lower mechanical strength; however, the tendency of the tablets to cap or laminate was lower when compared to those containing ACA. Inclusion of NMG improved the balance between binding and disintegration properties of paracetamol tablets produced than those containing ACA. Neem gum produced paracetamol tablets with lower disintegration and dissolution times than those containing ACA.

75 FR 50791 - Bureau of Political-Military Affairs: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls; Notifications to the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-17

... services in the amount of $50,000,000 or more. The transaction contained in the attached certification... technical data, and defense services in the amount of $50,000,000 or more. The transaction contained in the... $100,000,000 or more. The transaction contained in the attached certification involves the export of...

Production characteristics of the "higher plants-soil-like substrate" system as an element of the bioregenerative life support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velichko, V. V.; Tikhomirov, A. A.; Ushakova, S. A.; Tikhomirova, N. A.; Shihov, V. N.; Tirranen, L. S.; Gribovskaya, I. A.

2013-01-01

The study addresses the possibility of long-duration operation of a higher plant conveyor, using a soil-like substrate (SLS) as the root zone. Chufa (Cyperus esculentus L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were used as study material. A chufa community consisting of 4 age groups and radish and lettuce communities consisting of 2 age groups were irrigated with a nutrient solution, which contained mineral elements extracted from the SLS. After each harvest, inedible biomass of the harvested plants and inedible biomasses of wheat and saltwort were added to the SLS. The amounts of the inedible biomasses of wheat and saltwort to be added to the SLS were determined based on the nitrogen content of the edible mass of harvested plants. CO2 concentration in the growth chamber was maintained within the range of 1100-1700 ppm. The results of the study show that higher plants can be grown quite successfully using the proposed process of plant waste utilization in the SLS. The addition of chufa inedible biomass to the SLS resulted in species-specific inhibition of growth of both cultivated crops and microorganisms in the "higher plants - SLS" system. There were certain differences between the amounts of some mineral elements removed from the SLS with the harvested edible biomass and those added to it with the inedible biomasses of wheat and saltwort.

A Highly Sensitive Assay Using Synthetic Blood Containing Test Microbes for Evaluation of the Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing Material under Applied Pressure.

PubMed

Shimasaki, Noriko; Hara, Masayuki; Kikuno, Ritsuko; Shinohara, Katsuaki

2016-01-01

To prevent nosocomial infections caused by even either Ebola virus or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), healthcare workers must wear the appropriate protective clothing which can inhibit contact transmission of these pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of protective clothing for penetration resistance against infectious agents. In Japan, some standard methods were established to evaluate the penetration resistance of protective clothing fabric materials under applied pressure. However, these methods only roughly classified the penetration resistance of fabrics, and the detection sensitivity of the methods and the penetration amount with respect to the relationship between blood and the pathogen have not been studied in detail. Moreover, no standard method using bacteria for evaluation is known. Here, to evaluate penetration resistance of protective clothing materials under applied pressure, the detection sensitivity and the leak amount were investigated by using synthetic blood containing bacteriophage phi-X174 or S. aureus. And the volume of leaked synthetic blood and the amount of test microbe penetration were simultaneously quantified. Our results showed that the penetration detection sensitivity achieved using a test microbial culture was higher than that achieved using synthetic blood at invisible leak level pressures. This finding suggested that there is a potential risk of pathogen penetration even when visual leak of contaminated blood through the protective clothing was not observed. Moreover, at visible leak level pressures, it was found that the amount of test microbe penetration varied at least ten-fold among protective clothing materials classified into the same class of penetration resistance. Analysis of the penetration amount revealed a significant correlation between the volume of penetrated synthetic blood and the amount of test microbe penetration, indicating that the leaked volume of synthetic blood could be considered as a latent indicator for infection risk, that the amount of exposure to contaminated blood corresponds to the risk of infection. Our study helped us ascertain, with high sensitivity, the differences among fabric materials with respect to their protective performance, which may facilitate effective selection of protective clothing depending on the risk assessment.

Chemistry of thermally altered high volatile bituminous coals from southern Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, R.; Mastalerz, Maria; Brassell, S.; Elswick, E.; Hower, J.C.; Schimmelmann, A.

2007-01-01

The optical properties and chemical characteristics of two thermally altered Pennsylvanian high volatile bituminous coals, the non-coking Danville Coal Member (Ro = 0.55%) and the coking Lower Block Coal Member (Ro = 0.56%) were investigated with the purpose of understanding differences in their coking behavior. Samples of the coals were heated to temperatures of 275????C, 325????C, 375????C and 425????C, with heating times of up to one hour. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro%) rises with temperature in both coals, with the Lower Block coal exhibiting higher reflectance at 375????C and 425????C compared to the Danville coal. Petrographic changes include the concomitant disappearance of liptinites and development of vesicles in vitrinites in both coals, although neither coal developed anisotropic coke texture. At 375????C, the Lower Block coal exhibits a higher aromatic ratio, higher reflectance, higher carbon content, and lower oxygen content, all of which indicate a greater degree of aromatization at this temperature. The Lower Block coal maintains a higher CH2/CH3 ratio than the Danville coal throughout the heating experiment, indicating that the long-chain unbranched aliphatics contained in Lower Block coal liptinites are more resistant to decomposition. As the Lower Block coal contains significant amounts of liptinite (23.6%), the contribution of aliphatics from these liptinites appears to be the primary cause of its large plastic range and high fluidity. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the influence of proline, hydroxyproline or pyrrolidine in the presence of sodium nitrite on N-nitrosamine formation when heating cured meat.

PubMed

Drabik-Markiewicz, G; Dejaegher, B; De Mey, E; Impens, S; Kowalska, T; Paelinck, H; Vander Heyden, Y

2010-01-11

N-nitrosamines are meant to be probable or possible carcinogenic components, possibly formed out of a reaction between nitrite and N-containing substances such as amino acids and secondary amines. Nitrite is often used for processing meat products because of its colouring and antimicrobial properties. During this experimental setup, the influence of proline, hydroxyproline or pyrrolidine on N-nitrosamine formation in meat samples was evaluated. The N-nitrosamines concentrations were measured with gas chromatography-thermal energy analyzer. Only the concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine were found above the limit of detection in a number of tested experimental conditions. The concentration of these two N-nitrosamines was modelled as a function of temperature and nitrite concentration for different situations (presence or absence of added natural N-containing meat components). It could be concluded that proline and pyrrolidine promoted the formation of N-nitrosopyrrolidine. It could also be confirmed that the higher the temperature of the meat processing procedure and the higher the sodium nitrite amounts added, the higher were the yields of the respective N-nitrosamines.

Risk assessment related to biogenic amines occurrence in ready-to-eat baby foods.

PubMed

Czajkowska-Mysłek, Anna; Leszczyńska, Joanna

2017-07-01

Potential adverse reactions among infants and young children could appear after consumption of food containing small amounts of bioactive amines. This study presents the first assessment of biogenic amines occurrence in ready-to-eat vegetable without/with fish, meat and fruit baby products intended for the youngest consumers. The biogenic amine profiles and quantities of 6 amines were evaluated in 68 commercial baby foods produced by 10 leading manufacturers available in Poland, using HPLC-APCI-MS method. The total amine contents in analyzed products were obtained in the range of 1283-101421 ng/g. The maximum level of histamine (2375 ng/g) was found in the sample with spinach, tyramine (1667 ng/g) in fruit sample with banana, and of di- and polyamines (1263-53416 ng/g) in samples containing green peas. The results of amine analysis in baby foods indicated the presence of food ingredients which may be necessary to remove (tuna, possibly spinach) or reduce the amount added (spinach, green peas), either reduce their use by infants under 12 months of age (beef). Special attention should also be given to control the consumption of fruit baby products containing banana (higher tyramine and putrescine level). On the basis of obtained results a potential %ARfD, and the BAI were also evaluated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimates of Ethanol Exposure in Children from Food not Labeled as Alcohol-Containing

PubMed Central

Gorgus, Eva; Hittinger, Maike; Schrenk, Dieter

2016-01-01

Abstract Ethanol is widely used in herbal medicines, e.g., for children. Furthermore, alcohol is a constituent of fermented food such as bread or yogurt and “non-fermented” food such as fruit juices. At the same time, exposure to very low levels of ethanol in children is discussed as possibly having adverse effects on psychomotoric functions. Here, we have analyzed alcohol levels in different food products from the German market. It was found that orange, apple and grape juice contain substantial amounts of ethanol (up to 0.77 g/L). Furthermore, certain packed bakery products such as burger rolls or sweet milk rolls contained more than 1.2 g ethanol/100 g. We designed a scenario for average ethanol exposure by a 6-year-old child. Consumption data for the “categories” bananas, bread and bakery products and apple juice were derived from US and German surveys. An average daily exposure of 10.3 mg ethanol/kg body weight (b.w.) was estimated. If a high (acute) consumption level was assumed for one of the “categories,” exposure rose to 12.5–23.3 mg/kg b.w. This amount is almost 2-fold (average) or up to 4-fold (high) higher than the lowest exposure from herbal medicines (6 mg/kg b.w.) suggested to require warning hints for the use in children. PMID:27405361

Metabolism of Linoleic Acid by Barley Lipoxygenase and Hydroperoxide Isomerase 1

PubMed Central

Lulai, Edward C.; Baker, Charles W.; Zimmerman, Don C.

1981-01-01

The oxidation of linoleic acid in incubation mixtures containing extracts of barley lipoxygenase and hydroperoxide isomerase, and the production of these enzymes in quiescent and germinated barley, were investigated. The ratio of 9-hydroperoxylinoleic acid to 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid was higher for incubation mixtures containing extracts of quiescent barley than for mixtures containing extracts of germinated barley; production of 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid from germinated barley exceeded that of quiescent barley. Hydroperoxy metabolites of linoleic acid were converted to 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-cis-12-octadecenoic acid, 13-hydroxy-10-oxo-trans-11-octadecenoic acid, and small amounts of 11-hydroxy-12,13-epoxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid and 11-hydroxy-9,10-epoxy-cis-13-octadecenoic acid whether quiescent or germinated barley was the enzyme source; a fifth product, 13-hydroxy-12-oxo-cis-9-octadecenoic acid was formed only when germinated barley was the enzyme source. Lipoxygenase was readily extracted by buffer, but hydroperoxide isomerase was bound in a catalytically active state to the insoluble barley grist and was efficiently extracted only when Triton X-100 was included in the extraction buffer. Hydroperoxide isomerase was localized in the embryo of quiescent barley, but it was present in the embryo, acrospire, and in small but concentrated amounts in the rootlet of germinating barley. The levels of both lipoxygenase and hydroperoxide isomerase increased through the thirteenth day of germination. Images PMID:16662032

Diallyl Polysulfides from Allium sativum as Immunomodulators, Hepatoprotectors, and Antimycobacterial Agents.

PubMed

Oosthuizen, Carel; Arbach, Miriam; Meyer, Debra; Hamilton, Chris; Lall, Namrita

2017-07-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest killers, with an annual death rate of ∼1.5 million. The medicinal effects of garlic have been well documented, and natural products have been shown to have antimycobacterial activity. The current study evaluated the efficacy of six Allium sativum L. polysulfide mixtures as antimycobacterial agents together with their cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities. The microtitre PrestoBlue assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Excreted cytokine levels were determined by utilizing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), by exposing isolated PBMCs to varying concentrations of polysulfide mixtures. Human C3A liver cells were utilized in the hepatoprotective study, to assess the protective effect against the toxicity induced by acetaminophen. Samples with higher amounts of diallyl trisulfide (Sample G4) showed the highest antimycobacterial activity, exhibiting an MIC of 2.5 μg/mL against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Five samples showed moderate toxicity in PBMC, with G1 showing no toxicity. The selective index of G4 was the highest, with a selectivity index close to one. Two samples, G3 and G6 containing higher amounts of diallyl tetrasulfide and lower amounts of diallyl trisulfide, showed >50% hepatoprotection. This is comparable to a hepatoprotective agent, Silymarin, which showed a hepatoprotective effect of 30% at the tested concentration. Diallyl tetrasulfide showed significant antimycobacterial activity. A combination of higher diallyl tetrasulfide and lower diallyl trisulfide was indicative of hepatoprotective activity.

Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Contents of Commercial and Noncommercial Enteral Nutrition Solutions

PubMed Central

Jolfaie, Nahid Ramezani; Rouhani, Mohammad Hossein; Mirlohi, Maryam; Babashahi, Mina; Abbasi, Saeid; Adibi, Peiman; Esmaillzadeh, Ahmad; Azadbakht, Leila

2017-01-01

Background: Nutritional support plays a major role in the management of critically ill patients. This study aimed to compare the nutritional quality of enteral nutrition solutions (noncommercial vs. commercial) and the amount of energy and nutrients delivered and required in patients receiving these solutions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 enterally fed patients. Demographic and clinical data in addition to values of nutritional needs and intakes were collected. Moreover, enteral nutrition solutions were analyzed in a food laboratory. Results: There were 150 patients who fed noncommercial enteral nutrition solutions (NCENS) and 120 patients who fed commercial enteral nutrition solutions (CENSs). Although energy and nutrients contents in CENSs were more than in NCENSs, these differences regarding energy, protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, and calcium were not statistically significant. The values of energy and macronutrients delivered in patients who fed CENSs were higher (P < 0.001). Energy, carbohydrate, and fat required in patients receiving CENSs were provided, but protein intake was less than the required amount. In patients who fed NCENSs, only the values of fat requirement and intake were not significantly different, but other nutrition delivered was less than required amounts (P < 0.001). CENSs provided the nutritional needs of higher numbers of patients (P < 0.001). In patients receiving CENSs, nutrient adequacy ratio and also mean adequacy ratio were significantly higher than the other group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: CENSs contain more energy and nutrients compared with NCENSs. They are more effective to meet the nutritional requirements of entirely fed patients. PMID:29142894

Combined effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers on the contents of glucosinolates in rocket salad (Eruca sativa Mill.).

PubMed

Chun, Jin-Hyuk; Kim, Silbia; Arasu, Mariadhas Valan; Al-Dhabi, Naif Abdullah; Chung, Doug Young; Kim, Sun-Ju

2017-02-01

Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) are the most limiting factors in crop production. N often affects the amino acid composition of protein and in turn its nutritional quality. In Brassica plants, abundant supply of N fertilizer decreases the relative proportion of glucosinolates (GSLs), thus reducing the biological and medical values of the vegetables. Hence effort was made to evaluate the influence of different proportions of nutrient solutions containing N-P-K on the GSL profiles of rocket salad ( Eruca sativa Mill.). Fifteen desulpho-(DS) GSLs were isolated and identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. Rocket salad plants supplied with lesser amount of N, P or higher concentrations of K showed a typical improvement in total GSL contents. In contrast, total GSL levels were less at higher N supply. Furthermore, with N concentrations above 5 mM and K concentrations less than 2.5 mM, the GSL amounts were on average 13.51 and 13.75 μmol/g dry weight (DW), respectively. Aliphatic GSLs predominated in all concentrations of NPK while indolyl GSLs made up marginally less amount of the total compositions. Five and 2 mM N and P possessed much higher levels of several types of aliphatic GSLs than other concentrations, including glucoerucin, glucoraphanin and dimeric 4-mercaptobutyl GSL. From this perspective, it is contended that supply of less N results in enhancing the metabolic pathway for the synthesis of GSLs in rocket salad.

Time-dependent changes in extra-domain A-fibronectin concentration and relative amounts of fibronectin-fibrin complexes in plasma of patients with peripheral arterial disease after endovascular revascularisation.

PubMed

Pupek, Małgorzata; Krzyżanowska-Gołąb, Dorota; Kotschy, Daniel; Witkiewicz, Wojciech; Kwiatkowska, Wiesława; Kotschy, Maria; Kątnik-Prastowska, Iwona

2018-03-13

Fibronectin (FN) may be involved in time- and stage-dependent and inter-related controlled processes of inflammation, coagulation, and wound healing accompanying peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In the present study, FN and FN-containing extra-domain A (EDA-FN), macromolecular FN-fibrin complexes, and FN monomer were analysed in the plasma of 142 PAD patients, including 37 patients with restenosis, for 37 months after revascularisation. FN concentration increased significantly in the plasma of PAD patients within 7 to 12 months after revascularisation, whereas the high concentration of EDA-FN was maintained up to 24 months, significantly higher in the group 7 to 12 months after revascularisation with recurrence of stenosis and lower in the PAD groups 1 to 3 months and 4 to 6 months after revascularisation with comorbid diabetes and ulceration, respectively. The relative amounts of FN-fibrin complexes up to 1600 kDa and FN monomer were significantly higher, within intervals of 4 to 24 months and 4 to 6 months after revascularisation, respectively. Moreover, the relative amounts of 750 to 1600 kDa FN-fibrin complexes within 13 to 24 months after revascularisation were higher in comparison with those in the group without restenosis. In conclusion, high levels of EDA-FN and FN-fibrin complexes could have potential diagnostic value in the management of PAD patients after revascularisation, predicting restenosis risk. © 2018 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Acetyl Bromide Method Is Faster, Simpler and Presents Best Recovery of Lignin in Different Herbaceous Tissues than Klason and Thioglycolic Acid Methods

PubMed Central

Moreira-Vilar, Flavia Carolina; Siqueira-Soares, Rita de Cássia; Finger-Teixeira, Aline; de Oliveira, Dyoni Matias; Ferro, Ana Paula; da Rocha, George Jackson; Ferrarese, Maria de Lourdes L.; dos Santos, Wanderley Dantas; Ferrarese-Filho, Osvaldo

2014-01-01

We compared the amount of lignin as determined by the three most traditional methods for lignin measurement in three tissues (sugarcane bagasse, soybean roots and soybean seed coat) contrasting for lignin amount and composition. Although all methods presented high reproducibility, major inconsistencies among them were found. The amount of lignin determined by thioglycolic acid method was severely lower than that provided by the other methods (up to 95%) in all tissues analyzed. Klason method was quite similar to acetyl bromide in tissues containing higher amounts of lignin, but presented lower recovery of lignin in the less lignified tissue. To investigate the causes of the inconsistencies observed, we determined the monomer composition of all plant materials, but found no correlation. We found that the low recovery of lignin presented by the thioglycolic acid method were due losses of lignin in the residues disposed throughout the procedures. The production of furfurals by acetyl bromide method does not explain the differences observed. The acetyl bromide method is the simplest and fastest among the methods evaluated presenting similar or best recovery of lignin in all the tissues assessed. PMID:25330077

Ingestion of onion soup high in quercetin inhibits platelet aggregation and essential components of the collagen-stimulated platelet activation pathway in man: a pilot study.

PubMed

Hubbard, Gary P; Wolffram, Siegfried; de Vos, Ric; Bovy, Arnaud; Gibbins, Jonathan M; Lovegrove, Julie A

2006-09-01

Epidemiological data suggest that those who consume a diet rich in quercetin-containing foods may have a reduced risk of CVD. Furthermore, in vitro and ex vivo studies have observed the inhibition of collagen-induced platelet activation by quercetin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible inhibitory effects of quercetin ingestion from a dietary source on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation and signalling. A double-blind randomised cross-over pilot study was undertaken. Subjects ingested a soup containing either a high or a low amount of quercetin. Plasma quercetin concentrations and platelet aggregation and signalling were assessed after soup ingestion. The high-quercetin soup contained 69 mg total quercetin compared with the low-quercetin soup containing 5 mg total quercetin. Plasma quercetin concentrations were significantly higher after high-quercetin soup ingestion than after low-quercetin soup ingestion and peaked at 2.59 (sem 0.42) mumol/l. Collagen-stimulated (0.5 mug/ml) platelet aggregation was inhibited after ingestion of the high-quercetin soup in a time-dependent manner. Collagen-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of a key component of the collagen-signalling pathway via glycoprotein VI, Syk, was significantly inhibited by ingestion of the high-quercetin soup. The inhibition of Syk tyrosine phosphorylation was correlated with the area under the curve for the high-quercetin plasma profile. In conclusion, the ingestion of quercetin from a dietary source of onion soup could inhibit some aspects of collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation and signalling ex vivo. This further substantiates the epidemiological data suggesting that those who preferentially consume high amounts of quercetin-containing foods have a reduced risk of thrombosis and potential CVD risk.

Presence of nano-sized silica during in vitro digestion of foods containing silica as a food additive.

PubMed

Peters, Ruud; Kramer, Evelien; Oomen, Agnes G; Rivera, Zahira E Herrera; Oegema, Gerlof; Tromp, Peter C; Fokkink, Remco; Rietveld, Anton; Marvin, Hans J P; Weigel, Stefan; Peijnenburg, Ad A C M; Bouwmeester, Hans

2012-03-27

The presence, dissolution, agglomeration state, and release of materials in the nano-size range from food containing engineered nanoparticles during human digestion is a key question for the safety assessment of these materials. We used an in vitro model to mimic the human digestion. Food products subjected to in vitro digestion included (i) hot water, (ii) coffee with powdered creamer, (iii) instant soup, and (iv) pancake which either contained silica as the food additive E551, or to which a form of synthetic amorphous silica or 32 nm SiO(2) particles were added. The results showed that, in the mouth stage of the digestion, nano-sized silica particles with a size range of 5-50 and 50-500 nm were present in food products containing E551 or added synthetic amorphous silica. However, during the successive gastric digestion stage, this nano-sized silica was no longer present for the food matrices coffee and instant soup, while low amounts were found for pancakes. Additional experiments showed that the absence of nano-sized silica in the gastric stage can be contributed to an effect of low pH combined with high electrolyte concentrations in the gastric digestion stage. Large silica agglomerates are formed under these conditions as determined by DLS and SEM experiments and explained theoretically by the extended DLVO theory. Importantly, in the subsequent intestinal digestion stage, the nano-sized silica particles reappeared again, even in amounts higher than in the saliva (mouth) digestion stage. These findings suggest that, upon consumption of foods containing E551, the gut epithelium is most likely exposed to nano-sized silica. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Surface properties of sprayed and electrodeposited ZnO rod layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gromyko, I.; Krunks, M.; Dedova, T.; Katerski, A.; Klauson, D.; Oja Acik, I.

2017-05-01

Herein we present a comparative study on as-deposited, two-month-stored, and heat-treated ZnO rods obtained by spray pyrolysis (SP) at 550 °C, and electrodeposition (ED) at 80 °C. The aim of the study is to establish the reason for different behaviour of wettability and photocatalytic activity (PA) of SP and ED rods. Samples were studied using XPS, SEM, XRD, Raman, contact angle (CA) measurements and photocatalytic oxidation of doxycycline. Wettability and PA are mainly controlled by surface composition rather than by morphology. The relative amount of hydroxyl groups on the surface of as-deposited ED rods is four times higher compared to as-deposited SP rods. Opposite to SP rods, ED rods contain oxygen vacancy defects (Vo). Therefore, as-deposited ED rods are superhydrophilic (CA ∼ 3°) and show highest PA among studied samples, being three times higher compared to SP rods (removing of 75% of doxycycline after 30 min). It was revealed that as-deposited ED rods are inclined to faster contamination. The amount of Cdbnd C groups on the surface of aged ED rods is six times higher compared to aged SP rods. Stored ED samples become hydrophobic (CA ∼ 120°) and PA decreases sharply while SP rods remain hydrophilic (CA ∼ 50°), being more resistive to the contamination.

Effect of dietary fish oil supplements alone or in combination with sunflower and linseed oil on ruminal lipid metabolism and bacterial populations in lactating cows.

PubMed

Kairenius, P; Leskinen, H; Toivonen, V; Muetzel, S; Ahvenjärvi, S; Vanhatalo, A; Huhtanen, P; Wallace, R J; Shingfield, K J

2018-04-01

Fish oil (FO) alters ruminal biohydrogenation causing trans fatty acid (FA) intermediates to accumulate, but the effects of 18-carbon polyunsaturated FA supply on ruminal long-chain FA metabolism and microbial communities in cattle fed FO are not well established. Four cows fitted with rumen cannula were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square with 21-d experimental periods to evaluate the effects of FO alone or in combination with plant oils high in 18:2n-6 or 18:3n-3 on rumen microbial ecology and flow of FA at the omasum. Treatments comprised a basal grass silage-based diet containing no additional oil (control) or supplements of FO (200 g/d) or FO (200 g/d) plus 500 g/d of sunflower oil (SFO) or linseed oil (LFO). Flow of FA was determined using the omasal sampling technique. The relative abundance of key biohydrogenating bacteria was assessed by quantitative PCR on 16S rRNA genes in omasal digesta. Fish oil-supplemented treatments increased the amounts of trans-18:1, trans-18:2, and 20- to 22-carbon polyunsaturated FA escaping the rumen. Relative to the control, oil supplements had no effect on the amount of 18:0 leaving the rumen, but LFO decreased the flow of 18:0 at the omasum compared with SFO. Both SFO and LFO increased trans-18:1 relative to FO, whereas LFO resulted in the highest trans-18:2 and 20- to 22-carbon FA flow. Supplements of FO plus plant oils shifted biohydrogenation toward trans-10 18:1 formation. Compared with FO alone, the ruminal metabolism of 22:6n-3 in the rumen of lactating cows is more extensive on diets containing higher amounts of 18-carbon polyunsaturated FA. However, the biohydrogenation of 22:5n-3 was less extensive in LFO than SFO, but showed no difference between FO and diets containing plant oils. Ruminal outflow of 20:5n-3 was not altered when plant oils were added to FO. Alterations in the amount of intermediates at the omasum or ruminal biohydrogenation pathways were not accompanied by major changes in analyzed bacterial populations. In conclusion, dietary supplements of FO alone or in combination with plant oils increase the amount of biohydrogenation intermediates containing 1 or more trans double bonds escaping the rumen, which may have implications for host metabolism and the nutritional quality of ruminant foods. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microwave assisted synthesis of porous ZnO/SnS heterojunction and its application in visible light degradation of ciprofloxacin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makama, A. B.; Salmiaton, A.; Saion, E. B.; Choong, T. S. Y.; Abdullah, N.

2016-07-01

Porous ZnO/SnS heterojunctions were successfully synthesized via microwave-assisted heating of aqueous solutions containing different amounts of SnS precursors (SnCl2 and Na2S) in the presence of fixed amount of ZnCO3 nanoparticles. The experimental results revealed that the heterojunctions exhibited much higher visible light-driven photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the ciprofloxacin than pure SnS nanocrystals. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency (1-Ct/C0) of the pollutant for the most active heterogeneous nanostructure is about four times more efficient than pure SnS. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is ascribed to the synergic effect of high photon absorption and reduction in the recombination of electrons and holes because of efficient separation and electron transfer from the SnS to ZnO nanoparticles.

Ultrafiltration for the Determination of Cu Complexed with Dissolved Organic Matters of Different Molecular Weight from a Eutrophic River, China.

PubMed

Li, Anding; Zhang, Yan; Zhou, Beihai; Xin, Kailing; Gu, Yingnan; Xu, Weijie; Tian, Jie

2018-05-21

The molecular weight of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the essential factors controlling the properties of metal complexes. A continuous ultrafiltration experiment was designed to study the properties of Cu complexes with different molecular weights in a river before and after eutrophication. The results showed that the concentration of DOM increased from 26.47 to 38.20 mg/L during the eutrophication process, however, DOM was still dominated by the small molecular weight fraction before and after eutrophication. The amount of Cu-DOM complexes increased with the increasing of molecular weight, however, the amounts of DOM-Cu complexes before eutrophication were higher than those after eutrophication. This is because DOM contained more -COOH and -OH before eutrophication and these functional groups are the active sites complexed with Cu.

Chemical characterization and biological activity of essential oils from Daucus carota L. subsp. carota growing wild on the Mediterranean coast and on the Atlantic coast.

PubMed

Maxia, Andrea; Marongiu, Bruno; Piras, Alessandra; Porcedda, Silvia; Tuveri, Enrica; Gonçalves, Maria J; Cavaleiro, Carlos; Salgueiro, Ligia

2009-01-01

The essential oils and supercritical CO(2) extracts of wild Daucus carota L. subsp. carota growing spontaneously in Sardinia and in Portugal were investigated. The main components in the Sardinian essential oil of flowering and mature umbels with seeds are beta-bisabolene (17.6-51.0%) and 11-alpha-(H)-himachal-4-en-1-beta-ol (9.0-21.6%); instead, the oils from Portuguese samples are predominantly composed of geranyl acetate (5.2-65.0%) and alpha-pinene (3.5-37.9%). Supercritical extracts contain lower amounts of monoterpenes and higher amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Antifungal activities of the Sardinian oils were the highest, particularly for dermatophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC values of 0.16-0.64 microL mL(-1).

Influence of impurities and contact scale on the lubricating properties of bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) films on a hydrophobic surface.

PubMed

Nikogeorgos, Nikolaos; Madsen, Jan Busk; Lee, Seunghwan

2014-10-01

Lubricating properties of bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) on a compliant, hydrophobic surface were studied as influenced by impurities, in particular bovine serum albumin (BSA), at macro and nanoscale contacts by means of pin-on-disk tribometry and friction force microscopy (FFM), respectively. At both contact scales, the purity of BSM and the presence of BSA were quantitatively discriminated. The presence of BSA was responsible for higher frictional forces observed from BSM samples containing relatively larger amount of BSA. But, the mechanisms contributing to higher friction forces by BSA were different at different contact scales. At the macroscale contact, higher friction forces were caused by faster and dominant adsorption of BSA into the contacting area under a continuous cycle of desorption and re-adsorption of the macromolecules from tribostress. Nevertheless, all BSMs lowered the interfacial friction forces due to large contact area and a large number of BSM molecules in the contact area. At the nanoscale contact, however, no significant desorption of the macromolecules is expected in tribological contacts because of too small contact area and extremely small number of BSM molecules involved in the contact area. Instead, increasingly higher friction forces with increasing amount of BSA in BSM layer are attributed to higher viscosity caused by BSA in the layer. Comparable size of AFM probes with BSM molecules allowed them to penetrate through the BSM layers and to scratch on the underlying substrates, and thus induced higher friction forces compared to the sliding contact on bare substrates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of chitosan/gelatin/keratin composite containing hydrocortisone sodium succinate as a buccal mucoadhesive patch to treat desquamative gingivitis.

PubMed

Davoudi, Zahra; Rabiee, Mohammad; Houshmand, Behzad; Eslahi, Niloofar; Khoshroo, Kimia; Rasoulianboroujeni, Morteza; Tahriri, Mohammadreza; Tayebi, Lobat

2018-01-01

The aim of this research was to develop chitosan/gelatin/keratin composite containing hydrocortisone sodium succinate as a buccal mucoadhesive patch to treat desquamative gingivitis, which was fabricated through an environmental friendly process. Mucoadhesive films increase the advantage of higher efficiency and drug localization in the affected region. In this research, mucoadhesive films, for the release of hydrocortisone sodium succinate, were prepared using different ratios of chitosan, gelatin and keratin. In the first step, chitosan and gelatin proportions were optimized after evaluating the mechanical properties, swelling capacity, water uptake, stability, and biodegradation of the films. Then, keratin was added at different percentages to the optimum composite of chitosan and gelatin together with the drug. The results of surface pH showed that none of the samples were harmful to the buccal cavity. FTIR analysis confirmed the influence of keratin on the structure of the composite. The presence of a higher amount of keratin in the composite films resulted in high mechanical, mucoadhesive properties and stability, low water uptake and biodegradation in phosphate buffer saline (pH = 7.4) containing 10 4  U/ml lysozyme. The release profile of the films ascertained that keratin is a rate controller in the release of the hydrocortisone sodium succinate. Finally, chitosan/gelatin/keratin composite containing hydrocortisone sodium succinate can be employed in dental applications.

Patterns of binding of aluminum-containing adjuvants to Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal group C conjugate vaccines and components.

PubMed

Otto, Robert B D; Burkin, Karena; Amir, Saba Erum; Crane, Dennis T; Bolgiano, Barbara

2015-09-01

The basis of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (MenC) glycoconjugates binding to aluminum-containing adjuvants was studied. By measuring the amount of polysaccharide and protein in the non-adsorbed supernatant, the adjuvant, aluminum phosphate, AlPO4, was found to be less efficient than aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)3 at binding to the conjugates, at concentrations relevant to licensed vaccine formulations and when equimolar. At neutral pH, binding of TT conjugates to AlPO4 was facilitated through the carrier protein, with only weak binding of AlPO4 to CRM197 being observed. There was slightly higher binding of either adjuvant to tetanus toxoid conjugates, than to CRM197 conjugates. This was verified in AlPO4 formulations containing DTwP-Hib, where the adsorption of TT-conjugated Hib was higher than CRM197-conjugated Hib. At neutral pH, the anionic Hib and MenC polysaccharides did not appreciably bind to AlPO4, but did bind to Al(OH)3, due to electrostatic interactions. Phosphate ions reduced the binding of the conjugates to the adjuvants. These patterns of adjuvant adsorption can form the basis for future formulation studies with individual and combination vaccines containing saccharide-protein conjugates. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Migration of fluorochemical paper additives from food-contact paper into foods and food simulants.

PubMed

Begley, T H; Hsu, W; Noonan, G; Diachenko, G

2008-03-01

Fluorochemical-treated paper was tested to determine the amount of migration that occurs into foods and food-simulating liquids and the characteristics of the migration. Migration characteristics of fluorochemicals from paper were examined in Miglyol, butter, water, vinegar, water-ethanol solutions, emulsions and pure oil containing small amounts of emulsifiers. Additionally, microwave popcorn and chocolate spread were used to investigate migration. Results indicate that fluorochemicals paper additives do migrate to food during actual package use. For example, we found that microwave popcorn contained 3.2 fluorochemical mg kg(-1) popcorn after popping and butter contained 0.1 mg kg(-1) after 40 days at 4 degrees C. Tests also indicate that common food-simulating liquids for migration testing and package material evaluation might not provide an accurate indication of the amount of fluorochemical that actually migrates to food. Tests show that oil containing small amounts of an emulsifier can significantly enhance migration of a fluorochemical from paper.

Evaluation of spatial, radiometric and spectral thematic mapper performance for coastal studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klemas, V.

1983-01-01

Radiative transfer theory was used to model upwelling radiance for an orbiting sensor viewing an estuarine environment. Radiance was calculated in Tm bands 3,4, and 5 and MSS bands 4 and 5 for an optically shallow estuary of either clear or turbid water, and of three bottom types: vegetation, sand, or mud. A portion of a TM image of Chesapeake Bay was enhanced to obtain a quick look at what submerged features could be detected. The enhancements were compared with low altitude color aerial photography. The TM bands 1,2, and 3 were found to contain water and submerged features information. Band 1 contained a significant amount of noise and low contrast. Band 2 appeared to contain the most amount of bottom information. Band 3, while having the least amount of noise and best constrast, contained a lesser amount of bottom information because of increase water absorption. Several water signatures were identified which correlated with submerged vegetation shown in the aerial photography.

Cholesterol oxidation in intravenous lipid emulsions: safety of preparations before and after experimental hyperoxia.

PubMed

Scopesi, Fabio; Zunin, Paola; Bellini, Carlo; Sacchi, Renata; Boggia, Raffaella; Evangelisti, Filippo; Serra, Giovanni

2004-01-01

The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the possible presence of cholesterol oxidation products in 2 i.v. lipidic emulsions with different fatty acid compositions (long-chain triglyceride, medium-chain triglyceride-long-chain triglyceride). Because these emulsions are currently used in neonatal parenteral nutrition, their direct venous introduction might be potentially dangerous because of the possible atherogenic role of cholesterol oxidation products. The emulsions were analyzed when bottles were opened (ie, under normal condition of administration) and after a 12-hour direct experimental exposure to air and high (90%) oxygen concentrations. 7-Ketocholesterol and 5alpha-epoxycholesterol were chosen as markers of cholesterol oxidation and detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of their trimethylsilyl ethers. The detected amounts were always very low and in some cases below the detection limit of the analytical method for the 2 cholesterol oxidation products (COPs; 0.1 and 0.3 microg/g of extracted lipids). Immediately after opening the bottles, their concentrations were lower in the emulsions containing the higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Experimental hyperoxic exposure generally determined only a mild increase in the content of cholesterol oxidation biomarker, and after exposure to oxygen, the amounts of COPs were slightly higher than after exposure to air. The results of the present study are undoubtedly reassuring for the safety of neonates, although caution is always required when drawing conclusions from in vitro data.

Carbohydrate and elicitor enhanced withanolide (withaferin A and withanolide A) accumulation in hairy root cultures of Withania somnifera (L.).

PubMed

Doma, Madhavi; Abhayankar, Gauri; Reddy, V D; Kavi Kishor, P B

2012-07-01

Leaves of Withania somnifera contained more withaferin A and withanolide A than roots indicating that these compounds mainly accumulate in leaves. With an increase in age of the plant, withaferin A was enhanced with a corresponding decrease in withanolide A. Hairy root cultures were induced from leaf explants using Agrobacterium rhizogenes and the transgenic nature of hairy roots was confirmed by partial isolation and sequencing of rolB gene, which could not be amplified in untransformed plant parts. In hairy roots, withaferin A accumulated at 2, 3 and 4% but not at 6% sucrose, the highest amount being 1733 microg/g dry weight at 4% level. High and equal amounts of withaferin A and withanolide A accumulated (890 and 886 microg/g dry tissue respectively) only at 3% sucrose. Increasing concentrations of glucose enhanced withaferin A and it peaked at 5% level (3866 microg/g dry tissue). This amount is 2842 and 34% higher compared to untransformed roots and leaves (collected from 210-day-old plants) respectively. Withanolide A was detected at 5% glucose but not at other concentrations. While chitosan and nitric oxide increased withaferin A, jasmonic acid decreased it. Acetyl salicylic acid stimulated accumulation of both withaferin A and withanolide A at higher concentrations. Triadimefon, a fungicide, enhanced withaferin A by 1626 and 3061% (not detected earlier) compared to hairy and intact roots respectively.

Significance of hair-dye base-induced sensory irritation.

PubMed

Fujita, F; Azuma, T; Tajiri, M; Okamoto, H; Sano, M; Tominaga, M

2010-06-01

Oxidation hair-dyes, which are the principal hair-dyes, sometimes induce painful sensory irritation of the scalp caused by the combination of highly reactive substances, such as hydrogen peroxide and alkali agents. Although many cases of severe facial and scalp dermatitis have been reported following the use of hair-dyes, sensory irritation caused by contact of the hair-dye with the skin has not been reported clearly. In this study, we used a self-assessment questionnaire to measure the sensory irritation in various regions of the body caused by two model hair-dye bases that contained different amounts of alkali agents without dyes. Moreover, the occipital region was found as an alternative region of the scalp to test for sensory irritation of the hair-dye bases. We used this region to evaluate the relationship of sensitivity with skin properties, such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum water content, sebum amount, surface temperature, current perception threshold (CPT), catalase activities in tape-stripped skin and sensory irritation score with the model hair-dye bases. The hair-dye sensitive group showed higher TEWL, a lower sebum amount, a lower surface temperature and higher catalase activity than the insensitive group, and was similar to that of damaged skin. These results suggest that sensory irritation caused by hair-dye could occur easily on the damaged dry scalp, as that caused by skin cosmetics reported previously.

Quantitative study of fruit flavonoids in citrus hybrids of King (C. nobilis) and Mukaku Kishu (C. kinokuni).

PubMed

Kawaii, S; Tomono, Y; Katase, E; Ogawa, K; Nonomura-Nakano, M; Nesumi, H; Yoshida, T; Sugiura, M; Yano, M

2001-08-01

Twenty-four Citrus hybrids of King (C. nobilis) and Mukaku Kishu (C. kinokuni) were examined for their flavonoid profiles of the edible part by reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Two hybrids (G-155 and G-156) contained higher amounts of natsudaidain than their parents, whereas the remainder of the hybrids had a character intermediate between those of King and Mukaku Kishu on the basis of polymethoxylated flavone composition. Principal component analysis revealed the distribution of the hybrids by quantifying 23 flavonoid contents.

Regenerative adsorbent heat pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jack A. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A regenerative adsorbent heat pump process and system is provided which can regenerate a high percentage of the sensible heat of the system and at least a portion of the heat of adsorption. A series of at least four compressors containing an adsorbent is provided. A large amount of heat is transferred from compressor to compressor so that heat is regenerated. The process and system are useful for air conditioning rooms, providing room heat in the winter or for hot water heating throughout the year, and, in general, for pumping heat from a lower temperature to a higher temperature.

High-Speed Binary-Output Image Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossum, Eric; Panicacci, Roger A.; Kemeny, Sabrina E.; Jones, Peter D.

1996-01-01

Photodetector outputs digitized by circuitry on same integrated-circuit chip. Developmental special-purpose binary-output image sensor designed to capture up to 1,000 images per second, with resolution greater than 10 to the 6th power pixels per image. Lower-resolution but higher-frame-rate prototype of sensor contains 128 x 128 array of photodiodes on complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) integrated-circuit chip. In application for which it is being developed, sensor used to examine helicopter oil to determine whether amount of metal and sand in oil sufficient to warrant replacement.

Effect of different winemaking technologies on phenolic composition in Tinta Miúda red wines.

PubMed

Sun, B; Spranger, I; Roque-do-Vale, F; Leandro, C; Belchior, P

2001-12-01

The influence of different types of winemaking technology on the contents of catechins, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins in Tinta Miúda red wines was studied. The Tinta Miúda red wines were made by fermentation with carbonic maceration, fermentation with stem contact, and fermentation without stem contact, respectively. The analysis of individual catechins, procyanidins, and anthocyanins in these wines was performed by HPLC, and quantification of total catechins, total oligomeric proanthocyanidins, total polymeric proanthocyanidins, and total anthocyanins was carried out by spectrophotometric methods. The wine made by carbonic maceration contained the highest amounts of both catechins and oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins, followed by the wine made by fermentation with stem contact, whereas the wine made by fermentation without stem contact contained the lowest of these compounds. On the other hand, the concentrations of total anthocyanins and nearly all individual anthocyanins in the carbonic maceration wine were lower than those in the wines made by fermentation with stem contact and fermentation without stem contact. These results indicated that, although the carbonic maceration technique could retain higher amounts of catechins and proanthocyanidins in wine, it did not favor retaining or stabilizing anthocyanins in wine.

Retrospective determination of the contamination in the HML's counting chambers.

PubMed

Kramer, Gary H; Hauck, Barry; Capello, Kevin; Phan, Quoc

2008-09-01

The original documentation surrounding the purchase of the Human Monitoring Laboratory's (HML) counting chambers clearly showed that the steel contained low levels of radioactivity, presumably as a result of A-bomb fallout or perhaps to the inadvertent mixing of radioactive sources with scrap steel. Monte Carlo simulations have been combined with experimental measurements to estimate the level of contamination in the steel of the HML's whole body counting chamber. A 24-h empty chamber background count showed the presence of 137Cs and 60Co. The estimated activity of 137Cs in the 51 tons of steel was 2.7 kBq in 2007 (51.3 microBq g(-1) steel) which would have been 8 kBq at the time of manufacture. The 60Co that was found in the background spectrum is postulated to be contained in the bed-frame. The estimated amount in 2007 was 5 Bq and its origin is likely to be contaminated scrap metal entering the steel production cycle sometime in the past. The estimated activities are 10 to 25 times higher than the estimated minimum detectable activity for this measurement. These amounts have no impact on the usefulness of the whole body counter.

The preparation of calcium superoxide from calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ballou, E. V.; Wood, P. C.; Spitze, L. A.; Wydeven, T.

1977-01-01

There is interest in solid materials containing a high percentage of stored oxygen for use in emergency breathing apparatus for miners and as auxiliary oxygen sources for astronauts. In theory, the amount of available oxygen in calcium superoxide, Ca(O2)2 is higher than in potassium superoxide, KO2, and its availability during use should be unhindered by the formation of a low melting and hydrous coating. The decomposition of solid calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate, CaO2.2H2O2 has been studied, using an apparatus which allows good control of the critical reaction parameters. Samples have been prepared showing apparent superoxide contents in excess of those previously reported and higher than the theoretical 58.4% expected from a disproportionation reaction.

Factors Affecting the Levels of Heavy Metals in Juices Processed with Filter Aids.

