Molar Basis Research Articles

In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Microencapsulated Tributyrin for the Delivery of Butyrate.

Butyrate possesses negative sensory qualities and is most effectively utilized in the intestine to provide energy to the colonocyte for the maintenance of intestinal health. Butyrate has also shown promise in the treatment of intestinal disorders and diseases such as short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. To modify sensory properties, intestinal release, and butyrate production capabilities, tributyrin (TB) was microencapsulated in whey protein isolate (WPI)-based and gamma-cyclodextrin (GC)-based materials. Using an in vitro digestion and fermentation model, microcapsules containing TB were monitored for their release and production of butyrate in vitro. All samples containing TB showed limited butyrate release (<5%) during oral and gastric stages. In the small intestinal phase, all microcapsules containing TB released approximately 75% of their total butyrate with no significant differences (P > 0.05) across formulations. During the fermentation phase, GC-based microcapsules produced significantly more butyrate (P < 0.001) on a molar basis than all WPI-based microcapsules. Butyrate production increased significantly (P < 0.001) over each time interval with GC-based microcapsules having the highest during the 12 h of fermentation. The GC-based TB encapsulation systems were able to effectively deliver butyrate to the small intestine and generate butyrate in the large intestine. These microcapsules may, therefore, be beneficial for the maintenance of intestinal health and improvement of disease states across all areas of the gastrointestinal tract.

Modeling, simulation and evaluation of biogas upgrading using aqueous choline chloride/urea

Biogas has been considered as an alternative renewable energy, and raw biogas needs to be upgraded in order to be used as vehicle fuels or injected into the natural gas grid. In this work, the conceptual process for biogas upgrading using aqueous choline chloride (ChCl)/urea (1:2 on a molar basis) was developed, simulated and evaluated based on the commercialized software Aspen Plus. Reliable thermophysical properties and phase equilibria are prerequisite for carrying out process simulation. In order to carry out the process simulation, the thermophysical properties of ChCl/Urea (1:2) and its aqueous solutions as well as the phase equilibria of gas-ChCl/Urea (1:2), ChCl/Urea (1:2)-H2O and gas-ChCl/Urea (1:2)-H2O were surveyed and evaluated. After evaluation, the consistent experimental data of these thermophysical properties were fitted to the models embedded in Aspen Plus. The properties needed but without available experimental results were predicted theoretically. The Non-Random Two-Liquid model and the Redlich-Kwong equation (NRTL-RK) model were used to describe the phase equilibria. The equilibrium approach was used for process simulation. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the reasonable operating parameters. With a set of reasonable operating conditions, the effects of ChCl/Urea (1:2) content on the total energy utilization, the diameters and pressure drops of absorber and desorber as well as the environmental assessment of the process were studied. The simulation results showed that, with the addition of ChCl/Urea (1:2), the total energy utilization decreased by 16% compared to the process with pure water, and the diameters of both absorber and desorber decreased with increasing content of ChCl/Urea (1:2). The process using aqueous ChCl/Urea (1:2) was more environmentally benign than that with pure water. Therefore, aqueous ChCl/Urea (1:2) is a promising solvent for biogas upgrading.

Preliminary evaluation of resorcinol-formaldehyde carbon gels for water pollutants removal

Abstract The present work was aimed to evaluate the suitability of resorcinol-formaldehyde carbon gels as adsorbent for water pollutants removal. The carbon gels were characterized using N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm for specific surface area, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) for surface functional groups. Methylene blue and cesium were employed as model water pollutants. Results show that the un-oxidized carbon gel, despite its lower specific surface area (333 m2/g) displayed a 118 mg/g removal of methylene blue, that is higher than 35 mg/g by the oxidized carbon gel (418 m2/g). The evaluation of adsorption kinetics revealed a lower pseudo-first order rate constant of 0.088 h-1 for 10 mg/L methylene blue adsorption. A positive effect of surface oxidation was demonstrated for cesium adsorption. On molar basis, however, the oxidized carbon gel exhibits a selective removal towards methylene blue compared to cesium. Carbon gel is a promising candidate for water pollutants removal, and further treatment needs to be sought to boost its performance.

