bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface tension study of the interaction between two nonionic surfactants and two direct dyes
Authors: Pegiadou‐Koemtzopoulou Sofia , Eleftheriadis Ioannis , Kehayoglou Aristidis 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe complex‐forming interaction between two direct dyes, CI Yellow 106 and CI Blue 78, and two nonionic surfactants, namely, polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether (NP‐12) and polyoxyethylene stearylamine (R‐11), in aqueous solutions was studied. The estimation was made by measuring surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC) changes as a function of dye concentration. A decrease of NP‐12 surface tension at low concentration and an increase of R‐11 surface tension in the presence of both dyes were observed along with a significant decrease of NP‐12 CMC values. A difference in the spectrophotometric absorbance of dye solutions in the presence of both surfactants, indicating a change in the environment of the dye chromophore, was also visible. These results confirm the formation of hydrophobic complexes of NP‐12 and hydrophilic complexes of R‐11 with both dyes.
Narrow‐range ethoxylation of fatty alcohols promoted by a zirconium alkoxide sulfate catalyst
Authors: Di Serio M. , Iengo P. , Vairo G. , Santacesaria E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractZirconium dodecanoxide sulfate is a very active catalyst in promoting fatty alcohol narrow‐range ethoxylation. The catalytic activity is initially very high but rapidly decreases after the addition of one mole of ethylene oxide per mole of substrate. This peculiar behavior makes it possible to obtain narrow‐range ethoxylated products containing not more than two or three ethylene oxide units. Because the catalyst shows a very feeble Brönsted acidity, it must be concluded that its activity originates from the Lewis acidity. This acidity is strongly enhanced from the introduction of the sulfate group in the catalyst molecule, because of the strong electron‐withdrawing effect of this group. A kinetic model was developed for explaining experimental results.
Comparison of the kinetics and composition of ethoxylated methyl dodecanoate and ethoxylated dodecanol with narrow and broad distribution of homologs
Authors: Hreczuch Wieslaw 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBroad‐ and narrow‐range dodecanol ethoxylates were obtained with sodium hydroxide and a proprietary calcium‐based catalyst, respectively. The proprietary catalyst was also used for direct ethoxylation of methyl dodecanoate ester. Natta‐Mantica distribution coefficients were calculated from the fractional content of the reaction products. A specific sequence of the distribution coefficients was observed in each case. A superior activation of the second addition step in ethoxylation of the methyl dodecanoate ester was noted. The kinetic pattern of the reaction resulted in a product distribution specifically related to the average degree of oxyethylation degree.
A novel method for preparing oil‐in‐water‐in‐oil type multiple emulsions using organophilic montmorillonite clay mineral
Authors: Sekine Tomoko , Yoshida Katsunori , Matsuzaki Fumiaki , Yanaki Toshio , Yamaguchi Michihiro 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA stable formula using oil‐in‐water‐in‐oil (O/W/O) type multiple emulsions was investigated. The components consisted of hydrophilic nonionic surfactant (HCO‐60), organophilic montmorillonite, and lipophilic nonionic surfactant (DIS‐14). O/W/O emulsions were prepared by a double‐step procedure in which an O/W emulsion was prepared in the first step, and then the O/W emulsion was “re‐emulsified” in an oil phase with organophilic montmorillonite. The diameter of the innermost oil droplets decreased with increasing HCO‐60 content (0.1–3%), while the viscosity showed a maximum at 1% of HCO‐60, indicating that the yiel of re‐emulsification is highest at this condition. Viscosity of the O/W/O emulsion increased with increasing organophilic montmorillonite and DIS‐14. According to the results of a phase ratio study, viscosity and stability of the O/W/O emulsion decreased at high weight fraction of inner oil phase (0.4–0.5), indicating that the excess amount of inner oil phase is absorbed by the outer oil phase. These results revealed that the weight fraction of inner oil phase should be kept below 0.3 for a stable O/W/O emulsion. A similar study on the weight fraction of O/W phase [фO/W)/O] suggested that the O/W/O emulsion is stable at ϕ(O/W)/O=0.65–0.70.
