bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of globular protein gels: II concentration, pH concentration, ph and ionic strength dependence
Authors: Richardson Robert K. , Ross‐Murphy Simon B.
Published: April 2007

Aqueous gels can be made by heating concentrated solutions of the globular protein BSA above its unfolding temperature, around 60°. The effect of such factors as length of heating, protein concentration, pH and ionic strength on the small deformation shear modulus of the gel is determined. The results may be rationalised qualitatively in terms of the effect of these factors on the homogeneity and of the microstructure of the gel, but a quantitative description of the rheological properties in such a complex system remains to be found.
Effects of calcium carbonate fillers on the behaviour of PVC in fires
Authors: Matthews George , Plemper George S.
Published: April 2007

The effects of particle size and concentration of calcium carbonate fillers on the critical oxygen index and the evolution of hydrogen chloride during pyrolysis of PVC have been examined. Both retention of hydrogen chloride in the condensed phase and critical oxygen index chloride in the condensed phase and critical oxygen index depend not only on concentration but also on particle size of the calcium carbonate. Efficiency of retention of hydrogen chloride increases with decreasing particle size and approaches 100% at particle sizes below 0.1 micron. Critical oxygen index is not appreciably affected by calcium carbonates of particle size around one micron. Coarser calcium carbonates increase critical oxygen index, while finer calcium carbonates decrease it up to concentrations at which all the hydrogen chloride is retained in the condensed phase, after which it is steadily increased with increasing concentration.
General expressions of average molecular weights in polycondensation of polyfunctional monomers involving condensation by‐product
Authors: Durand Dominique , Bruneau Claude‐Marcel
Published: April 2007

In this paper, the general expressions of average molecular weights for condensation polymerisation involving eliminat species are derived in the pre‐gel region especially for systems composed of monomers endowed with both A and B coreactive functional groups. The weight average molecular weights are calculated directly according to a new method using the propagation expectation.
Thermodynamic and rheological properties of rodlike polymers
Authors: Berry Guy C. , Cotts P. Metzger , Chu Sung‐Gun
Published: April 2007

Investigations on dilute and concentrated solutions of several rodlike polymers are described. The former includes absolute and intensity fluctuation light scattering, exclusion chromatography and viscometry. The latter includes rheological properties of isotropic and anisotropic solutions. The discussion includes data for four rodlike polymers, each soluble only in strong sulphonic acids. The role of electrostic interactions and molecular association on the properties measured is considered. The similarities and differences of the rheological behaviour with that typically found with flexible chain polymers are pointed out.
Rapid polymerisation and cross‐linking reactions in thin film (1) the stopped‐flow rotational viscometer: Construction and preliminary studies
Authors: Sutton Geoffrey J. , Tighe Brian J.
Published: April 2007

The design and construction of a stopped flow rotational viscometer is described. This novel technique enables rapid polymerisation reactions in thin films to be studied in a controlled environment over a range of temperatures. The apparatus enables two components of a polymerisation system (typically monomer/solvent and initiator/solvent) to be separately and rapidly delivered to the sample cavity of a cone and plate viscometer. The flow of the components can be simultaneously arrested and the viscosity of the resultant monomer/initiator/solvent mixture monitored as a function of time. The system was designed for the study of cyclo olefin‐based polymerisation and cross‐linking reactions in the development of metal coating systems capable of high cross‐linking rates. An initial evaluation was however carried out using the well characterised free radical polymerisation of styrene and the cationic polymerisation of styrene catalysed by boron trifluoride etherate in toluene.
Thermal modification of amine cured epoxy resins ‐ thermal and mechanical studies
Authors: Maxwell Ian D. , Pethrick Richard A. , Datta Prasanta K.
Published: April 2007

Mechanical test data are reported on lap joints and tensile test specimens which have been subjected to a defined post cure cycle. The mechanical properties exhibited an apparently systematic variation with temperature. Inspection of the resins indicated that chemical modification does not appear to occur to a significant extent below 433K. The change in the strength of the joints tensile test samples are discussed in terms of the relative importance of physical and chemical changes on the mechanical properties. It is evident that in the presence of oxygen considerable chemical modification can occur and this is observed both in terms of a change in colour of the resin and the appearance of voids.
Preparation of ionic polyphosphonasiloxanes
Authors: Collis Anthony J. , Currell Brian R. , Grzeskowiak Roman , Lynn Michael E.
Published: April 2007

Mixtures of polyphosphonasiloxane oligomers have been prepared by the interaction of Ph2SiCl2 with PhPO(OH)2 and of Me2SiCl2 with MePO(OH)2. Substitution of LiH2PO4 for PhPO(OH)2 and MePO(OH)2 leads to the formation of polyphosphonasiloxanes containing ‐ O−Li+ groups. The Tg's of these products increase as greater amounts of lithium phosphate are incorporated. Use of NaH2PO4 does not produce polymers containing ‐ O−Na+, instead reaction of the ‐O−Na+ groups with Si‐Cl leads to the elimination of NaCl and the formation of cross‐linked polymers.
Preparation of overcoated polymer latices by a ‘shot growth’ technique
Authors: Chainey Malcolm , Hearn John , Wilkinson Michael C.
Published: April 2007

