The cholesterol-lowering effect of guar gum is not the result of a simple diversion of bile acids toward fecal excretion

The effects of partially hydrolyzed, nonviscous, guar gum (PHGG) on cholesterol metabolism and digestive balance have been compared with those of native guar gum (GUAR) in rats adapted to 0.4% cholesterol diets. Both types of guar gum elicited acidic fermentations in the large intestine, but only GUAR effectively lowered plasma cholesterol (P<0.001), chiefly in the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fraction. The biliary bile acid excretion was significantly enhanced in rats fed GUAR (P<0.05), as well as the intestinal and cecal bile acid pool (P<0.001). In rats fed GUAR and to a lesser extent in those fed PHGG, the fecal excretion of bile acids and neutral sterol was higher than in controls (P<0.01). The digestive balance (cholesterol intake-steroid excretion) was positive in control rats (+47 μmol/d), whereas it was negative in rats fed GUAR (−20 μmol/d), which could involve a higher rate of endogenous cholesterol synthesis. In rats fed PHGG, the steroid balance remained slightly positive. Liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity was very low (22 pmol/min/mg protein), owing to cholesterol supplementation, in control rats or in rats fed PHGG, whereas it was markedly higher (+463%) in rats fed GUAR. In conclusion, even if PHGG does alter some parameters of the enterohepatic cycle of cholesterol and bile acids, its effects are not sufficient to elicit a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. The intestinal (ileal or cecal) reabsorption of bile acids was not reduced, but rather increased, by GUAR; nevertheless the intestinal capacities of reabsorption were overwhelmed by the enlargement of the digestive pool of bile acids. In the present model, induction of HMG-CoA reductase probably takes place in the presence of elevated portal bile acid concentrations.     

Cottonseed preparation

Conventional methods of cottonseed preparation are reviewed and described, including seed cleaning, saw delinting, dehulling, conditioning, and flaking. The use of screw presses for prepress conditioning ahead of solvent extraction is discussed as compared to conditioning for direct solvent extraction. Newer methods and proposed alternate methods of cottonseed preparation are discussed including: abrasive delinting, acid delinting by gas and liquid acid, and the decorticating of undelinted seed. The effect of cracking rolls, moisture addition, moist cooking and flaking on gossypol gland rupture, the binding of gossypol to protein, and the effect of these processing or preparation variables on the residual oil in the extracted meal and on the oil quality are discussed.     

Polymerization of 2-phenyl-aziridine

Summary The ring-opening polymerization of 2-phenyl aziridine was studied with several catalyst systems: boron trifluoride etherate, chlorhydric acid, perchloric acid, dimethyl sulfate and methyl triflate. The corresponding polyamine was obtained as a pale yellow solid with a number average molecular weight around 2,000–3,000.A kinetic study is discussed in the case of perchloric acid and methyl triflate.     

Kinetics of the decomposition of total aliphatic waxes in olive oil during deodorization

Changes in the content of aliphatic waxes during industrial deodorization and/or physical refining of bleached olive oil were studied in an experimental discontinuous pilot plant of 250 kg deodorizer using nitrogen as stripping gas in place of steam. The kinetic constants for the decomposition of waxes during the deodorization process were determined. The reaction orders studied are zero (or can be considered zero) within the working interval. The values of rate constants, activation energy, frequency factor, increment of activation Gibbs free energy, activation enthalpy, and activation entropy are established.     

Sex pheromone specificity as a reproductive isolating mechanism among the sibling speciesArchips argyrospilus andA. mortuanus and other sympatric tortricine moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

MaleArchips argyrospilus (Walker) were maximally attracted to a 60404200 admixture of (Z)-11-tetradecenyl, (E)-11-tetradecenyl, (Z)-9-tetradecenyl and dodecyl acetates. The identification of (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, in addition to the other 3 components reported previously, is the first report of a 4-component pheromone system in moths.Archips mortuanus Kearfoot, a sibling species, was maximally attracted to a blend of the same components, but in a 90101 mix of the tetradecenyl acetates. Among a number of tortricine moths that co-occur on apples and other hosts in New York, British Columbia, and elsewhere, differences in diel rhythms of attraction and seasonal distribution are insufficient to maintain reproductive isolation. Although the attractant systems of these species often possess components in common, males are maximally attracted to a speciesspecific blend. In tortricine moths attraction specificity appears to be a paramount mechanism for species partitioning.     

Functional and nutritional properties of modified proteins of sesame (Sesamum indicum, L.)

A study on the functional and nutritional properties of sesame (Sesamum indicum, L.) flour, concentrate and enzymatic hydrolysates, demonstrated that nitrogen solubility of the hydrolysates is improved, in water (85%) and at different pHs (91-95%), by the action of neutrasa 0.5L and alcalasa 0.6L, yielding a product with good emulsifying and improved foaming properties. Hydrolysates produced by the pH-stat method, then freeze-dried and spray-dried presented a PER of 1.1 and 0.9, respectively. The flour and the concentrate had PER values of 1.2. Supplementation of one of the hydrolysates with soya hydrolysate (1:1), improved the PER to a value similar to that of casein. Use of neutrasa 0.5L and alcalasa 0.6L enzymes, enhances the sesame protein solubility without modifying extensively the PER. Besides, it yields a dehydrated product with improved emulsifying and foaming properties.     

Iron species incorporated over different silica supports for the heterogeneous photo-Fenton oxidation of phenol

Iron-containing catalysts have been prepared following different synthesis routes and silica supports (amorphous, zeolitic and mesostructured materials). Activity and stability of these materials were assessed on the photo-Fenton degradation of phenolic aqueous solutions using near UV irradiation (higher than 313 nm) at room temperature and initial neutral pH. Their catalytic performance was monitored in terms of phenol and total organic carbon (TOC) conversions. Aromatic compounds and carboxylic acids as by-products coming from incomplete mineralization of phenol as well as the efficiency of each catalytic system in the use of the oxidant were also studied. Stability of the materials throughout the photo-Fenton reaction was evaluated in terms of metal leachibility. Activity and stability depend on the environment of iron species and features of silica support. The evolution of pH with the reaction time and their relationship with TOC degradation and leaching degree has been discussed. A nanocomposite material of crystalline iron oxides supported over mesostructured SBA-15 material is shown the most successful catalyst for degradation of phenolic aqueous solutions by photo-Fenton processes, achieving an outstanding overall catalytic performance accompanied with a noteworthy stability.     

Study of UAV tracking based on CNN in noisy environment

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Recently, there are lots of tracking methods proposed to improve the performance of visual tracking in videos with challenging situations, such as background...