Inhibition of α-amylase activity by condensed tannins

The ability of grape seed procyanidins to inhibit α-amylase activity was studied using a colorimetric method. This ability was found to be related with the average degree of polymerisation of the tested procyanidins. These interactions were further evaluated by fluorescence quenching, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nephelometry, in order to understand the mechanisms by which they occur. A relationship between aggregate formation and enzymatic inhibition was observed. The interaction between procyanidins and enzyme involves a specific interaction as inferred from the calculated apparent bimolecular quenching constant in the fluorescence assays. Further experiments involved the determination of the effect of carbohydrates on the enzymatic inhibition observed. It was shown that pectin and arabic gum inhibited the formation of insoluble aggregates but were unable to restore fluorescence and activity to the enzyme. This suggests that these carbohydrates resulted in a decrease in turbidity due to the formation of a ternary complex with protein/polyphenol.     

Influence of anthocyanins and derivative pigments from blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extracts on MPP intestinal uptake: A structure–activity approach

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of an anthocyanin extract (extract I), and two other derivative extracts (extracts II and III), which are being developed aiming to be further applied in the food industry, on intestinal uptake of organic cations. For this purpose, the effect of these compounds on ³H-MPP⁺ uptake was evaluated in Caco-2 cells (an enterocyte-like cell line derived from a human colonic adenocarcinoma).     

Analysis and behavior of steel storage drive-in racks

This work presents a general analysis of drive-in racks, evaluating the influence of each of their components on global stability. In this study, a full-scale test of a drive-in system was carried out. Finite element models were also developed to evaluate global structural stability and component influence on system behavior. The experimental and numerical results show that the connections and base plates have the most significant influence on the system's behavior. This influence is analyzed, an equation that predicts base plate resistance is then proposed, and its results are compared with experimental and numerical results.     

正交异性钢桥面板改造的组合粘结系统

<正>交异性钢桥面板改造的问题在于既有钢板与第二个钢板的粘结,以降低应力和增加正交异性钢板的使用寿命。通过试验和分析,对梁的弯曲性能进行参数研究。试验考虑不同厚度、温度和跨度的影响。从试验结果可见,应力降低与温度无关。最小化第二块钢板的厚度及最大化粘结层厚度,可降低重量,增加组合结构的刚度,这是最有效的解决方法。组合梁的弹性性能和屈服荷载取决于钢板的性能,温度的影响不显著。然而,粘结层的受剪最终导致梁的破坏,而粘结层的性能受温度的影响较大。     

1,3‐Dimethoxybenzene,a newly identified component of port wine

1,3‐Dimethoxybenzene was identified by GC–O, GC–MS and Kovats indices (polar Supelcowax, 1709; non‐polar Rtx‐5MS, 1158) as a new volatile component of port wine. Sensory evaluation described this compound as having a sweet medicinal odour with hazelnut, resinous and woody notes. Respective threshold limits in model wine and port wine were 21 and 47 µg l^?1. Quantitative analysis by GC–MS, using a selected characteristic ion (m/z 138), indicated that young port wines from the 1998 vintage contained up to 3 µg l^?1 whereas ports from the 1999 vintage contained up to 20 µg l^?1. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

A new vinylpyranoanthocyanin pigment occurring in aged red wine

A new pyranoanthocyanin–vinylphenol pigment was detected in an aged Port red wine. The UV–Vis spectrum of this pigment was found to have a λ_max of 538 nm that is bathochromically shifted from that of original anthocyanins, exhibiting a more purple hue in acidic solution. This newly formed pigment was synthesized in model solution through the reaction between malvidin 3-O-glucoside–pyruvic acid adduct and vinylphenol and its structure was assigned by NMR and mass spectrometry. This pigment is reported herein for the first time.     

Foot-turistic multimedia: designing interactive multimedia installations for shoe shops

The amount of money spent in a store is positively correlated with the amount of time spent inside. We argue this is an opportunity for multimedia installations that can entertain shoppers and promote interaction with the shop??s products. This was the main principle behind our design idea for two interactive installations specifically conceived for shoe shops. We present two applications of interactive multimedia to shoe shopping: an interactive semantic mirror and an interactive window logo. We also describe the results of ethnographic studies, before and after the design process. Our contribution is two-fold: (i) we develop and apply a new multimedia architecture that combines RFID in-store technology with high-end motion detection algorithms, and (ii) we describe one of the first few studies about multimedia installations for improving the shoe shopping experience, in what we call ??foot-turistic?? interactions.     

Electrochemical and structural characterization of copper recycled from anodes of spent Li-ion batteries

In this study, the charge efficiency, nucleation growth, and morphology of electrodeposited copper from spent Li-batteries were studied. The charge efficiency for these deposits shows a maximum value of 99.41%, under a charge density of 5.0 C cm^?2. Studies with the SEM technique at pH 2.0 show well-formed nuclei. At pH 4.5, the deposits take the form of dendrites. XRD analysis shows that, in both cases, a Cu₂O structure is present, but with a large amount at pH 4.5, evidenced by peaks of [002] and [110] directions.     

Evaluation of the impact of access to electricity: A comparative analysis of South Africa,China, India and Brazil

Most developing countries include rural electrification programs in their efforts to improve social conditions. There are, however, several obstacles to the evaluation of such programs and therefore of their social, economic, environmental and energy impacts on the target population, particularly on impoverished communities located in remote areas. Evaluation of the efficacy of public policies aimed at rural electrification in South Africa, China, India and Brazil enables such actions to be quantified and re-considered so as to bolster the sustainability of their planning and implementation and also so as to enable comprehension of the significance of access to electricity in relation to other aspects of the drive to improve living standards. The provision of electric energy amounts to more than access to a public service and should be considered an essential right, in a context of social equity and justice, which permits social integration and the access to other equally essential services.