PubMed

Wang, Zhengfang; Jackson, Lauren S; Jablonski, Joseph E

2017-06-01

This study investigated factors that may contribute to the presence of arsenic and other heavy metals in apple and grape juices processed with filter aids. Different types and grades of filter aids were analyzed for arsenic, lead, and cadmium with inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry. Potential factors affecting the transfer of heavy metals to juices during filtration treatments were evaluated. Effects of washing treatments on removal of heavy metals from filter aids were also determined. Results showed that diatomaceous earth (DE) generally contained a higher level of arsenic than perlite, whereas perlite had a higher lead content than DE. Cellulose contained the lowest level of arsenic among the surveyed filter aids. All samples of food-grade filter aids contained arsenic and lead levels that were below the U.S. Pharmacopeia and National Formulary limits of 10 ppm of total leachable arsenic and lead for food-grade DE filter aids. Two samples of arsenic-rich (>3 ppm) food-grade filter aids raised the level of arsenic in apple and grape juices during laboratory-scale filtration treatments, whereas three samples of low-arsenic (<1 ppm) food-grade filter aids did not affect arsenic levels in filtered juices. Filtration tests with simulated juices (pH 2.9 to 4.1, Brix [°Bx] 8.2 to 18.1, total suspended solids [TSS] 0.1 to 0.5%) showed that pH or sugar content had no effect on arsenic levels of filtered juices, whereas arsenic content of filtered juice was elevated when higher amounts of filter aid were used for filtration. Authentic unfiltered apple juice (pH 3.6, °Bx 12.9, TSS 0.4%) and grape juice (pH 3.3, °Bx 16.2, TSS 0.05%) were used to verify results obtained with simulated juices. However, body feed ratio did not affect the arsenic content of filtered authentic juices. Washing treatments were effective at reducing arsenic, but not cadmium or lead, concentrations in a DE filter aid. This study identified ways to reduce the amount of arsenic transferred to juices during filtration.

Lipid Composition of Oil Extracted from Wasted Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) Heads and Comparison with Oil Extracted from Antarctic Krill (Euphasia superba).

PubMed

Albalat, Amaya; Nadler, Lauren E; Foo, Nicholas; Dick, James R; Watts, Andrew J R; Philp, Heather; Neil, Douglas M; Monroig, Oscar

2016-12-01

In the UK, the Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ) supports its most important shellfish fishery. Nephrops are sold either whole, or as "tails-only" for the scampi trade. In the "tailing" process, the "head" (cephalothorax) is discarded as waste. A smaller crustacean species, the Antarctic krill Euphasia superba , represents an economically valuable industry, as its extractable oil is sold as a human dietary supplement. The aim of this study was to determine the amount and composition of the oil contained in discarded Nephrops heads and to compare its composition to the oil extracted from krill. Differences due to Geographical variation and seasonal patterns in the amount and composition of lipid were also noted. Results indicated that Nephrops head waste samples collected from more southern locations in Scotland (Clyde Sea area) contained higher levels of oil when compared to samples collected from northern locations in Iceland. Moreover, seasonal differences within the Clyde Sea area in Scotland were also observed, with oil extracted from Nephrops head waste peaking at around 11.5% during the summer months when larger and more mature females were caught by trawl. At this time of the year, the valuable fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accounted for around 23% of the total fatty acid content in oil extracted from Nephrops head waste. A seasonal effect on EPA content was found, with higher levels obtained in the summer, while no trend was found in DHA percentages. Finally, oil from Nephrops head waste contained a higher proportion of EPA and DHA than krill oil but these fatty acids were more abundantly linked to the neutral lipids rather to than polar lipids. The characterization of lipid that could be extracted from Nephrops head waste should be seen as a first step for the commercial use of a valuable resource currently wasted. This approach is extremely relevant given the current limited supply of EPA and DHA and changes in the Common Fisheries Policy.

Lipid Composition of Oil Extracted from Wasted Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) Heads and Comparison with Oil Extracted from Antarctic Krill (Euphasia superba)

PubMed Central

Albalat, Amaya; Nadler, Lauren E.; Foo, Nicholas; Dick, James R.; Watts, Andrew J. R.; Philp, Heather; Neil, Douglas M.; Monroig, Oscar

2016-01-01

In the UK, the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) supports its most important shellfish fishery. Nephrops are sold either whole, or as “tails-only” for the scampi trade. In the “tailing” process, the “head” (cephalothorax) is discarded as waste. A smaller crustacean species, the Antarctic krill Euphasia superba, represents an economically valuable industry, as its extractable oil is sold as a human dietary supplement. The aim of this study was to determine the amount and composition of the oil contained in discarded Nephrops heads and to compare its composition to the oil extracted from krill. Differences due to Geographical variation and seasonal patterns in the amount and composition of lipid were also noted. Results indicated that Nephrops head waste samples collected from more southern locations in Scotland (Clyde Sea area) contained higher levels of oil when compared to samples collected from northern locations in Iceland. Moreover, seasonal differences within the Clyde Sea area in Scotland were also observed, with oil extracted from Nephrops head waste peaking at around 11.5% during the summer months when larger and more mature females were caught by trawl. At this time of the year, the valuable fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accounted for around 23% of the total fatty acid content in oil extracted from Nephrops head waste. A seasonal effect on EPA content was found, with higher levels obtained in the summer, while no trend was found in DHA percentages. Finally, oil from Nephrops head waste contained a higher proportion of EPA and DHA than krill oil but these fatty acids were more abundantly linked to the neutral lipids rather to than polar lipids. The characterization of lipid that could be extracted from Nephrops head waste should be seen as a first step for the commercial use of a valuable resource currently wasted. This approach is extremely relevant given the current limited supply of EPA and DHA and changes in the Common Fisheries Policy. PMID:27916863

Significant Enrichment of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) in the Lipids Extracted by Supercritical CO2 from the Livers of Australian Rock Lobsters (Jasus edwardsii).

PubMed

Nguyen, Trung T; Zhang, Wei; Barber, Andrew R; Su, Peng; He, Shan

2015-05-13

Australian rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) liver contains approximately 24.3% (w/w) lipids, which can contain a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, this material has been found to be contaminated with arsenic (240 mg/kg) and cadmium (8 mg/kg). The high level of contaminants in the raw material and the large amount of PUFAs in the lipids prove a significant challenge in the extraction of high-quality lipids from this byproduct by conventional methods. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction is a highly promising technology for lipid extraction with advantages including low contamination and low oxidation. The technique was optimized to achieve nearly 94% extraction of lipids relative to conventional Soxhlet extraction in Australian rock lobster liver at conditions of 35 MPa and 50 °C for 4 h. The extracted lipids are significantly enriched in PUFAs at 31.3% of total lipids, 4 times higher than those in the lipids recovered by Soxhlet extraction (7.8%). Specifically, the concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in SC-CO2 extraction are 7 times higher than those obtained by Soxhlet extraction. Moreover, very small amounts of toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) were detected in the SC-CO2-extracted lipids, 0.5-27 times lower than those in the Soxhlet-extracted lipids, which are 40-200 times lower than the regulatory limit maximum values. The low levels of contaminants and the high proportion of PUFAs (dominated by DHA and EPA) found in the SC-CO2-extracted lipids from Australian rock lobster liver suggest that the material could potentially be used as a valuable source of essential fatty acids for human consumption.

Dietary triacylglycerol structure and saturated fat alter plasma and tissue fatty acids in piglets.

PubMed

Innis, S M; Dyer, R; Quinlan, P T; Diersen-Schade, D

1996-05-01

Human and pig milk triacylglycerols contain a large proportion of palmitic acid (16:0) which is predominately esterified in the 2-position. Other dietary fats contain variable amounts of 16:0, with unsaturated fatty acids predominantly esterified in the 2-position. These studies determined if the amount or position of 16:0 in dietary fat influences the composition or distribution of liver, adipose tissue, lung, or plasma fatty acids in developing piglets. Piglets were fed to 18 d with sow milk or formula with saturated fat from medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), coconut or palm oil, or synthesized triacylglycerols (synthesized to specifically direct 16:0 to the 2-position) with, in total fatty acids, 30.7, 4.3, 6.5, 27.0, and 29.6% 16:0, and in 2-position fatty acids, 55.3, 0.4, 1.3, 4.4, and 69.9% 16:0, respectively. The percentage of 16:0 in the 2-position of adipose fat from piglets fed sow milk, palm oil, and synthesized triacylglycerols were similar and higher than in piglets fed MCT or coconut oil. Thus, the amount, not the position, of dietary 16:0 determines piglet adipose tissue 16:0 content. The effects of the diets on the plasma and liver triacylglycerols were similar, with significantly lower 16:0 in total and 2-position fatty acids of the MCT and coconut oil groups, and significantly higher 16:0 in the plasma and liver triacylglycerol 2-position of piglets fed the synthesized triacylglycerols rather than sow milk or palm oil. The lung phospholipid total and 2-position 16:0 was significantly lower in the MCT, coconut, and palm oil groups, but similar in the synthesized triacylglycerol group and sow milk group. The lung phospholipid total and 2-position percentage of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) was significantly lower in all of the formula-fed piglets than in milk-fed piglets. The physiological significance of this is not known.

Chemical characteristics and anticoagulant activities of two sulfated polysaccharides from Enteromorpha linza (Chlorophyta)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Xiaohui; Mao, Wenjun; Chen, Yin; Chen, Yanli; Zhao, Chunqi; Li, Na; Wang, Chunyan

2013-03-01

Two sulfated polysaccharides, designated MP and SP, were extracted from the marine green alga Enteromorpha linza using hot water and then purified using ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The anticoagulant activities of MP and SP were examined by determination of their activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and prothrombin time (PT) using human plasma. Results showed that MP and SP were composed of abundant rhamnose with small amounts of xylose and glucuronic acid, whereas SP also contained a small amount of galactose. Approximate molecular weights of MP and SP were 535 and 502 kDa, respectively. As compared with SP, MP had higher contents of sulfate ester (19.0%) and uronic acid (14.9%). The MP mainly consisted of (1→4)-linked rhamnose residues with partially sulfated groups at the C-3 position, and small amounts of (1→3, 4)-linked rhamnose, (1→2, 4)-linked rhamnose, (1→4)-linked glucuronic acid and (1→4)-linked xylose residues. The SP contained abundant (1→4)-linked rhamnose with minor amounts of (1→3)-linked rhamnose, (1→3, 4)-linked rhamnose, (1→2, 4)-linked rhamnose, (1→4)-linked glucuronic acid, (1→4)-linked xylose, and (1→3)-linked galactose residues. The sulfate groups were mainly located at C-3 of (1→4)-linked rhamnose residues. Both MP and SP, in particular the former, effectively prolonged APTT and TT. This work demonstrates that MP and SP have unique structural characteristics distinct from those of other sulfated polysaccharides from Enteromorpha. The MP is a potential source of anticoagulant, and the difference in anticoagulant activities of the two sulfated polysaccharides is directly linked to the discrepancy of their chemical features.

Characterisation and antimicrobial activity of active polypropylene films containing oregano essential oil and Allium extract to be used in packaging for meat products.

PubMed

Llana-Ruiz-Cabello, María; Pichardo, Silvia; Bermudez, José María; Baños, Alberto; Ariza, Juan José; Guillamón, Enrique; Aucejo, Susana; Cameán, Ana M

2018-04-01

Cooked ham is more prone to spoilage than other meat products, making preservation a key step in its commercialisation. One of the most promising preservation strategies is the use of active packaging. Oregano essential oil (OEO) and Proallium® (an Allium extract) have previously been shown to be useful in polylactic acid (PLA)-active films for ready-to-eat salads. The present work aims to study the suitability of polypropylene (PP) films containing OEO and Proallium® in the preservation of cooked ham. Concerning the technological features of the studied material, no significant changes in the mechanical or optical properties of PP films containing the active substances were recorded in comparison to the PP film without extracts. However, films containing both active substances were more flexible than the control film and less strong, highlighting the plasticisation effect of the natural extracts. Moreover, physical properties changed when active substances were added to the film. Incorporation of 4% Proallium® affected the transparency of the film to a higher extent compared to 8% OEO, undergoing decreases in transparency of 40% and 45%, respectively. Moreover, only the film containing the highest amount of OEO (8%) significantly decreased the thickness. Both active substances showed antibacterial properties; however, Proallium®-active films seemed to be more effective against Brochothrix thermosphacta than PP films containing OEO, with all percentages of Proallium® killing the bacterial population present in the ham after 60 days. In addition, materials containing the lowest Proallium® content exhibited higher acceptability by consumers in the sensory analyses with 63-100% willing to purchase, better even than the control package (56-89%). In fact, 2% of Proallium® obtained the best results in the odour study performed by the panellists.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of matrix pellets containing APIs with different solubility via extrusion process.

PubMed

Hegyesi, Diána; Thommes, Markus; Kleinebudde, Peter; Sovány, Tamás; Kása, Péter; Kelemen, András; Pintye-Hódi, Klára; Regdon, Géza

2017-03-01

In this study, a multiparticulate matrix system was produced, containing two different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): enalapril-maleate and hydrochlorothiazide. The critical control points of the process were investigated by means of factorial design. Beside the generally used microcrystalline cellulose, ethylcellulose was used as matrix former to achieve modified drug release ensured by diffusion. The matrix pellets were made by extrusion-spheronization using a twin-screw extruder. Some pellet properties (aspect ratio, 10% interval fraction, hardness, deformation process) were determined. The aim of our study was to investigate how the two different APIs with different solubility and particle size influence the process. The amount of the granulation liquid plays a key role in the pellet shaping. A higher liquid feed rate is preferred in the pelletization process.

Penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) as carriers for cutaneous delivery of minoxidil.

PubMed

Mura, Simona; Manconi, Maria; Sinico, Chiara; Valenti, Donatella; Fadda, Anna Maria

2009-10-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of a few different penetration enhancers to produce elastic vesicles with soy lecithin and the influence of the obtained vesicles on in vitro (trans)dermal delivery of minoxidil. To this purpose, so-called Penetration Enhancer-containing Vesicles (PEVs) were prepared as dehydrated-rehydrated vesicles by using soy lecithin and different amounts of three penetration enhancers, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol (Transcutol), capryl-caproyl macrogol 8-glyceride (Labrasol), and cineole. Soy lecithin liposomes, without penetration enhancers, were used as control. Prepared formulations were characterized in terms of size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, and vesicle deformability. The influence of PEVs on (trans)dermal delivery of minoxidil was studied by in vitro diffusion experiments through newborn pig skin in comparison with traditional liposomes and ethanolic solutions of the drug also containing each penetration enhancer. A skin pre-treatment study using empty PEVs and conventional liposomes was also carried out. Results showed that all the used penetration enhancers were able to give more deformable vesicles than conventional liposomes with a good drug entrapment efficiency and stability. In vitro skin penetration data showed that PEVs were able to give a statistically significant improvement of minoxidil deposition in the skin in comparison with classic liposomes and penetration enhancer-containing drug ethanolic solutions without any transdermal delivery. Moreover, the most deformable PEVs, prepared with Labrasol and cineole, were also able to deliver to the skin a higher total amount of minoxidil than the PE alcoholic solutions thus suggesting that minoxidil delivery to the skin was strictly correlated to vesicle deformability, and therefore to vesicle composition.

10 CFR 26.168 - Blind performance testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... analyte and must be certified by immunoassay and confirmatory testing; (2) Drug positive. These samples must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations ranging between 150... performance test sample must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations...

10 CFR 26.168 - Blind performance testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... analyte and must be certified by immunoassay and confirmatory testing; (2) Drug positive. These samples must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations ranging between 150... performance test sample must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations...

10 CFR 26.168 - Blind performance testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... analyte and must be certified by immunoassay and confirmatory testing; (2) Drug positive. These samples must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations ranging between 150... performance test sample must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations...

10 CFR 26.168 - Blind performance testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... analyte and must be certified by immunoassay and confirmatory testing; (2) Drug positive. These samples must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations ranging between 150... performance test sample must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations...

10 CFR 26.168 - Blind performance testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... analyte and must be certified by immunoassay and confirmatory testing; (2) Drug positive. These samples must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations ranging between 150... performance test sample must contain a measurable amount of the target drug or analyte in concentrations...

Process and system for removing sulfur from sulfur-containing gaseous streams

DOEpatents

Basu, Arunabha; Meyer, Howard S.; Lynn, Scott; Leppin, Dennis; Wangerow, James R.

2012-08-14

A multi-stage UCSRP process and system for removal of sulfur from a gaseous stream in which the gaseous stream, which contains a first amount of H.sub.2S, is provided to a first stage UCSRP reactor vessel operating in an excess SO.sub.2 mode at a first amount of SO.sub.2, producing an effluent gas having a reduced amount of SO.sub.2, and in which the effluent gas is provided to a second stage UCSRP reactor vessel operating in an excess H.sub.2S mode, producing a product gas having an amount of H.sub.2S less than said first amount of H.sub.2S.

Additive effect of calcium depletion and low resource quality on Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea, Amphipoda) life history traits.

PubMed

Rollin, Marc; Coulaud, Romain; Danger, Michael; Sohm, Bénédicte; Flayac, Justine; Bec, Alexandre; Chaumot, Arnaud; Geffard, Olivier; Felten, Vincent

2018-04-01

Gammarus fossarum is an often-abundant crustacean detritivore that contributes importantly to leaf litter breakdown in oligotrophic, mainly heterotrophic, headwater streams. This species requires large amounts of Ca to moult, thus allowing growth and reproduction. Because resource quality is tightly coupled to the organism's growth and physiological status, we hypothesised that low Ca concentration [Ca] and low food resource quality (low phosphorus [P] and/or reduced highly unsaturated fatty acid [HUFA] contents) would interactively impair molecular responses (gene expression) and reproduction of G. fossarum. To investigate the effects of food resources quality, we experimentally manipulated the P content of sycamore leaves and also used diatoms because they contain high amounts of HUFAs. Three resource quality treatments were tested: low quality (LQ, unmanipulated leaves: low P content), high quality 1 (HQ1; P-manipulated leaves: high P content), and high quality 2 (unmanipulated leaves supplemented with a pellet containing diatoms: high P and HUFA content). Naturally, demineralised stream water was supplemented with CaSO 4 to obtain three Ca concentrations (2, 3.5, and 10.5 mg Ca L -1 ). For 21 days, pairs of G. fossarum were individually exposed to one of the nine treatments (3 [Ca] × 3 resource qualities). At the individual level, strong and significant delays in moult stage were observed in gammarids exposed to lower [Ca] and to lower resource quality, with additive effects lengthening the duration of the reproductive cycle. Effects at the molecular level were investigated by measuring expression of 12 genes involved in energy production, translation, or Ca or P homeostasis. Expression of ATP synthase beta (higher in HQ2), calcified cuticle protein (higher in HQ1 and HQ2), and tropomyosin (higher in HQ2 compared to HQ1) was significantly affected by resource quality, and significant additive effects on Ca transporting ATPase expression were induced by [Ca] and resource quality (higher for low [Ca] and higher resource quality). These results highlight the potential drastic deleterious effects of water [Ca] depletion on G. fossarum physiology, populations, and ecosystem functioning, especially in oligotrophic environments.

Salt- and pH-induced desorption: Comparison between non-aggregated and aggregated mussel adhesive protein, Mefp-1, and a synthetic cationic polyelectrolyte.

PubMed

Krivosheeva, Olga; Dedinaite, Andra; Claesson, Per M

2013-10-15

Mussel adhesive proteins are of great interest in many applications due to their ability to bind strongly to many types of surfaces under water. Effective use such proteins, for instance the Mytilus edulis foot protein - Mefp-1, for surface modification requires achievement of a large adsorbed amount and formation of a layer that is resistant towards desorption under changing conditions. In this work we compare the adsorbed amount and layer properties obtained by using a sample containing small Mefp-1 aggregates with that obtained by using a non-aggregated sample. We find that the use of the sample containing small aggregates leads to higher adsorbed amount, larger layer thickness and similar water content compared to what can be achieved with a non-aggregated sample. The layer formed by the aggregated Mefp-1 was, after removal of the protein from bulk solution, exposed to aqueous solutions with high ionic strength (up to 1M NaCl) and to solutions with low pH in order to reduce the electrostatic surface affinity. It was found that the preadsorbed Mefp-1 layer under all conditions explored was significantly more resistant towards desorption than a layer built by a synthetic cationic polyelectrolyte with similar charge density. These results suggest that the non-electrostatic surface affinity for Mefp-1 is larger than for the cationic polyelectrolyte. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing the effects of sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup on lipid metabolism and the risk of cardiovascular disease in male rats.

PubMed

Sadowska, Joanna; Bruszkowska, Magda

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare, in an animal model, the effect of different sugar types (sucrose vs. high-fructose corn syrup 55%) consumed as 10% by weight of the diet (11.6% of daily caloric intake) on the amount of food consumed, body weight, fatty tissue deposits, concentrations of selected lipids, and atherogenic indices of blood plasma. Material and method. The experiment was carried out on 30 5-month-old Wistar male rats, fed three differ- ent diets, containing, amongst other foods, (1) ground unrefined cereal grains, (2) sucrose, (3) high-fructose corn syrup. Results. Weight gains in animals on sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup diets were higher than those con- suming basic feed, but the effect was not associated with perivisceral fat accumulation. It has been found that all the atherogenic indices (Castelli’s Risk Index I, Castelli’s Risk Index II, Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Atherogenic Coefficient) were statistically significantly higher in animals on a high-fructose corn syrup diet compared to both the control group and those on a sucrose diet. Conclusion. The effect of the 55% high-fructose corn syrup on the tested parameters of lipid metabolism was not equivalent to that of sucrose. Using HFCS-55 instead of sucrose has an adverse effect on blood lipid parameters, while weight gains and peri-organ fat deposits are comparable. Moreover, the obtained results confirm that tested animals were susceptible to the adverse effects of sugars added to their diet, even in small amounts. This emphasises the need to precisely control the amount of added sugars in. nd. The objective of this study was to compare, in an animal model, the effect of different sugar types (sucrose vs. high-fructose corn syrup 55%) consumed as 10% by weight of the diet (11.6% of daily caloric intake) on the amount of food consumed, body weight, fatty tissue deposits, concentrations of selected lipids, and atherogenic indices of blood plasma. Material and method. The experiment was carried out on 30 5-month-old Wistar male rats, fed three differ- ent diets, containing, amongst other foods, (1) ground unrefined cereal grains, (2) sucrose, (3) high-fructose corn syrup. Weight gains in animals on sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup diets were higher than those con- suming basic feed, but the effect was not associated with perivisceral fat accumulation. It has been found that all the atherogenic indices (Castelli’s Risk Index I, Castelli’s Risk Index II, Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Atherogenic Coefficient) were statistically significantly higher in animals on a high-fructose corn syrup diet compared to both the control group and those on a sucrose diet. The effect of the 55% high-fructose corn syrup on the tested parameters of lipid metabolism was not equivalent to that of sucrose. Using HFCS-55 instead of sucrose has an adverse effect on blood lipid parameters, while weight gains and peri-organ fat deposits are comparable. Moreover, the obtained results confirm that tested animals were susceptible to the adverse effects of sugars added to their diet, even in small amounts. This emphasises the need to precisely control the amount of added sugars in the diet.

Modified starch containing liquid fuel slurry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Metzger, G.W.

1978-04-04

A substantially water-free, high solids content, stably dispersed combustible fuel slurry is provided, with a method of preparing the slurry. The slurry contains a minor amount of a solid particulate carbonaceous material such as powdered coal, with substantially the entire balance of the slurry being comprised of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, particularly a heavy fuel oil. In extremely minor amounts are anionic surfactants, particularly soaps, and a stabilizing amount of a starch modified with an anionic polymer.

9 CFR 317.361 - Nutrient content claims for the sodium content.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... dehydrated products that must be reconstituted before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing... before typical consumption with water or a diluent containing an insignificant amount, as defined in... insignificant amount of sodium”; and (iii) If the product meets these conditions without the benefit of special...

Duplex sampling apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Brown, Paul E.; Lloyd, Robert

1992-01-01

An improved apparatus is provided for sampling a gaseous mixture and for measuring mixture components. The apparatus includes two sampling containers connected in series serving as a duplex sampling apparatus. The apparatus is adapted to independently determine the amounts of condensable and noncondensable gases in admixture from a single sample. More specifically, a first container includes a first port capable of selectively connecting to and disconnecting from a sample source and a second port capable of selectively connecting to and disconnecting from a second container. A second container also includes a first port capable of selectively connecting to and disconnecting from the second port of the first container and a second port capable of either selectively connecting to and disconnecting from a differential pressure source. By cooling a mixture sample in the first container, the condensable vapors form a liquid, leaving noncondensable gases either as free gases or dissolved in the liquid. The condensed liquid is heated to drive out dissolved noncondensable gases, and all the noncondensable gases are transferred to the second container. Then the first and second containers are separated from one another in order to separately determine the amount of noncondensable gases and the amount of condensable gases in the sample.

The influence of additives and drying methods on quality attributes of fish protein powder made from saithe (Pollachius virens).

PubMed

Shaviklo, Gholam Reza; Thorkelsson, Gudjon; Arason, Sigurjon; Kristinsson, Hordur G; Sveinsdottir, Kolbrun

2010-09-01

Fish protein powder (FPP) is used in the food industry for developing formulated food products. This study investigates the feasibility of increasing the value of saithe (Pollachius virens) by producing a functional FPP. Quality attributes of spray and freeze-dried saithe surimi containing lyoprotectants were studied. A freeze-dried saithe surimi without lyoprotectants was also prepared as a control sample. The amount of protein, moisture, fat and carbohydrate in the FPPs were 745-928, 39-58, 21-32 and 10-151 g kg(-1). Quality attributes of FPPs were influenced by the two drying methods and lyoprotectants. The highest level of lipid oxidation was found in the control and the second highest in the spray-dried FPP. The spray-dried fish protein had the lowest viscosity among all FPPs. Gel-forming ability of samples with lyoprotectants was higher than that of the control. Water-binding capacity, emulsion properties and solubility of the freeze-dried fish protein containing lyoprotectants were significantly higher than spray-dried and control samples. However, functional properties of spray-dried FPP were higher than the control sample. It is feasible to develop value-added FPP from saithe surimi using spray- and freeze-drying processes, but freeze-dried FPP containing lyoprotectant had superior functional properties and stability compared with spray-dried sample. Both products might be used as functional protein ingredients in various food systems. Copyright 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

PRESENCE OF CITRININ IN GRAINS AND ITS POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS.

PubMed

Čulig, Borna; Bevardi, Martina; Bošnir, Jasna; Serdar, Sonja; Lasić, Dario; Racz, Aleksandar; Galić, Antonija; Kuharić, Željka

2017-01-01

Citrinin is a mycotoxin produced by several species of the genera Aspergillus , Penicillium and Monascus and it occurs mainly in stored grain. Citrinin is generally formed after harvest and occurs mainly in stored grains, it also occurs in other plant products. Often, the co-occurrence with other mycotoxins is observed, especially ochratoxin A, which is usually associated with endemic nephropathy. At the European Union level, systematic monitoring of Citrinin in grains began with the aim of determining its highest permissible amount in food. Thus, far the systematic monitoring of the above mentioned mycotoxin in Croatia is yet to begin. The main goal of this study was to determine the presence of Citrinin in grains sampled in the area of Međimurje, Osijek-Baranja, Vukovar-Srijem and Brod-Posavina County. For the purpose of identification and quantification of citrinin, high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with fluorescence was used (Calibration curve k > 0.999; Intra assay CV = 2.1%; Inter assay CV = 4.3%; LOQ < 1 μg/kg). From the area of Međimurje County, 10 samples of corn and 10 samples of wheat were analyzed. None of the samples contained Citrinin (<1 μg/kg). From the area of Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Srijem County, 15 samples from each County were analyzed. The mean value for the samples of Osijek-Baranja County was 19.63 μg/kg (median=15.8 μg/kg), while for Vukovar-Srijem County the mean value of citrinin was 14,6 μg/kg (median=1.23 μg/kg). From 5 analyzed samples from Brod-Posavina County, one of the samples contained citrinin in the amount of 23.8 μg/kg, while the registered amounts in the other samples were <1 μg/kg. The results show that grains from several Counties contain certain amounts of Citrinin possibly indicating a significant intake of citrinin in humans. It must be stated that grains and grain-based products are the basis of everyday diet of all age groups, especially small children, where higher intake of citrinin can occur. Consequently, we emphasize the need for systematic analysis of larger amount of samples, from both large grains and small grains, especially in the area of Brod-Posavina County, in order to obtain more realistic notion of citrinin contamination of grains and to asses the health risk in humans.

Bio-composites of cassava starch-green coconut fiber: part II-Structure and properties.

PubMed

Lomelí-Ramírez, María Guadalupe; Kestur, Satyanarayana G; Manríquez-González, Ricardo; Iwakiri, Setsuo; de Muniz, Graciela Bolzon; Flores-Sahagun, Thais Sydenstricker

2014-02-15

Development of any new material requires its complete characterization to find potential applications. In that direction, preparation of bio-composites of cassava starch containing up to 30 wt.% green coconut fibers from Brazil by thermal molding process was reported earlier. Their characterization regarding physical and tensile properties of both untreated and treated matrices and their composites were also reported. Structural studies through FTIR and XRD and thermal stability of the above mentioned composites are presented in this paper. FT-IR studies revealed decomposition of components in the matrix; the starch was neither chemically affected nor modified by either glycerol or the amount of fiber. XRD studies indicated increasing crystallinity of the composites with increasing amount of fiber content. Thermal studies through TGA/DTA showed improvement of thermal stability with increasing amount of fiber incorporation, while DMTA showed increasing storage modulus, higher glass transition temperature and lower damping with increasing fiber content. Improved interfacial bonding between the matrix and fibers could be the cause for the above results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mixtures of Sulfates in Melas Chasma

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-04

In this image from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, layering within the light-toned sulfate deposit is the result of different states of hydration. Some of the layers have sulfates with little water (known as monohydrated sulfates) whereas other layers have higher amounts of water (called polyhydrated sulfates). The different amounts of water within the sulfates may reflect changes in the water chemistry during deposition of the sulfates, or may have occurred after the sulfates were laid down when heat or pressure forced the water out of some layers, causing a decrease in the hydration state. Many locations on Mars have sulfates, which are sedimentary rocks formed in water. Within Valles Marineris, the large canyon system that cuts across the planet, there are big and thick sequences of sulfates. The CRISM instrument on MRO is crucial for telling scientists which type of sulfate is associated with each layer, because each hydration state will produce a spectrum with absorptions at specific wavelengths depending upon the amount of water contained within the sulfate. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21935

Preparation of chondroitin sulfate libraries containing disulfated disaccharide units and inhibition of thrombin by these chondroitin sulfates.

PubMed

Numakura, Mario; Kusakabe, Noriko; Ishige, Kazuya; Ohtake-Niimi, Shiori; Habuchi, Hiroko; Habuchi, Osami

2010-07-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) containing GlcA-GalNAc(4,6-SO(4)) (E unit) and CS containing GlcA(2SO(4))-GalNAc(6SO(4)) (D unit) have been implicated in various physiological functions. However, it has been poorly understood how the structure and contents of disulfated disaccharide units in CS contribute to these functions. We prepared CS libraries containing E unit or D unit in various proportions by in vitro enzymatic reactions using recombinant GalNAc 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase and uronosyl 2-O-sulfotransferase, and examined their inhibitory activity toward thrombin. The in vitro sulfated CSs containing disulfated disaccharide units showed concentration-dependent direct inhibition of thrombin when the proportion of E unit or D unit in the CSs was above 15-17%. The CSs containing both E unit and D unit exhibited higher inhibitory activity toward thrombin than the CSs containing either E unit or D unit alone, if the proportion of the total disulfated disaccharide units of these CSs was comparable. The thrombin-catalyzed degradation of fibrinogen, a physiological substrate for thrombin, was also inhibited by the CS containing both E unit and D unit. These observations indicate that the enzymatically prepared CS libraries containing various amounts of disulfated disaccharide units appear to be useful for elucidating the physiological function of disulfated disaccharide units in CS.

Fatty Acid and Phytosterol Content of Commercial Saw Palmetto Supplements

PubMed Central

Penugonda, Kavitha; Lindshield, Brian L.

2013-01-01

Saw palmetto supplements are one of the most commonly consumed supplements by men with prostate cancer and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some studies have found significant improvements in BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with saw palmetto supplementation, whereas others found no benefits. The variation in the efficacy in these trials may be a result of differences in the putative active components, fatty acids and phytosterols, of the saw palmetto supplements. To this end, we quantified the major fatty acids (laurate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, oleate, linoleate) and phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol) in 20 commercially available saw palmetto supplements using GC-FID and GC-MS, respectively. Samples were classified into liquids, powders, dried berries, and tinctures. Liquid saw palmetto supplements contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total fatty acids (908.5 mg/g), individual fatty acids, total phytosterols (2.04 mg/g), and individual phytosterols, than the other supplement categories. Powders contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total fatty acids than tinctures, which contain negligible amounts of fatty acids (46.3 mg/g) and phytosterols (0.10 mg/g). Our findings suggest that liquid saw palmetto supplements may be the best choice for individuals who want to take a saw palmetto supplement with the highest concentrations of both fatty acids and phytosterols. PMID:24067389

Fatty acid and phytosterol content of commercial saw palmetto supplements.

PubMed

Penugonda, Kavitha; Lindshield, Brian L

2013-09-13

Saw palmetto supplements are one of the most commonly consumed supplements by men with prostate cancer and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some studies have found significant improvements in BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with saw palmetto supplementation, whereas others found no benefits. The variation in the efficacy in these trials may be a result of differences in the putative active components, fatty acids and phytosterols, of the saw palmetto supplements. To this end, we quantified the major fatty acids (laurate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, oleate, linoleate) and phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol) in 20 commercially available saw palmetto supplements using GC-FID and GC-MS, respectively. Samples were classified into liquids, powders, dried berries, and tinctures. Liquid saw palmetto supplements contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total fatty acids (908.5 mg/g), individual fatty acids, total phytosterols (2.04 mg/g), and individual phytosterols, than the other supplement categories. Powders contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total fatty acids than tinctures, which contain negligible amounts of fatty acids (46.3 mg/g) and phytosterols (0.10 mg/g). Our findings suggest that liquid saw palmetto supplements may be the best choice for individuals who want to take a saw palmetto supplement with the highest concentrations of both fatty acids and phytosterols.

Determination and assessment of total mercury levels in local, frozen and canned fish in Lebanon.

PubMed

Obeid, Pierre J; El-Khoury, Bilal; Burger, Joanne; Aouad, Samer; Younis, Mira; Aoun, Amal; El-Nakat, John Hanna

2011-01-01

Fish is an important constituent of the Lebanese diet. However, very little attention in our area is given to bring awareness regarding the effect of the toxicity of mercury (Hg) mainly through fish consumption. This study aimed to report analytical data on total mercury levels in several fish species for the first time in thirty years and to also made individuals aware of the presence and danger from exposure to mercury through fish consumption. Fish samples were selected from local Lebanese markets and fisheries and included 94 samples of which were fresh, frozen, processed, and canned fish. All values were reported as microgram of mercury per gram of fish based on wet weight. The level of mercury ranged from 0.0190 to 0.5700 microg/g in fresh samples, 0.0059 to 0.0665 microg/g in frozen samples, and 0.0305 to 0.1190 microg/g in canned samples. The data clearly showed that higher levels of mercury were detected in local fresh fish as opposed to other types thus placing consumers at higher risk from mercury exposure. Moreover, the data revealed that Mallifa (yellowstripe barracuda/Sphyraena chrysotaenia), Sargous (white seabream/Diplodus sargus), Ghobbos (bogue/Boops boops), and shrimp (Penaeus sp.) were among the types containing the highest amounts of mercury. On the other hand, processed fish such as fish fillet, fish burger, small shrimp and crab are found to contain lower levels of mercury and are associated with lower exposure risks to mercury. Lebanese population should therefore, be aware to consume limited amounts of fresh local fish to minimize exposure to mercury.

Nano-Structured Magnesium Oxide Coated Iron Ore: Its Application to the Remediation of Wastewater Containing Lead.

PubMed

Nagarajah, Ranjini; Jang, Min; Pichiah, Saravanan; Cho, Jongman; Snyder, Shane A

2015-12-01

Magnetically separable nano-structured magnesium oxide coated iron ore (IO(MgO)) was prepared using environmentally benign chemicals, such as iron ore (IO), magnesium(II) nitrate hexahydrate [Mg(NO3)2 x 6H2O] and urea; via an easy and fast preparation method. The lO(MgO) was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and alternating gradient magnetometer (AGM) analyses. The isotherm and kinetic studies indicated that lO(MgO) has a comparably higher Langmuir constant (K(L), 1.69 L mg(-1)) and maximum sorption capacity (33.9 mg g(-1)) for lead (Pb) than other inorganic media. Based on MgO amount, the removal capacity of Pb by IO(MgO) was 2,724 mg Pb (g MgO)(-1), which was higher than that (1,980 mg g(-1)) for flowerlike magnesium oxide nanostructures reported by Cao et al. The kinetics, FE-SEM, elemental mapping and XRD results revealed that the substitution followed by precipitation was identified as the mechanism of Pb removal and plumbophyllite (Pb2Si4O10 x H2O) was the precipitated phase of Pb. A leaching test revealed that IOMgO) had negligible concentrations of leached Fe at pH 4-9. Since the base material, IO, is cheap and easily available, lO(MgO) could be produced in massive amounts and used for remediation of wastewater containing heavy metals, applying simple and fast magnetic separation.

Zooplankton Gut Passage Mobilizes Lithogenic Iron for Ocean Productivity.

PubMed

Schmidt, Katrin; Schlosser, Christian; Atkinson, Angus; Fielding, Sophie; Venables, Hugh J; Waluda, Claire M; Achterberg, Eric P

2016-10-10

Iron is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton, but low concentrations limit primary production and associated atmospheric carbon drawdown in large parts of the world's oceans [1, 2]. Lithogenic particles deriving from aeolian dust deposition, glacial runoff, or river discharges can form an important source if the attached iron becomes dissolved and therefore bioavailable [3-5]. Acidic digestion by zooplankton is a potential mechanism for iron mobilization [6], but evidence is lacking. Here we show that Antarctic krill sampled near glacial outlets at the island of South Georgia (Southern Ocean) ingest large amounts of lithogenic particles and contain 3-fold higher iron concentrations in their muscle than specimens from offshore, which confirms mineral dissolution in their guts. About 90% of the lithogenic and biogenic iron ingested by krill is passed into their fecal pellets, which contain ∼5-fold higher proportions of labile (reactive) iron than intact diatoms. The mobilized iron can be released in dissolved form directly from krill or via multiple pathways involving microbes, other zooplankton, and krill predators. This can deliver substantial amounts of bioavailable iron and contribute to the fertilization of coastal waters and the ocean beyond. In line with our findings, phytoplankton blooms downstream of South Georgia are more intensive and longer lasting during years with high krill abundance on-shelf. Thus, krill crop phytoplankton but boost new production via their nutrient supply. Understanding and quantifying iron mobilization by zooplankton is essential to predict ocean productivity in a warming climate where lithogenic iron inputs from deserts, glaciers, and rivers are increasing [7-10]. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Poultry feed based on protein hydrolysate derived from chrome-tanned leather solid waste: creating value from waste.

PubMed

Chaudhary, Rubina; Pati, Anupama

2016-04-01

Leather industry generates huge amount of chrome-containing leather solid waste which creates major environment problems to tanners worldwide. Chrome-tanned leather solid waste is primarily chromium complex of collagen protein. The presence of chromium limits its protein application in animal feed industry. The purified protein hydrolysate with zero chromium could be used in poultry feed. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess performance of poultry with purified protein hydrolysate as a feed derived from chrome-tanned leather waste as partial replacement of soyabean meal as a sole source of protein for growing broiler chickens. Growth study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding protein hydrolysate on performance and physiochemical characteristics of meat of broiler chickens. Two experimental diets containing various levels of protein hydrolysate (EI-20 % and EII-30 %) were evaluated. The comparative study was performed as control with soyabean meal. Daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured from day 8 to day 35. At the end of the study, birds were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate for physiochemical characteristics of meat. Diet had significant effects on feed intake and body weight gain. Birds fed with 20 and 30 % protein hydrolysate consumed 9.5 and 17.5 % higher amount of feed and gained 6.5 and 16.6 % higher than soyabean meal-fed birds. The current study produced evidence that protein hydrolysate can replace up to 75 % of soyabean meal in broiler diets without affecting either growth performance or meat characteristics.

Cretaceous shales from the western interior of North America: sulfur/carbon ratios and sulfur-isotope composition.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gautier, D.L.

1986-01-01

Sulphur/carbon ratios in cores of selected Cretaceous marine shales average 0.67, a value greater than that observed in recent marine sediments and much higher than global values calculated for the Cretaceous. This may be ascribed to generally low levels of bioturbation and enhanced efficiency of sulphate reduction due to low oxygen levels in Cretaceous seaways. Isotopic compositions of pyrite sulphur vary systematically with level of oxygenation of the depositional environment and therefore with organic carbon abundance and type of organic matter. Samples with >4% organic carbon are extremely depleted in 34S (mean delta 34S -31per mille) and contain hydrogen-rich organic matter. Samples containing <1.5% organic carbon display relatively 'heavy' but wide-ranging delta 34S values (-34.6 to +16.8per mille) and contain hydrogen-poor organic matter. Samples with intermediate amounts of organic carbon have average delta 34S of -25.9per mille and contain both types of organic matter. Relations between the nature of these shales, and their sedimentation rate and depositional environment are discussed.-L.C.H.

Fluoride-containing podophyllum derivatives exhibit antitumor activities through enhancing mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by increasing the expression of caspase-9 in HeLa cells

PubMed Central

Zhao, Wei; Yang, Yong; Zhang, Ya-Xuan; Zhou, Chen; Li, Hong-Mei; Tang, Ya-Ling; Liang, Xin-Hua; Chen, Tao; Tang, Ya-Jie

2015-01-01

This work aims to provide sampling of halogen-containing aniline podophyllum derivatives and their mode of action with an in-depth comparison among fluorine, chloride and bromide for clarifying the important role and impact of fluorine substitution on enhancing antitumor activity, with an emphasis on the development of drug rational design for antitumor drug. The tumor cytotoxicity of fluoride-containing aniline podophyllum derivatives were in general improved by 10–100 times than those of the chloride and bromide-containing aniline podophyllum derivatives since fluoride could not only strongly solvated in protic solvents but also forms tight ion pairs in most aprotic solvents. When compared with chloride and bromide, the higher electronegativity fluoride substituted derivatives significantly enhanced mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by remarkably increasing the expression of caspase-9 in HeLa cells. The current findings would stimulate an enormous amount of research directed toward exploiting novel leading compounds based on podophyllum derivatives, especially for the fluoride-substituted structures with promising antitumor activity. PMID:26608216

Bioactive constituents in pulses and their health benefits.

PubMed

Singh, Balwinder; Singh, Jatinder Pal; Shevkani, Khetan; Singh, Narpinder; Kaur, Amritpal

2017-03-01

Pulses are good sources of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, phytosterols and non-digestible carbohydrates that play important physiological as well as metabolic roles. These compounds vary in concentration amongst different pulse species and varieties. Pulse seed coats are rich in water-insoluble fibres and polyphenols (having high antioxidant activities), while cotyledons contain higher soluble fibres, oligosaccharides, slowly digestible and resistant starch content. Ferulic acid is the most abundant phenolic acid present in pulses, while flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins and tannins are responsible for the seed coat colour. Sitosterol (most abundant), stigmasterol, and campesterol are the major phytosterols present in pulses. Pulse fibres, resistant starch and oligosaccharides function as probiotics and possess several other health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and reduce glucose as well as lipid levels. Beans and peas contain higher amounts of oligosaccharides than other pulses. Processing methods affect resistant starch, polyphenol composition and generally increase antioxidant activities of different pulses. In this review, the current information on pulse polyphenols, phytosterols, resistant starch, dietary fibre, oligosaccharides, antioxidant and associated health benefits are discussed.

Phytoremediation potential of chromium-containing tannery effluent-contaminated soil by native Indian timber-yielding tree species.

PubMed

Manikandan, Muthu; Kannan, Vijayaraghavan; Mahalingam, Kanimozhi; Vimala, A; Chun, Sechul

2016-01-01

Twenty-six native Indian tree species that are used for the enhanced tree cover program of the forest department (Government of Tamilnadu, India) were screened for phytoremediation of tannery effluent-contaminated soil containing high chromium content. Out of 26 tree species tested, 10 timber-yielding tree species were selected for further phytoremediation monitoring. After a series of treatments with tannery effluent sludge, the chromium content was measured in the plant parts. The saplings of Acacia auriculiformis, Azadirachta indica, Albizzia lebbeck, Dalbergia sisso, and Thespesia populnea were identified as efficient bioaccumulators of chromium from Cr-contaminated soil. Acacia auriculiformis accumulates higher amounts of Cr in both the root and stem. Dalbergia sisso and T. populnea were found to accumulate higher quantity of Cr in the roots, whereas A. indica, A. richardiana, and A. lebbeck accumulate Cr in their stem. The stress response of the plant species was assessed by quantifying the antioxidative enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and DHAR. Activity of all the enzymes was observed to gradually increase following treatment with tannery effluent sludge.

