Modelling and simulating commercial hot water blanching of potatoes

A method of applying the leaching model for hot water blanching to predict component losses during commercial scale potato processing was developed. The method involves characterizing an individual blancher to adjust the model to account for nonuniform mixing flow. The leaching model is based on the assumption that the water in the blancher is completely back mixed and the temperature and concentration are uniform throughout. The concentration of the blanch water for back mix flow was calculated using the mean blancher temperature. The blanch water concentration for nonideal flow (e.g., plug flow) corresponding to the temperature distribution was calculated. Using some combination of back mix and plug flow the blanch water concentration was calculated. Comparing the calculated and experimental values, a factor to adjust the model-calculated concentration to agree with the real value was determined. This factor then is used to correct future calculations made on this particular blancher with the model. Potassium is used as a key component because it is stable for sampling and analysis. However, the method should work for other components.     

The aetiology of spinal deformity in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.: influence of genetic factors on the frequency and severity in freshwater stages

A radiographic study was carried out on 2-year groups of pre-smolt parr to detect the comparative frequency of vertebral change in a range of defined pedigreed families of high growth rate of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., reared under identical conditions. The observed frequency of deformity was related to the observed deformity level in the seawater parental generation, and to a potentially uncontrolled environmental determinant, i.e. stripping date. High and low parental deformity groups of families were found to produce offspring that had very similar levels of radiographically detectable spinal deformities in the pre-smolt parr, suggesting no genetic link. With regard to stripping date, the overall incidence was nearly half that seen in the preceding year (8.7% cf 16.6%). However, a non-significant trend to fewer radiographic spinal deformities was seen in the later stripping period.     

Serum triglyceride concentration in dogs with epilepsy treated with phenobarbital or with phenobarbital and bromide

OBJECTIVE: To compare serum triglyceride concentrations obtained after food had been withheld (i.e., fasting concentrations) in dogs with epilepsy that had been treated long term (> or = 3 months) with phenobarbital or with phenobarbital and potassium bromide with concentrations in healthy control dogs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 57 epileptic dogs that had been treated with phenobarbital (n=28) or with phenobarbital and bromide (29) and 57 healthy, untreated control dogs matched on the basis of age, breed, sex, neuter status, and body condition score. PROCEDURES: Blood samples were collected after food had been withheld for at least 12 hours, and serum biochemical and lipid concentrations were determined. Oral fat tolerance tests were performed in 15 control dogs and 9 dogs with epilepsy treated with phenobarbital alone. RESULTS: 19 of the 57 (33%) epileptic dogs had fasting serum triglyceride concentrations greater than the upper reference limit. Nine (16%) dogs had a history of pancreatitis, and 5 of the 9 had high fasting serum triglyceride concentrations at the time of the study. A significant relationship was found between body condition score and fasting serum triglyceride concentration in all dogs, but serum triglyceride concentration was not significantly associated with phenobarbital dosage or serum phenobarbital concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that dogs treated long term with phenobarbital or with phenobarbital and bromide may develop hypertriglyceridemia. Fasting serum triglyceride concentration should be periodically monitored in dogs treated with phenobarbital because hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for pancreatitis.     

Suspected ethanol toxicosis in two wild cedar waxwings

Several wild cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) fell from a rooftop following ingestion of overwintered hawthorn (Crataegus sp.) pommes. At necropsy, there was pericardial hemorrhage, although no microscopic abnormalities were found. Ethanol was present in crop contents (380 ppm) and in the livers (238 and 989 ppm). The cause of death was attributed to hemorrhage following a fall precipitated by ethanol intoxication.     

Predicting interspecific compatibilities in beans (Phaseolus) by seed protein electrophoresis

Summary Seed proteins of 17 wild species of Phaseolus were separated by electrophoresis on SDS polyacrylamide gels. There was very little variation of the protein pattern within most species, while considerable variation among species was evident. Relative interspecific similarities of protein patterns were estimated using Jaccard's similarity index, and a cluster analysis was performed on these values. The resultant dendrogram generally agreed with previous research on interspecific relationships in Phaseolus based on morphological characteristics, and also generally agrees with current information on interspecific similarities based on hybridization studies. Suggestions are made regarding interspecific hybridization among Phaseolus species which have not been attempted, but which may be possible based on cluster analysis. These hybrids include P. vulgaris × P. polystachyus, P. vulgaris × (P. polystachyus × P. metcalfei) and P. anisotrichos × P. angustissimus.Supported by the USDA Specific Cooperative Agreement to the University of Puerto Rico 458-7B30-0-203 Bean Improvement by Interspecific Crosses.