A ‘shot growth’ technique has been developed which enables a monodisperse polymer latex to be overcoated with a range of coating thicknesses by a different polymer. This has enabled a range of polymer latices to be produced which have mechanical and diffusional characteristics which are very different from either the seed latex or the coating polymer.
Phase equilibria in the two‐phase system polystyrene—liquid sulphur dioxide
Authors: Albihn Per , Kubát Josef
Published: April 2007

The concentration and molecular weight distribution (GPC) of polystyrene (PS) in the two phases of the PS‐SO2 (δ)‐system were determined. Typical concentrations of PS in the upper phase were around 30%, while the lower phase contained at most 1% PS. An exception was a PS‐grade with a low molecular weight (MW 3.5 · 103), which dissolved homogeneously. The molecular weight of PS in the lower phase was substantially below an the one found in the concentrated phase. Mechanical agitation was necessary to attain an equilibrium state; during the equilibration the upper phase became more diluted. At the same time the molecular weight of the lower phase PS‐fraction increased, while the MW value in the upper phase remained practically unchanged and equal to that of the virgin sample. The fractionation with regard to the molecular weight between the two phases was also reflected in the Tg‐values of the fractions. The value of X(Flory‐Huggins parameter) determined from vapour pressure data above the concentrated phase was 0.8–1.
The complete analysis of the polyorganosiloxanes formed by the trimethylsilylation of the minerals olivine and suzorite
Authors: Currell Brian R. , Midgley Henry G. , Parsonage John R. , Soubhi Suleyman , Vidgeon Edward A.
Published: April 2007

Methods are reported for the separation and complete quantitative estimation of the polyorganosiloxanes prepared by the trimethylsilylation of mineral silicates. Quantitative methods for the determination of low molecular weight oligomers up to Q6M12 (Q≡SiO4/2; M≡(CH3)3SiO1/2) are well known but there are no previously reported methods for the determination of high molecular weight species. This paper describes the application of gel permeation chromatography and quantitative high performance liquid chromatography to the study of these higher molecular weight species. Polyorganosiloxanes prepared from suzorite (a phlogopite) and from olivine (an orthosilicate) are used as examples. A further example is a study of the formation of higher molecular weight species on heating these polymers.
Thermally stimulated discharge current studies in copper phthalocyanine ‐ doped polystyrene films
Authors: Shrivastava S. K. , Ranade J. D. , Shrivastava A. P.
Published: April 2007

To improve the electret characteristics, TSD current studies of copper phthalocyanine ‐ doped polystyrene films of about 20 microns thickness have been made as a function of doping concentration, poling temperature and field. Generally the thermograms observed exhibit α and ρ peaks. The activation energy is found to decrease as the concentration of the dopant in the polymer is increased. It is established that keeping the forming field constant and by increasing the concentration of the dopant, the same polarisation can be obtained at a lower poling temperature. A Maxwell‐Wagner two‐phase model with space ‐ charge build‐up seems to provide a possible mechanism for the polarisation.
Photo‐polarisation in pure and doped polystyrene
Authors: Shrivastava S. K. , Ranade J. D. , Srivastava A. P.
Published: April 2007

Depolarisation currents have been measured of the photo‐electrets of pure and copperphthalocyanine doped polystyrene films using UV‐radiation. A hyperbolic decay law is observed suggesting bimolecular recombination process. Doped films show strong saturation with the applied field supporting a trap filling mechanism.
Fracture, strength and fatigue of filled thermoset composites
Authors: Brown Stephen K.
Published: April 2007

Flexural strength, impact energy and fatigue resistance are reported for a wide range of filled unsaturated polyester resin composites. Behaviour of these properties is compared with fracture energies reported earlier. Little correlation with the latter is found and reasons for this are discussed.
The electropolymerisation of acrylamide on carbon fibres
Authors: MacCallum James R. , MacKerron Duncan H.
Published: April 2007

Polyacrylamide has been synthesised at the surface of carbon fibre by the technique of electropolymerisation. Some details of the polymerisation have been presented and a preliminary proposal made for the mechanism responsible. The characterisations of carbon fibre and its surface have always presented a problem; in this work torsional braid analysis has been used to study the polymer present on the surface of the fibre.
The use of 29Si fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the characterisation of polymers and paints
Authors: Marshall Gregory L.
Published: April 2007

A range of commercial paint binders and two‐pack elastomers containing silícone materials have been investigated by 29Si Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectrocopy at 17.76MHz. In order to obtain good quality spectra within a minimum of time period, a relaxation agent was used to supress nuclear Overhauser effects, and to improve the relaxation times of the silicon nuclei.
Upper and lower critical solution temperatures in 2‐butanone solutions of cellulose diacetate
Authors: Suzuki H. , Muraoka Y. , Saitoh M. , Kamide K.
Published: April 2007