Seasoning ingredients in a medium-fat diet regulate lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in growing rats.

PubMed

Tanaka, Mitsuru; Yasuoka, Akihito; Yoshinuma, Haruka; Saito, Yoshikazu; Asakura, Tomiko; Tanabe, Soichi

2018-03-01

We fed rats noodle (N) -diet containing 30 wt.% instant noodle with a 26% fat-to-energy ratio for 30 days (N-group). Compared with rats that were fed the same amount of nutrients (C-group), the N-group showed lower liver triacylglycerol levels and higher fecal cholesterol levels. We then analyzed transcriptome of the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP), the liver and the white adipose tissue (WAT). Thyroid stimulating hormone (Tshb), and its partner, glycoprotein hormone genes were up-regulated in the HP of N-group. Sterol regulatory element binding transcription factors were activated in the liver of N-group, while an up-regulation of the angiogenic signal occurred in the WAT of N-group. N-group showed higher urine noradrenaline (NA) level suggesting that these tissue signals are regulated by NA and Tshb. The N-diet contains 0.326 wt.% glutamate, 0.00236 wt.% 6-shogaol and Maillard reaction products. Our results suggest that these ingredients may affect lipid homeostasis via the HP axis.

Cryogenic and elevated temperature strengths of an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy modified with Sc and Zr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senkova, S. V.; Senkov, O. N.; Miracle, D. B.

2006-12-01

The effect of minor additions of Sc and Zr on tensile properties of two developmental Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys was studied in the temperature range -196°C to 300°C. Due to the presence of Sc and Zr in a fine dispersoid form, both low-temperature and elevated temperature strengths of these alloys are much higher than those of similar 7000 series alloys that do not contain these elements. After short holding times (up to 10 hours) at 205°C, the strength of these alloys is higher than those of high-temperature Al alloys 2219-T6 and 2618-T6; however, the latter alloys show better strength after longer holding times. It is suggested that additional alloying of the Sc-containing Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys with other dispersoid-forming elements, such as Ni, Fe, Mn, and Si, with a respective decrease in the amounts of Zn and Mg may further improve the elevated temperature strength and decrease the loss of strength with extended elevated temperature exposure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larsson, P.; Okla, L.; Collvin, L.

Levels of persistent pollutants, including PCBs, [Sigma]DDT, and [gamma]-hexachlorocyclohexane, were examined in a pike population inhabiting a eutrophic lake in southern Scandinavia. For females, levels of persistent pollutants decreased linearly with age, weight, or length. This decline was ascribed to the seasonal elimination of the lipophilic pollutants in roe, which contained up to 10 times higher fat levels compared to muscle and over 10 times the amounts of pollutants. Male pike contained higher levels of pollutants than females, probably due to the lower elimination via gonadal products, as germinal tissue constitutes only 2% of the male total body weight andmore » has a lower fat content than ovaries. Female germinal tissue can account for as much as 15% of the body weight. No major fat deposits other than those in germinal tissue were found in pike, which also had a low muscle fat content, suggesting that the importance of roe elimination in removing pollutants may be greater in pike than in salmonids. Uptake of persistent pollutants can vary greatly within a species, owing to differences in sex, age, and so forth, as well as between species, owing to differences in fat deposition strategies.« less

Applicability of Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube for fish waste removal from fish cages in Sanggou Bay, P. R. China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jinghui; Jiang, Zengjie; Jansen, Henrice M.; Hu, Fawen; Fang, Jianguang; Liu, Yi; Gao, Yaping; Du, Meirong

2017-04-01

The present study investigated the applicability of integrated polychaete-fish culture for fish waste removal to offset negative impact induced by organic benthic enrichment. A field study demonstrated that deposition rate was significantly higher underneath the fish farm than that in control area. The material settling under the farm was characterized by a high amount of fish feces (45%) and uneaten feed (27%). Both feeding rate (FR) and apparent digestibility rate (ADR) increased with decreasing body weight, as was indicated by significantly a higher rate observed for the groups containing smaller individuals in a lab study. The nutrient in fresh deposited material (De) was higher than that in sediments collected under the farm (Se), resulting in lower feces production but higher apparent digestibility rate for the De group as feeding rate was similar. Consequently, higher nutrient removal efficiency was observed in the De group. A mass balance approach indicated that approximately 400-500 individuals m-2 is required for removing all waste materials deposited underneath the fish farm, whereas abundance can be lower (about 300-350 individuals m-2) when only the fish waste needs to be removed. The results showed that a significant amount of waste had been accumulated in the fish cages in Sanggou Bay. The integration of fish with P. aibuhitensis seems promising for preventing organic pollution in the sediment and therefore is an effective strategy for mitigating negative effect of fish farms. Thus such integration can become a new IMTA (integrated multi-trophic aquaculture) model in Sanggou Bay.

Autologous serum supplement favours in vitro regenerative paracrine factors synthesis.

PubMed

Haque, Nazmul; Kasim, Noor Hayaty Abu; Kassim, Noor Lide Abu; Rahman, Mohammad Tariqur

2017-08-01

Foetal bovine serum (FBS) is often the serum supplement of choice for in vitro human cell culture. This study compares the effect of FBS and autologous human serum (AuHS) supplement in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture to prepare secretome. The PBMC (n = 7) were cultured either in RPMI-1640 containing L-glutamine and 50 units/ml Penicillin-Streptomycin (BM) or in BM with either AuHS or FBS. Viability, proliferation and differentiation of PBMC were evaluated. Paracrine factors present in the secretomes (n = 6) were analysed using ProcartaPlex Human Cytokine panel (17 plex). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was performed to predict activation or inhibition of biological functions related to tissue regeneration. The viability of PBMC that were cultured with FBS supplement was significantly reduced at 96 h compared to those at 0 and 24 h (P < .05). While the reduction of the viability of PBMC that were cultured with AuHS supplement was not significantly different compared to those at 0 and 24 h. The FBS secretomes prepared at 24 h was found to contain significantly higher amount of EGF (P < .05) compared to that in AuHS or BM secretome. The AuHS secretomes contained significantly higher amount of HGF at 24 (P < .05) and 96 h (P < .01), and VEGF-A at 24 h (P < .05) compared to those in the FBS secretomes. SDF-1 was not detected in the FBS secretomes prepared at either 24 or 96 hours. Double immunocytochemical staining revealed a marked increase in co-localization of SDF-1 and its receptor in PBMC that were cultured with AuHS supplement compared to that cultured with FBS supplement. In secretome preparation, AuHS supplement favours synthesis of paracrine factors that are needed for regenerative therapy. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Novel Observational Method for Assessing Acute Responses to Cannabis: Preliminary Validation Using Legal Market Strains.

PubMed

Bidwell, L Cinnamon; Mueller, Raeghan; YorkWilliams, Sophie L; Hagerty, Sarah; Bryan, Angela D; Hutchison, Kent E

2018-01-01

Background: The development of novel cannabis research methods that are compatible with current federal regulations is imperative to conduct studies of the effects of legal market cannabis. There is very little research on higher strength, higher Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has become increasingly available since legalization. Research on strains containing cannabidiol (CBD), a second primary, but nonpsychotomimetic, cannabinoid, is very limited. Materials and Methods: Using a novel observational methodology, regular cannabis users were asked to use one of two legal market cannabis strains that they purchased from a local dispensary (one strain containing 8% THC and 16% CBD (THC+CBD) and one containing a 17% THC concentration, but no CBD (THC). After using their suggested cannabis strain as they typically would for a 3-day period, participants returned to the laboratory immediately after their final use. Measures included a blood draw to measure cannabinoid blood levels and circulating cytokines, self-reported subjective drug effects, and verbal recall memory. Results: Analysis of CBD/THC concentration levels in the blood following the 3-day strain manipulation suggests that all, but one participant ( n =23/24) followed instructions and used their assigned strain. Individuals in the THC group ( n =11) smoked no more than their usual amount, and participants who used the THC+CBD ( n =12) strain smoked more than their reported usual amount, but did not have significantly different THC+metabolite blood levels from the THC group. The THC+CBD strain was also associated with less desire to smoke, lower levels of subjective drug effects, and lower levels of circulating cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) immediately after use. Conclusions: Initial results support the feasibility of this novel observational methodology involving brief manipulation of strain use. Preliminary findings indicate that participants may self-titrate cannabis use based on cannabinoid concentration and the THC+CBD strain was associated with lower levels of cannabis craving, subjective intoxication, and circulating cytokines.

Pt-black catalysts sintered at different temperatures: Surface analysis and activity in reactions of n-hexane

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paal, Z.; Xu, X.L.; Paal-Lukacs, J.

Pt-black catalysts sintered at 473 and 633 K ({open_quotes}Pt-473{close_quotes} and {open_quotes}Pt-633{close_quotes}), respectively, have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and analyzed by XPS, UPS, and AES after carrying out n-hexane reactions. The analysis has been repeated after O{sub 2}-H{sub 2} regeneration in the preparation chamber of the UHV apparatus. The surface of the blacks contains some carbon and oxygen impurities even after regeneration. Both Pt-473 and Pt-633 show high Pt 4f line intensity. Decomposition of the C 1s line reveals a higher amount of oxidized carbon polymers on Pt-633. This sample is free from lattice strain. The likely higher abundance ofmore » exposed hexagonal symmetry faces, namely the (111) plane and analogous stepped and kinked structures, may be one of the reasons why fragmentation and aromatization are favored on Pt-633, as opposed to the higher selectivity of isomerization and C{sub 5}-cyclization on Pt-473. The higher amount of oxidized carbonaceous polymer overlayer (serving as {open_quotes}hydrogen catcher{close_quotes}) on Pt-633 as well as the less-retained hydrogen by its crystallites without lattice strain may also contribute to the different selectivity and hydrogen pressure response of the n-hexane reaction over the two samples. Product ratios are suggested as an additional diagnostic tool for characterizing the hydrogen availability on the catalysts. 59 refs., 9 figs., 5 tabs.« less

Solid phase microextraction applied to the analysis of organophosphorus insecticides in fruits.

PubMed

Fytianos, K; Raikos, N; Theodoridis, G; Velinova, Z; Tsoukali, H

2006-12-01

Trace amounts of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) were determined in various fruits by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorous detection (GC-NPD). Sampling from the headspace enhanced method selectivity, whereas at the same time improved fiber life time and method sensitivity. Diazinon, parathion, methyl parathion, malathion and fenithrothion were determined in various fruits: more than 150 samples of 21 types of fruits were studied. SPME-GC-NPD provided a useful and very efficient analytical tool: method linearity ranged from 1.2 to 700 ng/ml. Limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.03 to 3 ng/ml and 0.12 to 10 ng/ml respectively, values well below the residue limits set by the EU. Less than 2% of the samples were found positive containing amounts higher than the EU limits. The effect of fruit peeling and washing was also investigated.

Zinc absorption from composite meals. I. The significance of whest extraction rate, zinc, calcium, and protein content in meals based on bread.

PubMed

Sandström, B; Arvidsson, B; Cederblad, A; Björn-Rasmussen, E

1980-04-01

The absorption of zinc in man from composite meals based on bread was measured with a radionuclide technique using 65Zn and whole-body counting. Bread was made up from wheat flour of 100 and 72% extraction rate. A lower absolute amount of zinc was absorbed from the white bread compared to the absorption from the same amount of wholemeal bread. When the two types of bread were enriched with zinc chloride the absorption was higher from the white bread than from the wholemeal bread. Addition of calcium in the form of milk products improved the absorption of zinc from a meal with wholemeal bread. A significant positive correlation was found between zinc absorption and the protein content in meals containing milk, cheese, beef, and egg in various combinations with the wholemeal bread.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Origanum saccatum P.H. Davis essential oil obtained by solvent-free microwave extraction: comparison with hydrodistillation.

PubMed

Sozmen, Fazli; Uysal, Burcu; Oksal, Birsen S; Kose, Elif Odabas; Deniz, I Gokhan

2011-01-01

The components of the essential oils (EOs) obtained by solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and hydrodistillation (HD) from endemic Origanum saccatum P.H. Davis were identified by using GC/MS. The main constituents of both EOs obtained by SFME and HD, respectively, from O. saccatum were p-cymene (72.5 and 70.6%), thymol (9.32 and 8.11%), and carvacrol (7.18 and 6.36%). The EO obtained by SFME contained substantially higher amounts of oxygenated compounds and lower amounts of monoterpenes than did the EO obtained by HD. The antibacterial activities of the EOs obtained by SFME and HD were evaluated with the disc diffusion method by comparison with 10 different bacterial strains. The antibacterial activity of the EO extracted by SFME was found to be more effective than that of the EO extracted by HD against seven of the tested bacteria.

The Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel High-Efficient Butanol-Producing Bacterium Clostridium Diolis Strain WST.

PubMed

Chen, Chaoyang; Sun, Chongran; Wu, Yi-Rui

2018-03-21

A wild-type solventogenic strain Clostridium diolis WST, isolated from mangrove sediments, was characterized to produce high amount of butanol and acetone with negligible level of ethanol and acids from glucose via a unique acetone-butanol (AB) fermentation pathway. Through the genomic sequencing, the assembled draft genome of strain WST is calculated to be 5.85 Mb with a GC content of 29.69% and contains 5263 genes that contribute to the annotation of 5049 protein-coding sequences. Within these annotated genes, the butanol dehydrogenase gene (bdh) was determined to be in a higher amount from strain WST compared to other Clostridial strains, which is positively related to its high-efficient production of butanol. Therefore, we present a draft genome sequence analysis of strain WST in this article that should facilitate to further understand the solventogenic mechanism of this special microorganism.

Differentiation of Cuscuta chinensis and Cuscuta australis by HPLC-DAD-MS analysis and HPLC-UV quantitation.

PubMed

He, Xianghui; Yang, Wenzhi; Ye, Min; Wang, Qing; Guo, Dean

2011-11-01

Cuscuta chinensis and Cuscuta australis, the two botanical sources of the Chinese herbal medicine Tu-Si-Zi, were distinguished from each other based on qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. By HPLC‑DAD‑MS, a total of 36 compounds were characterized from these two Cuscuta species, including 14 flavonoids, 17 quinic acid derivatives, and 5 lignans. In addition, HPLC‑UV was applied to determine seven major compounds (6 flavonoids plus chlorogenic acid) in 27 batches of Tu-Si-Zi. The results revealed that the amounts of the three classes of compounds varied significantly between the species. C. australis contained more flavonoids but less quinic acid derivatives and lignans than C. chinensis. Particularly, the amounts of kaempferol and astragalin in C. australis were remarkably higher than in C. chinensis. This finding could be valuable for the quality control of Tu-Si-Zi. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Development of a screening system for cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Coury, A J; Fogt, E J; Norenberg, M S; Untereker, D F

1983-09-01

We have developed a simple method for detecting high concentrations of chloride in sweat from ambulatory subjects, a measurement useful in the detection of cystic fibrosis. The method is based on the standard approach of stimulating sweat generation through iontophoresis of pilocarpine nitrate into the skin, followed by collection and analysis of the sweat for chloride concentration. The sweat-stimulating reagents are contained in polymeric gel pads, which are used in conjunction with a small battery-powered stimulator. The chloride analysis is subsequently done on the stimulated site by use of a thin test patch that picks up a fixed amount of sweat and changes color if the chloride concentration is higher than a predetermined value. The successful completion of a test is indicated by a fill tab, which changes color when the appropriate amount of sweat has been picked up by the chloride test patch.

DDE in brown and white fat of hibernating bats

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, D.R.; Krynitsky, A.J.

1983-01-01

Samples of brown and white fat from hibernating bats (big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus; little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus; and eastern pipistrelle, Pipistrellus subflavus) collected in western Maryland, USA, were analysed to determine lipid and DDE content. Amounts of brown fat, expressed as percentages of total bat weight, were the same for all three species. Lipid content of brown fat was significantly less than that of white fat. Lipids of brown fat contained significantly higher (28%) concentrations of DDE than did lipids of white fat. In our mixed-species sample of 14 bats, concentrations of DDE increased exponentially in both brown and white fat as white fat reserves declined. Brown fat facilitates arousal from hibernation by producing heat through rapid metabolism of triglycerides. The question is raised whether organochlorine residues, such as DDE, may be concentrated and then liberated in lethal amounts by the processes of hibernation and arousal.

Organ-specific distribution of phenolic compounds in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and 'northblue' blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum x V. angustifolium).

PubMed

Riihinen, Kaisu; Jaakola, Laura; Kärenlampi, Sirpa; Hohtola, Anja

2008-09-01

Blueberries and bilberries are recognized as some of the best sources of flavonoids, especially anthocyanins. The contents of flavonoids (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols) and hydroxycinnamic acids in the flower, fruit skin and pulp, leaf and rhizome of bilberry and the blueberry cultivar 'Northblue' were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with diode-array detection. The most striking difference in the fruits was the predominance of hydroxycinnamic acids in blueberry, whereas in bilberry the anthocyanin content was much higher, particularly in the pulp. Differences in flavonoid contents of fruits were already apparent at the flower stage. Bilberry and blueberry leaves both contained high amounts of proanthocyanidins, flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids. Blueberry rhizomes accumulated high amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids. All plant parts of bilberry and blueberry are potential sources of phenolic compounds for use either as dietary botanicals or by the pharmaceutical industry. Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of two levels of hemospermia on stallion fertility.

PubMed

Turner, C E; Walbornn, S R; Blanchard, T L; Varner, D D; Brinsko, S P; LaCaze, K A; Teague, S R; Love, C C

2016-10-01

Hemospermia can occur consistently or intermittently in stallion ejaculates and may cause a reduction in the fertility of the affected ejaculate. It is unknown what amount of blood in an ejaculate leads to subfertility. This study investigated the effect of higher and lower levels of hemospermia (50% and 5%, respectively) on fertility using 24 reproductively normal mares inseminated over three consecutive estrous cycles with fresh extended semen. Mares inseminated with a 5% blood-contaminated ejaculate became pregnant at the same rate (75% per cycle; 18 of 24) as the mares inseminated with blood-free (control) semen (75% per cycle; 18 of 24). The ejaculates containing 50% blood were sterile (0% per cycle, 0 of 24). We concluded that it is the amount of blood, not the mere presence of blood, in an ejaculate that impacts fertility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Natural variability in bovine milk oligosaccharides from Danish Jersey and Holstein-Friesian breeds

PubMed Central

Sundekilde, Ulrik K; Barile, Daniela; Meyrand, Mickael; Poulsen, Nina A; Larsen, Lotte B; Lebrilla, Carlito B.; Bruce, German J.; Bertram, Hanne C

2012-01-01

Free oligosaccharides are key components of human milk and play multiple roles in the health of the neonate, by stimulating growth of selected beneficial bacteria in the gut, participating in development of the brain and exerting anti-pathogenic activity. However, the concentration of oligosaccharides is low in mature bovine milk, normally used for infant formula, compared with both human colostrum and mature human milk. Characterization of bovine milk oligosaccharides in different breeds is crucial for the identification of viable sources for oligosaccharide purification. An improved source of oligosaccharides can lead to infant formula with improved oligosaccharide functionality. In the present study we have analyzed milk oligosaccharides by high-performance liquid chromatography chip quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and performed a detailed data analysis using both univariate and multivariate methods. Both statistical tools revealed several differences in oligosaccharide profiles between milk samples from the two Danish breeds; Jersey and Holstein-Friesians. Jersey milk contained higher relative amounts of both sialylated and the more complex neutral fucosylated oligosaccharides, while the Holstein-Friesian milk had higher abundance of smaller and simpler neutral oligosaccharides. The statistical analyses revealed that Jersey milk contain significantly higher levels of fucosylated oligosaccharides than Holstein-Friesian milk. Jersey milk also possesses oligosaccharides with a higher degree of complexity and functional residues (fucose and sialic acid) suggesting it may therefore offer advantages in term of a wider array of bioactivities. PMID:22632419

7 CFR 252.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... Donated food value return system means a system used by a processor or distributor to reduce the price of... issued to a distributor in an amount equal to the NCP contract value of donated foods contained in an end... recipient agency in an amount equal to the NCP contract value of donated foods contained in an end product...

33 CFR 158.210 - Ports and terminals loading crude oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons) or 2 metric...) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of the deadweight tonnage of the largest of... Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures § 158.210 Ports and terminals loading crude oil. The...

33 CFR 158.210 - Ports and terminals loading crude oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons) or 2 metric...) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of the deadweight tonnage of the largest of... Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures § 158.210 Ports and terminals loading crude oil. The...

33 CFR 158.210 - Ports and terminals loading crude oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons) or 2 metric...) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of the deadweight tonnage of the largest of... Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures § 158.210 Ports and terminals loading crude oil. The...

33 CFR 158.210 - Ports and terminals loading crude oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons) or 2 metric...) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of the deadweight tonnage of the largest of... Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures § 158.210 Ports and terminals loading crude oil. The...

33 CFR 158.210 - Ports and terminals loading crude oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons) or 2 metric...) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of the deadweight tonnage of the largest of... Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures § 158.210 Ports and terminals loading crude oil. The...

14 CFR 232.2 - Answers to applications for review.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... expected actual density of mail which will be tendered to the carrier if the order in question is upheld... order in question is upheld; (5) The volume (including density of mail, amount and types of containers... (including density of mail, amount and types of containers) of mail historically carried on the flight or...

Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sheikh, Faheem A; Macossay, Javier; Kanjwal, Muzafar A; Abdal-Hay, Abdalla; Tantry, Mudasir A; Kim, Hern

2012-10-12

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO 2 nanofibers and TiO 2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO 2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO 2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO 2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH 4 , which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems.

Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers and Microparticles Containing Nickel Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Sheikh, Faheem A.; Macossay, Javier; Kanjwal, Muzafar A.; Abdal-hay, Abdalla; Tantry, Mudasir A.; Kim, Hern

2013-01-01

The present study reports on the introduction of various nanocatalysts containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded within TiO2 nanofibers and TiO2 microparticles. Typically, a sol-gel consisting of titanium isopropoxide and Ni NPs was prepared to produce TiO2 nanofibers by the electrospinning process. Similarly, TiO2 microparticles containing Ni were prepared using a sol-gel syntheses process. The resultant structures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well-obtained nanofibers and microparticles. Further, the XRD results demonstrated the crystalline feature of both TiO2 and Ni in the obtained composites. Internal morphology of prepared nanofibers and microparticles containing Ni NPs was characterized by TEM, which demonstrated characteristic structures with good dispersion of Ni NPs. In addition, the prepared structures were studied as a model for hydrogen production applications. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was studied by in situ hydrolysis of NaBH4, which indicated that the nanofibers containing Ni NPs can lead to produce higher amounts of hydrogen when compared to other microparticles, also reported in this paper. Overall, these results confirm the potential use of these materials in hydrogen production systems. PMID:24436780

Compositional variations for alpha-galactosides in different species of leguminosae, brassicaceae, and barley: a chemotaxonomic study based on chemometrics and high-performance capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Andersen, Keld Ejdrup; Bjergegaard, Charlotte; Møller, Peter; Sørensen, Jens Christian; Sørensen, Hilmer

2005-07-13

The contents of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) and sucrose in Brassica, Lupinus, Pisum, and Hordeum species were investigated by chemometric principal component analysis (PCA). Hordeum samples contained sucrose and raffinose, and Brassica samples all contained sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose. In addition to these, the Pisum samples contained verbascose and the Lupinus samples also contained ajugose. High stachyose and low ajugose contents were found in Lupinus albus in contrast to Lupinus angustifolius, having low stachyose and high ajugose contents. Lupinus luteus had average stachyose and ajugose contents, whereas large amounts of verbascose were accumulated in these seeds. Lupinus mutabilis had high stachyose and low ajugose contents, similar to the composition in L. albus but showing higher raffinose content. The Brassica samples also showed compositional RFO variations within the species, and subgroup formations were discovered within the investigated Brassica napus varieties. PCA results indicated compositional variations between the investigated genera and within the various species of value as chemotaxonomic defined parameters and as tools in evaluations of authenticity/falsifications when RFO-containing plants are used as, for example, feed and food additives.

Secretion of wound healing mediators by single and bi-layer skin substitutes.

PubMed

Maarof, Manira; Law, Jia Xian; Chowdhury, Shiplu Roy; Khairoji, Khairul Anuar; Saim, Aminuddin Bin; Idrus, Ruszymah Bt Hj

2016-10-01

Limitations of current treatments for skin loss caused by major injuries leads to the use of skin substitutes. It is assumed that secretion of wound healing mediators by these skin substitutes plays a role in treating skin loss. In our previous study, single layer keratinocytes (SK), single layer fibroblast (SF) and bilayer (BL; containing keratinocytes and fibroblasts layers) skin substitutes were fabricated using fibrin that had shown potential to heal wounds in preclinical studies. This study aimed to quantify the secretion of wound healing mediators, and compare between single and bi-layer skin substitutes. Skin samples were digested to harvest fibroblasts and keratinocytes, and expanded to obtain sufficient cells for the construction of skin substitutes. Acellular fibrin (AF) construct was used as control. Substitutes i.e. AF, SK, SF and BL were cultured for 2 days, and culture supernatant was collected to analyze secretion of wound healing mediators via multiplex ELISA. Among 19 wound healing mediators tested, BL substitute secreted significantly higher amounts of CXCL1 and GCSF compared to SF and AF substitute but this was not significant with respect to SK substitute. The BL substitute also secreted significantly higher amounts of CXCL5 and IL-6 compared to other substitutes. In contrast, the SK substitute secreted significantly higher amounts of VCAM-1 compared to other substitutes. However, all three skin substitutes also secreted CCL2, CCL5, CCL11, GM-CSF, IL8, IL-1α, TNF-α, ICAM-1, FGF-β, TGF-β, HGF, VEGF-α and PDGF-BB factors, but no significant difference was seen. Secretion of these mediators after transplantation may play a significant role in promoting wound healing process for the treatment of skin loss.

Facultative Stabilization Pond: Measuring Biological Oxygen Demand using Mathematical Approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wira S, Ihsan; Sunarsih, Sunarsih

2018-02-01

Pollution is a man-made phenomenon. Some pollutants which discharged directly to the environment could create serious pollution problems. Untreated wastewater will cause contamination and even pollution on the water body. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is the amount of oxygen required for the oxidation by bacteria. The higher the BOD concentration, the greater the organic matter would be. The purpose of this study was to predict the value of BOD contained in wastewater. Mathematical modeling methods were chosen in this study to depict and predict the BOD values contained in facultative wastewater stabilization ponds. Measurements of sampling data were carried out to validate the model. The results of this study indicated that a mathematical approach can be applied to predict the BOD contained in the facultative wastewater stabilization ponds. The model was validated using Absolute Means Error with 10% tolerance limit, and AME for model was 7.38% (< 10%), so the model is valid. Furthermore, a mathematical approach can also be applied to illustrate and predict the contents of wastewater.

In vitro health promoting properties of antioxidant dietary fiber extracted from spent coffee (Coffee arabica L.) grounds.

PubMed

Vázquez-Sánchez, Kenia; Martinez-Saez, Nuria; Rebollo-Hernanz, Miguel; Del Castillo, Maria Dolores; Gaytán-Martínez, Marcela; Campos-Vega, Rocio

2018-09-30

Antioxidant dietary fiber extracted from spent coffee grounds (FSCG) was evaluated as a potential functional food ingredient when incorporated in a food model (biscuits), and digested in vitro under simulated human gastrointestinal conditions. FSCG added to biscuits increased its total dietary fiber, antioxidant capacity after in vitro digestion, bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds (gallic acid and catechin) and amino acids. Furthermore, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), involved in chronic diseases, decreased up to 6-folds in the biscuits containing FSCG when compared with the traditional biscuit. The digestible fraction of biscuits containing the highest amount of FSCG (5 g) displayed the higher inhibiting α-glucosidase activity, correlating with the bioaccessibility of ascorbic acid and catechin. Our study seems to indicate that anti-diabetic compounds may be released in the small intestine during FSCG digestion, where biscuits containing FSCG may be able to beneficially regulate sugar metabolism thereby helping in producing foods friendly for diabetes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Catalytic hydrothermal upgrading of crude bio-oils produced from different thermo-chemical conversion routes of microalgae.

PubMed

Duan, Peigao; Wang, Bing; Xu, Yuping

2015-06-01

This study presents experimental results that compare the use of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), alcoholysis (Al), pyrolysis (Py) and hydropyrolysis (HPy) for the production of bio-oil from a microalga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) and the catalytic hydrothermal upgrading of crude bio-oils produced by these four conversion routes. The yields and compositions of bio-oil, solid residue, and gases were evaluated and compared. HTL resulted in a bio-oil that has a higher energy density and superior fuel properties, such as thermal and storage stabilities, compared with the other three conversion routes. The N in crude bio-oils produced from Py and HPy is more easily removed than that in the bio-oils produced from HTL and Al. The upgraded bio-oils contain reduced amounts of certain O-containing and N-containing compounds and significantly increased saturated hydrocarbon contents. All of the upgraded bio-oils have a larger fraction boiling below 350°C than their corresponding crude bio-oils. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of cellular copper levels in Bacillus megaterium during exponential growth and sporulation.

PubMed

Krueger, W B; Kolodziej, B J

1976-01-01

Both atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and neutron activation analysis have been utilized to determine cellular Cu levels in Bacillus megaterium ATCC 19213. Both methods were selected for their sensitivity to detection of nanogram quantities of Cu. Data from both methods demonstrated identical patterms of Cu uptake during exponenetial growth and sporulation. Late exponential phase cells contained less Cu than postexponential t2 cells while t5 cells contained amounts equivalent to exponential cells. The t11 phase-bright forespore containing cells had a higher Cu content than those of earlier time periods, and the free spores had the highest Cu content. Analysis of the culture medium by AAS corroborated these data by showing concomitant Cu uptake during exponential growth and into t2 postexponential phase of sporulation. From t2 to t4, Cu egressed from the cells followed by a secondary uptake during the maturation of phase-dark forespores into phase-bright forespores (t6--t9).

Salal (Gaultheria shallon) and aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits from Orkney: Phenolic content, composition and effect of wine-making.

PubMed

McDougall, G J; Austin, C; Van Schayk, E; Martin, P

2016-08-15

The polyphenol content and composition of salal and aronia fruits from plants established in Orkney was examined. The composition of the salal fruits has not previously been recorded, and they contained anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamates and proanthocyanins. The aronia fruits contained anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamates and flavonols as previously described. Although salal fruits had half the anthocyanin content of aronia fruits, salal wine had higher anthocyanin content, probably due to the relative stability of diglycoside pentose anthocyanins. The wines contained components suggestive of anthocyanin and flavonol degradation, but there was no consistent pattern to stability within phenolic sub-classes. Indeed, the wine made from equal amounts of salal and aronia fruits had patterns of recovery of individual phenolic components which could not be predicted from recoveries in wines from single fruits. This strongly suggests that stability of individual phenolic constituents during wine-making is influenced by the presence and relative stability of other components. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between the Amount of Bitter Substances Adsorbed onto Lipid/Polymer Membrane and the Electric Response of Taste Sensors

PubMed Central

Toko, Kiyoshi; Hara, Daichi; Tahara, Yusuke; Yasuura, Masato; Ikezaki, Hidekazu

2014-01-01

The bitterness of bitter substances can be measured by the change in the membrane electric potential caused by adsorption (CPA) using a taste sensor (electronic tongue). In this study, we examined the relationship between the CPA value due to an acidic bitter substance and the amount of the bitter substance adsorbed onto lipid/polymer membranes, which contain different lipid contents, used in the taste sensor. We used iso-α-acid which is an acidic bitter substance found in several foods and beverages. The amount of adsorbed iso-α-acid, which was determined by spectroscopy, showed a maximum at the lipid concentration 0.1 wt % of the membrane, and the same phenomenon was observed for the CPA value. At the higher lipid concentration, however, the amount adsorbed decreased and then remained constant, while the CPA value decreased monotonically to zero. This constant adsorption amount was observed when the membrane potential in the reference solution did not change with increasing lipid concentration. The decrease in CPA value in spite of the constant adsorption amount is caused by a decrease in the sensitivity of the membrane as the surface charge density increases. The reason why the peaks appeared in both the CPA value and adsorption amount is based on the contradictory adsorption properties of iso-α-acid. The increasing charged lipid concentration of the membrane causes an increasing electrostatic attractive interaction between iso-α-acid and the membrane, but simultaneously causes a decreasing hydrophobic interaction that results in decreasing adsorption of iso-α-acid, which also has hydrophobic properties, onto the membrane. Estimates of the amount of adsorption suggest that iso-α-acid molecules are adsorbed onto both the surface and interior of the membrane. PMID:25184491

Oral Paracoccidioidomycosis Granulomas are Predominantly Populated by CD163+ Multinucleated Giant Cells.

PubMed

do Prado Gomes Pedreira, Renato; de Carli, Marina Lara; Beijo, Luiz Alberto; Nonogaki, Suely; Pereira, Alessandro Antônio Costa; Junior, Noé Vital Ribeiro; Sperandio, Felipe Fornias; Hanemann, João Adolfo Costa

2016-10-01

Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) are considered to be a hallmark of granulomatous inflammation; thus, they may play an essential role in the host response against pathogens, particularly Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This study characterizes the MGC found in oral paracoccidioidomycosis and assesses the correlation of MGC with the amount of fungi within oral tissues. Twenty-six cases were included. They were classified as loose or dense granulomas, and the total MGC, including foreign-body and Langhans giant cells, besides the total and intracellular fungi, were taken into consideration. CD163 immunoexpression was performed, and CD163+ multinucleated giant cells were also quantified. Dense granulomas revealed more foreign-body type and total giant cells than loose granulomas (P < 0.05). Total giant cells showed a positive linear correlation with the CD163+ cells (P = 0.003; r = 0.56) and intracellular fungi quantification (P = 0.045; r = 0.40). Oral paracoccidioidomycosis lesions contain MGC that mainly belong to a CD163+ phenotype, also showing both Langhans and foreign-body arrangements. Additionally, the higher the presence of MGC, the higher the amount of phagocytized fungi.

Properties of cement based composites modified using diatomaceous earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokorný, Jaroslav; Pavlíková, Milena; Záleská, Martina; Pavlík, Zbyšek

2017-07-01

Diatomite belongs among natural materials rich on amorphous silica (a-SiO2). When finely milled, it can potentially substitute part of cement binder and positively support formation of more dense composite structure. In this connection, two types of diatomaceous earth applied as a partial substitution of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mass% of Portland cement in the composition of cement paste were studied. In the tested mixtures with cement blends, the amount of batch water remained same, with water/binder ratio 0.5. For fresh paste mixtures, initial and final setting times were measured. First, hardened pastes cured 28 days in water were characterized by their physical properties such as bulk density, matrix density and open porosity. Then, their mechanical and thermophysical parameters were assessed. Obtained results gave clear evidence of setting time shortening for pastes with diatomite what brought negative effect with respect to the impaired workability of fresh mixtures. On the other hand, there was observed strength improvement for mixtures containing diatomite with higher amount of SiO2. Here, the increase in mechanical resistivity was distinct up to 15 mass% of cement replacement. Higher cement substitution by diatomite resulted in an increase in porosity and thus improvement of thermal insulation properties.

[Distribution and removal of anaerobic antibiotic resistant bacteria during mesophilic anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge].

PubMed

Tong, Juan; Wang, Yuan-Yue; Wei Yuan, Song

2014-10-01

Sewage sludge is one of the major sources that releasing antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARG) into the environment since it contains large amount of ARB, but there is little information about the fate of the anaerobic ARB in the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. Therefore, the distribution, removal and seasonal changes of tetracycline and β-lactam antibiotics resistant bacteria in the mesophilic egg-shaped digesters of a municipal wastewater treatment plant were investigated for one year in this study. Results showed that there were higher amounts of ARB and higher resistance rate of β-lactam antibiotics than that of tetracycline antibiotics in the sewage sludge. All ARB could be significantly reduced during the mesophilic anaerobic digestion process by 1.48-1.64 log unit (P < 0.05). Notably, the ampicillin and cephalothin resistance rates were significantly increased after anaerobic digestion by 12.0% and 14.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). The distribution of ARB in the sewage sludge had seasonal change characteristics. Except for chlorotetracycline resistant bacteria, there were more ARB in the sewage sludge in cold season than in warm season (P < 0.05).

Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Resin Composites Filled with Combustion Synthesized h-BN Particles.

PubMed

Chung, Shyan-Lung; Lin, Jeng-Shung

2016-05-20

The thermal conductivity of epoxy resin composites filled with combustion-synthesized hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) particles was investigated. The mixing of the composite constituents was carried out by either a dry method (involving no use of solvent) for low filler loadings or a solvent method (using acetone as solvent) for higher filler loadings. It was found that surface treatment of the h-BN particles using the silane 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) increases the thermal conductivity of the resultant composites in a lesser amount compared to the values reported by other studies. This was explained by the fact that the combustion synthesized h-BN particles contain less -OH or active sites on the surface, thus adsorbing less amounts of GPTMS. However, the thermal conductivity of the composites filled with the combustion synthesized h-BN was found to be comparable to that with commercially available h-BN reported in other studies. The thermal conductivity of the composites was found to be higher when larger h-BN particles were used. The thermal conductivity was also found to increase with increasing filler content to a maximum and then begin to decrease with further increases in this content. In addition to the effect of higher porosity at higher filler contents, more horizontally oriented h-BN particles formed at higher filler loadings (perhaps due to pressing during formation of the composites) were suggested to be a factor causing this decrease of the thermal conductivity. The measured thermal conductivities were compared to theoretical predictions based on the Nielsen and Lewis theory. The theoretical predictions were found to be lower than the experimental values at low filler contents (< 60 vol %) and became increasing higher than the experimental values at high filler contents (> 60 vol %).

Differentiation of farmed and wild turbot (Psetta maxima): proximate chemical composition, fatty acid profile, trace minerals and antimicrobial resistance of contaminant bacteria.

PubMed

Martínez, B; Miranda, J M; Nebot, C; Rodriguez, J L; Cepeda, A; Franco, C M

2010-10-01

The proximate, cholesterol, fatty acid and trace mineral compositions in the flesh of farmed and wild turbot (Psetta maxima) were evaluated. Additionally, the potential influence of the use of antimicrobial agents in the bacteria carried by farmed turbot was investigated. For this purpose, a total of 144 Pseudomonas spp. and 127 Aeromonas spp. were isolated and tested for their susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials by a disk diffusion method. Farmed turbot contained higher fat, cholesterol and calories as well as lower moisture content than its wild counterpart. The fatty acid profile of farmed turbot included higher levels of myristic, pentadecanoic, palmitoleic, gadoleic, cetoleic, linoleic, linolenic, stearidonic, eicosadienoic and eicosapentaenoic acids, and lower levels of stearic, arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids than its wild counterpart. The proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-3/n-6 ratios were higher in wild turbot than in farmed turbot. With respect to trace minerals, no toxic levels were found, and higher amounts of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, as well as lower amounts of Cr, were found in farmed turbot relative to wild turbot. The antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas spp. and Aeromonas spp. were quite similar, with only the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance of Aeromonas spp. isolated from farmed turbot being higher than those isolated from wild turbot. In the case of ampicillin, Pseudomonas spp. isolated from wild turbot showed higher resistance levels than those of their counterparts isolated from farmed turbot. In conclusion, the nutritional parameters of wild turbot are more adequate with respect to nutritional recommendations, while no differences were observed in food safety derived from trace mineral concentrations or the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from wild and farmed turbot.

Estimates of Ethanol Exposure in Children from Food not Labeled as Alcohol-Containing.

PubMed

Gorgus, Eva; Hittinger, Maike; Schrenk, Dieter

2016-09-01

Ethanol is widely used in herbal medicines, e.g., for children. Furthermore, alcohol is a constituent of fermented food such as bread or yogurt and "non-fermented" food such as fruit juices. At the same time, exposure to very low levels of ethanol in children is discussed as possibly having adverse effects on psychomotoric functions. Here, we have analyzed alcohol levels in different food products from the German market. It was found that orange, apple and grape juice contain substantial amounts of ethanol (up to 0.77 g/L). Furthermore, certain packed bakery products such as burger rolls or sweet milk rolls contained more than 1.2 g ethanol/100 g. We designed a scenario for average ethanol exposure by a 6-year-old child. Consumption data for the "categories" bananas, bread and bakery products and apple juice were derived from US and German surveys. An average daily exposure of 10.3 mg ethanol/kg body weight (b.w.) was estimated. If a high (acute) consumption level was assumed for one of the "categories," exposure rose to 12.5-23.3 mg/kg b.w. This amount is almost 2-fold (average) or up to 4-fold (high) higher than the lowest exposure from herbal medicines (6 mg/kg b.w.) suggested to require warning hints for the use in children. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Novel narrow-host-range vectors for direct cloning of foreign DNA in Pseudomonas.

PubMed

Boivin, R; Bellemare, G; Dion, P

1994-01-01

Narrow-host-range vectors, based on an indigenous replicon and containing a multiple cloning site, have been constructed in a Pseudomonas host capable of growth on unusual substrates. The new cloning vectors yield sufficient amounts of DNA for preparative purposes and belong to an incompatibility group different from that of the incP and incQ broad-host-range vectors. One of these vectors, named pDB47F, was used to clone, directly in Pseudomonas, DNA fragments from Agrobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium. A clone containing Agrobacterium and KmR gene sequences was transformed with a higher efficiency than an RSF1010-derived vector (by as much as 1250-fold) in four out of five Pseudomonas strains tested. The considerable efficiency obtained with this system makes possible the direct cloning and phenotypic selection of foreign DNA in Pseudomonas.

Biorhythms in the activity of children during free play1

PubMed Central

Wade, M. G.; Ellis, M. J.; Bohrer, R. E.

1973-01-01

The interaction between the arousal to action of environmental stimuli and recovery from that activity was presumed to generate biorhythms in the activity level of children. The level of environmental stimuli was manipulated by varying the play-group size and the apparatus, and higher environmental complexity was expected to produce more pronounced rhythms. The heart rates of 16 subjects playing in monad, dyad, and tetrad group sizes, in two playroom configurations, were monitored and spectral analysis used to locate significant biorhythms. There was a tendency toward 40-min (slow frequency) and 15-min (fast frequency) biorhythms. The group size manipulation produced the strongest biorhythmic behavior in the dyadic groups. Apparatus differences were not significant but the configuration containing a minimum quantity of play apparatus produced more variable activity than the configuration containing a large amount of play apparatus. PMID:4714575

Biorhythms in the activity of children during free play.

PubMed

Wade, M G; Ellis, M J; Bohrer, R E

1973-07-01

The interaction between the arousal to action of environmental stimuli and recovery from that activity was presumed to generate biorhythms in the activity level of children. The level of environmental stimuli was manipulated by varying the play-group size and the apparatus, and higher environmental complexity was expected to produce more pronounced rhythms. The heart rates of 16 subjects playing in monad, dyad, and tetrad group sizes, in two playroom configurations, were monitored and spectral analysis used to locate significant biorhythms. There was a tendency toward 40-min (slow frequency) and 15-min (fast frequency) biorhythms. The group size manipulation produced the strongest biorhythmic behavior in the dyadic groups. Apparatus differences were not significant but the configuration containing a minimum quantity of play apparatus produced more variable activity than the configuration containing a large amount of play apparatus.

Cancer risk in relation to radioactivity in tobacco.

PubMed

Kilthau, G F

1996-01-01

Leaf tobacco contains minute amounts of lead 210 (210Pb) and polonium 210 (210Po), both of which are radioactive carcinogens and both of which can be found in smoke from burning tobacco. Tobacco smoke also contains carcinogens that are nonradioactive. People who inhale tobacco smoke are exposed to higher concentrations of radioactivity than nonsmokers. Deposits of 210Pb and alpha particle-emitting 210Po form in the lungs of smokers, generating localized radiation doses far greater than the radiation exposures humans experience from natural sources. This radiation exposure, delivered to sensitive tissues for long periods of time, may induce cancer both alone and synergistically with nonradioactive carcinogens. This article explores the relationship between the radioactive and nonradioactive carcinogens in leaf tobacco and tobacco smoke and the risk of cancer in those who inhale tobacco smoke.