The precipitation of metallic iron from coal ash slag in the entrained flow coal gasifier: By thermodynamic calculation

A smooth slag flow out of gasifier bottom is key to a reliable operation of entrained flow gasifier. Therefore, avoiding slag blockage at the bottom of gasifier is very essential. Under the gasifier reduction operation conditions, precipitation of metallic iron from the liquid slag sometimes occurred. This solidified slag resulted in the gasifier outlet blockage. Consequently, gasifier operation has to stop. In this study, the thermodynamic software FactSage was used to predict the behavior of iron in the liquid slag within the temperature range of gasifier normal operation. From the results of this study, the mechanism of iron precipitation was revealed. The study showed that due to the higher reducing gas ratio in the syngas, the precipitation of metallic iron only occurred in the pulverized coal gasifiers instead of the coal water slurry gasifiers. When weight ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 is too low, or CaO content is too high in the slag, Fe2+ is not able to be saturated in the liquid phase. As a result, precipitation of metallic iron from slag was observed. A β value (β=Si4+/(Ca2++Al3+), mole basis) of 1.25 was regarded as the boundary of metallic iron precipitation when 18.4% Fe2O3 content in coal ash. Finally, a metallic iron precipitation predicting model was given by using ternary phase diagram to guide the feedstock selection for the coal application in the entrained flow gasifiers.

Natural antioxidants as melt stabilizers for PE: Comparison of silymarin and quercetin

The stabilization effect of two flavonoid type natural antioxidants, silymarin (Si) and quercetin (Q), was compared in polyethylene (PE). Additive concentrations changed between 0 and 500ppm in several steps and 1000ppm Sandostab PEPQ phosphorus containing secondary stabilizer was also added to each compound. Stabilization efficiency was determined by changes in functional group (vinyl, residual PEPQ) content, melt flow rate (MFR), oxygen induction time (OIT), color and the consumption of the secondary antioxidant during multiple extrusions. The results showed that silymarin is a much less efficient stabilizer in polyethylene than quercetin. The consumption of vinyl groups is faster, melt flow rate and residual stability is smaller in its presence. Silymarin contains less active phenolic hydroxyls than quercetin, but comparison on equal molar basis also shows the inferiority of the compound. The difference can be partially explained by the larger bond dissociation enthalpies of the hydrogens in silymarin, but this antioxidant also accelerates the consumption of the phosphorous secondary stabilizer that must contribute to its smaller efficiency as well. DSC measurements indicate the interaction of the two compounds probably leading to the faster consumption of the phosphorous antioxidant and poor stabilization. Unlike quercetin and dihydromyricetin, the flavonoid type natural antioxidants studied earlier, silymarin is not a good candidate as stabilizer for practical applications.

Inhibition of Myeloperoxidase Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Sputum by Peptide Inhibitor of Complement C1 (PIC1).

Myeloperoxidase is the major peroxidase enzyme in neutrophil granules and implicated in contributing to inflammatory lung damage in cystic fibrosis. Free myeloperoxidase is present in cystic fibrosis lung fluid and generates hypochlorous acid. Here we report a new inhibitor of myeloperoxidase activity, Peptide Inhibitor of Complement C1 (PIC1). Using TMB as the oxidizing substrate, PIC1 inhibited myeloperoxidase activity in cystic fibrosis sputum soluble fractions by an average of a 3.4-fold decrease (P = 0.02). PIC1 also dose-dependently inhibited myeloperoxidase activity in a neutrophil lysate or purified myeloperoxidase by up to 28-fold (P < 0.001). PIC1 inhibited myeloperoxidase activity similarly, on a molar basis, as the specific myeloperoxidase inhibitor 4-Aminobenzoic acid hydrazide (ABAH) for various oxidizing substrates. PIC1 was able to protect the heme ring of myeloperoxidase from destruction by NaOCl, assayed by spectral analysis. PIC1 incubated with oxidized TMB reversed the oxidation state of TMB, as measured by absorbance at 450 nm, with a 20-fold reduction in oxidized TMB (P = 0.02). This result was consistent with an antioxidant mechanism for PIC1. In summary, PIC1 inhibits the peroxidase activity of myeloperoxidase in CF sputum likely via an antioxidant mechanism.

