bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous‐phase fat crystals strongly influence water‐in‐oil emulsion stability
Authors: Hodge S. M. , Rousseau D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTo elucidate the role of continuous‐phase fat crystals on emulsion destabilization, water‐in‐canola oil emulsions prepared with 0–2% (w/w) added solid fat (hydrogenated canola stearine or hydrogenated cottonseed stearine) were examined using pulsed NMR droplet‐size analysis, sedimentation, and microscopy. Droplet‐size analysis showed that addition of either fat prior to emulsification (precrystallized fat) or fat quench‐crystallized in situ following emulsification (postcrystallized fat) decreased the degree of droplet coalescence, based on volume‐weighted (d33) mean droplet diameters, with postcrystallized emulsions being more stable against coalescence. Sedimentation studies corroborated these results, with greatly enhanced stability against sedimentation in postcrystallized emulsions. Precrystallized fat had very little effect on emulsion sedimentation at levels as high as 2% (w/w). Postcrystallized cottonseed stearine produced slightly less resistant emulsions than did canola stearine, even if both were in the β‐form. Surface energetics revealed that canola stearine had greater affinity for the oil/water interface and hence a greater displacement energy. The presence of micronsized (Pickering) crystals located directly at the droplet interface, resulting from in situ crystallization or generated by the shearing of precrystallized fats, provided enhanced stability vis‐à‐vis preformed crystals. These stabilized emulsions via the formation of crystal networks that partially immobilized droplets.
Composition of phenolic acids in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries
Authors: Zadernowski R. , Naczk M. , Czaplicki S. , Rubinskiene M. , Szałkiewicz M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe composition of phenolic acids in several varieties of sea buckthorn berries was determined by GC and MS. In six cultivars the total content of phenolic acids ranged from 3570±282 to 4439±405 mg per kg of berries, on a dry basis. Seventeen phenolic acids were tentatively identified in the berries. Salicylic acid was the principal phenolic acid in sea buckthorn berries, accounting for 55 to 74.3% of the total phenolic acids present. The phenolic acids liberated from esters and glycosidic bonds were the major fractions of phenolic acids in the berries, whereas free phenolic acids constituted only up to 2.3% of total phenolic acids present.
Synthesis of mycolic acid biosurfactants and their physical and surface‐active properties
Authors: Lee Myungjin , Gwak Hyung Sub , Park Byeong Deog , Lee Sung‐Taik 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFive mycolic acids [2‐alkyl‐3‐hydroxy FA: R1C*(OH)C*HR2COOH] were synthesized using acyl chlorides with alkyl chains of different lengths (total carbon numbers of mycolic acids, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36). The relationship between the chemical structures of the mycolic acids and their surface‐active properties was determined. The acids were synthesized in three steps: (i) dimerization of acyl chloride into alkyl ketene dimer, (ii) selective reduction of C=C to C‐C by hydrogenation, and (iii) β‐lactone ring cleavage under alkaline conditions. The yields of C12‐, C16‐, C20‐, C24‐, and C36‐mycolic acid were 72, 73, 73, 73, and 73%, respectively. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of C12‐, C16‐, and C20‐mycolic acid were 2.2×10−4, 1.36×10−4, and 7.4×10−5 M, respectively. As the carbon number increased, the surface tension at the CMC value was also lower; the values for C12‐, C16‐ and C20‐mycolic acid were 46.54, 43.59, and 41.57 dyn/cm, respectively. The emulsifying activities of mycolic acids were determined for n‐tetradecane, n‐hexadecane, cyclohexane, and diesel oil. The results showed that C12‐mycolic acid was the best emulsifier for diesel oil, C16‐mycolic acid was the best emulsifier for n‐tetradecane and n‐hexadecane, and C20‐mycolic acid was the best emulsifier for cyclohexane. This study showed that mycolic acids having, surface‐active properties can be chemically synthesized for potential applications in the detergent/cleaning material industries, for example, in oil spill cleanup, oil recovery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Free radical meleation of soybean oil via a single‐step process
Authors: Tran Phuong , Seybold Ken , Graiver Daniel , Narayan Ramani 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this study a new value‐added product was developed from soybean oil for use as a chemical feedstock. The investigation and optimization of this work resulted in a fast and simple process to maleate soybean oil. An anhydride functionality was introduced into soybean oil through a free radical‐initiated maleation. Two initiators were evaluated, 2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy)2,5‐dimethylhexane peroxide and di‐tert‐butyl peroxide. The effects of reaction time, initiator concentration, maleic anhydride concentration, and reaction temperature were investigated. The maleated soybean oil was characterized using acid value, iodine value, and FTIR spectroscopy. The acid value was directly related to the initial concentration of maleic anhydride, whereas the concentration and type of initiator had little effect on the acid value. The peroxide‐initated functionalization of soybean oil with maleic anhydride in a closed vessel at elevated pressure and temperature was found to proceed by a Diels‐Alder mechanism.
