bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltammetric Sensor for Sodium Nitroprusside Determination in Biological Fluids Using Films of Poly‐L‐Lysine
Authors: Pereira Francisco Claudece , Zanoni Maria Valnice Boldrin
Published: March 2007

Sodium nitroprusside (NP), a commercial vasodilator, can be pre‐concentrated on vitreous carbon electrode modified by films of 97.5%: 2.5% poly‐L‐lysine (PLL): glutaraldehyde (GA). This coating gives acceptable anion exchange properties whilst giving the required improvement of adhesion to the glassy carbon electrode surface. Linear response range and detection limit on nitroprusside in B‐R buffer pH 4.0, were 1×10−6 to 2×10−5 mol L−1 and 1×10−7 mol L−1, respectively. The repeatability of the proposed sensor, evaluated in term of relative standard deviation, was measured as 4.1% for 10 experiments. The voltammetric sensor was directly applied to determination of nitroprusside in human plasma and urine samples and the average recovery for these samples was around 95–97% without any pre treatment.
Copper Microelectrode as Liquid Chromatography Detector for Herbicide Glyphosate
Authors: Coutinho Cláudia F. B. , Coutinho Lincoln F. M. , Mazo Luiz H. , Lanças Fernando M.
Published: March 2007

Electrochemical behavior of herbicide glyphosate at copper microelectrode was investigated in alkaline and buffer solutions, and two mechanisms seemed to take place for glyphosate: i) complexation reaction at lower potential in alkaline and buffer solutions and ii) catalysis process at higher potential in alkaline solution. It was demonstrated that the copper microelectrode can be used as coulometric detector for glyphosate in HPLC, using the complexation reaction in buffer solution. Under optimized conditions, the detection limit for glyphosate was 5.9×10−7 mol L−1. The present method was successfully applied to the determination of glyphosate in tomato juice with a recovery of 88%.
Variable smoothing in Bayesian intrinsic autoregressions
Authors: Brewer Mark J. , Nolan Andrew J.
Published: March 2007

We introduce an adapted form of the Markov random field (MRF) for Bayesian spatial smoothing with small‐area data. This new scheme allows the amount of smoothing to vary in different parts of a map by employing area‐specific smoothing parameters, related to the variance of the MRF. We take an empirical Bayes approach, using variance information from a standard MRF analysis to provide prior information for the smoothing parameters of the adapted MRF. The scheme is shown to produce proper posterior distributions for a broad class of models. We test our method on both simulated and real data sets, and for the simulated data sets, the new scheme is found to improve modelling of both slowly‐varying levels of smoothness and discontinuities in the response surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathways to prevention: A training and technical assistance initiative to increase program capacity to address infant mental health issues in Early Head Start
Authors: Mann Tammy L. , Boss Jennifer , Randolph Suzanne
Published: March 2007

This article provides an overview of a training and consultation program aimed at enhancing the capacity of Early Head Start (EHS) and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs to address infant mental health issues from a promotion, prevention, and treatment perspective. This program was implemented by the Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHS NRC), operated by ZERO TO THREE. The EHS NRC is funded by the Head Start Bureau to provide a diverse array of training and technical assistance support services to Early Head Start programs throughout the country. In the fall of 2001, ZERO TO THREE was funded to design and implement the Pathways Initiative. While ZERO TO THREE was not funded to test the efficacy of the Pathways Initiative as a research intervention similar to other papers described in this special issue, we worked creatively to identify resources that allowed us to engage an external evaluator to look at both process and outcome measures. This paper describes the consultation program, evaluation activities, and key lessons learned.
Risk for maternal depression and child aggression in Early Head Start families: A test of ecological models
Authors: Malik Neena M. , Boris Neil W. , Heller Sherryl S. , Harden Brenda Jones , Squires Jane , Chazan‐Cohen Rachel , Beeber Linda S. , Kaczynski Karen J.
Published: March 2007

Current literature indicates that risk for maternal depression is substantial in low‐income families. A large body of research also indicates that when mothers are depressed, children are at risk for a number of developmental difficulties. While mutual influence between child and parental difficulties has been noted, few studies examine risk factors for both depression and child aggression within ecological models. The present cross‐site study examined the unique and additive contributions of contextual factors, including SES and family functioning, on maternal depression and child aggression in Early Head Start families. A multiethnic sample of parents and their children, between the ages of 12 and 43 months, participated in this study. Families came from five Early Head Start programs across the United States, representing both urban and rural areas. Structural equation models (SEM) demonstrate mutual links between depression and aggression, mediated at least in part by ecological factors. SEM indicated that 36.4% of the variance in child aggression is accounted for in a model linking aggressive behavior to parent depression, stress, and couple‐level functioning, as well as other family interaction variables. A second model focusing on maternal depression revealed that 44.5% of the variance in maternal depression was accounted for through family factors, including couple‐related support and satisfaction and parenting stress. In this second model, child aggression was indirectly linked to maternal depression. These data have important implications for programs serving at‐risk families.
Infant mental health and family support: Contributions of Early Head Start to an integrated model for community‐based early childhood programs
Authors: McAllister Carol L. , Thomas Tammy
Published: March 2007