It was found that cellulose diacetate (the degree of substitution = 2.46) dissolved in 2‐butanone but that these solutions presented cloud points in both regions of the lower and upper critical solution temperatures (LCST and UCST). The cloud points were measured for one unfractionated and three well‐fractionated samples, from which the LCST and UCST were determined. The CST data were plotted according to Shultz and Flory, to yield the results of θu = 310K and θL = 433K. Here, θ is the theta point and the subscripts U and L refer to the UCST and LCST respectively. The present CST data were first compared with the prediction of a corresponding states theory by Patterson. When the Cowie‐McEwen semi‐empirical rule was employed to estimate the solvent characteristic temperature, a quantative agreement with the observed LCSTs was obtained, while the predicted USTs were too low in comparison with the observed ones. Secondly, an analysis according to Eichinger's theory offered information showing that the thermodynamic parameters of the present system were less temperature dependent. Differences between the present and the ordinary systems to which the Cowie‐McEwen method was applicable were enumerated, each of the being examined from several points of view. A consideration that the 2‐butanone molecules were solvated onto the cellulose diacetate molecules was helpful to explain the solubility behaviour of the present polymer.
Study on Mixed Glycols‐based Semi‐flexible Unsaturated Polyester Resins for Inhibition of Rocket Propellants
Authors: Agrawal J. P. , Chowk M. P. , Satpute R. S.
Published: April 2007

Seven semiflexible unsaturated polyester resins based on isophthalic acid, maleic anhydride and polyethylene glycol‐200 and propylene glycol (in different proportions) have been synthesised and characterised for gel time, exotherm peak temperature, tensile strength, percentage elongation, bond strength, nitroglycerine absorption, water absorption, flame resistance and voltile losses. The effect of glycol variation on these properties has also been discussed. Based on the data for various characteristics, resin 4 has been selected for inhibition and static evaluation of propellant. The propellant sustainers containing 2 NDPA have been inhibited with resin 4 without the application of any barrier coats and statically fired at ambient, cold and hot temperatures. The results of the static firings prove the worthiness of the new direct bonding inhibition system.
Surface photovoltaic effect in CdTe as influenced by recombination in the space‐charge region
Authors: Toušek J. , Toušková J. , Belas E. , Votoček L.
Published: April 2007

Diffusion length of minority carriers in CdTe wafers was measured by the surface photovoltage (SPV) method. A model including recombination in the space‐charge region (SCR) is presented to explain the SPV spectra. Assuming a thick neutral bulk and an electric field only in the SCR, five parameters are needed for characterization of the system. On analyzing the problem we have found that the most important of them – the diffusion length of minority carriers L – is not influenced by recombination in the SCR. The results are verified on samples with different resistivities, and extracted diffusion length is compared with literature data. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of growth defects in thin GaN layers with X‐ray microbeam
Authors: Barabash R. I. , Ice G. E. , Roder C. , Budai J. , Liu W. , Figge S. , Einfeldt S. , Hommel D. , Davis R. F.
Published: April 2007

The spatially resolved distribution of strain, misfit and threading dislocations, and crystallographic orientation in uncoalesced GaN layers grown on Si(111) by maskless cantilever epitaxy or by pendeo epitaxy on SiC was studied by white beam Laue X‐ray microdiffraction, scanning electron and orientation imaging microscopy. Tilt boundaries formed at the column/wing interface depending on the growth conditions. A depth dependent deviatoric strain gradient is found in the GaN. The density of misfit dislocations as well as their arrangement within different dislocation arrays was quantified. Two different kinds of tilt (parallel and perpendicular to the stripe direction) manifested themselves by mutually orthogonal displacements of the (0006) GaN Laue spot relative to the Si(444) Laue spot. The origin of the tilts is discussed with respect to the miscut of the Si(111) surface and misfit dislocations formed at the interface. Regular oscillations of the conventional wing tilt were observed. Irregular crystallographic tilts fluctuations were found in the direction parallel to stripes. The amplitude of fluctuations is an order of magnitude smaller for layers with a lower defects density. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of ethanol extracts from Adzuki bean (Phaseolus angularis Wight.) and Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) on estrogen and progesterone receptor phenotypes of MCF‐7/BOS cells
Authors: Zhao Qing‐wei , Huang Xin , Lou Yi‐jia , Weber Nadine , Proksch Peter
Published: April 2007

In this study, the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the estrogen‐like activities of ethanol extracts from two common Chinese legumes, i.e. Adzuki bean (Phaseolus angularis Wight.) and Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) were investigated. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) measurement and western blot analysis were conducted to detect the functional mRNA and protein expressions, while immunofluorescence was used to determine the estrogen receptor (ER) intracellular distribution in the MCF‐7/BOS cell line. The results indicated that (1) both mRNA and protein levels of progesterone receptor (PR) in the cell line increased after 48 h treatment with the extracts compared with those in the control; (2) Adzuki and Lima bean extracts might alter the ER intracellular distributions in two different manners: for the Adzuki bean, the ER appeared in both cytoplasm and nucleus, while for the Lima bean, it exhibited the same pattern as that of estradiol in which the ER almost disappeared in the nucleus and mainly occurred in the cytoplasm. Above all, the results showed a novel pattern of ER intracellular distribution in the MCF‐7/BOS cell line upon exposure to Adzuki bean extract, suggesting that different pathways were involved in the estrogen‐like activities of the ethanol extracts of Adzuki bean and Lima bean. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnobotanical studies in mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.; Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Jatoi Shakeel Ahmad , Kikuchi Akira , Gilani Syed Abdullah , Watanabe Kazuo N.
Published: April 2007

