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pH Values (ph + value)
Kinds of pH Values Selected AbstractsA Nanogel for Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensing of Intracellular pH Values,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 25 2010Hong-shang Peng Dr. Ein ratiometrisch fluoreszierendes Nanogel nimmt pH-Werte in einem Bereich wahr, der sich für physiologische Studien eignet. Das leicht herstellbare Gel erhält seine pH-Empfindlichkeit durch den Zusatz einer pH-Sonde und eines FRET-Systems, wobei das Gel dazu dient, die Farbstoffe in unmittelbarer Nähe zu halten (siehe Bild: Überlagerung von Cumarinfarbstoff- und Nilrot-Fluoreszenz in Nierenzellen). [source] Creation of calcite hollow microspheres with attached bundles of aragonite needlesCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Hua Tang Abstract Novel calcite hollow microspheres attached with bundles of aragonite needles have been synthesized via a simple precipitation reaction of aqueous solutions of CaClB2B and NaB2BCOB3B in the presence of MgP2+P ions at room temperature. The experimental results revealed that an appropriate molar ratio of [MgP2+P]/[CaP2+P], pH value of the solution and aging time are crucial for the formation of the unusual hierarchical CaCOB3B superstructure. A possible growth mechanism is proposed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Habit modification and improvement in properties of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KAP) crystals doped with metal ionsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006S. K. Geetha Abstract Potassium hydrogen phthalate (KAP) single crystals were grown by slow evaporation and slow cooling techniques. The growth procedure like temperature cooling rate, evaporation rate, solution pH, concentration of the solute, supersaturation ratio etc., has been varied to have optically transparent crystals. Efforts were made to dope the KAP crystals with rubidium, sodium and lithium ions. The dopant concentration has been varied from 0.01 to 10 mole percent. Good quality single crystals were grown with different concentrations of dopants in the mother phase. Depending on the concentration of the dopants and the solution pH value, there is modification of habit. Rubidium ions very much improve the growth on the prismatic faces. The transparency of the crystals is improved with rubidium and sodium doping. The role of the dopants on the non-linear optical performance of KAP indicates better efficiency for doped crystals. The grown crystals were characterized with XRD, FT-IR, chemical etching, Vickers microhardness and SHG measurements. The influence of the dopants on the optical, chemical, structural, mechanical and other properties of the KAP crystals was analysed. © 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim [source] Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited indium selenide thin filmsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2005S. Gopal Abstract Indium Selenide (InSe) thin films were deposited from a mixture of Indium chloride and selenium dioxide in aqueous solution by electrodeposition technique on Indium Tin oxide coated glass substrates. The effects of the parameters during deposition such as current density, deposition potential versus saturated calomel electrode, pH value and concentration of source material were studied. X-ray diffraction studies were carried out on the films to analyze the microstructure using an x-ray diffractometer and were examined by RAMAN spectroscopy. The Raman peak position did not change much with chemical concentrations. Raman scattering due to the (LO) phonon was observed at 211 cm,1. Optical absorption studies were performed with a double beam ultra violet-visible ,NIR spectrophotometer in the wavelength 300,1100 nm. The surface morphology of the layer was examined using a scanning electron micrograph. The composition of the films was studied using an Energy Dispersive Analysis by X-Rays (EDAX). [source] Further studies on the interaction of loperamide with capacitative calcium entry in Leukemic HL-60 cells,DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 11 2006John W. Daly Abstract Loperamide at 3,10,µM has augmentative effects on calcium levels elevated by capacitative calcium entry (CCE) in leukemic HL-60 cells after release of intracellular calcium by ATP or thapsigargin (Harper et al. [1997] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94:14912,14917). The effect of loperamide on calcium levels was absent at a pH value of 6.8, a pH at which CCE is not active in HL-60 cells. Further investigations of HL-60 cells in recent years revealed a great reduction in the magnitude of the loperamide response. However, when preceded by a CCE blocker, namely N-methylnitrendipine (MRS 1844) or N-propargylnitrendipine (MRS 1845), loperamide caused a significant reversal of the blockade. Six structural analogs of loperamide were synthesized, but only two showed loperamide-like activity. Drug Dev. Res. 67:842,851, 2006. Published 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Electromigration diffusivity spectrometry: A way for simultaneous determination of diffusion