This paper analyzes the experiences of an Early Head Start (EHS) program in adopting and implementing an infant mental health (IMH) approach in its work with community families. Through qualitative methods (participant observation, qualitative interviews, and case studies), we examined the strategies used, and the challenges encountered, by program staff as they applied IMH principles in their home‐visiting interventions with families whose lives involve significant economic, social, and psychological stressors. Our study identified four elements crucial to an effective IMH initiative: (1) teamwork, especially the use of transdisciplinary teams to review family cases, (2) reflective supervision, (3) development of an integrated and empathic understanding of the child's needs and the parent's challenges in meeting those needs, and (4) a dynamic ecological understanding of children, families, and communities in which psychosocial and socioeconomic factors are viewed as mutually important and interactive. We argue that each of these elements both builds on and enhances long‐standing dimensions of this EHS program's family support approach, creating an innovative and integrated model of IMH and family support that could prove of value in many community‐based programs serving children and families whose emotional health is affected by everyday experiences of economic and social inequality.
Controllability of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the vicinity of the ground state
Authors: Lange H. , Teismann H.
Published: March 2007

Local exact controllability of the one‐dimensional NLS (subject to zero‐boundary conditions) with distributed control is shown to hold in a H1‐neighbourhood of the nonlinear ground state. The Hilbert Uniqueness Method (HUM), due to Lions, is applied to the linear control problem that arises by linearization around the ground state. The application of HUM crucially depends on the spectral properties of the linearized NLS operator which are given in detail. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flame retardancy of polycarbonate enhanced by adding fly ash
Authors: Soyama Makoto , Inoue Kazuhiko , Iji Masatoshi
Published: March 2007

We have developed a flame‐retardant polycarbonate resin whose flame retardancy is greatly enhanced by adding fly ash (a by‐product from thermal power plants). Fly ash with comparatively small average particle sizes (<10 µm) raised the flame retardancy of polycarbonate because of the hydrogen bond that forms between the polycarbonate and the hydroxy group on the fly ash surface. This bond primarily improves the heat resistance of the polycarbonate and also isomerizes the polycarbonate to promote carbonization. The polycarbonate with 25 wt% of the fly ash showed good other main characteristics, such as mechanical properties and moldability, comparable to those of a flame retardant polycarbonate reinforced with glass fiber, used for electronic products such as desktop computers, etc. Applying the fly ash eliminates the need to use current retardants such as organic halogen compounds and thus promotes the perceived environmental safety of flame‐ retardant polycarbonate. In addition, being able to use less raw resin by adding the fly ash means that less energy is required to manufacture flame‐retardant polycarbonate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of tool‐embedded dielectric sensors on heat transfer phenomena during composite cure
Authors: Skordos A.A. , Partridge I.K.
Published: March 2007

The present study examines the effects that placement of tool‐mounted dielectric sensors in the composite cure assembly has on the local thermal and degree‐of‐cure fields. A nonlinear heat transfer model, incorporating appropriate thermoset cure and thermal property submodels, is used to simulate the cure of carbon and glass composites of various thicknesses. The model is validated against experimental data obtained during the cure of composite samples in a resin‐transfer molding tool. The results of the simulations show that embedding a sensor can have a significant effect on the thermal field, because of the thermal conductivity mismatch between the metal tool and the sensor substrate material. In the heating‐up stage of the cure profile, sensors embedded in the heated tool side intensify thermal gradients, which causes a corresponding lag in the progress of the reaction in the area adjacent to the sensor. Exothermic effects are also intensified by the sensor presence, especially in the case of thick composite curing. These results suggest that control strategies based on the utilization of embedded sensors should take these effects into account. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:139–152, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effects of synthesis conditions on crystal morphological structures and thermal degradation behavior of hydrotalcites and flame retardant and mechanical properties of EVA/hydrotalcite blends
Authors: Du Longchao , Qu Baojun
Published: March 2007

The effects of synthesis methods and reaction conditions on the crystal morphological structures and thermal degradation behavior of hydrotalcites have been studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analysis (PSA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The flame retardant and mechanical properties of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) blends with the corresponding hydrotalcites have been estimated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and mechanical measurements. The results from the XRD, TEM, and PSA demonstrate that the hydrotalcites synthesized by ultrasound method have larger crystal sizes and particle size distribution than those by mechanical stirring method. Higher reaction temperature, longer dripping time, and lower solution concentration can increase the crystal and particle sizes of ultrasound‐synthesized hydrotalcites, whereas the longer ultrasound aging time can increase the crystal sizes and decrease the particle sizes of hydrotalcites because of the smashing conglomeration. The DTA data give a positive evidence that the hydrotalcite samples prepared by mechanical stirring method with longer alkaline dripping time have higher thermal degradation temperature than those by ultrasound method, since the ultrasound‐synthesized hydrotalcites have more lattice defects than stirring‐prepared hydrotalcites. The data from LOI, UL‐94, and mechanical tests show that the ultrasonic‐synthesized hydrotalcites have better flame retardant properties, whereas the stirring‐synthesized hydrotalcites have better tensile strength in the EVA/hydrotalcite blends. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:131–138, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on BMI modified allyl‐functional novolac resin/silica cloth composites: Effect of allylation degree on thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Luo Zhen‐hua , Liu Feng , Wei Liu‐he , Zhao Tong
Published: March 2007

