Optimization of Polishing Conditions for Long Grain <Emphasis Type="Italic">Basmati</Emphasis> Rice in a Laboratory Abrasive Mill

Rice milling operation is a very energy-intensive process. The major qualities of the rice which are taken into consideration while milling are the degree of milling and head rice yield. A laboratory abrasion polisher, modified by attaching a humidifying and cooling unit, was used to polish long-grain Pusa Basmati rice in order to optimize the polishing conditions. Polishing experiments were carried out using central composite design for a factorial with a central point, at different initial grain temperatures (5–25 °C) and milling chamber temperatures (11–25 °C) at a constant humidity level of 95 ± 2% for different time intervals. Models capable of predicting the quality of milled rice were developed using response surface methodology and used to determine optimum processing conditions. Responses such as degree of milling (DOM), broken content, and specific energy consumption were used to assess product quality. Optimum milling conditions of a minimum of 10% DOM, a broken content of 8%, and a specific energy consumption of 11 kJ/DOM were obtained at a milling chamber temperature of 11 °C, an initial grain temperature of 15 °C, and a milling period of 180 s.     

Early Stages of Calcium Phosphate Formation on Bioactive Borosilicate Glass in Aqueous Phosphate Solution

The conversion of bioactive glass to a calcium phosphate material, typically hydroxyapatite (HA), by solution–precipitation reactions in aqueous phosphate solution, has been commonly reported. This paper describes the structural and compositional characteristics of the calcium phosphate material formed during the early-stage conversion (<5 h) of a borosilicate glass (designated H12) in aqueous phosphate solution. Disks of H12 glass were reacted with 0.25 M K₂HPO₄ solution with a starting pH=7.0 at 37°C. The structure and composition of the product layer were characterized using thin film X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy. For reaction times <5 h, the results indicated the formation of brushite (CaHPO₄·2H₂O) with coarse, plate-like crystals. In comparison, the formation of HA with small needle-like crystals was found at later times. This early-stage formation of brushite has not been reported in previous studies of converting bioactive silicate and borate glasses in aqueous phosphate solution.     

Mutation analysis for prenatal diagnosis of hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1

Presentation of 11 cases of retroperitoneal sarcoma. Mean time from the beginning of symptoms to diagnosis is 6 months. The primary complementary study is CT. Surgery was performed in all cases, using complete resection in 6 cases, and partial resection in 5. Ten patients relapsed. 9 of which were treated with surgical rescue, in one or more occasions; chemotherapy was added in 6 cases and radiotherapy in 7. Survival at five years is 68%, with a mean follow-up of 66 months.     

Growth of polysilicon and silicide films for MOS-VLSI application

Doped and undoped polycrystalline silicon films were grown byapcvd and thermal evaporation techniques. The effect of growth and annealing conditions on the crystalline nature of the films and their properties were studied by electrical, optical, x-ray diffraction andsem techniques. Metal silicides such as TiSi₂ and PtSi₂ were prepared by co-evaporation technique over polysilicon layers to study their suitability in microelectronic applications. Some of the properties of polysilicon and silicides are discussed.     

Benign and malignant esophageal strictures: treatment with a polyurethane-covered retrievable expandable metallic stent

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a polyurethane-covered, retrievable, self-expandable metallic stent and hook catheter in the treatment of esophageal strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stents were constructed of 0.4-mm stainless steel wire in a cylindric zig-zag configuration of six to nine bends. Four to eight stents were connected in tandem by dipping in a polyurethane solution. A nylon loop was hooked inside to each bend of the proximal portion of the stent and strung with a thread. Under fluoroscopic guidance, 22 stents were placed in 16 patients with a malignant stricture and five patients with a benign stricture. The stent was removed with a hook catheter 2 months after placement in patients with a benign stricture and when complications occurred in patients with a malignant stricture. All patients had dysphagia with ingestion of soft foods or liquids. RESULTS: Stent placement was technically successful and well tolerated in 20 patients. In one patient, the stent was misplaced but relocated successfully. After stent placement, all patients were able to ingest solid and/or soft foods without dysphagia. After stent removal, strictures showed improvement but recurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: Use of polyurethane-covered, retrievable expandable stents seems to be a feasible and effective method of treatment of benign and malignant esophageal strictures.     

Interaction of vitamins E and K: effect of high dietary vitamin E on phylloquinone activity in chicks

Age-standardised mortality rates are often used in epidemiologic studies to describe the dimension of social inequalities in mortality. This, however, conceals any age-dependence of social inequality. In an ecologic study, all causes and cause-specific mortality of all citizens of Bochum, FRG, who died 1988-1990, were evaluated using 13.171 death certificates. Data was aggregated on census tract level. The social status of a census tract was determined using 6 variables from the census 1987 describing the socio-economic situation in each census tract. Census tracts were grouped into quintiles according to their social status. Age and sex-specific mortality rates as well as rate ratios, using the quintile with the highest social status as reference, were calculated. Results for men (n = 6.288) indicate that social inequality is age-dependent for total mortality. Social differentials are especially marked for the age groups 35-64 years. For age group < 35 years and > 84 years no social differentiation in mortality is visible. Similar patterns are found with mortality from cardiovascular diseases (ICD-9: 390-459) and cancer (ICD-9: 140-208). Mortality from diseases related to health behaviour such as lung cancer or diseases associated with high alcohol intake are characterised by social inequalities above average in the middle age groups. For total mortality in women (n = 6.883) large social differentials are found for age groups 25-34 years and 45-54 years. Efforts to reduce social inequality on community level should especially be aimed at adolescents and young adults living in underprivileged areas.