bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign direct investment and exchange rate uncertainty in South‐East Asia
Authors: Gottschalk Sylvia , Hall Stephen
Published: September 2007

We investigate the relationship between exchange rate volatility, exchange rate risk diversification and the location of foreign direct investment in the manufacturing industries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. We found a strong role for the yen/dollar exchange rate in location decisions of the US and Japanese investors. There is evidence in the literature that Japanese firms invest in Asia to circumvent the appreciation of the yen. Our results show that the volatility of the yen and the correlation between local exchange rates and the yen are significant determinants of the US and Japanese investments in the region. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary tribological evaluation of nanostructured diamond coatings against ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Hill Michael R. , Catledge Shane A. , Konovalov Valeriy , Clem William C. , Chowdhury Shafiul A. , Etheridge Brandon S. , Stanishevsky Andrei , Lemons Jack E. , Vohra Yogesh K. , Eberhardt Alan W.
Published: September 2007

Background: Some loss of joint prostheses has been attributed to osteolytic loosening associated with debris from wear of polyethylene articulating against metal alloys. Reduced polyethylene wear has been reported with ceramics serving as an alternative counterface. Methods: Nanostructured Diamond (NSD) coatings were deposited onto Ti6Al4V by microwave plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition, with both hydrogen‐rich (H‐NSD) and helium‐rich (He‐NSD) feedgas mixtures. Pin‐on‐disk wear tests of polyethylene against NSD and CoCr were performed in serum lubrication at body temperature. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine surface morphology, and nanoindentation was used to determine hardness and modulus of the polyethylene wear surfaces. Raman spectroscopy, surface roughness, and wettability analyses of the NSD coatings were performed. Results: Raman spectroscopy confirmed sp2 and sp3 bonded carbon in the NSD coatings. No significant differences in wear factors were found between polyethylene on H‐NSD, He‐NSD, and CoCr, despite higher roughness and friction coefficients for the He‐NSD and H‐NSD coatings, compared with CoCr. Contact angles for the diamond coatings were reduced following the wear tests, indicating that these surfaces became more hydrophilic. Numerous small protuberances were observed on pins articulated against CoCr, and a single, large protuberance was observed in polyethylene‐on‐NSD. These features were conjectured to be reconsolidated polyethylene particles. Nanoindentation modulus and hardness of the worn polyethylene surfaces were lower for polyethylene‐on‐diamond than for polyethylene‐on‐CoCr. Conclusions: As a counterface to polyethylene, NSD‐coated Ti6Al4V produced wear factors comparable to CoCr in the present pin‐on‐disk tests, a promising step towards its use in joint replacement bearing applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Comparison of the release behaviors of cupric ions from metallic copper and a novel composite in simulated body fluid
Authors: Li Juan , Suo Jinping , Huang Xunbin , Ye Chang , Wu Xiwang
Published: September 2007

The copper‐containing intrauterine devices (Cu‐IUDs) are being increasingly used worldwide as an effective contraceptive for family planning. To avoid abnormal bleeding, pain, and partial and complete expulsion which are associated with the burst release of copper during the first few days, a novel crosslinked composite based on poly(vinyl alcohol) that contained cupric ions, but not metallic copper, was synthesized. It is hypothesized that the burst release of cupric ions could be avoided and the utility of the cupric ions could be improved by this novel composite. To evaluate these effects of the composite, the corrosion products and the release rate of cupric ions after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different time spans were studied by environmental scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the first week, the release amount of cupric ions in the composite was 0.486 μg/mm2. In the fifth week, it decreased to 0.0278 μg/mm2. But for metallic copper, these were 5.93 μg/mm2 and 0.041 μg/mm2, respectively. No significant change on time‐dependence was found for the release rates of cupric ions in the composite compared with that of metallic copper. Moreover, no other new elements, such as P, Cl, and Ca, appeared on the surface of the composite, and no Cu2O was formed after immersing in SBF for 90 days. All of these results suggested that burst release of cupric ions could be avoided and the effective utility of copper could be improved in this composite. In view of the earlier results, this novel copper‐containing composite might serve as a potential substitute for conventional materials of IUDs in the future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Development of acellular dermis from porcine skin using periodic pressurized technique
Authors: Prasertsung Isarawut , Kanokpanont Sorada , Bunaprasert Tanom , Thanakit Voranuch , Damrongsakkul Siriporn
Published: September 2007