coefficients from mixed samplesELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2010Suhua Yang Abstract A novel method was proposed for simultaneous measurement of diffusion coefficients, (D), from mixed samples by electrophoresis and termed electromigration-based diffusivity spectrometry. After theoretical treatment, D- equation for practical use has been deduced. With a modified CE system built in laboratory, electromigration-based diffusivity spectrometry has been realized and validated to suit for fast and accurate determination of diffusivities of mixed aromatic amino acids, phenols and aromatic organic acid, giving diffusivity spectra by peak area versus D, much similar to mass spectra. The precision of the measurement was found to critically depend on pH value of running buffer, which should be so selected that the analytes and internal standards could be charged at above 0.5e. The standards have to be selected at an electric flux far from each other and from analytes. In these cases, sample and running buffer concentrations, voltage and system temperature were found to have only negligible impact on the determination. In our test, the obtained measuring precision was generally kept within 1% for five runs, and the measured values of D agreed well with those from literature, with a deviation of less than 2.2% after the right use of calibration standards. [source] Measurement of electrophoretic mobility of cardiomyocytesELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 21 2009Ying Zhou Abstract The electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of rat cardiomyocytes with or without the treatment of neuraminidase was studied by cell electrophoresis. The EPM was found to change over a range from 0 to 8.67,,m,s,1/V,cm,1, depending on ionic strength, transmembrane potential, pH value, and/or surface charges. It is interesting that zero EPM was observed but reverse of the mobility was not. These results suggested that the negative charges carried on the cardiomyocyte surface might comprehensively consist of surface sialic acid, plasmalemma proteins, phospholipids, and transmembrane potential. The aberrant electrical double layer formed between the carried negative charges and adions had a big adsorption layer and a diffusion layer whose sizes changed circularly, making only negative charges be carried on the surface of living cardiomyocytes. The special structures on the surface of cardiomyocytes probably play a considerable role in the process of cardiac electrical activity. [source] Determination of the operational pH value of a buffering membrane by an isoelectric trapping separation of a carrier ampholyte mixtureELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 5 2008Robert Y. North Abstract The operational pH value of a buffering membrane used in an isoelectric trapping separation is determined by installing the membrane as the separation membrane into a multicompartmental electrolyzer operated in the two-separation compartment configuration. A 3 Analysis of flavonoids by CE using capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 5 2007Stefan Bachmann Abstract A CE method employing capacitively coupled contactless conductivity (C4D) compared to indirect UV-detection was developed for the analysis of phytochemically relevant flavonoids, such as 6-hydroxyflavone, biochanin A, hesperetin and naringenin. To ensure fast separation at highest selectivity, sensitivity and peak symmetry, the pH value and the concentration of the running BGE had to be optimized regarding both co- and counter-EOF mode. Optimum conditions were found to be 1.0 and 5.0,mM chromate BGE (pH,9.50) in the counter- and co-EOF mode, respectively. Validation of the established CE-C4D method pointed out to be approximately seven times more sensitive compared to indirect UV-detection applying the same conditions. The lower LOD defined at an S/N of 3:1 was found between 0.12 and 0.21,µg/mL for the analytes of interest using C4D and between 0.77 and 1.20,µg/mL using indirect UV-detection. Compared to an earlier published CE method employing direct UV-detection, C4D was found to be approximately two times more sensitive. Due to the lower baseline noise, C4D showed an excellent regression coefficient >0.99 compared to 0.93 when using indirect UV detection calibrating within a concentration range between 1 and 10,µg/mL. The influence of the sugar moiety on the conductivity of a flavonoid was studied upon the analysis of the aglycon hesperetin and the rutinosid hesperidin. The sugar moiety in hesperedin shows a higher conductivity compared to hesperetin. Finally, the optimized established CE-C4D method was applied to the determination and quantification of naringenin in Sinupret®. [source] Determination of biogenic amines in HeLa cell lysate by 6-oxy-(N -succinimidyl acetate)-9-(2',methoxycarbonyl) fluorescein and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with laser-induced fluorescence detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 4 2006Liwei Cao Abstract An MEKC-LIF method using 6-oxy-(N -succinimidyl acetate)-9-(2'-methoxy-carbonyl) fluorescein (SAMF) newly synthesized in our lab as a labeling reagent for