The effect of dietary cricket meal (Gryllus bimaculatus) on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, and haematological response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

PubMed

Taufek, Norhidayah Mohd; Aspani, Firdaus; Muin, Hasniyati; Raji, Ameenat Abiodun; Razak, Shaharudin Abdul; Alias, Zazali

2016-08-01

This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, biomarkers of oxidative stress, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as the haematological response of African catfish after being fed with fish feed containing different levels of cricket meal. The juvenile fish were assigned to three different treatments with isonitrogenous (35 %) and isoenergetic (19 kJ g(-1)) diets containing 100 % cricket meal (100 % CM), 75 % cricket meal (75 % CM), and 100 % fishmeal (100 % FM) as control groups for 7 weeks. The results indicated that a diet containing 100 % CM and 75 % CM improved growth performance in terms of body weight gain and specific growth rate, when compared to 100 % FM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) did not differ significantly between all diets, but reduced FCR and increased PER were observed with a higher inclusion of cricket meal. A haematological examination of fish demonstrated no significant difference of red blood cells in all diets and white blood cells showed a significantly higher value in fishmeal-fed fish. On the other hand, haemoglobin and haematocrit significantly increased with increasing amounts of cricket meal in the diet. Antioxidant activity of CAT was higher in the 100 % CM group compared to fish fed other diets, whereas GST and SOD showed increasing trends with a higher incorporation of cricket, although insignificant differences were observed between all diets. These results suggest that cricket meal could be an alternative to fishmeal as a protein source in the African catfish diet.

Influence of boron addition to Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy on MG63 osteoblast cell viability and protein adsorption.

PubMed

Majumdar, P; Singh, S B; Dhara, S; Chakraborty, M

2015-01-01

Cell proliferation, cell morphology and protein adsorption on near β-type Ti-13Zr-13Nb (TZN) alloy and Ti-13Zr-13Nb-0.5B (TZNB) composite have been investigated and compared to evaluate the effect of boron addition which has been added to the Ti alloy to improve their poor tribological properties by forming in situ TiB precipitates. MG63 cell proliferation on substrates with different chemistry but the same topography was compared. The MTT assay test showed that the cell viability on the TZN alloy was higher than the boron containing TZNB composite after 36 h of incubation and the difference was pronounced after 7 days. However, both the materials showed substantially higher cell attachment than the control (polystyrene). For the same period of incubation in fetal bovine serum (FBS), the amount of protein adsorbed on the surface of boron free TZN samples was higher than that in the case of boron containing TZNB composite. The presence of boron in the TZN alloy influenced protein adsorption and cell response and they are lower in TZNB than in TZN as a result of the associated difference in chemical characteristics. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of soil arsenic on the growth of lowbush blueberry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anastasia, F.B.; Kender, W.J.

1973-01-01

Samples of commercial and virgin soils taken from various lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait) areas in Maine contained measurable amounts of As. The highest levels were found in soils from commercial fields which had been repeatedly treated with calcium arsenate for insect control. The amount of As decreased as the soil depth increased. Soils from commercial blueberry fields ranged from 7.7 to 37.8 ppm while virgin soils ranged from 5.7 to 7.0 ppm in the upper levels. Lowbush blueberry plants grown as As levels of 7.7, 17.1, 43.8, 69.5, and 84.5 ppm in a loamy sand in the greenhouse weremore » injured only at the highest level. At 69.5 ppm As and higher blueberry plant growth was significantly inhibited when compared to plants grown at 7.7 ppm As. The greatest As accumulation in blueberry tissue occurred in the roots with decreasing amounts in the stems and leaves, respectively. When foliar As reached 6.7 ppm, a significant reduction in plant growth resulted. Although As was present in all field soils analyzed, at no point did the amount found exceed that which was necessary to produce a reduction in plant growth under greenhouse conditions.« less

Changes in cadmium mobility during composting and after soil application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanc, Ales; Tlustos, Pavel; Szakova, Jirina

2009-08-15

The effect of twelve weeks of composting on the mobility and bioavailability of cadmium in six composts containing sewage sludge, wood chips and grass was studied, along with the cadmium immobilization capacity of compost. Two different soils were used and Cd accumulation measured in above-ground oat biomass (Avena sativa L.). Increasing pH appears to be an important cause of the observed decreases in available cadmium through the composting process. A pot experiment was performed with two different amounts of compost (9.6 and 28.8 g per kg of soil) added into Fluvisol with total Cd 0.255 mg kg{sup -1}, and contaminatedmore » Cambisol with total Cd 6.16 mg kg{sup -1}. Decrease of extractable Cd (0.01 mol l{sup -1} CaCl{sub 2}) was found in both soils after compost application. The higher amount of compost immobilized an exchangeable portion of Cd (0.11 mol l{sup -1} CH{sub 3}COOH extractable) in contaminated Cambisol unlike in light Fluvisol. The addition of a low amount of compost decreased the content of Cd in associated above-ground oat biomass grown in both soils, while a high amount of compost decreased the Cd content in oats only in the Cambisol.« less

Phenolic composition of the edible parts (flesh and skin) of Bordô grape (Vitis labrusca) using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS.

PubMed

Lago-Vanzela, Ellen Silva; Da-Silva, Roberto; Gomes, Eleni; García-Romero, Esteban; Hermosín-Gutiérrez, Isidro

2011-12-28

The aim of this study was the detailed characterization of the phenolic composition and the determination of the antioxidant activity of the Bordô grape (Vitis labrusca) cultivated in South Brazil. The edible parts of Bordô grapes (flesh and skin) contained 1130 mg/kg of total phenolic compounds (as gallic acid), mainly located in the skins. Anthocyanin content in the skins was high, largely as 3,5-diglucosides (1359 mg/kg, as malvidin 3,5-diglucoside). Total flavonols accounted for 154 μmol/kg, mainly located in the skins and with myricetin 3-glucoside as the principal flavonol in both grape parts. Very low amounts of flavan-3-ol monomers and dimers and low amounts of polymeric proanthocyanidins, with a composition similar to that reported for V. vinifera grape varieties, were found in Bordô grape skins. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives mainly derived from caffeic acid and were found in the skins in high amounts, ten times higher than in the flesh (total amount: 483 μmol/kg). Finally, the Bordô grape cultivar can be considered a high resveratrol producer (10.91 mg/kg) and also exhibited a high value of total antioxidant capacity (37.6 ± 1.0 mmol/kg, as Trolox).

48 CFR 970.5215-1 - Total available fee: Base fee amount and performance fee amount.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., Profit, and Other Incentives—Facility Management Contracts” if contained in the contract. (d) Performance... fee amount and performance fee amount. 970.5215-1 Section 970.5215-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AGENCY SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS DOE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATING CONTRACTS...

Effects of Freeze-Dried Vegetable Products on the Technological Process and the Quality of Dry Fermented Sausages.

PubMed

Eisinaite, Viktorija; Vinauskiene, Rimante; Viskelis, Pranas; Leskauskaite, Daiva

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition of freeze-dried vegetable powders: celery, celery juice, parsnip and leek. The effect of different freeze-dried vegetables onto the ripening process and the properties of dry fermented sausages was also evaluated. Vegetable products significantly (p < 0.05) differed in their chemical composition: celery products contained higher amounts of nitrates, total phenolic compounds and lower amounts of sucrose, parsnip had higher concentration of proteins, leek was rich in fat. The analysis of pH, water activity, lactic acid bacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci and coliforms content showed that the incorporation of freeze-dried vegetables had no negative effect on the fermentation and ripening process of dry fermented sausages. In addition, the color parameters for sausages with the added lyophilised celery products were considerable (p < 0.05) more stable during these processes. At the end of the ripening process the sausages made with lyophilised celery juice were characterised by higher lightness and lower hardness than those made with the addition of other vegetable products and control. Freeze-dried celery, celery juice, parsnip and leek have some potential for the usage as a functional ingredient or as a source for indirect addition of nitrate in the production of fermented sausages. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Chelating effect of citric acid is negligible for development of enamel erosions.

PubMed

Azadi-Schossig, Parastu; Becker, Klaus; Attin, Thomas

2016-09-01

Citric acid (CA) is a component in beverages responsible for dental erosion. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of CA with different pH, titratable acid and buffer capacity (ß), and the impact of the chelating effect of CA on development of enamel erosions. In a superfusion model, hydroxy apatite (HAp) dissolution of bovine enamel was measured in four experiments (EXP 1-4) with 27 experimental groups (n = 8 per group). The samples were superfused with different CA variations and respective controls. EXP-1: Dilution series of HCl (pH 2.15-3.02). EXP-2: Dilution series of natural CA (56-1.75 mmol l(-1); pH 2.15-3.02). EXP-3: CA solutions (56 and 14 mmol l(-1), ß: 39.7 and 10.2 mmol l(-1) pH(-1), respectively) with different titratable acidity at equal pH values. EXP-4: CA concentrations (56-1.75 mmol l(-1)) neutralized to pH 7. CA led to higher HAp-dissolution than HCl. With higher pH, the difference in HAp-dissolution rate between the two acids became increasingly smaller. At equal pH, HAp-dissolution was higher for the CA with the higher amount of titratable acid. However, no clear correlation between erosion and titratable acid or ß could be found. Only minimal amounts of HAp were dissolved by neutralized CA compared to CA with natural pH. Under the chosen conditions chelating effects of CA do not have a relevant influence of HAp-dissolution of enamel. Moreover, amount of HAp-dissolution by CA is not attributed to a single factor alone. The interplay between the different parameters of CA seems to be responsible for its erosive potential. The erosive potential of solutions containing citric acid with unknown concentrations could not be predicted using a single parameter alone, and should at best determined in experimental set-ups.

Nuclear fuel element

DOEpatents

Zocher, Roy W.

1991-01-01

A nuclear fuel element and a method of manufacturing the element. The fuel element is comprised of a metal primary container and a fuel pellet which is located inside it and which is often fragmented. The primary container is subjected to elevated pressure and temperature to deform the container such that the container conforms to the fuel pellet, that is, such that the container is in substantial contact with the surface of the pellet. This conformance eliminates clearances which permit rubbing together of fuel pellet fragments and rubbing of fuel pellet fragments against the container, thus reducing the amount of dust inside the fuel container and the amount of dust which may escape in the event of container breach. Also, as a result of the inventive method, fuel pellet fragments tend to adhere to one another to form a coherent non-fragmented mass; this reduces the tendency of a fragment to pierce the container in the event of impact.

Soybean-Enriched Snacks Based on African Rice

PubMed Central

Marengo, Mauro; Akoto, Hannah F.; Zanoletti, Miriam; Carpen, Aristodemo; Buratti, Simona; Benedetti, Simona; Barbiroli, Alberto; Johnson, Paa-Nii T.; Sakyi-Dawson, Esther O.; Saalia, Firibu K.; Bonomi, Francesco; Pagani, Maria Ambrogina; Manful, John; Iametti, Stefania

2016-01-01

Snacks were produced by extruding blends of partially-defatted soybean flour with flours from milled or parboiled African-grown rice. The interplay between composition and processing in producing snacks with a satisfactory sensory profile was addressed by e-sensing, and by molecular and rheological approaches. Soybean proteins play a main role in defining the properties of the protein network in the products. At the same content in soybean flour, use of parboiled rice flour increases the snack’s hardness. Electronic nose and electronic tongue discriminated samples containing a higher amount of soybean flour from those with a lower soybean flour content. PMID:28231133

Occurrence and numbers of bacteriophages and bacterial indicators in faeces of yellow-legged seagull (Larus cachinnans).

PubMed

Muniesa, M; Jofre, J; Lucena, F

1999-12-01

Faeces from feral populations of yellow-legged seagulls from the northern coastal area of Catalonia (North-eastern Spain) contained variable amounts of faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, somatic coliphages, F-specific bacteriophages and Bacteroides fragilis bacteriophages. Occurrence and numbers of bacterial indicators and bacteriophages in the faeces of yellow-legged seagulls are in the ranges described in the faeces of different animals. The ratios between numbers of bacterial indicators and numbers of bacteriophages are much higher in faeces of seagulls than in treated or raw sewage contributed by out-falls of the same area.

Hemlock Alkaloids in Aloes. Occurrence and Distribution of gamma-Coniceine.

PubMed

Dring, J V; Nash, R J; Roberts, M F; Reynolds, T

1984-10-01

The hemlock alkaloid gamma-coniceine was identified in a number of ALOE species, namely A. GILLILANDII, Reynolds A. BALLYI Reynolds, A. RUSPOLIANA Baker, A. IBITIENSIS Perrier and A. DELTOIDEODONTA Baker. Coniine was identified in A. VIGUIERI Perrier. The levels of gamma-coniceine are higher than those found in CONIUM MACULATUM L. Some species also contained trace amounts of conhydrinone and pseudoconhydrin. Three of the species are Madagascan endemics, one is restricted to Arabia, while the rest are remote from each other in East Africa. Some of the species are loosely related but there is no overall taxonomic affinity between them.

Soybean-Enriched Snacks Based on African Rice.

PubMed

Marengo, Mauro; Akoto, Hannah F; Zanoletti, Miriam; Carpen, Aristodemo; Buratti, Simona; Benedetti, Simona; Barbiroli, Alberto; Johnson, Paa-Nii T; Sakyi-Dawson, Esther O; Saalia, Firibu K; Bonomi, Francesco; Pagani, Maria Ambrogina; Manful, John; Iametti, Stefania

2016-05-20

Snacks were produced by extruding blends of partially-defatted soybean flour with flours from milled or parboiled African-grown rice. The interplay between composition and processing in producing snacks with a satisfactory sensory profile was addressed by e-sensing, and by molecular and rheological approaches. Soybean proteins play a main role in defining the properties of the protein network in the products. At the same content in soybean flour, use of parboiled rice flour increases the snack's hardness. Electronic nose and electronic tongue discriminated samples containing a higher amount of soybean flour from those with a lower soybean flour content.

Photocured epoxy/graphene nanocomposites with enhanced water vapor barrier properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Periolatto, M.; Spena, P. Russo; Sangermano, M.

A transparent, water vapor barrier film made of an epoxy resin and graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by photopolymerization process. The epoxy/GO film with just 0.05 wt% GO gives a 93% WVTR reduction with respect to the pristine polymer, reaching barrier properties better than other polymer composites containing higher amounts of graphene. The excellent water vapor barrier is attributed to the good dispersion of GO in the polymer matrix. Moreover, GO significantly enhances the toughness and the damping capacity of the epoxy resins. The hybrid film can have potential applications in anticorrosive coatings, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals and food packaging.

Liquid chromatographic characterization of PMR-15 resin and prepreg

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, K. E.

1980-01-01

A liquid chromatographic method has been developed capable of providing a chemical fingerprint of PMR-15 resin solutions and prepreg. The amounts of two of the monomers can be quantified so their experimentally determined molar ratio can be compared to the formulated one. Only the monomers were detected in fresh resin solution, whereas several additional components, resulting from an association or reaction between the norbornenyl endcap and the amine, were detected in a resin solution aged for three days. Two commercial prepregs exhibited fingerprints similar to that of laboratory material, but three others contained additional components corresponding to higher esters and nadimides.

Photocured epoxy/graphene nanocomposites with enhanced water vapor barrier properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Periolatto, M.; Sangermano, M.; Spena, P. Russo

2016-05-01

A transparent, water vapor barrier film made of an epoxy resin and graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by photopolymerization process. The epoxy/GO film with just 0.05 wt% GO gives a 93% WVTR reduction with respect to the pristine polymer, reaching barrier properties better than other polymer composites containing higher amounts of graphene. The excellent water vapor barrier is attributed to the good dispersion of GO in the polymer matrix. Moreover, GO significantly enhances the toughness and the damping capacity of the epoxy resins. The hybrid film can have potential applications in anticorrosive coatings, electronic devices, pharmaceuticals and food packaging.

Large Faraday effect of borate glasses with high Tb3+ content prepared by containerless processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Futoshi; Sato, Fumio; Oshita, Hiroyuki; Yao, Situ; Nakatsuka, Yuko; Tanaka, Katsuhisa

2018-02-01

Borate glasses containing a large amount of Tb3+ ions have been prepared by containerless processing. The content of Tb2O3 reached 60 mol%. The glass bearing the highest content of Tb3+ ions showed a large Faraday effect; the Verdet constant was 234 rad/T m. Annealing of the glasses in H2/N2 atmosphere resulted in a low optical absorption coefficient, leading to an extremely large magneto-optical figure of merit that was ∼1.7 times higher than that of Tb3Ga5O12 single crystal.

Corrosion Inhibition in High Temperature Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-28

levels of sodium , sulfur, and vanadium. Low quality 12 marine residual fuels, for example, may contain up to 0.2 weight 13 percent ash which contains...appreciable amounts of sodium , up to 5 14 weight percent sulfur and up to 0.06 weight percent or 600 ppm 15 vanadium. Low grades of marine distillate...fuels are allowed up to 16 0.05 weight percent ash which contains appreciable amounts of 17 sodium , up to 2 weight percent sulfur and up to 100 ppm

Process to produce silicon carbide fibers using a controlled concentration of boron oxide vapor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnard, Thomas Duncan (Inventor); Lipowitz, Jonathan (Inventor); Nguyen, Kimmai Thi (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide by heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Process to produce silicon carbide fibers using a controlled concentration of boron oxide vapor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnard, Thomas Duncan (Inventor); Lipowitz, Jonathan (Inventor); Nguyen, Kimmai Thi (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide includes heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Estimation of yohimbine base in complex mixtures by quantitative HPTLC application.

PubMed

Adel-Kader, Maged Saad; Alwahebi, Naif Wahebi Hamadan; Alam, Prawez

2017-01-01

The indole alkaloid Yohimbine has been used for over two centuries in the treatment of erectly dysfunction. Several formulations containing yohimbine salts, yohimbe bark power or extract are marketed worldwide. Determination of the amount of yohimbine in such formulation is a challenging task due to their complex nature. Extraction followed by acid-base purification resulted in a relatively pure alkaloids containing fractions. The exact amounts of yohimbine free base in different formulations were determined by densitometric HPTLC validated methods using silica gel TLC plates. Standard curve for yohimbine was generated using yohimbine hydrochloride subjected to the same acid-base treatment as the used samples. All formulations found to contain yohimbine though some with less concentration than the labeled amount.

Impact of the Central Polypurine Tract on the Kinetics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vector Transduction

PubMed Central

Van Maele, Bénédicte; De Rijck, Jan; De Clercq, Erik; Debyser, Zeger

2003-01-01

Lentiviral vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) show great promise as gene carriers for future gene therapy. Insertion of a fragment containing the central polypurine tract (cPPT) in HIV-1 vector constructs is known to enhance transduction efficiency drastically, reportedly by facilitating the nuclear import of HIV-1 cDNA through a central DNA flap. We have studied the impact of the cPPT on the kinetics of HIV-1 vector transduction by real-time PCR. The kinetics of total HIV-1 DNA, two-long-terminal-repeat (2-LTR) circles, and, by an Alu-PCR, integrated proviral DNA were monitored. About 6 to 12 h after transduction, the total HIV-1 DNA reached a maximum level, followed by a steep decrease. The 2-LTR circles peaked after 24 to 48 h and were diluted upon cell division. Integration of HIV-1 DNA was first detected at 12 h postinfection. When HIV-1 vectors that contained the cPPT were used, DNA synthesis was similar but a threefold higher amount of 2-LTR circles was detected, confirming the impact on nuclear import. Moreover, a 10-fold increase in the amount of integrated DNA was observed in the presence of the cPPT. Only in the absence of the cPPT was a saturation in 2-LTR circle formation seen at a high multiplicity of infection, suggesting a role for the cPPT in overcoming a barrier to the nuclear import of HIV-1 DNA. A major effect of the central DNA flap on the juxtaposition of both LTRs is unlikely, since transduction with HIV-1 vectors containing ectopic cPPT fragments resulted in increased amounts of 2-LTR circles as well as integrated DNA. Inhibitors of transduction by cPPT-containing HIV vectors were also studied by real-time PCR. The reverse transcriptase inhibitor azidothymidine (AZT) and the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor α-APA clearly inhibited viral DNA synthesis, whereas integrase inhibitors such as the diketo acid L-708,906 and the pyranodipyrimidine V-165 specifically inhibited integration. PMID:12663775

Cholesterol-raising diterpenes in types of coffee commonly consumed in Singapore, Indonesia and India and associations with blood lipids: a survey and cross sectional study.

PubMed

Naidoo, Nasheen; Chen, Cynthia; Rebello, Salome A; Speer, Karl; Tai, E Shyong; Lee, Jeanette; Buchmann, Sandra; Koelling-Speer, Isabelle; van Dam, Rob M

2011-05-15

To measure the content of cholesterol-raising diterpenes in coffee sold at the retailer level in Singapore, Indonesia and India and to determine the relationship of coffee consumption with lipid levels in a population-based study in Singapore. Survey and cross-sectional study in local coffee shops in Singapore, Indonesia and India to measure the diterpene content in coffee, and a population-based study in Singapore to examine the relationship of coffee consumption and blood lipid levels. Interviews and coffee samples (n=27) were collected from coffee shops in Singapore, Indonesia and India. In addition, 3000 men and women who were Chinese, Malay, and Indian residents of Singapore participated in a cross-sectional study. The traditional 'sock' method of coffee preparation used in Singapore resulted in cafestol concentrations comparable to European paper drip filtered coffee (mean 0.09±SD 0.064 mg/cup). This amount would result in negligible predicted increases in serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Similarly low amounts of cafestol were found in Indian 'filter' coffee that used a metal mesh filter (0.05±0.05 mg/cup). Coffee samples from Indonesia using the 'sock' method (0.85±0.41 mg/cup) or a metal mesh filter (0.98 mg/cup) contained higher amounts of cafestol comparable to espresso coffee. Unfiltered coffee from Indonesia contained an amount of cafestol (4.43 mg/cup) similar to Scandinavian boiled, Turkish and French press coffee with substantial predicted increases in serum cholesterol (0.33 mmol/l) and triglycerides (0.20 mmol/l) concentrations for consumption of 5 cups per day. In the Singaporean population, higher coffee consumption was not substantially associated with serum lipid concentrations after adjustment for potential confounders [LDL-cholesterol: 3.07 (95% confidence interval 2.97-3.18) for <1 cup/week versus 3.12 (2.99-3.26) for ≥3 cups/day; p trend 0.12]. Based on the low levels of diterpenes found in traditionally prepared coffee consumed in Singapore and India, coffee consumption in these countries does not appear to be a risk factor for elevation of serum cholesterol, whereas samples tested from Indonesia showed mixed results depending on the type of preparation method used.

Cholesterol-raising diterpenes in types of coffee commonly consumed in Singapore, Indonesia and India and associations with blood lipids: A survey and cross sectional study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background To measure the content of cholesterol-raising diterpenes in coffee sold at the retailer level in Singapore, Indonesia and India and to determine the relationship of coffee consumption with lipid levels in a population-based study in Singapore. Methods Survey and cross-sectional study in local coffee shops in Singapore, Indonesia and India to measure the diterpene content in coffee, and a population-based study in Singapore to examine the relationship of coffee consumption and blood lipid levels. Interviews and coffee samples (n = 27) were collected from coffee shops in Singapore, Indonesia and India. In addition, 3000 men and women who were Chinese, Malay, and Indian residents of Singapore participated in a cross-sectional study. Results and Discussion The traditional 'sock' method of coffee preparation used in Singapore resulted in cafestol concentrations comparable to European paper drip filtered coffee (mean 0.09 ± SD 0.064 mg/cup). This amount would result in negligible predicted increases in serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Similarly low amounts of cafestol were found in Indian 'filter' coffee that used a metal mesh filter (0.05 ± 0.05 mg/cup). Coffee samples from Indonesia using the 'sock' method (0.85 ± 0.41 mg/cup) or a metal mesh filter (0.98 mg/cup) contained higher amounts of cafestol comparable to espresso coffee. Unfiltered coffee from Indonesia contained an amount of cafestol (4.43 mg/cup) similar to Scandinavian boiled, Turkish and French press coffee with substantial predicted increases in serum cholesterol (0.33 mmol/l) and triglycerides (0.20 mmol/l) concentrations for consumption of 5 cups per day. In the Singaporean population, higher coffee consumption was not substantially associated with serum lipid concentrations after adjustment for potential confounders [LDL-cholesterol: 3.07 (95% confidence interval 2.97-3.18) for <1 cup/week versus 3.12 (2.99-3.26) for ≥ 3 cups/day; p trend 0.12]. Conclusions Based on the low levels of diterpenes found in traditionally prepared coffee consumed in Singapore and India, coffee consumption in these countries does not appear to be a risk factor for elevation of serum cholesterol, whereas samples tested from Indonesia showed mixed results depending on the type of preparation method used. PMID:21569629

Calcium Chloride in Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Solutions with and without Added Cysteine: Compatibility Studies Using Laser and Micro-Flow Imaging Methodology.

PubMed

Huston, Robert K; Christensen, J Mark; Alshahrani, Sultan M; Mohamed, Sumeia M; Clark, Sara M; Nason, Jeffrey A; Wu, Ying Xing

2015-01-01

Previous studies of compatibility of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and phosphates have not included particle counts in the range specified by the United States Pharmacopeia. Micro-flow imaging techniques have been shown to be comparable to light obscuration when determining particle count and size in pharmaceutical solutions. The purpose of this study was to do compatibility testing for parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions containing CaCl2 using dynamic light scattering and micro-flow imaging techniques. Solutions containing TrophAmine (Braun Medical Inc, Irvine, CA), CaCl2, and sodium phosphate (NaPhos) were compounded with and without cysteine. All solutions contained standard additives to neonatal PN solutions including dextrose, trace metals, and electrolytes. Control solutions contained no calcium or phosphate. Solutions were analyzed for particle size and particle count. Means of Z-average particle size and particle counts of controls were determined. Study solutions were compared to controls and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter 788 guidelines. The maximum amount of Phos that was compatible in solutions that contained at least 10 mmol/L of Ca in 2.5% amino acids (AA) was determined. Compatibility of these solutions was verified by performing analyses of 5 repeats of these solutions. Microscopic analyses of the repeats were also performed. Amounts of CaCl2 and NaPhos that were compatible in solutions containing 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3% AA were determined. The maximum amount of NaPhos that could be added to TrophAmine solutions of > = 2.5% AA containing at least 10 mmol/L of CaCl2 was 7.5 mmol/L. Adding 50 mg/dL of cysteine increased the amount of NaPhos that could be added to solutions containing 10 mmol/L of CaCl2 to 10 mmol/L. Calcium chloride can be added to neonatal PN solutions containing NaPhos in concentrations that can potentially provide an intravenous intake of adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

Plasma levels of selenium-containing proteins in Inuit adults from Nunavik.

PubMed

Achouba, Adel; Dumas, Pierre; Ouellet, Nathalie; Lemire, Mélanie; Ayotte, Pierre

2016-11-01

Selenium (Se) is highly abundant in marine foods traditionally consumed by Inuit of Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada) and accordingly, their Se intake is among the highest in the world. However, little is known regarding the biological implications of this high Se status in this Arctic indigenous population. We used a method combining affinity chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with quantification by post-column isotope dilution to determine total Se levels and concentrations of Se-containing proteins in archived plasma samples of Inuit adults who participated to the 2004 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey (N = 852). Amounts of mercury (Hg) associated with Se-containing proteins were also quantified. Results show that glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3), selenoprotein P (SelP) and selenoalbumin (SeAlb) represented respectively 25%, 52% and 23% of total plasma Se concentrations. In addition, small amounts of Hg co-eluted with each Se-containing protein and up to 50% of plasma Hg was associated to SelP. Total plasma Se concentrations (median = 139 μg L− 1; interquartile range (IQR) = 22.7 μg L− 1) were markedly lower and less variable than whole blood Se concentration (median = 261 μg L− 1, IQR = 166 μg L− 1). A non linear relation was observed between whole blood Se and plasma Se levels, with plasma Se concentrations leveling off at approximately 200 μg L− 1, whereas 16% and 3% of individuals exhibited whole blood concentrations higher than 500 μg L− 1 and 1000 μg L− 1, respectively. In contrast, a linear relationship was previously reported in communities consuming Brazil nuts which are rich Se, mainly present as selenomethionine. This suggests that a different selenocompound, possibly selenoneine, is present in the Arctic marine food chain and accumulates in the blood cellular fraction of Inuit.

Heterogeneous reaction of SO2 with soot: The roles of relative humidity and surface composition of soot in surface sulfate formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yan; Liu, Yongchun; Ma, Jinzhu; Ma, Qingxin; He, Hong

2017-03-01

The conversion of SO2 to sulfates on the surface of soot is still poorly understood. Soot samples with different fractions of unsaturated hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing groups were prepared by combusting n-hexane under well-controlled conditions. The heterogeneous reaction of SO2 with soot was investigated using in situ attenuated total internal reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, ion chromatography (IC) and a flow tube reactor at the ambient pressure and relative humidity (RH). Water promoted SO2 adsorption and sulfate formation at the RH range from 6% to 70%, while exceeded water condensed on soot was unfavorable for sulfate formation due to inhibition of SO2 adsorption when RH was higher than 80%. The surface composition of soot, which was governed by combustion conditions, also played an important role in the heterogeneous reaction of SO2 with soot. This effect was found to greatly depend on RH. At low RH of 6%, soot with the highest fuel/oxygen ratio of 0.162 exhibited a maximum uptake capacity for SO2 because it contained a large amount of aromatic Csbnd H groups, which acted as active sites for SO2 adsorption. At RH of 54%, soot produced with a fuel/oxygen ratio of 0.134 showed the highest reactivity toward SO2 because it contained appropriate amounts of aromatic Csbnd H groups and oxygen-containing groups, subsequently leading to the optimal surface concentrations of both SO2 and water. These results suggest that variation in the surface composition of soot from different sources and/or resulting from chemical aging in the atmosphere likely affects the conversion of SO2 to sulfates.

Colour and label evaluation of commercial pasteurised red juices and related drinks.

PubMed

Fallico, B; Arena, E; Chiappara, E; Ballistreri, G

2010-01-01

Despite growing demand by consumers for healthy beverages, artificial colours are still widely used. Levels of anthocyanins and artificial colours were determined by HPLC with UV-Vis detection in red orange juices and other red beverages (nectar, juice-based, health, carbonated and sports drinks). The contribution of pigments to the visible colour of the beverage was calculated. Red orange juice samples contained about 34 mg l(-1) of anthocyanins, which were responsible for about 92% of the visible colour. Red juice-based drinks, containing from 0% to 30% of red orange, berry, grape or pomegranate juices, had low levels of anthocyanins (about 7 mg l(-1)) and high levels of E129 (about 32 mg l(-1)), which were responsible for about 90.7% of the colour of these beverages. Red health drinks, enriched with vitamins and polyphenols, contained from 3% to 50% of red fruit juices. Also in this case the E129 levels were higher (about 22 mg l(-1)) than anthocyanins (about 9 mg l(-1)), and were responsible for the colour of the beverages (76.1%). High levels of artificial colours were found in red orange carbonated drinks, but in comparable amounts with those found in the other beverage samples, while anthocyanins were only present in trace amounts. Although all of the beverages claimed to contain red fruits on the labels, no correlation was found between the level of anthocyanins and the declared percentage of red fruits. These labels generally conformed with the requirements of the law, but food product labels can often be misleading to consumers about the real characteristics of the product.

Bone regeneration in rat calvarial defects implanted with fibrous scaffolds composed of a mixture of silicate and borate bioactive glasses.

PubMed

Gu, Yifei; Huang, Wenhai; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Day, Delbert E

2013-11-01

Previous studies have evaluated the capacity of porous scaffolds composed of a single bioactive glass to regenerate bone. In the present study, scaffolds composed of a mixture of two different bioactive glasses (silicate 13-93 and borate 13-93B3) were created and evaluated for their response to osteogenic MLO-A5 cells in vitro and their capacity to regenerate bone in rat calvarial defects in vivo. The scaffolds, which have similar microstructures (porosity=58-67%) and contain 0, 25, 50 and 100 wt.% 13-93B3 glass, were fabricated by thermally bonding randomly oriented short fibers. The silicate 13-93 scaffolds showed a better capacity to support cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity than the scaffolds containing borate 13-93B3 fibers. The amount of new bone formed in the defects implanted with the 13-93 scaffolds at 12 weeks was 31%, compared to values of 25, 17 and 20%, respectively, for the scaffolds containing 25, 50 and 100% 13-93B3 glass. The amount of new bone formed in the 13-93 scaffolds was significantly higher than in the scaffolds containing 50 and 100% 13-93B3 glass. While the 13-93 fibers were only partially converted to hydroxyapatite at 12 weeks, the 13-93B3 fibers were fully converted and formed a tubular morphology. Scaffolds composed of an optimized mixture of silicate and borate bioactive glasses could provide the requisite architecture to guide bone regeneration combined with a controllable degradation rate that could be beneficial for bone and tissue healing. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stability of a novel corticosteroid nasal irrigation solution: betamethasone 17-valerate added to extemporaneously prepared nasal irrigation solutions.

PubMed

Ong, Kheng Yong; Lim, Wei Ching; Ooi, Shing Ming; Loh, Zhi Hui; Kong, Ming Chai; Chan, Lai Wah; Heng, Paul Wan Sia

2017-05-01

There are no commercially available nasal irrigation solutions containing corticosteroids. Instead, such preparations are extemporaneously prepared by adding existing corticosteroid formulations to nasal irrigation solutions. The stability of the corticosteroid betamethasone 17-valerate (B17V), in nasal irrigation solutions of different compositions and pH and stored under different temperatures, was studied to determine the optimal choice of solution and storage conditions. Triplicate extemporaneous preparations made with B17V were prepared by adding a predetermined volume of B17V lotion to each nasal irrigation solution: normal saline (NS), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) powder dissolved in tap water, and a commercially available powder mixture (FLO Sinus Care Powder), dissolved in tap water or pre-boiled tap water. Preparations were stored at 30°C and 4°C. Sampling was carried out at 0, 1, 2, 6, and 24 hours. The concentrations of B17V and its degradation compound, betamethasone 21-valerate (B21V), were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Preparations stored at 30°C contained a lower amount of B17V and higher amount of B21V than those stored at 4°C. B17V stability in nasal irrigation solutions decreased in the following order: NS, FLO in fresh tap water, FLO in pre-boiled tap water, and NaHCO 3 . The degradation rate of B17V increased with higher storage temperature and higher pH. B17V is most stable when added to NS and least stable in NaHCO 3 solution. FLO solution prepared with either cooled boiled water or tap water is an alternative if administered immediately. Storage at 4°C can better preserve stability of B17V, over a period of 24 hours. © 2017 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Fractionation of the rice bran layer and quantification of vitamin E, oryzanol, protein, and rice bran saccharide

PubMed Central

Schramm, Rebecca; Abadie, Alicia; Hua, Na; Xu, Zhimin; Lima, Marybeth

2007-01-01

Value-added processing with respect to rice milling has traditionally treated the rice bran layer as a homogenous material that contains significant concentrations of high-value components of interest for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Investigators have shown that high-value components in the rice bran layer vary from differences in kernel-thickness, bran fraction, rice variety, and environmental conditions during the growing season. The objectives of this study were to quantify the amount of rice bran removed at pre-selected milling times and to correlate the amount of rice bran removed at each milling time with the concentration of vitamin E, gamma-oryzanol, rice bran saccharide, and protein obtained. The ultimate goal of this research is to show that rice bran fractionation is a useful method to obtain targeted, nutrient-rich bran samples for value-added processing. Two long grain rice cultivars, Cheniere and Cypress, were milled at discrete times between 3 and 40 seconds using a McGill mill to obtain bran samples for analysis. Results showed that the highest oryzanol and protein concentrations were found in the outer portion of the rice bran layer, while the highest rice bran saccharide concentration was found in the inner portion of the bran layer. Vitamin E concentration showed no significant difference across the bran layer within a variety, though the highest magnitude of concentration occurs within the first 10 seconds of milling for both varieties. To extract the higher concentration of oryzanol and protein only the outer portion of the bran layer requires processing, while to extract the higher concentration of rice bran saccharide, only the inner portion of the bran layer requires processing. Rice bran fractionation allows for the selective use of portions of the bran layer and is advantageous for two reasons: (1) bran fractions contain higher concentrations of components of interest with respect to the overall bran layer average, and (2) less bran needs to be processed to obtain components of interest. PMID:18271946

Ruminal Fermentation of Anti-Methanogenic Nitrate- and Nitro-Containing Forages In Vitro

PubMed Central

Anderson, Robin C.; Ripley, Laura H.; Bowman, Jan G. P.; Callaway, Todd R.; Genovese, Kenneth J.; Beier, Ross C.; Harvey, Roger B.; Nisbet, David J.

2016-01-01

Nitrate, 3-nitro-1-propionic acid (NPA) and 3-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH) can accumulate in forages and be poisonous to animals if consumed in high enough amounts. These chemicals are also recognized as potent anti-methanogenic compounds, but plants naturally containing these chemicals have been studied little in this regard. Presently, we found that nitrate-, NPA-, or NPOH-containing forages effectively decreased methane production, by 35–87%, during in vitro fermentation by mixed cultures of ruminal microbes compared to fermentation by cultures incubated similarly with alfalfa. Methane production was further decreased during the incubation of mixed cultures also inoculated with Denitrobacterium detoxificans, a ruminal bacterium known to metabolize nitrate, NPA, and NPOH. Inhibition of methanogens within the mixed cultures was greatest with the NPA- and NPOH-containing forages. Hydrogen accumulated in all the mixed cultures incubated with forages containing nitrate, NPA or NPOH and was dramatically higher, exceeding 40 μmol hydrogen/mL, in mixed cultures incubated with NPA-containing forage but not inoculated with D. detoxificans. This possibly reflects the inhibition of hydrogenase-catalyzed uptake of hydrogen produced via conversion of 50 μmol added formate per milliliter to hydrogen. Accumulations of volatile fatty acids revealed compensatory changes in fermentation in mixed cultures incubated with the nitrate-, NPA-, and NPOH-containing forages as evidenced by lower accumulations of acetate, and in some cases, higher accumulations of butyrate and lower accumulations of ammonia, iso-buytrate, and iso-valerate compared to cultures incubated with alfalfa. Results reveal that nitrate, NPA, and NPOH that accumulate naturally in forages can be made available within ruminal incubations to inhibit methanogenesis. Further research is warranted to determine if diets can be formulated with nitrate-, NPA-, and NPOH-containing forages to achieve efficacious mitigation in ruminant methane emissions without adversely affecting fermentative efficiency or risking toxicity to animals. PMID:27563646

Reducing Compounds Equivocally Influence Oxidation during Digestion of a High-Fat Beef Product, which Promotes Cytotoxicity in Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Lines.

PubMed

Van Hecke, Thomas; Wouters, An; Rombouts, Caroline; Izzati, Tazkiyah; Berardo, Alberto; Vossen, Els; Claeys, Erik; Van Camp, John; Raes, Katleen; Vanhaecke, Lynn; Peeters, Marc; De Vos, Winnok H; De Smet, Stefaan

2016-02-24

We studied the formation of malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-nonenal, and hexanal (lipid oxidation products, LOP) during in vitro digestion of a cooked low-fat and high-fat beef product in response to the addition of reducing compounds. We also investigated whether higher LOP in the digests resulted in a higher cyto- and genotoxicity in Caco-2, HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines. High-fat compared to low-fat beef digests contained approximately 10-fold higher LOP concentrations (all P < 0.001), and induced higher cytotoxicity (P < 0.001). During digestion of the high-fat product, phenolic acids (gallic, ferulic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acid) displayed either pro-oxidant or antioxidant behavior at lower and higher doses respectively, whereas ascorbic acid was pro-oxidant at all doses, and the lipophilic reducing compounds (α-tocopherol, quercetin, and silibinin) all exerted a clear antioxidant effect. During digestion of the low-fat product, the hydrophilic compounds and quercetin were antioxidant. Decreases or increases in LOP concentrations amounted to 100% change versus controls.

Efficacy and toxicity of formalin solutions containing paraformaldehyde for fish and egg treatments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howe, G.E.; Marking, L.L.; Bills, T.D.; Schreier, Theresa M.

1995-01-01

Formalin used for fish and egg treatments at hatcheries often develops a white precipitate called paraformaldehyde when stored at low temperatures. This presents a problem for hatchery managers because most of the literature and treatment procedures claim that formalin containing paraformaldehyde is more toxic than pure formalin and is not safe for fish or egg treatments. Acute toxicity tests with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) showed that the toxicity of formalin solutions containing a moderate amount of fine paraformaldehyde was similar to that of pure formalin. In efficacy tests on fish eggs, the bottom fraction of a formalin solution containing paraformaldehyde and a sample from the clear top fraction were equally effective in controlling fungal infection on rainbow trout eggs and caused no treatment-related mortality. Chemical assays found on average a 3% difference in formaldehyde concentration between top and bottom fractions of a formalin solution containing paraformaldehyde. We recommend normal use of formalin solutions containing light to moderate amounts of fine paraformaldehyde. Allowing solutions to warm to room temperature may resolubilize moderate amounts of paraformaldehyde if the exposure to cold was not prolonged. If precipitation is heavier, clear top fractions can be decanted and used as normal because paraformaldehyde settles to the bottom of containers. Formalin solutions that have been exposed to freezing temperatures for long periods (more than 6 weeks) and have developed large amounts of paraformaldehyde solids should not be used and resolubilization by warming is not possible. Formation of paraformaldehyde in formalin solutions can be easily avoided by storing formalin at room temperature.

Phytoremediation of arsenic from the contaminated soil using transgenic tobacco plants expressing ACR2 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Nahar, Noor; Rahman, Aminur; Nawani, Neelu N; Ghosh, Sibdas; Mandal, Abul

2017-11-01

We have cloned, characterized and transformed the AtACR2 gene (arsenic reductase 2) of Arabidopsis thaliana into the genome of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum, var Sumsun). Our results revealed that the transgenic tobacco plants are more tolerant to arsenic than the wild type ones. These plants can grow on culture medium containing 200μM arsenate, whereas the wild type can barely survive under this condition. Furthermore, when exposed to 100μM arsenate for 35days the amount of arsenic accumulated in the shoots of transgenic plants was significantly lower (28μg/g d wt.) than that found in the shoots of non-transgenic controls (40μg/g d wt.). However, the arsenic content in the roots of transgenic plants was significantly higher (2400μg/g d. wt.) than that (2100μg/g d. wt.) observed in roots of wild type plants. We have demonstrated that Arabidopsis thaliana AtACR2 gene is a potential candidate for genetic engineering of plants to develop new crop cultivars that can be grown on arsenic contaminated fields to reduce arsenic content of the soil and can become a source of food containing no arsenic or exhibiting substantially reduced amount of this metalloid. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Semi-industrial isolation of salicin and amygdalin from plant extracts using slow rotary counter-current chromatography.

PubMed

Du, Qizhen; Jerz, Gerold; Ha, Yangchun; Li, Lei; Xu, Yuanjin; Zhang, Qi; Zheng, Qunxiong; Winterhalter, Peterb; Ito, Yoichiro

2005-05-13

Salicin in the bark extract of Salix alba and amygdalin in the fruit extract of Semen armeniacae were each separated by slow rotary counter-current chromatography (SRCCC). The apparatus was equipped with a 40-L column made of 17 mm i.d. convoluted Teflon tubing. A 500g amount of crude extract containing salicin at 13.5% was separated yielding 63.5 g of salicin at 95.3% purity in 20h using methyl tert-butyl ether-l-butanol (1:3) saturated by methanol-water (1:5) as a stationary phase and methanol-water (1:5) saturated by methyl tert-butyl ether-1-butanol (1:3) as a mobile phase. A 400g amount of crude extract containing amygdalin at 55.3% was isolated to yield 221.2g of amygdalin at 94.1% purity in 19h using ethyl acetate-1-butanol (1:2) saturated by water as a stationary phase and water saturated by ethyl acetate-1-butanol (1:2) as a mobile phase. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 50 ml/min. The results show that industrial SRCCC separation of salicin and amygdalin is feasible using a larger column at a higher flow rate of the mobile phase.

Effects of two energy-restricted diets containing different fruit amounts on body weight loss and macronutrient oxidation.

PubMed

Rodríguez, M Cristina; Parra, M Dolores; Marques-Lopes, Iva; De Morentin, Blanca E Martínez; González, Alvaro; Martínez, J Alfredo

2005-12-01

The consumption of specific foods in energy-restricted diets may affect the weight loss process. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether obese women following two hypocaloric diets with distinct fruit content differ in weight loss and metabolic responses. Fifteen obese women were included, who were randomly assigned to follow a low or a high-fruit energy-restricted diet for 8 weeks. The main outcome variables were weight and fat losses. Metabolic measurements concerning macronutrient oxidation were also assessed by using (13)C labelled fructose and indirect calorimetry. The induced weight loss was similar for both diets (6.9 +/- 2% vs. 6.6 +/- 2%, p = 0.785). Both experimental diets similarly improved the lipid plasma profile in the participants, but the cholesterol fall was higher in obese subjects receiving the diet containing more fruit. No statistical differences in lipids carbohydrates and (13)C labelled fructose utilisation were observed, but protein oxidation was differently affected by the experimental diets. The compensatory effects of the associated fibre/fructose intake may explain the lack of a specific effect of the fruit amount on hypocaloric diets designed to weight loss, although the increased fibre content from enriched fruit diets may be involved in the favourable effects on cholesterol plasma levels.

Melt Extrusion of High-Dose Co-Amorphous Drug-Drug Combinations : Theme: Formulation and Manufacturing of Solid Dosage Forms Guest Editors: Tony Zhou and Tonglei Li.

PubMed

Arnfast, Lærke; Kamruzzaman, Md; Löbmann, Korbinian; Aho, Johanna; Baldursdottir, Stefania; Rades, Thomas; Rantanen, Jukka

2017-12-01

Many future drug products will be based on innovative manufacturing solutions, which will increase the need for a thorough understanding of the interplay between drug material properties and processability. In this study, hot melt extrusion of a drug-drug mixture with minimal amount of polymeric excipient was investigated. Using indomethacin-cimetidine as a model drug-drug system, processability of physical mixtures with and without 5% (w/w) of polyethylene oxide (PEO) were studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (SAOS) rheometry. Extrudates containing a co-amorphous glass solution were produced and the solid-state composition of these was studied with DSC. Rheological analysis indicated that the studied systems display viscosities higher than expected for small molecule melts and addition of PEO decreased the viscosity of the melt. Extrudates of indomethacin-cimetidine alone displayed amorphous-amorphous phase separation after 4 weeks of storage, whereas no phase separation was observed during the 16 week storage of the indomethacin-cimetidine extrudates containing 5% (w/w) PEO. Melt extrusion of co-amorphous extrudates with low amounts of polymer was found to be a feasible manufacturing technique. Addition of 5% (w/w) polymer reduced melt viscosity and prevented phase separation.

Heterogeneous Atmospheric Chemistry of Lead Oxide Particles with Nitrogen Dioxide Increases Lead Solubility: Environmental and Health Implications

PubMed Central

Baltrusaitis, Jonas; Chen, Haihan; Rubasinghege, Gayan

2012-01-01

Heterogeneous chemistry of nitrogen dioxide with lead-containing particles is investigated to better understand lead metal mobilization in the environment. In particular, PbO particles, a model lead-containing compound due to its wide spread presence as a component of lead paint and as naturally occurring minerals, massicot and litharge, are exposed to nitrogen dioxide at different relative humidity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that upon exposure to nitrogen dioxide the surface of PbO particles react to form adsorbed nitrates and lead nitrate thin films with the extent of formation of nitrate relative humidity dependent. Surface adsorbed nitrate increases the amount of dissolved lead. These reacted particles are found to have an increase in the amount of lead that dissolves in aqueous suspensions at circumneutral pH compared to unreacted particles. These results point to the potential importance and impact that heterogeneous chemistry with trace atmospheric gases can have on increasing solubility and therefore the mobilization of heavy metals, such as lead, in the environment. This study also show that surface intermediates, such as adsorbed nitrates, that form can yield higher concentrations of lead in water systems. In the environment, these water systems can include drinking water, ground water, estuaries and lakes. PMID:23057678

The effect of low-fat beef patties formulated with a low-energy fat analogue enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid oxidation and sensory attributes.

PubMed

Alejandre, Marta; Passarini, Denis; Astiasarán, Iciar; Ansorena, Diana

2017-12-01

A new low-energy gelled emulsion containing algae oil was developed as animal fat replacer. Its stability was evaluated under different storage conditions: 4V (4°C/vacuum), 4NV (4°C/no vacuum), 25V (25°C/vacuum) and 25NV (25°C/no vacuum). According to moisture, hardness, color and lipid oxidation data, 4°C under vacuum (4V) was selected as the best condition. Once the gelled emulsion was characterized, its effectiveness as fat analogue was demonstrated in beef patties. Reformulated patties were produced with 100% of animal fat replacement and compared to conventional patties (9%fat). A 70%fat reduction was achieved in the new patties, mainly due to a reduction in the saturated fatty acids. Also, decreased n-6 (76%lower content) and increased eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (55%higher content) were noticed in the new formulation. The incorporation of the gelled emulsion containing reduced amount of n-6 fatty acids and increased amounts of long chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) reduced the oxidation status of the patties and their sensory evaluation resulted in acceptable scores. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced Incorporation of 3-Hydroxy-4-Methylvalerate Unit into Biosynthetic Polyhydroxyalkanoate Using Leucine as a Precursor

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Ralstonia eutropha PHB-4 expressing Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase 1 (PhaC1Ps) synthesizes PHA copolymer containing 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and a small amount (0.5 mol%) of 3-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate (3H4MV) from fructose as a carbon source. In this study, enhanced incorporation of 3H4MV into PHA was investigated using branched amino acid leucine as a precursor of 3H4MV. Leucine has the same carbon backbone as 3H4MV and is expected to be a natural and self-producible precursor. We found that the incorporation of 3H4MV was enhanced by the supplementation of excess amount (10 g/L) of leucine in the culture medium. This finding indicates that 3H4MV can be derived from leucine. To increase metabolic flux to leucine biosynthesis in the host strain by eliminating the feedback inhibition, the cells were subjected to N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) mutagenesis and leucine analog resistant mutants were generated. The mutants showed statistically higher 3H4MV fraction than the parent strain without supplementing leucine. Additionally, by supplying excess amount of leucine, the mutants synthesized 3HB-based PHA copolymer containing 3.1 mol% 3H4MV and 1.2 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) as minor constituents, which significantly affected the thermal properties of the copolymer. This study demonstrates that it is possible to enhance the monomer supply of 3H4MV into PHA by manipulating leucine metabolism. PMID:21906338

Hypolipidaemic effect of maize starch with different amylose content in ovariectomized rats depends on intake amount of resistant starch.

PubMed

Liu, Xiong; Ogawa, Hiroshi; Kishida, Taro; Ebihara, Kiyoshi

2009-02-01

The effect of amylose content on digestibility of starch in the small intestine and on the concentration of plasma lipid were studied in ileorectostomized rats and in ovariectomized rats, respectively. Seven kinds of starch with different amylose content (0, 27, 54, 62, 76, 79, 86 %) were used as test starch, which contained 0.4, 5.6, 37.1, 40.2, 45.6, 36.9 and 36.1 % resistant starch (RS), respectively. Rats were fed one of test diets containing 30 % test starch with different amylose content for 14 d in ileorectostomized and for 21 d in ovariectomized rats. Food intake was not significantly different among the groups. In ileorectostomized rats, the small intestinal starch digestibility decreased with increasing intakes of amylose and RS. In ovariectomized rats, body weight gain was lower on the higher amylose maize starch diets. The concentrations of plasma TAG and cholesterol decreased with increasing intake of RS. The concentrations of liver total lipids and TAG decreased with increasing intake of RS, but that of liver cholesterol did not. There was significant positive correlation between the level of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c mRNA and concentration of liver TAG. Total SCFA amount in the caecum increased logarithmically with increasing dry weight of caecal contents. The amount of bile acids in the small intestinal content and the excretions of bile acids and neutral steroids in faeces increased with increasing RS intake. These results show that starch rich in RS is more effective in preventing ovarian hormone deficiency-induced hyperlipidaemia.

Induction of kranz anatomy and C4-like biochemical characteristics in a submerged amphibious plant by abscisic acid

PubMed Central

Ueno, O

1998-01-01

The amphibious leafless sedge Eleocharis vivipara develops C4-like traits as well as Kranz anatomy under terrestrial conditions, but it develops C3-like traits without Kranz anatomy under submerged conditions. When submerged plants are exposed to aerial conditions, they rapidly produce new photosynthetic tissues with C4-like traits. In this study, experiments were performed to determine whether abscisic acid (ABA), a plant stress hormone, could induce the formation of photosynthetic tissues with Kranz anatomy and C4-like biochemical traits under water in the submerged form. When the submerged plants were grown in water containing 5 &mgr;M ABA, they developed new photosynthetic tissues with Kranz anatomy, forming well-developed Kranz (bundle sheath) cells that contained many organelles. The ABA-induced tissues accumulated large amounts of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, and NAD-malic enzyme at the appropriate cellular sites. The tissues had 3.4 to 3.8 times more C4 enzyme activity than did tissues of the untreated submerged plants. Carbon-14 pulse and carbon-12 chase experiments revealed that the ABA-induced tissues fixed higher amounts of carbon-14 into C4 compounds and lower amounts of carbon-14 into C3 compounds as initial products than did the submerged plants and that they exhibited a C4-like pattern of carbon fixation under aqueous conditions of low carbon, indicating enhanced C4 capacity in the tissues. This report provides an example of the hormonal control of the differentiation of the structural and functional traits required for the C4 pathway. PMID:9548983

29 CFR 4.142 - Contracts in an indefinite amount.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act Determining Amount of Contract § 4.142 Contracts in an indefinite amount. (a) Every contract subject to this Act which is indefinite in amount is required to contain the....), a case arising under the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act. Such a contract, which may be in the...

75 FR 50793 - Bureau of Political-Military Affairs: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls; Notifications to the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-17

... of $25,000,000 or more. The transaction contained in the attached certification involves the export... articles in the amount of $50,000,000 or more. The transaction contained in the attached certification... military equipment abroad and the export of firearms in the amount of $1,000,000 or more. The transaction...

Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS): effects of container size adjustments on estimates of alcohol consumption across Hispanic national groups.

PubMed

Caetano, Raul; Mills, Britain A; Harris, T Robert

2012-01-01

This study was conducted to examine discrepancies in alcohol consumption estimates between a self-reported standard quantity-frequency measure and an adjusted version based on respondents' typically used container size. Using a multistage cluster sample design, 5,224 Hispanic individuals 18 years of age and older were selected from the household population in five metropolitan areas of the United States: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. The survey-weighted response rate was 76%. Personal interviews lasting an average of 1 hour were conducted in respondents' homes in either English or Spanish. The overall effect of container adjustment was to increase estimates of ethanol consumption by 68% for women (range across Hispanic groups: 17%-99%) and 30% for men (range: 14%-42%). With the exception of female Cuban American, Mexican American, and South/Central American beer drinkers and male Cuban American wine drinkers, all percentage differences between unadjusted and container-adjusted estimates were positive. Second, container adjustments produced the largest change for volume of distilled spirits, followed by wine and beer. Container size adjustments generally produced larger percentage increases in consumption estimates for the higher volume drinkers, especially the upper tertile of female drinkers. Self-reported alcohol consumption based on standard drinks underreports consumption when compared with reports based on the amount of alcohol poured into commonly used containers.

Male-Specific Transfer and Fine Scale Spatial Differences of Newly Identified Cuticular Hydrocarbons and Triacylglycerides in a Drosophila Species Pair

PubMed Central

Yew, Joanne Y.; Dreisewerd, Klaus; de Oliveira, Cássia Cardoso; Etges, William J.

2011-01-01

We analyzed epicuticular hydrocarbon variation in geographically isolated populations of D. mojavensis cultured on different rearing substrates and a sibling species, D. arizonae, with ultraviolet laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (UV-LDI MS). Different body parts, i.e. legs, proboscis, and abdomens, of both species showed qualitatively similar hydrocarbon profiles consisting mainly of long-chain monoenes, dienes, trienes, and tetraenes. However, D. arizonae had higher amounts of most hydrocarbons than D. mojavensis and females of both species exhibited greater hydrocarbon amounts than males. Hydrocarbon profiles of D. mojavensis populations were significantly influenced by sex and rearing substrates, and differed between body parts. Lab food–reared flies had lower amounts of most hydrocarbons than flies reared on fermenting cactus substrates. We discovered 48 male- and species-specific hydrocarbons ranging in size from C22 to C50 in the male anogenital region of both species, most not described before. These included several oxygen-containing hydrocarbons in addition to high intensity signals corresponding to putative triacylglycerides, amounts of which were influenced by larval rearing substrates. Some of these compounds were transferred to female cuticles in high amounts during copulation. This is the first study showing that triacylglycerides may be a separate class of courtship-related signaling molecules in drosophilids. This study also extends the kind and number of epicuticular hydrocarbons in these species and emphasizes the role of larval ecology in influencing amounts of these compounds, many of which mediate courtship success within and between species. PMID:21369358

Consumer understanding of calorie amounts and serving size: implications for nutritional labelling.

PubMed

Vanderlee, Lana; Goodman, Samantha; Sae Yang, Wiworn; Hammond, David

2012-07-18

Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has contributed to rising obesity levels. Under Canadian law, calories for pre-packaged foods and beverages are presented by serving size; however, serving sizes differ across products and even for the same product in different containers. This study examined consumer understanding of calorie amounts for government nutrition labels and industry labelling schemes. A national sample of 687 Canadian adults completed an online survey. Participants were randomized to view images of Coke® bottles that displayed different serving sizes and calorie amounts. Participants viewed either the regulated nutrition information on the "back" of containers, or the voluntary calorie symbols displayed on the "front" of Coke® products. Participants were asked to determine how many calories the bottle contained. Across all conditions, 54.2% of participants correctly identified the number of calories in the beverage. Participants who viewed government-mandated nutrition information were more likely to answer correctly (59.0%) than those who saw industry labelling (49.1%) (OR=5.3, 95% CI: 2.6-10.6). Only 11.8% who viewed the Coke® bottle with calorie amounts per serving correctly identified the calorie amount, compared to 91.8% who saw calorie amounts per container, regardless of whether information was presented in the Nutrition Facts Table or the front-of-pack symbol (OR=242.9, 95% CI: 112.1-526.2). Few individuals can use nutrition labels to correctly identify calorie content when presented per serving or using industry labelling schemes. The findings highlight the importance of revising labelling standards and indicate that industry labelling initiatives warrant greater scrutiny.

Effect of increasing amounts of olive crude phenolic concentrate in the diet of dairy ewes on rumen liquor and milk fatty acid composition.

PubMed

Cappucci, Alice; Alves, Susana P; Bessa, Rui J B; Buccioni, Arianna; Mannelli, Federica; Pauselli, Mariano; Viti, Carlo; Pastorelli, Roberta; Roscini, Valentina; Serra, Andrea; Conte, Giuseppe; Mele, Marcello

2018-06-01

Agro-industrial by-products contain several secondary plant metabolites, such as polyphenols, tannins, saponins, and essential oils. The effects of these compounds on animal metabolism may vary significantly according to the dose, the chemical nature of the molecules, and the overall composition of the diet. In the Mediterranean area, the olive oil extraction is associated with 2 by-products: olive pomace and wastewater, both rich in polyphenols. In particular, wastewater may be further processed to obtain olive crude phenolic concentrate (OCPC). An experiment was carried out aiming to evaluate animal performance, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, diversity of rumen microbial population, and rumen liquor FA profile in dairy ewes fed diets containing extruded linseed (EL) and increasing doses of OCPC. Twenty-eight Comisana ewes in mid lactation were allotted to 4 experimental groups. The experiment lasted 5 wk after 3 wk of adaptation. Diets were characterized by lucerne hay administrated ad libitum and by 800 g/ewe and day of 4 experimental concentrates containing 22% of EL on dry matter and increasing dose of OCPC: 0 (L0), 0.6 (L0.6), 0.8 (L0.8), and 1.2 (L1.2) g of OCPC/kg of dry matter. Milk yield was daily recorded and milk composition was analyzed weekly. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, samples of rumen liquor were collected to analyze FA profile, changes in rumen microbial population, and dimethylacetal (DMA) composition. The inclusion of OCPC did not affect milk yield and gross composition, whereas milk from L0.8 and L1.2 sheep contained higher concentrations of linoleic (+18%) and α-linolenic acid (+24%) and lower concentration of the rumen biohydrogenation intermediates. A similar pattern was observed for rumen liquor FA composition. No differences were found in the diversity of the rumen microbial population. Total amount of DMA did not differ among treatments, whereas significant differences were found in the concentration of individual DMA; in the diet with a higher amount of OCPC, DMA 13:0, 14:0, 15:0, and 18:0 increased, whereas DMA 16:0 decreased. Probably the presence of polyphenols in the diet induced a rearrangement of bacteria membrane phospholipids as a response to the rumen environment stimulus. Overall, the use of OCPC allowed a significant increase in the polyunsaturated FA content of milk, probably due to a perturbation of the rumen biohydrogenation process. Further studies are needed to understand the correlation between diet composition and the pattern of DMA in rumen liquor. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anxiolytic-Like Actions of Fatty Acids Identified in Human Amniotic Fluid

PubMed Central

García-Ríos, Rosa Isela; Rodríguez-Landa, Juan Francisco; Contreras, Carlos M.

2013-01-01

Eight fatty acids (C12–C18) were previously identified in human amniotic fluid, colostrum, and milk in similar proportions but different amounts. Amniotic fluid is well known to be the natural environment for development in mammals. Interestingly, amniotic fluid and an artificial mixture of fatty acids contained in amniotic fluid produce similar anxiolytic-like actions in Wistar rats. We explored whether the lowest amount of fatty acids contained in amniotic fluid with respect to colostrum and milk produces such anxiolytic-like effects. Although a trend toward a dose-response effect was observed, only an amount of fatty acids that was similar to amniotic fluid fully mimicked the effect of diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) in the defensive burying test, an action devoid of effects on locomotor activity and motor coordination. Our results confirm that the amount of fatty acids contained in amniotic fluid is sufficient to produce anxiolytic-like effects, suggesting similar actions during intrauterine development. PMID:23737729

Effect of dietary Garcinia cambogia extract on serum essential minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) and trace elements (iron, copper, zinc) in rats fed with high-lipid diet.

PubMed

Gürsel, Feraye Esen; Ateş, Atila; Bilal, Tanay; Altiner, Ayşen

2012-09-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Garcinia cambogia extract on serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in rats fed with the normal or the high-lipid and -cholesterol diet. Thirty 1-year-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (pathogen-free), weighing an average of 229 g, were randomly assigned to three experimental groups of ten animals each. Diets and tap water were given ad libitum for 75 days. Group 1 (control group) was fed with basal diet (2 % liquid vegetable oil, 0 % cholesterol), while the diets of groups 2 and 3 contained vegetable oil (2 % liquid vegetable oil and 5 % hydrogenated vegetable oil) and cholesterol (3 %) in high levels. 4,5 % G. cambogia extract containing 65 % HCA was added to the diet of group 3 as from day 45. Blood samples were withdrawn on days 0, 45 and 75. Serum mineral levels were analyzed using standard enzymatic colorimetric methods with a spectrophotometer. All significant differences were p<0.05. Serum Ca levels were not significantly different between all groups on days 45 and 75. Serum P level was significantly higher in the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract than in the control group on day 45. Serum Mg level was significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group on day 45. Serum Fe levels were significantly lower in the control group than in the other groups on days 45 and 75. Serum Zn level of the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract was significantly higher than in the control group on day 75. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group, and in group 3 than in group 2 on day 75. In conclusion, a diet containing the high fat amounts may lead to the increase in circular levels of some minerals due to the short-chain fatty acid production lowering the luminal pH which increases mineral solubility, or serving as a fuel for mucosal cells and stimulating cell proliferation in the large intestine. G. cambogia extract may be used in the P and Cu deficiencies due to increases resulting in the present P and Cu amounts in G. cambogia extract, or the use of phytate P in diet. It was hoped that with further evidence-based study this product will enter to mainstream medicines.

Biochemical characterization of sap (latex) of a few Indian mango varieties.

PubMed

John, K Saby; Bhat, S G; Prasada Rao, U J S

2003-01-01

Mango sap (latex) from four Indian varieties was studied for its composition. Sap was separated into non-aqueous and aqueous phases. Earlier, we reported that the non-aqueous phase contained mainly mono-terpenes having raw mango aroma (Phytochemistry 52 (1999) 891). In the present study biochemical composition of the aqueous phase was studied. Aqueous phase contained little amount of protein (2.0-3.5 mg/ml) but showed high polyphenol oxidase (147-214 U/mg protein) and peroxidase (401-561 U/mg protein) activities. It contained low amounts of polyphenols and protease activities. On native PAGE, all the major protein bands exhibited both polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities. Both polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities were found to be stable in the aqueous phase of sap at 4 degrees C. Sap contained large amount of non-dialyzable and non-starchy carbohydrate (260-343 mg/ml sap) which may be responsible for maintaining a considerable pressure of fluid in the ducts. Thus, the mango sap could be a valuable by-product in the mango industry as it contains some of the valuable enzymes and aroma components.

Solubility studies of inorganic-organic hybrid nanoparticle photoresists with different surface functional groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Li; Chakrabarty, Souvik; Jiang, Jing; Zhang, Ben; Ober, Christopher; Giannelis, Emmanuel P.

2016-01-01

The solubility behavior of Hf and Zr based hybrid nanoparticles with different surface ligands in different concentrations of photoacid generator as potential EUV photoresists was investigated in detail. The nanoparticles regardless of core or ligand chemistry have a hydrodynamic diameter of 2-3 nm and a very narrow size distribution in organic solvents. The Hansen solubility parameters for nanoparticles functionalized with IBA and 2MBA have the highest contribution from the dispersion interaction than those with tDMA and MAA, which show more polar character. The nanoparticles functionalized with unsaturated surface ligands showed more apparent solubility changes after exposure to DUV than those with saturated ones. The solubility differences after exposure are more pronounced for films containing a higher amount of photoacid generator. The work reported here provides material selection criteria and processing strategies for the design of high performance EUV photoresists.The solubility behavior of Hf and Zr based hybrid nanoparticles with different surface ligands in different concentrations of photoacid generator as potential EUV photoresists was investigated in detail. The nanoparticles regardless of core or ligand chemistry have a hydrodynamic diameter of 2-3 nm and a very narrow size distribution in organic solvents. The Hansen solubility parameters for nanoparticles functionalized with IBA and 2MBA have the highest contribution from the dispersion interaction than those with tDMA and MAA, which show more polar character. The nanoparticles functionalized with unsaturated surface ligands showed more apparent solubility changes after exposure to DUV than those with saturated ones. The solubility differences after exposure are more pronounced for films containing a higher amount of photoacid generator. The work reported here provides material selection criteria and processing strategies for the design of high performance EUV photoresists. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07334k

Comparing the variation of needle and wood terpenoids in Scots pine provenances.

PubMed

Manninen, A M; Tarhanen, S; Vuorinen, M; Kainulaine, P

2002-01-01

We determined variation in both the concentration and composition of terpenoids in needles and wood within nine Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) provenances. Seedlings of different provenances representing a 1200-km N-S transect from Estonia to northern Finland were cultivated in Suonenjoki nursery field, central Finland, for seven years. Growth of seedlings and the number of vertical resin ducts in wood were also determined. alpha-Pinene and 3-carene were the major monoterpenes both in the needles and wood. The total monoterpene concentration was about five times higher in the needles than in the wood. A strong positive correlation was found between proportional quantities of several terpenes of the needles and wood, particularly for 3-carene, sabinene, and terpinolene. The needles contained both labdane-type and tricyclic resin acids, whereas the wood contained only tricyclic ones. The wood had a four times higher tricyclic resin acid concentration than the needles. The highest total monoterpene concentration in the needles and in the wood occurred in the most northern Muonio provenance and in the most southern Saaremaa provenance plants, respectively. The amount of high 3-carene genotype trees decreased among the northern provenances. The wood of the most northern Muonio provenance showed the lowest total resin acid concentration, but provenance did not affect total tricyclic resin acids in the needles. Korpilahti provenance trees from central Finland had the best growth in height. In addition, Korpilahti and Ruokolahti provenance trees showed largest radial growth of stem and smallest number of vertical resin ducts. The results suggest that especially the proportional quantity of 3-carene in the needles could be used in estimating the amount of this compound in the wood and vice versa.

Mycochemical Characterization of Agaricus subrufescens considering Their Morphological and Physiological Stage of Maturity on the Traceability Process

PubMed Central

Pardo, Jose E; Tomaz, Rafael Simões; Miasaki, Celso Tadao; Pardo-Giménez, Arturo

2017-01-01

Agaricus subrufescens Peck is a basidiomycete with immunomodulatory compounds and antitumor activities. This research evaluated the mycochemical composition of A. subrufescens, considering their morphological and physiological stage of maturity, with a particular focus on the development of a traceability process for the formulation of new nutritional products based on fungal foods. The stipes contained a high amount of dry matter (10.33%), total carbohydrate (69.56%), available carbohydrate (63.89%), and energy value (363.97 kcal 100 g−1 DM). The pilei contained a high amount of moisture (90.66%), nitrogen (7.75%), protein (33.96%), ash (8.24), crude fat (2.44%), acid detergent fiber (16.75 g kg−1), neutral detergent fiber (41.82 g kg−1), hemicellulose (25.07 g kg−1), and lignin (9.77 g kg−1). Stipes with mature physiological stage had higher values of dry matter (10.50%), crude fiber (5.94%), total carbohydrate (72.82%), AC (66.88%), and energy value (364.91 kcal 100 g−1 DM). Pilei of the mushrooms in the immature physiological stage had higher values of P (36.83%), N (8.41%), and A (8.44%). Due to the differences between the mycochemical compositions of the morphological parts of mushrooms linked to their physiological stage of maturity, such characteristics have immense potential to be considered for a traceability process. This study can be used for the purpose of providing the consumer with more product diversity, optimizing bioactivities of composts, and allowing farmers an efficient and profitable use of the mushroom biomass. PMID:29082241

Weathering patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contained in submerged Deepwater Horizon oil spill residues when re-exposed to sunlight.

PubMed

John, Gerald F; Han, Yuling; Clement, T Prabhakar

2016-12-15

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill event released a large amount of sweet crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). An unknown portion of this oil that arrived along the Alabama shoreline interacted with nearshore sediments and sank forming submerged oil mats (SOMs). A considerable amount of hydrocarbons, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were trapped within these buried SOMs. Recent studies completed using the oil spill residues collected along the Alabama shoreline have shown that several PAHs, especially higher molecular weight PAHs (four or more aromatic rings), are slowly weathering compared to the weathering levels experienced by the oil when it was floating over the GOM. In this study we have hypothesized that the weathering rates of PAHs in SOMs have slowed down because the buried oil was isolated from direct exposure to sunlight, thus hindering the photodegradation pathway. We further hypothesized that re-exposing SOMs to sunlight can reactivate various weathering reactions. Also, SOMs contain 75-95% sand (by weight) and the entrapped sand could either block direct sunlight or form large oil agglomerates with very little exposed surface area; these processes could possibly interfere with weathering reactions. To test these hypotheses, we completed controlled experiments to study the weathering patterns of PAHs in a field recovered SOM sample after re-exposing it to sunlight. Our experimental results show that the weathering levels of several higher molecular weight PAHs have slowed down primarily due to the absence of sunlight-induced photodegradation reactions. The data also show that sand particles in SOM material could potentially interfere with photodegradation reactions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intracellular Proliferation of Legionella pneumophila in Hartmannella vermiformis in Aquatic Biofilms Grown on Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride

PubMed Central

Kuiper, Melanie W.; Wullings, Bart A.; Akkermans, Antoon D. L.; Beumer, Rijkelt R.; van der Kooij, Dick

2004-01-01

The need for protozoa for the proliferation of Legionella pneumophila in aquatic habitats is still not fully understood and is even questioned by some investigators. This study shows the in vivo growth of L. pneumophila in protozoa in aquatic biofilms developing at high concentrations on plasticized polyvinyl chloride in a batch system with autoclaved tap water. The inoculum, a mixed microbial community including indigenous L. pneumophila originating from a tap water system, was added in an unfiltered as well as filtered (cellulose nitrate, 3.0-μm pore size) state. Both the attached and suspended biomasses were examined for their total amounts of ATP, for culturable L. pneumophila, and for their concentrations of protozoa. L. pneumophila grew to high numbers (6.3 log CFU/cm2) only in flasks with an unfiltered inoculum. Filtration obviously removed the growth-supporting factor, but it did not affect biofilm formation, as determined by measuring ATP. Cultivation, direct counting, and 18S ribosomal DNA-targeted PCR with subsequent sequencing revealed the presence of Hartmannella vermiformis in all flasks in which L. pneumophila multiplied and also when cycloheximide had been added. Fluorescent in situ hybridization clearly demonstrated the intracellular growth of L. pneumophila in trophozoites of H. vermiformis, with 25.9% ± 10.5% of the trophozoites containing L. pneumophila on day 10 and >90% containing L. pneumophila on day 14. Calculations confirmed that intracellular growth was most likely the only way for L. pneumophila to proliferate within the biofilm. Higher biofilm concentrations, measured as amounts of ATP, gave higher L. pneumophila concentrations, and therefore the growth of L. pneumophila within engineered water systems can be limited by controlling biofilm formation. PMID:15528550

Evaluation of mixed valent iron oxides as reactive adsorbents for arsenic removal.

PubMed

Mishra, Dhananjay; Farrell, James

2005-12-15

The objective of this research was to determine if Fe(II)-bearing iron oxides generate ferric hydroxides at sufficient rates for removing low levels of arsenic in packed-bed reactors, while at the same time avoiding excessive oxide production that contributes to bed clogging in oxygenated waters. Column experiments were performed to determine the effectiveness of three media for arsenic removal over a range in empty bed contact times, influent arsenic concentrations, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, and solution pH values. Corrosion rates of the media as a function of the water composition were determined using batch and electrochemical methods. Rates of arsenic removal were first order in the As(V) concentration and were greater for media with higher corrosion rates. As(V) removal increased with increasing DO levels primarily due to faster oxidation of the Fe2+ released by media corrosion. To obtain measurable amounts of arsenic removal in 15 mM NaCl electrolyte solutions containing 50 microg/L As(V), the rate of Fe2+ released by the media needed to be at least 15 times greater than the As(V) feed rate into the column. In waters containing 30 mg/L of silica and 50 microg/L of As(V), measurable amounts of arsenic removal were obtained only for Fe2+ release rates that were at least 200 times greater than the As(V) feed rate. Although all columns showed losses in hydraulic conductivity overthe course of 90 days of operation, the conductivity values remained high, and the losses could be reversed by backwashing the media. The reaction products produced by the media in domestic tap water had average As-to-Fe ratios that were approximately 25% higher than those for a commercially available adsorbent.

Lignocellulolytic enzyme activity, substrate utilization, and mushroom yield by Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on substrate containing anaerobic digester solids.

PubMed

Isikhuemhen, Omoanghe S; Mikiashvilli, Nona A

2009-11-01

Solid waste from anaerobic digestion of litter from the commercial production of broiler chickens has limited use as fertilizer. Its disposal is a major problem for digester operators who are seeking alternative use for anaerobic digester solids, also referred to as solid waste (SW). The use of SW as substrates for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus strain MBFBL400 was investigated. Lignocellulolytic enzymes activity, substrate utilization, and mushroom yield were evaluated in ten different substrate combinations (SCs) containing varying amounts of solid waste, wheat straw, and millet. Nutritional content of mushrooms produced on the different substrates was also determined. Substrates containing 70-80% wheat straw, 10-20% SW, and 10-20% millet were found to produce the highest mushroom yield (874.8-958.3 g/kg). Loss of organic matter in all SCs tested varied from 45.8% to 56.2%, which had positive correlation with the biological efficiency. Laccase, peroxidase, and carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) activities were higher before fruiting, whereas xylanase showed higher activities after mushroom fruiting. SW increased the nutritional content in mushrooms harvested, and the combination of wheat straw and SW with millet significantly improved mushroom yield. Our findings demonstrated the possibility of utilizing anaerobic digester solids in mushroom cultivation. The application of SW as such could improve the financial gains in the overall economy of anaerobic digester plants.

Atmospheric bulk deposition measurements of organochlorine pesticides at three alpine summits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakobi, Gert; Kirchner, Manfred; Henkelmann, Bernhard; Körner, Wolfgang; Offenthaler, Ivo; Moche, Wolfgang; Weiss, Peter; Schaub, Marcus; Schramm, Karl-Werner

2015-01-01

Bulk deposition samples were collected at three elevated summits in different parts of the Alps from 2005 to 2010. Deposition samples were analyzed for a wide range of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). HCHs, DDT, DDD, DDE, chlordanes, cis-heptachlor, HCB, dieldrin and endrin were found in all samples, only aldrin was found less frequently. Differences in the mean deposition rates between the three sites reflect the different amounts of precipitation at these sites. At the northern edge of the Alps with the highest annual total precipitations, mean annual deposition rates were at least twice those at the Swiss site for most of the investigated OCP. Average annual deposition of α-HCH amounted to 602, 461 and 216 ng m-2 year-1, the sum of DDT, DDD and DDE to 579, 210 and 144 ng m-2 year-1 and the sum of trans- and cis-chlordane to 35, 47, 16 ng m-2 year-1 at Zugspitze, Sonnblick, and Weissfluhjoch, respectively. A quite distinct seasonal pattern of OPC deposition was observed at all three locations. For most of the HCH isomers, higher deposition rates were observed in summer than in winter at all three sites, which may be caused by enhanced re-volatilization due to higher summer temperatures and the ongoing application of HCH-containing products in some regions as well. For the other investigated OCPs, higher summer deposition rates were found only at Weissfluhjoch. This site is more often affected by air masses crossing the river Po basin than the other two sites, an area exhibiting higher summer temperatures compared to other regions adjacent to the Alps.

Separation of bismuth from gram amounts of thallium and silver by cation-exchange chromatography in nitric acid.

PubMed

Meintjies, E; Strelow, F W; Victor, A H

1987-04-01

Traces and small amounts of bismuth can be separated from gram amounts of thallium and silver by successively eluting these elements with 0.3M and 0.6M nitric acid from a column containing 13 ml (3 g) of AG50W-X4, a cation-exchanger (100-200 mesh particle size) with low cross-linking. Bismuth is retained and can be eluted with 0.2M hydrobromic acid containing 20% v/v acetone, leaving many other trace elements absorbed. Elution of thallium is quite sharp, but silver shows a small amount of tailing (less than 1 gmg/ml silver in the eluate) when gram amounts are present, between 20 and 80 mug of silver appearing in the bismuth fraction. Relevant elution curves and results for the analysis of synthetic mixtures containing between 50 mug and 10 mg of bismuth and up to more than 1 g of thallium and silver are presented, as well as results for bismuth in a sample of thallium metal and in Merck thallium(I) carbonate. As little as 0.01 ppm of bismuth can be determined when the separation is combined with electrothermal atomic-absorption spectrometry.

[PCR-based evaluation of sequence specificity of DNA fragmentation by ultrasound].

PubMed

Garafutdinov, R R; Galimova, A A; Sakhabutdinova, A R; Chemeris, A V

2016-01-01

Ultrasonic fragmentation, which is a simple and convenient method for the mechanical degradation of DNA, is widely used in modern genome studies as one of the sample preparation steps. It has been recently found that the DNA breaks occur more often in the regions containing 5'-CG-3' dinucleotides. We studied the influence of the 5'-CG-3' dinucleotides on the efficiency of the 28S rRNA gene amplification during PCR with sonicated DNA of Mantis religiosa. It was shown that the amplification rate depends on the template length and the number of 5'-CG-3' dinucleotides. Amplification of the DNA regions with a higher 5'-CG-3' density is less efficient because of their higher sensitivity to ultrasound. The amount of the amplified DNA templates is inversely proportional to the 5'-CG-3'number.

Uranium oxide catalysts: environmental applications for treatment of chlorinated organic waste from nuclear industry.

PubMed

Lazareva, Svetlana; Ismagilov, Zinfer; Kuznetsov, Vadim; Shikina, Nadezhda; Kerzhentsev, Mikhail

2018-02-05

Huge amounts of nuclear waste, including depleted uranium, significantly contribute to the adverse environmental situation throughout the world. An approach to the effective use of uranium oxides in catalysts for the deep oxidation of chlorine-containing hydrocarbons is suggested. Investigation of the catalytic activity of the synthesized supported uranium oxide catalysts doped with Cr, Mn and Co transition metals in the chlorobenzene oxidation showed that these catalysts are comparable with conventional commercial ones. Physicochemical properties of the catalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen (H 2 -TPR), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The higher activity of Mn- and Co-containing uranium oxide catalysts in the H 2 -TPR and oxidation of chlorobenzene in comparison with non-uranium catalysts may be related to the formation of a new disperse phase represented by uranates. The study of chlorobenzene adsorption revealed that the surface oxygen is involved in the catalytic process.

Sodium aluminum-iron phosphate glass-ceramics for immobilization of lanthanide oxide wastes from pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanovsky, S. V.; Stefanovsky, O. I.; Kadyko, M. I.; Nikonov, B. S.

2018-03-01

Sodium aluminum (iron) phosphate glass ceramics containing of up to 20 wt.% rare earth (RE) oxides simulating pyroprocessing waste were produced by melting at 1250 °C followed by either quenching or slow cooling to room temperature. The iron-free glass-ceramics were composed of major glass and minor phosphotridymite and monazite. The iron-bearing glass-ceramics were composed of major glass and minor monazite and Na-Al-Fe orthophosphate at low waste loadings (5-10 wt.%) and major orthophosphate and minor monazite as well as interstitial glass at high waste loadings (15-20 wt.%). Slowly cooled samples contained higher amount of crystalline phases than quenched ones. Monazite is major phase for REs. Leach rates from the materials of major elements (Na, Al, Fe, P) are 10-5-10-7 g cm-2 d-1, RE elements - lower than 10-5 g cm-2 d-1.

Melatonin in human preovulatory follicular fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brzezinski, Amnon; Seibel, Machelle M.; Lynch, Harry J.; Deng, Mei-Hua; Wurtman, Richard J.

1987-01-01

Melatonin, the major hormone of the pineal gland, has antigonadotrophic activity in many mammals and may also be involved in human reproduction. Melatonin suppresses steroidogenesis by ovarian granulosa and luteal cells in vitro. To determine if melatonin is present in the human ovary, preovulatory follicular fluids (n = 32) from 15 women were assayed for melatonin by RIA after solvent extraction. The fluids were obtained by laparoscopy or sonographically controlled follicular puncture from infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. All patients had received clomiphene citrate, human menopausal gonadotropin, and hCG to stimulate follicle formation. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture 30 rain or less after follicular aspiration. All of the follicular fluids contained melatonim, in concentrations substantially higher than those in the corresponding serum. A positive correlation was found between follicular fluid and serum melatonin levels in each woman; these observations indicate that preovulatory follicles contain substantial amounts of melatonin that may affect ovarian steroidogenesis.

Outgassed water on Mars - Constraints from melt inclusions in SNC meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcsween, Harry Y., Jr.; Harvey, Ralph P.

1993-01-01

The SNC (shergottite-nakhlite-chassignite) meteorites, thought to be igneous rocks from Mars, contain melt inclusions trapped at depth in early-formed crystals. Determination of the pre-eruptive water contents of SNC parental magmas from calculations of the solidification histories of these amphibole-bearing inclusions indicates that Martian magmas commonly contained 1.4 percent water by weight. When combined with an estimate of the volume of igneous materials on Mars, this information suggests that the total amount of water outgassed since 3.9 billion years ago corresponds to global depths on the order of 200 meters. This value is significantly higher than previous geochemical estimates but lower than estimates based on erosion by floods. These results imply a wetter Mars interior than has been previously thought and support suggestions of significant outgassing before formation of a stable crust or heterogeneous accretion of a veneer of cometary matter.

Phenoxy resins containing pendent ethynyl groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hergenrother, P. M.; Jensen, B. J.; Havens, S. J.

1984-01-01

As part of an effort on tougher/solvent resistant matrix resins for composites, research was directed towards exploring methods to improve the solvent resistance of linear amorphous thermoplastics. Ethyl reactive groups were placed on the ends of oligomers and pendent along the polymer chain and subsequently thermally reacted to provide crosslinking and thus improvement in solvent resistance. This concept is extended to another thermoplastic, a phenoxy resin. A commercially available phenoxy resin (PKHH) was systematically modified by reaction of the pendent hydroxyl groups on the phenoxy resin with various amounts of 4-ethynylbenzoyl chloride. As the pendent ethynyl group content in the phenoxy resin increased, the cured resin exhibited a higher glass transition temperature, better solvent resistance and less flexibility. The solvent resistance was further improved by correcting a low molecular weight diethynyl compound, 2,2-bis(4-ethynylbenzoyloxy-4'-phenyl)propane, with a phenoxy resin containing pendent ethynyl groups.

Determination of germanium by AAS in chloride-containing matrices.

PubMed

Anwari, M A; Abbasi, H U; Volkan, M; Ataman, O Y

1996-06-01

Interference effects of NaCl on the ET-AAS determination of Ge have been studied. The use of several matrix modifiers to alleviate this problem such as Ni and Zn perchlorates and nitrates, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate are reported. The stabilizing effect of Zn and Ni perchlorates allows the use of high pretreatment temperatures. NaCl is thus thermally volatilized from the atomizer by employing pretreatment temperatures higher than 1500 degrees C resulting in an improved sensitivity. Germanium levels in zinc plant slag samples, have been determined and compared to those obtained for the same samples spiked with NaCl with platform and wall atomization using nickel perchlorate as a matrix modifier. The results were compared with those from a hydride generation system equipped with a liquid nitrogen trap. The recoveries for germanium have been almost complete and amount to 99% for the original slag samples and 80% for 15% (w/w) NaCl containing spiked samples.

Possible role of plant volatiles in tolerance against huanglongbing in citrus

PubMed Central

Hijaz, Faraj; Nehela, Yasser; Killiny, Nabil

2016-01-01

abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOC) play an important role in protecting plants from insect and pathogen attack. In this study, we investigated the leaf volatile profiles of 14 citrus varieties. The VOC in citrus leaves were extracted with n-hexane and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 4six volatile compounds were identified in the n-hexane extract from citrus leaves. Most of the detected compounds belonged to 3 main groups (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic aldehydes). Principle component analysis was used to examine the relative distribution of the studied varieties to each other. Interestingly, volatile profiles of varieties that are tolerant to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) were different from those of the susceptible ones. Tolerant and moderately-tolerant cultivars contained relatively higher amounts of volatiles than susceptible varieties. In addition, tolerant varieties were also higher in specific compounds which are known for their antimicrobial activities. These compounds include Aldehydes (undecanal, neral, geranial, and citronellal) and some monoterpenes such as linalool, d-limonene, myrcene, α- and β- phellandrene. In addition, some sesquiterpene compounds including t-caryophellene, γ-elemene, β-elemene, germacrene D, and geranyl acetate were higher in tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars. Severinia buxifolia which is known for its tolerance to CLas and many other pathogens contained higher levels of santalenes and coumarins. Our results indicated that citrus leaf volatiles might play a role in citrus tolerance to CLas. The results of this study may help in understanding of the mechanism of citrus tolerance against CLas. PMID:26829496

Possible role of plant volatiles in tolerance against huanglongbing in citrus.

PubMed

Hijaz, Faraj; Nehela, Yasser; Killiny, Nabil

2016-01-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) play an important role in protecting plants from insect and pathogen attack. In this study, we investigated the leaf volatile profiles of 14 citrus varieties. The VOC in citrus leaves were extracted with n-hexane and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 4six volatile compounds were identified in the n-hexane extract from citrus leaves. Most of the detected compounds belonged to 3 main groups (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic aldehydes). Principle component analysis was used to examine the relative distribution of the studied varieties to each other. Interestingly, volatile profiles of varieties that are tolerant to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) were different from those of the susceptible ones. Tolerant and moderately-tolerant cultivars contained relatively higher amounts of volatiles than susceptible varieties. In addition, tolerant varieties were also higher in specific compounds which are known for their antimicrobial activities. These compounds include Aldehydes (undecanal, neral, geranial, and citronellal) and some monoterpenes such as linalool, d-limonene, myrcene, α- and β- phellandrene. In addition, some sesquiterpene compounds including t-caryophellene, γ-elemene, β-elemene, germacrene D, and geranyl acetate were higher in tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars. Severinia buxifolia which is known for its tolerance to CLas and many other pathogens contained higher levels of santalenes and coumarins. Our results indicated that citrus leaf volatiles might play a role in citrus tolerance to CLas. The results of this study may help in understanding of the mechanism of citrus tolerance against CLas.

33 CFR 158.220 - Ports and terminals loading more than 1,000 metric tons of oil other than crude oil or bunker oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... processing in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the... average, whichever quantity is greater; (c) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of... FACILITIES FOR OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, AND GARBAGE Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures...

33 CFR 158.220 - Ports and terminals loading more than 1,000 metric tons of oil other than crude oil or bunker oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... processing in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the... average, whichever quantity is greater; (c) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of... FACILITIES FOR OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, AND GARBAGE Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures...

33 CFR 158.220 - Ports and terminals loading more than 1,000 metric tons of oil other than crude oil or bunker oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... processing in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the... average, whichever quantity is greater; (c) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of... FACILITIES FOR OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, AND GARBAGE Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures...

