Effects of cooking on concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and related compounds in fish and meat

We investigated the cooking-induced changes in concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (dioxins) using mackerel and beef. The concentrations of dioxins (29 congeners) were determined by isomer specific analyses and were compared between uncooked and cooked samples. The cooking procedures examined in this study included grilling as a fillet, boiling as a fillet, and boiling as tsumire (small, hand-rolled balls) for mackerel and boiling as a slice, broiling as a slice, and broiling as a hamburger for beef. Three trials were carried out for each cooking method. Generally, concentrations of dioxins were reduced in every cooking trial. When nondetected congener concentrations were assumed to be half the limit of detection for mackerel, the maximum percentage reductions of total concentrations given as 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD equivalents (TEQ) were 31% in grilling as a slice, 14% in boiling as a slice, and 21% in boiling as tsumire under the conditions of this study. In contrast, for beef, the reductions were 42% in boiling as a slice, 42% in broiling as a slice, and 44% in broiling as a hamburger. These results suggest that ordinary cooking processes with heating undoubtedly reduce the dioxin content in animal products, and the reductions estimated should be considered when dioxin intake is evaluated using contamination data for individual food items.     

Physical,Chemical and Biological Properties of an Accelerated Cassava Based Compost Prepared Using Different Ratios of Cassava Peels and Poultry Manure

Monitoring the physical, chemical and biological properties during accelerated composting enables concise determination of its stability and maturity. Determination of physical parameters such as pH, moisture and temperature, chemical parameters such as total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic matter and humic acid as well as biological parameters such as microbial count and carbon dioxide (CO₂) evolution was carried out during a four (4) week composting period, The trend observed for pH showed the mesophilic and thermophilic phases and a similar trend was observed for the compost temperature. Intermittent increase and decrease was observed for total N, P, K as well as for the fungal and bacterial population. A direct relationship was observed among the bacterial population, CO₂ evolution and humic acid. However, composting for four (4) weeks produced a stable compost, which was evident through the physical observation of the final product and the results obtained for the chemical and biological parameters.     

Monoclonal antibodies specific to thermostable proteins in animal blood

Bovine plasma proteins are used as high-quality protein supplements in animal feed and as binders or colorants in food for human consumption. Religious observance, as well as recent fears of epidemic bovine spongiform encephalopathy, highlights the need for methods to detect bovine blood in processed food and animal feed for regulatory purposes, as the currently available methods are neither species-specific, blood-specific, nor valid for excessively heat-processed samples. This paper reports the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against bovine thermostable plasma proteins that display a unique species specificity pattern for plasma proteins. Immunoblotting revealed several thermostable antigenic proteins (10, 25, 40, and 60 kDa) in bovine plasma sterilized at 121 degrees C for 15 min. These MAbs can be employed individually or combined in immunoassays for analytical purposes and investigations of the chemical and biological properties of the thermostable plasma proteins identified here.     

An Integrated Modeling Approach to Total Watershed Management: Water Quality and Watershed Assessment of Cheney Reservoir, Kansas, USA

Degradation of water quality is the major health concern for lakes and reservoirs in the central regions of the United States as a result of heavily devoted agricultural production. A vital key to the development of a reservoir management strategy is to identify nutrient loading that describes associated water quality conditions in reservoirs. This study integrated AnnAGNPS watershed and BATHTUB lake models to simulate actual lake water quality conditions of Cheney Reservoir, KS, and demonstrated the use of the coupled model for simulating lake response to changes in different watershed land use and management scenarios. The calibrated current-conditions model simulated in-lake reductions as much as 52% for TN, 48% for TP, and 70% for chlorophyll a due to conversion to native grass, and increases as much as 4% for TN, 9% for TP and 6% for chlorophyll a due to conversion of land from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to cropland (15.5% of watershed). This model also demonstrated an increase in chlorophyll a (19%) as the lake sediment capacity was reached over the next century.     

Evaluation of Novel Precast SDS‐PAGE Gels for Separation of Sorghum Proteins

Precast polyacrylamide gels using novel buffer chemistry for enhanced resolution and shelf life stability of the gels were evaluated for separating sorghum proteins. Two gels with different acrylamide concentrations, 12 and 4–12%, were tested with two different buffer systems. Gels were evaluated for separation resolution, as well as protein solubility problems such as streaking. High‐resolution separations were obtained for all the major classes of kernel proteins using these gels. Run times were typically 45–60 min, producing relatively rapid separations. Resolution was significantly affected by the buffer system used. The use of precast gradient gels eliminates the need for casting gradient gels for routine analysis of sorghum proteins and avoids handling the toxic acrylamide monomer. This system will be useful for routine separations of sorghum proteins as well as for research programs using SDS‐PAGE to screen sorghum lines for digestibility or for other protein‐related quality factors.     