the separation and determination of eight typical biogenic amines was proposed. After careful study of the derivatization condition such as pH value, reagent concentration, temperature, and reaction time, derivatization reaction was accomplished as quickly as 10,min with stable yield. Optimal separation of SAMF-labeled amines was achieved with a running buffer (pH,9.3) containing 30,mM boric acid, 25,mM SDS, and 20%,v/v ACN. The proposed method allowed biogenic amines to be determined with LODs as low as 0.25,2.5,nmol/L and RSD values from 0.4 to 4.5%. The present method has been successfully used to monitor biogenic amines in HeLa cells and fish samples. This study exploits the potential of MEKC-LIF with SAMF labeling as a tool for monitoring biogenic amines involved in complex physiological and behavioral processes in various matrices. [source] Experimental study of flue gas desulfurization using landfill leachateENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 1 2007Ding Sang-lan Abstract Because of the complexity of landfill leachate's composition, the reaction mechanism of SO2 in flue gas with landfill leachate was studied. The experimental results indicated that the factors influencing SO2 absorption efficiency using landfill leachate as the scrubbing medium were, in decreasing order of importance, pH, Fe2+, Mn2+, and Cl, as catalysts and the concentration of toluene and ethanol. Experiments showed that the pH of landfill leachate was the key factor governing both SO2 absorption and ammonia stripping. With the initial pH of 8.5, the terminal pH 6.0 and L/G ratio 3 L/m3, experimental results showed that average absorption efficiency of SO2 and the stripping efficiency of ammonia were 85 and 44%, respectively. The use of catalysts such as Fe2+ and Mn2+ was important for SO2 absorption when the pH value was below 7.0. The catalytic activity of Mn2+ was greater than that of Fe2+ although the reaction steps were very similar. Ethanol inhibits HSO3,/SO32, oxidation. The HSO3,/SO32, oxidation process improves the solubility of organics such as toluene in the leachate. The solute products of organics were water-soluble and biodegradable and could be used as substrates for bacteria in the post biotreatment. The factorial experiment results showed the effect of Cl,, Fe2+, and Mn2+ as catalysts on the HSO3,/SO32, oxidation has a greater positive impact than ethanol's inhibitory effect on the HSO3,/SO32, oxidation. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog 26:25,32, 2007 [source] Assembly and Formation of Biomorphic Tin Dioxide by a Biomimetic Sol,Gel Approach Involving GlycoproteinEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 16 2007Qun Dong Abstract Three diverse layers of eggshell membrane (ESM) were introduced in a biogenic sol,gel technique for the synthesis of hierarchical SnO2 nanomaterials with corresponding configurations. Typically, the biomorphic replication of the interwoven inner eggshell membrane was systematically investigated by controlling synthesis conditions such as pH value, dipping time, and calcination temperature. The as-prepared SnO2 tubes consisting of interconnected 5-nm nanocrystallite units were successfully interwoven into ESM-morphic films. Herein, the biomaterial ESM served both as the physical substrate and the functional macromolecule template to realize the precision replication, by the interactions between ESM macromolecules (containing carboxyl, hydroxy, amino groups, etc.) and Sn colloid ingredients. Moreover, some biomacromolecules also acted as the surfactant to yield small-scaled and well-distributed SnO2 nanocrystallites based on the strong bondage of short-chained amino acids within ESM glycoprotein with SnO2 nuclei. This technique can be attributed to a biomimetic sol,gel process and is widely applicable to the synthesis of other functional material systems. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] Synthesis, Characterization and Drug Release Behavior of pH-Responsive O-carboxymethyl Chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) Hydrogel Beads,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009Liwei Ma In this work, the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) grafted poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) copolymers were synthesized. The hydrogel beads containing VB2 were prepared from the copolymers by an ionic crosslinked. The experimental results shown that VB2 drug release rate from those beads decreased with the increasing grafting percentage, crosslinker concentration and pH value of the medium. Besides, the beads have the better control ability for releasing of model drug than CMCTS does. [source] Enhancement of Light Extraction Through the Wave-Guiding Effect of ZnO Sub-microrods in InGaN Blue Light-Emitting DiodesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2010Ki Seok Kim Abstract The improvement of the light extraction efficiency (LEE) of a conventional InGaN blue light-emitting diode (LED) by the incorporation of one-dimensional ZnO sub-microrods is reported. The LEE is improved by 31% through the wave-guiding effect of ZnO sub-microrods compared to LEDs without the sub-microrods. Different