Influence of copolymer composition on non-fickian water transport through glassy copolymers

The dynamic swelling behavior of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) in water was followed at 37°C. The results were analyzed in terms of a simple non-Fickian transport equation, which expresses the fractional penetrant uptake as an exponential function of the diffusion time. The exponent n, which indicates Fickian or non-Fickian transport mechanism, was correlated to the content of the more hydrophilic component of the copolymer. Photomicrographs obtained with polarized light offer new information about the position and movement of the penetrant front in glassy, hydrophilic polymers.     

Proximal composition, lipid and cholesterol content of meat from pigs fed peach-palm meal (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) and synthetic lysine

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the proximal composition, lipids and cholesterol content of meat from pigs fed diets with peach-palm meal (PPM), with or without addition of synthetic lysine (LYS). In experiment 1, 24 pigs were randomly allotted into six treatments with three levels of PPM (0.16 and 32%) and two levels of LYS (0 and 0.27%). In experiment II, 16 finishing pigs were fed with two levels of PPM (0 and 17.50%) and two levels of LYS (0 and 0.27%). At the end of each experiment (42 and 35 d, respectively), pigs were slaughtered and loin samples were obtained to determine crude protein, dry matter, moisture, ash, total lipids, and cholesterol content. In experiment I, pork loin from 16% PPM had more dry matter (26.45 g/100 g) and less moisture (73.49 g/100g) than pork loin from 32% PPM (25.11 y 75.03 g/100g, respectively). Meat samples from pigs without LYS had higher (p < 0.05) content of lipids (2.11 g/100 g) than meat from pigs that consumed LYS (1.72 g/100 g). In experiment II, the proximal, lipids and cholesterol content were similar among treatments. The PPM addition to pig diets did not affect the proximal composition of pork, while LYS addition indicated a reduction of total lipids, which could result as an alternative to obtain leaner meat.     

N‐Methyl‐Substituted Fluorescent DAG–Indololactone Isomers Exhibit Dramatic Differences in Membrane Interactions and Biological Activity

N‐methyl‐substituted diacylglycerol–indololactones (DAG–indololactones) are newly synthesized effectors of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and exhibit substantial selectivity between RasGRP3 and PKCα. We present a comprehensive analysis of membrane interactions and biological activities of several DAG–indololactones. Translocation and binding activity assays underline significant variations between the PKC translocation characteristics affected by the ligands as compared to their binding activities. In parallel, the fluorescent properties of the ligands were employed for analysis of their membrane association profiles. Specifically, we found that a slight change in the linkage to the indole ring resulted in significant differences in membrane binding and association of the DAG–indololactones with lipid bilayers. Our analysis shows that seemingly small structural modifications of the hydrophobic regions of these biomimetic PKC effectors contribute to pronounced modulation of membrane interactions of the ligands.     

Selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde using Pd catalysts supported on Mg/Al mixed oxides: Influence of the Pd incorporation method

A series of hydrotalcite‐like compounds was synthesized by varying Mg/Al molar ratio with values of 2, 3, and 4. After thermal treatment at 823 K, the corresponding mixed oxides were obtained and used as catalytic supports. The incorporation of a Pd metallic phase (0.5 g/g loading), was carried out by two methods: 1) in situ vapour phase thermal decomposition, and 2) impregnation by organic method. Fresh and calcined samples were characterized by XRD and N₂ sorption experiments. The basic and metal functions were analyzed by CO₂‐TPD and H₂‐TPR. The Pd‐support interaction was studied by FTIR spectroscopy using CO as a probe molecule while the morphology of Pd nanoparticles on the catalysts was studied by SEM, HRTEM, and theoretical simulation using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method. Finally, the catalytic activity results showed a higher conversion towards hydrocinnamaldehyde in the cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation reaction for the catalysts prepared by vapour phase thermal decomposition, compared with those prepared by organic method, showing the significant dependence on the catalytic activity and the Pd incorporation method.     

Phosphorylation Stoichiometries of Human Eukaryotic Initiation Factors

Eukaryotic translation initiation factors are the principal molecular effectors regulating the process converting nucleic acid to functional protein. Commonly referred to as eIFs (eukaryotic initiation factors), this suite of proteins is comprised of at least 25 individual subunits that function in a coordinated, regulated, manner during mRNA translation. Multiple facets of eIF regulation have yet to be elucidated; however, many of the necessary protein factors are phosphorylated. Herein, we have isolated, identified and quantified phosphosites from eIF2, eIF3, and eIF4G generated from log phase grown HeLa cell lysates. Our investigation is the first study to globally quantify eIF phosphosites and illustrates differences in abundance of phosphorylation between the residues of each factor. Thus, identification of those phosphosites that exhibit either high or low levels of phosphorylation under log phase growing conditions may aid researchers to concentrate their investigative efforts to specific phosphosites that potentially harbor important regulatory mechanisms germane to mRNA translation.     

Lipid‐lowering and anti‐inflammatory effects of palmitoleic acid: Evidence from preclinical and epidemiological studies

In preclinical and human epidemiological studies, the monounsaturated fatty acid, cis‐palmitoleic acid, has shown anti‐inflammatory and lipid lowering effects linked to prevention of metabolic syndrome including cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance associated with diabetes and obesity. Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials are needed to clarify its role in these conditions.