Curcuma amada Roxb. is an important species known as mango ginger due to its characteristic raw‐mango aroma. It has a long history of traditional uses ranging from folk medicine to several culinary preparations. The phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnobotanical studies of C. amada are reviewed. The rhizome is rich in essential oils, and more than 130 chemical constituents with biomedical significance have been isolated from it. Its antibacterial, insecticidal, antifungal and antioxidant properties have been investigated. The conservation of indigenous knowledge by proper documentation is suggested. The chemotaxonomy, allelopathy and genetic diversity of C. amada have not yet been explored, and many such studies are possible. This review was compiled to provide consolidated information covering different aspects of the plant, to provide a basis on which to plan future studies and to promote sustainable use of C. amada. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local structures in Pb1−xMnxTe systems
Authors: Radisavljević I. , Ivanović N. , Novaković N. , Romčević N. , Mitrić M. , Andrić V. , Mahnke H.‐E.
Published: April 2007

The semimagnetic semiconductor Pb1−xMnxTe is a good representative of IV‐VI narrow‐gap semiconductors, the class of materials in which phenomena like variation of the band gap with composition, negative magnetoresistance, long‐term non‐equilibrium processes, and the phonon dispersion anomalies, have been readily observed. The off‐centering effects (i.e. displacement of the atoms from the regular lattice positions), and related low temperature ferroelectric phase transition, are also characteristic of these systems. In the attempt to resolve exact positions of both constitutive and impurity atoms, possibilities and features of their ordering and (or) clustering, and configurational and thermal disorder in the systems, we have performed EXAFS measurements at DESY‐HASYLAB X1 and A1 beam lines, on Te and Mn absorption K‐edges, for samples with different Mn concentrations (x = 0.002, 0.02, 0.1) at room temperature and 10 K. The results reveal that these systems are intrinsically quite disordered. The most significant deviations of the local structure from that predicted by X‐ray diffraction measurements are found around Mn atoms, and increase with Mn concentration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dosage rescue by UBC4 restores cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking the myosin type II gene MYO1
Authors: Díaz‐Blanco Nitza L. , Rodríguez‐Medina José R.
Published: April 2007

Myosin II is important for normal cytokinesis and cell wall maintenance in yeast cells. Myosin II‐deficient (myo1) strains of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are hypersensitive to nikkomycin Z (NZ), a competitive inhibitor of chitin synthase III (Chs3p), a phenotype that is consistent with compromised cell wall integrity in this mutant. To explain this observation, we hypothesized that the absence of myosin type II will alter the normal levels of proteins that regulate cell wall integrity and that this deficiency can be overcome by the overexpression of their corresponding genes. We further hypothesized that such genes would restore normal (wild‐type) NZ resistance. A haploid myo1 strain was transformed with a yeast pRS316‐GAL1‐cDNA expression library and the cells were positively selected with an inhibitory dose of NZ. We found that high expression of the ubiquitin‐conjugating protein cDNA, UBC4, restores NZ resistance to myo1 cells. Downregulation of the cell wall stress pathway and changes in cell wall properties in these cells suggested that changes in cell wall architecture were induced by overexpression of UBC4. UBC4‐dependent resistance to NZ in myo1 cells was not prevented by the proteasome inhibitor clasto‐lactacystin‐β‐lactone and required the expression of the vacuolar protein sorting gene VPS4, suggesting that rescue of cell wall integrity involves sorting of ubiquitinated proteins to the PVC/LE–vacuole pathway. These results point to Ubc4p as an important enzyme in the process of cell wall remodelling in myo1 cells. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of solid triglyceride stearines as fluid shortening ingredients
Authors: Linteris L. L. , Thompson S. W.
Published: April 2007

One deficiency of liquid oils as all‐purpose shortenings is their failure to cause the aeration in the mixing of conventional cake batters which is a normal function of the shortening ingredient. The addition of substantially insoluble, solid triglycerides in very finely divided form to liquid oils, with the object of improving their cake performance but not destroying fluidity, has been studied. Stearines made from rapeseed and mustardseed oils and certain peanut‐oil fractions possessed the desired properties. The effective triglycerides in these stearines were of the monobehenodistearin and stearopalmitobehenin type.
The effects of alkali cooking on the yields of crude and neutral oil from cottonseed meats
Authors: Eaves P. H. , Molaison L. J. , Knoepfler N. B. , Spadaro J. J.
Published: April 2007

Equal quantities of flaked cottonseed meats of identical composition were similarly cooked at high moisture conditions with and without alkali present. The cooked flakes were exhaustively extracted with commercial hexane, and the yields of crude oil, neutral oil, and meal were determined. The yields from an equal quantity of uncooked flakes were similarly determined, chiefly to serve as a neutral oil control. Analyses of the crude oils and meals were compared to determine the effects of the presence of alkali while cooking on the composition of the products.