types of ZnO microrods/sub-microrods are produced using a simple non-catalytic wet chemical growth method at a low temperature (90,°C) on an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) top contact layer with no seed layer. The crystal morphologies of needle-like or flat-top hexagonal structures, and the ZnO microrods/sub-microrod density and size are easily modified by controlling the pH value and growth time. The wave-guiding phenomenon within the ZnO rods is observed using confocal scanning electroluminescence microscopy and micro-electroluminescence spectra. [source] Fabrication of CdSe-Nanofibers with Potential for Biomedical ApplicationsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2010Amir Fahmi Abstract The design and synthesis of nanostructured functional hybrid biomaterials are essential for the next generation of advanced diagnostics and the treatment of disease. A simple route to fabricate semiconductor nanofibers by self-assembled, elastin-like polymer (ELP)-templated semiconductor nanoparticles is reported. Core,shell nanostructures of CdSe nanoparticles with a shell of ELPs are used as building blocks to fabricate functional one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. The CdSe particles are generated in situ within the ELP matrix at room temperature. The ELP controls the size and the size-distribution of the CdSe nanoparticles in an aqueous medium and simultaneously directs the self-assembly of core,shell building blocks into fibril architectures. It was found that the self-assembly of core,shell building blocks into nanofibers is strongly dependent on the pH value of the medium. Results of cytotoxicity and antiproliferation of the CdSe-ELP nanofibers demonstrate that the CdSe-ELP does not exhibit any toxicity towards B14 cells. Moreover, these are found to be markedly capable of crossing the cell membrane of B14. In contrast, unmodified CdSe nanoparticles with ELPs cause a strong toxic response and reduction in the cell proliferation. This concept is valid for the fabrication of a variety of metallic and semiconductor 1D-architectures. Therefore, it is believed that these could be used not only for biomedical purposes but for application in a wide range of advanced miniaturized devices. [source] Ensilage of wilted whole crop rice (Oryza sativa L.) using a roll baler for chopped material: Silage quality in long-term storageGRASSLAND SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Hidenori Kawamoto Abstract We examined the effects of long-term storage on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and digestibility of wilted whole crop rice silage prepared using a roll baler for chopped material (set chop length, 13 mm) and compared the results with those obtained by using a conventional roll baler. The roll balers were used for ensiling whole crop rice of three types: (i) dough-ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter); (ii) dough-ripe stage with heavy wilting (65% dry matter); and (iii) yellow-ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter). The apparent dry matter density was higher in the ensiled roll bales composed of chopped whole crop rice (chopped bales) than in those composed of non-chopped whole crop rice (conventional bales) (195,250 kg m,3 vs 156,218 kg m,3, respectively). The formation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia-nitrogen was low in all types of silage. Further, no marked differences in the chemical composition and apparent dry matter digestibility were observed between silage from the two types of bales. However, there were significant differences in their lactic acid and ethanol contents. The lactic acid production in the conventional silage was low (0.08,0.14% fresh matter), whereas that in the chopped silage was high (0.71,0.97% fresh matter). A lower pH value (pH 4.0,4.3) was retained in the chopped silage after 10 months of storage. High ethanol production (1.1,2.5% fresh matter) was observed in the conventional silage, whereas ethanol production decreased to less than 1% in the chopped silage. These results indicate that although the ethanol fermentation is readily enhanced in the ensilage of wilted whole crop rice performed by a conventional baler, the ensilage performed by a baler for chopped material encourages lactic acid fermentation and suppresses ethanol production over a wide moisture range throughout the long-term storage. [source] MEL-type Pure-Silica Zeolite Nanocrystals Prepared by an Evaporation-Assisted Two-Stage Synthesis Method as Ultra-Low- k Materials,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2008Yan Liu Abstract A MEL-type pure-silica zeolite (PSZ), prepared by spin-on of nanoparticle suspensions, has been shown to be a promising ultra-low-dielectric-constant (k) material because of its high mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and chemical stability. In our previous works, a two-stage synthesis method was used to synthesize a MEL-zeolite nanoparticle suspension, in which both nanocrystal yield and particle size of the zeolite suspension increased with increasing synthesis time. For instance, at a crystal yield of 63%, the particle size is 