Separation, identification, quantification, and method validation of anthocyanins in botanical supplement raw materials by HPLC and HPLC-MS

A method has been established and validated for identification and quantification of individual, as well as total, anthocyanins by HPLC and LC/ES-MS in botanical raw materials used in the herbal supplement industry. The anthocyanins were separated and identified on the basis of their respective M(+) (cation) using LC/ES-MS. Separated anthocyanins were individually calculated against one commercially available anthocyanin external standard (cyanidin-3-glucoside chloride) and expressed as its equivalents. Amounts of each anthocyanin calculated as external standard equivalent were then multiplied by a molecular-weight correction factor to afford their specific quantities. Experimental procedures and use of a molecular-weight correction factors are substantiated and validated using Balaton tart cherry and elderberry as templates. Cyanidin-3-glucoside chloride has been widely used in the botanical industry to calculate total anthocyanins. In our studies on tart cherry and elderberry, its use as external standard followed by use of molecular-weight correction factors should provide relatively accurate results for total anthocyanins, because of the presence of cyanidin as their major anthocyanidin backbone. The method proposed here is simple and has a direct sample preparation procedure without any solid-phase extraction. It enables selection and use of commercially available anthocyanins as external standards for quantification of specific anthocyanins in the sample matrix irrespective of their commercial availability as analytical standards. It can be used as a template and applied for similar quantification in several anthocyanin-containing raw materials for routine quality control procedures, thus providing consistency in analytical testing of botanical raw materials used for manufacturing efficacious and true-to-the-label nutritional supplements.     

SOURCES OF SULFUR FOR DRY MATTER,SEED YIELD,AND OIL CONCENTRATION OF CANOLA GROWN IN SULFUR DEFICIENT SOILS OF SOUTH-WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Leaching of sulfur (S) on sandy soils may limit the effectiveness of S fertilizers especially when applied at sowing. The effectiveness of S sources for canola (oil seed rape, Brassica napus L.) grown in sandy low S soils of south-western Australia is not known. This study was completed to determine the relative effectiveness of gypsum and a gypsum-based by-product from synthetic rutile processing called Canola Blue for canola grown in low S soils of the region. Canola Blue is a mixture of gypsum and elemental S, and is granulated so its effectiveness may vary from gypsum. We measured the effectiveness of the two S sources in the glasshouse for young seedling growth and for minimizing S leaching. In the four field experiments, the two S sources were evaluated for relative effects on canola seed yield and the concentration of oil in seed. Canola Blue applied at sowing was as effective as gypsum for canola growth in the glasshouse and when applied at 35 days after sowing (DAS) was as effective as gypsum for seed yield in the field. For the glasshouse study, Canola Blue when applied to the soil surface (topdressed) at 35 DAS was as effective as gypsum in achieving a rapid recovery of leaves from S deficiency symptoms and of shoot growth. Where S deficiency appears during the growing season, topdressing with Canola Blue appears to be as effective under the conditions of this experiment as was gypsum. However, the S in Canola Blue was less prone to leaching than that applied as gypsum.     

Development of a DNA microarray for authentication of ginseng drugs based on 18S rRNA gene sequence

Ginseng drugs, derived from underground parts of Panax species (Araliaceae), are the most important group of herbal medicines in the Orient. Previously, the nucleotide sequences of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene of 13 Panax taxa were determined, as were the specific polymorphic nucleotides for identification of each species. On the basis of the nucleotide difference, a DNA microarray (PNX array) was developed for the identification of various Panax plants and drugs. Thirty-five kinds of specific oligonucleotide were designed and synthesized as probes spotting on a decorated glass slide, which included 33 probes corresponding to the species-specific nucleotide substitutions and 2 probes as positive and negative controls. The species-specific probes were of 23-26 bp in length, in which the substitution nucleotide was located at the central part. Triplicate probes were spotted to warrant accuracy by correcting variation of fluorescent intensity. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences amplified from Panax plants and drugs as well as their derived health foods were fluorescently labeled as targets to hybridize to the PNX array. After hybridization under optimal condition, specific fluorescent patterns were detected for each Panax species, and the analyzed results could be indicated as barcode patterns for quick distinction. The developed PNX array provided an objective and reliable method for the authentication of Panax plants and drugs as well as their derived health foods.     