33 CFR 158.220 - Ports and terminals loading more than 1,000 metric tons of oil other than crude oil or bunker oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... processing in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the... average, whichever quantity is greater; (c) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of... FACILITIES FOR OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, AND GARBAGE Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures...

33 CFR 158.220 - Ports and terminals loading more than 1,000 metric tons of oil other than crude oil or bunker oil.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... processing in the amount of 10 metric tons (11 short tons); (b) Bilge water containing oily mixtures in the... average, whichever quantity is greater; (c) Ballast water containing oily mixtures in the amount of 30% of... FACILITIES FOR OIL, NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES, AND GARBAGE Criteria for Reception Facilities: Oily Mixtures...

Desalination of fish sauce by electrodialysis: effect on selected aroma compounds and amino acid compositions.

PubMed

Chindapan, Nathamol; Devahastin, Sakamon; Chiewchan, Naphaporn; Sablani, Shyam S

2011-09-01

Fish sauce is an ingredient that exhibits unique flavor and is widely used by people in Southeast Asia. Fish sauce, however, contains a significant amount of salt (sodium chloride). Recently, electrodialysis (ED) has been successfully applied to reduce salt in fish sauce; however, no information is available on the effect of ED on changes in compounds providing aroma and taste of ED-treated fish sauce. The selected aroma compounds, amino acids, and sensory quality of the ED-treated fish sauce with various salt concentrations were then analyzed. The amounts of trimethylamine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, phenols, and all carboxylic acids except for hexanoic acid significantly decreased, whereas benzaldehyde increased significantly when the salt removal level was higher. The amounts of all amino acids decreased with the increased salt removal level. Significant difference in flavor and saltiness intensity among ED-treated fish sauce with various salt concentrations, as assessed by a discriminative test, were observed. Information obtained in this work can serve as a guideline for optimization of a process to produce low-sodium fish sauce by ED. It also forms a basis for further in-depth sensory analysis of low-sodium fish sauce. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

Bulk Thermoelectric Materials Reinforced with SiC Whiskers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akao, Takahiro; Fujiwara, Yuya; Tarui, Yuki; Onda, Tetsuhiko; Chen, Zhong-Chun

2014-06-01

SiC whiskers have been incorporated into Zn4Sb3 compound as reinforcements to overcome its extremely brittle nature. The bulk samples were prepared by either hot-extrusion or hot-pressing techniques. The obtained products containing 1 vol.% to 5 vol.% SiC whiskers were confirmed to exhibit sound appearance, high density, and fine-grained microstructure. Mechanical properties such as the hardness and fracture resistance were improved by the addition of SiC whiskers, as a result of dispersion strengthening and microstructural refinement induced by a pinning effect. Furthermore, crack deflection and/or bridging/pullout mechanisms are invoked by the whiskers. Regarding the thermoelectric properties, the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity values comparable to those of the pure compound are retained over the entire range of added whisker amount. However, the thermal conductivity becomes large with increasing amount of SiC whiskers because of the much higher conductivity of SiC relative to the Zn4Sb3 matrix. This results in a remarkable degradation of the dimensionless figure of merit in the samples with addition of SiC whiskers. Therefore, the optimum amount of SiC whiskers in the Zn4Sb3 matrix should be determined by balancing the mechanical properties and thermoelectric performance.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Habuer,, E-mail: habuer@env.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Nakatani, Jun; Moriguchi, Yuichi

Highlights: • We estimate the possession and obsolescence of household appliances (HAs) in China. • Over 4.8–5.1 billion units of major HAs will be discarded in the next 20 years. • We calculate the amounts of substances contained in end-of-life (EoL) TV sets. • Less common metals will tend to decrease in content in generation of EoL TV sets. • Precious metals will tend to increase in content in EoL TV sets in 2015–2030. - Abstract: Given the amounts of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EoL-EEE) being generated and their contents of both harmful and valuable materials, the EoL-EEE issuemore » should be regarded not only as an emerging environmental problem but also as a resource management strategy in China. At present, in order to provide the basis for managing EoL-EEE at both product and substance levels in China, it is necessary to carry out a quantitative analysis on EoL-EEE and to determine how much of it will be generated and how much materials and substances it contains. In this study, the possession and obsolescence amounts of five types of household appliance (HA) including television (TV) sets and the amounts of substances contained in EoL TV sets were estimated using time-series product flow analysis (PFA) and substance flow analysis (SFA). The results of PFA indicated that the total possession amounts of those five types of HAs will exceed 3.1 billion units in 2030, which will be two times higher than those in 2010. In addition, it was estimated that cumulatively over 4.8–5.1 billion units of these five types of EoL HA would be obsoleted between 2010–2030. The results of SFA on TV sets indicated that the generated amounts of most of the less common metals and a part of common metals such as copper (Cu) would tend to decrease, whereas those of other common metals such as iron (Fe) as well as precious metals would tend to increase in EoL TV sets in 2015–2030. The results of this study provide a quantitative basis for helping decision makers develop strategic policies for the management of EoL-EEE considering both environmental and resource aspects. Moreover, a calculation scheme of obsolete HAs presented in this study can be applied to estimate other types of EoL durable good. Meanwhile, the frameworks of this study will help not only the policy decision makers in the Chinese government but also those in developing countries that are facing similar problems.« less

How much sugar is hidden in drinks marketed to children? A survey of fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies

PubMed Central

Boulton, Jane; Hashem, Kawther M; Jenner, Katharine H; Lloyd-Williams, Ffion; Bromley, Helen; Capewell, Simon

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate the amount of sugars in fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies (FJJDS) marketed to children. Design We surveyed the sugars content (per 100 ml and standardised 200 ml portion) of all FJJDS sold by seven major UK supermarkets (supermarket own and branded products). Only products specifically marketed towards children were included. We excluded sports drinks, iced teas, sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks and cordials as being not specifically marketed towards children. Results We identified 203 fruit juices (n=21), juice drinks (n=158) and smoothies (n=24) marketed to children. Sugars content ranged from 0 to 16 g/100 ml. The mean sugars content was 7.0 g/100 ml, but among the 100% fruit juice category, it was 10.7 g/100 ml. Smoothies (13.0 g/100 ml) contained the highest amounts of sugars and juice drinks (5.6 g/100 ml) contained the lowest amount. 117 of the 203 FJJDS surveyed would receive a Food Standards Agency ‘red’ colour-coded label for sugars per standardised 200 ml serving. Only 63 FJJDS would receive a ‘green’ colour-coded label. 85 products contained at least 19 g of sugars—a child's entire maximum daily amount of sugars. 57 products contained sugar (sucrose), 65 contained non-caloric sweeteners and five contained both. Seven products contained glucose-fructose syrup. Conclusions The sugars content in FJJDS marketed to children in the UK is unacceptably high. Manufacturers must stop adding unnecessary sugars and calories to their FJJDS. PMID:27009146

How much sugar is hidden in drinks marketed to children? A survey of fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies.

PubMed

Boulton, Jane; Hashem, Kawther M; Jenner, Katharine H; Lloyd-Williams, Ffion; Bromley, Helen; Capewell, Simon

2016-03-23

To investigate the amount of sugars in fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies (FJJDS) marketed to children. We surveyed the sugars content (per 100 ml and standardised 200 ml portion) of all FJJDS sold by seven major UK supermarkets (supermarket own and branded products). Only products specifically marketed towards children were included. We excluded sports drinks, iced teas, sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks and cordials as being not specifically marketed towards children. We identified 203 fruit juices (n=21), juice drinks (n=158) and smoothies (n=24) marketed to children. Sugars content ranged from 0 to 16 g/100 ml. The mean sugars content was 7.0 g/100 ml, but among the 100% fruit juice category, it was 10.7 g/100 ml. Smoothies (13.0 g/100 ml) contained the highest amounts of sugars and juice drinks (5.6 g/100 ml) contained the lowest amount. 117 of the 203 FJJDS surveyed would receive a Food Standards Agency 'red' colour-coded label for sugars per standardised 200 ml serving. Only 63 FJJDS would receive a 'green' colour-coded label. 85 products contained at least 19 g of sugars-a child's entire maximum daily amount of sugars. 57 products contained sugar (sucrose), 65 contained non-caloric sweeteners and five contained both. Seven products contained glucose-fructose syrup. The sugars content in FJJDS marketed to children in the UK is unacceptably high. Manufacturers must stop adding unnecessary sugars and calories to their FJJDS. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

A structured understanding of cellobiohydrolase I binding to poplar lignin fractions after dilute acid pretreatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Lan; Yoo, Chang Geun; Meng, Xianzhi

Background: Cellulase adsorption to lignin is considered a cost barrier for bioethanol production; however, its detailed association mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, two natural poplar variants with high and low sugar release performance were selected as the low and high recalcitrant raw materials (named L and H, respectively). Three different lignin fractions were extracted using ethanol, followed by p-dioxane and then cellulase treatment from the dilute acid pretreated poplar solids (fraction 1, 2, and 3, respectively).Results: Each lignin fraction had different physicochemical properties. Ethanol-extracted lignin had the lowest weight average molecular weight, while the molecular weightsmore » for the other two lignin fractions were similar. 31P NMR analysis revealed that lignin fraction with higher molecular weight contained more aliphatic hydroxyl groups and less phenolic hydroxyl groups. Semi-quantitative analysis by 2D HSQC NMR indicated that the lignin fractions isolated from the natural variants had different contents of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G) and interunit linkages. Lignin extracted by ethanol contained the largest amount of S units, the smallest amounts of G and p-hydroxybenzoate (PB) subunits, while the contents of these lignin subunits in the other two lignin fractions were similar. The lignin fraction obtained after cellulase treatment was primarily comprised of β-O-4 linkages with small amounts of β-5 and β–β linkages. The binding strength of these three lignin fractions obtained by Langmuir equations were in the order of L1 > L3 > L2 for the low recalcitrance poplar and H1 > H2 > H3 for the high recalcitrance poplar.Conclusions: Overall, adsorption ability of lignin was correlated with the sugar release of poplar. Structural features of lignin were associated with its binding to CBH. For natural poplar variants, lignin fractions with lower molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) exhibited more CBH adsorption ability. Lignins with more phenolic hydroxyl groups had higher CBH binding strength. It was also found that lignin fractions with more condensed aromatics adsorbed more CBH likely attributed to stronger hydrophobic interactions.« less

A structured understanding of cellobiohydrolase I binding to poplar lignin fractions after dilute acid pretreatment.

PubMed

Yao, Lan; Yoo, Chang Geun; Meng, Xianzhi; Li, Mi; Pu, Yunqiao; Ragauskas, Arthur J; Yang, Haitao

2018-01-01

Cellulase adsorption to lignin is considered a cost barrier for bioethanol production; however, its detailed association mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, two natural poplar variants with high and low sugar release performance were selected as the low and high recalcitrant raw materials (named L and H , respectively). Three different lignin fractions were extracted using ethanol, followed by p -dioxane and then cellulase treatment from the dilute acid pretreated poplar solids (fraction 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Each lignin fraction had different physicochemical properties. Ethanol-extracted lignin had the lowest weight average molecular weight, while the molecular weights for the other two lignin fractions were similar. 31 P NMR analysis revealed that lignin fraction with higher molecular weight contained more aliphatic hydroxyl groups and less phenolic hydroxyl groups. Semi-quantitative analysis by 2D HSQC NMR indicated that the lignin fractions isolated from the natural variants had different contents of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G) and interunit linkages. Lignin extracted by ethanol contained the largest amount of S units, the smallest amounts of G and p -hydroxybenzoate (PB) subunits, while the contents of these lignin subunits in the other two lignin fractions were similar. The lignin fraction obtained after cellulase treatment was primarily comprised of β- O -4 linkages with small amounts of β-5 and β-β linkages. The binding strength of these three lignin fractions obtained by Langmuir equations were in the order of L 1  >  L 3  >  L 2 for the low recalcitrance poplar and H 1  >  H 2  >  H 3 for the high recalcitrance poplar. Overall, adsorption ability of lignin was correlated with the sugar release of poplar. Structural features of lignin were associated with its binding to CBH. For natural poplar variants, lignin fractions with lower molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) exhibited more CBH adsorption ability. Lignins with more phenolic hydroxyl groups had higher CBH binding strength. It was also found that lignin fractions with more condensed aromatics adsorbed more CBH likely attributed to stronger hydrophobic interactions.

A structured understanding of cellobiohydrolase I binding to poplar lignin fractions after dilute acid pretreatment

DOE PAGES

Yao, Lan; Yoo, Chang Geun; Meng, Xianzhi; ...

2018-04-04

Background: Cellulase adsorption to lignin is considered a cost barrier for bioethanol production; however, its detailed association mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, two natural poplar variants with high and low sugar release performance were selected as the low and high recalcitrant raw materials (named L and H, respectively). Three different lignin fractions were extracted using ethanol, followed by p-dioxane and then cellulase treatment from the dilute acid pretreated poplar solids (fraction 1, 2, and 3, respectively).Results: Each lignin fraction had different physicochemical properties. Ethanol-extracted lignin had the lowest weight average molecular weight, while the molecular weightsmore » for the other two lignin fractions were similar. 31P NMR analysis revealed that lignin fraction with higher molecular weight contained more aliphatic hydroxyl groups and less phenolic hydroxyl groups. Semi-quantitative analysis by 2D HSQC NMR indicated that the lignin fractions isolated from the natural variants had different contents of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G) and interunit linkages. Lignin extracted by ethanol contained the largest amount of S units, the smallest amounts of G and p-hydroxybenzoate (PB) subunits, while the contents of these lignin subunits in the other two lignin fractions were similar. The lignin fraction obtained after cellulase treatment was primarily comprised of β-O-4 linkages with small amounts of β-5 and β–β linkages. The binding strength of these three lignin fractions obtained by Langmuir equations were in the order of L1 > L3 > L2 for the low recalcitrance poplar and H1 > H2 > H3 for the high recalcitrance poplar.Conclusions: Overall, adsorption ability of lignin was correlated with the sugar release of poplar. Structural features of lignin were associated with its binding to CBH. For natural poplar variants, lignin fractions with lower molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) exhibited more CBH adsorption ability. Lignins with more phenolic hydroxyl groups had higher CBH binding strength. It was also found that lignin fractions with more condensed aromatics adsorbed more CBH likely attributed to stronger hydrophobic interactions.« less

Bioactive compounds of fourth generation gamma-irradiated Typhoniumflagelliforme Lodd. mutants based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sianipar, N. F.; Purnamaningsih, R.; Rosaria

2016-08-01

Rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) is an Indonesian anticancer medicinal plant. The natural genetic diversity of rodent tuber is low due to vegetative propagation. Plant's genetic diversity has to be increased for obtaining clones which contain a high amount of anticancer compounds. In vitro calli were irradiated with 6 Gy of gamma ray to produce in vitro mutant plantlets. Mutant plantlets were acclimated and propagated in a greenhouse. This research was aimed to identify the chemical compounds in the leaves and tubers ofthe fourth generation of rodent tuber's vegetative mutant clones (MV4) and control plantsby using GC- MS method. Leaves and tubers of MV4 each contained 2 and 5 anticancer compounds which quantities were higher compared to control plants. MV4 leaves contained 5 new anticancer compounds while its tubers contained 3 new anticancer compounds which were not found in control. The new anticancer compounds in leaves were hexadecanoic acid, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, ergost-5-en-3-ol, farnesol isomer a, and oleic acid while the new anticancer compounds in tubers were alpha tocopherol, ergost-5-en-3-ol, and beta-elemene. Rodent tuber mutant clones are very potential to be developed into anticancer drugs.

Short-term nutritional strategies before slaughter are effective in modulating the final pH and color of broiler breast meat.

PubMed

Guardia, Sarah; Lessire, Michel; Corniaux, Alain; Métayer-Coustard, Sonia; Mercerand, Frédéric; Tesseraud, Sophie; Bouvarel, Isabelle; Berri, Cécile

2014-07-01

The poultry meat industry is faced with various quality issues related to variations in the ultimate pH of breast meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility to control breast ultimate pH by distributing finishing diets varying in amino acid (AA) and energy content for a short period before slaughter. Experimental diets were distributed to PM3 broilers on the last 3 d before slaughter (36 d of age). They consisted of a control (C) diet (3,150 kcal/kg; 200 g/kg of CP; 10.0 g/kg of true digestible Lys) with adequate amounts of AA other than Lys, 6 diets isocaloric to the control diet including 3 Lys-deficient (8.0 g/kg) diets with an adequate (Lys-/AA), low (Lys-/AA-), or high (Lys-/AA+) amount of other essential AA calculated in relation to Lys, and 3 Lys-rich (12.0 g/kg) diets with an adequate (Lys+/AA), low (Lys+/AA-), or high (Lys+/AA+) amount of other essential AA calculated in relation to Lys, and 2 diets isoproteic to C with a high (3,300 kcal/kg, E+) or low (3,000 kcal/kg, E-) energy content. Broiler feed consumption and growth performance were slightly affected by AA and energy content during the finishing period. Feed intake (33-36 d) was lower with the Lys+/AA+ and E+, and FCR between 24 and 36 d was higher with the Lys-/AA- and E- than with the C diet. Body weight at d 36 was lower in Lys-/AA-, Lys+/AA+, and E+ than in C, whereas the breast meat yield and abdominal fatness were not affected by diet. Lower pH values were observed in broilers fed Lys-deficient diets containing a high amount of other AA (Lys-/AA+) than in broilers fed diets containing low (AA-) or adequate (AA) amounts of other AA. This study shows that it is possible to alter the pH of breast meat by changing AA profile over a short period before slaughter, with limited impact on broiler growth and carcass composition. © 2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Different Amounts of DNA in Newborn Cells of Escherichia coli Preclude a Role for the Chromosome in Size Control According to the "Adder" Model.

PubMed

Huls, Peter G; Vischer, Norbert O E; Woldringh, Conrad L

2018-01-01

According to the recently-revived adder model for cell size control, newborn cells of Escherichia coli will grow and divide after having added a constant size or length, ΔL , irrespective of their size at birth. Assuming exponential elongation, this implies that large newborns will divide earlier than small ones. The molecular basis for the constant size increment is still unknown. As DNA replication and cell growth are coordinated, the constant ΔL could be based on duplication of an equal amount of DNA, ΔG , present in newborn cells. To test this idea, we measured amounts of DNA and lengths of nucleoids in DAPI-stained cells growing in batch culture at slow and fast rates. Deeply-constricted cells were divided in two subpopulations of longer and shorter lengths than average; these were considered to represent large and small prospective daughter cells, respectively. While at slow growth, large and small prospective daughter cells contained similar amounts of DNA, fast growing cells with multiforked replicating chromosomes, showed a significantly higher amount of DNA (20%) in the larger cells. This observation precludes the hypothesis that Δ L is based on the synthesis of a constant ΔG . Growth curves were constructed for siblings generated by asymmetric division and growing according to the adder model. Under the assumption that all cells at the same growth rate exhibit the same time between initiation of DNA replication and cell division (i.e., constant C+D -period), the constructions predict that initiation occurs at different sizes ( Li ) and that, at fast growth, large newborn cells transiently contain more DNA than small newborns, in accordance with the observations. Because the state of segregation, measured as the distance between separated nucleoids, was found to be more advanced in larger deeply-constricted cells, we propose that in larger newborns nucleoid separation occurs faster and at a shorter length, allowing them to divide earlier. We propose a composite model in which both differential initiation and segregation leads to an adder-like behavior of large and small newborn cells.

Eudragit RS 100 microparticles containing 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and glutathione: physicochemical characterization, drug release and transport studies.

PubMed

Trapani, Adriana; Laquintana, Valentino; Denora, Nunzio; Lopedota, Angela; Cutrignelli, Annalisa; Franco, Massimo; Trapani, Giuseppe; Liso, Gaetano

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to encapsulate glutathione (GSH) alone or in combination with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) in Eudragit RS 100 microparticles (MPs), and to evaluate these novel delivery systems for oral administration of the considered tripeptide. The MPs were prepared by an O/O emulsion-solvent evaporation method according to a multilevel experimental design involving the volume of liquid paraffin, the HP-beta-CD amount, and the drug/polymer ratio as independent variables. The effects of these parameters on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies were performed to evaluate possible interactions between GSH and Eudragit RS 100 polymer and to characterize the physical state of drug within the MPs. The release profiles of GSH from MPs were examined in vitro at pH 1.2, 6.8. and 7.4 using the USP III (BioDis) dissolution apparatus. In general, a slow and zero-order release of GSH from MPs at pH 1.2 occurred, while at higher pH values considerable amounts of glutathione disulfide (i.e., GSSG) were observed. The enzymatic stability and the intestinal permeability of some GSH-containing MPs were assessed by using pepsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and everted frog intestinal sac methodology, respectively. The results suggest that GSH-loaded Eudragit RS 100 MPs containing HP-beta-CD represent a new sustained GSH delivery system useful for the oral administration of the examined tripeptide.

Occurrence of tetrodotoxin-binding high molecular weight substances in the body fluid of shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus).

PubMed

Shiomi, K; Yamaguchi, S; Kikuchi, T; Yamamori, K; Matsui, T

1992-12-01

The shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus) is highly resistant to tetrodotoxin (TTX) although it contains no detectable amount of TTX (less than 5 MU/g, where 1 MU is defined as the amount of TTX killing a 20 g mouse in 30 min). Its body fluid was examined for neutralizing effects against the lethal activity of TTX. When the mixture of the body fluid and TTX was injected i.p. into mice, the lethal activity of TTX was significantly reduced; 1 ml of the body fluid was evaluated to neutralize 3.6-4.0 MU of TTX. Higher neutralizing activity (7.2-12.5 MU/ml of the body fluid) was exhibited by i.v. administration of the body fluid into mice before or after i.p. challenge of TTX. The lethal effect of paralytic shellfish poisons was not counteracted by the body fluid. Analysis by gel filtration on Sepharose 6B revealed that the body fluid contained TTX-binding high mol. wt substances (> 2,000,000) responsible for the neutralizing activity of the body fluid against TTX, which accounts for the high resistibility of the crab to TTX. When the crude toxin extracted from the liver of puffer (Takifugu niphobles) was mixed with the body fluid and chromatographed on Sepharose 6B, almost pure TTX was obtained from the fractions containing the TTX-binding high mol. wt substances, suggesting that the TTX-binding high mol. wt substances could be useful in purification of TTX from biological samples.

Cohesin-interacting protein WAPL-1 regulates meiotic chromosome structure and cohesion by antagonizing specific cohesin complexes

PubMed Central

Crawley, Oliver; Barroso, Consuelo; Testori, Sarah; Ferrandiz, Nuria; Silva, Nicola; Castellano-Pozo, Maikel; Jaso-Tamame, Angel Luis; Martinez-Perez, Enrique

2016-01-01

Wapl induces cohesin dissociation from DNA throughout the mitotic cell cycle, modulating sister chromatid cohesion and higher-order chromatin structure. Cohesin complexes containing meiosis-specific kleisin subunits govern most aspects of meiotic chromosome function, but whether Wapl regulates these complexes remains unknown. We show that during C. elegans oogenesis WAPL-1 antagonizes binding of cohesin containing COH-3/4 kleisins, but not REC-8, demonstrating that sensitivity to WAPL-1 is dictated by kleisin identity. By restricting the amount of chromosome-associated COH-3/4 cohesin, WAPL-1 controls chromosome structure throughout meiotic prophase. In the absence of REC-8, WAPL-1 inhibits COH-3/4-mediated cohesion, which requires crossover-fated events formed during meiotic recombination. Thus, WAPL-1 promotes functional specialization of meiotic cohesin: WAPL-1-sensitive COH-3/4 complexes modulate higher-order chromosome structure, while WAPL-1-refractory REC-8 complexes provide stable cohesion. Surprisingly, a WAPL-1-independent mechanism removes cohesin before metaphase I. Our studies provide insight into how meiosis-specific cohesin complexes are regulated to ensure formation of euploid gametes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10851.001 PMID:26841696

Effect of Be Modification on the Oxide Bifilms and Tensile Strength Reliability of Al-Si-Mg Alloys Containing Excess Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asadian Nozari, M.; Taghiabadi, R.; Karimzadeh, M.; Ghoncheh, M. H.

2018-03-01

The effect of oxide bifilms and Be modification (0.2 wt pct) on the tensile strength reliability of the as-cast and T6 heat-treated Al-9Si-0.35Mg-1.5Fe alloy was investigated using Weibull analysis. For this purpose, the density of oxide bifilms in the molten alloy was intentionally increased by surface agitation. According to the results, Be modifies the β-Al5FeSi particles to the less harmful α-Fe compounds and substantially decreases the bifilm density in the castings leading to improved tensile properties and higher reliability. Moreover, the beneficial effect of Be was found to be more in the samples containing higher amounts of bifilms. For instance, in the heat-treated condition, Be increased the Weibull modulus of the non-agitated and surface-agitated samples by 4 and 94 pct, respectively. This improvement can be attributed to the strengthening effect of Be on the young surface oxides so that they resist more against rupture when melt is subjected to the surface turbulence. The reduced pressure test and fractography investigations also confirmed the reduction of bifilm density and bifilm-related defects in Be-modified samples.

Effect of Be Modification on the Oxide Bifilms and Tensile Strength Reliability of Al-Si-Mg Alloys Containing Excess Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asadian Nozari, M.; Taghiabadi, R.; Karimzadeh, M.; Ghoncheh, M. H.

2018-06-01

The effect of oxide bifilms and Be modification (0.2 wt pct) on the tensile strength reliability of the as-cast and T6 heat-treated Al-9Si-0.35Mg-1.5Fe alloy was investigated using Weibull analysis. For this purpose, the density of oxide bifilms in the molten alloy was intentionally increased by surface agitation. According to the results, Be modifies the β-Al5FeSi particles to the less harmful α-Fe compounds and substantially decreases the bifilm density in the castings leading to improved tensile properties and higher reliability. Moreover, the beneficial effect of Be was found to be more in the samples containing higher amounts of bifilms. For instance, in the heat-treated condition, Be increased the Weibull modulus of the non-agitated and surface-agitated samples by 4 and 94 pct, respectively. This improvement can be attributed to the strengthening effect of Be on the young surface oxides so that they resist more against rupture when melt is subjected to the surface turbulence. The reduced pressure test and fractography investigations also confirmed the reduction of bifilm density and bifilm-related defects in Be-modified samples.

Protein precipitation of diluted samples in SDS-containing buffer with acetone leads to higher protein recovery and reproducibility in comparison with TCA/acetone approach.

PubMed

Santa, Cátia; Anjo, Sandra I; Manadas, Bruno

2016-07-01

Proteomic approaches are extremely valuable in many fields of research, where mass spectrometry methods have gained an increasing interest, especially because of the ability to perform quantitative analysis. Nonetheless, sample preparation prior to mass spectrometry analysis is of the utmost importance. In this work, two protein precipitation approaches, widely used for cleaning and concentrating protein samples, were tested and compared in very diluted samples solubilized in a strong buffer (containing SDS). The amount of protein recovered after acetone and TCA/acetone precipitation was assessed, as well as the protein identification and relative quantification by SWATH-MS yields were compared with the results from the same sample without precipitation. From this study, it was possible to conclude that in the case of diluted samples in denaturing buffers, the use of cold acetone as precipitation protocol is more favourable than the use of TCA/acetone in terms of reproducibility in protein recovery and number of identified and quantified proteins. Furthermore, the reproducibility in relative quantification of the proteins is even higher in samples precipitated with acetone compared with the original sample. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multistage formation processes in the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body: Mineralogical study of anomalous lodranite, Yamato 983119

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasutake, Masahiro; Yamaguchi, Akira

2017-12-01

Y 983119 is a coarse-grained rock consisting mainly of orthopyroxene (44-71 vol%, Wo3En94Fs4), olivine (4-30 vol%, Fo97), Fe, Ni metal (4-14 vol%) and interstitial plagioclase (9-14 vol%, Or2Ab67An29) and augite (2-5 vol%, Wo46En53Fs2). The modal abundance of orthopyroxene is higher than known acapulcoites and lodranites. Olivine grains show chemical zoning with higher Fe/Mn values along rims and cracks. Orthopyroxene and olivine contain melt inclusions that mainly consist of augite, feldspar and glass. Hornblende, biotite, rutile and baddeleyite were also found in melt inclusions. Based on the compositions of melt inclusions, the parent melt is felsic, and contains a significant amount of Na, K, Ti, Zr, F and OH. The major mineral and oxygen isotopic compositions indicate that Y 983119 is a lodranite. However, the high abundance of orthopyroxene and the presence of melt inclusions indicate that Y 983119 is not a residue in contrast to other lodranites. We suggest that Y 983119 formed by more complex formation processes than the other lodranites.

Triacylglycerol and triterpene ester composition of shea nuts from seven African countries.

PubMed

Akihisa, Toshihiro; Kojima, Nobuo; Katoh, Naoko; Kikuchi, Takashi; Fukatsu, Makoto; Shimizu, Naoto; Masters, Eliot T

2011-01-01

The compositions of the triacylglycerol (TAG) and triterpene ester (TE) fractions of the kernel fats (n-hexane extracts; shea butter) of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa; Sapotaceae) were determined for 36 samples from seven sub-Saharan countries, i.e., Cote d' Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroun, Chad, Sudan, and Uganda. The principal TAGs are stearic-oleic-stearic (SOS; mean 31.2%), SOO (27.7%), and OOO (10.8%). The TE fractions contents are in the range of 0.5-6.5%, and contain α-amyrin cinnamate (1c; mean 29.3%) as the predominant TE followed by butyrospermol cinnamate (4c; 14.8%), α-amyrin acetate (1a; 14.1%), lupeol cinnamate (3c; 9.0%), β-amyrin cinnamate (2c; 7.6%), lupeol acetate (3a; 7.2%), butyrospermol acetate (4a; 5.8%), and β-amyrin acetate (2a; 4.9%). Shea kernel fats from West African provenances contained, in general, higher levels of high-melting TAGs such as SOS, and higher amount of TEs than those from East African provenances. No striking regional difference in the composition of the TE fractions was observed. Copyright © 2011 by Japan Oil Chemists' Society

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Food and Personal Care Products

PubMed Central

Weir, Alex; Westerhoff, Paul; Fabricius, Lars

2012-01-01

Titanium dioxide is a common additive in many food, personal care, and other consumer products used by people, which after use can enter the sewage system, and subsequently enter the environment as treated effluent discharged to surface waters or biosolids applied to agricultural land, incinerated wastes, or landfill solids. This study quantifies the amount of titanium in common food products, derives estimates of human exposure to dietary (nano-) TiO2, and discusses the impact of the nanoscale fraction of TiO2 entering the environment. The foods with the highest content of TiO2 included candies, sweets and chewing gums. Among personal care products, toothpastes and select sunscreens contained 1% to >10% titanium by weight. While some other crèmes contained titanium, despite being colored white, most shampoos, deodorants, and shaving creams contained the lowest levels of titanium (<0.01 μg/mg). For several high-consumption pharmaceuticals, the titanium content ranged from below the instrument detection limit (0.0001 μg Ti/mg) to a high of 0.014 μg Ti/mg. Electron microscopy and stability testing of food-grade TiO2 (E171) suggests that approximately 36% of the particles are less than 100 nm in at least one dimension and that it readily disperses in water as fairly stable colloids. However, filtration of water solubilized consumer products and personal care products indicated that less than 5% of the titanium was able to pass through 0.45 or 0.7 μm pores. Two white paints contained 110 μg Ti/mg while three sealants (i.e., prime coat paint) contained less titanium (25 to 40 μg Ti/mg). This research showed that while many white-colored products contained titanium, it was not a prerequisite. Although several of these product classes contained low amounts of titanium, their widespread use and disposal down the drain and eventually to WWTPs deserves attention. A Monte Carlo human exposure analysis to TiO2 through foods identified children as having the highest exposures because TiO2 content of sweets is higher than other food products, and that a typical exposure for a US adult may be on the order of 1 mg Ti per kilogram body weight per day. Thus, because of the millions of tons of titanium based white pigment used annually, testing should focus on food-grade TiO2 (E171) rather than that adopted in many environmental health and safety tests (i.e., P25), which is used in much lower amounts in products less likely to enter the environment (e.g., catalyst supports, photocatalytic coatings). PMID:22260395

[Uranium Concentration in Drinking Water from Small-scale Water Supplies in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany].

PubMed

Ostendorp, G

2015-04-01

In this study the drinking water of 212 small-scale water supplies, mainly situated in areas with intensive agriculture or fruit-growing, was analysed for uranium. The median uranium concentration amounted to 0.04 µg/lL, the 95(th) percentile was 2.5 µg/L. The maximum level was 14 µg/L. This sample exceeded the guideline value for uranium in drinking water. The uranium concentration in small-scale water supplies was found to be slightly higher than that in central water works in Schleswig-Holstein. Water containing more than 10 mg/L nitrate showed significantly higher uranium contents. The results indicate that the uranium burden in drinking water from small wells is mainly determined by geological factors. An additional anthropogenic effect of soil management cannot be excluded. Overall uranium concentrations were low and not causing health concerns. However, in specific cases higher concentrations may occur. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Paprika (Capsicum annuum) oleoresin extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Jarén-Galán, M; Nienaber, U; Schwartz, S J

1999-09-01

Paprika oleoresin was fractionated by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCF-CO(2)). Higher extraction volumes, increasing extraction pressures, and similarly, the use of cosolvents such as 1% ethanol or acetone resulted in higher pigment yields. Within the 2000-7000 psi range, total oleoresin yield always approached 100%. Pigments isolated at lower pressures consisted almost exclusively of beta-carotene, while pigments obtained at higher pressures contained a greater proportion of red carotenoids (capsorubin, capsanthin, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin) and small amounts of beta-carotene. The varying solubility of oil and pigments in SCF-CO(2) was optimized to obtain enriched and concentrated oleoresins through a two-stage extraction at 2000 and 6000 psi. This technique removes the paprika oil and beta-carotene during the first extraction step, allowing for second-stage oleoresin extracts with a high pigment concentration (200% relative to the reference) and a red:yellow pigment ratio of 1.8 (as compared to 1.3 in the reference).

Fractionation and identification of novel antioxidant peptides from buffalo and bovine casein hydrolysates.

PubMed

Shazly, Ahmed Behdal; He, Zhiyong; El-Aziz, Mahmoud Abd; Zeng, Maomao; Zhang, Shuang; Qin, Fang; Chen, Jie

2017-10-01

Buffalo and bovine caseins were hydrolysed by alcalase and trypsin to produce novel antioxidant peptides. The casein hydrolysates were purified using ultrafiltration (UF) and further characterized by RP-HPLC. The fractions produced higher antioxidant activities were identified for their peptides using LC MS/MS. All UF-VI (MW<1kDa) fractions showed higher antioxidant activity. Hydrolysate produced by alcalase for buffalo casein (UF-VI with 54.84-fold purification) showed higher antioxidant activity than that obtained by trypsin. Trypsin hydrolysate contained high amount of hydrophobic amino acids while alcalase hydrolysate consisted mainly of Ser, Arg, Ala and Leu. The antioxidant peptides identified by LC MS/MS were RELEE, MEDNKQ and TVA, EQL in buffalo casein hydrolysates produced by trypsin and alcalase, respectively. Mechanism and reaction pathways of selected antioxidant peptides with ABTS were proposed. Conclusively, buffalo casein provided antioxidant peptides similar to bovine, suggesting that buffalo casein is a novel source of antioxidant. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of calcium supplements on the quality and acrylamide content of puffed shrimp chips.

PubMed

Chen, Tai-Yuan; Luo, Hsuan-Min; Hsu, Pang-Hung; Sung, Wen-Chieh

2016-01-01

The quality and acrylamide content of deep-fried and microwave-puffed shrimp chips fortified with 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% calcium salts (calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, or calcium acetate) were investigated. Microwave-puffed shrimp chips contained higher amounts of acrylamide (130.43 ppb) than did deep-fried shrimp chips. The greatest mitigation of acrylamide formation in overfried chips was obtained with 0.1% calcium lactate. All browning indexes of fortified shrimp chips, whether deep-fried or microwave-puffed, were reduced. L* values of microwave-puffed shrimp chips were higher than those of deep-fried shrimp chips, whereas a* and b* values and browning indexes were lower. Color differences (ΔE) between deep-fried puffed shrimp chips fortified with calcium salts and a control sample were higher than 5, and the sensory scores of shrimp chips were significantly decreased by the addition of calcium lactate. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

In vitro dialyzability of essential minerals from white and whole grain pasta.

PubMed

Vignola, María Belén; Bustos, Mariela Cecilia; Pérez, Gabriela Teresa

2018-11-01

The aim of the present investigation was to study the in vitro mineral dialyzability of pasta made with white and whole-grain flours obtained from two genotypes (Klein Guerrero and Baguette Premium 11) with different mineral contents. Pasta samples were made from white flour (FP), and whole grain flour from cyclonic mill (WFAP) and blade mill (WFBP). Mineral content and in vitro digestion were determined on all samples to study starch variation and mineral dialyzability. Whole-grain pasta contained significantly higher amounts of minerals than FP, since bran and embryo are richer in minerals than endosperm. In addition to the low content of mineral composition observed in FP, the dialyzability of some minerals (Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn) was higher than whole-grain pasta even when the percentage of starch hydrolyzed after intestinal digestion was higher than FP. These results can also be useful for developing wheat-based products rich in the desired minerals. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective fermentation of pitted dates by S. cerevisiae for the production of concentrated fructose syrups and ethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dharma Putra, Meilana; Abasaeed, Ahmed E.; Zeinelabdeen, Mohamed A.; Gaily, Mohamed H.; Sulieman, Ashraf K.

2014-04-01

About half of worldwide production of dates is unconsumed. Dates contain over 75 % reduced sugars (mostly glucose and fructose with nearly equal amount). Compared to the commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae wild strain, the strains ATCC 36858 and 36859 could produce high concentration fructose syrups. The fructose fractions obtained were 95.9 and 97.4% for ATCC 36858 and 86.5 and 91.4% for ATCC 36859 at 30 and 33°C, respectively. Fructose yields higher than 90% were obtained using ATCC 36858 compared to those obtained using ATCC 36859 which were 87.3 and 66.1% at 30 and 33°C, respectively. The ethanol yield using ATCC 36858 was higher than that using ATCC 36859 by 16 and 9% at 30 and 33°C, respectively. Through this finding, the production of fructose and ethanol from date extract is a promising process. Moreover, the fructose fractions obtained here (about 90%) are much higher than those obtained with the commercial process, i.e. 55 % fructose syrups.

Seed chemistry of Sophora chrysophylla (mamane) in relation to diet of specialist avian seed predator Loxioides bailleui (palila) in Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Banko, P.C.; Cipollini, M.L.; Breton, G.W.; Paulk, E.; Wink, M.; Izhaki, Ido

2002-01-01

This study describes the chemical ecology of a tritrophic interaction among species endemic to the island of Hawaii, USA: a tree (Sophora chrysophylla: mamane), an endangered bird (Loxioides bailleui; palila), and moth larvae (Cydia spp.). Palila and Cydia both specialize on the seed embryos of mamane but avoid eating the seed coats. Palila actively seek out and feed mamane embryos and Cydia larvae to their nestlings. Because mamane embryos contain potentially toxic levels of alkaloids, including broadly toxic quinolizidine alkaloids, and because insects often sequester alkaloids from their food plants, we focus on the questions of why palila forage upon mamane embryos and why they supplement their diet with Cydia larvae. Our data show that mamane embryos contain high amounts of potentially toxic alkaloids, but are well balanced nutritionally and contain lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and minerals at levels that are likely to be sufficient for maintenance and breeding. Mamane seed coats contain lower levels of alkaloids and nutrients, somewhat higher levels of phenolics, and much higher levels of nondigestible fiber. Taken together, these results suggest that palila have evolved tolerance to high levels of alkaloids and that they forage upon embryos primarily because of their availability in the habitat and high nutritional reward. Our data also suggest that Cydia are used by palila because they are readily accessible, nontoxic, and nutritious; the larvae apparently do not sequester alkaloids while feeding upon mamane seeds. Our results are interpreted with respect to the likelihood of current and historical coadaptive responses in this ecologically isolated and simplified island setting.

Intra- and inter-unit variation in fly ash petrography and mercury adsorption: Examples from a western Kentucky power station

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hower, J.C.; Finkelman, R.B.; Rathbone, R.F.; Goodman, J.

2000-01-01

Fly ash was collected from eight mechanical and 10 baghouse hoppers at each of the twin 150-MW wall-fired units in a western Kentucky power station. The fuel burned at that time was a blend of many low-sulfur, high-volatile bituminous Central Appalachian coals. The baghouse ash showed less variation between units than the mechanical hoppers. The mechanical fly ash, coarser than the baghouse ash, showed significant differences in the amount of total carbon and in the ratio of isotropic coke to both total carbon and total coke - the latter excluding inertinite and other unburned, uncoked coal. There was no significant variation in proportions of inorganic fly ash constituents. The inter-unit differences in the amount and forms of mechanical fly ash carbon appear to be related to differences in pulverizer efficiency, leading to greater amounts of coarse coal, therefore unburned carbon, in one of the units. Mercury capture is a function of both the total carbon content and the gas temperature at the point of fly ash separation, mercury content increasing with an increase in carbon for a specific collection system. Mercury adsorption on fly ash carbon increases at lower flue-gas temperatures. Baghouse fly ash, collected at a lower temperature than the higher-carbon mechanically separated fly ash, contains a significantly greater amount of Hg.

Ethylenediamine-N,N′-Disuccinic Acid (EDDS)—Enhanced Flushing Optimization for Contaminated Agricultural Soil Remediation and Assessment of Prospective Cu and Zn Transport

PubMed Central

Ferraro, Alberto; Fabbricino, Massimiliano; La Marca, Agostino; Panico, Antonio; Spasiano, Danilo; Tognacchini, Alice; Pirozzi, Francesco

2018-01-01

This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed at investigating the effect of operative parameters on the efficiency of a soil flushing process, conducted on real contaminated soil containing high amounts of Cu and Zn. Soil flushing tests were carried out with Ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS) as a flushing agent due to its high biodegradability and environmentally friendly characteristics. Process parameters such as Empty-Bed Contact Time (EBCT) and EDDS solution molarity were varied from 21–33 h and from 0.36–3.6 mM, respectively. Effects on the mobility of cations such as Fe and Mn were also investigated. Results showed that very high performances can be obtained at [EDDS] = 3.6 mM and EBCT = 33 h. In these conditions, in fact, the amount of removed Cu was 53%, and the amount of removed Zn was 46%. Metal distribution at different depths from the top surface revealed that Cu has higher mobility than Zn. The process results were strongly dependent on the exchange of metals due to the different stability constants of the EDDS complexes. Finally, results from a comparative study showed that soil washing treatment reached the same removal efficiency of the flushing process in a shorter time but required a larger amount of the EDDS solution. PMID:29562649

Ethylenediamine-N,N'-Disuccinic Acid (EDDS)-Enhanced Flushing Optimization for Contaminated Agricultural Soil Remediation and Assessment of Prospective Cu and Zn Transport.

PubMed

Race, Marco; Ferraro, Alberto; Fabbricino, Massimiliano; La Marca, Agostino; Panico, Antonio; Spasiano, Danilo; Tognacchini, Alice; Pirozzi, Francesco

2018-03-18

This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed at investigating the effect of operative parameters on the efficiency of a soil flushing process, conducted on real contaminated soil containing high amounts of Cu and Zn. Soil flushing tests were carried out with Ethylenediamine- N , N '-disuccinic acid (EDDS) as a flushing agent due to its high biodegradability and environmentally friendly characteristics. Process parameters such as Empty-Bed Contact Time (EBCT) and EDDS solution molarity were varied from 21-33 h and from 0.36-3.6 mM, respectively. Effects on the mobility of cations such as Fe and Mn were also investigated. Results showed that very high performances can be obtained at [EDDS] = 3.6 mM and EBCT = 33 h. In these conditions, in fact, the amount of removed Cu was 53%, and the amount of removed Zn was 46%. Metal distribution at different depths from the top surface revealed that Cu has higher mobility than Zn. The process results were strongly dependent on the exchange of metals due to the different stability constants of the EDDS complexes. Finally, results from a comparative study showed that soil washing treatment reached the same removal efficiency of the flushing process in a shorter time but required a larger amount of the EDDS solution.

Bodybuilding supplementation and tooth decay.

PubMed

Ali, M S; Batley, H; Ahmed, F

2015-07-10

Supplementation is a key component in bodybuilding and is increasingly being used by amateur weight lifters and enthusiasts to build their ideal bodies. Bodybuilding supplements are advertised to provide nutrients needed to help optimise muscle building but they can contain high amounts of sugar. Supplement users are consuming these products, while not being aware of their high sugar content, putting them at a higher risk of developing dental caries. It is important for dental professionals to recognise the increased risk for supplement users and to raise awareness, provide appropriate preventative advice and be knowledgeable of alternative products to help bodybuilders reach their goals, without increasing the risk of dental caries.