These experiments show that there was a reduction in the yields of both crude and neutral oil resulting from the admixture of alkali with cottonseed flakes while cooking. Assuming yields from flakes cooked with water as 100%, and average of 0.6% less crude oil was obtained from alkali‐cooked than from watercooked flakes. A similar comparison of the yields of neutral oil shows that those from the alkali‐cooked flakes averaged about 0.75% less than from the flakes cooked with water.

The crude oils from alkali‐cooked flakes contained only about one‐fifth as much gossypol as those from the water‐cooked flakes and were appreciably lower in free fatty acids. The crude oils from alkali‐cooked flakes were significantly higher in phosphorus. The sodium content of the oils from alkali‐cooked flakes indicated that their content of soaps ranged from 0.07% to 0.19%.
Effect of long‐term storage on acute oral toxicity and gossypol content of cottonseed pigment glands
Authors: Eagle Edward , Davies D. L.
Published: April 2007

Six samples of cottonseed pigment glands and two samples of pure gossypol stored for more than four to nine years were re‐evaluated for their acute oral toxicity in the rat and re‐analyzed for gossypol content. There was no appreciable effect on the acute oral toxicity or gossypol content after these long storage periods.
Pilot‐plant development of the alkali‐cooking process for cottonseed meats. III. Quantitative effect of cooking variables on solubility of meal nitrogen
Authors: King W. H. , Knoepfler N. B. , Hoffpauir Carroll L.
Published: April 2007

Summary and Conclusions

A study was made of previously published data resulting from experimental cooking of cottonseed from the viewpoint of quantitative relationship between cooking conditions and denaturation of the protein as measured by the solubility of the meal nitrogen in 0.02N NaOH. It was observed that the rate of denaturation of hexane‐ and butanone‐extracted cottonseed meal, autoclaved at constant temperature and moisture content for various lengths of time, closely followed the equation for a firstorder reaction. The average reaction velocity constant is 0.012. Since, in commercial oil mill operations, temperature and moisture content of the meats vary during cooking, an analysis of laboratory data obtained under such conditions was made, which resulted in an observation of an empirical relationship between rate of reduction of nitrogen solubility and the three principal factors which affect the rate of denaturation under practical conditions. The factors studied were moisture content, temperature, and duration of the cooking period. In these experiments the meats were adjusted to a constant pH of 8.2. Mathematical treatment of this observation led to an empirical formula relating cooking conditions and denaturation which correlated well with the cooking data. This formula indicates that the temperature increment above 135°F. in degrees F. has about the same effect, numerically, as the cooking time in minutes under the conditions studied. When the sum of these two factors is multiplied by the moisture factorurn:x-wiley:0003021X:media:aocs0046:equation:aocs0046-math-0001 an approximate, consistent value is obtained which is commensurate with the reduction in nitrogen solubility of the meal cooked under those conditions. The observation suggests the desirability of continuing the study with additional, carefully obtained data under laboratory and plant conditions. It is entirely possible that experiments designed to show the independent effect of moisture content on denaturation at constant temperature may help to explain the theoretical basis for the the equation developed. Such information should be a valuable addition to the knowledge of protein chemistry.
Scale‐dependent effects of windthrow disturbance on forest arthropod communities
Authors: Hirao Toshihide , Murakami Masashi , Iwamoto Jiro , Takafumi Hino , Oguma Hiroyuki
Published: April 2007

The effect of disturbance on local communities may operate within the context of the spatial landscape. We examined the scale‐dependent effects of windthrow disturbance caused by a large typhoon on three arthropod communities in a temperate forest of Japan. Canopy arthropods were collected by beating foliage, forest‐floor arthropods were collected by sweeping the vegetation, and flying arthropods were collected in Malaise traps. To assess the “functional spatial scale” at which arthropods responded to tree‐fall disturbance, the gap rate was quantified at different spatial scales by sequentially enlarging the radius of a circular landscape sector in 10‐m increments from 10 to 500 m. We then analyzed the responses of order richness and abundance to the gap rate for each arthropod community. The spatial scale of the significant best‐fitting model, which was selected from the models fitted to the gap rate at stepwise spatial scales, was regarded as the arthropod‐specific functional spatial scale. Arthropod order richness was not dependent on the gap rate. In contrast, arthropod order abundance depended significantly on the gap rate in many orders, but varied in the response direction and functional spatial scale. These order‐specific, scale‐dependent responses to tree‐fall gaps could complicate interactions among organisms, leading to complex community organization. An understanding of the spatial processes that link the use of space by organisms with the spatial scale at which ecological processes are experienced is required to elucidate the responses of populations, communities, and biotic interactions to disturbances in a spatial landscape context.
Rapid Analysis of Acylglycerols in Low Molecular Weight Milk Fat Fractions
Authors: Craven R. J. , Lencki R. W.
Published: April 2007