In this work, a new method for producing acellular dermis (ADM), a natural scaffold used for dermal replacement, from porcine skin was developed. Fresh porcine skin from local slaughterhouse was dehaired by sodium sulphide following by epidermis removal using glycerol. After fat removal by chloroform/methanol (2/1 v/v) solvent, cellular components were removed using enzymatic treatment incorporated with a periodic pressurized technique. The effects of enzyme type (trypsin and dispase II) and periodic pressurized conditions on the efficiency of cell removal were investigated. When periodic pressure was applied, enzymatic treatment time could be shorten since the enzyme solution was able to penetrate into tight dermis. As a result, cells could be easily removed from porcine skin as noticed quantitatively by DNA assay and qualitatively by H&E staining. When enzyme refreshment was introduced into the decellularized process, the percentage of cell removal was further enhanced. This ensured that no inhibitions effect from the removed cells on enzyme‐substrate interaction. Moreover, short‐time enzymatic treatment with periodic pressurized technique could prevent the disruption of dermal structure, as observed by SEM. Dispase II can be used to remove cell better than trypsin in the periodic pressurized technique. However, in vivo study indicated that numerous fibroblast from the host tissue infiltrated into ADM prepared using both enzymes. Neo‐collagen and neo‐capillaries were produced in both implanted ADMs. The result elucidated that the use of periodic pressurized technique with enzymatic treatment has a high potential to be a new method to produce ADM for skin tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Expression of serum amyloid A transcripts in human bone tissues, differentiated osteoblast‐like stem cells and human osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Kovacevic Alenka , Hammer Astrid , Stadelmeyer Elke , Windischhofer Werner , Sundl Monika , Ray Alpana , Schweighofer Natascha , Friedl Gerald , Windhager Reinhard , Sattler Wolfgang , Malle Ernst
Published: September 2007

Although the liver is the primary site of cytokine‐mediated expression of acute‐phase serum amyloid A (SAA) protein, extrahepatic production has also been reported. Besides its role in amyloidosis and lipid homeostasis during the acute‐phase, SAA has recently been assumed to contribute to bone and cartilage destruction. However, expression of SAA in human osteogenic tissue has not been studied. Therefore, we first show that SAA1 (coding for the major SAA isoform) but not SAA2 transcripts are expressed in human trabecular and cortical bone fractions and bone marrow. Next, we show expression of (i) IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF receptor transcripts; (ii) the human homolog of SAA‐activating factor‐1 (SAF‐1, a transcription factor involved in cytokine‐mediated induction of SAA genes); and (iii) SAA1/2 transcripts in non‐differentiated and, to a higher extent, in osteoblast‐like differentiated human mesenchymal stem cells. Third, we provide evidence that human osteoblast‐like cells of tumor origin (MG‐63 and SAOS‐2) express SAF‐1 under basal conditions. SAA1/2 transcripts are expressed under basal conditions (SAOS‐2) and cytokine‐mediated conditions (MG‐63 and SAOS‐2). RT‐PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence technique confirmed cytokine‐mediated expression of SAA on RNA and protein level in osteosarcoma cell lines while SAA4, a protein of unknown function, is constitutively expressed in all osteogenic tissues investigated. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 994–1004, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corticosterone induces steroidogenic lesion in cultured adult rat leydig cells by reducing the expression of star protein and steroidogenic enzymes
Authors: Rengarajan Srinivasan , Balasubramanian Karundevi
Published: September 2007

The present study was designed to investigate the dose‐dependent direct effect of corticosterone on adult rat Leydig cell steroidogenesis in vitro. Leydig cells were isolated from the testis of normal adult male albino rats, purified on discontinuous Percoll gradient and plated in culture plates/flasks overnight at 34°C in a CO2 incubator under 95% air and 5% CO2 using DME/F12 medium containing 1% fetal bovine serum. After the attachment of cells, serum‐containing medium was removed and cells were exposed to different doses (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 nM) of corticosterone using serum‐free fresh medium for 24 h at 34°C. At the end of exposure period, cells were utilized for assessment of the activities and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes (cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 aromatase) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression. Testosterone and estradiol production were also quantified. Activities of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3β‐ and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases were declined significantly in a dose‐dependent manner after corticosterone exposure, while their mRNA expression were significantly reduced at higher doses of corticosterone exposure. The activity and mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase registered a significant increase at 100 nM dose of corticosterone whereas at 200–800 nM doses both the activity as well as the mRNA levels was significantly reduced below the basal level. StAR protein gene expression was significantly inhibited by higher doses of corticosterone employed. At all doses employed, corticosterone significantly reduced the production of testosterone by Leydig cells, while estradiol level registered a significant increase at 50 and 100 nM doses but at higher doses, it registered a significant decrease when compared to basal level. It is concluded from the present in vitro study that the molecular mechanism by which corticosterone reduces the production of Leydig cell testosterone is by reducing the activities and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1472–1487, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GLYCAM06: A generalizable biomolecular force field. Carbohydrates
Authors: Kirschner Karl N. , Yongye Austin B. , Tschampel Sarah M. , González‐Outeiriño Jorge , Daniels Charlisa R. , Foley B. Lachele , Woods Robert J.
Published: September 2007

