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“BACKGROUND: Response surface methodology (RSM), based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD), was used to optimize four transesterification reaction variables: methanol-to-oil molar ratio (3:1-12:1),
catalyst (NaOCH(3)) concentration (0.5-1.25 wt% in relation to oil mass), reaction temperature (45-65 degrees C) and reaction time (30-90 min) at two levels (2(4) experimental design) to produce rice bran oil methyl esters (RBOME).
RESULTS: The molar ratio of methanol to oil and reaction temperatures were the most significant (P < 0.01) factors affecting the yield of RBOME. A linear relationship was found between the observed and predicted values (R(2) = 0.9520). Using multiple regression analysis a quadratic polynomial equation was established for methyl ester yield. The quadratic term of catalyst concentration showed a significant (P < 0.01) effect on JQ1 solubility dmso esters yield. The interaction terms of methanol
to oil molar NVP-HSP990 Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor ratio and catalyst concentration with reaction time exhibited a positive effect on the methyl esters yield (P < 0.05). The optimum reaction conditions for transesterification of rice bran oil were 7.5:1 methanol-to-oil ratio, 0.88% catalyst concentration, 55 degrees C reaction temperature and 60 min reaction time, resulting in a RBOME yield of 83.3%. Gas chromatographic analysis of RBOME produced in the present experiment revealed linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids to be the major fatty acid methyl
esters (FAMEs).
CONCLUSION: RSM was found to be a suitable technique for optimizing transesterification of rice bran oil. Fuel properties of RBOME as measured according to accepted methods were found to satisfy almost all prescribed ASTM (D 6751) and EN 14214 specifications. (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry”
“Objective: To estimate the status of serum vitamin B12 in selected samples from 84 healthy volunteers from Jordan between the ages of 19 and 25 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional dietary survey was carried out in a random sample. The serum vitamin B12 levels for all subject individuals were measured Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library supplier using the commercially available kits.
Results: We found low (ie, <200 pg/mL) serum levels of vitamin B12 in 27 of the 84 subjects. The mean vitamin B12 intake was higher among overweight (OW) men compared with individuals from other categories of body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). The mean level of serum vitamin B12 in men and women was higher in obese (OB) and OW individuals compared with their healthy-weight (HW) counterparts.
Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among men and women aged 19 to 25 years is high, with concentration of B12 appears to increase as BMI increases.”
“Conventional catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias is associated with the potential adverse effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on both patients and laboratory personnel.