Numerical modelling and simulation of hydrogen production via four different chemical reforming processes: Process performance and energy requirements

AbstractMethane reforming operated in fluidized bed reactors is modelled and simulated for four different chemical processes: Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) process and the both non‐commercially available Sorption‐Enhanced Steam Methane Reforming (SE‐SMR) process and Chemical Looping Reforming process for non‐autothermal (naCLR) as well as autothermal (aCLR) operation. These processes are operated at relevant operating conditions. The results from the reforming simulations are used as input in a Pressure Swing Adsorption model, where the hydrogen is further purified to about 99.99 % and delivered at 2500 kPa (25 bar) of pressure and 25 °C. The energy consumption for hydrogen production on a mole basis is calculated for each chemical process with and without heat recuperation, with heat recuperation referring in this context to the utilization of the thermal energy available from the cooling of certain fluid streams to power other parts of the process.

Pd2Ga-Based Colloids as Highly Active Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol

Colloidal Pd2Ga-based catalysts are shown to catalyze efficiently the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. The catalysts are produced by the simple thermal decomposition of Pd(II) acetate in the presence of Ga(III) stearate, which leads to Pd0 nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm), and the subsequent Pd-mediated reduction of Ga(III) species at temperatures ranging from 210 to 290 °C. The resulting colloidal Pd2Ga-based catalysts are applied in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol at high pressure (50 bar). The intrinsic activity is around 2-fold higher than that obtained for the commercial Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 (60.3 and 37.2 × 10–9 molMeOH m–2 s–1), respectively, and 4-fold higher on a Cu or Pd molar basis (3330 and 910 μmol mmolPd or Cu–1 h–1). Detailed characterization data (HR-TEM, STEM/EDX, XPS, and XRD) indicate that the catalyst contains Pd2Ga nanoparticles, of average diameters 5–6 nm, associated with a network of amorphous Ga2O3 species. The proportion of this Ga2O3 phase can be easily tuned by ad...

Observational constraints on particle acidity using measurements and modelling of particles and gases.

In many parts of the world, the implementation of air quality regulations has led to significant decreases in SO2 emissions with minimal impact on NH3 emissions. In Canada and the United States, the molar ratio of NH3 : SO2 emissions has increased dramatically between 1990 and 2014. In many regions of North America, this will lead the molar ratio of NHx : SO4, where NHx is the sum of particle phase NH4+ and gas phase NH3, and SO4 is the sum of particle phase HSO4- and SO42-, to exceed 2. A thermodynamic model (E-AIM model II) is used to investigate the sensitivity of particle pH, and the gas-particle partitioning of NHx and inorganic nitrate, to the atmospheric NHx : SO4 ratio. Steep increases in pH and the gas fraction of NHx are found as NHx : SO4 varies from below 1 to above 2. The sensitivity of the gas fraction of nitrate also depends strongly on temperature. The results show that if NHx : SO4 exceeds 2, and the gas and particle phase NHx are in equilibrium, the particle pH will be above 2. Observations of the composition of particulate matter and gas phase NH3 from two field campaigns in southern Canada in 2007 and 2012 have median NHx : SO4 ratios of 3.8 and 25, respectively. These campaigns exhibited similar amounts of NH3, but very different particle phase loadings. Under these conditions, the pH values calculated using the observations as input to the E-AIM model were in the range of 1-4. The pH values were typically higher at night because the higher relative humidity increased the particle water content, diluting the acidity. The assumption of equilibration between the gas and particle phase NHx was evaluated by comparing the observed and modelled gas fraction of NHx. In general, E-AIM was able to reproduce the partitioning well, suggesting that the dominant constituents contributing to particle acidity were measured, and that the estimated pH values were realistic. These results suggest that regions of the world where the ratio of NH3 : SO2 emissions is beginning to exceed 2 on a molar basis may be experiencing rapid increases in aerosol pH of 1-3 pH units. This could have important consequences for the rates of condensed phase reactions that are acid-catalyzed.