A series of allyl‐functional novolac resin with various allylation degree, from 32.4 to 114.6%, were synthesized and then blended reactively with 4,4′‐bismaleimide biphenyl methane (BMI) at a weight ratio of 2.50:1 to get BMI‐modified allyl‐functional novolac (BMAN) resins. BMAN resins were used as matrix resin to fabricate BMAN/Silica cloth composites by compression molding process. Heat‐resistant properties of the composites were evaluated by means of dynamic mechanical analysis. The results indicated that thermal resistance of the composites increased as allylation degree of BMAN resins increased. Mechanical properties of the composites, including interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and flexural strength at room temperature and 300°C, were determined, and the results showed that with increase in allylation degree of matrices the ILSS and flexural strength values of composites at room temperature decreased, but the values of ILSS and flexural strength at 300°C increased. Scanning electron microscope morphology analysis of fracture surface for composites revealed that tough interphase was responsible for the better mechanical properties of the composites based on lower allylation degree resins. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:180–185, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Epoxy/POSS organic–inorganic hybrids: Viscoelastic, mechanical properties and micromorphologies
Authors: Zhang Zengping , Liang Guozheng , Wang Jieliang , Ren Penggang
Published: March 2007

A series of epoxy resin (EP)/octa(aminpropyl)silsesquioxane (POSS‐NH2) organic–inorganic hybrid composites (EP/POSS‐NH2 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, and 80/20 wt/wt) were prepared by melt casting and then curing. Viscoelastic and mechanical properties of these composites were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical testing, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study of the micromorphologies of the composites and to elucidate the toughening mechanisms of POSS‐NH2. POSS units incorporated into the epoxy network showed good compatibility with the resin matrix. Phase separation was not observed even at high POSS content (20 wt%). Incorporation of POSS macromer into the epoxy network after curing increased the glass transition temperature, slightly narrowed the temperature range widths of the glass transition, and lowered the intensities of their loss moduli peaks of the resultant composites. The glass transition temperature of EP/POSS‐NH2 composites increased significantly with increasing POSS content at lower POSS content (<10 wt%), while increased slightly at higher POSS content. Both impact and flexural strengths of the hybrids reached their optimum values when 10 wt% content of POSS was introduced. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:175–179, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Synthesis of in situ encapsulated intumescent flame retardant and the flame retardancy in polypropylene
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: March 2007

In this article, a nitrogen–phosphorus composite flame retardant, melamine phosphate (MP), was synthesized in a solution of phosphoric acid/macromolecular charring agent, polyamide 6 (PA6). With the progress of the phosphoric acid–melamine reaction producing MP, the acidity of this system decreased and the originally dissolved PA6 resin precipitated on the surface of MP particles to obtain the MP in situ encapsulated by PA6. This encapsulated MP was incorporated with a small molecular charring agent, pentaerythritol (PER), composed of an intumescent system to flame retard polypropylene (PP). As a result of the isolation effects of PA6 resin, the esterfication reaction between MP and PER was effectively suppressed at the processing temperature of PP, thus remarkably improving the thermal stability of such an intumescent system while maintaining the mechanical performance of the flame retardant PP. Additionally, encapsulated MP/PER system showed better charring properties when compared with MP/PER and therefore possessed a higher efficiency in flame retarding PP. The corresponding charring mechanisms of the former, including either a macromolecular charring agent or small molecular one, were investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:163–167, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
The structure of the Escherichia coli nucleoside diphosphate kinase reveals a new quaternary architecture for this enzyme family
Authors: Moynié Lucile , Giraud Marie‐France , Georgescauld Florian , Lascu Ioan , Dautant Alain
Published: March 2007

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) catalyzes the transfer of γ‐phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates. The subunit folding and the dimeric basic structural unit are remarkably the same for available structures but, depending on species, dimers self‐associate to form hexamers or tetramers. The crystal structure of the Escherichia coli NDPK reveals a new tetrameric quaternary structure for this protein family. The two tetramers differ by the relative orientation of interacting dimers, which face either the convex or the concave side of their central sheet as in either Myxococcus xanthus (type I) or E. coli (type II), respectively. In the type II tetramer, the subunits interact by a new interface harboring a zone called the Kpn loop as in hexamers, but by the opposite face of this loop. The evolutionary conservation of the interface residues indicates that this new quaternary structure seems to be the most frequent assembly mode in bacterial tetrameric NDP kinases. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pentagonal ZnO nanorods
Authors: Könenkamp R. , Word R. C. , Dosmailov M. , Nadarajah A.
Published: March 2007

We report the growth of ZnO nanorods with pentagonal cross‐section in electrodeposition on p‐type Si substrates. Cathodic potentials smaller than those used for growth of hexagonal nanorods are used. The pentagonal wires have a typical length of 1–2 µm and grow out of an inhomogeneous nano‐crystalline thin film. We tentatively explain the occurrence of the pentagonal morphology in terms of kinetic limitations for electron transport in the p‐Si substrate and changed chemical conditions at the growth surface. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fetal myocardial performance in pregnancies complicated by gestational impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Wong M. L. , Wong W. H. S. , Cheung Y. F.
Published: March 2007

Objective

To determine fetal myocardial performance in pregnancies complicated by mild gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT).

