Isolation and Partial Characterization of Phytic Acid-Rich Particles from Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Phytic acid-rich particles were isolated from a combined density fraction (CDF) of Great Northern beans. CDF contained more than 80% of the total phytic acid, and 70% of the total crude protein and substantial amounts of certain minerals. CDF had phytic acid in both water soluble and water insoluble forms. An isolate containing phytic acid-rich particles was prepared from CDF using a Tris-base solution. The phytic acid-rich isolate contained 26.6% phytic acid, 34.3% protein, 30.0% total carbohydrates, 0.6% calcium, 2.1% magnesium, and 0.3% potassium. Chemical analysis and fractionation of CDF indicated that the water insoluble form of phytic acid in Great Northern beans was present as a salt of calcium-magnesium-potassium in association with proteins.     

Gyres off the Somali coast and western boundary currents in the Bay of Bengal during the south-west monsoon

Satellite remotely-sensed sea surface temperature (SST) data were obtained during the initial phase of the onset of the south-west monsoon in the north-western Indian Ocean for the years 1987and 1988. Large wedge-like areas of upwelled water during 1988 were observed at 5°Nand 10°N after the Somali current spinup, indicative of a two-gyre circulation in the Somali current system. Satellite infrared observations of the Bay of Bengal during the early February 1990revealed the existenceof two bands of warm water that resembled a western boundary current (WBC) along the east coast of India. A warm core eddy, with a major axis of nearly 120km, appeared at 89°E and 19°N at the end of the axis of the current. The existence of the two gyre system ofT the Somali coast and the presence or absence of the WBC in the Bay of Bengal in response to the onset of the summer monsoon has been discussed in detail.     

Structure and morphology studies of chromium film at elevated temperature in hypersonic environment

This paper presents the after shock heated structural and morphological studies of chromium film coated on hypersonic test model as a passive drag reduction element. The structural changes and the composition of phases of chromium due to shock heating (2850?K) are characterized using X-ray diffraction studies. Surface morphology changes of chromium coating have been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after shock heating. Significant amount of chromium ablation and sublimation from the model surface is noticed from SEM micrographs. Traces of randomly oriented chromium oxides formed along the coated surface confirm surface reaction of chromium with oxygen present behind the shock. Large traces of amorphous chromium oxide phases are also observed.     

Liquid-Liquid Extraction Processes for the Separation and Purification of Rare Earths

A review of the literature on liquid-liquid extraction processes for the separation and purification of rare earths is presented. This review also discusses computer simulation programs used for the design and optimization of processes for the separation of rare earths. The lacunae in the computer simulation programs are highlighted and suggestions for future work are given.     

Green fluorescence of terbium ions in lithium fluoroborate glasses for fibre lasers and display devices

In this paper, for the first time, the visible fluorescence properties, resonance energy transfer mechanism responsible for non-radiative decay rates of ⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅ transition and also quenching of fluorescence intensity of the ⁵D₃ → ⁷F₅ transition of various concentrations of Tb³⁺ ions in LBZLFB glasses are reported. Optical absorption, fluorescence spectra and quantum efficiencies are measured and analysed. Green fluorescence related to ⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅ (548 nm) transition is registered under excitation of 378 nm of Tb³⁺ ions. Based on excitation and fluorescence measurements, several spectroscopic parameters for Tb³⁺ ions are examined as a function of concentration by Judd–Ofelt theory to judge the suitability of studied glasses for display devices and fibre lasers.     

Cost optimal-(N∗, n∗) parallel reliability systems

This paper adds to the work of Venugopal et al. (1986 a, b) and Nakagawa (1979, 1984) on optimization techniques for reliability systems based on varied criteria. The new concept of the ‘cost-optimal-(N ^?, n ^?) system’, based on comprehensive cost considerations is introduced and results obtained for optimal parallel reliability systems (that is, with optimal units, N ^?, subjected to optimal repairs, n ^?). The operational use and applicational value of the results are demonstrated through numerical work concentrating on some typical random laws governing the stochastic failure patterns.     

Seasonal variation of sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal during 1992 as derived from NOAA-AVHRR SST data

Monthly maps of sea surface temperature (SST) derived from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)-AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) data during 1992 for the Bay of Bengal are analysed and compared with the available/compiled monthly seatruth (bucket thermometer) data of this region. It was noticed that the computed SST bias (AVHRR SST minus Seatruth SST), in general, varied between 2.0 and 2.5 C with smaller bias values (1.5 to 1.5 C) during January-June and December. Larger bias values were noticed in the south-eastern Bay in July and in the Andaman Sea in October. The large SST biases suggested the necessity for improvement of SST algorithms by properly removing the clouds. The spatial variation of Standard Deviation of SST bias was particularly high (0.7) in the western Bay when compared to other parts of the Bay of Bengal. The monthly maps of AVHRR SST clearly depicted the seasonal cycle of SST showing the well known bi-modal SST distribution of the study region with winter cooling, summer heating, monsoonal cooling and post-monsoon warming phases. The seasonal cycle of SST further revealed the persistence of Warm Pool (SST 28 C) in the Bay of Bengal from March through October.     

Effects of Lactic Fermentation of Milk on Milk Lipids

Fermentation of whole milk by Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulguricus and Streptococcus thermophilus resulted in moderate but significant increase in the levels of saturated fatty acids and oleic acid with a concomitant decrease in the levels of linoleic and linolenic acids in the glyceride fraction. Similarly, the increase in the levels of free fatty acids was moderate. There were significant increases in the levels of stearic and oleic acids. Unusual fatty acids of bacterial origin were not detected, and monoglycerides disappeared completely upon fermentation. Changes in cholesterol levels were also not significant. Acid degree value and free fatty acid levels were correlated significantly (r = 0.711). Results indicate that previously reported hypocholestermic effect of fermented milk is not due to changes in the composition of lipid classes investigated.