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Composition Analysis (composition + analysis)
Kinds of Composition Analysis Selected AbstractsNMR analysis of butyl acrylate/methylmethacrylate/,-methyl styrene terpolymersJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Neil T. McManus Abstract Composition analysis for butyl acrylate (BA)/ methyl methacrylate (MMA)/,-methyl styrene terpolymers was carried out by NMR spectroscopy methods. 1H-NMR was used primarily for this analysis, but because the method did not provide independent measurements for the BA and MMA fractions, the terpolymer composition analysis was open to higher than normal levels of uncertainty. Supplementary analyses were made with quantitative 13C-NMR methods to confirm the results from 1H-NMR (quantitative 13C-NMR was used to provide corroboration of selected composition analyses). To confirm spectral assignments in the 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence and J Modulated Spin Echo (JMOD) pulse sequences were used. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2093,2098, 2007 [source] Non-destructive Raman study of the glazing technique in lustre potteries and faience (9,14th centuries): silver ions, nanoclusters, microstructure and processingJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 3 2004Philippe Colomban Abstract The oldest known nanotechnology dates back to the fabrication of the first lustre potteries. A lustre is a thin film formed just below the surface of medieval Islamic glazed potteries which contains silver and/or copper in the metallic and ionic form. Raman studies of the lustre films of different ceramics excavated from Fustât (near Cairo, Egypt, 11,12th century) or from the Silk Road (Termez, 13,14th centuries) showed that they associate many layers of different compositions (with or without cassiterite). Energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis shows that all studied glazes are Ca- (and K)-rich, nearly free of Al silicates, with some addition of lead. Comparison is made with a copy of three-colour Tang ceramics made in Bassorah or Baghdad, in the 9th century, which is among the first known ,faiences', i.e. ceramics enamelled with an Sn-containing glaze. Surprisingly, Sn is not present in the form of a cassiterite (SnO2) precipitate but as a Ca,K-rich salt. Composition analysis and Raman spectra show that all glazes have been processed with similar technology. The distribution of elemental Ag and Cu is very heterogeneous in the lustre decor. The main Raman signature (50,100 cm,1 peaks) of the lustre film is assigned to Ag+ ions. The additional low-wavenumber features could be due to the Ag0 [or (Agn)m+] nanocluster modes. It is clear that the lustre colour arises from the combination of iridescence (diffraction) and absorption/diffusion. Raman criteria are proposed for a sample classification as a function of processing (cassiterite content, processing temperature). The glazing technique is discussed on the basis of experimental evidence and ancient potters' reports. Exothermic burning of acetate residus is proposed as the key step for the preparation of polychrome lustre. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spatial characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal molecular diversity at the submetre scale in a temperate grasslandFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Daniel L. Mummey Abstract Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form spatially complex communities in terrestrial ecosystems, the scales at which this diversity manifests itself is poorly understood. This information is critical to the understanding of the role of AMF in plant community composition. We examined small-scale (submetre) variability of AMF community composition (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting) and abundance (extraradical hyphal lengths) in two 1 m2 plots situated in a native grassland ecosystem of western Montana. Extraradical AMF hyphal lengths varied greatly between samples (14,89 m g soil,1) and exhibited spatial structure at scales <30 cm. The composition of AMF communities was also found to exhibit significant spatial autocorrelation, with correlogram analyses suggesting patchiness at scales <50 cm. Supportive of overall AMF community composition analyses, individual AMF ribotypes corresponding to specific phylogenetic groups exhibited distinct spatial autocorrelation. Our results demonstrate that AMF diversity and abundance can be spatially structured at scales of <1 m. Such small-scale heterogeneity in the soil suggests that establishing seedlings may be exposed to very different, location dependent AMF communities. Our results also have direct implications for representative sampling of AMF communities in the field. [source] NMR analysis of butyl acrylate/methylmethacrylate/,-methyl styrene terpolymersJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Neil T. McManus Abstract Composition analysis for butyl acrylate (BA)/ methyl methacrylate (MMA)/,-methyl styrene terpolymers was carried out by NMR spectroscopy methods. 1H-NMR was used primarily for this analysis, but because the method did not provide independent measurements for the BA and MMA fractions, the terpolymer composition analysis was open to higher than normal levels of uncertainty. Supplementary analyses were made with quantitative 13C-NMR methods to confirm the results from 1H-NMR (quantitative 13C-NMR was used to provide corroboration of selected composition analyses). To confirm spectral assignments in the 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence and J Modulated Spin Echo (JMOD) pulse sequences were used. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2093,2098, 2007 [source] Comparative Studies on Mo,Cr,N and Al,Cr,N Coatings Obtained by PVD Dual Magnetron SputteringPLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue S1 2009Yacine Benlatreche Abstract Recently, several studies have shown that the addition of a secondary element likes Al, Si, etc. to nitride and carbide binary systems such as Ti,N and Cr,N improved their structural and mechanical properties and also their thermal stability. In this study, we realized a comparison between the effects of aluminium or molybdenum addition on the properties of the Cr,N system. The (Cr,Al)N and (Cr,Mo)N films were deposited by RF dual magnetron sputtering. To control the aluminium and molybdenum contents in (Cr,Al)N and in (Cr,Mo)N films, respectively, we modified the Cr, Al and Mo target bias. The structural, morphological and composition analyses of the deposited films were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis. The variation of the residual stresses with the Al and Mo contents has been studied using the Newton's rings method. The obtained Al contents in (Cr,Al)N deposited films varied between 0 and 51,at.% while the Mo contents in (Cr,Mo)N layers varied between 0 and 42,at.%. A morphological change from amorphous to columnar films has been observed with the addition of Al in the case of (Cr,Al)N coatings, while all the (Cr,Mo)N films presented a columnar structure. The residual stresses of the (Cr,Mo)N coatings are higher than the (Cr,Al)N ones but they exhibited a similar behaviour for both coatings. [source] Effects of canola meal on physiological and biochemical parameters in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)AQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 2 2008A. SHAFAEIPOUR Abstract Rainbow trout (initial body weight 4.16 ± 0.25 g) were fed diets [crude protein 420 g kg,1; gross energy 18.7 MJ kg,1 dry matter (DM); crude fat 110 g kg,1] containing graded levels of either a canola meal (crude protein 350 g kg,1 DM) supplemented with DL-methionine as partial fish meal protein. A growth trial was conducted over 16 weeks at a water temperature of 12 ± 1 °C. At the end of the growth trial, in addition to body composition analyses, plasma tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), cholesterol and liver fatty acid composition were measured. Replacement of fish meal with canola meal (100,570 g kg,1 replacement) did not affect on growth performance. At 16th week, plasma cholesterol levels were reduced in fish fed all diets in comparison with 8th week. Plasma T4 levels were significantly higher in the canola meal-fed fish sampled after 16 weeks, but no significant differences in T3 levels were obtained (P > 0.05). Proximate compositions were affected by dietary treatments. The liver fatty acid composition reflected that of the diet with a higher level of polyunsaturated (n-6) fatty acids in fish fed diet canola meal and a higher content in n-3/n-6 ratio in fish fed diet without canola meal. These studies show that canola meal has potential to replace substantial levels of fish meal in diets for carnivorous fish without compromising performance. [source] Energy and protein demands for optimal egg production including maintenance requirements of female tilapia Oreochromis niloticusAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Ingrid Lupatsch Abstract The daily requirements of a spawning tilapia female are quantified from the sum of the requirements for maintenance plus production of eggs. The protein and energy requirements for maintenance and the cost of depositing energy and protein towards growth or gonadal products were determined by supplying feed at increasing levels from zero to the maximum intake. Comparative body composition analyses of the females in addition to the amount and the content of eggs enabled us to quantify the total energy and protein channelled into weight gain or alternatively into egg production. The amount of eggs produced increased with increasing feeding levels and ranged between 0.7 and 1.1 g eggs per kg,1 fish day,1. Regardless of feed allowance, the composition of eggs was similar and contained 235 mg protein and 10.5 kJ g,1 wet weight. In contrast, the whole body of tilapia contained 167 mg protein and 6.7 kJ g,1 on average. The energy requirement for maintenance was calculated to be 59.46 kJ × BW (kg)0.80 and 0.98 g × BW (kg)0.70 for digestible protein. The partial efficiency of producing gonads was 0.67 and 0.59 for digestible energy and digestible protein respectively. [source] Thrusting and Exhumation Processes of a Bounding Mountain Belt: Constraints from Sediment Provenance Analysis of the Hefei BasinACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA (ENGLISH EDITION), Issue 2 2001LIU Shaofeng Abstract Lithic (or gravel) composition analyses of the Jurassic Sanjianpu Formation and Fenghuangtai Formation in the Hefei basin show that the sediment provenance consists mainly of four kinds of rock units: the basement metamorphic complex, granitic rocks, medium- and low-grade metamorphic rocks, and sandy and muddy sedimentary rocks, which are distributed along the bounding thrust belt. The whole stratigraphic section can be divided into 2 lithic sequences and 7 subsequences. The regular distribution and changes of lithic fragments and gravels in lithic (or gravel) sequences reflect that the bounding thrust belt of basin has undergone 2 thrusting cycles and 7 thrusting events. Lithic (or gravel) composition analyses of the basin fully reveal that the northern Dabie basement metamorphic complex was exhumed on the earth's surface in the Middle and Late Jurassic, and extensive intermediate and acid intrusive rocks were developed in the southern North Huaiyang or northern Dabie Mountains during the basin's syndepositional stage. [source] The Structure of a Novel Neutral Lipid,A from the Lipopolysaccharide of Bradyrhizobium elkanii Containing Three Mannose Units in the BackboneCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 9 2010Iwona Komaniecka Dr. Abstract The chemical structure of the lipid,A of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76 (a member of the group of slow-growing rhizobia) has been established. It differed considerably from lipids,A of other Gram-negative bacteria, in that it completely lacks negatively charged groups (phosphate or uronic acid residues); the glucosamine (GlcpN) disaccharide backbone is replaced by one consisting of 2,3-dideoxy-2,3-diamino- D -glucopyranose (GlcpN3N) and it contains two long-chain fatty acids, which is unusual among rhizobia. The GlcpN3N disaccharide was further substituted by three D -mannopyranose (D -Manp) residues, together forming a pentasaccharide. To establish the structural details of this molecule, 1D and 2D,NMR spectroscopy, chemical composition analyses and high-resolution mass spectrometry methods (electrospray ionisation Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)) were applied. By using 1D and 2D,NMR spectroscopy experiments, it was confirmed that one D -Manp was linked to C-1 of the reducing GlcpN3N and an ,-(1,6)-linked D -Manp disaccharide was located at C-4, of the non-reducing GlcpN3N (,-linkage). Fatty acid analysis identified 12:0(3-OH) and 14:0(3-OH), which were amide-linked to GlcpN3N. Other lipid,A constituents were long (,-1)-hydroxylated fatty acids with 26,33 carbon atoms, as well as their oxo forms (28:0(27-oxo) and 30:0(29-oxo)). The 28:0(27-OH) was the most abundant acyl residue. As confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques, these long-chain fatty acids created two acyloxyacyl residues with the 3-hydroxy fatty acids. Thus, lipid,A from B. elkanii comprised six acyl residues. It was also shown that one of the acyloxyacyl residues could be further acylated by 3-hydroxybutyric acid (linked to the (,-1)-hydroxy group). [source] Heteroleptic Guanidinate- and Amidinate-Based Complexes of Hafnium as New Precursors for MOCVD of HfO2EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2010Ke Xu Abstract The synthesis and characterization of four new heteroleptic complexes [Hf{,2 -(iPrN)2CNMe2}2Cl2] (1), [Hf{,2 -(iPrN)2CNMe2}2Me2] (2), [Hf{,2 -(iPrN)2CMe}2Cl2] (3), and [Hf{,2 -(iPrN)2CMe}2Me2] (4) are reported. All the complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods, while compounds 1,3 were further examined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing that the complexes are monomers with the hafnium center in a distorted octahedral geometry. The thermal properties of the chlorine-free complexes (2, 4) were examined to determine their suitability for metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) applications, and compound 2 showed good volatility and thermal stability. On the basis of these results, compound 2 was selected for MOCVD of HfO2 with oxygen as oxidant. Depositions were carried out on Si(100) substrates in the temperature range 300,700 °C. The as-deposited HfO2 films crystallized in the monoclinic phase at temperatures above 500 °C, and the composition analysis determined by Rutherford back-scattering (RBS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the films were stoichiometric and free of carbon. Thus, alkylguanidinatohafnium complex 2 is a promising precursor for growing HfO2 films in a wide temperature range with the desired stoichiometry, because of its adequate volatility, sufficient temperature window between vaporization and decomposition, as well as its ability to decompose cleanly in the presence of oxygen. [source] DPPH free-radical scavenging ability, total phenolic content, and chemical composition analysis of forty-five kinds of essential oilsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 6 2009H.