Methods

Ultrasound examinations were performed in 37 pregnant women with mild GIGT (36 did not require insulin) and in 44 controls at 18–24, 26–30 and 34–37 weeks of gestation. The thickness of the fetal ventricular walls and interventricular septum were measured by M‐mode echocardiography. Using conventional Doppler echocardiography, the mitral and tricuspid early (E) and late (A) diastolic velocities and the ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) were determined.

Results

The fetuses of women with GIGT had a greater abdominal circumference (P = 0.02), a larger amniotic fluid index (P = 0.03), and a tendency to be heavier (P = 0.058) at the third scan. There were no significant differences in myocardial thickness, mitral and tricuspid E and A velocities, and E/A ratios between study and control groups. The left and right ventricular MPIs, while similar between the two groups in the first and second scans, had decreased significantly by late gestation in the GIGT fetuses (P for trend = 0.018 and 0.014, respectively) and were significantly lower than those of the control group (P = 0.002 and 0.0008, respectively).

Conclusions

Fetuses of women with mild GIGT lack the ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction that is common in fetuses of diabetic mothers, and they have a decreased MPI late in gestation. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonomorphological evaluation of polypropylene mesh implants after vaginal mesh repair in women with cystocele or rectocele
Authors: Tunn R. , Picot A. , Marschke J. , Gauruder‐Burmester A.
Published: March 2007

Objective

To investigate whether the sonographically measured size of the mesh implant in women who had undergone vaginal polypropylene mesh repair 6 weeks previously correlates with the original size of the mesh and whether the mesh ensures complete support of the anterior or posterior compartment.

Methods

Forty postmenopausal women with anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse and sonographically proven cystocele (n = 20) or rectocele (n = 20) were evaluated preoperatively and 6 weeks after vaginal mesh repair. Introital ultrasound was performed to identify the polypropylene mesh and measure its distal to proximal length and configuration as well as its thickness. The initial mesh length was compared with that measured by ultrasound 6 weeks postoperatively. Vaginal length was measured pre‐ and postoperatively.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the women was 68 ± 7 years. The 20 women with cystocele underwent repair by means of anterior transobturator mesh implantation; the initial mesh length was 6.8 ± 1.1 cm versus 2.9 ± 0.6 cm postoperatively. The 20 women with rectocele underwent repair by posterior transischioanal mesh implantation; the initial mesh length was 9.9 ± 0.8 cm versus 3.3 ± 0.5 cm postoperatively. The mesh supported 43.4% of the length of the anterior vaginal wall and this value was 53.7% for the posterior wall (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Sonography is recommended for postoperative evaluation of the anterior and posterior mesh positions after prolapse surgery. There is a considerable discrepancy between the implanted mesh size and the length measured 6 weeks later by postoperative ultrasound. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel palm oils from cloned palms
Authors: Jones L. H.
Published: March 2007

The ability to propagate oil palms vegetatively, using tissue culture techniques, allows us to select unique individuals for clonal propagation. Although yield improvement is the major criterion, there is considerable variation in oil composition among individual palms.

Fatty acid composition is under genetic control although it also is influenced by environmental factors. Nevertheless, it is now possible to select palms for oil quality. Clones also can be propagated from interspecific hybrids, yielding more liquid oils.

Development of commercial clones of oil palm with novel palm oil composition will depend greatly on the availability of long term markets for premium priced oils.
Production of protein and fatty acids in the anaerobic fermentation of molasses byE. ruminantium
Authors: Mehta Ketan I. , Callihan C. D.
Published: March 2007

Production of protein and volatile fatty acids by anaerobic digestion of blackstrap molasses was investigated. This protein may have potential as a feed for animals (and, we hope, for humans) in the near future. Volatile fatty acids can be further fermented to produce methane. Fermentation of molasses byEubacterium ruminantium was studied in a chemostat at a constant temperature of 37 C. This study focused on kinetics of growth of the pure culture. The maximum rate of protein production of about 0.326 g/l/hr was obtained when the pH and retention times were 6.2 and between 5 and 7 hrs, respectively. Average cell yield was 12.6% and carbohydrate conversion was 82 to 99%. Volatile fatty acids also were produced, with acetic acid and n‐butyric acid being the predominant products. Two different kinetic models were used to fit the experimental data. The kinetic parameters obtained for the Monod model were: μmax=0.207 (1/hr); ks=0.165 g/l.
Enzymatic synthesis of carbohydrate esters of fatty acid (I) esterification of sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol
Authors: Seino Hajime , Uchibori Tsuyoshi , Nishitani Toshiyuki , Inamasu Sachiko
Published: March 2007