80,nm, which has proved to be too large because it introduces a number of problems for the spin-on films, including large surface roughness, surface striations, and large mesopores. In the current study, the two-stage synthesis method is modified into an evaporation-assisted two-stage method by adding a solvent-evaporation process between the two thermal-treatment steps. The modified method can yield much smaller particle sizes (e.g., 14,vs. 80,nm) while maintaining the same nanocrystal yields as the two-stage synthesis. Furthermore, the nanoparticle suspensions from the evaporation-assisted two-stage synthesis show a bimodal particle size distribution. The primary nanoparticles are around 14,nm in size and are stable in the final suspension with 60% solvent evaporation. The factors that affect nanocrystal synthesis are discussed, including the concentration, pH value, and viscosity. Spin-on films prepared by using suspensions synthesized this way have no striations and improved elastic modulus (9.67,±,1.48,GPa vs. 7.82,±,1.30,GPa), as well as a similar k value (1.91,±,0.09 vs. 1.89,±,0.08) to the previous two-stage synthesized films. [source] A comparison of the physicochemical, microbiological and aromatic composition of Traditional and Industrial Leben in TunisiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010OLFA SAMET-BALI Traditional Tunisian Leben (TL) was produced according to the traditional method. Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and major aromatic compounds were studied and compared to industrial Leben (IL) and experimental Leben (EL). The results show a decrease in lactose content and pH value and an increase in lactic acid during spontaneous fermentation. TL and EL were characterised by higher protein, lactose and ash contents but were less fatty and acidic than IL. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts present in TL were responsible for lactic acid fermentation and aroma development. The LAB and yeast counts in TL were higher than that in EL and IL. Dynamic headspace extraction procedure shows the existence of four major volatile compounds: acetaldehyde, ethanol, diacetyl and acetoin in TL, IL and EL. However, TL has the most important quantity of aroma. [source] Effect of probiotic Lactobacillus casei Zhang on fermentation characteristics of set yogurtINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010JICHENG WANG The effect of four inoculation levels of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 g/100 g) on the fermentation characteristics of set-style yogurt, and the changes in viable counts of lactic acid bacteria, pH value, syneresis, apparent viscosity, sugar and organic acid contents were determined during fermentation and storage over 21 days. The presence of 0.001 to 0.01 g/100 g L. casei Zhang did not affect the growth of the yogurt strains, and the yogurt inoculated with 0.00 1 g/100 g of L. casei Zhang had the highest apparent viscosity among the samples. However, a high inoculated level of L. casei Zhang (1.0 g/100 g) resulted in yogurts with inferior quality. [source] Systemic and local effects of long-term exposure to alkaline drinking water in ratsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Marina E.T. Merne Alkaline conditions in the oral cavity may be caused by a variety of stimuli, including tobacco products, antacids, alkaline drinking water or bicarbonate toothpaste. The effects of alkaline pH on oral mucosa have not been systematically studied. To assess the systemic (organ) and local (oral mucosal) effects of alkalinity, drinking water supplemented with Ca(OH)2 or NaOH, with pH 11.2 or 12 was administered to rats (n = 36) for 52 weeks. Tissues were subjected to histopathological examination; oral mucosal biopsy samples were also subjected to immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses for pankeratin, CK19, CK5, CK4, PCNA, ICAM-1, CD44, CD68, S-100, HSP 60, HSP70, and HSP90. At completion of the study, animals in the study groups had lower body weights (up to 29% less) than controls despite equal food and water intake, suggesting a systemic response to the alkaline treatment. The lowest body weight was found in rats exposed to water with the highest pH value and starting the experiment when young (6 weeks). No histological changes attributable to alkaline exposure occurred in the oral mucosa or other tissues studied. Alkaline exposure did not affect cell proliferation in the oral epithelium, as shown by the equal expression of PCNA in groups. The up-regulation of HSP70 protein expression in the oral mucosa of rats exposed to alkaline water, especially Ca(OH)2 treated rats, may indicate a protective response. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) positivity was lost in 6/12 rats treated with Ca(OH)2 with pH 11.2, and loss of CD44 expression was seen in 3/6 rats in both study groups exposed to alkaline water with pH 12. The results suggest that the oral mucosa in rats is resistant to the effects of highly alkaline drinking water. However, high alkalinity may have some unknown systemic effects leading to growth retardation, the cause of which remains to be determined. [source] Effect of soluble CO2 stabilisation and vacuum packaging in the shelf life of farmed sea bream and sea bass filletsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Rogério Mendes Summary The objective of this study was to determine the differences of sensory, microbiological and chemical quality in vacuum-packaged fillets of sea bream and sea bass previously submitted to soluble gas solubilisation (SGS) with 100% CO2, at 2 bar for 30 and 60 min and stored at chilled temperature for 15 days. Apart from pH value that showed a regular increase during chilled storage, the other chemical index [total volatile bases nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs)] had showed to be poor indicators of changes in quality of products. Final TVB-N values ranged from 16.0 to 17.4 mg N per 100 g and from 17.3 to 19.4 mg N per 100 g in sea bream and sea bass, respectively. Sensory evaluation resulted as the most reliable parameter of quality decay. The results show that SGS treatment kept the initial quality of fillets for longer time, which was particularly visible on the sea bream fillets, thus contributing to an extension in 2,3 days of the shelf life. SGS had also a positive effect in the delay of microbial growth. [source] Genetic aspects concerning drip loss and water-holding capacity of porcine meatJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 2007D. G. J. Jennen Summary The amount and distribution of water inside the meat has a considerable influence on its properties. High losses of fluid in the form of drip may affect financial output, nutritional value, consumer appeal and/or technological properties of porcine meat. Therefore, a deeper insight into the traits water-holding capacity (WHC) and drip is favourable on behalf of producers, industry and consumers. Similar to most meat quality traits, WHC and drip loss (DRIP) are moderately heritable. The genetic correlation between these two traits is high. Correlation to other meat quality traits, such as pH value, cooking loss, reflectance, etc. is existent as predictable. Two major genes are known, RYR1 on chromosome 6 and RN on chromosome 15, to influence meat quality in general and WHC in particular. Furthermore, a number of candidate genes exist, e.g. phosphoglycerate mutase 2. Within the variety of quantitative trait loci (QTL) experiments, a number of QTL have been identified. QTL for DRIP and/or WHC have been found on chromosome 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18; for cooking loss on 7, 14 and18, and for pH value on nearly all chromosomes. Recently, a QTL study for meat quality and body composition traits in a Duroc,Pietrain (DUPI) resource population has been conducted at the University of Bonn, Germany. Four QTL for DRIP were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 5 and 18. The QTL regions are in agreement with previously published QTL for this and other related traits. Further research and finemapping has begun and candidate genes located within the QTL regions are currently under investigation. Combination and comparison of results should lead to deeper insights in the genetic background of meat quality and DRIP. [source] Effects of hay intake and feeding sequence on variables in faeces and faecal water (dry matter, pH value, organic acids, ammonia, buffering capacity) of horsesJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1-2 2004A. Zeyner Summary To investigate effects of hay intake and feeding sequence on indicators of the microbial activity within the hindgut, six horses were fed 1.00 kg oats plus 0.50, 0.67, 0.83 or 1.00 kg hay/100 kg body weight (BW) × day, each for 14 days. Oats was offered either 30 min prior to hay (OA) or in the reversed sequence (HA) in a 2 × 8-week crossover design. Because typically exercised horses should be subjected to the study, faeces was used as substrate. Faecal dry matter (DM), the faecal waters' short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, in mmol/l) and molar percentages (mol%) of propionate and iso-butyrate were highest with OA (p < 0.01). Acetate mol%, acetate,propionate quotient (A/P) and buffering capacities 1 and 2 (BC1: current pH to pH 6; BC2: pH 6 to 5) of the faecal water were highest with HA (p < 0.01). While the hay intake rose, faecal pH, acetate mol%, A/P, BC1 and BC2 (the latter with HA only) increased (p < 0.05), but DM, SCFA and propionate mol% declined (p < 0.05). The hay-induced rise in A/P and BC1 was much higher with HA than with OA. l -Lactate and ammonia were unaffected by the feeding sequence and hay intake. In conclusion, hay intake and feeding sequence influence the microbial activity within the hindgut, although the concentrate level remains consistent. In horse rations with 1.00 kg oats/100 kg BW × day amounts of at least 0.83 kg hay/100 kg BW × day and offering the hay first seem to have the potency to protect the hindgut content from acidification. Behavioural abnormality was not observed any longer first with 1.00 kg hay/100 kg BW × day. [source] A modified Ising model for the thermodynamic properties of local and global protein folding,unfolding observed by circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scatteringJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 