-F. Wang J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 509,522 (November/December 2008) Synopsis Forty-five kinds of commonly used essential oils were employed to investigate the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability and total phenolic content of major chemical compositions. The free-radical scavenging ability and total phenolic content of cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils are the best among these essential oils. One-half milliliter of cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils (10 mg mL EtOH) are shown to be 96.74% and 96.12% of the DPPH (2.5ml, 1.52 × 10 -4 M) free-radical scavenging ability, respectively. Their EC50 (effective concentrations) are 53 and 36 (,g mL -1). One milligram per milliliter of cinnamon leaf, clove bud, and thyme red essential oils were shown to be 420, 480, and 270 (mg g -1 of GAE) of total phenolic content, respectively. Eugenol in cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils (82.87% and 82.32%, respectively) were analyzed by GC-MS. It is clear that the amounts of the phenol compounds in essential oils and the DPPH free-radical scavenging ability are in direct proportion. [source] Characterization of yellow-pigmented and motile enterococci isolated from intestines of the garden snail Helix aspersaJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Aims: Enterococci associated with garden snails (Helix aspersa) were studied in order to obtain reliable species identification and characterization. Methods and Results: Twelve yellow-pigmented and motile enterococci, isolated from the intestines of garden snails, were phenotypically close to Enterococcus casseliflavus, but they showed certain unusual biochemical characteristics. tRNA intergenic length polymorphism analysis (tDNA-PCR) divided all strains studied into two groups, in full agreement with biochemical test results. 16S rDNA sequencing, DNA base composition analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization results showed unambiguously that the enterococci studied belonged to the species Ent. casseliflavus. The representative strains of described ecovars were deposited in the Czech Collection of Microorganisms (CCM) as Ent. casseliflavus CCM 4868, 4869, 4870 and 4871. Conclusions:Enterococcus casseliflavus associated with garden snails can be subdivided into groups. Significance and Impact of the Study:Enterococcus casseliflavus differs from other enterococcal species in that it is typically associated with plants, soil, water and invertebrate animals. The different groups that can be found in these widely occurring bacteria are possibly source-specific ecovars, as exemplified by the Ent. casseliflavus inhabiting the intestines of snails. [source] NMR analysis of butyl acrylate/methylmethacrylate/,-methyl styrene terpolymersJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Neil T. McManus Abstract Composition analysis for butyl acrylate (BA)/ methyl methacrylate (MMA)/,-methyl styrene terpolymers was carried out by NMR spectroscopy methods. 1H-NMR was used primarily for this analysis, but because the method did not provide independent measurements for the BA and MMA fractions, the terpolymer composition analysis was open to higher than normal levels of uncertainty. Supplementary analyses were made with quantitative 13C-NMR methods to confirm the results from 1H-NMR (quantitative 13C-NMR was used to provide corroboration of selected composition analyses). To confirm spectral assignments in the 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence and J Modulated Spin Echo (JMOD) pulse sequences were used. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2093,2098, 2007 [source] Acetaldehyde plasma polymer-coated PET fibers for endothelial cell patterning: Chemical, topographical, and biological analysisJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010Afra Hadjizadeh Abstract The objective of this study was to produce fibrous biomaterials with cell adhesive and cell repulsive capabilities for biomedical applications. To this aim, the surface of 100-,m diameter polyethylene terephthalate fibers were functionalized with acetaldehyde plasma polymer deposition followed by carboxymethyl dextran grafting onto the aldehyde-coated surfaces via a polyethyleneimine interlayer. The performance of the surface modification steps were confirmed by surface chemical composition analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface topography analysis by atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The acetaldehyde plasma polymer-coated and polyethyleneimine-grafted substrates promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cells attachment, spreading and actin filaments/focal adhesions formation. In contrast, carboxymethyl dextran-grafted substrates resisted cell adhesion. These observations demonstrate that the current surface-modified polymer fibers can be used in tissue engineering applications, such as cell patterning substrates or vascular prosthesis development. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010. [source] Band composition analysis: a new procedure for deconvolution of the mass spectra of organometallic compoundsJOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 8 2003Jacek A. Szymura Abstract A new chemometric procedure called band composition analysis (BCA) designed for the deconvolution of mass spectra of organometallics is proposed. BCA generates theoretical bands Ti, then combines them to obtain a model band M, which is finally compared with the experimental band E. All of these steps are realized with computer assistance. This modeling yields four parameters characterizing the experimental band: theoretical and model variances s2theor and s2model, a fit factor , and a contribution xi from the theoretical band. If s2theor > 20 the band is deemed complex and needs modeling. The values , > 90 indicate that there is good agreement between the experimental and model bands. BCA is particularly effective for the modeling of complex isotopic bands often present in organometallics. Two illustrations of BCA for tetrabutyltin, C16H36Sn, and 1,1,,2,2,,3,3,-hexachloroferrocene, C10H4Cl6Fe, are shown. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Novel angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides isolated from Alcalase hydrolysate of mung bean proteinJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 8 2006Guan-Hong Li Abstract Mung bean protein isolates were hydrolyzed for 2 h by Alcalase. The generated hydrolysate showed angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 0.64 mg protein/ml. Three kinds of novel ACE inhibitory peptides were isolated from the hydrolysate by Sephadex G-15 and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). These peptides were identified by amino acid composition analysis and matrix assisted-laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS/MS), as Lys-Asp-Tyr-Arg-Leu, Val-Thr-Pro-Ala-Leu-Arg and Lys-Leu-Pro-Ala-Gly-Thr-Leu-Phe with the IC50 values of 26.5 µM, 82.4 µM and 13.4 µM, respectively. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Styrene/1,3-butadiene copolymerization by C2 -symmetric group 4 metallocenes based catalystsJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 4 2008Mariagrazia Napoli Abstract C2 -symmetric group 4 metallocenes based catalysts (rac -[CH2(3- tert -butyl-1-indenyl)2]ZrCl2(1), rac -[CH2(1-indenyl)2]ZrCl2(2) and rac -[CH2(3- tert -butyl-1-indenyl)2]TiCl2(3)) are able to copolymerize styrene and 1,3-butadiene, to give products with high molecular weight. In agreement with symmetry properties of metallocene precatalysts, styrene homosequences are in isotactic arrangements. Full determination of microstructure of copolymers was obtained by 13C NMR and FTIR analysis and it reveals that insertion of butadiene on styrene chain-end happens prevailingly with 1,4- trans configuration. In the butadiene homosequences, using zirconocene-based catalysts, the 1,4- trans arrangement is favored over 1,4- cis, but the latter is prevailing in the presence of titanocene (3). Diad composition analysis of the copolymers makes possible to estimate the reactivity ratios of copolymerization: zirconocenes (1) and (2) produced copolymers having r1 × r2 = 0.5 and 3.0, respectively (where 1 refers to styrene and 2 to butadiene); while titanocene (3) gave tendencially blocky styrene,butadiene copolymers (r1 × r2 = 8.5). The copolymers do not exhibit crystallinity, even when they contain a high molar fraction of styrene. Probably, comonomer homosequences are too short to crystallize (ns = 16, in the copolymer at highest styrene molar fraction). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1476,1487, 2008 [source] HPLC purification and re-evaluation of chemical identity of two circular bacteriocins, gassericin A and reutericin 6LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2010K. Arakawa Abstract Aim:, The study aimed for the complete purification and recharacterization of the highly hydrophobic circular bacteriocins, gassericin A and reutericin 6. Methods and Results:, Gassericin A and reutericin 6 were purified to homogeneity using previously described method and reverse-phase HPLC with an octyl column and eluents of aqueous acetonitrile and 2-propanol. Mass analysis, N-terminal sequencing and bacteriocin assay of the HPLC-purified bacteriocins showed the two bacteriocins had identical seamless circular structures with the same m/z value (5651) of [M + H]+ and both had the same specific activity. d/l- amino acid composition analysis using two distinct methods with the chiral fluorescent derivatization reagents (+)-1-(9-fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate and o -phthalaldehyde/N -acetyl- l -cystein revealed neither gassericin A nor reutericin 6 contained d -alanine residues contrary to our previous results. Conclusion:, Purified gassericin A and reutericin 6 are chemically identical circular molecules containing no d -alanine residues. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The HPLC conditions developed in this study will facilitate advanced purification and correct characterization of other highly hydrophobic bacteriocins. [source] Wood-thermoplastic composites manufactured using beetle-killed spruce from AlaskaPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009Vikram Yadama The primary objectives of the study were to characterize the critical properties of wood flour produced using highly deteriorated beetle-killed spruce for wood-plastic composite (WPC) production and evaluate important mechanical and physical properties of WPC extruded using an industry standard formulation. Chemical composition analysis indicated no significant differences in wood constituents between highly deteriorated and sound wood. Preliminary investigation with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), however, indicated partial degradation or depolymerization of carbohydrate components in highly deteriorated wood compared to sound wood from green trees; effects of these changes could be seen in cell collapse and poor interaction between thermoplastic matrix and deteriorated wood fiber. Physical and mechanical properties of extruded WPCs manufactured from highly deteriorated material were comparable to WPC properties produced using pine wood flour that served as a control material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] A new approach to aid the characterisation and identification of metabolites of a model drug; partial isotope enrichment combined with novel formula elucidation softwareRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 2 2009Kirsten Hobby This work describes the identification of ,isotopically enriched' metabolites of 4-cyanoaniline using the unique features of the software package ,Spectral Simplicity'. The software is capable of creating the theoretical mass spectra for partially isotope-enriched compounds, and subsequently performing an elemental composition analysis to give the elemental formula for the ,isotopically enriched' metabolite. A novel mass spectral correlation method, called ,FuzzyFit', was employed. ,FuzzyFit' utilises the expected experimental distribution of errors in both mass accuracy and isotope pattern and enables discrimination between statistically probable and improbable candidate formulae. The software correctly determined the molecular formulae of ten previously described metabolites of 4-cyanoaniline confirming the technique of partial isotope enrichment can produce results analogous to standard methodologies. Six previously unknown species were also identified, based on the presence of the unique ,designer' isotope ratio. Three of the unknowns were tentatively identified as N-acetylglutamine, O-methyl-N acetylglucuronide and a putative fatty acid conjugate. The discovery of a significant number of unknown species of a model drug with a comprehensive history of investigation highlights the potential for enhancement to the analytical process by the use of ,designer' isotope ratio compounds. The ,FuzzyFit' methodology significantly aided the elucidation of candidate formulae, by provision of a vastly simplified candidate formula data set. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Future of cell and gene therapies for Parkinson's disease,ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue S2 2008Ole Isacson MD The experimental field of restorative neurology continues to advance with implantation of cells or transfer of genes to treat patients with neurological disease. Both strategies have generated a consensus that demonstrates their capacity for structural and molecular brain modification in the adult brain. However, both approaches have yet to successfully address the complexities to make such novel therapeutic modalities work in the clinic. Prior experimental cell transplantation to patients with PD utilized dissected pieces of fetal midbrain tissue, containing mixtures of cells and neuronal types, as donor cells. Stem cell and progenitor cell biology provide new opportunities for selection and development of large batches of specific therapeutic cells. This may allow for cell composition analysis and dosing to optimize the benefit to an individual patient. The biotechnology used for cell and gene therapy for treatment of neurological disease may eventually be as advanced as today's pharmaceutical drug-related design processes. Current gene therapy phase 1 safety trials for PD include the delivery of a growth factor (neurturin via the glial cell line,derived neurotrophic factor receptor) and a transmitter enzyme (glutamic acid decarboxylase and aromatic acid decarboxylase). Many new insights from cell biological and molecular studies provide opportunities to selectively express or suppress factors relevant to neuroprotection and improved function of neurons involved in PD. Future gene and cell therapies are likely to coexist with classic pharmacological therapies because their use can be tailored to individual patients' underlying disease process and need for neuroprotective or restorative interventions. Ann Neurol 2008;64 (suppl):S122,S138 [source] Effect of practical diets with different protein levels on the performance of Farfantepenaeus paulensis juveniles nursed in a zero exchange suspended microbial flocs intensive systemAQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 2 2010E.L.C. BALLESTER Abstract Farfantepenaeus paulensis juveniles (72 ± 24 mg), were reared in a suspended microbial flocs system and fed practical diets containing increasing amounts of crude protein (250, 300, 350, 400 and 450 g kg,1 CP). Development of microbial flocs was promoted by high aeration rates and fertilization with wheat bran and molasses. Flocs were composed of detritus in the form of flocculated matter colonized by heterotrophic