A novel process for physically refining rice bran oil through simultaneous degumming and dewaxing
Authors: Rajam L. , Soban Kumar D. R. , Sundaresan A. , Arumughan C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new process for the physical refining of rice bran oil through combined degumming and dewaxing was developed on a laboratory scale and then demonstrated on a commercial scale. The simultaneous degumming and dewaxing of the crude oil with a solution of water and CaCl2, followed by crystallization at a low temperature (20°C), facilitated precipitation of the hydratable and nonhydratable phosphatides along with the wax, which enabled its separation and reduction to a greater extent. Bleaching and subsequent winterization (20°C) of this oil further reduced the phosphorus content to less than 5 ppm. Thus, these pretreatment steps enabled the physically refined rice bran oil to meet commercially acceptable levels for color, FFA content, and cloud point values (10–12 Lovibond units in a 1‐in, cell, <0.25%, and 4–5°C, respectively) with very low neutral oil loss; this has not been observed hitherto. Rice bran oil is known for its high levels of bioactive phytochemicals, such as oryzanol, tocols, and sterols. The process reported here could retain more than 80% of these micronutrients in the end product.
From the Curse of Ham to the curse of nature: the influence of natural selection on the debate on human unity before the publication of The Descent of Man
Authors: KENNY ROBERT 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the debate engendered in ethnological and anthropological circles by Darwin's Origin of Species and its effects. The debate was more about the nature of human diversity than about transmutation. By 1859 many polygenists thought monogenism had been clearly shown to be an antiquated and essentially religious concept. Yet the doctrine of natural selection gave rise to a ‘new monogenism’. Proponents of polygenism such as James Hunt claimed natural selection had finally excluded monogenism, but Thomas Huxley, the most prominent exponent of the new monogenism, claimed it amalgamated the ‘best’ of both polygenism and monogenism. What it did provide was an explanation for the irreversible inequality of races, while it maintained that all humans were of one species. This bolstered belief in the innate superiority of the Caucasians over other peoples. The effect was finally to sever British ethnology from its evangelical monogenist roots. More subtly and surprisingly, it provided support in Church circles for a move away from the ideal of the ‘Native Church’.
Compressional magnetoacoustic waves in a quantum dusty magnetoplasma
Authors: SHUKLA P. K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe linear dispersion relation for compressional magnetoacoustic waves in a quantum magnetoplasma is derived, taking into account the quantum Bohm potential and the magnetization of electrons due to the electron-1/2 spin effect. It is found that the quantum forces produce the wave dispersion at quantum scales, which depend on the external magnetic field strength.
Oleic acid is indispensable for intraerythrocytic proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: MI-ICHI F. , KANO S. , MITAMURA T. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYSerum-derived fatty acids are essential for the intraerythrocytic proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum in humans. We previously reported that only limited combinations of fatty acids can support long-term parasite culture, and palmitic acid (C16:0)/oleic acid (C18:1, n-9), palmitic acid (C16:0)/vaccenic acid (C18:1, n-7), or stearic acid (C18:0) are required in these combinations, implying that these fatty acids are key molecules for intraerythrocytic parasite growth (Mi-Ichi et al.2006). Here, we analysed profiles of parasitaemia changes as well as morphologies during the erythrocytic cycle and confirmed the importance of C16:0 and C18:1, n-9. We also provide evidence that C18:1, n-9 but not other C18 monoenoic or dienoic acids maintain the synchronicity of parasite development in serum-free medium when paired with C16:0, resulting in maintained exponential growth. Thus, C18:1, n-9 is indispensable for the intraerythrocytic proliferation of P. falciparum.
Increased levels of thiols protect antimony unresponsiveLeishmania donovanifield isolates against reactive oxygen species generated by trivalent antimony
Authors: MANDAL G. , WYLLIE S. , SINGH N. , SUNDAR S. , FAIRLAMB A. H. , CHATTERJEE M. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYThe current trend of antimony (Sb) unresponsiveness in the Indian subcontinent is a major impediment to effective chemotherapy of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Although contributory mechanisms studied in laboratory-raised Sb-R parasites include an up-regulation of drug efflux pumps and increased thiols, their role in clinical isolates is not yet substantiated. Accordingly, our objectives were to study the contributory role of thiols in the generation of Sb unresponsiveness in clinical isolates. Promastigotes were isolated from VL patients who were either Sb responsive (n=2) or unresponsive (n=3). Levels of thiols as measured by HPLC and flow cytometry showed higher basal levels of thiols and a faster rate of thiol regeneration in Sb unresponsive strains as compared with sensitive strains. The effects of antimony on generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal and thiol-depleted conditions as also their H2O2scavenging activity indicated that in unresponsive parasites, Sb-mediated ROS generation was curtailed, which could be reversed by depletion of thiols and was accompanied by a higher H2O2scavenging activity. Higher levels of thiols in Sb-unresponsive field isolates from patients with VL protect parasites from Sb-mediated oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the antimony resistance phenotype.
