Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) wine: Yeast selection, sensory evaluation and instrumental analysis of volatile and other compounds

To evaluate the potential for fermentation of raspberry pulp, sixteen yeast strains (S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus) were studied. Volatile compounds were determined by GC-MS, GC-FID, and GC-PFPD. Ethanol. glycerol and organic acids were determined by HPLC. HPLC-DAD was used to analyse phenolic acids. Sensory analysis was performed by trained panellists. After a screening step, CAT-1, UFLA FW 15 and S. bayanus CBS 1505 were previously selected based on their fermentative characteristics and profile of the metabolites identified. The beverage produced with CAT-1 showed the highest volatile fatty acid concentration (1542.6 mu g/L), whereas the beverage produced with UFLA FIN 15 showed the highest concentration of acetates (2211.1 mu g/L) and total volatile compounds (5835 mu g/L). For volatile sulphur compounds. 566.5 mu g/L were found in the beverage produced with S. bayanus CBS 1505. The lowest concentration of volatile sulphur compounds (151.9 mu g/L) was found for the beverage produced with UFLA FW 15. In the sensory analysis, the beverage produced with UFLA FW 15 was characterised by the descriptors raspberry, cherry, sweet, strawberry, floral and violet. In conclusion, strain UFLA FW 15 was the yeast that produced a raspberry wine with a good chemical and sensory quality. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensor arrays to detect humic substances and Cu(II) in waters

The interaction between poly(o-ethoxyaniline) (POEA) adsorbed onto solid substrates and humic substances (HS) and Cu(2+) ions has been investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both HS and Cu(2+) are able to dope POEA and change film morphology. This interaction was exploited in a sensor array made with nanostructured films of POEA, sulfonated lignin and HS, which could detect small concentrations of HS and Cu(2+) in water. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aqueous two-phase extraction using thermoseparating copolymer: a new system for phenolic compounds removal from hemicelullosic hydrolysate

BACKGROUND: The hydrolysis of hemicellulosic material can provide liquor with high xylose concentration (which can be used as a fermentation medium) and phenolic compounds (Phs), potentially immunostimulating compounds. However, these hydrolysates must be detoxified in order to remove the Phs that can act as inhibitors in bioconversions. RESULTS: Aqueous two-phase systems composed of thermoseparating copolymers were used for rice straw hydrolysate detoxification. The hydrolysis process was able to promote chemical breakdown of 85% of the total hemicellulose content, 14% of the cellulose, and 2% of the lignin. The hydrolysate obtained contained 19.7 g L-1 of xylose and several phenolic compounds, such as vanillin, vanillic acid, ferullic acid, etc. The phenolics extraction was studied as a function of copolymer molar mass (1100 g mol(-1), 2000 g mol(-1) and 2800 g mol(-1)), their percentages (from 5% to 50%) and Phs initial concentration. Phenolic compounds extraction of around 80% was obtained under the following conditions: 20% (w/w) and 35% (w/w) copolymer 1100 g mol-1, 35% (w/w) copolymer 2000 g mol(-1) and 35% (w/w) copolymer 2800 g mol(-1) at 25 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated the viability of this method for the removal of Phs from rice straw hydrolysate, which has potential uses in bioconversion processes. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.

A novel aerobic-anoxic biological filter for nitrogen removal from UASB effluent using biogas compounds as electron donors for denitrification

The performance of a new trickling filter (TF) configuration composed of an upper compartment for nitrification and a lower compartment for denitrification of effluent from a UASB reactor treating domestic sewage was evaluated. The TF was packed with new plastic material characterized by its durability and high percentage of void spaces. The feasibility of using the reduced compounds present in the biogas produced by a UASB reactor as electron donor for denitrification was also evaluated. Efficient nitrification and denitrification was achieved for the mean hydraulic (5.6 m(3) m(-2) d(-1)) organic (0.26 kg COD m(-3) d(-1)) and ammonia-N (0.08 kg m(-3) d(-1)) loading rates applied, resulting in ammonia-N removal ranging from 60 to 74%. The final effluent presented ammonia-N lower than 13 mg L(-1). Despite the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the denitrification compartment, its performance was considered quite satisfactory and final nitrate concentrations were lower than 10 mg L(-1). The results indicate that methane was the main electron donor used for denitrification. Additionally, denitrification can probably be improved by avoiding high DO concentration in the denitrification compartment and by enhancing biogas transfer in the anoxic zone.

Analysis of the emissions of volatile organic compounds from the compression ignition engine fueled by diesel-biodiesel blend and diesel oil using gas chromatography

This paper describes the procedures of the analysis Of Pollutant gases, as volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene and p-xylene) emitted by engines, using high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC). In a broad sense, CI engine burning diesel was compared with B10 and a drastic reduction was observed in the emissions of the aromatic compounds by using B10. Especially for benzene, the reduction of concentrations occurs on the level of about 19.5%. Although a concentration value below 1 mu g ml(-1) has been obtained, this reduction is extremely significant since benzene is a carcinogenic compound. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New prediction methods for CO2 evaporation inside tubes: Part II - An updated general flow boiling heat transfer model based on flow patterns

Corresponding to the updated flow pattern map presented in Part I of this study, an updated general flow pattern based flow boiling heat transfer model was developed for CO2 using the Cheng-Ribatski-Wojtan-Thome [L. Cheng, G. Ribatski, L. Wojtan, J.R. Thome, New flow boiling heat transfer model and flow pattern map for carbon dioxide evaporating inside horizontal tubes, