Anthocyanin composition of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from high- and low-quality vineyards over two years

The anthocyanin composition of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes over two vintages was studied. Samples were obtained during berry ripening from two vineyards that differed by producing fruit of high and low quality. The proportions of the individual compounds remained practically constant within a single vineyard along the sampling period, the changes in the anthocyanin composition being principally quantitative. Different multivariate statistical methods showed that the anthocyanin profile was primarily determined by variety. This genetic dependence was particularly verified when the sums of the non-acylated glucosides, the acetates and the p-coumaryl derivatives, were analysed. The mean relative content corresponding to these three anthocyanin fractions was always the same within each variety, independently either of the vineyard or the vintage year considered. Relating to the individual compounds, several permanent qualitative differences between vineyards in each variety were also found, although the difference in the total anthocyanin concentration was always much higher.     

Two novel betaine derivatives from Kancolla seeds (Chenopodiaceae)

Analysis of the polar extracts from kancolla seeds led to the isolation of five betaines: glycine betaine, trigonelline, trigonelline methylester, trigonelline glucosylester and 3-carboxy-1-(2-sulfoethyl)-pyridinium, the last two of which have not previously been reported in the literature. All structures were elucidated from spectroscopic [NMR (¹H, ¹³C, COSY, HOHAHA, HMQC, HMBC)] and mass spectrometric data (ESI-MS).     

Corrosion behavior of a superduplex stainless steel in chloride aqueous solution

Super duplex stainless steels (SDSS) have been widely used as structural materials for chemical plants (especially in those engaged in phosphoric acid production), in the hydrometallurgy industries, and as materials for offshore applications due to their excellent corrosion resistance in chloride environments, compared with other commercial types of ferritic stainless steels. These alloys also possess superior weldability and better mechanical properties than austenitic stainless steels. However, due to their two-phase structure, the nature of which is very dependent on their composition and thermal history, the behavior of SDSS regarding localized corrosion appears difficult to predict, especially in chloride environments. To improve their final properties, the effect of the partition of the alloying elements between the two phases, and the composition and microstructure of each phase are the key to understanding the localized corrosion phenomena of SDSS. This paper concerns the effects of the SDSS microstructure and heat treatment on the SDSS corrosion resistance in aqueous solutions, containing different amounts of NaCl at room temperature.     

Zinc porphyrin with phenoxy-bridged pentacoordinate bis(8-hydroxyquinaldinate)gallium lateral pendants: synthesis and photophysical characterization

This communication reports the synthesis of polymetallic species formed by a zinc-tetraphenolporphyrinate core (ZnTPP(OH)₄, 1) and peripheral gallium-quinaldinate fragments. The photophysical analysis of 1 and of the model compound , R, shows an appreciable overlap between the absorption spectra of 1 and the emission spectra of R, suggesting the presence of a donor–acceptor energy-transfer process. Contrarily, the obtained results indicated that energy transfer does not occur, hence these polymetallic complexes work as double emitting species, for which the colour of luminescence depends on the excitation energy.     

SYBR-Green real-time PCR approach for the detection and quantification of pig DNA in feedstuffs

A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay using primers targeting the porcine-specific mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and universal eukaryotic primers amplifying a conserved fragment of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene has been developed for the detection and quantification of porcine DNA in food and feedstuffs. The 18S rRNA primers were used as endogenous control for the total content of PCR-amplifiable DNA in the sample. The assay was tested on DNA extracted from raw and heat-treated binary mixtures of porcine tissues in a plant matrix, and on DNA extracted from reference feedstuff samples. Analysis of experimental mixtures demonstrated the suitability of the assay for the detection and quantification of porcine DNA in mixtures containing as little as 0.1%.     

A molecular dynamics study of siloxane diffusion in a polyester-melamine solution

This study examines the diffusion of small methylated and hydroxylated siloxanes through solutions of polymer and crosslinker molecules. The diffusivity of the siloxanes was calculated for bulk diffusion and for surface segregation. Our simulations demonstrate that there is significant interaction between 3,3-dimethylhexahydroxytrisiloxane (hexa-OH-TS) and the polar solvent components of the paint matrix at 298 K. The nature of these associations is largely due to hydrogen bonding between the siloxane and the polar solvent molecules. At 573 K the diffusivity of solvent molecules is sufficiently high to disrupt interactions. The smaller number of hydroxyl groups in 1,5-dihydroxyhexamethyltrisiloxane (hexa-Me-TS) results in a weaker interaction with the polar solvent. Surface segregation studies indicate that there is a slight increase in the concentration of hexa-OH-TS in the surface layer of the system as a result of curing and relaxation processes. However, for hexa-Me-TS there is in fact a decrease in the surface concentration of the siloxane relative to the bulk concentration.     

Computer simulation of structure and properties of crosslinked polymers: application to epoxy resins

In this work, a methodology has been developed for construction of atomistic models of crosslinked polymer networks. The methodology has been applied to low molecular weight water soluble epoxy resins crosslinked with different curing agents that are being considered for use as a primer coating on steel. The simulations allowed the crosslink density and the amount of free crosslinking sites in the coatings to be predicted. Shrinkage of the resin upon curing was reproduced by the simulation. In addition, the barrier properties of the model coatings were estimated. The interface between an inorganic substrate and cured epoxy resin has been constructed and the strength and molecular mechanisms of adhesion have been revealed. The developed methodology has a potential to significantly impact on the design and development of new coatings with improved barrier and adhesion properties.     

Another view of corporal punishment.

Responds to L. G. Humphreys's (1975) article on corporal punishment by citing testimony on behalf of legislation prohibiting corporal punishment in public schools in Oregon. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of social stimulus value on academic achievement and social competence: A reconsideration of children's first-name characteristics.

Tested the hypothesized connection between children's 1st-name characteristics and their academic and social functioning in 2 studies with 24,602 2nd–12th graders. In Study 1, 721 male names and 1,030 female names of 23,878 2nd–21th graders were rated by 9 adults on desirability. Analyses of the degree of association between name frequency and name desirability and 4 measures of academic achievement showed that 1st-name characteristics were unrelated to academic achievement, even in the most extreme cases, so long as a confound was prevented between name frequency or desirability and S's ethnicity. In Study 2, using 724 9th–22th graders, the relationship between S's 1st name characteristics and S's social competence in handling challenging social situations (as judged by peers, teachers, and Ss themselves) was explored. Data show little evidence for an impact of name characteristics in social competence. It is suggested that previous studies that have reported significant positive relationships between name characteristics and indices of personal functioning have focused on name desirability and have not controlled for ethnic status. (40 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Genetic and environmental influences on parent–son relationships: Evidence for increasing genetic influence during adolescence.

Genetic and environmental influences on self-reported parent-child relationships were examined in a sample of 824 individual male twins and their parents. Cross-sectional comparisons of twin similarity at ages 11 and 17 yrs were undertaken to identify developmental changes in the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to family relationships. Significant genetic influences were found on perceptions of parent-son conflict, regard, involvement, and overall support. Heritabilities were significantly higher in older twins, suggesting increased genetic influence with age. Age differences were present primarily in the father-son relationship. These results provide support for the proposal of S. Scarr and K. McCartney (1983) that the importance of active gene-environment correlations increases during adolescence. Older adolescents may have more choice and impact on the nature of the relationships they have with their parents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)