A suitable analytical method was required to facilitate development of an industrial‐scale short‐path distillation (SPD) process. Short‐path distillation produces milk fat distillates (MFD) enriched in low molecular weight milk fat components—viz. free fatty acids, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, cholesterol and low molecular weight triacylglycerols. In this case, solid‐phase extraction (SPE) was considered a better alternative than thin‐layer chromatography for separating polar and apolar lipid components in MFD samples due to its speed and near‐complete recoveries. Solid‐phase extraction of MFDs yielded two fractions, both of which are sufficiently pure for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography. This procedure provided rapid and complete chemical characterization (including mass balances) of low‐molecular weight milk‐fat fractions.
Using Microwave Heating and Microscopy to Estimate Optimal Corn Germ Oil Yield with a Bench‐Scale Press
Authors: Dickey L. C. , Cooke P. H. , Kurantz M. J. , McAloon A. , Parris N. , Moreau R. A.
Published: April 2007

The increase in ethanol production from corn has prompted development of processes to separate corn germ. The corn germ co‐product would be a source of corn oil if a practical oil separation process were also developed. We carried out bench‐scale corn‐germ‐pressing experiments to determine the maximum potential oil recovery which were then used to estimate commercial germ crushing costs. Corn germ was preheated in a microwave oven and oil was then extracted with a bench‐scale press. Preheating the germ was necessary to obtain good oil yields. The uniform heating of the microwave oven more closely resembles compressive heating of commercial scale presses than does oven heating. Three different microscopic techniques were used to examine the effects of microwave and conventional‐oven heating on corn germ. Microscopy revealed that microwave heating heated oil in the germ more quickly than the other components of the germ. Heating by both methods destroyed lipid body membranes and oil coalesced and pooled. Less oil could be pressed from germ initially containing 3–6% moisture than germ containing 15–20% moisture. Maximum oil recovery of about 65% was obtained for all germs tested when the optimum press temperature and germ feed moisture were used.
Mechanical fragmentation and transportation of calcium phosphate substrate by filopodia and lamellipodia in a mature osteoclast
Authors: Nagafusa T. , Hoshino H. , Sakurai T. , Terakawa S. , Nagano A.
Published: April 2007

The functions of filopodia and lamellipodia in mature osteoclasts are not well known in the process of bone resorption. We investigated the function of filopodial/lamellipodial movement in mature osteoclasts by video‐enhanced contrast‐differential interference contrast (VEC‐DIC) microscopy. Mature osteoclasts, which were isolated from Japanese white rabbits, were cultured on calcium phosphate (CP)‐coated quartz coverslips to observe filopodial/lamellipodial movement and the formation of CP‐free areas precisely. Filopodia broke the CP substrate into pieces and transported them to the cell body by capturing them at the tip. Lamellipodia destroyed the CP substrate, and transported it to the cell body by capturing small particles in a mass. This study suggests two functions of filopodia and lamellipodia in mature osteoclasts, i.e., the mechanical fragmentation of the CP substrate and the transportation of the CP particles to the cell body.
Transcendentalist Intransigence: Why Rulers Rejected Monotheism in Early Modern Southeast Asia and Beyond
Authors: Strathern Alan
Published: April 2007

Two rulers, one in Africa, one in Asia, are about to undergo the ceremony of baptism following first contact with the Portuguese maritime expansion—but they insist that the rite be conducted in secret. The African ruler is a regional governor (the Mani Soyo) of the Congo King Nzinga Nkuwu who has just converted in 1491. The high king's diplomatic exchanges with the sea captain Diogo Cão had not elicited any real sensation of vulnerability to Portuguese imperial designs, yet he had been happy to convert nonetheless. Now the Mani Soyo is about to follow suit, but he will not have any of his subordinates witnessing the ritual because he does not want them benefiting from the enhanced status and power that the ritual could bestow. In the highlands of Sri Lanka some fifty years later, the King of Kandy is equally intent on keeping his baptismal rites hidden from public view. But his reasons are strikingly different. He does this “lest his people should kill him.” When news of the baptism did leak out rioting followed, and the king had to spread the story that it had all been a ploy to deceive the Portuguese.
Supremacy of EC Law in the New Member States Bringing parliaments into the Equation of ‘Co-operative Constitutionalism’
Authors: Albi Anneli
Published: April 2007

Minimal constitutional amendment at accession forced constitutional courts in new member states to make great efforts to avoid conflicts with EC and EU law – The importance of expanding the equation of ‘co-operative constitutionalism’ beyond judicial actors, by involving political institutions – The case of constitutional amendment in Estonia and Latvia – The concern over fundamental rights protection versus EC market regulation in Hungary, Estonia and the Czech Republic – Co-operative constitutionalism beyond judicial dialogues.
Contemporary dialogues with fascist law and jurisprudence
Authors: Riley Stephen
Published: April 2007

It’s easy to miss the jokes in Kafka. Scholarship and biography have recast Kafka’s stories as self-referential parables of anomie written by a tortured neurotic who did not want to be read. In a cruelly accurate portrayal of how the academic and biographical industries can be a barrier to understanding, Alan Bennett’s play Kafka’s Dick satirises how biographical prurience over Kafka’s life has obscured the fact that he wrote simple stories, steeped in black humour, about myopic men vainly trying to do impossible things. The two books considered here – Law after Auschwitz and Darker Legacies of Law in Europe – follow Bennett’s theme. They share a desire to strip away received assumptions and counter-factual conjectures in order to explore fascist legal thought and activity on their own terms. On the way they offer interesting parallels with contemporary European law, medico-legal thought, administrative law, penal theory and so on. But, more simply, these books, like Kafka’s, recount the stories of men – self-styled members of the master race attempting to take over the world – desperate to analyse and systematise laws created by authorities who despise law. And failing. They failed to see that a war economy is not conducive to enduring legal reform. They failed to see that basing contract and criminal law on community feelings is going to be a frustrating business.
Measurements of dense snow avalanche basal shear to normal stress ratios (S/N)
Authors: Platzer K. , Bartelt P. , Kern M.
Published: April 2007