Novel anisole mixture and gasoline containing the same

DOEpatents

Singerman, Gary M.

1982-01-26

A novel anisole mixture containing anisole and a mixture of alkyl anisoles and liquid hydrocarbon fuels containing said novel anisole mixture in an amount sufficient to increase the octane number of said liquid fuel composition.

Supercritical antisolvent versus coevaporation: preparation and characterization of solid dispersions.

PubMed

Majerik, Viktor; Horváth, Géza; Szokonya, László; Charbit, Gérard; Badens, Elisabeth; Bosc, Nathalie; Teillaud, Eric

2007-09-01

The objective of this work was to improve the dissolution rate and aqueous solubility of oxeglitazar. Solid dispersions of oxeglitazar in PVP K17 (polyvinilpyrrolidone) and poloxamer 407 (polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer) were prepared by supercritical antisolvent (SAS) and coevaporation (CoE) methods. Drug-carrier formulations were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, gas chromatography, UV/VIS spectroscopy and in vitro dissolution tests. The highest dissolution rate (nearly 3-fold higher than raw drug) was achieved by preparation of drug/PVP K17 coevaporate. Oxeglitazar/PVP K17 solid dispersions were stabilized by hydrogen bonding but contained higher amount of residual dichloromethane (DCM) than poloxamer 407 formulations regardless of the method of preparation. SAS prepared oxeglitazar/poloxamer 407 dissolved more than two times faster than raw drug. However, unlike PVP K17, poloxamer 407 did not form a single phase amorphous solid solution with oxeglitazar which has been manifested in higher degrees of crystallinity, too. Among the two techniques, evaluated in this work, conventional coevaporation resulted in higher amorphous content but SAS reduced residual solvent content more efficiently.

Optimization of suppository preparation containing sodium laurate and taurine that can safely improve rectal absorption of rebamipide.

PubMed

Miyake, Masateru; Minami, Takanori; Oka, Yoshikazu; Kamada, Naoki; Yamazaki, Hiroyuki; Kato, Yusuke; Mukai, Tadashi; Toguchi, Hajime; Odomi, Masaaki; Ogawara, Ken-ichi; Higaki, Kazutaka; Kimura, Toshikiro

2006-02-01

We previously reported that the fatty base suppository containing sodium laurate (C12) and taurine (Tau) (C12-Tau suppository) could enhance the colonic absorption of rebamipide, a poorly water-soluble and poorly absorbable drug, without any serious mucosal damages in rats. In the preset study, in order to make C12-Tau suppositories available for practical use, the scaling-up studies of animal and formulation size were performed, compared with the suppositories containing sodium caprate (C10) (C10 suppository) at the same amounts as those contained in the commercial products. Twenty-mg C12 improved the dissolution of rebamipide from suppository remarkably and the addition of 30-mg Tau only slightly decreased the dissolution rate. The absorption of rebamipide from rabbit rectum was more markedly improved by suppositories containing C12 than C10 suppositories. Although Tau tended to attenuate the absorption-enhancing effect of C12, several C12-Tau suppositories kept high bioavailability values, which were much higher than control. Histopathological studies showed that Tau exerted the cytoprotective action and that C12-Tau suppositories were better than C10 suppositories in safety. Considering the balance between efficacy and safety, the suppository containing 10- or 20-mg C12 with 30-mg Tau is better than C10 suppositories as commercial products and could be promising for practical use in human.

Purification of a water extract of Chinese sweet tea plant (Rubus suavissimus S. Lee) by alcohol precipitation

PubMed Central

Koh, Gar Yee; Chou, Guixin; Liu, Zhijun

2009-01-01

The aqueous extraction process of the leaves of Rubus suavissimus often brings in a large amount of non-active polysaccharides as part of the constituents. To purify this water extract for potential elevated bioactivity, alcohol precipitation (AP) consisting of gradient regimens was applied, and its resultants were examined through colorimetric and HPLC analyses. AP was effective in partitioning the aqueous crude extract into a soluble supernatant and an insoluble precipitant, and its effect varied significantly with alcohol regimens. Generally, the higher the alcohol concentration, the purer was the resultant extract. At its maximum, approximately 36% (w/w) of the crude extract, of which 23% was polysaccharides, was precipitated and removed, resulting in a purified extract consisting of over 20% bioactive marker compounds (gallic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, rubusoside, and steviol monoside). The removal of 11% polysaccharides from the crude water extract by using alcohol precipitation was complete at 70% alcohol regimen. Higher alcohol levels resulted in even purer extracts, possibly by removing some compounds of uncertain bioactivity. Alcohol precipitation is an effective way of removing polysaccharides from the water extract of sweet tea plant and could be used as an initial simple purification tool for many water plant extracts that contain large amounts of polysaccharides. PMID:19419169

Hospital revenue cycle management and payer mix: do Medicare and Medicaid undermine hospitals' ability to generate and collect patient care revenue?

PubMed

Rauscher, Simone; Wheeler, John R C

2010-01-01

The continuing efforts of government payers to contain hospital costs have raised concerns among hospital managers that serving publicly insured patients may undermine their ability to manage the revenue cycle successfully. This study uses financial information from two sources-Medicare cost reports for all US hospitals for 2002 to 2007 and audited financial statements for all bond-issuing, not-for-profit hospitals for 2000 to 2006 to examine the relationship between hospitals' shares of Medicare and Medicaid patients and the amount of patient care revenue they generate as well as the speed with which they collect their revenue. Hospital-level fixed effects regression analysis finds that hospitals with higher Medicare and Medicaid payer mix collect somewhat higher average patient care revenues than hospitals with more privately insured and self-pay patients. Hospitals with more Medicare patients also collect on this revenue faster; serving more Medicaid patients is not associated with the speed of patient revenue collection. For hospital managers, these findings may represent good news. They suggest that, despite increases in the number of publicly insured patients served, managers have frequently been able to generate adequate amounts of patient revenue and collect it in a timely fashion.

Mineral content of complementary foods.

PubMed

Jani, Rati; Udipi, S A; Ghugre, P S

2009-01-01

To document mineral contents iron, zinc, calcium, energy contents and nutrient densities in complementary foods commonly given to young urban slum children. Information on dietary intake was collected from 892 mothers of children aged 13-24 months, using 24 hour dietary recall and standardized measures. Three variations of 27 most commonly prepared recipes were analyzed and their energy (Kcal/g) and nutrient densities (mg/100 Kcal) were calculated. Considerable variations were observed in preparation of all items fed to the children. Cereal-based items predominated their diets with only small amount of vegetables/fruits. Fenugreek was the only leafy vegetable included, but was given to only 1-2% of children. Iron, calcium, zinc contents of staple complementary foods ranged from: 0.33 mg to 3.73 mg, 4 mg to 64 mg, and 0.35 mg to 2.99 mg/100 respectively. Recipes diluted with less water and containing vegetables, spices had higher mineral content. Minerals densities were higher for dals, fenugreek vegetable, khichdi and chapatti. Using the median amounts of the various recipes fed to children, intakes of all nutrients examined especially calcium and iron was low. There is an urgent need to educate mothers about consistency, dilution, quantity, frequency, method of preparation, inclusion of micronutrient-rich foods, energy-dense complementary foods and gender equality.

Nutrition versus defense: Why Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) prefers and performs better on young leaves of cabbage

PubMed Central

Cao, He-He; Zhang, Zhan-Feng; Wang, Xiao-Feng

2018-01-01

Plant leaves of different ages differ in nutrients and toxic metabolites and thus exhibit various resistance levels against insect herbivores. However, little is known about the influence of leaf ontogeny on plant resistance to phloem-feeding insects. In this study, we found that the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, preferred to settle on young cabbage leaves compared with mature or old leaves, although young leaves contained the highest concentration of glucosinolates. Furthermore, aphids feeding on young leaves had higher levels of glucosinolates in their body, but aphids performed better on young leaves in terms of body weight and population growth. Phloem sap of young leaves had higher amino acid:sugar molar ratio than mature leaves, and aphids feeding on young leaves showed two times longer phloem feeding time and five times more honeydew excretion than on other leaves. These results indicate that aphids acquired the highest amount of nutrients and defensive metabolites when feeding on young cabbage leaves that are strong natural plant sinks. Accordingly, we propose that aphids generally prefer to obtain more nutrition rather than avoiding host plant defense, and total amount of nutrition that aphids could obtain is significantly influenced by leaf ontogeny or source-sink status of feeding sites. PMID:29684073

Mutagenic activity and heterocyclic amine content of the human diet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knize, M.G.; Dolbeare, F.A.; Cunningham, P.L.

1993-01-15

The mutagenic activity and the mass amount of heterocyclic amines responsible for the mutagenic activity have been measured in some cooked foods. Cooked meats are the predominant source of mutagenic activity in the diet with values ranging from 0 to 10,000 revertants per gram reported in the Ames/Salmonelia test with strain TA98. Several heterocyclic amines are present and have been quantified using solid-phase extraction followed by HPLC. Frying at higher temperatures and for longer times produces the greatest mutagenic response, and concomitantly, the largest amounts of heterocyclic amines. Most of the mutagenic activity in fried meat samples can be accountedmore » for by MelQx, DiMelQx and IQ, although other heterocylic amines are present and PHIP mutagenic activity becomes significant at higher temperatures. Non-meat products such as baked breads can also form significant mutagenic activity, particularly when overcooked. Commercially prepared hamburgers made from meat substitutes such as tofu, wheat gluten or tempeh and fried at 210{degrees}C have up to 10% of the mutagenic activity of a fried beef patty cooked under the same conditions. When detected, amounts of heterocyclic amines in fried beef patties range from a total of 0.35 ng/g for commercial beef hamburgers to 142 ng/g for a beef patty cooked over a barbecue. Dietary intake is expected to have a large range, from less than one microgram per day to over 50 micrograms per day based on current knowledge of known heterocyclic amine chemicals and heterocyclic amine-containing foods.« less

Changes in Levels of Phenylethanoid Glycosides, Antioxidant Activity, and Other Quality Traits in Cistanche deserticola Slices by Steam Processing.

PubMed

Peng, Fang; Chen, Jun; Wang, Xia; Xu, Changqing; Liu, Tongning; Xu, Rong

2016-07-01

We investigated the effect of steaming time on Cistanche deserticola Y. C. MA slices by analyzing levels of bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and weight loss compared with fresh, directly oven-dried, and blanched samples. Fresh samples had extremely low levels of phenylethanoid glycosides and antioxidant activity. Lower levels of weight loss and higher amounts of soluble sugars, polysaccharides, and dilute ethanol-soluble extracts were found when the slices were steamed rather than blanched. Slices steamed for 5 and 7 min contained significantly (p<0.05) higher amounts of acteoside, isoacteoside, and 2'-acetylacteoside than directly oven-dried samples. However, soluble sugars and dilute ethanol-soluble extracts decreased gradually throughout the steaming process. The concentration of polysaccharides fluctuated during the steaming process. The steaming time had a consistent effect on antioxidant properties evaluated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP), showing a significant increase and reaching 108.62, 23.08, and 11.68 micromoles Trolox per mass of fresh slice (μmol TE/g FW), respectively. The present results suggest that fresh-cut C. deserticola can be subjected to approximately 5-7 min of steaming to improve phenylethanoid glycoside levels and antioxidant activity, while still preserving the amounts of soluble sugars, polysaccharides, and dilute ethanol-soluble extracts. These results would help to improve the production process for fresh-cut Chinese medicines, and increase the understanding of their associated health benefits.

Application of multiple geochemical markers to investigate organic pollution in a dynamic coastal zone.

PubMed

Liu, Liang-Ying; Wang, Ji-Zhong; Wong, Charles S; Qiu, Jian-Wen; Zeng, Eddy Y

2013-02-01

Multiple geochemical markers, including aliphatic hydrocarbons (n-alkanes), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were employed to relate sediment organic chemical pollution in the coastal zone off South China to socioeconomic development there. Concentrations of Σn-C(15-35) (n-alkanes with 15-35 carbon atoms), ΣLAB (sum of C(10) to C(13) LABs), and Σ(26) PAH (sum of 26 PAH compounds) ranged from 110 to 3,160, 11 to 160, and 26 to 600 ng/g, with medians of 730, 40, and 230 ng/g, respectively. Natural hydrocarbons were mainly derived from terrestrial higher plant waxes, and in minor amounts from aquatic plankton and bacteria. Compositions of LABs indicated that considerable amounts of poorly treated wastewater had been directly discharged or transported to the eastern and western coastal areas of Guangdong Province. In addition, anthropogenic hydrocarbons were derived largely from vehicular emissions and combustion of domestic coal and biomass and to a lesser extent from oil spills. Eastern and western coastal sediments contained higher levels of LABs but lower levels of PAHs than those of the Pearl River Estuary, a coastal area of the Pearl River Delta. This spatial pattern of organic pollution was consistent with chemical use patterns. The eastern and western regions of Guangdong Province are economically less developed than the Pearl River Delta region, where more domestic wastewater treatment plants have been built. However, greater amounts of energy are consumed in the latter region to produce more combustion-derived PAH contamination. Copyright © 2012 SETAC.

Particle emissions from microalgae biodiesel combustion and their relative oxidative potential.

PubMed

Rahman, M M; Stevanovic, S; Islam, M A; Heimann, K; Nabi, M N; Thomas, G; Feng, B; Brown, R J; Ristovski, Z D

2015-09-01

Microalgae are considered to be one of the most viable biodiesel feedstocks for the future due to their potential for providing economical, sustainable and cleaner alternatives to petroleum diesel. This study investigated the particle emissions from a commercially cultured microalgae and higher plant biodiesels at different blending ratios. With a high amount of long carbon chain lengths fatty acid methyl esters (C20 to C22), the microalgal biodiesel used had a vastly different average carbon chain length and level of unsaturation to conventional biodiesel, which significantly influenced particle emissions. Smaller blend percentages showed a larger reduction in particle emission than blend percentages of over 20%. This was due to the formation of a significant nucleation mode for the higher blends. In addition measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS), showed that the oxidative potential of particles emitted from the microalgal biodiesel combustion were lower than that of regular diesel. Biodiesel oxygen content was less effective in suppressing particle emissions for biodiesels containing a high amount of polyunsaturated C20-C22 fatty acid methyl esters and generated significantly increased nucleation mode particle emissions. The observed increase in nucleation mode particle emission is postulated to be caused by very low volatility, high boiling point and high density, viscosity and surface tension of the microalgal biodiesel tested here. Therefore, in order to achieve similar PM (particulate matter) emission benefits for microalgal biodiesel likewise to conventional biodiesel, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with high amounts of polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (≥C20) may not be desirable in microalgal biodiesel composition.

Quality Evaluation of Chicken Nugget Formulated with Various Contents of Chicken Skin and Wheat Fiber Mixture

PubMed Central

Kim, Hack-Youn; Kim, Kon-Joong; Lee, Jong-Wan; Kim, Gye-Woong; Choe, Ju-Hui; Kim, Hyun-Wook; Yoon, Yohan; Kim, Cheon-Jei

2015-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various mixtures of the chicken skin and wheat fiber on the properties of chicken nuggets. Two skin and fiber mixtures (SFM) were prepared using the following formulations; SFM-1: chicken skin (50%), wheat fiber (20%), and ice (30%); and SFM-2: chicken skin (30%), wheat fiber (20%), and ice (50%). Chicken nugget samples were prepared by adding the following amounts of either SFM-1 or SFM-2: 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. The water content for samples formulated with SFM-1 or SFM-2 was higher than in the control (p<0.05), and increased with increasing the concentrations of SFM-1 and SFM-2. The addition of SFM-1 and SFM-2 had no significant effect on the pH of the samples. The lightness value of uncooked chicken nuggets was higher than that of cooked chicken nuggets for all the samples tested. Chicken nuggets formulated with SFM-1 and SFM-2 displayed higher cooking yields than the control sample. The hardness of the control sample was also lower than the samples containing SFM-1 and SFM-2. The sensory evaluation showed no significant differences between the control and the samples containing SFM. Therefore, the incorporation of a chicken skin and wheat fiber mixture improved the quality of chicken nuggets. PMID:26761796

Quality Evaluation of Chicken Nugget Formulated with Various Contents of Chicken Skin and Wheat Fiber Mixture.

PubMed

Kim, Hack-Youn; Kim, Kon-Joong; Lee, Jong-Wan; Kim, Gye-Woong; Choe, Ju-Hui; Kim, Hyun-Wook; Yoon, Yohan; Kim, Cheon-Jei

2015-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various mixtures of the chicken skin and wheat fiber on the properties of chicken nuggets. Two skin and fiber mixtures (SFM) were prepared using the following formulations; SFM-1: chicken skin (50%), wheat fiber (20%), and ice (30%); and SFM-2: chicken skin (30%), wheat fiber (20%), and ice (50%). Chicken nugget samples were prepared by adding the following amounts of either SFM-1 or SFM-2: 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. The water content for samples formulated with SFM-1 or SFM-2 was higher than in the control (p<0.05), and increased with increasing the concentrations of SFM-1 and SFM-2. The addition of SFM-1 and SFM-2 had no significant effect on the pH of the samples. The lightness value of uncooked chicken nuggets was higher than that of cooked chicken nuggets for all the samples tested. Chicken nuggets formulated with SFM-1 and SFM-2 displayed higher cooking yields than the control sample. The hardness of the control sample was also lower than the samples containing SFM-1 and SFM-2. The sensory evaluation showed no significant differences between the control and the samples containing SFM. Therefore, the incorporation of a chicken skin and wheat fiber mixture improved the quality of chicken nuggets.

An analysis of antioxidants, organoleptics and hedonics with variations of boiling time in Jasmine tea and Jasmine root tea a study on Kaliprau, Pemalang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arifan, Fahmi; Winarni, Sri; Handoyo, Gentur; Nurdiana, Asri; Nabila Rahma H, Afkar; Risdiyanti, Sri

2018-05-01

There are so many jasmine plantations without any preservation and post production in Kaliprau, Pemalang. The aims of this research are analyzing the amount of antioxidant and organoleptic-hedonic test. The measurement of antioxidant used in this research is using DPPH. The organoleptic and hedonic test on 25 respondents. Jasmines that been used on this research are the flower and the root part. Through the test, some results have been found from the jasmine tea’s sampling with the boiling time of 15 minutes and it contain antioxidant for about 55.0% and 74.84% for the jasmine root tea. Whereas for the boiling time of 30 minutes, it contained 54.00% of antioxidant for the jasmine tea and 84.00% of antioxidant in jasmine root tea. Jasmine tea and jasmine root tea contains flavonoids. Despite the large amount of antioxidant were found in jasmine tea and jasmine root tea (50-100%). There’s a decreasing of antioxidant amount found in the samples, along with the prolonged boiling time. 84% of tresponden like the scent, flavor, color and the texture of jasmine tea and jasmine root tea. These products are finally accepted by the people and have its large amount of antioxidant contain for the jasmine tea.

Assessment of two thermally treated drill mud wastes for landfill containment applications.

PubMed

Carignan, Marie-Pierre; Lake, Craig B; Menzies, Todd

2007-10-01

Offshore oil and gas drilling operations generate significant amounts of drill mud waste, some of which is transported onshore for subsequent thermal treatment (i.e. via thermal remediation). This treatment process results in a mineral waste by-product (referred to as thermally treated drill mud waste; TTDMW). Bentonites are originally present in many of the drill mud products and it is hypothesized that TTDMW can be utilized in landfill containment applications (i.e. cover or base liner). The objective of this paper is to examine the feasibility of this application by performing various physical and chemical tests on two TTDMW samples. It is shown that the two TTDMW samples contained relatively small amounts of clay-sized minerals although hydraulic conductivity values are found to be less than 10(-8) m/s. Organic carbon contents of the samples were approximately 2%. Mineralogy characterization of the samples confirmed varying amounts of smectite, however, peak friction angles for a TTDMW sample was greater than 36 degrees. Chemical characterization of the TTDMW samples show potential leaching of barium and small amounts of other heavy metals. Discussion is provided in the paper on suggestions to assist in overcoming regulatory issues associated with utilization of TTDMW in landfill containment applications.

Biochemical Constituents and in Vitro Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Potential of Seeds from Native Korean Persimmon Genotypes.

PubMed

Bilal, Saqib; Khan, Abdul Latif; Waqas, Muhammad; Shahzad, Raheem; Kim, Il-Doo; Lee, In-Jung; Shin, Dong-Hyun

2016-07-08

In the current study, the functional and biochemical potential of the seeds of four persimmon cultivars (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) and their role against oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition were evaluated. In terms of biochemical compositions, free amino acids, fatty acids and organic acids analysis was performed. The free amino acids ranged from 2617.31 (PC2) to 3773.01 μg∙g(-1) dry weight (PC4). Oleic acid and linoleic acid were the principal fatty acids, which were significantly higher in PC4 and PC1, respectively. PC4 presented the highest amount of organic acid content (4212 mg∙kg(-1)), whereas PC2 presented the lowest (2498 mg∙kg(-1)). PC2 contained higher total phenolic content and flavonoid content, whereas PC3 had the lowest amount as compared to other cultivars. The in vitro DPPH, ABTS and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activity increased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas PC2 showed significantly higher scavenging activities as compared to PC1, PC2 and PC4 types. In the case of AChE inhibition, PC4 showed a moderate activity (67.34% ± 1.8%). In conclusion, the current findings reveal that the studied persimmon seeds cultivars are a source of bioactive natural antioxidants and AChE inhibitors. Such natural products could be employed in pharmaceutical and food industries, whilst can also be considered for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Halogenated volatile organic compounds in chlorine-bleach-containing household products and implications for their use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odabasi, Mustafa; Elbir, Tolga; Dumanoglu, Yetkin; Sofuoglu, Sait C.

2014-08-01

It was recently shown that substantial amounts of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are formed in chlorine-bleach-containing household products as a result of reactions of sodium hypochlorite with organic product components. Use of these household products results in elevated indoor air halogenated VOC concentrations. Halogenated VOCs in several chlorine-bleach-containing household products (plain, n = 9; fragranced, n = 4; and surfactant-added, n = 29) from Europe and North America were measured in the present study. Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were the dominating compounds having average concentrations of 9.5 ± 29.0 (average ± SD) and 23.2 ± 44.3 (average ± SD) mg L-1, respectively. Halogenated VOC concentrations were the lowest in plain bleach, slightly higher in fragranced products and the highest in the surfactant-added products. Investigation of the relationship between the halogenated VOCs and several product ingredients indicated that chlorinated VOC formation is closely related to product composition. Indoor air concentrations from the household use of bleach products (i.e., bathroom, kitchen, and hallway cleaning) were estimated for the two dominating VOCs (chloroform and carbon tetrachloride). Estimated indoor concentrations ranged between 0.5 and 1030 (34 ± 123, average ± SD) μg m-3 and 0.3-1124 (82 ± 194, average ± SD) μg m-3 for chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, respectively, indicating substantial increases compared to background. Results indicated that indoor air concentrations from surfactant-added products were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than other categories. The highest concentrations were from the use of surfactant-added bleach products for bathroom cleaning (92 ± 228 and 224 ± 334 μg m-3, average ± SD for chloroform and carbon tetrachloride, respectively). Associated carcinogenic risks from the use of these products were also estimated. The risk levels may reach to considerably high levels for a significant portion of the population especially for those steadily using the surfactant-added bleach products. Based on the results of the present study, it could be recommended that if possible the use of chlorine bleach containing household products should be avoided. If they are to be used, plain products should be preferred since the chlorinated VOC content increase with the number and amount of additives.

Leaching behaviour, mechanical and durability properties of mortar containing municipal incineration bottom ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales Hernandez, Maria B.

The review of municipal solid waste (MSW) management scheme has indicated that the amount of MSW sent to incineration plants will increase in the UK in coming years. Therefore, the amount of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues generated will increase significantly. MSWI residues are divided into MSWI fly ash (MSWI-FA) and MSWI bottom ash (MSWI-BA). MSWI-FA is classified as hazardous residue thereby requires special treatment before disposal. MSWI-BA is mostly disposed in landfill sites. MSWI-BA fraction with particle size diameter below approximately 2mm has low engineering properties and may have an adverse effect on the environment due to its high porosity, solubility and leachability of possible toxic compounds. This research programme has investigated new potential uses and leaching behaviour of mortar containing MSWI-BA with particle size diameters below 2.36mm. Fraction of MSWI-BA with particle size diameters (φ) below 2.36 mm (φ <2.36) was divided into different sub-fractions to evaluate their influence on compressive strength of concrete when used as partial replacement of cement or sand. MSWI-BA fraction with φ <212mum (fine fraction) and 212mum < φ2.36mm (coarse fraction) used as partial replacement of cement and sand respectively, showed higher compressive strength compared with the other fractions examined. In addition, replacing sand with the coarse fraction of MSWI-BA exhibited similar or higher strength than the reference mix. Examination of physical and chemical properties of the fine and coarse fractions of MSWI-BA unbound indicated that both fractions had potential to be used as replacement of cement or sand. However, the evaluation of their leaching behaviour suggested that they should be bound in cement-based systems to avoid leaching of potential toxic elements. Evaluation of physical, mechanical and sulfate resistance properties of mortars containing 15% of the fine fraction of MSWI-BA as a partial replacement of cement and 50% of the coarse fraction as partial replacement of sand indicated potential uses in concrete production. In addition, the leachability of mortar specimens containing 15% and 50% of MSWI-BA as partial replacement of cement and sand respectively was significantly reduced when compared to unbound MSWI-BA fractions.

Response of soil microorganisms to radioactive oil waste: results from a leaching experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galitskaya, P.; Biktasheva, L.; Saveliev, A.; Ratering, S.; Schnell, S.; Selivanovskaya, S.

2015-01-01

Oil wastes produced in large amounts in the processes of oil extraction, refining, and transportation are of great environmental concern because of their mutagenicity, toxicity, high fire hazardousness, and other properties. About 40% of these wastes contain radionuclides; however, the effects of oil products and radionuclides on soil microorganisms are frequently studied separately. The toxicity and effects on various microbial parameters of raw waste (H) containing 575 g of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) kg-1 waste, 4.4 kBq kg-1 of 226Ra, 2.8 kBq kg-1 of 232Th, and 1.3 kBq kg-1 of 40K and its treated variant (R) (1.6 g kg-1 of TPH, 7.9 kBq kg-1 of 226Ra, 3.9 kBq kg-1 of 232Th, and 183 kBq kg-1 of 40K) were estimated in a leaching column experiment to separate the effects of hydrocarbons from those of radioactive elements. The disposal of H waste samples on the soil surface led to an increase of the TPH content in soil: it became 3.5, 2.8, and 2.2 times higher in the upper (0-20 cm), middle (20-40 cm), and lower (40-60 cm) layers respectively. Activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th increased in soil sampled from both H- and R-columns in comparison to their concentrations in control soil. The activity concentrations of these two elements in samples taken from the upper and middle layers were much higher for the R-column compared to the H-column, despite the fact that the amount of waste added to the columns was equalized with respect to the activity concentrations of radionuclides. The H waste containing both TPH and radionuclides affected the functioning of the soil microbial community, and the effect was more pronounced in the upper layer of the column. Metabolic quotient and cellulase activity were the most sensitive microbial parameters as their levels were changed 5-1.4 times in comparison to control ones. Changes of soil functional characteristics caused by the treated waste containing mainly radionuclides were not observed. PCR-SSCP (polymerase chain reaction - single strand conformation polymorphism) analysis followed by MDS (metric multidimensional scaling) and clustering analysis revealed that the shifts in microbial community structure were affected by both hydrocarbons and radioactivity.

A new electrocatalyst and its application method for vanadium redox flow battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Guanjie; Jing, Minghua; Fan, Xinzhuang; Liu, Jianguo; Yan, Chuanwei

2015-08-01

The edge plane in carbon structure has good electrocatalytic activity toward vanadium redox reaction. To apply it in vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) practically, the graphite nanopowders (GNPs) containing amounts of edge planes are used as electrocatalyst and embedded in the electrospun carbon nanofibers (ECNFs) by different mass ratios to make composite electrodes. The morphology and electrochemical activity of the GNPs and the composite electrodes containing them are characterized. Compared with the pristine ECNFs, the composite electrodes show much higher electrochemical activity. With the increase of GNPs content in composite electrodes, the electrochemical reversibility of the vanadium redox couples also increases. It proves the addition of GNPs can surely improve the electrochemical activity of ECNFs. Among the composite electrodes, the ECNFs containing 30 nm GNP by mass ratio of 1:50 show the best electrochemical activity, largest active surface area and excellent stability. Due to the high performance of GNP/ECNFs composite electrode and its relatively low cost preparation process, the GNPs are expected to be used as electrocatalyst in VRFB on a large scale to improve the cell performance.

An Experimental Test of Factors Attracting Deer Mice into Buildings.

PubMed

Kuenzi, Amy J; Douglass, Richard

2009-09-01

Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are the principal reservoir host of Sin Nombre virus (SNV). Deer mice use a wide variety of habitats including peridomestic settings in and around human dwellings, their presence in and around homes has been implicated as a risk factor for acquiring Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Deer mice are believed to enter buildings in order to gain access to a variety of resources including food, bedding material, and better thermal microclimates. However, no one has experimentally tested which factors influence mice use of buildings. We conducted experiments using small simulated buildings to determine the effects of two factors, i.e., food and bedding material, on mouse activity in these buildings. We also examined if these effects varied with time of year. We found that deer mice entered our buildings regardless of the presence or absence of food or bedding. However, the amount of activity in buildings was affected by what they contained. We found significantly higher indices of activity in buildings containing food compared to both empty buildings (control) and buildings containing bedding material. Time of year did not affect activity in buildings.

Microgravity mediated changes in phytoferritin accumulation in soybean root cap cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klymchuk, D. O.; Kordyum, E. L.; Vorobyova, T. V.; Brown, C. S.; Chapman, D. K.

2000-01-01

Phytoferritin is an iron-protein complex analogous to the ferritin found in mammalian, bacteria and fungi cells. Phytoferritin molecules are large proteins, about 10.5 nm in diameter, visualised in an electron microscope as discrete, electron dense particles with iron-containing core, where several thousand atoms of iron lie within the proteinaceous shell (apoferritin). In higher plants, a plastid stroma is the site of phytoferritin storage. Phytoferritin is seen in all types of plastids. It is considered to be a mechanism used by cells to store iron in a non-toxic form. Phytoferritin-bound iron may subsequently be used to form iron-containing components. It was shown that low levels of phytoferritin are synthesised in normal green leaves, whereas chlorotic leaves do not have a measurable amount of phytoferritin and leaves of iron-loaded seedlings contain a high level of total iron, and phytoferritin well-filled by iron. Phytoferritin accumulation was observed in photosynthetic inactivity chloroplasts during senescence and disease. In this study we analised the effects of microgravity and ethylene on production of phytoferritin in the root cap columella cells of soybean seedlings.

Study of tribological properties of natural rubber containing carbon nanotubes and carbon black as hybrid fillers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harea, Evghenii; Stoček, Radek; Storozhuk, Liudmyla; Sementsov, Yurii; Kartel, Nikolai

2018-04-01

Dry friction and wear properties of natural rubber (NR), containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and carbon black (CB), were investigated. Natural rubber (NR)-based composites containing all common additives and curatives, and a fixed amount (30 phr—parts per 100 rubber by weight) of hybrid fillers (MWCNT x + CB30-x ) were prepared by simple mixing procedure and tested. The main goal was to study the behaviours of composites at different tribological testing conditions, such as friction speed and normal load. It was found that with an increase of concentration of MWCNT from x = 0 phr to x = 5 phr in studied composites, there was a decrease in the coefficient of friction (COF) with no significant change in wear in the framework of each used combination of testing parameters. Generally, higher friction speed at certain normal force led to the increase of COF of all the samples and wear reflected deliberate value fluctuation. Also, it was established that considerable growth of wear and unexpected reducing of friction coefficient ensued from increasing of applied load for every fixed sliding speed.

Characterization and evaluation of an oral microemulsion containing the antitumor diterpenoid compound ent-11alpha-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid.

PubMed

Lu, Yingnian; Wu, Kefeng; Li, Li; He, Yuhui; Cui, Liao; Liang, Nianci; Mu, Bozhong

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop an oral microemulsion formulation of the antitumor diterpenoid agent, ent-11α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid (henceforth referred to as 5F), to enhance its bioavailability and evaluate its hepatotoxicity. Pseudoternary phase diagrams showed that the optimal microemulsion formulation contained 45% water, 10% castor oil as the oil phase, 15% Cremophor EL as the surfactant, and 30% as a cosurfactant mixture of 1,2-propanediol and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400 (2:1, w/w). The microemulsion preparation was characterized and its droplet diameter was within 50 nm. Release of 5F in vitro from the microemulsion was slightly increased compared with a suspension containing the same amount of active drug. Pharmacokinetic parameters in vivo indicated that bioavailability was markedly improved, with the relative bioavailability being 616.15% higher for the microemulsion than for the suspension. Toxicity tests showed that the microemulsion had no hepatotoxicity in mice. These results suggest the potential for 5F microemulsion to be administered by the oral route.

Influence of biochemical composition during hydrothermal liquefaction of algae on product yields and fuel properties.

PubMed

Shakya, Rajdeep; Adhikari, Sushil; Mahadevan, Ravishankar; Shanmugam, Saravanan R; Nam, Hyungseok; Hassan, El Barbary; Dempster, Thomas A

2017-11-01

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of nine algae species were performed at two reaction temperatures (280 and 320°C) to compare the effect of their biomass composition on product yields and properties. Results obtained after HTL indicate large variations in terms of bio-oil yields and its properties. The maximum bio-oil yield (66wt%) was obtained at 320°C with a high lipid containing algae Nannochloropsis. The higher heating value of bio-oils ranged from 31 to 36MJ/kg and around 50% of the bio-oils was in the vacuum gas oil range while high lipid containing algae Nannochloropsis contained a significant portion (33-42%) in the diesel range. A predictive relationship between bio-oil yields and biochemical compositions was developed and showed a broad agreement between predictive and experimental yields. The aqueous phases obtained had high amount of TOC (12-43g/L), COD (35-160g/L), TN (1-18g/L), ammonium (0.34-12g/L) and phosphate (0.7-12g/L). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved water resistance of SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor directly achieved in a water-containing medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Tonggang; Xia, Haofu; Zhang, Zhanhui; Kong, Shijin; Peng, Weikang; Zhao, Qi; Huang, Zhiliang

2017-03-01

In this paper, a heterogeneous precipitation method utilizing urea hydrolysis was adopted to coat a SiO2 layer on the surface of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ long persistence phosphors. To avoid phosphor hydrolysis in a water-containing coating medium, the hydrolysis and polymerization reactions of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were concerned and carried out. The crystal phases, surface morphologies, hydrolysis stability and water resistance on afterglow properties of coated phosphors were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrum analysis, transmission electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrum results confirmed that a continuous, uniform and compact SiO2 coating layer was successfully obtained on the phosphors surface. A theoretical coating amount of 5% or higher was found to be good for hydrolysis stability. Photoluminescence results revealed the coated phosphors showed much better water resistance on afterglow properties than the uncoated phosphor. We also discussed and proposed the hydrolysis restriction mechanism of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ in the water-containing coating medium.

Fertilization stimulates an increase in inositol trisphosphate and inositol lipid levels in Xenopus eggs.

PubMed

Snow, P; Yim, D L; Leibow, J D; Saini, S; Nuccitelli, R

1996-11-25

Previous experiments from our lab have suggested that the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is required for sperm-induced egg activation in Xenopus laevis. Here we measure the endogenous production of both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and PIP2 during the sperm-induced and ionomycin-induced calcium wave in the egg and find that both increase following fertilization. Ins(1,4,5)P3 increases 3.2-fold from an unfertilized egg level of 0.13 pmole per egg (0.29 microM) to a peak of 0.42 pmole per egg (0.93 microM) as the calcium wave reaches the antipode in the fertilized egg. This continuous production of Ins(1,4,5)P3 during the time that the Ca2+ wave is propagating across the egg suggests the involvement of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in wave propagation. This increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 is smaller in ionomycin-activated eggs than in sperm-activated eggs, suggesting that the sperm-induced production of Ins(1,4,5)P3 involves a PIP2 hydrolysis pathway that is not simply raising intracellular Ca2+. While one might expect PIP2 levels to fall as a result of hydrolysis, we find that PIP2 actually increases 2-fold. The total lipid fraction in unfertilized egg exhibits 0.8 pmole PIP2 per egg and this increases to 1.5 pmole as the calcium wave reaches the antipode. The PIP2 concentration peaks 2 min after the completion of the calcium wave at 1.8 pmole per egg. The amount of PIP2 in the animal and vegetal hemispheres of the egg was also measured by cutting frozen eggs in half. The vegetal hemisphere contained twice the amount of PIP2 as the animal hemisphere but it also contained twice the amount of lipid. Thus, there was an equivalent amount of PIP2 normalized to lipid in each hemisphere. Isolated animal and vegetal hemisphere cortices exhibit similar PIP2 concentrations, suggesting that the 2-fold higher total PIP2 in the vegetal half is not due to a gradient of PIP2 in the plasma membrane, but rather implies that cytoplasmic organelle membranes also contain PIP2.

Colloidal and electrochemical aspects of copper-CMP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yuxia

Copper based interconnects with low dielectric constant layers are currently used to increase interconnect densities and reduce interconnect time delays in integrated circuits. The technology used to develop copper interconnects involves Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) of copper films deposited on low-k layers (silica or silica based films), which is carried out using slurries containing abrasive particles. One issue using such a structure is copper contamination over dielectric layers (SiO2 film), if not reduced, this contamination will cause current leakage. In this study, the conditions conducive to copper contamination onto SiO2 films during Cu-CMP process were studied, and a post-CMP cleaning technique was discussed based on experimental results. It was found that the adsorption of copper onto a silica surface is kinetically fast (<0.5 minute). The amount of copper absorbed is pH and concentration dependent and affected by presence of H2O2, complexing agents, and copper corrosion inhibitor Benzotrazole. Based on de-sorption results, DI water alone was unable to reduce adsorbed copper to an acceptable level, especially for adsorption that takes place at a higher pH condition. The addition of complex agent, citric acid, proved effective in suppressing copper adsorption onto oxide silica during polishing or post-CMP cleaning by forming stable copper-CA complexes. Surface Complexation Modeling was used to simulate copper adsorption isotherms and predict the copper contamination levels on SiO2 surfaces. Another issue with the application of copper CMP is its environmental impact. CMP is a costly process due to its huge consumption of pure water and slurry. Additionally, Cu-CMP processing generates a waste stream containing certain amounts of copper and abrasive slurry particles. In this study, the separation technique electrocoagulation was investigated to remove both copper and abrasive slurry particles simultaneously. For effluent containing ˜40 ppm dissolved copper, it was found that ˜90% dissolved copper was removed from the waste streams through electroplating and in-situ chemical precipitation. The amount of copper removed through plating is impacted by membrane surface charge, type/amount of complexing agents, and solid content in the slurry suspension. The slurry particles can be removed ˜90% within 2 hours of EC through multiple mechanisms.

Labeling tetracysteine-tagged proteins with biarsenical dyes for live cell imaging.

PubMed

Gaietta, Guido M; Deerinck, Thomas J; Ellisman, Mark H

2011-01-01

Correlation of real-time or time-lapse light microscopy (LM) with electron microscopy (EM) of cells can be performed with biarsenical dyes. These dyes fluorescently label tetracysteine-tagged proteins so that they can be imaged with LM and, upon fluorescent photoconversion of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB), with EM as well. In the following protocol, cells expressing tetracysteine-tagged proteins are labeled for 1 h with biarsenical dyes. The volumes indicated are for a single 30-mm culture dish containing 2 mL of labeling medium. Scale the suggested volumes up or down depending upon the size of the culture dish used in the labeling. The same procedure can be adapted for longer labeling times by lowering the amount of dye used to 50-100 nM; however, the amount of the competing dithiol EDT is maintained at 10-20 μM. Longer labeling times often produce higher signal-to-noise ratios and cause less trauma to the treated cells prior to imaging.

Variation of anthocyanins and other major phenolic compounds throughout the ripening of four Portuguese blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L) cultivars.

PubMed

Silva, Sara; Costa, Eduardo M; Coelho, Marta C; Morais, Rui M; Pintado, Manuela E

2017-01-01

Blueberries are widely recognised as one of the richest sources of bioactive compounds, among which are anthocyanins, though the ripeness of berries has been reported as affecting the phytochemical composition of fruits. Therefore, the present work aimed to evaluate the variation of anthocyanins, and other major phenolics, throughout five ripening stages in four blueberry cultivars. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin content increased during ripening, reaching the highest values when the blueberries are collected from bunches comprised of 75% ripe blueberries. Antagonistically, the amount of phenolic acid decreases, while the quercetin-3-glucoside levels remain stable. Furthermore, Goldtraube blueberries appear to possess, systematically, higher amounts of phenolic compounds than the other cultivars studied. Thus, when seeking the highest yield of anthocyanins, the preferred harvest should occur in bunches that contain ca 75% of ripe blueberries and, considering the cultivars assayed, the Goldtraube cultivar appears to be the richest in phenolic compounds.

Arabinan-rich pectic polysaccharides from buriti (Mauritia flexuosa): an Amazonian edible palm fruit.

PubMed

Cantu-Jungles, Thaisa Moro; Almeida, Carolina Pierobom de; Iacomini, Marcello; Cipriani, Thales R; Cordeiro, Lucimara M C

2015-05-20

Primary cell wall polysaccharides from aqueous extract of buriti fruit pulp (Mauritia flexuosa, an exotic tropical palm) were isolated and characterized. After freeze-thaw and α-amylase treatments, extracted polysaccharides were purified by sequential ultrafiltration through membranes. Two homogeneous fractions were obtained, SBW-100R and SBW-30R (Mw of 126 kDa and 20 kDa, respectively). Monosaccharide composition, methylation and (13)C NMR analysis showed that fraction SBW-100R contained a (1 → 5)-linked arabinan, branched at O-3 and O-2 positions, linked to a type I rhamnogalacturonan. Low amounts of these polymers were also present in fraction SBW-30R according to (13)C NMR analysis and monosaccharide composition. However, a high methyl esterified homogalacturonan (HG) was present in higher proportions. These results reinforce previous findings present in literature data which indicate that pectic polysaccharides are found in high amounts in primary cell walls of palms, which are commelinid monocotyledons. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Arsenic accumulation in three species of sea turtles.

PubMed

Saeki, K; Sakakibara, H; Sakai, H; Kunito, T; Tanabe, S

2000-09-01

Arsenic in the liver, kidney and muscle of three species of sea turtles, e.g., green turtles (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), were determined using HG-AAS, followed by arsenic speciation analysis using HPLC-ICP-MS. The order of arsenic concentration in tissues was muscle > kidney > liver. Unexpectedly, the arsenic concentrations in the hawksbill turtles feeding mainly on sponges were higher than the two other turtles primarily eating algae and mollusk which accumulate a large amount of arsenic. Especially, the muscles of the hawksbill turtles contained remarkably high arsenic concentrations averaging 153 mg kg(-1) dry weight with the range of 23.1-205 mg kg(-1) (n = 4), even in comparison with the data from other organisms. The arsenic concentrations in the tissues of the green turtles were significantly decreased with standard carapace length as an indicator of growth. In arsenic compounds, arsenobetaine was mostly detected in the tissues of all the turtles. Besides arsenobetaine, a small amount of dimethylarsinic acid was also observed in the hawksbill turtles.

Metal carboxylate formation during indoor atmospheric corrosion of Cu, Zn, and Ni

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Persson, D.; Leygraf, C.

Chemical analyses of surface films and corrosion products formed on pure Cu, Zn, Ni, and Ag samples exposed up to 12 months in various mild indoor environments have been performed by infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analyses reveal metal carboxylates to be the main ingredients on the surface of Cu, Zn, and Ni. Other ions, such as sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and ammonium ions are also present but in smaller amounts.The surface region on Ag contains mainly silver sulfide with smaller amounts of sulfate, ammonium, and chloride ions. The growth of the carboxylate layers, as followed bymore » IRAS, exhibits an initial film formation with a thickness of a few nanometers for all exposure sites investigated. Subsequent growth to thicker layers was observed at sites with higher humidity levels. The unexpectedly high content of metal carboxylates found on Cu, Zn, and Ni may provide insight into possible processes involved in the atmospheric indoor corrosion of these metals.« less

42 CFR 405.817 - Principles for determining amount in controversy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Principles for determining amount in controversy... the Medicare Part B Program § 405.817 Principles for determining amount in controversy. (a) Individual... may assert that the aggregation principles contained in this subpart may be applied to determine the...