Effects of superfatting agents on cracking phenomena in toilet soap
Authors: Kuntom Ainie , Ahmad Iftikhar , Kifli Hamirin , Shariff Zainon Mat 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPalm stearin (POs) is one of the cheapest sources of C16–C18 fatty acids for use in soap making. Toilet‐soap formulations containing a high content of POs, however, would result in hard soaps with a tendency to form cracks on the surface. This phenomenon can be overcome by addition of superfatting agents to increase plasticity of the finished product. In this study, two different blends of soap made from distilled POs, palm oil (PO), and palm kernel oil (PKO) fatty acids in the ratio of 40POs/40PO/20PKO and 70POs/30PKO were evaluated. The soaps were superfatted with glycerin, palm kernel olein, coconut oil, olive oil and canola oil. The levels of incorporation of each superfatting material were 1, 2, 4, and 6%, respectively. The samples were subsequently tested for both wet and dry crackings using the Hewitt Soap Company methods (numbers 78 and 79, respectively). The superfatted soaps had a total fatty matter of 73–83% and an average moisture content of 10%. The penetration value which indicates hardness increased with increasing amount of superfatting agents. Foaming or lathering property was good with the exception of the formulation using palm kernel olein and canola oil as superfatting agents. At all the above levels of superfatting agents added, no cracks were observed during both wet and dry cracking tests. A sample of soap superfatted with 2% canola oil, however, developed cracks during the wet cracking test. This resulted in a test score of 7. Superfatting soaps with 1–2% neutral oils or glycerin resulted in better quality soaps that were free of cracks.
Characterization of aescin as a biosurfactant for environmental remediation
Authors: Pekdemir Turgay , Ishigami Yutaka , Uchiyama Hiroo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSurface‐tension‐lowering capacity and emulsion‐forming ability of aescin biosurfactant in pure water, seawater, 3 M urea, and 3 M glucose were investigated. Oils used in the emulsification tests were liquid paraffin, ethylbenzene, kerosene, 1‐decene, and heavy oils A and C. Volumetric ratios of oil phase to aqueous (water) phase (O/W) were 0.5∶4.5, 2.5∶2.5, 3.0∶2.0, and 4.5∶0.5. Concentration of aescin was changed from 0.16 to 27.3 mM. The critical micelle concentration of eascin in water and its surface tension effectiveness were shown to be 0.78 mM and 28.5 mN/m, respectively. Surface‐tension effectiveness of aescin was found to be highest in sea‐water (33.5 mN/m). The emulsifying action of aescin was compared with that of decaglyceryl‐monolaurylester (DGML). The performance of aescin was found to be as good as that of DGML and, depending on the O/W ratio and the concentration, aescin could yield emulsification efficiencies as high as 100%. These results indicated that aescin could be classified as a mild surfactant safe for living organisms. Because the surface activity of aqueous aescin solution was not satisfactorily good, attempts were made to improve the situation by addition of alcohols as cosurfactants. Ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, 2‐ethylhexanol, n‐hexanol, and n‐octanol were used. They were added to the solutions at a concentration equimolar to aescin. These cosurfactants improved surface‐tension effectiveness of aescin by as much as 53% and its emulsification efficiency by 67%.
The relationship of the environmental effect of surfactants to their interfacial properties
Authors: Rosen Milton J. , Fei Lin , Zhu Yun‐Peng , Morrall Stephen W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn an investigation of possible relationships between interfacial properties of surfactants and their environmental effect, using several anionic and nonionic surfactants, a linear correlation was found between the parameters, ΔG0ad/Amin, and rotifer toxicity. ΔG0ad is a standard free energy of adsorption at the air/aqueous solution interface, and Amin is the minimal hydrated cross‐sectional area of the surfactant molecule. Both quantities were evaluated from surface tension data. This correlation is much better than attempted correlations of the toxicity with the negative logarithm of the critical micelle concentration (−log CMC) or with ΔG0ad or Amin alone. The ΔG0ad/Amin correlation with rotifer toxicity is also better than the correlation with the analogous parameter, Δs|Gads0| Amin, obtained from adsorption isotherms of the surfactants on a solid immobilized membrane simulating a cell membrane. The data support our hypothesis that toxicity is determined both by adsorption tendency and ease of cell membrane penetration.