bacteria, cocoid and filamentous cyanobacteria, flagellate and ciliate protozoa and rotifers. Proximate composition analysis of the suspended microbial floc showed CP levels of 304 g kg,1. After 45 days, mean shrimp survival were above 89%, with no significant differences between treatments. Shrimp fed diets with 350 g kg,1 or higher CP content achieved significant higher (P < 0.05) final weight (0.66,0.68 g), weight gain (0.58,0.61 g) and instantaneous growth rate (0.049,0.050), with feed conversion rates (2.17,2.30) significantly lower (P < 0.05). Results show that, when rearing is carried out in a suspended microbial flocs system, dietary CP levels can be kept at 350 g kg,1. Furthermore, results confirm that microbial-based systems allow shrimp culture without compromising the surrounding environment and shows the possible reduction of production costs and fish meal dependence. [source] Elucidation of the mechanism and end products of glutaraldehyde crosslinking reaction by X-ray structure analysisBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 3 2007Yariv Wine Abstract Glutaraldehyde has been used for several decades as an effective crosslinking agent for many applications including sample fixation for microscopy, enzyme and cell immobilization, and stabilization of protein crystals. Despite of its common use as a crosslinking agent, the mechanism and chemistry involved in glutaraldehyde crosslinking reaction is not yet fully understood. Here we describe feasibility study and results obtained from a new approach to investigate the process of protein crystals stabilization by glutaraldehyde crosslinking. It involves exposure of a model protein crystal (Lysozyme) to glutaraldehyde in alkaline or acidic pH for different incubation periods and reaction arrest by medium exchange with crystallization medium to remove unbound glutaraldehyde. The crystals were subsequently incubated in diluted buffer affecting dissolution of un-crosslinked crystals. Samples from the resulting solution were subjected to protein composition analysis by gel electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy while crosslinked, dissolution resistant crystals were subjected to high resolution X-ray structural analysis. Data from gel electrophoresis indicated that the crosslinking process starts at specific preferable crosslinking site by lysozyme dimer formation, for both acidic and alkaline pH values. These dimer formations were followed by trimer and tetramer formations leading eventually to dissolution resistant crystals. The crosslinking initiation site and the end products obtained from glutaraldehyde crosslinking in both pH ranges resulted from reactions between lysine residues of neighboring protein molecules and the polymeric form of glutaraldehyde. Reaction rate was much faster at alkaline pH. Different reaction end products, indicating different reaction mechanisms, were identified for crosslinking taking place under alkaline or acidic conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98:711,718. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Ordered Mesoporous Thin Films of Rutile TiO2 Nanocrystals Mixed with Amorphous Ta2O5CHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 5 2008Jin-Ming Wu Dr. Abstract Ordered mesoporous thin films of composites of rutile TiO2 nanocrystals with amorphous Ta2O5 are fabricated by evaporation-induced self-assembly followed by subsequent heat treatment beyond 780,°C. Incorporation of selected amounts of Ta2O5 (20 mol,%) in the mesoporous TiO2 film, together with the unique mesoporous structure itself, increased the onset of crystallization temperature which is high enough to ensure the crystallization of amorphous titania to rutile. The ordered mesoporous structure benefits from a block-copolymer template, which stabilizes the mesostructure of the amorphous mixed oxides before crystallization. The surface and in-depth composition analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests a homogeneous intermixing of the two oxides in the thin film. A detailed X-ray absorption fine structure measurement on the composite film containing 20 mol,% Ta2O5 and heated to 800,°C confirms the amorphous nature of the Ta2O5 phase. Photocatalytic activity evaluation suggests that the rutile nanocrystals in the synthesized ordered mesoporous thin film possess good ability to assist the photodegradation of rhodamine B in water under illumination by UV light. [source] Structure of an Extracellular Polysaccharide from a Strain of Lactic Acid BacteriaCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2003Xiao-Mei Gu Abstract A new extracellular polysaccharide (EPS-I) isolated and purified from Z222, a strain of Lactic acid bacteria has been investigated. Sugar composition analysis, methylation analysis and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy reveal that the EPS-I is composed of a pentasaccharide repeating unit. The sequence of sugar residue was determined by using two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, including heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC) and nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY). [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||