Comparison of Modified Dry‐Grind Corn Processes for Fermentation Characteristics and DDGS Composition

Three different modified dry‐grind corn processes, quick germ (QG), quick germ and quick fiber (QGQF), and enzymatic milling (E‐Mill) were compared with the conventional dry‐grind corn process for fermentation characteristics and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) composition. Significant effects were observed on fermentation characteristics and DDGS composition with these modified dry‐grind processes. The QG, QGQF, and E‐Mill processes increased ethanol concentration by 8–27% relative to the conventional dry‐grind process. These process modifications reduced the fiber content of DDGS from 11 to 2% and increased the protein content of DDGS from 28 to 58%.     

Preface — Recent advances in cleanup of contaminated sites

Journal of Soils and Sediments -     

Immobilization of Cd and Pb in a contaminated acidic soil amended with hydroxyapatite,bentonite, and biochar

Journal of Soils and Sediments - This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes over time in the immobilization efficiency of hydroxyapatite, bentonite, and biochar for Cd and Pb...     

Inheritance of growth habit under photoperiod insensitive genetic background in dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Development of high yielding cultivars with determinate growth habit in photoperiod insensitive (PIS) background is one of the major objectives of breeding...     

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE IRON AND ZINC CONTENTS ESTIMATION USING ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETER AND GRAIN STAINING TECHNIQUES (PRUSSIAN BLUE AND DTZ) IN MAIZE GERMPLASMS

Malnutrition arising from dietary deficiency of critically important mineral micronutrients such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) is a serious problem affecting nearly half of the world's population. Screening for micronutrients rich breeding lines includes the estimation of grain micronutrient contents in the seed samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Though the protocol produces precise results, it is usually costly and time consuming. The nutritionist started searching for newer methods like staining the particular plant tissue with dyes so the initial screening of among vast germplasm lines becomes easier. A set of four hundred and thirty genotypes were used in this experiment wherein the reliability and the cost effectiveness of the use of the staining method in place of the estimation using AAS was investigated. The intensity of the color developed was directly proportional to the amount of iron and zinc in the grains and were scored as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The genotype ‘UBC 7’ has got the maximum level of iron (65.43 mg kg^?1) with about 64 lines is found to contain higher levels of iron. The genotype ‘UMI 421’ had the maximum level of zinc (60.15 mg kg^?1) along with ten lines showing richer zinc levels. The genotypes namely ‘UMI 1069’, ‘UMI 630’, ‘UMI 473’, ‘UMI 327’, and ‘UMI 382’ are found to be having considerably higher levels of iron and zinc in the kernels. These lines may be used for the introgression of the traits concerning micronutrient enhancement into the popular elite cultivars. When compared to the estimation with AAS, the staining methods with Prussian Blue and Dithizone (DTZ: 1,5-diphenyl thiocarbazone) are found be very cost effective and precise in identifying and categorizing the lines as micronutrient rich/deficit. The varying color intensities serve as a reliable selection criterion for grain micronutrient contents in maize and other cereal crops. These protocols, could, therefore, be effectively used as the initial screening methodology and so the genotypes might be identified for higher grain micronutrient contents among huge population in a short period of time.     

Relative Value of Phosphate Compounds in Reducing the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Lead in Contaminated Soils

Lead forms stable compounds with phosphate and the immobilized Pb becomes less available to soil biota. In this study, we tested the bioavailabilty of Pb using earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and plants after immobilization of Pb by a soluble P compound and an insoluble rock phosphate compound in the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Enterobacter sp.). Rock phosphate in the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and a soluble P compound enhanced Pb immobilization as measured by NH₄NO₃-extractable Pb concentration, thereby reduced its bioavailability as evaluated by earthworm Pb loading and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Pb uptake under greenhouse conditions. However, soluble P treatment increased the concentration of Pb in soil solution thereby inhibited the root elongation of mustard (Brassica hirta) seedlings. Sunflower plants in the Pb-spiked soil without P amendments showed symptoms of necrosis and stunting because of Pb toxicity. Both soluble and insoluble P treatments significantly increased shoot and root weight and decreased Pb concentration in shoot by more than 50% compared to the control. However, high Pb concentration in soil solution was found in soluble P treatment, which can be attributed to dissolved organic carbon–Pb complex formation, thereby increasing Pb mobility. The inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can facilitate phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated site.     

Studies on antimicrobial activity for multidrug resistance strain by using phenyl pyrazolones substituted 3-(4-aminophenyl)-2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives in vitro condition and their dyeing performance

Heterocyclic monoazo quinazolinone based azo dyes derived by the diazotization of 3-(4-aminophenyl)-2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one with various phenyl pyrazolones based coupling components. All the heterocyclic azo dyes have been characterized by their percentage yield, UV-VIS spectroscopy, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and dyeing performance on silk, wool, nylon, and polyester fibers. All the dyes gave moderate to excellent fastness properties on each fiber. The main focus was to synthesize heterocyclic monoazo dyes that give good dyeing property along with pharmacological activity (anti bacterial and antifungal). Therefore, the synthesized compounds were examined for their antimicrobial activity at various concentrations using well-known Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.     

Chronic and reproductive toxicity of cadmium,zinc, and lead in binary and tertiary mixtures to the earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The presence of one metal can alter the toxicity of another metal by having an additive, synergistic, or antagonistic impact. Mixed metal pollution has clear...