The authors attempted to synthesize carbohydrate esters of fatty acids enzymatically in order to overcome the problems associated with the chemical processes for the synthesis of commercial sucrose esters. The enzymes used were lipases from microorganisms belonging toRhyzopus, Enterbacterium, Aspergillus, Pseudomonas, Chromobacterium, Candida, Mucor andPenicillium. Fatty acids (stearic, oleic and linoleic) and carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol) used for the reaction were obtained from commercial sources. The enzyme reaction was performed by mixing the enzyme and the substrates in the buffer solution and incubating at 40 C; after freeze‐drying the mixture, the products were extracted and subjected to thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed by TLC and HPLC that carbohydrate esters of fatty acid were produced by the enzyme reaction, and their structures were confirmed by infra red (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometries. The lipase fromCandida cylindracea was the most enzyme active on the synthesis of carbohydrate esters. The optimum conditions for its activity were as follows: molar ratio of carbohydrate to fatty acid: 0.05mol/l : 0.2mol/l; amount of lipase: 4g/l; pH of the reaction mixture: 5.4 in phosphate buffer; reaction period: 72 hr.
Preliminary gas chromatographic analysis of flavor compounds in mayonnaise
Authors: Min D. B. , Tickner D. B.
Published: March 2007

The flavor compounds in fresh, 3‐ and 6‐month‐old mayonnaise at room temperature have been analyzed by a gas chromatographic method. The results indicate that as the storage time of mayonnaise increased, the flavor compounds formed from oil in mayonnaise increased. However, the concentrations of allyl isothiocyanate which is the major flavor compound of mustard, and acetic acid and ethyl acetate which are the major compounds in vinegar did not change during the 6 months’ storage at room temperature. The analytical method described has shown good reproducibility in the analysis of mayonnaise flavor compounds and can be used as an instrumental analytical method to evaluate the mayonnaise flavor quality and to complement the sensory evaluation of mayonnaise.
Composition of fatty acids obtained by decomposition of castor oil fatty acid estolides
Authors: Lakshminarayana G. , Subbarao R. , Sastry Y. Sita Rama , Rao T. Chandrasekhara , Kale Vijay , Vijayalakshmi P.
Published: March 2007

The composition (wt %) of the fatty acids obtained by decomposition of castor oil fatty acid estolides and distillation was determined by a combination of spectroscopic (ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared), chromatographic (thin layer on Silica Gel G modified with silver nitrate and ammonium hydroxide, gas liquid) and chemical (partial reduction and periodate/permanganate oxidation) techniques and found to be 16:0, 2.7; 18:0, 2.6; 18:1, 5.2; conjugatedcis,trans (trans,cis)‐18:2, 34.4; conjugatedcis,cis‐18:2, 9.7; conjugatedtrans,trans‐18:2, 3.9; 9‐cis,12‐trans‐18:2, 20.8; 9‐trans,12‐cis‐18:2, 2.3; and 9‐cis,‐18:2, 18.4.
Sodium santalbate‐dimethyl sulfate inclusion complex
Authors: Narayana K. H. Shankara , Rao G. S. Krishna
Published: March 2007

A molecular inclusion complex has been obtained from the major acetylenic acid, santalbic acid (octadec‐11‐en‐9‐ynoic acid ortrans‐11‐octadecen‐9‐ynoic acid) of the seed oil ofSantalum album L. by a simple treatment of its sodium salt with dimethyl sulfate. Aqueous solutions (0.5–1%) of the complex produce good lather and have efficient cleansing (detergent) action on grease and dirt particles.
Jaocs news feature: malaysian palm oil
Authors: Guan Ho Sim
Published: March 2007

Palm oil is growing rapidly in importance as an export oil. The Malaysian palm oil development is described, and predictions are that it will supply 1,400,000 tons of oil by 1975 and 1,750,000 tons by 1980. Production in 1971 was ca. 580,000 tons.
Treatment of soybean oil soapstock to reduce pollution
Authors: Beal R. E. , Sohns V. E. , Menge H.
Published: March 2007

Often soapstock is acidulated to convert this byproduct of vegetable oil refining to a salable commodity. The acidic waste water from this treatment constitutes a significant part of the environmental pollution from refineries. A process of neutralizing and drying was investigated as a nonpolluting method for upgrading soybean oil soapstock. Neutralization with sulfuric acid was conducted in a ribbon blender. The neutral soapstock was dried to ca. 4% moisture, either batchwise in a natural circulation evaporator or continuously in a scraped film evaporator. The product is liquid while hot but solidifies to a waxy solid when cooled to room temperature. When added to a standard broiler ration, the feed efficiency and rate of gain of chickens equaled that obtained with a commercial feed fat added at the same level. The soapstock products fed, which contained 200–300 ppm xanthophyll, gave significantly better shank pigmentation than the commercial fat, which contained 3 ppm.
Evaluation of a gas chromatogram of a mixture containing aldehydes and aldehydic esters obtained by oxidative degradation of the positional isomers of methyl octadecenoate
Authors: Van Der Plank P.
Published: March 2007

A simple method is described to evaluate gas chromatograms of mixtures containing aldehydes and aldehydic esters obtained by ozonolysis of mixtures of positional isomers of methyl octadecenoate. The evaluation is based on the assumption that the process of ozonolysis and the subsequent reduction of the ozonides is independent of the double bond position. This implies the formation of equivalent amounts of aldehydes and aldehydic esters, which results in certain ratios between the values of gas chromatographic peak areas of degradation products from the same molecule. These ratios can be calculated for a flame‐ionization detector. Peak area values of partly or completely fused peaks can then easily be corrected.
Nutritional quality in formulated foods
Authors: Johnson Ogden C.
Published: March 2007