A new derivation of the GLYCAM06 force field, which removes its previous specificity for carbohydrates, and its dependency on the AMBER force field and parameters, is presented. All pertinent force field terms have been explicitly specified and so no default or generic parameters are employed. The new GLYCAM is no longer limited to any particular class of biomolecules, but is extendible to all molecular classes in the spirit of a small‐molecule force field. The torsion terms in the present work were all derived from quantum mechanical data from a collection of minimal molecular fragments and related small molecules. For carbohydrates, there is now a single parameter set applicable to both α‐ and β‐anomers and to all monosaccharide ring sizes and conformations. We demonstrate that deriving dihedral parameters by fitting to QM data for internal rotational energy curves for representative small molecules generally leads to correct rotamer populations in molecular dynamics simulations, and that this approach removes the need for phase corrections in the dihedral terms. However, we note that there are cases where this approach is inadequate. Reported here are the basic components of the new force field as well as an illustration of its extension to carbohydrates. In addition to reproducing the gas‐phase properties of an array of small test molecules, condensed‐phase simulations employing GLYCAM06 are shown to reproduce rotamer populations for key small molecules and representative biopolymer building blocks in explicit water, as well as crystalline lattice properties, such as unit cell dimensions, and vibrational frequencies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Accurate prediction of protonation state as a prerequisite for reliable MM‐PB(GB)SA binding free energy calculations of HIV‐1 protease inhibitors
Authors: Wittayanarakul Kitiyaporn , Hannongbua Supot , Feig Michael
Published: September 2007

Binding free energies were calculated for the inhibitors lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, amprenavir, and nelfinavir bound to HIV‐1 protease. An MMPB/SA‐type analysis was applied to conformational samples from 3 ns explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations of the enzyme‐inhibitor complexes. Binding affinities and the sampled conformations of the inhibitor and enzyme were compared between different HIV‐1 protease protonation states to find the most likely protonation state of the enzyme in the complex with each of the inhibitors. The resulting set of protonation states leads to good agreement between calculated and experimental binding affinities. Results from the MMPB/SA analysis are compared with an explicit/implicit hybrid scheme and with MMGB/SA methods. It is found that the inclusion of explicit water molecules may offer a slight advantage in reproducing absolute binding free energies while the use of the Generalized Born approximation significantly affects the accuracy of the calculated binding affinities. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Theoretical elucidation of the rhodium‐catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation reactions
Authors: Geng Cai‐Yun , Li Ji‐Lai , Huang Xu‐Ri , Liu Hui‐Ling , Li Zhuo , Sun Chia‐Chung
Published: September 2007

The reaction mechanism of the Rh‐catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of 4‐alkynals with isocyanates is unraveled using density functional calculations. The reaction mechanisms of the model system and the real substituted system have been investigated and the results are compared. From our theoretical results based on the model and real substituted system, it is shown that (a) the rate‐determining step is the Rh‐H addition to the alkyne, (b) the formation of the cyclopentenone G and glutarimide K represents a severe competition, and (c) the product selectivity should be controlled by the amount of the isocyanates. In addition, it is demonstrated that there exist steric effects in the real substituted system, but missed in model system. Our calculations also show that although the results obtained on the model system could explain the mechanism in principle, the real substituted system could reflect the mechanism more exactly and make the reaction proceed with regioselectivity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Effects of long‐range electrostatic forces on simulated protein folding kinetics
Authors: Robertson Alex , Luttmann Edgar , Pande Vijay S.
Published: September 2007

Molecular dynamics simulations are a useful tool for characterizing protein folding pathways. There are several methods of treating electrostatic forces in these simulations with varying degrees of physical fidelity and computational efficiency. In this article, we compare the reaction field (RF) algorithm, particle‐mesh Ewald (PME), and tapered cutoffs with increasing cutoff radii to address the impact of the electrostatics method employed on the folding kinetics. We quantitatively compare different methods by a correlation of quantitative measures of protein folding kinetics. The results of these comparisons show that for protein folding kinetics, the RF algorithm can quantitatively reproduce the kinetics of the more costly PME algorithm. These results not only assist the selection of appropriate algorithms for future simulations, but also give insight on the role that long‐range electrostatic forces have in protein folding. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
High‐spin versus broken symmetry—Effect of DFT spin density representation on the geometries of three diiron (III) model compounds
Authors: Binning R. C. , Bacelo Daniel E.
Published: September 2007

Unrestricted density functional theory calculations have been conducted on three diiron(III) synthetic model compounds containing antiferromagnetically coupled high‐spin (HS) irons for which crystallographic structures and Raman spectral data are available. Three density functionals have been employed: BPW91, PWC, and BOP. The study compares the effects on optimized geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies of spin‐paired (SP) low‐spin, HS, and broken symmetry antiferromagnetically coupled singlet representations of the spin density distribution. The geometries around the diiron centers in the HS and broken symmetry (BS) representations are found to be similar, both markedly different from those arising from the SP representation. Small differences between the HS and BS results are seen in bond lengths, angles, Raman frequencies, and spin densities associated with oxo and peroxo bridges between the irons. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
Understanding ion channel biology using epitope tags: Progress, pitfalls, and promise
Authors: Maue Robert A.
Published: September 2007