Evaluation of gas and carbon transport in a methanogenic bioelectrochemical system (BES).

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) may be used to upgrade anaerobic digester biogas by directly converting CO2 to CH4 . The objective of this study was to evaluate gas (N2 , CO2 , CH4 , and H2 ) and carbon transport within a methanogenic BES. Four BES configurations were evaluated: abiotic anode with abiotic cathode (AAn-ACa), bioanode with abiotic cathode (BAn-ACa), abiotic anode with biocathode (AAn-BCa), and bioanode with biocathode (BAn-BCa). Transport of N2 , a gas commonly used for flushing anoxic systems, out of the anode headspace ranged from 3.7 to 6.2 L/d-atm-m2 , normalized to the proton exchange membrane (PEM) surface area and net driving pressure (NDP). CO2 was transported from the cathode to the anode headspace at rates from 3.7 to 5.4 L/d-atm-m2 . The flux of H2 from cathode to anode headspace was 48% greater when the system had a biocathode (AAn-BCa) than when H2 was produced at an abiotic cathode (BAn-ACa), even though the abiotic cathode headspace had 75% more H2 than the AAn-BCa biocathode at the end of 1 day. A 7-day carbon balance of a batch-fed BAn-BCa BES showed transient microbial carbon storage and a net transport of carbon from anode to cathode. After a 7-day batch incubation, the CH4 production in the biocathode was 27% greater on a molar basis than the initial CO2 supplied to the biocathode headspace, indicating conversion of CO2 produced in the anode. This research expands the current understanding of methanogenic BES operation, which may be used in improving the assessment of BES performance and/or in the development of alternative BES designs and mathematical models. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 961-969. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Altervalent substitution of sodium for calcium in biogenic calcite and aragonite

Sodium concentrations in biogenic CaCO3 are several thousands of parts per million, and, on a molar basis, Na is among the most abundant constituent minor element in these carbonates. Nevertheless, the chemical form of Na in CaCO3 is not well constrained. We used synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy to identify the dominant molecular host sites for Na in biogenic calcite and aragonite precipitated by corals, bivalves, and foraminifera. We also used the K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure to investigate the chemical environment of Na in biogenic calcium carbonates and identify the altervalent substitution of Na into Ca sites in the lattice structures of calcite and aragonite. Minor cation and anion concentrations in biogenic CaCO3 suggest that the principal substitution mechanism involves charge compensation through the creation of CO32− vacancies. The mostly homogeneous Na concentrations in the skeletal microstructures of the various biota we examined indicate that environmental and biological controls, such as temperature, skeletal microstructure, and calcification rates, have only minor influences on skeletal Na concentrations. A decrease of Na:Ca ratios with increasing age of foraminiferal shells picked from a Quaternary sediment core, indicates progressive release of Na, which suggests that structurally-substituted Na in biogenic CaCO3 is readily leached during burial diagenesis. Whereas the sediment that undergo diagenesis release some Na back to the water column, sodium co-precipitation in biogenic CaCO3 serves as a potential sink of Na for the ocean.

The Influence of Light Anion Impurities Upon SrI2(Eu) Scintillator Crystals

To better identify the influence of light anion impurities on the scintillation performance, small boules of SrI2(Eu) were grown by the vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger method, each co-doped with 0.2% of one of the following: C0, CO32−, N3−, O2−, OH−, PO43−, S2−, SO42−, Cl− and Br−. Residual impurity concentrations were measured, and the scintillation performance of resulting detectors was characterized. Oxygen was tolerated up to 0.2% on a molar basis. Sulfur proved to be highly detrimental to both crystallinity and scintillation performance. Nitrogen produced additional emission near 480 nm. This study suggests that SrI2(Eu) readily incorporates anion impurities, which may substitute for iodine, but these may also be removed before and during growth by volatilization. Purity metrics for starting materials should include sulfur and carbon, as well as oxygen and H2O.