We investigate frictional processes at the basal shear layer of snow flows. A chute is instrumented with basal force plates, velocity and flow height sensors to perform experiments with dry and wet snow. We find that a Mohr‐Coulomb relation of the form S = c + bN accurately describes the relation between normal (N) and shear stress (S). The Coulomb friction coefficient b ranges between 0.22 and 0.55. Several wet snow avalanches exhibited significant cohesion c ≈ 500 Pa. These quantitative measurements of stress, velocity and flow height allow us to probe the relation between basal work, internal dissipation and gravitational potential energy. We find that basal shearing is the primary frictional mechanism retarding snow flows. This mechanism shows no velocity dependence, contrary to many postulated constitutive relations for basal shearing in snow avalanches.
Effect of the temperature dependence of gas absorption in climate feedback
Authors: Huang Yi , Ramaswamy V.
Published: April 2007

In the context of climate feedback associated with temperature change, there exist two potential mechanisms that affect the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and the downward longwave radiation (DLR). One is the “Planck” effect that determines the blackbody thermal emission at a considered temperature. The other is the “absorptivity” effect, in which a temperature change causes a change in gas absorptivities and thus influences the longwave radiative transfer. By using the line‐by‐line computed radiative Jacobians, which quantify the sensitivity of the radiative fluxes to a perturbation in the atmospheric temperature, the absorptivity effect is separated from the Planck effect. The absorptivity effect is further partitioned into components, with each one having a distinct physical meaning. It is demonstrated that the absorptivity‐induced changes in the longwave radiation are individually significant even though the net effect is largely one of cancellation. As a consequence, the Planck effect dominates the overall OLR and DLR sensitivities to temperature change. The absorptivity effect tends to counteract the Planck effect. This tendency is particularly significant for the DLR and is more prominent for a warmer climate, with the result being a reduction in the surface warming.
Recent developments in nitric oxide donor drugs
Authors: Miller M R , Megson I L
Published: April 2007

During the 1980s, the free radical, nitric oxide (NO), was discovered to be a crucial signalling molecule, with wide‐ranging functions in the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. Aside from providing a credible explanation for the actions of organic nitrates and sodium nitroprusside that have long been used in the treatment of angina and hypertensive crises respectively, the discovery generated great hopes for new NO‐based treatments for a wide variety of ailments. Decades later, however, we are still awaiting novel licensed agents in this arena, despite an enormous research effort to this end. This review explores some of the most promising recent advances in NO donor drug development and addresses the challenges associated with NO as a therapeutic agent.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 305–321; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707224
L‐Citrulline inhibits [3H]acetylcholine release from rat motor nerve terminals by increasing adenosine outflow and activation of A1 receptors
Authors: Barroso A , Oliveira L , Campesatto‐Mella E , Silva C , Timóteo M A , Magalhães‐Cardoso M T , Alves‐do‐Prado W , Correia‐de‐Sá P
Published: April 2007

Background and purpose:

Nitric oxide (NO) production and depression of neuromuscular transmission are closely related, but little is known about the role of L‐citrulline, a co‐product of NO biosynthesis, on neurotransmitter release.

Experimental approach:

Muscle tension recordings and outflow experiments were performed on rat phrenic nerve‐hemidiaphragm preparations stimulated electrically.

Key results:

L‐citrulline concentration‐dependently inhibited evoked [3H]ACh release from motor nerve terminals and depressed nerve‐evoked muscle contractions. The NO synthase (NOS) substrate, L‐arginine, and the NO donor, 3‐morpholinosydnonimine chloride (SIN‐1), also inhibited [3H]ACh release with a potency order of SIN‐1>L‐arginine>L‐citrulline. Co‐application of L‐citrulline and SIN‐1 caused additive effects. NOS inactivation with No‐nitro‐L‐arginine prevented L‐arginine inhibition, but not that of L‐citrulline. The NO scavenger, haemoglobin, abolished inhibition of [3H]ACh release caused by SIN‐1, but not that caused by L‐arginine. Inactivation of guanylyl cyclase with 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) fully blocked SIN‐1 inhibition, but only partially attenuated the effects of L‐arginine. Reduction of extracellular adenosine accumulation with adenosine deaminase or with the nucleoside transport inhibitor, S‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine, attenuated the effects of L‐arginine and L‐citrulline, while not affecting inhibition by SIN‐1. Similar results were obtained with the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine. L‐citrulline increased the resting extracellular concentration of adenosine, without changing that of the adenine nucleotides.