Chemical interesterification of blends of palm stearin, coconut oil, and canola oil: physicochemical properties

trans-Free interesterified fat was produced for possible usage as a margarine. Palm stearin, coconut oil, and canola oil were used as substrates for chemical interesterification. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of blends of palm stearin, coconut oil, and canola oil submitted to chemical interesterification using sodium methoxide as the catalyst. The original and interesterified blends were examined for fatty acid composition, softening and melting points, solid fat content, and consistency. Chemical interesterification reduced softening and melting points, consistency, and solid fat content. The interesterified fats showed desirable physicochemical properties for possible use as a margarine. Therefore, our result suggested that the interesterified fat without trans-fatty acids could be used as an alternative to partially hydrogenated fat.     

Selection and use of honey as an antioxidant in a French salad dressing system

Honeys from various floral sources were analyzed to select for utilization as a sweetener and potential source of antioxidants in the formulation of a salad dressing. On the basis of various indicators of potential antioxidant effectiveness, such as the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assay and identification of phenolic profile carried out by HPLC analysis, clover and blueberry honeys were selected. Dressings were stored under accelerated conditions (37 degrees C) for six weeks and at ambient (23 degrees C) and refrigeration (4 degrees C) temperatures for one year. Salad dressings incorporating honey provided protection against oxidation to a degree similar to that of EDTA, as determined by peroxide value and p-anisidine value. This demonstrates the potential for honey to be used as a substitute for EDTA and sweetener (such as HFCS) in commercial salad dressings.     

生物黑炭及其增汇减排与改良土壤意义

国际上对将农田废弃物制成生物黑炭施用于土壤作为农业增汇减排的一种关键途径的呼声越来越高。通过文献资料调研,介绍了生物黑炭的基本性质及其碳稳定性,对农田土壤的改良效应,并讨论其在农业增产和增汇（碳）中的作用。结果表明,作物秸秆无氧高温热解制备的生物炭具有高度的芳香化、物理的热稳定性和生物化学的抗分解性。施用于土壤大幅度提升土壤碳库,并因其结构性质有利于农田土壤固持养分,提高养分利用率,改善微生物生境,从而达到提高土壤质量而促进作物增产的双赢效果。     

Influence of ecological factors on population differentiation in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Summary Microgeographic differentiation was investigated at the phenotypic level for 10 agronomic traits between 24 pairs of adjacent populations of perennial ryegrass from Ireland. None of the univariate or multivariate statistical tests succeeded in finding any relationship between ecological characteristics of the contrasting sites and agronomic traits, which could have been interpreted as a result of directional selection.Complementary studies of isozyme loci on 12 populations indicated some genetic divergence for neutral genes in 3 out of 6 pairs. These genetically differentiated populations also differ for agronomic traits, and notably for heading date, which could lead to reproductive isolation.The possible influence of random drift, selection and reproductive isolation are discussed, as well as the consequences for collecting natural populations as genetic resources for breeding use.     

Effect of Decorticating Sorghum on Ethanol Production and Composition of DDGS

The use of a renewable biomass that contains considerable amounts of starch and cellulose could provide a sugar platform for the production of numerous bioproducts. Pretreatment technologies have been developed to increase the bioconversion rate for both starch and cellulosic‐based biomass. This study investigated the effect of decortication as a pretreatment method on ethanol production from sorghum, as well as investigating its impact on quality of distillers' dry grains with solubles (DDGS). Eight sorghum hybrids with 0, 10, and 20% of their outer layers removed were used as raw materials for ethanol production. The decorticated samples were fermented to ethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Removal of germ and fiber before fermentation allowed for greater starch loading for ethanol fermentation and resulted in increased ethanol production. Ethanol yields increased as the percentage of decortication increased. The decortication process resulted in DDGS with higher protein content and lower fiber content, which may improve the feed quality.     

Solvolysis procedures for the determination of bound residues of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in fusarium species infected grain of two winter wheat cultivars preinfected with barley yellow dwarf virus

A trichloroacetic acid treatment at 140 degrees C for 40 min was successfully established as a suitable solvolysis procedure for the recovery of bound deoxynivalenol or its derivatives in Fusarium-infected plants. Deoxynivalenol itself was not decomposed in the procedure. The derivative 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol was chosen as a model compound for setting free deoxynivalenol in an acid-catalyzed deesterification reaction, developing the method. This is the first report using a trichloroacetic acid solvolysis procedure as a sample incubation step to free bound deoxynivalenol and determine free from bound deoxynivalenol in the sample. Between 13 and 63% of the total deoxynivalenol consisted of nonextractable deoxynivalenol. Deoxynivalenol contents in grain of the susceptible cultivar "Agent" infected with Fusarium spp. were 12-24 times higher when compared to those for the corresponding moderately resistant cultivar "Petrus". The highest deoxynivalenol amounts were determined in grain infected with Fusarium spp. as well as simultaneously infected with BYDV. This solvolysis procedure may be of importance for distinguishing between resistant and susceptible plants and their ability to immobilize (bound) mycotoxins as a plant defense mechanism.     