Cytokine and estrogen stimulation of endothelial cells augments activation of the prekallikrein-high molecular weight kininogen complex: Implications for hereditary angioedema

When the prekallikrein-high molecular weight kininogen complex is bound to endothelial cells, prekallikrein is stoichiometrically converted to kallikrein because of release of heat shock protein-90 (Hsp90). Although bradykinin formation is typically initiated by factor XII autoactivation, it is also possible to activate factor XII either by kallikrein, thus formed, or by plasmin. Because attacks of hereditary angioedema can be related to infection and/or exposure to estrogen, we questioned whether estrogen or cytokine stimulation of endothelial cells could augment release of Hsp90 and prekallikrein activation. We also tested release of profibrinolytic enzymes, urokinase, and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) as a source for plasmin formation. Cells were stimulated with agonists, and secretion of Hsp90, urokinase, and TPA was measured in the culture supernatants by ELISA. Activation of the prekallikrein-HK complex was measured by using pro-phe-arg-p-nitroanilide reflecting kallikrein formation. Hsp90 release was stimulated with optimal doses of estradiol, IL-1, and TNF-α (10ng/mL) from 15minutes to 120minutes. TPA release was not augmented by any of the agonists tested but urokinase was released by IL-1, TNF-α, and thrombin (positive control), but not estrogen. Augmented activation of the prekallikrein-HK complex to generate kallikrein was seen with each agonist that releases Hsp90. Addition of 0.1% factor XII relative to prekallikrein-HK leads to rapid formation of kallikrein; factor XII alone does not autoactivate. IL-1, TNF-α, and estrogen stimulate release of Hsp90 and augment activation of the prekallikrein-HK complex to generate kallikrein and bradykinin. IL-1 and TNF-α stimulate release of urokinase, which can convert plasminogen to plasmin and represents a possible source for plasmin generation in all types of hereditary angioedema, but particularly hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor with a factor XII mutation. Both kallikrein and plasmin activate factor XII; kallikrein is 20 times more potent on a molar basis.

Differentiation of the solid-state NMR signals of gel, zeolite phases and water species in geopolymer-zeolite composites

Geopolymer-zeolite composites were synthesized using a silica-rich industrial byproduct from chlorosilane production and sodium aluminate. Pastes were cured at 80°C and 80% RH, and subsequently dried in two different climates: at 23°C and 50% RH, and under vacuum. 1H MAS, 23Na MAS and 29Si MAS NMR and XRD measurements were performed after the drying procedures as well as after subsequent aging. Zeolite Na-A was found beside traces of faujasite-type zeolite and zeolite EMT as major crystalline phases in the cured composites; the fraction of geopolymeric gel in the reaction products was determined to be ~18% on a molar basis. Various water species could be distinguished using 1H MAS and 1H-29Si CP MAS NMR, applying rotor-synchronized echo experiments. The largest fraction of the pore water resides in the α-cages of the zeolite Na-A and in the geopolymeric gel; in addition, water exists in the β-cages of the zeolites and adsorbed at sodium ions. The water species in α-cages and in the pores of the geopolymeric gel exhibit slightly different chemical shifts of 4.7ppm and 4.9ppm, respectively, in the 1H MAS NMR spectra. Changes of the water content in the geopolymer pores of differently dried samples were observed and led to slightly varied chemical shifts in the 29Si MAS NMR spectra too. Measurements after more than 500 days revealed no significant aging effects of the composites, which confirm their chemical stability.

New Insights into the Kinetics of the Gas-Phase Oxidation of Hexafluoropropene

The gas-phase reaction of hexafluoropropene and molecular oxygen was investigated in a tubular flow reactor at 450 kPa and within a temperature range of 463–493 K using HFP/O2 mixtures containing 20–67% HFP on a molar basis. Capillary and packed column chromatography served as the main analytical technique. The reaction yielded HFPO, COF2, CF3COF, C2F4 and c-C3F6 as gas-phase products. High molecular weight oligomers were also formed. The oligomers were found to have a polyoxadifluoromethylene structure according to elemental and 19F NMR analysis. At 493 K HFP is proposed to undergo oxygen-mediated decomposition to difluorocarbene radicals, yielding greater quantities of difluorocarbene recombination products. Kinetic parameters for a revised model of the oxidation process were identified through least squares analysis of the experimental data.

