Non-starch polysaccharides of canola meal: Quantification,digestibility in poultry and potential benefit of dietary enzyme supplementation

The non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content as determined by gas chromatography (component neutral sugars) and colorimetry (uronic acids) was shown to be 16–22% in ten different samples of defatted canola (low glucosinolate rapeseed) seed. The non-cellulosic components of NSP accounted for 13–16% of the meal and on average consisted of arabinose (33%), xylose (13%), galactose (13%), glucose (5%), mannose (3%), rhamnose (2%), fucose (2%) and uronic acids (30%). Yellow-seeded and brown-seeded samples of canola contained similar contents of total dietary fibre although the composition of the fibre components tended to differ with the former showing a low content of lignin and associated polyphenols and a high content of NSP as compared with the latter type. NDF values tended to be lower for yellow-seeded than for brown-seeded canola due to the relatively high content of NSP in neutral detergent solubles of yellow-seeded canola. An initial balance study with laying hens showed low (<3%) digestibility of the polysaccharide components, and further studies were conducted with a commercial enzyme preparation (SP249, Novo Laboratories Ltd, Lachine, Quebec) to enhance the in-vivo hydrolysis of the NSP fraction of the meal. Laying hens were fed a semipurified diet containing 40% commercial canola meal with and without enzyme (1%). NSP digestibility was increased to 37% by the enzyme supplementation.     

Observations of high temperature impinging-jet boiling phenomena

A high-speed video camera and microphone were used to capture the flow behavior and boiling sound of a free-surface water jet impinging on a high temperature surface during quench cooling. It was found that depending on the superheat of the surface considerably different flow patterns appeared. For cases where the initial surface temperature was above about 300 °C an almost explosive pattern appeared. This was in contrast to slightly lower temperatures where a liquid sheet flow structure was apparent. The change in phenomena was accompanied by a sudden change in the boiling sound and an increase in the heat transfer rate.     

Did a local distribution company procure prudently during the California electricity crisis?

To manage cost risk, prudent procurement of electric power requires that some portion of a buyer's energy demand be met through long-term contracting. Under cost-of-service regulation or performance-based regulation, a local distribution company (LDC) should be allowed to fully recover all prudently incurred power procurement costs. However, the regulatory test of prudence is an ex post review with the threat of disallowance. This paper presents an economic analysis of procurement prudence involving a small LDC, Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES), which serves a resort area in Southern California. The key findings are: (a) high and volatile prices and rolling blackouts characterized the market environment faced by the owner of BVES, Southern California Water Company (SCWC), at its signing of a 5-year fixed price contract; (b) SCWC was a price-taker with no incentive to act imprudently; (c) the contract was obtained via a competitive bidding process; (d) the contract price was comparable to the benchmark price of contemporaneous contracts; (e) the fixed price contract was economic when compared to available alternatives; and (f) despite (a)–(e), a negotiated settlement with the state regulator and a large user resulted in substantial disallowance. The policy implication is that a regulator should approve a prudent procurement plan proposed by an LDC to remove the unreasonable risk of an ex post review. If the LDC strictly adheres to the plan, the resulting electricity purchases are per se prudent and should entitle the LDC to full cost recovery.     

Miscible polymer blends containing poly(vinyl chloride)

Polymer blends have received particular interest in the past several decades in both industrial and academic research. An initial survey of miscible polymer pairs (1) (1968) revealed 12 combinations. A later survey (2) (1979) noted approximately 180 miscible pairs. Today possibly over 500 miscible combinations have been noted in the open and patent literature (3). However, the vast majority of possible polymer blend combinations are not miscible (thus phase separated). A significant number of diverse polymer structures have been shown to exhibit miscibility with PVC. Several of these blends have been studied in detail and have shown specific interactions primarily involving the α-hydrogen and PVC (considered the proton donor in proton donor-proton acceptor hydrogen bonding type interactions). The blend of poly(?-caprolactone) with PVC illustrates this interaction and has been reported in many published papers. While polymer miscibility in PVC blends offers significant academic interest, industrial utility is also of considerable importance. The addition of low T_g, miscible polymers to PVC offers permanent plasticization. The addition of high T_g, miscible polymers to PVC yields the desired heat distortion temperature enhancement of rigid PVC. A specific example of permanent plasticization involves nitrile rubber blends which have been commercial since the early 1940's. This presentation will review the growing number of polymers noted to be miscible with PVC. The importance of specific interactions will be discussed.     

