Purification and characterisation of phosphorylase from muscle of Tilapia (Tilapia mosambica)

Phosphorylase from muscle of tilapia (Tilapia mosambica) was extracted by water and purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, centrifugation and repeated recrystallisation. Electro-phorogram of the enzyme preparation showed a single band near origin. The enzyme showed optimum pH and temperature at 6.1 and 37°C respectively. Glucose and glucose-6-phosphate were found to be competitive inhibitors of the enzyme. Maltose and starch acted as primers for the phosphorylase reaction like glycogen

Adoption of CIFT fishing boat designs

Information about the adoption of CIFT fishing boat designs was collected from 54 boat building yards of the country. The majority of the boats were built as per CIFT designs. The types of wood used and the designs were dependent upon each other. Other variables studied did not show significant effects upon the type of adoption. The CIFT designs were modified at some yards and these details are discussed

Occurrence of a deeper red colour in prawn pulp prepared from iced-prawns

In commerce, great importance is given to the color of the dry prawn pulp in its quality evaluation. The possible correlation between this color factor to the iced or not iced condition of the raw prawn used, is investigated. The study reveals that as the icing period of the raw material increases the color of the finished product proportionately intensifies to a bright red compared to light brownish yellow or orange color of the product from the not iced prawn, and at the same time the other characteristics like flavor and taste deteriorates as the time of icing advances. This finding tends to show that the color factor does not reflect the true quality of prawn pulp. Based on chemical data it is suggested that "browning" due to Maillard reaction may have an important role in this color phenomena

Comparative study of the nutrient content of fish and shell fish

The amino acid, mineral and proximate composition of mullet (Mugil oeur), mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), crab (Scylla serrata) and prawn (Penaeus indicus) are reported. The data are used for comparing the nutritional quality of the fish and shell fish. Further, the amino acid composition is screened for their adequacy to meet the FAO/WHO recommended pattern of essential amino acids

Studies on genetic uniformity of Chowghat Green Dwarf and Malayan Green Dwarf varieties of coconut using molecular and morphometric methods

Two coconut varieties viz., Chowghat Green Dwarf (CGD) and Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD) were subjected to morphometric and molecular studies to assess their genetic uniformity. Since both these varieties possess traits for high yield and resistance to root (wilt) disease, they have already been released for cultivation in the root (wilt) disease prevalent tracts. Forty two CGD palms from ‘disease hotspots’ were analyzed using 43 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Monomorphic bands were detected in all the CGD samples with 41 primers, which is an indication of its genetic uniformity. A single CGD palm showed polymorphism with two SSR primers. Forty eight MGD palms were analyzed using 24 SSR primers. The MGD palms clustered at 62 per cent similarity. Analysis of morphological and fruit component characters of CGD and MGD population revealed that both the populations were phenotypically uniform. Breeding behaviour studies revealed that both CGD and MGD were predominantly self pollinated, like other dwarf varieties of coconut. There was complete overlapping of male and female phases in almost 96 per cent of CGD palms. Almost 100 per cent self-pollination was ensured in these palms as male phase prolonged even after completion of female phase. However, only 60 per cent of the MGD palms showed complete overlapping and in the remaining 40 per cent palms, there was only partial overlapping of male and female phases. From the present study, it is inferred that breeding behavior and genetic uniformity could be highly correlated in coconut. Collection of seed nuts preferably from mother palms with overlapping of male and female phases could possibly ensure production of true to type progenies in dwarf varieties of coconut. Present study also indicated that molecular markers like SSRs may be used to identify genetically pure mother palms for varietal improvement programmes in coconut

directional genome walking using pcr

We describe here a PCR-based "directional genome walking" protocol. The basic procedure for the amplification consists of two rounds of PCR. A primary PCR was performed, on the genomic DNA using a ..

Nanoindentation and structural studies of MgO-doped congruent LiNbO3 single crystals

The mechanical properties of undoped and 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mol% Mg-doped LN single crystals, grown by the Czochralski technique, have been investigated using nanoindentation studies to understand the mechanical deformation behaviour as doping is increased. This has been correlated with structural investigations by powder XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements show a slight increase in the lattice parameters as the Mg content is increased in the crystal. The lattice strain developed due to the doping has been calculated by the Williamson-Hall relation. The influence of Mg incorporation on lattice vibrations was analysed using Raman spectroscopy, which indicated no shift in the peak positions with doping, and only slight variation in the intensity and width of the peaks. The grown crystals were subjected to nanoindentation and the Young's modulus and hardness values were obtained by using the Oliver-Pharr method. The results reveal the optimal doping levels of Mg which result in enhanced mechanical strength of lithium niobate single crystals.publishe

Processing of ultrafine-size particulate metal matrix composites by advanced shear technology

Copyright @ 2009 ASM International. This paper was published in Metallurgical & Materials Transactions A 40A(3) and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of ASM International. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplications of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of this paper are prohibited.Lack of efficient mixing technology to achieve a uniform distribution of fine-size reinforcement within the matrix and the high cost of producing components have hindered the widespread adaptation of particulate metal matrix composites (PMMCs) for engineering applications. A new rheo-processing method, the melt-conditioning high-pressure die-cast (MC-HPDC) process, has been developed for manufacturing near-net-shape components of high integrity. The MC-HPDC process adapts the well-established high shear dispersive mixing action of a twin-screw mechanism to the task of overcoming the cohesive force of the agglomerates under a high shear rate and high intensity of turbulence. This is followed by direct shaping of the slurry into near-net-shape components using an existing cold-chamber die-casting process. The results indicate that the MC-HPDC samples have a uniform distribution of ultrafine-sized SiC particles throughout the entire sample in the as-cast condition. Compared to those produced by conventional high-pressure die casting (HPDC), MC-HPDC samples have a much improved tensile strength and ductility.EP-SR

In vitro evaluation of transdermal nicotine delivery systems commercially available in Brazil

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for evaluating the release and skin permeation from transdermal nicotine patches using the vertical diffusion cell (VDC). The VDC is an experimental apparatus employed in research, development, and the pharmaceutical field because it can simulate conditions closest to those established in clinical trials. Two transdermal nicotine delivery systems marketed in Brazil to release 14 mg over 24 hours were evaluated. Release studies were carried out using a regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane and permeation studies were carried out using excised porcine ear skin. The results indicated that nicotine release from both evaluated patches follows Higuchi's release kinetics, while skin permeation studies indicated zero-order release kinetics. Nicotine release rates were different between both evaluated patches, but drug permeation rates were not significantly different. According to validation studies, the method was appropriate for evaluating in vitro performance of nicotine patches. The proposed method can be applied to in vitro comparative studies between different commercial nicotine patches and may be used as an auxiliary tool in the design of new transdermal nicotine delivery systems