Epitope tags have been increasingly used to understand ion channel subunit assembly and interaction, trafficking, subcellular localization, and function in living cells. In particular, epitope tags have proven extremely useful for analyses of closely related, highly homologous channel subunits in endogenous cell contexts in vitro and in vivo, where multiple channel isoforms may be expressed. However, as the variety of epitope tags that have been used has expanded, and the use of tagged channel subunits has become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, there has also been an increase in the number of examples highlighting the potential problems associated with the use of epitope tags for ion channel studies. Described here are some of the epitope tags that have been used to study ion channel subunits, including the HA, FLAG, myc, His6, and green fluorescent protein (GFP) epitopes, as well as some of the applications and avenues of research in which they have proven advantageous. Potential pitfalls and caveats associated with the use of these epitope tags are also discussed, with an emphasis on the need to include careful characterization of epitope‐tagged channel subunits as part of their construction. Finally, potential avenues for future investigation and the development of this approach are considered. J. Cell. Physiol. 213:618–625. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of anodized aluminium oxide as a biochip substrate for a Fabry–Perot interferometer
Authors: Lee Jung‐Chul , An Jin Young , Kim Byung‐Woo
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Non‐uniform distribution of pore size and depth of porous Si chip for a Fabry–Perot interferometer, in a previous study, led to relatively low sensitivity with poor reproducibility when its surface was immobilized with calyx crown derivative (Prolinker A). In this study, porous anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) was used as an alternative biochip substrate for detecting β‐galactosidase, and chip fabrication and surface functionalization methods were optimized.

RESULTS: According to structural and spectral analysis of the AAO surface, an optimal operating voltage for anodization was determined as 40 V, which gave the best uniformity in pore size (about 30 nm) and fringe pattern. The ΔEOT (difference in effective optical thickness) showed a linear relationship (R2 = 0.9932) with β‐galactosidase concentration in the range 0.05–5 units enzyme mL−1, corresponding to 0.07–7.0 µg protein mL−1.

CONCLUSIONS: With uniformly porous AAO immobilized with Prolinker A, sensitivity was enhanced about 200 times compared with the lowest detection concentration of 10 units mL−1 with the porous Si chip used in the previous study. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Differences among cell types in NAD+ compartmentalization: A comparison of neurons, astrocytes, and cardiac myocytes
Authors: Alano Conrad C. , Tran Alexandra , Tao Rong , Ying Weihai , Karliner Joel S. , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: September 2007

Activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP‐ribose)‐1 leads to the death of neurons and other types of cells by a mechanism involving NAD+ depletion and mitochondrial permeability transition. It has been proposed that the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is required for NAD+ to be released from mitochondria and subsequently consumed by PARP‐1. In the present study we used the MPT inhibitor cyclosporine‐A (CsA) to preserve mitochondrial NAD+ pools during PARP‐1 activation and thereby provide an estimate of mitochondrial NAD+ pool size in different cell types. Rat cardiac myocytes, mouse cardiac myocytes, mouse cortical neurons, and mouse cortical astrocytes were incubated with the genotoxin N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in order to activate PARP‐1. In all four cell types MNNG caused a reduction in total NAD+ content that was blocked by the PARP inhibitor 3,4‐dihydro‐5‐[4‐(1‐piperidinyl)butoxy]‐1(2H)‐isoquinolinone. Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition with cyclosporine‐A (CsA) prevented PARP‐1‐induced NAD+ depletion to a varying degree in the four cell types tested. CsA preserved 83.5% ± 5.2% of total cellular NAD+ in rat cardiac myocytes, 85.7% ± 8.9% in mouse cardiac myocytes, 55.9% ± 12.9% in mouse neurons, and 22.4% ± 7.3% in mouse astrocytes. CsA preserved nearly 100% of NAD+ content in mitochondria isolated from these cells. These results confirm that it is the cytosolic NAD+ pool that is consumed by PARP‐1 and that the mitochondrial NAD+ pool is consumed only after MPT permits mitochondrial NAD+ to exit into the cytosol. These results also suggest large differences in the mitochondrial and cytosolic compartmentalization of NAD+ in these cell types. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Driving physical mechanisms of flow and dispersion in urban canopies
Authors: Klein P. , Leitl B. , Schatzmann M.
Published: September 2007

The paper summarizes results from recent full‐scale and wind‐tunnel studies and discusses the complexity of urban canopy layer (UCL) flow and related challenges for urban modeling. Wind‐tunnel data for idealized street‐canyon intersections demonstrate that street‐level flow and dispersion patterns are significantly altered for configurations with non‐uniform building heights. For most wind directions, concentration maxima were upto a factor of 2 higher for cases with taller buildings near the intersection. Enhanced vertical downward mixing in the wakes of the taller buildings apparently causes higher street‐level winds close by, but simultaneously, other regions become sheltered from active mixing and poor ventilation. The analysis of Joint Urban 2003 (JU2003) full‐scale data also pointed out that high‐momentum fluid can be effectively mixed down in the wakes of high‐rise buildings, and that UCL flow is predominantly dynamically driven by roof‐level winds. Building‐height variability is thus, a key factor for UCL dynamics and mixing.