Conclusions and implications:

NOS catalyses the formation of two neuronally active products, NO and L‐citrulline. While, NO may directly reduce transmitter release through stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase, the inhibitory action of L‐citrulline may be indirect through increasing adenosine outflow and subsequently activating inhibitory A1 receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 541–550; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707242
Urocortin 1 modulates the neurohumoral response to acute nitroprusside-induced hypotension in sheep
Authors: Charles Christopher J. , Rademaker Miriam T. , Richards A. Mark
Published: April 2007

In addition to haemodynamic actions, Ucn1 (urocortin 1) has been reported to affect a number of hormonal systems; however, it remains unclear whether Ucn1 modulates circulating hormones under physiological conditions. Accordingly, in the present study, we have examined the effects of Ucn1 on haemodynamics, hormones and renal indices in normal conscious sheep subjected to a nitroprusside-induced hypotensive stimulus designed to alter hormonal levels within the physiological range. Ucn1 administration did not alter the haemodynamic response to nitroprusside-induced hypotension. However, compared with the rise observed on the control day, plasma ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide; P=0.043), BNP (brain natriuretic peptide; P=0.038) and endothelin-1 (P=0.011) levels were reduced following Ucn1 administration. Associated with this significant reduction in natriuretic peptides, the increase in urinary sodium output associated with rising pressures post-nitroprusside was abolished following Ucn1 administration (P=0.048). Ucn1 had no significant effect on the response of hormones of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system or the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis. In conclusion, Ucn1, administered at physiologically relevant levels during nitroprusside-induced hypotension, attenuates the secretion/release of endothelin-1 and the cardiac natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP. Suppression of ANP and BNP probably led to an attenuated natriuretic response to recovery from acute hypotension. The threshold for the action of Ucn1 on the natriuretic peptides and endothelin-1 appears to be below that of other actions of Ucn1.
Oxygen-regulated protein 150 and prognosis following myocardial infarction
Authors: Ng Leong L. , O'Brien Russell J. , Quinn Paulene A. , Squire Iain B. , Davies Joan E.
Published: April 2007

ORP150 (oxygen-regulated protein 150) is a chaperonin expressed in tissues undergoing hypoxic or endoplasmic reticulum stress. In the present study, we investigated plasma levels of ORP150 in patients with AMI (acute myocardial infarction) and its relationship with prognosis, together with a known risk marker N-BNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide). Plasma from 396 consecutive patients with AMI was obtained for measurement of ORP150 and N-BNP. Mortality and cardiovascular morbidity (acute coronary syndromes/heart failure) was determined during follow-up. A specific ORP150 assay detected the 150 kDa protein in plasma extracts, including 3 and 7 kDa fragments. During follow-up (median, 455 days), 43 (10.9%) patients died. Both N-BNP and ORP150 levels were higher in those who died compared with the survivors [N-BNP, 724 (14.5–28840) compared with 6167 (154.9–33884) pmol/l (P<0.0005); ORP150, 257 (5.9–870.9) compared with 331 (93.3–831.8) pmol/l (P<0.001); values are medians (range)]. In a Cox regression model for mortality prediction, both N-BNP (odds ratio, 5.06; P<0.001) and ORP150 (odds ratio, 2.39; P<0.01) added prognostic information beyond creatinine and the use of thrombolytics. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that ORP150 added prognostic information to N-BNP, especially in those with supra-median N-BNP levels. A simplified dual-marker approach with both markers below and either above or both above their respective medians effectively stratified mortality risk (log rank statistic for trend, 32.7; P<0.00005). ORP150 levels were not predictive of other cardiovascular morbidity (acute coronary syndromes or heart failure). In conclusion, ORP150 and peptide fragments derived from it are secreted following AMI and provide independent prognostic information on mortality. High levels associated with endoplasmic reticulum/hypoxic stress predict a poor outcome.
Influence of electric field on the hydrogen bond network of methanol
Authors: Suresh S. J. , Prabhu Arun Laxman , Arora Abhinav
Published: April 2007

The understanding of the structure of hydrogen (H) bonding liquids in electric (E) fields is important in the context of several areas of research, such as electrochemistry, surface science, and thermodynamics of electrolyte solutions. We had earlier presented a general thermodynamic framework for this purpose, and had shown that the application of E field enhances H-bond interactions among water molecules. The present investigation with methanol suggests a different result—the H-bond structure, as indicated by the average number of H bonds per molecule, goes through a maxima with increasing field strength. This result is explained based on the symmetry in the location of the H-bonding sites in the two types of molecules.
Morphology and hard magnetic properties of epitaxial Nd–Fe–B films grown on Mo and Cr∕Ta buffers
Authors: Kwon A. R. , Neu V. , Schultz L. , Fähler S.
Published: April 2007

Epitaxial hard magnetic Nd–Fe–B films were deposited on a Mo buffer layer on MgO(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition and compared with films on a combined Cr∕Ta buffer layer. On Mo buffers, films grow relatively smooth and continuous compared to Cr∕ Ta buffer, where the films posses a rough surface and granular. These differences in morphology are discussed with respect to lattice misfit and wettability, and they can explain the observed strong difference in coercivity. Despite the low coercivity the lower phase formation temperature and more continuous growth of Nd–Fe–B on Mo buffer may be of advantage for patterned media applications, which require smooth and continuous films.