With advances in food technology, fortification of foods for proper nutrition is becoming more complex. Eating patterns are changing; snack foods and formulated products are becoming a larger part of the diet. An added nutrient must be regarded as a food additive and its safety must be established. Meat analogs and meal replacements involve special problems. Additional analytical methods are needed. The optimum quantity of added nutrient must be carefully determined and controlled. Programs must be devised to inform consumers about food quality and safety.
Regional differences of lipid composition in morphologically distinct fatty tissues: IV. Safflower and sunflower seeds
Authors: Fedeli E. , Cortesi N. , Camurati F. , Jacini G.
Published: March 2007

The lipids were extracted from three different anatomical parts of safflower and sunflower seeds. The neutral lipids and nonsaponifiable components were examined. While the differences in composition of the neutral lipid fractions in the extracts of the various anatomical parts were insignificant, the differences in minor components were noteworthy.
Preparation of lot samples of nut meats for mycotoxin assay
Authors: Stoloff Leonard , Dantzman John , Wegener John
Published: March 2007

A procedure has been devised for preparing lot samples of mycotoxin‐contaminated nut meats so that a representative analytical sample may be removed. The sample is rapidly reduced to coarse size. A relatively large portion (about 1/10 of total sample) of subsample is then split out and further comminuted to a fine particle size with the aid of a fat solvent (meat‐solvent, w/v, 3:2). The analytical sample is removed from this mixture. The procedure was tested with shelled almonds and shelled walnuts using radioactive nuts to simulate the mycotoxin contamination and provide a simple, precise measure of the contaminated nut meat distribution. The pooled coefficient of variation was 18% for the subsamples and 4.4% for the analytical samples. Considering the dilution factors used (1.50 and 2.14 contaminated nuts/104 nuts) and the low degree of reliability of the lot sample, the sample preparation methods tested appear to be practical and reliable.
Dielectric properties of some long‐chain esters in the solid state
Authors: Hunter James , Eddy C. Roland
Published: March 2007

The dielectric properties of a series of long‐chain alkyl esters were investigated over a wide temperature range (+25C to ‐35C) and frequency range (0.05kc to 100kc). The series included esters of all combinations of tetradecanol, hexadecanol, and octadecanol alcohols with tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic, and octadecanoic acids. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated and related to chain length, position of ester group in the chain, and crystal structure.
A method for calculating the ratio of each possible type of triglyceride in natural fat
Authors: Hayakawa Kan‐Ichi
Published: March 2007

A generalized method for calculating the weight ratios or mole fractions of triglycerides in natural fat is developed by applying Vander Wal's method for calculating the mole fractions. In the proposed method a generating function is introduced to calculate the mole fractions of triglycerides.
Binary systems with monoglycerides
Authors: Lutton E. S. , Jackson F. L.
Published: March 2007

A number of binary systems have been studied, each involving a 1‐monoglyceride. Included was the binary system of 1‐monopalmitin (1P)‐1‐monostearin (1S). Other systems involved 2‐monoglycerides, 1,3‐diglycerides and triglycerides as follows: 2P‐1P, 2S‐1S, PP‐1P, SS‐1S, PPP‐1P, SSS‐1S. A general principle running through the observed behavior is that the more chemically similar the components, the greater is the interaction or solid solution formation. Thus 1P‐1S showed continuous solid solution in both stable and metastable states with “compound formation” in the stable state. The systems 2P‐1P and 2S‐1S showed ॅ (sub ॅ) stability in a single solid solution phase for the range 20‐80% 1‐monoglyceride. The system PP‐1P and SS‐1S showed extensive solid solution formation in an ॅ state but little or none in the stable state. There was essentially no solid solution formation observed for stable states of PPP‐1P and SSS‐1S; experimental limitations made it difficult to draw certain conclusions about the metastable state, but here, too, it is believed, solid solution formation was negligible.
New polymeric surfactants from butadiene, urea and sulfuric acid
Authors: Rutledge Thomas F. , Hughes Francis A. , Galvin Thomas J. , Zech John D.
Published: March 2007

Butadiene, urea, and sulfuric acid react to form a new sulfated polymer. The sodium salt of the polymer, called BUS, is a good detergent and dispersant; it is practically nontoxic and nonirritating. BUS‐soap blends are good detergents for use in hard water. BUS can be precipitated from waste water by heavy metal salts and can be removed by percolation through soil.
Xanthurenic aciduria due to a mutation in KYNU encoding kynureninase
Authors: Christensen M. , Duno M. , Lund A. M. , Skovby F. , Christensen E.
Published: March 2007

Massive urinary excretion of xanthurenic acid, 3‐hydroxykynurenine and kynurenine, known as xanthurenic aciduria or hydroxykynureninuria, in a young Somali boy suggested kynureninase deficiency. Mutation analysis of KYNU encoding kynureninase of the index case revealed homozygosity for a c.593 A > G substitution leading to a threonine‐to‐alanine (T198A) shift. A younger brother was found to have a similar excretion pattern and the same genotype. At present, neither of the two boys has symptoms of niacin deficiency. This is the first report linking xanthurenic aciduria to a mutation in the gene encoding kynureninase.
Quantum Information Storage in the Localized State of a Spin Chain
Authors: Apollaro Tony J. G. , Plastina Francesco
Published: March 2007