Directed Discovery of Greener Cosolvents: New Cosolvents for Use in Ionic Liquid Based Organic Electrolyte Solutions for Cellulose Dissolution

Cellulose is an abundant, cheap, renewable, yet recalcitrant, material, which, if dissolved, may be formed into a wide range of materials, composites, and mixtures. Much attention has recently been focused on the use of mixtures of ionic liquids and some solvents (so-called organic electrolyte solutions, OESs) as efficient cellulose dissolution solvents, but many of the cosolvents used lack green credentials—a perennial problem where dipolar aprotic solvents are the solvents of choice. We present a rational approach, based on definition of ranges of solvent parameters gathered together in recently published databases, to find “greener” cosolvents for OES formation. Thus, γ-butyrolactone is identified as a suitable OES former for dissolution of microcrystalline cellulose and biobased γ-valerolactone as a marginally less efficient, but significantly safer, alternative. Comparison of cosolvent efficiency reveals that previous use of measures of mass, or concentration, of cellulose dissolved may have masked the similarities between 1-methylimidazole, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide, N-N′-dimethylimidazolidinone, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, and sulfolane (seldom considered), while comparison on a molar basis reveals that the molar volume of the solvent is an important factor. Reference-interaction site model (RISM) calculations for the DMSO/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate OES suggest competition between DMSO and the acetate anion and preferential solvation of cellulose by the ionic liquid.

Comparing Low- and High-Temperature Electrochemical Process Pathways for Converting H2o and CO2 into Synthetic Natural Ga

The conversion of water and carbon dioxide into useful products such as synthetic natural gas using renewably supplied electrical energy can offer several advantages for stabilizing the electric grid and increasing the security of energy supply chains. In addition to providing increased grid operational flexibility for dealing with intermittent renewable electrical energy supplies, infrastructure changes such as hydrogen pipelines could conceivably be avoided in situations where natural gas pipelines and CO2 sources coincide. The natural gas distribution infrastructure is well developed in many countries, enabling the fuel to be transported long distances and easily delivered throughout cities. Using the existing pipeline to transport renewably generated synthetic natural gas (SNG) can further enhance the value of the product via offering grid services such as load leveling. While the price of natural gas is near record lows in the United States, many other countries are working to develop SNG as an alternative fuel for transportation and residential/commercial heating markets, especially in Europe and for island nations. This study presents pathway studies of low- and high-temperature electrolysis integrated with an SNG plant design and evaluates their performance for producing SNG by reacting renewably generated hydrogen with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide feedstock is assumed to be captured and scrubbed from either an existing coal fired power plant at the city-gate or from sequestered CO2, where the SNG plant is co-located. In the first pathway, water is split using either low-temperature alkaline or proton exchange membrane technology. In a second path, the co-electrolysis of steam and CO2 is done in-situ using high temperature (600°C) solid oxide cell technology. Historically, methanation has been a common practice for eliminating carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in various chemical processes such as ammonia production and natural gas purification; for these processes, only small amounts (1-3% molar basis) of carbon oxides need to be converted to methane. A “bulk” methanation process is unique due to the high concentration of carbon oxides and hydrogen. In addition, the carbon dioxide is the only carbon source, and the reaction characteristics of carbon dioxide are much different than carbon monoxide. In process paths involving low-temperature electrolyzers, a methanation plant is required. In this study, thermodynamic and kinetic considerations of the methanation reaction are explored to model and simulate a system of reactors for the conversion of hydrogen and carbon dioxide to SNG. Multiple reactor stages are used to increase temperature control of the reactor and drain water to promote the forward direction of the methanation reaction. Heat recuperation and recovery using organic Rankine cycle units for electricity generation utilizes the heat produced from the methanation reaction. Bulk recycle is used to increase the overall reactant conversion while allowing a satisfactorily high methane content SNG product. A hydrogen membrane separates hydrogen for recycle to increase the Wobbe index of the product SNG by increasing the methane content to nearly 93% by volume. In both pathways, the product SNG has a minimum Wobbe index of 47.5 MJ/m3 which is acceptable for natural gas pipeline transport and end-use appliances in existing infrastructures. The overall plant efficiencies of both pathways are compared as well as the expected price of the product SNG using the H2A tool.