The cognitive neuropsychology of depression in the elderly
Authors: HERRMANN LUCIE L. , GOODWIN GUY M. , EBMEIER KLAUS P. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe cognitive impairment of older depressed patients with late- as opposed to early-onset illness may show important differences, in that patients with early onset may suffer predominantly from impaired episodic memory, and those with late onset mainly from reductions of executive function and processing speed.MethodWe searched Medline and EMBASE as well as individual papers' reference lists for relevant publications, recording comparisons in neuropsychological test results between early-onset depression (EOD), late-onset depression (LOD) and healthy volunteers. Effect sizes are presented for cognitive domains, such as executive function, processing speed, episodic memory, semantic memory and mental state examination.ResultsPatients with LOD showed greater reductions in processing speed and executive function than patients with EOD and controls. Both patient groups showed reduced function in all domains, except mental state, compared with controls.ConclusionPronounced executive deficits are typical of the late-onset patients described in published studies, while episodic memory impairment is not specific to early-onset illness. Possible reasons and confounders are discussed.
Design aspects and development of humanoid robot THBIP-2
Authors: Xia Zeyang , Liu Li , Xiong Jing , Yi Qiang , Chen Ken 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYThis is the first publication presenting the minihumanoid robot THBIP-2, the second-generation biped of Tsinghua University. It is 70 cm in height and 18 kg in weight with 24 degrees of freedom. This paper mainly addresses its mechatronics system realization, including the conceptual design, actuation system, sensing system, and control system. In addition, a walking stability controller based on zero moment point criterion and the walking simulation are presented. Finally, experiments validate and confirm the efficiency of the design.
PLTOOL: A knowledge engineering tool for planning and learning
Authors: Fernández Susana , Borrajo Daniel , Fuentetaja Raquel , Arias Juan D. , Veloso Manuela 
Published: July 2007

AbsractArtificial intelligence (AI) planning solves the problem of generating a correct and efficient ordered set of instantiated activities, from a knowledge base of generic actions, which when executed will transform some initial state into some desirable end-state. There is a long tradition of work in AI for developing planners that make use of heuristics that are shown to improve their performance in many real world and artificial domains. The developers of planners have chosen between two extremes when defining those heuristics. The domain-independent planners use domain-independent heuristics, which exploit information only from the ‘syntactic’ structure of the problem space and of the search tree. Therefore, they do not need any ‘semantic’ information from a given domain in order to guide the search. From a knowledge engineering (KE) perspective, the planners that use this type of heuristics have the advantage that the users of this technology need only focus on defining the domain theory and not on defining how to make the planner efficient (how to obtain ‘good’ solutions with the minimal computational resources). However, the domain-dependent planners require users to manually represent knowledge not only about the domain theory, but also about how to make the planner efficient. This approach has the advantage of using either better domain-theory formulations or using domain knowledge for defining the heuristics, thus potentially making them more efficient. However, the efficiency of these domain-dependent planners strongly relies on the KE and planning expertise of the user. When the user is an expert on these two types of knowledge, domain-dependent planners clearly outperform domain-independent planners in terms of number of solved problems and quality of solutions. Machine-learning (ML) techniques applied to solve the planning problems have focused on providing middle-ground solutions as compared to the aforementioned two extremes. Here, the user first defines a domain theory, and then executes the ML techniques that automatically modify or generate new knowledge with respect to both the domain theory and the heuristics. In this paper, we present our work on building a tool, PLTOOL (planning and learning tool), to help users interact with a set of ML techniques and planners. The goal is to provide a KE framework for mixed-initiative generation of efficient and good planning knowledge.
Bayesian spatiotemporal analysis of foot-and-mouth disease data from the Republic of Turkey
Authors: BRANSCUM A. J. , PEREZ A. M. , JOHNSON W. O. , THURMOND M. C. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYA flexible hierarchical Bayesian spatiotemporal regression model for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was applied to data on the annual number of reported FMD cases in Turkey from 1996 to 2003. The longitudinal component of the model was specified as a latent province-specific stochastic process. This stochastic process can accommodate various types of FMD temporal profiles. The model accounted for differences in FMD occurrence across provinces and for spatial correlation. Province-level covariate information was incorporated into the analysis. Results pointed to a decreasing trend in the number of FMD cases in western Turkey and an increasing trend in eastern Turkey from 1996 to 2003. The model also identified provinces with high and with low propensities for FMD occurrence. The model's use of flexible structures for temporal trend and of generally applicable methods for spatial correlation has broad application to predicting future spatiotemporal distributions of disease in other regions of the world.