We describe a chain of qubits with always on exchange interaction in the presence of a spatial inhomogeneity in the qubit level spacing. Similarly to the phenomenon of Anderson localization, this system has a localized eigenstate which can be used to store or trap quantum information. We discuss both the fidelity of storage and the leakage of information from this localized state and show that even a very small defect can be useful.
Quantum Erasure of Decoherence
Authors: Buscemi Francesco , Chiribella Giulio , D'Ariano Giacomo Mauro
Published: March 2007

We consider the classical algebra of observables that are diagonal in a given orthonormal basis, and define a complete decoherence process as a completely positive map that asymptotically converts any quantum observable into a diagonal one, while preserving the elements of the classical algebra. For quantum systems in dimension two and three any decoherence process can be undone by collecting classical information from the environment and using such an information to restore the initial system state. As a relevant example, we illustrate the quantum eraser of Scully et al. [Nature 351, 111 (1991)] as an example of environment-assisted correction, and present the generalization of the eraser setup for d-dimensional systems.
Decay of Entanglement Due to Pure Dephasing: the Role of Geometry of Entangled States
Authors: Roszak K. , Machnikowski P. , Jacak L.
Published: March 2007

The study of the effect that pure dephasing has on the entanglement of a pair of two-level systems shows that complete disentanglement may be caused by partial pure dephasing for some initial entangled states. We examine the behaviour of the entanglement of two confined charge states under the influence of partial pure dephasing introduced by a super-Ohmic reservoir (typical for semiconductors). We classify the set of completely dephasible states and provide an explanation of this effect.
Efficiency in Quantum Key Distribution Protocols with Entangled Gaussian States
Authors: Rodó C. , Romero-Isart O. , Eckert K. , Sanpera A.
Published: March 2007

Quantum key distribution (QKD) refers to specific quantum strategies which permit the secure distribution of a secret key between two parties that wish to communicate secretly. Quantum cryptography has proven unconditionally secure in ideal scenarios and has been successfully implemented using quantum states with finite (discrete) as well as infinite (continuous) degrees of freedom. Here, we analyze the efficiency of QKD protocols that use as a resource entangled gaussian states and gaussian operations only. In this framework, it has already been shown that QKD is possible [1] but the issue of its efficiency has not been considered. We propose a figure of merit (the efficiency E) to quantify the number of classical correlated bits that can be used to distill a key from a sample of N entangled states. We relate the efficiency of the protocol to the entanglement and purity of the states shared between the parties.
A Minimum-Disturbing Quantum State Discriminator
Authors: Buscemi Francesco , Sacchi Massimiliano F.
Published: March 2007

We propose two experimental schemes for quantum state discrimination that achieve the optimal tradeoff between the probability of correct identification and the disturbance on the quantum state.
Quantum Subspace Measurements
Authors: Anderson Neal G.
Published: March 2007

Fundamental studies of quantum measurements and their capacity to acquire information are typically based on scenarios in which the full Hilbert space of the measured quantum system is open to measurement interactions. In this work, we consider a class of incomplete quantum measurements — quantum subspace measurements (QSM's) — for which all measurement interactions are restricted to an arbitrary but specified subspace of the measured system Hilbert space. We define QSM's formally through a condition on the measurement Hamiltonian, obtain forms for the post-measurement states and positive operators (POVM elements) associated with QSM's acting in a specified subspace, and upper bound the accessible information for such measurements. Characteristic features of QSM's are identified and discussed.
Mutations in p97/VCP induce unfolding activity
Authors: Rothballer Andrea , Tzvetkov Nikolay , Zwickl Peter
Published: March 2007

A comparison of the protein sequences of various two‐domain AAA+ ATPases revealed a striking difference in the residues lining the central pore of the D1 domain. The protein unfoldases of the bacterial Clp family and the archaeal VAT protein have at least one aromatic residue in the central D1 pore. In contrast, none of the members of the eukaryotic p97/VCP protein family has an aromatic residue in the D1 pore. The protein unfolding activity of VAT and other AAA+ ATPases is critically dependent on the presence of aromatic residues in this central pore. Unfoldase activity has not been demonstrated for the p97/VCP family in vitro. Thus, we exchanged the two aliphatic residues leucine and alanine of the D1 pore for aromatic tyrosine residues in full length p97 and in p97ΔN, a truncated form of p97 lacking the N domain. We found that the mutant p97ΔN variants with a single tyrosine or with two tyrosine residues in the central pore of D1 unfold the Clp family and VAT model substrate YFP‐ssrA, whereas full length p97 with aromatic pore residues and wild‐type p97 or p97ΔN do not. Thus, p97 can exert unfoldase activity in vitro, provided that a single tyrosine residue is introduced into the D1 pore and that the N domain is deleted.
Molecular dynamics simulations of palmitate entry into the hydrophobic pocket of the fatty acid binding protein
Authors: Tsfadia Yossi , Friedman Ran , Kadmon Jonathan , Selzer Anna , Nachliel Esther , Gutman Menachem
Published: March 2007