Additionally, a linear model, which assumes that the along‐ and across‐canyon velocity components are directly proportional to their above roof‐level counterparts, has then been tested. The complexity of UCL flow patterns cannot be captured by such a simple model, but it may be useful for estimating street‐level winds. For the along‐canyon component, more than 70% of the calculated values were within a factor of 2 of the measured values, while for the across‐canyon component less than 50% of the predictions agreed within a factor of 2. The practical applicability of the model was further assessed using JU2003 wind‐tunnel data and a comparison between JU2003 wind‐tunnel and full‐scale flow profiles is also presented. It becomes obvious that UCL flow patterns are significantly altered by changes in upwind wind direction of less than 10° . While the field and laboratory results are qualitatively in good agreement, noticeable differences exist at certain sites. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
A novel injectable scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering using adipose‐derived adult stem cells
Authors: Wei Yiyong , Hu Yunyu , Hao Wei , Han Yisheng , Meng Guolin , Zhang Dezhi , Wu Zixiang , Wang Haiqiang
Published: September 2007

Articular cartilage has a limited self‐regenerative capacity. Thus, treatment of cartilage lesions is a major challenge. Tissue engineering using a variety of biomaterials is a promising solution to the problem of cartilage damage. In this in vitro study, we investigated the effect of the presence of cartilage‐tissue chondroitin‐sulfate (CS) in a fibrin scaffold on the differentiation of adipose‐derived adult stem cells (ADAS cells) into chondrocytes. Isolated rabbit ADAS cells were cultured in fibrin matrices with and without CS for up to 14 days. ADAS cells differentiated into chondrocytes in both matrices, but cell proliferation, glycoaminoglycans content, and type II collagen expression were significantly higher in the fibrin–CS matrices than those in the fibrin matrices alone. Histological examination and scanning electronic microscopy revealed the fibrin–CS matrices exceeded in inducing differentiation of ADAS cells into chondrocytes in terms of tissue morphological characteristics. We concluded that the fibrin–CS matrices mimicking native cartilage extracellular matrix could act as a three‐dimensional scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering and have the potential for promoting ADAS cells differentiation into chondrocytes. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:27–33, 2008
Chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and functionality of raw and processed Phaseolus lunatus
Authors: Granito Marisela , Brito Yannellis , Torres Alexia
Published: September 2007

The nutrients, non‐nutritional components and bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity of raw, cooked, tray and drum‐dried Phaseolus lunatus have been quantified. Likewise, the minerals, soluble carbohydrates, total polyphenols and tannins in the soaking and cooking waters were quantified. In addition, the functional properties such as the water and oil absorption indexes and the emulsifying and the foaming capacities were studied. The protein content of the raw beans was 24.98% and decreased, like calcium, magnesium and potassium, with the soaking and cooking processes; these losses are found in the soaking and cooking waters. Drum drying decreased anti‐nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors (66.09%) and cyanhydric acid (50.36%). Similarly, soluble fiber, available starch, total starch, and soluble sugars diminished, while total and insoluble fiber and resistant starch increased. The content of total polyphenols, tannins and antioxidant capacity decreased with thermal processing, being drum drying the process that least diminished antioxidant capacity. Likewise, the water absorption index was increased by 85% and 161.5% with processing. It was shown that P. lunatus is an important source of nutrients and can be consumed in whole bean form or used as a functional ingredient to be added in the development of new products. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of different single dietary sources on moult induction in laying hens
Authors: Mansoori Behzad , Modirsanei Mehrdad , Farkhoy Mohsen , Kiaei Mohammad‐Mehdi , Honarzad Jila
Published: September 2007

An investigation was carried out to assess the possibility of using single dietary sources as alternatives to feed deprivation for the induction of moult in commercial laying hens. The study involved six dietary groups of 29 laying hens: unmoulted, dried tomato pomace, alfalfa meal, rice bran, cumin seed meal and feed withdrawal. The birds received the above diets during the moulting period (11 days), and body weight loss and ovary weight regression were measured. Post‐moult production parameters (number of eggs produced per hen per day, egg weight, shell weight, yolk colour and Haugh unit) were measured for 12 weeks. Results showed that all dietary sources were as effective as feed withdrawal in causing ovary weight regression in birds. Birds provided with tomato pomace or alfalfa showed lower weight losses than feed‐deprived birds at the end of the moulting period. Hens moulted by tomato pomace or alfalfa exhibited post‐moult levels of egg production over a 12 week period that were superior to those of hens moulted by feed withdrawal. Post‐moult eggs laid by hens moulted by all dietary sources were of comparable quality to eggs from feed‐deprived hens and superior to those from unmoulted hens. As fibrous feeds with low metabolisable energy and an appreciable amount of protein, dried tomato pomace and alfalfa meal may be fed to hens on an ad libitum basis for effective moult induction while reducing the stress of severe starvation and retaining comparable egg quality and production. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant studies on Syzygium cumini fruit
Authors: Benherlal Palayyan Saraswathy , Arumughan Chami
Published: September 2007

