Production of Biomass-Based Automotive Lubricants by Reductive Etherification.

Growing concern with the effects of CO emissions due to the combustion of petroleum-based transportation fuels has motivated the search for means to increase engine efficiency. The discovery of ethers with low viscosity presents an important opportunity to improve engine efficiency and fuel economy. We show here a strategy for the catalytic synthesis of such ethers by reductive etherification/O-alkylation of alcohols using building blocks that can be sourced from biomass.

Temporal changes in gene expression in the liver of male plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in response to exposure to ethynyl oestradiol analysed by macroarray and Real-Time PCR.

Suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) was used to generate cDNA libraries representing genes differentially-expressed in liver from male plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) exposed to ethynyl oestradiol (EE2). BLAST analysis and alignments of the clones with database sequence suggested at least three vitellogenin (VTG) genes and three zona radiata protein (ZRP) genes were represented. Clones with unique sequence (62 up-, 13 down-regulated) were arrayed as probes on nylon membranes to investigate temporal expression of oestrogen-responsive genes in experimental animals.

Identification of transcriptional effects of ethynyl oestradiol in male plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) by suppression subtractive hybridisation and a nylon macroarray.

Suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) was used to generate cDNA libraries representing genes differentially expressed in response to ethynyl oestradiol (EE2) exposure in liver from male plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) previously analysed for vitellogenin (VTG) induction. Characterisation of the cDNA clones identified many as VTG (2 genes) and zona radiata proteins (ZRP) (3 genes), but 40 encoded other proteins, with more than half cryptic. Further analysis identified 85 non-redundant clones suitable for array on nylon membrane.

Characterisation of choline esterases and their tissue and subcellular distribution in mussel (Mytilus edulis).

Acetylcholinesterase in mussel is potentially a useful biomarker of exposure to organophosphates (OP) in the marine environment. This study looked at cholinesterase activity in subcellular fractions of various tissues from the common mussel, Mytilus edulis. Measurement of enzyme rates demonstrated that although highest specific activity was found in foot 'mitochondrial' fraction, recovery of activity was very low.

Aquatic toxicity tests for the control of effluent discharges in the UK - the influence of test precision.

: The initiative by the River Purification Boards (RPBs), National Rivers Authority (NRA) and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP) to control certain complex and toxic effluent discharges by direct toxicity assessment places great emphasis on the use of aquatic toxicity tests. Like all biological and analytical measurements, determinations of toxicity exhibit variability. When setting 'Toxicity-based Consents' (TBCs) and monitoring for compliance with such consents, it is important to understand and if possible control this variability.