Toxicity of various carrageenans in the mouse

Carrageenan toxicity was found to vary according to the biochemical nature and source of material injected. Ischaemic lesions of body extremities (acronecrosis) were produced by some but not all preparations. Histological examination of these sites and of both recent and old organ lesions (especially of liver and kidney) confirmed that the underlying pathology was disseminated intravascular coagulation. Evidence was also obtained that carrageenans are hepatotoxic.     

Transient ischemic attacks not produced by extracranial vascular disease: a plea for complete and early angiographic investigation

Six patients with classical transient ischemic attacks that were not directly related to extracranial carotid disease are presented. These cases were selected to include a variety of pathologic conditions: one case each of brain tumor, arteriovenous malformation, chronic subdural hematoma, cervical spondylosis, and two cases of giant intracranial aneurysms. These case histories are significant because they illustrate that without complete angiographic investigation, tragic results could have and did occur in some cases. Transient ischemic attacks should be considered as a symptom of various possible pathologic conditions, and a careful search for the cause must be pursued aggressively.     

Antipyrine: radioimmunoassay in plasma and saliva following administration of a high dose and a low dose

The body's equilibrium is possible thanks to the integration of skeletal structure, vertebrae, ligaments and muscles to form one functional unity. The forces which determine posture are composed of two complementary systems, the ligamentary and the muscular systems, which together determine a dynamic act of balance. The ligaments operate mainly against the visco-hydraulic pressure of the nucleus pulposus and bind the vertebral bodies together, whereas the muscles exhibit an antigravity function and support spinal stability. A mathematical model based on a mixed theory of directed and oriented curves is proposed. Through this model it is possible to develop an exact theory governing the deformation of the ligamentous spine. This theory should be universal in the sense that it can be used to supply the spine in any of its environments.     

On the nature of brain stem disorders in severe head injured patients

In head injured patients changes were found in the CSF levels of metabolites of the dopaminergic and the serotonergic neurotransmission (HVA and 5-HIAA). After the fifth day following trauma a significant decrease of the HVA levels in the lumbar CSF after probenecid treatment was found. The intensity of this decrease was found to be related to the severity of the trauma (period of unconsciousness), but not to the state of consciousness. Also the probenecid-induced 5-HIAA levels in conscious patients were decreased after the fifth post-traumatic day. In unconscious patients, the period of unconsciousness, particularly in the period of 5-20 days after trauma. Between 21 and 60 days after trauma the 5-HIAA concentrations in unconscious patients decreased remarkably, but they were still significantly higher than in the conscious patients. It can be concluded that during unconsciousness serotonergic neurons have a high rate of turnover, but that both neurotransmitter systems are damaged by the direct or indirect consequences of the injury.     

Mental symptoms in Parkinson''s disease during chronic treatment with levodopa

The influence of epidural block with bupivacaine (Marcaine-adrenalin) on fetal heart rate, uterine activity, and the frequency and intensity of contractions was studied in twenty-five nulliparae at term. Uterine activity was found to decrease during the first 30 minutes following epidural block. In the time interval 30 to 40 minutes after epidural block uterine activity increased again and attained the same level as during the last 10 minutes before analgesia. The frequency of uterine contractions did not decrease after the block. The lower levels of uterine contractility were due only to a lower amplitude of the contractions. The regularizing effect of epidural analgesia on incoordinate uterine action was noted. The recording of fetal heart rate in the time interval studied revealed no pathological findings. Mode of delivery, mean labour duration and Apgar scores after epidural block were comparable with earlier studies of a larger patient population. This study suggest that epidural analgesia does not induce any important changes in fetal heart rate but temporarily decreases uterine activity.     

Hepatitis among plasma fractionation workers. An industry-wide study

An industry-wide survey of plasm fractionation facilities in the United States was conducted during 1973-74. Hepatitis was reported among the workers with varying degrees of plasma contact at all plant sites. For each of fourteen facilities in this investigation, field inspections disclosed: (1) numerous overt instances of employee-product contact: (2) inconsistent methodologic approaches at virtually all stages of the plasma fractionation process; (3) at low level of management and employee awareness regarding the potential bio-hazard identified; and (4) disparate examples of hepatitis surveillance and prophylaxis. Our data suggests that there is a high risk of hepatitis among plasma fractionation workers and, as such, much more attention needs to be focused on the reduction of health hazards within this industry.