XV. Yeast sequencing reports. Isolation and DNA sequence of the STE13 gene encoding dipeptidyl aminopeptidase

We have isolated a mutant which exhibits partial constitutivity for a -specific gene expression in α cells. The wild-type gene was cloned and demonstrated to be allelic to the STE13 gene, which encodes the dipeptidyl aminopeptidase involved in processing of the α-factor prepropheromone. Thus, the mating defect of the ste13 mutations in α cells may result both from the production of incompletely processed α-factor and from the increased expression of a -specific genes. The STE13 open reading frame of 931 amino acids contains a putative membrane-spanning segment near its amino terminus and is 31% identical to a second yeast dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (DAP2). A null mutant of STE13 has been constructed: it is viable and sporulation-proficient. The sequence has been deposited in the GenBank data library under Accession Number L21944.     

Optimizing Thermal Process for Canned White Beans in Water Cascading Retorts

Based on thermal degradation kinetics and heat transfer expressed as the Ball formula method, a simplified approach was used to optimize sterilization processes for thermal softening of white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, subsp. nanus Metz., variety Manteca de Leon) Constant retort profiles in a still and end-over-end rotary water cascading retort (Barriquand Steriflow) were used. Quality attributes of beans processed at the optimum were evaluated by a trained taste panel and by a tenderometer. Both approaches could distinguish (P<0.01) between attributes of products from optimal rotary and still processes. End-over-end rotation resulted in faster heat penetration and better quality retention of beans. Texture of white beans processed at 4° or 8°C from the optimal temperature could be distinguished (P<0.01) by the sensory panel and by the tenderometer.     

Fabrication and characteristics of tapes and test magnets made from Ag-Clad Bi-2223 superconductors

Pb_0.4Bi_1.8Sr₂Ca_2.2Cu₃O_x (Bi-2223) precursor powder was prepared by a solid-state reaction of carbonates and oxides of lead, bismuth, strontium, calcium, and copper, and the powder was then used to fabricate silver-clad tapes by the powder-in-tube technique. Transport critical current density (J_c) values>4×10⁴ A/cm² at 77K and 2×10⁵ A/cm² at 4.2 and 27K have been achieved in short tape samples. Long lengths of tape were tested by winding them into pancake coils. Recently, we fabricated a test magnet by stacking ten pancake coils, each containing three 16m lengths of rolled tape, and tested it at 4.2, 27 and 77K. A maximum generated field of 2.6 T was measured in zero applied field at 4.2K and the test magnet generated significant self-field in background fields up to 20 T. The results are discussed in this paper.     

Estimation of true dihedral angles and relative grain boundary energies in polycrystals using the disector

Relative grain boundary energies can be simply related to true dihedral angles, which are the angles between grain boundary planes meeting at triple edges in polycrystals. Some limited efforts in the measurement of true dihedral angles have used the technique of serial sectioning, which is usually cumbersome and time consuming. In this study the three‐dimensional probe called the ‘disector’ has been employed to evaluate true dihedral angles. This probe, combined with automated image processing, introduces precision as well as efficiency, overcomes the disadvantages of the two‐dimensional probe and is far less tedious and less complicated than serial sectioning. It is shown that the technique is relatively simple and therefore can be applied to obtain a significantly large and accurate statistical sample of true dihedral angles. The application of this method is demonstrated by evaluating the triple junction geometry and the associated relative grain boundary energies in polycrystalline 316L austenitic stainless steel.     

Effect of precooking time and drying temperature on the physico-chemical characteristics and in-vitro carbohydrate digestibility of taro flour

Achu is a thick porridge obtained by cooking and pounding taro (Colocasia esculenta) corms and cormels in a mortar. This study was undertaken with the objective of producing precooked taro flour that can be used in the preparation of achu. Taro slices were precooked to times of 0, 20, 45 and 90 min and dried in an air convection oven at varying temperatures of 50, 60, 70 or 80 °C before milling into flour which was then analysed for its water absorption capacity (WAC), water solubility index, emulsion activity and stability, bulk density, foam capacity and least gelation concentration (LGC). Achu made from the flours were equally analysed for their relative penetrometric index, bulk density and colour. The results showed that precooking induced significant (P<0.05) decrease in foam capacity, penetrometric index, and increase in LGC, emulsion stability and WAC. The drying temperature also induces significant reduction in emulsion capacity and stability, penetrometric index, and increase in LGC, WAC. Long precooking time (>45 min) and drying temperature (>60 °C) induced significant reduction of the in-vitro carbohydrate digestibility of taro achu.     

基于小波算法的摆式列车倾摆指令实时提取

由于摆式列车线路检测系统测得的线路超高时变率信号是平稳的且含有幅度大、频带宽的噪声 ,难以用常规的滤波方法得到摆式列车实时倾摆指令。本文介绍了多分辨率分析的基本原理及快速算法 ,讨论了基函数的选取 (构造 )原则。根据超高时变率信号的特征 ,合理选择基函数 ,提出了一种对流式数据的实时滤波算法 ,通过对仿真和线路试验实测数据的处理与常规滤波方法进行了比较。结果表明 ,该算法能更快地实时提取摆式列车倾摆指令。     

High‐pressure processing effects on the mechanical,barrier and mass transfer properties of food packaging flexible structures: a critical review

Food products can be high‐pressure processed (HPP) either in bulk or prepackaged in flexible or semi‐rigid packaging materials. In the latter case the packaging material is subjected, together with the food, to high‐pressure treatment. A number of studies have been performed to quantify the effects of high‐pressure processing on the physical and barrier properties of the packaging material, since the integrity of the package during and after processing is of paramount importance to the safety and quality of the food product. This article reviews the results of published research concerning the effect of HPP on packaging materials. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

BANDC——一种适合于从遥感图象识别地理环境的分类器

本文所提出的新算法 BANDC 是 BAyes Normal Dynamic Clustering 的缩写。这个算法的目的是从遥感图象识别地理环境。它的优点是:能由机器自动按照图象估算出分类器的参数;作为一种特殊的 Bayes 分类器,它能够依靠计算机估算出{wi}的先验概率,于是能剔除野点,提高分类器的鲁棒性。这个算法的关键是应用拟合法从灰度等级直方图估算出参数。     

基于图象处理的精液自动分析系统

本文阐述了基于图象处理技术的SIA男性精液自动分析系统的基本原理和设计方法。SIA系统采用单帧存实时拼版硬件电路，解决了实时快速获取精子运动轨迹线的技术难点。通过对精子轨迹留和精液静止图象分析，获取精子的活动参数和静态参数。在图象分析中使用了膨胀技术，有效地解决了轨线断裂问题。临床测试表明，SIA系统的检测精度明显高于人工检测的国际误差标准，且同份精液在相同条件下的重复检验结果间无统计学意义。