20 CFR Appendixes to Subpart C of... - Note

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... The following appendices contain data that are needed in computing primary insurance amounts. Appendix... begin to use the new data in computing primary insurance amounts as soon as required by law, even before we periodically update these appendices. If the data you need to find your primary insurance amount...

Gypsum treated fly ash as a liner for waste disposal facilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sivapullaiah, Puvvadi V., E-mail: siva@civil.iisc.ernet.in; Baig, M. Arif Ali, E-mail: reach2arif@gmail.com

2011-02-15

Fly ash has potential application in the construction of base liners for waste containment facilities. While most of the fly ashes improve in the strength with curing, the ranges of permeabilities they attain may often not meet the basic requirement of a liner material. An attempt has been made in the present context to reduce the hydraulic conductivity by adding lime content up to 10% to two selected samples of class F fly ashes. The use of gypsum, which is known to accelerate the unconfined compressive strength by increasing the lime reactivity, has been investigated in further improving the hydraulicmore » conductivity. Hydraulic conductivities of the compacted specimens have been determined in the laboratory using the falling head method. It has been observed that the addition of gypsum reduces the hydraulic conductivity of the lime treated fly ashes. The reduction in the hydraulic conductivity of the samples containing gypsum is significantly more for samples with high amounts of lime contents (as high as 1000 times) than those fly ashes with lower amounts of lime. However there is a relatively more increase in the strengths of the samples with the inclusion of gypsum to the fly ashes at lower lime contents. This is due to the fact that excess lime added to fly ash is not effectively converted into pozzolanic compounds. Even the presence of gypsum is observed not to activate these reactions with excess lime. On the other hand the higher amount of lime in the presence of sulphate is observed to produce more cementitious compounds which block the pores in the fly ash. The consequent reduction in the hydraulic conductivity of fly ash would be beneficial in reducing the leachability of trace elements present in the fly ash when used as a base liner.« less

[A new method for determining the body composition with the aid of a displacement balance and low-pressure volumetric analysis (author's transl)].

PubMed

Schmid, P; Schlick, W; Irsigler, K

1976-01-09

A new method for determination of the specific weight of the gas-free human body is presented. Volume measurement is facilitated by extremely precise scales, by means of which a well-defined amount of water which was removed from a "patient container" is weighed. After the test subject has entered the container and is standing up to the neck in water, the container is closed. The combined gas volume consisting of the subject's lung volume, his intestinal gas and the air around his head is measured by lowering the pressure by an exactly-defined amount. This is done by opening a valve at the bottom of the container, which results in the outflow of a certain amount of water, the volume of which corresponds to the volume expansion inside the container. The gas volume prior to expansion can then be calculated by application of the gas laws. The advantages of this measuring device are its relatively small size, the high precision and the fact that the procedure is not unpleasant for the subject, as the head is not submerged under water.

[Nutritional status in adults on an alternative or traditional diet].

PubMed

Krajvcovivcová-Kudlávcková, M; Ginter, E; Blavzícvek, P; Klvanová, J; Babinská, K

2001-03-15

Plant food lacks vitamin B12, vitamin D and higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essential aminoacids methionine and lysine can be found in significantly lower amounts. On the contrary, the culinary and technologically non-processed plant food and whole-grain products contain essential nutrients in a highly condensed form. The aim of the study was to compare nutritional status of adults on alternative or on traditional diet and sequels of the diet to body metabolism. The group on alternative diet consisted of 89 lacto-ovo-vegetarians (age 38.7 +/- 0.6 years, average duration of vegetarianism 7.8 years). Control group on traditional diet (omnivores, n = 84) was formed as an average sample. Nutritional regime was determined using dietetic questionnaire on the food intake regularity. Vegetarians consume optimal amount of fat (along with recommendations of OVD) with predominance of vegetal lipids. They have low intake of cholesterol (62.8 mg), recommended ratio of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) 6.5:10.6:8.9 energetic percent. Their ratio of linolic:alpha-linolenic acid (10.4:1) also corresponds with recommendations. In traditional diet, the content of lipids and energy usually exceeds the norm of OVD (by 33% or 19% respectively), cholesterol intake is much higher (512.2 mg, 200 mg is recommended as a maximum). Higher is the amount taken of SFA (11.2 energetic %, recommended 7%), and not sufficient is the intake of alpha-linolenic acid (68% of OVD). People on alternative diet have low plasma levels of risk lipid parameters and significantly higher levels of antisclerotic substances. As a result of significantly higher intake of fruits and vegetables, plant oil, sprouts, seeds, and whole-grain food the plasma levels of antioxidative vitamins are in vegetarians higher then threshold. It reduces the risk of the free-radical disease. On the contrary, vegetarians have deficits in methionine intake, and 15% of them have hypoproteinemia is (0% in omnivores). Low plasma levels of iron and calcium, occurrence of hyposideremia (16% versus 2%) and hypocalcemia (21% versus 8%) corresponds with intake of vegetal absorption inhibitors (fytolic acid, oxalic acid, roughage). Frequently a mild form of hyperhomocysteinemia is found (28% versus 5%), resulting vitamin B12 deficit. Vegetarian diet is optimal for prevention of free-radical diseases, especially those of the cardiovascular system. It may bring a risk from the point of view of low iron and calcium absorption, low intake of methionine and occurrence of mild forms of hyperhomocysteinemia. In traditional diet, total lipid content should be lowered, amount of vegetable oil with alpha-linolenic acid should be elevated as well as fruit and vegetable consummation. Whole grain food and oily seeds should be included into the daily food.

Snacks for Toddlers

MedlinePlus

... them more likely to overeat. A word about juice. Juice — even 100% fruit juice — contains about the same amount of calories as soda. And juice drinks have excessive amounts of added sugar. Letting ...

Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS): Effects of Container Size Adjustments on Estimates of Alcohol Consumption Across Hispanic National Groups

PubMed Central

Mills, Britain A.; Harris, T. Robert

2012-01-01

Objective: This study was conducted to examine discrepancies in alcohol consumption estimates between a self-reported standard quantity—frequency measure and an adjusted version based on respondents’ typically used container size. Method: Using a multistage cluster sample design, 5,224 Hispanic individuals 18 years of age and older were selected from the household population in five metropolitan areas of the United States: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. The survey-weighted response rate was 76%. Personal interviews lasting an average of 1 hour were conducted in respondents’ homes in either English or Spanish. Results: The overall effect of container adjustment was to increase estimates of ethanol consumption by 68% for women (range across Hispanic groups: 17%–99%) and 30% for men (range: 14%–42%). With the exception of female Cuban American, Mexican American, and South/Central American beer drinkers and male Cuban American wine drinkers, all percentage differences between unadjusted and container-adjusted estimates were positive. Second, container adjustments produced the largest change for volume of distilled spirits, followed by wine and beer. Container size adjustments generally produced larger percentage increases in consumption estimates for the higher volume drinkers, especially the upper tertile of female drinkers. Conclusions: Self-reported alcohol consumption based on standard drinks underreports consumption when compared with reports based on the amount of alcohol poured into commonly used containers. PMID:22152669

Effect of Different Carbon Sources on Relative Growth Rate, Internal Carbohydrates, and Mannitol 1-Oxidoreductase Activity in Celery Suspension Cultures.

PubMed Central

Stoop, JMH.; Pharr, D. M.

1993-01-01

Little information exists concerning the biochemical route of mannitol catabolism in higher plant cells. In this study, the role of a recently discovered mannitol 1-oxidoreductase (MDH) in mannitol catabolism was investigated. Suspension cultures of celery (Apium graveolens L. var dulce [Mill.] Pers.) were successfully grown on nutrient media with either mannitol, mannose, or sucrose as the sole carbon source. Cell cultures grown on any of the three carbon sources did not differ in relative growth rate, as measured by packed cell volume, but differed drastically in internal carbohydrate concentration. Mannitol-grown cells contained high concentrations of mannitol and extremely low concentrations of sucrose, fructose, glucose, and mannose. Sucrose-grown cells had high concentrations of sucrose early in the growth cycle and contained a substantial hexose pool. Mannose-grown cells had a high mannose concentration early in the cycle, which decreased during the growth cycle, whereas their internal sucrose concentrations remained relatively constant during the entire growth cycle. Celery suspension cultures on all three carbon substrates contained an NAD-dependent MDH. Throughout the growth cycle, MDH activity was 2- to 4-fold higher in mannitol-grown cells compared with sucrose- or mannose-grown cells, which did not contain detectable levels of mannitol, indicating that MDH functions pre-dominantly in an oxidative capacity in situ. The MDH activity observed in celery cells was 3-fold higher than the minimum amount required to account for the observed rate of mannitol utilization from the media. Cultures transferred from mannitol to mannose underwent a decrease in MDH activity over a period of days, and transfer from mannose to mannitol resulted in an increase in MDH activity. These data provide strong evidence that MDH plays an important role in mannitol utilization in celery suspension cultures. PMID:12231996

Platelet-rich plasma can replace fetal bovine serum in human meniscus cell cultures.

PubMed

Gonzales, Veronica K; de Mulder, Eric L W; de Boer, Trix; Hannink, Gerjon; van Tienen, Tony G; van Heerde, Waander L; Buma, Pieter

2013-11-01

Concerns over fetal bovine serum (FBS) limit the clinical application of cultured tissue-engineered constructs. Therefore, we investigated if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can fully replace FBS for meniscus tissue engineering purposes. Human PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were isolated from three healthy adult donors. Human meniscal fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) were isolated from resected tissue after a partial meniscectomy on a young patient. Passage-4 MFCs were cultured in monolayer for 24 h, and 3 and 7 days. Six different culture media were used containing different amounts of either PRP or PPP and compared to a medium containing 10% FBS. dsDNA was quantified, and gene expression levels of collagen types I and II and aggrecan were measured at different time points with quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the cultured MFCs. After 7 days, the dsDNA quantity was significantly higher in MFCs cultured in 10% and 20% PRP compared to the other PRP and PPP conditions, but equal to 10% FBS. Collagen type I expression was lower in MFCs cultured with medium containing 5% PRP, 10% and 20% PPP compared to FBS. When medium with 10% PRP or 20% PRP was used, expressions were not significantly different from medium containing 10% FBS. Collagen type II expression was absent in all medium conditions. Aggrecan expression did not show differences between the different media used. However, after 7 days a higher aggrecan expression was measured in most culture conditions, except for 5% PRP, which was similar compared to FBS. Statistical significance was found between donors at various time points in DNA quantification and gene expression, but the same donors were not statistically different in all conditions. At 7 days cell cultured with 10% PRP and 20% PRP showed a higher density, with large areas of clusters, compared to other conditions. In an MFC culture medium, FBS can be replaced by 10% PRP or 20% PRP without altering proliferation and gene expression of human MFCs.

Detection and quantification of virus DNA in plasma of patients with Epstein-Barr virus-associated diseases.

PubMed

Yamamoto, M; Kimura, H; Hironaka, T; Hirai, K; Hasegawa, S; Kuzushima, K; Shibata, M; Morishima, T

1995-07-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes various diseases, such as infectious mononucleosis (IM), fatal IM, EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBVAHS), and chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV). In the present study, cell-free EBV DNA was detected in the plasma of patients with EBV-associated diseases by PCR assay. The patients included 20 patients with IM, 2 patients with fatal IM, 4 patients with EBVAHS, 4 patients with CAEBV, and 38 healthy children (20 EBV seropositive and 18 EBV seronegative). In patients with IM, plasma samples were positive for EBV DNA in all patients (100%) in the acute phase and in 44% of the patients in the convalescent phase, but plasma samples from the 38 healthy control children were negative (0%) for EBV DNA. Quantitative PCR assay revealed that plasma from patients with IM contained the highest amount of virus DNA within 7 days following the onset of disease (mean, 6 x 10(4) copies per ml). The EBV DNA concentration decreased thereafter as the patients recovered. Plasma from patients with fatal IM contained more than 100 times more copies of EBV DNA (3 x 10(7) copies per ml) than plasma from patients with IM. Plasma from patients with the acute phase of EBVAHS contained 10 times more copies of EBV DNA (5 x 10(5) copies per ml) than plasma from IM, and then patients with the number of copies decreased similarly in both groups of patients in the convalescent phase (2 x 10(4) copies per ml). The amount of virus DNA in patients with CAEBV (6 x 10(4) copies per ml) was similar to that noted in patients with IM; however, it became higher (1 x 10(6) copies per ml) when the patients' clinical status deteriorated. These data suggest that the presence of cell-free EBV DNA in plasma is a common phenomenon in patients with EBV-associated diseases. The concentration of EBV DNA in plasma seems to be higher in patients with the more severe clinical categories of EBV diseases.

Comparative Toxicity of Selected Aviation Fuels as Measured by Insect Bioassay

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-01

structure in termites , ants, and bees can be used to contrast the toxicity of a compound. A comparative study of toxicity can also be made using a...and also serve as sex pheromones , kairomones, and defensive compounds. Cuticular hydrocarbons vary significantly in structure and amount by species...in flour beetles. Flour beetles contain hydrocarbons which function as sex pheromones and also contain a significant amount of 1-pentadecene which

Elemental speciation for chromium in chromium picolinate products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Hong; Olson, Lisa K.; Caruso, Joseph A.

1996-12-01

Chromium picolinate products have been examined for different forms of chromium, using chromatographic separation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric detection. The brands we evaluated contained no detectable amount of elemental chromium(VI), the toxic form. Since chromium picolinate might have other chromium forms as impurities, different products may contain different forms of chromium species. Compared with ion-exchange, reversed-phase chromatography showed excellent chromium recovery based on the amount stated on the product label.

The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Shipyard Welding Emission Factor Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-09-01

percent composition in the rod/wire. Three specific HAPs of concern were identified: 1. Chrome and chromium compounds; 2. Nickel and nickel compounds...welding processes. These are: 1. Those rod/wires reported to be used in the largest amounts (> 10,000 pounds annually) did not contain chromium or...amounts ranging from less than 1,000 to greater than 10,000 pounds annually contained chromium and chromium compounds in concentrations ranging from

Update on the management of severe hypertriglyceridemia--focus on free fatty acid forms of omega-3.

PubMed

Pirillo, Angela; Catapano, Alberico Luigi

2015-01-01

High levels of plasma triglycerides (TG) are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, often associated with anomalies in other lipids or lipoproteins. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), particularly at very high levels, significantly increases also the risk of acute pancreatitis. Thus, interventions to lower TG levels are required to reduce the risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease. Several strategies may be adopted for TG reduction, including lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions. Among the available drugs, the most commonly used for HTG are fibrates, nicotinic acid, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (usually a mixture of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA). These last are available under different concentrated formulations containing high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, including a mixture of EPA and DHA or pure EPA. The most recent formulation contains a free fatty acid (FFA) form of EPA and DHA, and exhibits a significantly higher bioavailability compared with the ethyl ester forms contained in the other formulations. This is due to the fact that the ethyl ester forms, to be absorbed, need to be hydrolyzed by the pancreatic enzymes that are secreted in response to fat intake, while the FFA do not. This higher bioavailability translates into a higher TG-lowering efficacy compared with the ethyl ester forms at equivalent doses. Omega-3 FFA are effective in reducing TG levels and other lipids in hypertriglyceridemic patients as well as in high cardiovascular risk patients treated with statins and residual HTG. Currently, omega-3 FFA formulation is under evaluation to establish whether, in high cardiovascular risk subjects, the addition of omega-3 to statin therapy may prevent or reduce major cardiovascular events.

An internet-based communication network for information transfer during patient transitions from skilled nursing facility to the emergency department.

PubMed

Hustey, Fredric M; Palmer, Robert M

2010-06-01

To determine whether the implementation of an Internet-based communication system improves the amount of essential information conveyed between a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and the emergency department (ED) during patient care transitions. Interventional; before and after. ED of an urban teaching hospital with approximately 55,000 visits per year and a 55-bed subacute free-standing rehabilitation facility (the SNF). All patients transferred from the SNF to the ED over 16 months. An Internet-based communication network with SNF-ED transfer form for communication during patient care transitions. Nine elements of patient information assessed before and after intervention through chart review. changes in efficiency of information transfer and staff satisfaction. Two hundred thirty-four of 237 preintervention and all 276 postintervention care transitions were reviewed. The Internet communication network was used in 78 (26%) of all care transitions, peaking at 40% by the end of the study. There was more critical patient information (1.85 vs 4.29 of 9 elements; P<.001) contained within fewer pages of transfer documents (24.47 vs 5.15; P<.001) after the intervention. Staff satisfaction with communication was higher among ED physicians after the intervention. The use of an Internet-based system increased the amount of information communicated during SNF-ED care transitions and significantly reduced the number of pages in which this information was contained.

Potential of Extracted Locusta Migratoria Protein Fractions as Value-Added Ingredients.

PubMed

Clarkson, Claudia; Mirosa, Miranda; Birch, John

2018-02-09

Although locusts can be sustainably produced and are nutrient rich, the thought of eating them can be hard to swallow for many consumers. This paper aims to investigate the nutritional composition of Locusta migratoria , including the properties of extracted locust protein, contributing to limited literature and product development opportunities for industry. Locusts sourced from Dunedin, New Zealand, contained a high amount of protein (50.79% dry weight) and fat (34.93%), which contained high amounts of omega-3 (15.64%), creating a desirably low omega-3/omega-6 ratio of 0.57. Three protein fractions including; insoluble locust fraction, soluble locust fraction, and a supernatant fraction were recovered following alkali isoelectric precipitation methodology. Initially, proteins were solubilised at pH 10 then precipitated out at the isoelectric point (pH 4). All fractions had significantly higher protein contents compared with the whole locust. The insoluble protein fraction represented 37.76% of the dry weight of protein recovered and was much lighter in colour and greener compared to other fractions. It also had the highest water and oil holding capacity of 5.17 mL/g and 7.31 mL/g, possibly due to larger particle size. The high supernatant yield (56.60%) and low soluble protein yield (9.83%) was unexpected and could be a result of experimental pH conditions chosen.

Three distinct pneumotypes characterize the microbiome of the lung in BALB/cJ mice.

PubMed

Scheiermann, Julia; Klinman, Dennis M

2017-01-01

Bacteria can rarely be isolated from normal healthy lungs using conventional culture techniques, supporting the traditional belief that the lungs are sterile. Yet recent studies using next generation sequencing report that bacterial DNA commonly found in the upper respiratory tract (URT) is present at lower levels in the lungs. Interpretation of that finding is complicated by the technical limitations and potential for contamination introduced when dealing with low biomass samples. The current work sought to overcome those limitations to clarify the number, type and source of bacteria present in the lungs of normal mice. Results showed that the oral microbiome is diverse and highly conserved whereas murine lung samples fall into three distinct patterns. 33% of the samples were sterile, as they lacked culturable bacteria and their bacterial DNA content did not differ from background. 9% of samples contained comparatively higher amounts of bacterial DNA whose composition mimicked that detected in the URT. A final group (58%) contained smaller amounts of microbial DNA whose composition was correlating to that of rodent chow and cage bedding, likely acquired by inspiration of food and bedding fragments. By analyzing each sample independently rather than working with group averages, this work eliminated the bias introduced by aspiration-contaminated samples to establish that three distinct microbiome pneumotypes are present in normal murine lungs.

Comparative evaluation of 12 immature citrus fruit extracts for the inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoform activities.

PubMed

Fujita, Tadashi; Kawase, Atsushi; Niwa, Toshiro; Tomohiro, Norimichi; Masuda, Megumi; Matsuda, Hideaki; Iwaki, Masahiro

2008-05-01

In a previous study we found that 50% ethanol extracts of immature fruits of Citrus unshiu (satsuma mandarin) have anti-allergic effects against the Type I, II and IV allergic reactions. However, many adverse interactions between citrus fruit, especially grapefruit juice, and drugs have been reported due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the competitive inhibitory effects of extracts from immature citrus fruit on CYP activity. Extracts were prepared from 12 citrus species or cultivars, and were tested against three kinds of major CYPs, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, in human liver microsomes. We also estimated the amounts of flavonoids (narirutin, hesperidin, naringin and neohesperidin) and furanocoumarins (bergapten, 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin and bergamottin) in each extract using HPLC. Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) showed the greatest inhibition of CYP activities, while Citrus unshiu which has an antiallergic effect, showed relatively weak inhibitory effects. Extracts having relatively strong inhibitory effects for CYP3A4 tended to contain higher amounts of naringin, bergamottin and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin. These results, providing comparative information on the inhibitory effects of citrus extracts on CYP isoforms, suggest that citrus extracts containing high levels of narirutin and hesperidin and lower levels of furanocoumarins such as C. unshiu are favorable as antiallergic functional ingredients.

Preliminary study on immobilization of buffing dust by solidification method in ceramic brick

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuliansyah, Ahmad Tawfiequrrahman; Prasetya, Agus; Putra, Arif Eka; Satriawan, Humam Budi

2017-11-01

Leather-based industries generate a substantial amount of hazardous solid and liquid wastes in their process. One of the solid wastes is buffing dust, which is fine particulates containing fat, tanning, dyes and chromium. From 1 ton of leather processed, approximately 2-6 kg of buffing dust is generated. Chromium in the buffing dust is carcinogenic, so a proper handling is highly required. Solidification is a method commonly used to immobilize toxic material. Hence, the material is trapped in a matrix made of binding agents to minimize its mobility. However, a very small amount of the materials is sometimes released to the environment during storage. This study investigates leaching process of chromium from immobilized buffing dust in ceramic brick. Buffing dust, which contains chromium, is solidified by mixing it with clay at certain compositions and fired in a muffle furnace to produce a ceramic brick. Performance of the solidification process is evaluated by measuring the leaching of chromium in the leaching test. The results show that the solidification has significantly reduced the potential release of chromium to the environment. Higher of the firing temperature, less chromium is leached from ceramic brick. The chromium concentration of leachate water from 800°C brick is 0.376 ppm, while those from 850 and 900°C brick are 0.212 and 0.179 ppm respectively.

[Studies on high temperature oxidation of noble metal alloys for dental use. (III) On high temperature oxidation resistance of noble metal alloys by adding small amounts of alloying elements. (author's transl)].

PubMed

Ohno, H

1976-11-01

The previous report pointed out the undesirable effects of high temperature oxidation on the casting. The influence of small separate additions of Zn, Mg, Si, Be and Al on the high temperature oxidation of the noble metal alloys was examined. These alloying elements were chosen because their oxide have a high electrical resistivity and they have much higher affinity for oxygen than Cu. The casting were oxidized at 700 degrees C for 1 hour in air. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The Cu oxides are not observed on the as-cast surface of noble metal alloys containing small amounts of Zn, Mg, Si, Be, and Al. The castings have gold- or silver-colored surface. 2. After heating of the unpolished and polished castings, the additions of Si, Be and Al are effective in preventing oxidation of Cu in the 18 carats gold alloys. Especially the golden surface is obtained by adding Be and Al. But there is no oxidation-resistance on the polished castings in the alloys containing Zn and Mg. 3. The zinc oxide film formed on the as-cast specimen is effective in preventing of oxidation Cu in 18 carats gold alloys. 4. It seems that the addition of Al is most available in dental application.

Impact of low-trans fat compositions on the quality of conventional and fat-reduced puff pastry.

PubMed

Silow, Christoph; Zannini, Emanuele; Arendt, Elke K

2016-04-01

Four vegetable fat blends (FBs) with low trans-fatty acid (TFA ≤ 0.6 %) content with various ratios of palm stearin (PS) and rapeseed oil (RO) were characterised and examined for their application in puff pastry production. The amount of PS decreased from FB1 to FB4 and simultaneously the RO content increased. A range of analytical methods were used to characterise the FBs, including solid fat content (SFC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cone penetrometry and rheological measurements. The internal and external structural quality parameters of baked puff pastry were investigated using texture analyser equipped with an Extended Craft Knife (ECK), VolScan and C-Cell image system. Puff pastry containing FB1 and FB2 achieved excellent baking results for full fat and fat-reduced puff pastry; hence these FBs contained adequate shortening properties. A fat reduction by 40 % using FB2 and a reduction of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) by 49 %, compared to the control, did not lead to adverse effects in lift and specific volume. The higher amount of RO and the lower SAFA content compared to FB1 coupled with the satisfying baking results makes FB2 the fat of choice in this study. FB3 and FB4 were found to be unsuitable for puff pastry production because of their melting behaviour.

Potential of Extracted Locusta Migratoria Protein Fractions as Value-Added Ingredients

PubMed Central

Birch, John

2018-01-01

Although locusts can be sustainably produced and are nutrient rich, the thought of eating them can be hard to swallow for many consumers. This paper aims to investigate the nutritional composition of Locusta migratoria, including the properties of extracted locust protein, contributing to limited literature and product development opportunities for industry. Locusts sourced from Dunedin, New Zealand, contained a high amount of protein (50.79% dry weight) and fat (34.93%), which contained high amounts of omega-3 (15.64%), creating a desirably low omega-3/omega-6 ratio of 0.57. Three protein fractions including; insoluble locust fraction, soluble locust fraction, and a supernatant fraction were recovered following alkali isoelectric precipitation methodology. Initially, proteins were solubilised at pH 10 then precipitated out at the isoelectric point (pH 4). All fractions had significantly higher protein contents compared with the whole locust. The insoluble protein fraction represented 37.76% of the dry weight of protein recovered and was much lighter in colour and greener compared to other fractions. It also had the highest water and oil holding capacity of 5.17 mL/g and 7.31 mL/g, possibly due to larger particle size. The high supernatant yield (56.60%) and low soluble protein yield (9.83%) was unexpected and could be a result of experimental pH conditions chosen. PMID:29425143

Radiolytic Synthesis of Pt-Particle/ABS Catalysts for H₂O₂ Decomposition in Contact Lens Cleaning.

PubMed

Ohkubo, Yuji; Aoki, Tomonori; Seino, Satoshi; Mori, Osamu; Ito, Issaku; Endo, Katsuyoshi; Yamamura, Kazuya

2017-08-23

A container used in contact lens cleaning requires a Pt plating weight of 1.5 mg for H₂O₂ decomposition although Pt is an expensive material. Techniques that decrease the amount of Pt are therefore needed. In this study, Pt nanoparticles instead of Pt plating film were supported on a substrate of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). This was achieved by the reduction of Pt ions in an aqueous solution containing the ABS substrate using high-energy electron-beam irradiation. Pt nanoparticles supported on the ABS substrate (Pt-particle/ABS) had a size of 4-10 nm. The amount of Pt required for Pt-particle/ABS was 250 times less than that required for an ABS substrate covered with Pt plating film (Pt-film/ABS). The catalytic activity for H₂O₂ decomposition was estimated by measuring the residual H₂O₂ concentration after immersing the catalyst for 360 min. The Pt-particle/ABS catalyst had a considerably higher specific catalytic activity for H₂O₂ decomposition than the Pt-film/ABS catalyst. In addition, sterilization performance was estimated from the initial rate of H₂O₂ decomposition over 60 min. The Pt-particle/ABS catalyst demonstrated a better sterilization performance than the Pt-film/ABS catalyst. The difference between Pt-particle/ABS and Pt-film/ABS was shown to reflect the size of the O₂ bubbles formed during H₂O₂ decomposition.

[Effects of irrigation amount and stage on water consumption characteristics and grain yield of wheat].

PubMed

Wang, De-Mei; Yu, Zhen-Wen

2008-09-01

Field experiment was conducted in 2005 -2007 to study the effects of irrigation amount and stage on the water consumption characteristics, grain yield, and water use efficiency of wheat. The results showed that the variation coefficient of the proportion of soil water consumption amount to total water consumption amount was significantly higher than that of precipitation to total water consumption amount, suggesting the relatively wide regulation range of soil water use efficiency. The proportions of irrigation amount, precipitation, and soil water consumption amount to total water consumption amount were 31.0%, 38.9%, and 30.1% in treatment W3 (irrigated at jointing and flowering stages, with total irrigation amount of 120 mm), and 51.7%, 32.4%, and 15.9% in treatment W5 (irrigated before winter and at jointing, flowering and grain-filling stages, with total irrigation amount of 240 mm), respectively, indicating that treatment W3 had a significantly higher proportion of soil water consumption amount to total water consumption amount than treatment W5. Though treatments W2 (irrigated before winter and at jointing stage) and W3 (irrigated at jointing and flowering stages) had the same irrigation amount (120 mm), the water consumption amount during the period from flowering to maturing was significantly higher in W3 than in W2, while the water consumption amount before jointing was significantly lower in W3 than in W2. The water consumption pattern in treatment W3 was in agreement with the water requirement pattern of wheat, which was the physiological basis of high water use efficiency.

Platelets from patients with the Quebec platelet disorder contain and secrete abnormal amounts of urokinase-type plasminogen activator.

PubMed

Kahr, W H; Zheng, S; Sheth, P M; Pai, M; Cowie, A; Bouchard, M; Podor, T J; Rivard, G E; Hayward, C P

2001-07-15

The Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) is an autosomal dominant platelet disorder associated with delayed bleeding and alpha-granule protein degradation. The degradation of alpha-granule, but not plasma, fibrinogen in patients with the QPD led to the investigation of their platelets for a protease defect. Unlike normal platelets, QPD platelets contained large amounts of fibrinolytic serine proteases that had properties of plasminogen activators. Western blot analysis, zymography, and immunodepletion experiments indicated this was because QPD platelets contained large amounts of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) within a secretory compartment. u-PA antigen was not increased in all QPD plasmas, whereas it was increased more than 100-fold in QPD platelets (P <.00009), which contained increased u-PA messenger RNA. Although QPD platelets contained 2-fold more plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (P <.0008) and 100-fold greater u-PA-PAI-1 complexes (P <.0002) than normal platelets, they contained excess u-PA activity, predominantly in the form of two chain (tcu-PA), which required additional PAI-1 for full inhibition. There was associated proteolysis of plasminogen in QPD platelets, to forms that comigrated with plasmin. When similar amounts of tcu-PA were incubated with normal platelet secretory proteins, many alpha-granule proteins were proteolyzed to forms that resembled degraded QPD platelet proteins. These data implicate u-PA in the pathogenesis of alpha-granule protein degradation in the QPD. Although patients with the QPD have normal to increased u-PA levels in their plasma, without evidence of systemic fibrinogenolysis, their increased platelet u-PA could contribute to bleeding by accelerating fibrinolysis within the hemostatic plug. QPD is the only inherited bleeding disorder in humans known to be associated with increased u-PA.

Effects of adding ethanol to KOH electrolyte on electrochemical performance of titanium carbide-derived carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiang; Zhang, Ruijun; Chen, Peng; Ge, Shanhai

2014-01-01

Porous carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) are synthesized from TiC at different chlorination temperatures as electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors. It is found that the microstructure of the produced CDCs has significant influence on both the hydrophilicity in aqueous KOH electrolyte and the resultant electrochemical performance. Because the TiC-CDC synthesized at higher temperature (e.g. 1000 °C) contains well-ordered graphite ribbons, it shows lower hydrophilicity and specific capacitance. It is also found that addition of a small amount of ethanol to KOH electrolyte effectively improves the wettability of the CDCs synthesized at higher temperature and the corresponding specific capacitance. Compared with the CDC synthesized at 600 °C, the CDC synthesized at 1000 °C shows fast ion transport and excellent capacitive behavior in KOH electrolyte with addition of ethanol because of the existences of mesopores and high specific surface area.

Nitrogen removal from wastewater by a catalytic oxidation method.

PubMed

Huang, T L; Macinnes, J M; Cliffe, K R

2001-06-01

The ammonia-containing waste produced in industries is usually characterized by high concentration and high temperature, and is not treatable by biological methods directly. In this study, a hydrophobic Pt/SDB catalyst was first used in a trickle-bed reactor to remove ammonia from wastewater. In the reactor, both stripping and catalytic oxidation occur simultaneously. It was found that higher temperature and higher oxygen partial pressure enhanced the ammonia removal. A reaction pathway, which involves oxidizing ammonia to nitric oxide, which then further reacts with ammonia to produce nitrogen and water, was confirmed. Small amounts of by-products, nitrites and nitrates were also detected in the resultant reaction solution. These compounds came from the absorption of nitrogen oxides. Both the minimum NO2- selectivity and maximum ammonia removal were achieved when the resultant pH of treated water was near 7.5 for a feed of unbuffered ammonia solution.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Glycogen in Human Milk.

PubMed

Matsui-Yatsuhashi, Hiroko; Furuyashiki, Takashi; Takata, Hiroki; Ishida, Miyuki; Takumi, Hiroko; Kakutani, Ryo; Kamasaka, Hiroshi; Nagao, Saeko; Hirose, Junko; Kuriki, Takashi

2017-02-22

Identification as well as a detailed analysis of glycogen in human milk has not been shown yet. The present study confirmed that glycogen is contained in human milk by qualitative and quantitative analyses. High-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) and high-performance size exclusion chromatography with a multiangle laser light scattering detector (HPSEC-MALLS) were used for qualitative analysis of glycogen in human milk. Quantitative analysis was carried out by using samples obtained from the individual milks. The result revealed that the concentration of human milk glycogen varied depending on the mother's condition-such as the period postpartum and inflammation. The amounts of glycogen in human milk collected at 0 and 1-2 months postpartum were higher than in milk collected at 3-14 months postpartum. In the milk from mothers with severe mastitis, the concentration of glycogen was about 40 times higher than that in normal milk.

Gravity model improvement using GEOS-3 (GEM 9 and 10)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerch, F. J.; Klosko, S. M.; Laubscher, R. E.; Wagner, C. A.

1977-01-01

The use of collocation permitted GEM 9 to be a larger field than previous derived satellite models, GEM 9 having harmonics complete to 20 x 20 with selected higher degree terms. The satellite data set has approximately 840,000 observations, of which 200,000 are laser ranges taken on 9 satellites equipped with retroreflectors. GEM 10 is complete to 22 x 22 with selected higher degree terms out to degree and order 30 amounting to a total of 592 coefficients. Comparisons with surface gravity and altimeter data indicate a substantial improvement in GEM 9 over previous satellite solutions; GEM 9 is in even closer agreement with surface data than the previously published GEM 6 solution which contained surface gravity. In particular the free air gravity anomalies calculated from GEM 9 and a surface gravity solution are in excellent agreement for the high degree terms.

Organic sulphur in macromolecular sedimentary organic matter. II. Analysis of distributions of sulphur-containing pyrolysis products using multivariate techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eglinton, Timothy I.; Sinninghe Damsté, Jaap S.; Pool, Wim; de Leeuw, Jan W.; Eijk, Gert; Boon, Jaap J.

1992-04-01

This study describes the analysis of sulphur-containing products from Curie-point pyrolysis (Py) of eighty-five samples (kerogens, bitumen, and petroleum asphaltenes and coals) using gas chromatography (GC) in combination with sulphur-selective detection. Peak areas of approximately forty individual organic sulphur pyrolysis products (OSPP) were measured, and the results analysed with the aid of multivariate data reduction techniques (principal components analysis, (PCA)). The structural relationships proposed in an earlier publication ( SINNINGHE DAMSTé et al., 1989a) in which OSPP can be grouped according to common "carbon skeletons" are supported by PCA. The distribution of OSPP varies both as a function of kerogen type (as defined by elemental composition) and maturity, reflecting differences in the relative abundance of the various carbon skeleton types. Sulphur-containing products from Type I, Type II, and, to some extent, Type II-S kerogens are dominated by OSPP derived from "moieties" (i.e., discrete structural components within the macromolecule) possessing linear carbon skeletons, while coals and Type III kerogens give rise to higher relative abundances of OSPP with branched carbon skeletons. Type I kerogens are distinguished from Type II kerogens due to the type of linear carbon skeleton, the former yielding higher relative amounts of 2- n-alkylthiophenes and thiolanes and the latter 2,5-di-substituted sulphur-containing products. Products from sulphur-rich (Type II-S) kerogens differ by higher relative abundances of OSPP derived from precursors with isoprenoid and/or steroidal side-chain carbon skeletons, and by higher absolute abundances of all OSPP. Petroleum and, to a lesser extent, bitumen asphaltenes give rise to OSPP with longer carbon skeletons than do kerogens or coals. This observation supports the models proposed by SINNINGHE DAMSTé et al. (1990a) in which sulphur-containing moieties in asphaltenes are bound by fewer intermolecular bridges (i.e., are less extensively cross-linked) and, consequently, more readily yield longer chain products on pyrolysis. From these observations, we suggest that Py-GC in combination with PCA provides useful information concerning the chemical nature of organically bound sulphur in geomacromolecules. This information can be rationalised based on carbon skeleton relationships established for low molecular weight organic sulphur compounds, and in terms of kerogen type and overall sulphur content

Cadium pathways during gestation and lactation in control vs. metallothionein 1,2-knockout mice.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brako, E. E.; Wilson, A. K.; Jonah, M. M.

2003-01-01

Effects of metallothionein (MT) on cadmium absorption and transfer pathways during gestation and lactation in mice were investigated. Female 129/SvJ metallothionein-knockout (MT1,2KO) and metallothionein-normal (MTN) mice received drinking water containing trace amounts of {sup 109}CdCl{sub 2} (0.15 ng Cd/ml; 0.074 {mu}Ci {sup 109}Cd/ml). {sup 109}Cd and MT in maternal, fetal, and pup tissues were measured on gestation days 7, 14, and 17 and lactation day 11. In dams, MT influenced both the amount of {sup 109}Cd transferred from intestine into body (two- to three-fold higher in MT1,2KO than MTN dams) and tissue-specific {sup 109}Cd distribution (higher liver/kidney ratio in MT1,2KOmore » dams). Placental {sup 109}Cd concentrations in MT1,2KO dams were three- and seven-fold higher on gestation days 14 and 17, respectively, than in MTN dams. Fetal {sup 109}Cd levels were low in both mouse types, but at least 10-fold lower in MTN fetuses. MT had no effect on the amount of {sup 109}Cd transferred to pups via milk; furthermore, 85--90% of total pup {sup 109}Cd was recovered in gastrointestinal tracts of both types, despite high duodenal MT only in MTN pups. A relatively large percentage of milk-derived intestinal {sup 109}Cd was transferred to other pup tissues in both MT1,2KO and MTN pups (14 and 10%, respectively). These results demonstrate that specific sequestration of cadmium by both maternal and neonatal intestinal tract does not require MT. Although MT decreased oral cadmium transfer from intestine to body tissues at low cadmium exposure levels, MT did not play a major role in restricting transfer of cadmium from dam to fetus via placenta and to neonate via milk.« less

Fabrication of a microfluidic device for studying the in situ drug-loading/release behavior of graphene oxide-encapsulated hydrogel beads.

PubMed

Veerla, Sarath Chandra; Kim, Da Reum; Yang, Sung Yun

2018-01-01

Controlled drug delivery system is highly important for not only prolonged the efficacy of drug but also cellular development for tissue engineering. A number of biopolymer composites and nanostructured carriers behave been used for the controlled drug delivery of therapeutics. Recently, in vitro microfluidic devices that mimic the human body have been developed for drug-delivery applications. A microfluidic channel was fabricated via a two-step process: (i) polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) and curing agent were poured with a 10:2 mass ratio onto an acrylic mold with two steel pipes, and (ii) calcium alginate beads were synthesized using sodium alginate and calcium chloride solutions. Different amounts (10, 25, 50 μg) of graphene oxide (GO) were then added by Hummers method, and studies on the encapsulation and release of the model drug, risedronate (Ris), were performed using control hydrogel beads (pH 6.3), GO-containing beads (10GO, 25GO and 50GO), and different pH conditions. MC3T3 osteoblastic cells were cultured in a microchannel with Ris-loaded GO-hydrogel beads, and their proliferation, viability, attachment and spreading were assessed for a week. The spongy and textured morphology of pristine hydrogel beads was converted to flowery and rod-shaped structures in drug-loaded hydrogel beads at reduced pH (6.3) and at a lower concentration (10 μg) of GO. These latter 10GO drug-loaded beads rapidly released their cargo owing to the calcium phosphate deposited on the surface. Notably, beads containing a higher amount of GO (50GO) exhibited an extended drug-release profile. We further found that MC3T3 cells proliferated continuously in vitro in the microfluidic channel containing the GO-hydrogel system. MTT and live/dead assays showed similar proliferative potential of MC3T3 cells. Therefore, a microfluidic device with microchannels containing hydrogel beads formulated with different amounts of GO and tested under various pH conditions could be a promising system for controlled drug release. The GO and drug (risedronate, Rig) were directed loaded into a hydrogel placed in a microchannel. Through interactions such as hydrogen bonding between Go and the Rig-loaded GO-hydrogel beads, the bead-loaded microfluidic device supported MC3T3 proliferation and development as osteoblast without additional osteogenic differentiation supplements.

Proteoglycans in polarized epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

PubMed Central

Svennevig, K; Prydz, K; Kolset, S O

1995-01-01

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were cultured on polycarbonate filters to study the synthesis and sorting of proteoglycans in polarized epithelial cells. Two strains of MDCK cells were used. MDCK I cells resemble distal tubule epithelial cells, and MDCK II cells share some characteristics with proximal tubule cells. Both strains were grown to confluency and labelled with [35S]sulphate for 24 h. The apical and basolateral media and the cell fractions were harvested and analysed by DEAE ion-exchange chromatography. A large portion of the [35S]sulphate-labelled macromolecules bound strongly to the ion-exchange columns, and could be eluted in three distinct peaks. The latest eluting peak was demonstrated to contain almost exclusively chondroitin sulphate, whereas peak 2 contained mostly heparan sulphate, demonstrated by using chondroitinase ABC and nitrous acid (pH 1.5) respectively to depolymerize the [35S]glycosaminoglycan chains. Peak 1 contained negligible amounts of proteoglycans. Large differences could be observed in proteoglycan sorting in MDCK I and II cells. Strain I secreted approx. 67% of the proteoglycans to the apical side and 17% to the basolateral side. The cell fraction contained 17% of the proteoglycans after 24 h of labelling. In contrast, 19% of the proteoglycans were sorted to the apical side of MDCK II cells and 61% to the basolateral side, whereas the cell fraction contained 20%. Furthermore, the level of [35S]proteoglycan biosynthesis (apical and basolateral media and cell fraction total) was higher in MDCK I cells than in strain II. Based on the amount of material degraded by chondroitinase ABC and nitrous acid respectively, and the total amounts of [35S]proteoglycans recovered from the cells, it was calculated that the MDCK I strain synthesized approx. 56% chondroitin sulphate and 44% heparan sulphate. In contrast, the MDCK II strain synthesized 69% heparan sulphate and 31% chondroitin sulphate. To further identify the [35S]proteoglycans synthesized by MDCK I and II cells, antibodies against perlecan, versican and syndecan were used. The antibody against mouse syndecan did not cross-react with any of the proteoglycans produced in MDCK I or II cells. Both MDCK I and II cells expressed perlecan; 57-61% could be recovered from the basolateral fractions and 18-34% from the apical medium. Versican was also found in both MDCK I and II cells. Compared with perlecan, a larger percentage of versican (43-53%) was found in the cell fractions. Images Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:7487945

42 CFR 405.740 - Principles for determining the amount in controversy.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Principles for determining the amount in... Reconsiderations and Appeals Under Medicare Part A § 405.740 Principles for determining the amount in controversy... more appellants, the Secretary may assert that the aggregation principles contained in this subpart may...

26 CFR 1.263(a)-4 - Amounts paid to acquire or create intangibles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...). (v) Creation of package design. Amounts paid to develop a package design are treated as amounts that...). For purposes of this section, the term package design means the specific graphic arrangement or design... design of a container with respect to its shape or function. (4) Coordination with other provisions of...

Effects of Varying Proportions of Glass on Reflectance Spectra of HED Polymict Breccias

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buchanan, P. C.; Reddy, V; LeCorre, L.; Cloutis, E. A.; Mann, P.; Le, L.

2014-01-01

Some meteorites contain significant amounts of glass, which, in most cases, probably results from impact processes on parent bodies.. Yamato 82202 is an example of one of the unequilibrated eucrites that contains significant proportions of impact glass distributed as veins throughout the meteorite. In other cases, fragments of glass are distributed throughout polymict breccias. For example, the polymict eucrite EET 87509 contains rare angular fragments of devitrified glass. Proportions of glass in most of these meteorites and in lithic clasts within these meteorites may vary locally from small amounts (less than one percent) to much larger amounts (subequal proportions of glass and mineral material). For example, some fragments within the South African polymict eucrite Macibini contain approximately 50% glass. The presence of these variable proportions of meteorite glass confirm the increased recognition that impact processes played an important role in the histories of asteroidal bodies. This study attempts to quantify the effects of a glass component on reflectance spectra by analyzing in the laboratory mixtures of varying proportions of a well-characterized HED polymict breccia and glass derived by melting a bulk sample of that breccia.