The entry of substrate into the active site is the first event in any enzymatic reaction. However, due to the short time interval between the encounter and the formation of the stable complex, the detailed steps are experimentally unobserved. In the present study, we report a molecular dynamics simulation of the encounter between palmitate molecule and the Toad Liver fatty acid binding protein, ending with the formation of a stable complex resemblance in structure of other proteins of this family. The forces operating on the system leading to the formation of the tight complex are discussed.
Two HlyIIR dimers bind to a long perfect inverted repeat in the operator of the hemolysin II gene from Bacillus cereus
Authors: Rodikova Ekaterina A. , Kovalevskiy Oleg V. , Mayorov Sergey G. , Budarina Zhanna I. , Marchenkov Victor V. , Melnik Bogdan S. , Leech Andrew P. , Nikitin Dmitri V. , Shlyapnikov Michael G. , Solonin Alexander S.
Published: March 2007

HlyIIR is a negative transcriptional regulator of hemolysin II gene from B. cereus. It binds to a long DNA perfect inverted repeat (44 bp) located upstream the hlyII gene. Here we show that HlyIIR is dimeric in solution and in bacterial cells. No protein–protein interactions between dimers and no significant modification of target DNA conformation upon complex formation were observed. Two HlyIIR dimers were found to bind to native operator independently with Kd level in the nanomolar range. The minimal HlyIIR binding site was identified as a half of the long DNA perfect inverted repeat.
A remote but significant sequence homology between glycoside hydrolase clan GH‐H and family GH31
Authors: Janeček Štefan , Svensson Birte , MacGregor E. Ann
Published: March 2007

Although both the α‐amylase super‐family, i.e. the glycoside hydrolase (GH) clan GH‐H (the GH families 13, 70 and 77), and family GH31 share some characteristics, their different catalytic machinery prevents classification of GH31 in clan GH‐H. A significant but remote evolutionary relatedness is, however, proposed for clan GH‐H with GH31. A sequence alignment, based on the idea that residues equivalent in the primordial catalytic GH‐H/GH31 (β/α)8‐barrel may not be found in the present‐day GH‐H and GH31 structures at strictly equivalent positions, shows remote sequence homologies covering β3, β4, β7 and β8 of the GH‐H and GH31 (β/α)8‐barrels. Structure comparison of GH13 α‐amylase and GH31 α‐xylosidase guided alignment of GH‐H and GH31 members for construction of evolutionary trees. The closest sequence relationship displayed by GH31 is to GH77 of clan GH‐H.
Attenuated cytotoxicity but enhanced βfibril of a mutant amyloid β‐peptide with a methionine to cysteine substitution
Authors: Dai Xue-Ling , Sun Ya-Xuan , Jiang Zhao-Feng
Published: March 2007

Amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), the major constituent of senile plaques in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, is the main source of oxidative stress leading to neurodegeneration. The methionine residue in this peptide is reported to be responsible for neurotoxicity. Structurally similar substitution with methionine 35 replaced by cysteine in Aβ40 was synthesized, and this result in enhanced β‐sheet structures according to both circular dichroism (CD) spectra and β‐fibril specific fluorescence assay but attenuated cytotoxicity whether in the presence of copper or not. These findings may provide further evidence on disclosing the connection between amyloid β‐aggregation and Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity.
GTF2IRD1 regulates transcription by binding an evolutionarily conserved DNA motif ‘GUCE’
Authors: Thompson P.D. , Webb M. , Beckett W. , Hinsley T. , Jowitt T. , Sharrocks A.D. , Tassabehji M.
Published: March 2007

GTF2IRD1 is a member of a family of transcription factors whose defining characteristic is varying numbers of a helix–loop–helix like motif, the I‐repeat. Here, we present functional analysis of human GTF2IRD1 in regulation of three genes (HOXC8, GOOSECOID and TROPONIN I

SLOW
). We define a regulatory motif (GUCE–GTF2IRD1 Upstream Control Element) common to all three genes. GUCE is bound in vitro by domain I‐4 of GTF2IRD1 and mediates transcriptional regulation by GTF2IRD1 in vivo. Definition of this site will assist in identification of other downstream targets of GTF2IRD1 and elucidation of its role in the human developmental disorder Williams–Beuren syndrome.
Site specific phosphorylation of cytochrome c oxidase subunits I, IVi1 and Vb in rabbit hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Fang Ji-Kang , Prabu Subbuswamy K. , Sepuri Naresh B. , Raza Haider , Anandatheerthavarada Hindupur K. , Galati Domenico , Spear Joseph , Avadhani Narayan G.
Published: March 2007

We have mapped the sites of ischemia/reperfusion‐induced phosphorylation of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) subunits in rabbit hearts by using a combination of Blue Native gel/Tricine gel electrophoresis and nano‐LC–MS/MS approaches. We used precursor ion scanning combined with neutral loss scanning and found that mature CcO subunit I was phosphorylated at tandem Ser115/Ser116 positions, subunit IVi1 at Thr52 and subunit Vb at Ser40. These sites are highly conserved in mammalian species. Molecular modeling suggests that phosphorylation sites of subunit I face the inter membrane space while those of subunits IVi1 and Vb face the matrix side.