Syzygium cumini, widely known as Jamun, is a tropical tree that yields purple ovoid fleshy fruit. Its seed has traditionally been used in India for the treatment of diabetes. Based on the available ethno‐pharmacological knowledge, further studies were extended to understand the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of three anatomically distinct parts of fruit: the pulp, kernel and seed coat. Fruit parts, their corresponding ethanol extracts and residues were evaluated for chemical composition. The alcoholic extract was evaluated for its antioxidant potential against DPPH•, OH•, O2•− and lipid peroxidation. The whole fruit consisted of 666.0 ± 111.0 g kg−1 pulp, 290.0 ± 40.0 g kg−1 kernel and 50.0 ± 15.0 g kg−1 seed coat. Fresh pulp was rich in carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Total fatty matter was not significant in all three parts of fruit. Detailed mineral analysis showed calcium was abundant in all fruit parts and extracts. Total phenolics, anthocyanins and flavonoid contents of pulp were 3.9 ± 0.5, 1.34 ± 0.2 and 0.07 ± 0.04 g kg−1, respectively. Kernel and seed coat contained 9.0 ± 0.7 and 8.1 ± 0.8 g kg−1 total phenolics respectively. Jamun pulp ethanol extract (PEE), kernel ethanol extract (KEE) and seed coat ethanol extract (SCEE) showed a high degree of phenolic enrichment. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the samples and standards in descending order was: gallic acid > quercetin > Trolox > KEE > BHT > SCEE > PEE. Superoxide radical scavenging activity (IC50) of KEE was six times higher (85.0 ± 5.0 µg mL−1) compared to Trolox (540.0 ± 5.0 µg mL−1) and three times compared to catechin (296.0 ± 11.0 µg mL−1). Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (IC50) of KEE was 151.0 ± 5.0 µg mL−1 which was comparable with catechin (188.0 ± 6.0 µg mL−1). Inhibition of lipid peroxidation of the extracts was also studied and their activity against peroxide radicals were lower than that of standard compounds (BHT, 79.0 ± 4.0 µg mL−1; quercetin, 166.0 ± 13.0 µg mL−1; Trolox, 175.0 ± 4.0 µg mL−1; PEE, 342.0 ± 17.0 µg mL−1; KEE, 202.0 ± 13.0 µg mL−1 and SCEE, 268.0 ± 13.0 µg mL−1. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Animal welfare in organic farming systems
Authors: Spoolder Hans AM
Published: September 2007

The concept of farm animal welfare can, for practical purposes, be translated into the so‐called Five Freedoms.1 Organic farming aims to meet animal welfare needs and should therefore comply with these Freedoms. The first Freedom, from hunger and thirst, is met in any system properly managed to organic standards. The Freedom from thermal and physical discomfort is challenged as organic husbandry systems face more climatic extremes. However, they also provide more ‘control’ to the animal by offering a choice when seeking warmth or a cool place to lie. The Freedom from pain, injury and disease is the most complicated one. Organic farming virtually bans mutilations (e.g. debeaking, tail docking), although some are still allowed and practised (e.g. castration). Organic animals are more exposed to wildlife and at risk of contracting infectious diseases. However, it is possible (although not proven) that organically managed animals are more resistant to illness. The Freedom to express normal behaviour is met through environmental enrichment and group housing. The Freedom from fear and distress is supported by e.g. extra (social) space. In conclusion, if animal health can be maintained, organic farming is very well placed to provide good animal welfare. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipid processing in ionic liquids
Authors: Lue Bena‐Marie , Guo Zheng , Xu Xuebing
Published: September 2007

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been touted as ”green” alternatives to traditional molecular solvents and have many unique properties which make them extremely desirable substitutes. Among their most attractive properties are their lack of vapour pressure, broad liquid range, strong solvating power and the ability to tailor properties of individual ILs to meet specific requirements. This article highlights current research as well as the vast potential of ILs for use as media for reactions, separation and processing in the lipid area.
Is the metabolic syndrome a useful concept?
Authors: Stanley John
Published: September 2007

Not all obese individuals are insulin resistant while individuals who fail to develop adequate adipose tissue mass, a rare disorder called lipodystrophy, are insulin resistant. These observations suggest that the relationship between body fat and insulin resistance is complex. This relationship can be explained by considering body fat distribution. According to one idea visceral fat is characterised by the overproduction of fatty acids which stimulate glucose production by the liver and inhibit glucose use by skeletal muscle and the underproduction of adipokines such as adiponectin which improve insulin resistance. Hence individuals with excess visceral fat become insulin resistant. According to a second idea excess visceral fat is a marker for dysfunctional adipose tissue. Energy in excess of requirements is normally stored as triacylglycerols in subcutaneous fat. If this is defective then triacylglycerols are stored at other ectopic sites leading to impaired function. Obese individuals without insulin resistance store their triacylglycerols in subcutaneous fat and are protected. Individuals with lipodystrophy have no subcutaneous fat so they develop insulin resistance.
A Comparative Study of Oxygen Permeabilities of Film‐Forming Polymers by Quenching of Platinum Porphyrin Phosphorescence
Authors: Hess Sandra , Becker Alfons , Baluschev Stanislav , Yakutkin Vladimir , Wegner Gerhard
Published: September 2007

