Determination of residues of trichlorfon and dimethoate on guava using HPLC

A supervised trial was conducted in guava orchards during 2001 and 2002 to study residue dissipation rates of two organophos insecticides, trichlorfon and dimethoate at Kohat, NWFP, Pakistan. The insecticides were sprayed at recommended doses of 80 and 120 g a.i./100 l water on the fruits of guava when the fruits were semi ripe. The treated guava fruits were randomly sampled in triplicates (2 kg per field replicate) at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days intervals after insecticide application. The samples were extracted in ethyl acetate and were cleaned up through Florisil column with ethyl acetate as eluent. The cleaned up extracts were analyzed for residues by HPLC method. The residues were found to have half-lives of 2.8–3.3 days for dimethoate and 1.7–2.0 days for trichlorfon. Based on the dissipation pattern of the insecticide residues in relation to their respective prescribed maximum residue limits, withholding periods of 3 and 9 days are suggested for guava after treatment with dimethoate and trichlorfon.     

A Novel Approach to Utilize DSM ＆ Smart Grid Initiatives for Power System Operations

This paper presents in detail the idea to utilize the advent of smart grid technologies and DSM （demand side management）, to ease the operational requirements of power system operations. Utilization of DSM and smart grids, to control load rather than generations, is explored. Usually, system security is attained through preventive measures, the system is maintained and prepared in advance to survive credible outages through ＂reserve management＂, for which requirements are specified as security standards in grid codes. However, with the utilization of DSM techniques on transmission level such as ＂direct control load＂, ＂responsive load＂, and interruptible load control, system operations can be shifted towards ＂corrective＂ mode keeping intact the system security.     

Aflatoxin contents of stored and artificially inoculated cereals and nuts

Aflatoxin contents of cereals and nuts, collected from local markets of NWFP, were determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The seeds of these crops were also inoculated with Aspergillus flavus and the aflatoxin content and its relation with the proximate composition of seeds was studied. The effect of storage for different durations of time (2–3 and 12–18 months) on the aflatoxin content of seeds was also assessed. Aflatoxin content of cereals (wheat, maize and rice) ranged from 14 to 45 μg/kg, and that of nuts (almond, walnut and peanut) varied from 5 to 17 μg/kg. The aflatoxin content was within the safe limit (50 μg/kg) recommended by FAO. The aflatoxin content of inoculated seeds was significantly (p < 0.05) increased over control (un-inoculated seeds). This was positively related (r = 0.65) to moisture content of the seeds. However, negative correlation (r = −0.50) existed between aflatoxin and ash contents of the seeds. Protein, fat and total carbohydrate (NFE) contents were not much affected by inoculation. Prolonged storage for 18 months (1.5 years) significantly (p < 0.05) increased aflatoxin contents of seeds compared to short storage periods (2–3 months). It was concluded that aflatoxin content of food should be monitored to ensure food safety. Prolonged storage of cereal and nuts in warm humid condition should be avoided to minimize the risk of aflatoxin contamination.     

Rev-erbα Knockout Reduces Ethanol Consumption and Preference in Male and Female Mice

Alcohol use is a contributor in the premature deaths of approximately 3 million people annually. Among the risk factors for alcohol misuse is circadian rhythm disruption; however, this connection remains poorly understood. Inhibition of the circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα is known to disrupt molecular feedback loops integral to daily oscillations, and impact diurnal fluctuations in the expression of proteins required for reward-related neurotransmission. However, the role of REV-ERBα in alcohol and substance use-related phenotypes is unknown. Herein, we used a Rev-erbα knockout mouse line and ethanol two-bottle choice preference testing to show that disruption of Rev-erbα reduces ethanol preference in male and female mice. Rev-erbα null mice showed the lowest ethanol preference in a two-bottle choice test across all genotypes, whereas there were no ethanol preference differences between heterozygotes and wildtypes. In a separate experiment, alcohol-consuming wildtype C57Bl/6N mice were administered the REV-ERBα/β inhibitor SR8278 (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) for 7 days and alcohol preference was evaluated daily. No differences in alcohol preference were observed between the treatment and vehicle groups. Our data provides evidence that genetic variation in REV-ERBα may contribute to differences in alcohol drinking.     

MEMS tri-axial force sensor with an integrated mechanical stopper for guidewire applications

This paper describes the design and characterization of a micro-electro-mechanical systems tri-axial force sensor that can be mounted on the tip of an 1-French guidewire (0.014″). Piezoresistive silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are embedded into four beams forming a cross-shape to allow the detection of forces in three axes. The electrical resistance changes in the four SiNWs are used to decode arbitrary force applied onto the force sensor. Finite element analysis was used in the structural design of the force sensor. Robustness of the force sensor is improved due to the novel design of incorporating a mechanical stopper on the tip of the stylus. Flip chip bonding, using gold stud bumps, is used to mount the force sensor on a substrate for characterization and to simplify the assembly process. The sensor is robust enough to withstand normal forces higher than 20 gf. The proposed sensor can be used for new medical applications in vascular interventions and robotic surgeries.     

Comparison of sprout quality characteristics of desi and kabuli type chickpea cultivars (Cicer arietinum L.)

Effect of germination time on comparative sprout quality characteristics (proximate composition, ascorbic acid, phytic acid, invitro protein digestibility, protein solubility and sensory properties) was investigated. Sprouting significantly increased (P<0.01) the moisture, crude protein, crude fat and ascorbic acid contents and decreased nitrogen free extract (NFE). Phytic acid was reduced (P<0.01) with sprouting, but more pronouncedly so in the case of Kabuli type (73% reduction) than in desi type (32% reduction). In-vitro protein digestibility (IVDP) and protein solubility improved significantly (P<0.01) with increase in sprouting time. The overall sensory scores increased with the first (24 h) sprouting interval and then decreased. However, the acceptability scores for both chickpea types remained within the acceptable range (>5.0). Although, organoleptically the desi type chickpea sprouts were preferred over Kabuli type, the nutritional improvement due to sprouting was more pronounced in Kabuli chickpeas than their desi counterparts. Due to overall superior sprout quality, the kabuli type was more suitable for sprouting purposes.