Balls-in-Bins Processes with Feedback and Brownian Motion
Authors: OLIVEIRA ROBERTO 
Published: July 2007

In a balls-in-bins process with feedback, balls are sequentially thrown into bins so that the probability that a bin withnballs obtains the next ball is proportional tof(n) for some functionf. A commonly studied case where there are two bins andf(n) =npforp> 0, and our goal is to study the fine behaviour of this process with two bins and a large initial numbertof balls. Perhaps surprisingly, Brownian Motions are an essential part of both our proofs.Forp> 1/2, it was known that with probability 1 one of the bins will lead the process at all large enough times. We show that if the first bin starts with$t+\lambda\sqrt{t}$balls (for constant λ∈ℝ), the probability that it always or eventually leads has a non-trivial limit depending on λ.Forp≤ 1/2, it was known that with probability 1 the bins will alternate in leadership. We show, however, that if the initial fraction of balls in one of the bins is > 1/2, the time until it is overtaken by the remaining bin scales like Θ(t1+1/(1-2p)) forp< 1/2 and exp(Θ(t)) forp= 1/2. In fact, the overtaking time has a non-trivial distribution around the scaling factor, which we determine explicitly.Our proofs use a continuous-time embedding of the balls-in-bins process (due to Rubin) and a non-standard approximation of the process by Brownian Motion. The techniques presented also extend to more general functionsf.
Implantation of stents to ensure an adequate interatrial communication in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Rupp Stefan , Michel-Behnke Ina , Valeske Klaus , Akintürk Hakan , Schranz Dietmar 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAimsTo assess the feasibility of interatrial stenting for left atrial decompression in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome treated by a “hybrid-approach”, with bilateral surgical banding of the pulmonary arteries and percutaneous stenting of the arterial duct.Patients and methodsWe stented the atrial septum in 5 infants aged from 21 to 77 days, making the intervention as an elective procedure in 4, but as a rescue procedure in the fifth patient, who had a restrictive foramen. The stents, comprising 2 Jo-stents of 17 millimetres hand-crimped on a balloon catheter with dimensions of 10 by 20 millimetres, and 3 premounted Genesis stents with dimensions of 10 by 19 millimetres, were placed using a 6 French long or short sheath by femoral venous access. The stents were expanded under fluoroscopic guidance to create a slightly diabolo-shaped form that fitted the septum.ResultsThe percutaneous interventions were successfully performed in all cases, producing significant improvement in clinical condition after placement. The saturations of oxygen increased from an average of 64% plus or minus 18% to 88% plus or minus 7%, (p < 0.05). During a mean follow up of 2.5 months, without any anticoagulant therapy, there were no complications related to the stenting. Surgical removal of the stents was uneventful during reconstruction of the aortic arch and creation of a bidirectional cavopulmonary connection in 4 patients, and during cardiac transplantation in one.ConclusionIn the context of the hybrid approach, definitive decompression of the left atrium can be achieved by stenting the atrial septum in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Placement of the stents is safe and effective, with insertion in the form of a diabolo reducing the risk of dislocation, as well as embolisation of the stent.
Hunger and health among undocumented Mexican migrants in a US urban area
Authors: Hadley Craig , Galea Sandro , Nandi Vijay , Nandi Arijit , Lopez Gerald , Strongarone Stacey , Ompad Danielle 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo measure the occurrence and correlates of hunger and to evaluate the association between hunger and three health indicators among undocumented Mexican immigrants.DesignNon-probability cross-sectional sample.SettingNeighbourhoods within New York City.SubjectsFour hundred and thirty-one undocumented Mexican immigrants living in the USA.ResultsHunger was indicated by approximately 28% of respondents. In a multivariate model, working as a day labourer was associated with hunger (odds ratio (OR) 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83–6.06) while receiving public assistance protected against hunger (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.88). In multivariate models, respondents who reported experiencing hunger also reported poorer overall health (OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.95–3.02) and more days of poor mental (P= 0.045) and physical health (P< 0.0001). Greater amount of time lived in the USA was also associated with worse overall health (P= 0.054) and more days of poor mental and physical health (P< 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study shows that food insecurity and hunger may be problems among undocumented migrants living in the USA. Uncertain and unpredictable work schedules and limited access to public assistance may contribute to high levels of hunger, which in turn may also negatively affect mental and physical health. Increasing amount of time lived in the USA is also associated with poorer health indicators. Programmes that provide undocumented migrants with emergency access to resources may reduce food insecurity and lead to improved health outcomes among this vulnerable population.