Oxygen permeabilities of different polymers were determined by using two different methods based on quenching of an excited phosphorescent dye by oxygen. In the first method, the phosphorescent dye platinum octaethylporphyrin is directly dissolved in the polymer film of interest whereas in the second method a sensor film is used which is separated from the film of interest by a spacer. The polymers investigated are PMMA, PVC, PVAc, cellulose acetate, PEMA, and PS. The resulting oxygen permeability coefficients are compared with data reported in the literature. It was found that oxygen permeation strongly depends on the protocol of preparation and thermal history of the films.

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Preparation of Thermosensitive PNIPAm‐Grafted Mesoporous Silica Particles
Authors: Park Jun‐Hwan , Lee Young‐Ho , Oh Seong‐Geun
Published: September 2007

In this study, the composites of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and mesoporous silica particles were synthesized. 3‐(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MOP) was used to introduce double bonds on silica particles. First, MOP‐modified spherical silica particles were prepared by the sequential addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and MOP into W/O (water‐in‐oil) emulsion. Second, PNIPAm‐grafted silica microparticles were synthesized by the radical copolymerization of MOP‐modified silica particles and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) monomers in the ethanol/water mixture. Polymerization was carried out with the variation of reaction temperature, concentration of crosslinking agent, and weight ratio of MOP‐modified silica particles to NIPAm monomers. The formations of MOP‐functionalized silica microspheres and PNIPAm‐grafted silica microparticles were characterized by FE‐SEM, TEM, FT‐IR, TGA, and BET. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAm‐grafted silica particles was investigated by DSC.

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Multicyclic Poly(ether ester)s by Polycondensation of Ethoxylated Pentaerythritol with Dicarboxylic Acid Dichlorides
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Bornhorst Kirstin , Schwarz Gert
Published: September 2007

Commercial ethoxylated pentaerythritol (EPE) was polycondensed with phthaloyl chloride, isophthaloylchloride, terephthaloyl chloride, and sebacoyl chloride. The monomer concentration was varied to find the borderline between soluble multicylic polyesters and gelation. The tendency of gelation increased in the above given order of dicarboxylic acids. Gelation was also favored by a lower content of ethylene oxide units in the EPE. An alternative approach based on the cyclization of EPEs with dibutyltin dimethoxide followed by acylation with dicarboxylic acid dichloride proved to be unsuccessful. The soluble multicycles were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, viscosity, and SEC measurements. The DSC measurements confirmed an amorphous character of all polyesters.

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Effect of Organoclay on the Orientation and Thermal Properties of Liquid‐Crystalline
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Jayita , Sinha Ray Suprakas , Bousmina Mosto
Published: September 2007

The preparation and thermal and thermo‐mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on liquid‐crystalline polymers (LCP) and organically‐modified layered silicate (OMLS) is described. From XRD patterns, very little smectic ordering is present in the pure LCP; in the nanocomposites, the polymer chains tended to orient in the direction of the dispersed clay layers. According to the DSC results, during first heating, the first melting peak represents the crystalline to nematic transition and, after that, a broader isotropization takes place. Although TGA of the samples showed a single‐step decomposition through chain scission under an inert atmosphere, in air the nanocomposites underwent a two‐step process, with onset of degradation at a higher temperature. The first step is mainly due to chain scission and the second is due to oxidative reactions.

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Macromol. Chem. Phys. 18/2007
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Jayita , Sinha Ray Suprakas , Bousmina Mosto
Published: September 2007

Cover: The cover shows the change of orientation of a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) in the presence of clay platelets. In the X‐ray diffraction pattern the LCP exhibits diffuse rings with a sharp ring as an outer shell, whereas the nanocomposite exhibits sharp and intense X‐ray diffractions at the shell and in the core. Not only the orientation but also the smectic‐like ordering of the LCP was improved in the presence of clay particles. Further details can be found in the Full Paper by J. Bandyopadhyay, S. Sinha Ray,* and M. Bousmina on page 1979.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Directly Injection‐Molded Blends of Poly(ether imide) and Polysulfone of Bisphenol A
Authors: Ramiro Jorge , Eguiazábal José Ignacio , Nazábal Jon
Published: September 2007

Blends of PEI with PSU were prepared directly during the plasticization step of an injection molding process. The phase behavior, the morphology and the mechanical properties of the blends were determined. The blends were composed of an almost pure PEI phase and a PSU‐rich phase. The particle size was very small, indicating a low interphase tension that is attributed to the presence of PEI in the two phases of the blends. The modulus of elasticity of the blends was close to that of the additive. The impact strength was higher than that of PEI. The tensile strength and elongation at break were also almost additive, despite the biphasic nature of the blends, indicating the existence of good interfacial adhesion.

