Receptor-Based Fluorescence Polarization Assay to Detect Phthalate Esters in Chinese Spirits

This work developed a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay for detection of phthalate esters (PAEs) in Chinese spirits. A mouse-derived recombinant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α ligand binding domain (mPPARα-LBD*) and a fluorescent-labeled fatty acid (C4-BODIPY-C9) were employed as recognition element and fluorescent tracer, respectively, providing the limits of detection (LODs) below 11.2 μM for the 10 PAEs tested in buffer. Chinese spirits spiked with DEHP and DBP could be positively detected in combination with simple pretreatment, with recoveries ranging from 76.9 to 87.0 % and with coefficients of variation below 10 %. Additionally, the mechanisms of mPPARα-LBD* binding to PAEs were investigated by using molecular simulation approach. The results suggested that the proposed method was reliable for monitoring PAEs in Chinese spirits.     

Minimization of free radical damage by metal catalysis of multivitamin/multimineral supplements

Multivitamin/multimineral complexes are the most common dietary supplements. Unlike minerals in foods that are incorporated in bioorganic structures, minerals in dietary supplements are typically in an inorganic form. These minerals can catalyze the generation of free radicals, thereby oxidizing antioxidants during digestion. Here we examine the ability of a matrix consisting of an amino acid and non-digestible oligosaccharide (AAOS) to blunt metal-catalyzed oxidations. Monitoring of ascorbate radical generated by copper shows that ascorbate is oxidized more slowly with the AAOS matrix than with copper sulfate. Measurement of the rate of oxidation of ascorbic acid and Trolox^® by catalytic metals confirmed the ability of AAOS to slow these oxidations. Similar results were observed with iron-catalyzed formation of hydroxyl radicals. When compared to traditional forms of minerals used in supplements, we conclude that the oxidative loss of antioxidants in solution at physiological pH is much slower when AAOS is present.     

Morphology and corrosion resistance of Cr(III)-based conversion treatments for electrogalvanized steel

The effectiveness of Cr(VI)-based passivation treatments is well accepted but there are many problems with regard to their environmental suitability. Because these compounds are carcinogenic and toxic, eco-friendly systems capable of replacing them are being evaluated. In this work, the corrosion behavior in 0.5 M NaCl solution of zinc coatings deposited from a free-cyanide alkaline bath and treated with Cr³⁺ based passivation coatings were characterized through DC and EIS techniques. The salt spray test as well as studies of the surface structure and chemical composition were also performed. From these analyses it was inferred that (1) the green-colored Cr³⁺ passivated coatings provide better corrosion resistance than the yellow- and blue-colored coatings, and (2) together with an adequate painting system, they could be a less polluting and less toxic alternative to traditional chromate coatings.     

New Binuclear Complexes with Mixed Ligands and μ<Subscript>2</Subscript>-Phenol Oxygen Bridges: Synthesis Crystal Structures and Magnetism

Two new complexes, [M₂(L)₂(bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ [L = methyl salicylate, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, M = Cu (1) and Zn (2)] have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray structure analyses. The centrosymmetric dimeric structure consists of a binuclear unit, in which M (M = Cu or Zn) atoms are bridged by two phenol oxygen atoms as a μ ₂-bridged. The neighboring binuclear units interact with each other by two kinds of weak contacts: one kind is π–π stacking by π–σ attraction with an edge-to-face C–H···π interaction, and the second type is a H-bonding interaction, which extends the binuclear unit into a 3D network. Magnetic measurements confirm that 1 presents a very strong intradinuclear ferromagnetic coupling between the copper(II) ions.     

Consuming iodine enriched eggs to solve the iodine deficiency endemic for remote areas in Thailand

Background  

Evidence showed that the occurrence of iodine deficiency endemic areas has been found in every provinces of Thailand. Thus, a new pilot programme for elimination of iodine deficiency endemic areas at the community level was designed in 2008 by integrating the concept of Sufficient Economic life style with the iodine biofortification of nutrients for community consumption.     

Evaluation of energy and dietary intake estimates from a food frequency questionnaire using independent energy expenditure measurement and weighed food records

Background  

We have developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment of habitual diet, with special focus on the intake of fruit, vegetables and other antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative validity of the intakes of energy, food and nutrients from the FFQ.     

Probing Aromaticity of Borozene Through Optical and Dielectric Response: A Theoretical Study

In this work, we report electronic structure calculations aimed at computing the linear optical absorption spectrum and static dipole polarizablity of a newly proposed boron-based planar aromatic compound borozene (B ₁₂ H ₆). For the purpose, we use the semiempirical INDO model Hamiltonian, accompanied by large-scale correlation calculations using the multi-reference singles-doubles configuration-interaction (MRSDCI) approach. We present detailed predictions about the energetics, polarization properties, and the nature of many-particle states contributing to various peaks in the linear absorption spectrum. Our results can be used to characterize this material in future optical absorption experiments. We also argue that one can deduce the aromaticity of the cluster from the optical absorption and static polarizability results.