Performance of sulfoxylated fatty acid methyl esters
Authors: Cohen Leon , Trujillo Francisco 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSulfoxidation of fatty acid methyl esters with SO2, O2, and ultraviolet light of appropriate wavelength has led to the synthesis of methyl esters sulfonates or sulfoxylates known as Φ‐MES because of the possible random position of SO3 group in the alkyl chain. This work describes experimental measurements of physical properties such as solubility and viscosity of sodium Φ‐MES water solutions. Amphipathic properties such as surface tension, critical micelle concentration, wetting and foaming powers were measured as well and compared to linear alkylbenzene sodium sulfonate (LAS). Finally, stability to water hardness, dishwashing test, and detergency performance were evaluated. Expectedly, these products may be used as LAS partners either in heavy‐duty powders or in hand dishwashing liquids. Experimental results on Φ‐MES of varying carbon number indicate that C16 is the optimal carbon chain length.
Structural characterization of a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis at 45°C
Authors: Makkar Randhir S. , Cameotra Swaranjit S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractStructural and biochemical characterization of a biosurfactant produced by Bacillus subtilis under thermophilic conditions was performed. Preliminary structural determination of CHCl3/CH3OH (65∶15) extracts by thin‐layer chromatographic reagents showed it to be identical to surfactin. Also, the infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy analysis confirmed it to be identical to surfactin. Biochemically, the surfactant was a lipopeptide‐containing lipid (17.05%) and protein (13.2%). The surfactant yielded a minimal aqueous surface‐tension value of 28 dyne/cm and an interfacial tension value at 0.1% concentration of 0.2 dyne/cm against diesel oil. The critical micelle concentration of the surfactant was 35 mg/L. The biosurfactant exhibited an emulsification value (E24) of 90 against diesel oil and a sand‐pack oil recovery of 62%. It has potential application in microbial‐enhanced oil recovery in thermophilic, alkaline, acidic, and halophilic environments.
Nutritional characteristics of DAG oil
Authors: Flickinger Brent D. , Matsuo Noboru 
Published: November 2006

AbstractExcess calorie intake in industrialized countries has prompted development of fat substitutes and other lower‐calorie dietary items to enhance health. DAG cooking oils, with a 1,3 configuration, taste and have the texture of commonly used TAG cooking oils. Because they are not hydrolyzed to 2‐MAG in the gut, the absorption and metabolism of DAG oil differs from that of TAG. Among the physiological differences are lower postprandial lipemia and an increased proportion of FA being oxidized instead of stored. Preliminary studies suggest that these differences in energy partitioning between DAG and TAG may be usefully exploited to reduce the amount of fat stored from cooking oil and oil components of food items. Over 70 million bottles of DAG oil have been sold in Japan since its introduction in February 1999, and the product is being test‐marketed in the United States. It is hoped that wider use of DAG oil may provide one additional means of preventing obesity.
CLA and body weight regulation in humans
Authors: Risérus Ulf , Smedman Annika , Basu Samar , Vessby Bengt 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCLA comprises a group of unsaturated FA isomers with a variety of biological effects in experimental animals. CLA reduces body fat accumulation in animal models and has been suggested to have significant effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, e.g., antidiabetic effects in obese Zucker rats. It has been proposed that the trans10‐cis12 isomer is the active isomer associated with the antiobesity and insulin‐sensitizing properties of CLA. The metabolic effects in humans in general, and isomer‐specific effects specifically, are not well characterized. In a series of controlled studies in humans, we investigated the effects of CLA (given as the commercially available mixture of isomers and as the purified trans10‐cis12 CLA isomer) on anthropometry, lipid and glucose metabolism, and markers of lipid peroxidation. Preliminary results indicate that CLA may slightly decrease body fat in humans also, particularly abdominal fat, but there is no effect on body weight or body mass index. There is no simultaneous improvement in lipid or glucose metabolism. Rather, the trans10‐cis12 CLA isomer unexpectedly caused significant impairment of the peripheral insulin sensitivity as well as of blood glucose and serum lipid levels. In addition, CLA markedly elevated lipid peroxidation. Thus, the metabolic effects of CLA in human seem complex; further studies, especially of isomer‐specific effects and for longer time periods, are warranted.