Humans Can Taste Glucose Oligomers Independent of the hT1R2/hT1R3 Sweet Taste Receptor.

It is widely accepted that humans can taste mono- and disaccharides as sweet substances, but they cannot taste longer chain oligo- and polysaccharides. From the evolutionary standpoint, the ability to taste starch or its oligomeric hydrolysis products would be highly adaptive, given their nutritional value. Here, we report that humans can taste glucose oligomer preparations (average degree of polymerization 7 and 14) without any other sensorial cues. The same human subjects could not taste the corresponding glucose polymer preparation (average degree of polymerization 44). When the sweet taste receptor was blocked by lactisole, a known sweet inhibitor, subjects could not detect sweet substances (glucose, maltose, and sucralose), but they could still detect the glucose oligomers. This suggests that glucose oligomer detection is independent of the hT1R2/hT1R3 sweet taste receptor. Human subjects described the taste of glucose oligomers as "starchy," while they describe sugars as "sweet." The dose-response function of glucose oligomer was also found to be indistinguishable from that of glucose on a molar basis.

Separation of Water from Ethylene Glycol Using Polyvinyl Alcohol–Zeolite Composite Membrane

Polyvinyl alcohol/zeolite NaA mixed-matrix membranes were synthesized on porous mullite as substrate. The membranes were prepared for application in dehydration of ethylene glycol. NaA zeolite was synthesized via a hydrogel with chemical formula of 1 Al2O3:2 SiO2:4 Na2O:200 H2O in molar basis. Hydrothermal method was utilized for synthesis of zeolite. NaA zeolite and mixed-matrix membranes were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The performance of as-synthesized hybrid membranes was examined in pervaporation dehydration of ethylene glycol in a cross flow operational mode. Effect of feed temperature on total mass transfer flux of water through the membrane was investigated. The results indicated that increasing temperature results in enhancement of mass transfer flux. The results also revealed that hybrid mixed-matrix membranes are promising for dehydration of ethylene glycol.

Behavioral responses of juvenile Daphnia magna after exposure to glyphosate and glyphosate-copper complexes

Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) is the active ingredient in a range of popular broad-spectrum herbicide formulations. Glyphosate is a chelating agent that can form stable complexes with divalent metal ions including Cu(II). Little is known about the bioavailability and ecotoxicity of glyphosate-Cu(II) complexes to aquatic organisms. In this study, we used video tracking and behavior analysis to investigate sublethal effects of binary mixtures of glyphosate and Cu(II) to juvenile D. magna. Behavioral responses were quantified for individual D. magna after 24h and 48h exposure to glyphosate and glyhosate-Cu(II) mixtures. Sublethal concentrations resulted in decreases in swimming velocity, acceleration speed, and distance moved whereas inactive time of D. magna increased. Distance moved and inactive time were the most responsive parameters to glyphosate and glyphosate-Cu(II) exposure. On a molar basis, glyphosate-Cu(II) complexes appeared more toxic to D. magna than glyphosate alone. The 48h EC50 for glyphosate and glyphosate-Cu(II) determined from swimming distance were 75.2μM and 8.4μM, respectively. In comparison, traditional visual observation of mobility resulted in 48h EC50 values of 52.8μM and 25.5μM for glyphosate and glyphosate-Cu(II), respectively. The behavioral responses indicated that exposure of D. magna to mixtures of glyphosate and Cu(II) attenuated acute metal toxicity but increased apparent glyphosate toxicity due to complexation with Cu(II). The study suggests that glyphosate is a likely mediator of aquatic metal toxicity, and that video tracking provides an opportunity for quantitative studies of sublethal effects of pesticide complexes.