2007Ying-Jen Shiu Based on the mean-field approximation, we have applied a modified Ising model to describe general protein unfolding behavior at thermodynamic equilibrium with the free energy contributed by the subgroup units (amino acids or peptide bonds) of the protein. With the thermodynamic properties of the protein, this model can associate the stepwise change of an unfolding fraction ratio profile with the local and global conformation unfolding. Taking cytochrome c (cyt c) as a model protein, we have observed, using small-angle X-ray scattering and circular dichroism (CD), the global and local structure changes for the protein in three kinds of denaturant environments: acid, urea and guanidine hydrochloride. The small-angle X-ray scattering and CD results are mapped to the unfolding fractions as a function of the pH value or denaturant concentration, from which we have extracted local and global unfolding free energies of cyt c in different denaturant environments using a modified Ising model. Based on the characteristics of the thermodynamic properties deduced from the local and global protein folding,unfolding, we discuss the thermodynamic stabilities of the protein in the three denaturant environments, and the possible correlation between the global conformation change of the protein and the local unfolding activities of the S,Fe bond in the Met80-heme and the ,-helices. [source] Use of chitosan for removal of bisphenol A and bisphenol derivatives through tyrosinase-catalyzed quinone oxidationJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010Mizuho Suzuki Abstract In this study, the availability of chitosan was systematically investigated for removal of bisphenol A (BPA, 2,2-bis(hydroxyphenyl)propane) through the tyrosinase-catalyzed quinone oxidation and subsequent quinone adsorption on chitosan beads. In particular, the process parameters, such as the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-to-BPA ratio, pH value, temperature, and tyrosinase dose, were discussed in detail for the enzymatic quinone oxidation. Tyrosinase-catalyzed quinone oxidation of BPA was effectively enhanced by adding H2O2 and the optimum conditions for BPA at 0.3 mM were determined to be pH 7.0 and 40°C in the presence of H2O2 at 0.3 mM ([H2O2]/[BPA] = 1.0). Removal of BPA from aqueous solutions was accomplished by adsorption of enzymatically generated quinone derivatives on chitosan beads. The use of chitosan in the form of beads was found to be more effective because heterogeneous removal of BPA with chitosan beads was much faster than homogeneous removal of BPA with chitosan solutions, and the removal efficiency was enhanced by increasing the amount of chitosan beads dispersed in the BPA solutions and BPA was completely removed by quinone adsorption in the presence of chitosan beads more than 0.10 cm3/cm3. In addition, a variety of bisphenol derivatives were completely or effectively removed by the procedure constructed in this study, although the enzyme dose or the amount of chitosan beads was further increased as necessary for some of the bisphenol derivatives used. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Preparation and characterization of PEGylated terlipressinJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010Xiufang Wang Abstract Terlipressin was chemically modified by reaction with succinimidyl propionate- monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG-SPA). To determine the PEGylated degree, the position and the optimized condition for PEGylated terlipressin, the reactions were monitored in different pH value buffers at different molar ratios by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Tryptic digestion and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used. The results showed that the amount of mono-PEG-terlipressin was higher at lower pH value and lower content of PEG. Meanwhile, the amount of di-PEG-terlipressin was higher at higher pH value and higher content of PEG under the conditions investigated. The position of PEGylated terlipressin was confirmed by tryptic digestion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Study on macromolecular lanthanide complexes (V): Synthesis, characterization, and fluorescence properties of lanthanide complexes with the copolymers of styrene and acrylic acidJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 2 2009Xing Liang Abstract In this study, the luminescent macromolecular lanthanide complexes Ln-PSt/AA (Ln = Eu and Tb; St = styrene; AA = acrylic acid) have been synthesized, and an extensive characterization has been carried out by means of elemental analysis, FTIR, thermal analysis, and fluorescence determination. The results showed that the carboxylic groups on the chain of the polymers acted as bidentate ligands coordinated to lanthanide ions; and the coordination degree of COO,/Ln3+ in the macromolecular complexes was closely dependent on both the pH value of the solution and the molar ratio of St to AA in the polymeric ligands. Thermal analysis manifested that these Ln-PSt/AA (Ln = Eu and Tb) complexes had high thermal stability and solvent resistance, and these macromolecular complexes were highly crosslinked. The fluorescence determination indicated that Ln-PSt/AA complexes could emit characteristic fluorescence with comparatively high brightness and good monochromaticity, and the fluorescence intensity changed with increasing lanthanide ions content. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Encapsulation efficiency and release behaviors of bovine serum albumin loaded in alginate microspheres prepared by sprayingJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Jie Zhang Abstract Spraying and spraying with an electrostatic field (SEF) were employed to prepare alginate microspheres for delivering proteins, especially for intestinal digestive enzymes and cytokines. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of a model protein [bovine serum albumin (BSA)] at a pH value lower than the isoelectric point was 20% higher than that at a natural pH. Moreover, for the microspheres prepared by SEF, EE improved significantly with increasing electric voltage. The interactions between BSA and the alginate microspheres were identified with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The release profiles in vitro showed a controlled and pH-responsive release manner for the encapsulated BSA. A first-order release equation was postulated and modified to describe the release kinetics with an obviously initial burst release related to the eroded porous matrix. The equation fit the release data well when the pH value and composition of the release media were changed. The analysis of the release kinetics indicated that the drug release rate was in an inverse ratio to the diameter of the microspheres. Increasing the gas flow rate or electric voltage decreased both the mean diameter and size distribution of the microspheres significantly and enhanced the release rate of loaded drugs from alginate microspheres. Sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that BSA kept its structural integrity during the encapsulation and release process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Preparation and adsorption properties of chitosan,poly(acrylic acid) nanoparticles for the removal of nickel ionsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Jian-Wen Wang Abstract Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles with different mean sizes ranging from 100 to 195 nm were prepared by ionic gelation of CS and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Variations in the final solution pH value and CS : PAA volume ratio were examined systematically for their effects on nanoparticle size, intensity of surface charge, and tendency toward particle aggregation. The sorption capacity and sorption isotherms of the CS,PAA nanoparticles for nickel ions were evaluated. The parameters for the adsorption of nickel ions by the CS,PAA nanoparticles were also investigated. The CS,PAA nanoparticles could sorb nickel ions effectively. The sorption rate for nickel ions was affected significantly by the initial concentration of the solution, sorbent amount, particle size, and pH value of the solution. The samples of nanoparticles were well correlated with Langmuir's isotherm model, and the adsorption kinetics of nickel correlated well with the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum capacity for nickel sorption deduced from the use of the Langmuir isotherm equation was 435 mg/g, which was significantly higher than that of the micrometer-sized CS. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008 [source] Preparation of a heterogeneous hollow-fiber affinity membrane having a mercapto chelating resin and its recovery of Hg2+ cationsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Bing Wang Abstract A kind of heterogeneous hollow-fiber affinity filter membrane with a high chelating capacity for Hg2+ was prepared by phase separation with blends of a mercapto chelating resin and polysulfone as the membrane materials, N,N -dimethylacetamide as the solvent, and water as the extraction solvent. The adsorption isotherms of the hollow-fiber affinity filter membrane for Hg2+ were determined. The heterogeneous hollow-fiber affinity filter membrane was used for the adsorption of Hg2+ cations through the coordination of the mercapto group and Hg2+ cations, and the effects of the morphology and structure of the affinity membrane on the chelating properties were investigated. The chelating conditions, including the chelating resin grain size, pH value, concentration of the metallic ion solution, mobile phase conditions, and operating parameters, had significant effects on the chelating capacity of the hollow-fiber affinity filter membrane. The results revealed that the greatest chelating capacity of the hollow-fiber affinity filter membrane for Hg2+ was 1090 ,g/cm2 of membrane under appropriate conditions, and the adsorption isotherms of Hg2+ could be described by the Langmuir isotherm. The dynamic chelating experiments indicated that the hollow-fiber affinity membrane could be operated at a high feed flow rate and that large-scale removal of Hg2+ could be realized. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]
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