Treatment and prevention of obesity: What works, what doesn't work, and what might work
Authors: Allison David B. , Weber Mary T. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe provide a very broad conceptual overview of some of the issues involved in the treatment and prevention of obesity. Data suggest that clinicians have some ability to promote positive changes with obesity treatment. The environment, though important in influencing one's degree of adiposity, has largely transient effects that do not tend to carry over from one time to substantially later times. In contrast, the genetic influences on body mass index at any one time do tend to carry over to later times. This information influences the types of approaches that are and are not likely to be successful in terms of preventing obesity or reducing obesity on a population level. A second issue concerns the composition of weight lost. Conditional on fat loss, weight loss has been associated with an increased mortality rate (MR) whereas, conditional upon weight loss, fat loss has been associated with a decreased MR. This suggests that we should seek treatments that maximize the proportion of weight lost as fat. Third, the efficacy of current treatments is far below patients’ expectations and desires. We need both to increase the efficacy of our treatments dramatically and help patients adjust their expectations so that they can take satisfaction in smaller weight losses. Perhaps, with continued efforts at enhancing treatments, we will see incremental advances in the treatment and prevention of obesity.
Whole‐body utilization of n−3 PUFA in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats
Authors: Bazinet Richard P. , Douglas Holly , Cunnane Stephen C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe evaluated the utilization of α‐linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) in growing rats consuming a diet deficient in n−6 PUFA. After 90 d, whole‐body 18∶3n−3 accumulation was 55% lower, total n−3 PUFA accumulation was 21% lower, and 18∶3n−3 disappearance was 14% higher in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats. Part of the reduction of whole‐body 18∶3n−3 in n−6 PUFA‐deficient rats was due to the 25% increase in net conversion of 18∶3n−3 to long‐chain n−3 PUFA. Despite adequate 18∶3n−3 intake, n−6 PUFA deficiency decreased the accumulation of 18∶3n−3 and total n−3 PUFA.
An examination of corporate reporting, environmental management practices and firm performance
Authors: Montabon Frank , Sroufe Robert , Narasimhan Ram 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDespite the growing interest in environmental management practices (EMPs), research to date has typically analyzed a limited range of these practices and used traditional data sources. In contrast, this paper uses an innovative data source to explore EMPs. We use a more comprehensive set of the practices than prior works in order to test relationships between EMPs and firm performance. The data used in this study comprised environmental and business performance data from 45 corporate reports. Content analysis is used to gather the data and canonical correlation is used for analysis in a two‐step process in order to explore the relationships between EMPs and performance measures. Results support previously posited relationships based on traditional data and indicate that EMPs are associated with firm performance.
Myasthenia gravis mimicking unilateral vocal fold paralysis at presentation
Authors: Hartl D M , Leboulleux S , Klap P , Schlumberger M 
Published: November 2006

Objectives: To demonstrate the importance of detailed clinical analysis in the differential diagnosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis, and to provide an update on current knowledge and treatment of myasthenia gravis.Case report: A female patient presented with left unilateral vocal fold immobility. Diagnostic investigation revealed a 10 mm thyroid adenoma, but no other abnormality likely to cause unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Follow-up flexible endoscopy at three months showed laryngeal remobilisation with persistent left vocal fold bowing and vertical asymmetry of the vocal folds on phonation. Over the following months, voice quality varied between normal and breathy, with the breathy periods lasting from three days to one month. Laryngeal electromyography (EMG) showed a slight bilateral paradoxical activation of both posterior crico-arytenoid muscles on phonation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and brainstem was normal. A diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis with intravenous edrophonium bromide (Tensilon®) lead to an immediate improvement in voice quality. The patient was subsequently treated with pyridostigmine bromide, with complete resolution of dysphonia.Conclusions: Myasthenia gravis affecting the larynx may mimic unilateral vocal fold paresis or paralysis. A personal or family history of auto-immune disease, fluctuating symptoms, motor deficits in cranial nerve territories, and normal or subnormal laryngeal EMG results should lead the physician to reconsider a diagnosis of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis and to perform specific testing.