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Fabrication, Morphology and Properties of Soybean Oil‐Based Composites Reinforced with Continuous Glass Fibers
Authors: Lu Yongshang , Larock Richard C.
Published: September 2007

Novel thermosetting composites were successfully prepared using glass fiber as a reinforcement for soybean and LoSatSoy oil‐based resins prepared by cationic copolymerization with styrene and divinylbenzene. The effect of the matrix composition and glass fiber loading on the morphology, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the resulting composites were extensively investigated. Increasing the glass fiber loading from 0 to 50 wt.‐% in the composites resulted in a significant increase in Young's modulus from 150 to 2 730 MPa and ultimate tensile strength from 7.9 to 76 MPa. The correlation between the experimental mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced composites with values calculated by various empirical models was also analyzed. Increasing the crosslinking of the matrix resulted in composites with improved thermal and mechanical properties. These soybean oil‐based composites have good structure damping properties and potential applications where the reduction of both unwanted noise and vibration is important.

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Macromol. Mater. Eng. 9/2007
Authors: Equiza Nilton , Yave Wilfredo , Quijada Raúl , Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad
Published: September 2007

Cover: Recycling of thermoplastic wastes generates resources in developing countries. By adding small amounts of binary and specific compatibilizers, plastic materials with improved properties and potential applications can be developed. Further details can be found in the article by N. Equiza, W. Yave,* R. Quijada, and M. Yazdani‐Pedram on page 1001.
Functional Polymer‐Opals from Core–Shell Colloids
Authors: Lange Birger , Metz Nadine , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Fleischhaker Friederike , Theato Patrick , Schröder Heinz‐Christoph , Müller Werner E. G. , Tremel Wolfgang , Zentel Rudolf
Published: September 2007

Colloidal photonic crystals were prepared from monodisperse core–shell particles. The shell is hereby formed from a functional monomer, such as glycidylmethacrylate or different reactive ester monomers, which can perform chemical reactions and the core from a standard monomer, which yields highly monodisperse colloids. It was possible to crystallize the core–shell particles into artificial opals with excellent optical properties. Reactions on the functional surface of the colloids were carried out, which lead to a dramatic rise in the mechanical stability or to a functionalization of His‐tagged silicatein, which acts as nanoreactor to synthesize and immobilize gold nanoparticles from auric acid onto the core–shell colloids.

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Poly(azomethine) Rotaxanes: Novel Water Soluble Supramolecular Polymers with High Molar Mass
Authors: Horvath Gabriela , Nepal Dhriti , Geckeler Kurt E.
Published: September 2007

A novel type of supramolecular poly(azomethine) was synthesized by the polycondensation of an inclusion complex of β‐cyclodextrin/poly(oxypropylene)diamine with one of β‐cyclodextrin/terephthaldehyde and a subsequent reaction with [60]fullerene as the end capping agent. Molar mass determination by gel permeation chromatography showed that the polymers had a high molar mass (about 150 kg · mol−1) with a very narrow polydispersity. Isothermal titration calorimetric studies confirmed that each poly‐(oxypropylene)diamine unit could host seven cyclodextrin molecules, which was further supported by 1H NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling studies. Additional characterization by 13C NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy, as well as by thermogravimetric analysis, confirmed the structure of the cyclodextrin‐based polyrotaxane.

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Photocrosslinkable Liquid Crystal Main‐Chain Polymers: Thin Films and Electrospinning
Authors: Krause Simon , Dersch Roland , Wendorff Joachim H. , Finkelmann Heino
Published: September 2007

For mechanical actuators, a response to external stimuli is required. Main‐chain liquid crystal elastomers (MCLCEs) show high response to changes in temperature especially in the vicinity of a phase transition. Most of these crosslinked materials were synthesized in a one‐step reaction which leads to a macroscopically aligned elastomer. Up to now only macroscopic samples have been prepared. We are presenting a new approach which allows us to prepare thin films as well as aligned fibers. First a liquid crystalline main‐chain polymer with a photoactive moiety was synthesized, which was oriented by a mechanical field and photocrosslinked. The thin films show exceptional mechanical properties such as large temperature‐dependent changes in length and a nonlinear stress–strain relation. To obtain fibers, we used the electrospinning process from solution with in situ UV curing. We obtained crosslinked fibers with a uniform alignment of the nematic director.

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Preparation of New Multiarmed RAFT Agents for the Mediation of Vinyl Acetate Polymerization
Authors: Fleet Reda , McLeary J. B. , Grumel V. , Weber W. G. , Matahwa H. , Sanderson R. D.
Published: September 2007

Summary: In this study five xanthate (Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT)/Macromolecular Design through Interchange of Xanthates (MADIX)) agents were synthesized, namely monofunctional, difunctional, trifunctional and tetrafunctional species of the form SC(O‐Z)‐S‐R, with different leaving groups and different activating moieties some of which are completely novel. Polyvinyl acetates (PVAc) in the form of linear, three armed and four armed star shaped polymers were then successfully synthesized in reactions mediated by these xanthate RAFT/MADIX agents.