A rapid method for predicting the lime requirement of acidic temperate soils with widely varying organic matter contents. II. Testing the lime requirement model

A model for predicting lime requirement (Bailey et al. , 1989) was tested using data from independent liming experiments on soils from Northern Ireland and New Zealand. Lime requirements predicted by the model were also compared with those obtained by the methods currently used by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland and by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in England and Wales.
The model predicted lime requirement precisely for the independent set of soils from Northern Ireland, and was as reliable at predicting lime requirement for New Zealand soils as the best of seven other quick-test methods. The model was more reliable at predicting lime requirement for soils from Northern Ireland than the method currently used by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, and appeared to be as reliable as the method used by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in England and Wales.     

不同地貌类型区1∶25万比例尺DEM的建立方法

以在3个不同地貌类型区的试验为例证，研究探讨建立栅格化DEM的技术要点和技术方法，并对所建立DEM的精度进行评价。研究结果表明，在平原区可以直接利用Terlk层及水系要素建立DEM；在山区，则首先需要进行构造地形结构线的预处理，而在黄土丘陵沟壑区，不仅需要构造地形结构线，而且需借用大比例尺的高程数据进行高程加密处理，以最大限度地减少地貌特征信息的损失，为区域水土流失的动态监测基础地理数据库的建立提供重要的技术方法。     

Assessing the performance of phosphorus-saturated ochre as a fertilizer and its environmental acceptability

Abstract. Flooding of abandoned coal mines often causes discharges of iron-rich drainage water into the environment. Treatment of these discharges results in the formation of ochre (hydrous iron oxides) for which no end-use has been identified. Ochre effectively adsorbs phosphate from solution and thus could be used for remediation of waste waters. The resulting P-enriched ochre could then potentially be recycled as a P fertilizer. Pot and field experiments were set up to assess performance and environmental acceptability of ochre in this role, using grass and barley as test crops, as well as birch and spruce tree seedlings. Soils and plant materials were analysed for total and available P, total metals and pH. Results showed that P-saturated ochre functioned as a slow-release P fertilizer, and in the short term was as effective as conventional P fertilizer in maintaining crop yields. It also raised soil pH, and did not pose any significant problem through introduction of potentially toxic trace metals into the soil.     

Tillage systems for root and tuber crops in the tropics

Although limited information is available on tillage practices for root crops, published results show that tillage methods vary widely depending upon the specific root crop, the soil type, the previous vegetation, as well as the socio-economic conditions of farmers. These aspects are discussed in this review.

In general terms, it has been found that root and tuber crops are sensitive to soil compaction, inadequate aeration or poor drainage and therefore respond favorably to intensive tillage, followed by ridging or mounding. However, large differences exist between crops, with potato, sweet potato and yam requiring more intensive cultivation than cassava and taro. On light-textured soils, cassava can be grown without or with minimum tillage as long as weeds are controlled; in heavy or compacted soil cassava responds favorably to tillage and yields tend to increase when grown on ridges. In order to reduce erosion as well as production costs, cassava should be grown with as little tillage as possible as long as high yield can be maintained. Contour ridging and mulching are other practices that not only tend to increase yields but also reduce erosion losses.

Organized data for use in a classification of the tillage requirements of different soils for the various root crops is lacking. We suggest that research efforts should be directed towards the characterization of the physico-chemical and biological factors which determine the tillage requirements of a given soil for a given root crop.     

生态清洁型小流域建设:绿化·美化·净化·产业化

 水土保持生态清洁型小流域建设要从"四化"即"绿化"美化"净化"和"产业化"方向科学有序发展。"绿化"是支撑水土保持生态清洁型小流域建设目标的基础,"美化"是提升水土保持生态清洁型小流域建设质量的砝码,"净化"是左右水土保持生态清洁型小流域建设成败的关键,而"产业化"是衡量水土保持生态清洁型小流域建设效益的试金石。这4个方面的工作做好了,一个水土保持生态清洁型小流域的建设工作才算全面完成。     

强制夹持式玉米精量排种器的设计

新疆玉米种植采用地膜覆盖,膜下滴灌,膜上点播的栽培技术,针对玉米膜上精量点播的技术要求,根据强制夹持原理,提出一种新型的机械强制夹持玉米精量排种的方法,通过对3种玉米种子的物理力学特性进行测定,以及对取种、投种过程进行深入的理论分析,建立数学模型,为排种器的结构设计提供依据.在JPS-12计算机视觉技术排种器试验台上对试制排种器进行台架试验,验证了强制夹持式排种器在对玉米形状为小圆、小扁具有良好的适应性,当工作速度3.5 km/h时,单粒率＞85％,满足玉米精量播种要求.