Assessment of complex mental activity across the lifespan: development of the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ)
Authors: VALENZUELA MICHAEL J. , SACHDEV PERMINDER 
Published: November 2006

Background. Brain reserve is a property of the central nervous system related to complex mental activity which may mediate the course and clinical expression of brain injury. Since there is no instrument that comprehensively assesses complex mental activity through the lifespan, we developed and tested the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ) in a prospective study of healthy ageing.Method. The LEQ assesses educational, occupational and cognitive lifestyle activities at different stages through life. Test–retest, item analysis and Item Response Theory (IRT) were used to determine reliability. Dimensionality was evaluated using factor analysis. Validity was established through IRT analysis of test performance, correlation with an extant contemporaneous instrument (Cognitive Activities Scale; CAS) and prediction of global cognitive change over 18 months controlling for age, baseline cognition and hypertension.Results. In a sample of healthy older individuals (n=79) the LEQ was found to be consistent, coherent and discriminate between individuals with high and low mental activity levels. Factor analysis revealed a dominant factor which loaded heavily on education, occupation and leisure activity. Total LEQ was significantly correlated with the CAS. Furthermore, individuals with higher LEQ scores showed less cognitive decline over 18 months, independent of covariates (r=0·37, p=0·003).Conclusions. The LEQ is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing complex lifespan mental activity which is protective against cognitive decline. The LEQ is therefore proposed as a useful tool for estimating brain reserve in older individuals and further development is anticipated.
α1A‐Adrenoceptors mediate contractions to phenylephrine in rabbit penile arteries
Authors: Morton J S , Daly C J , Jackson V M , McGrath J C 
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:Maintained penile erection depends on the absence of α‐adrenoceptor (α‐AR) activation and so can be facilitated by α‐blockers. This study seeks the α1‐AR subtypes involved in order to inform the pro‐erectile consequences of subtype selective blockade.Experimental approach:Wire myography was used with dorsal (nutritional supply) and cavernous (erectile inflow) penile arteries; standard α‐AR‐selective agonists and antagonists were employed to classify responses.Key results:In both penile arteries noradrenaline (NA) and phenylephrine (PE, α1‐AR agonist) caused concentration‐dependent contractions. Sensitivity to NA was increased by NA uptake blockers, cocaine (3 μM) and corticosterone (30 μM). PE responses were antagonised by phentolamine (non‐selective α‐AR: dorsal pKB8.00, cavernous 8.33), prazosin (non‐subtype‐selective α1‐AR: dorsal 8.60, cavernous 8.41) and RS100329 (α1A‐AR selective: dorsal 9.03, cavernous 8.80) but not by BMY7378 (α1D‐AR selective: no effect at 1‐100 nM) or Rec15/2615 (α1B‐AR selective: no effect at 1‐100 nM). Schild analysis was straightforward in cavernous artery, indicating that PE activates only α1A‐AR. In dorsal artery Schild slopes were low, though α1A‐AR was still indicated. Analysis using UK 14,304 and rauwolscine indicated an α2‐AR component in dorsal artery that may account for low slopes to α1‐AR antagonists.Conclusions and implications:Penile arteries have a predominant, functional α1A‐AR population with little evidence of other α1‐AR subtypes. Dorsal arteries (nutritional supply) also have α2‐ARs. Thus, α‐AR blockers with affinity for α1A‐AR or α2‐AR would potentially have pro‐erectile properties; the combination of these perhaps being most effective. This should inform the design of drugs to assist/avoid penile erection.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 112–120. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706956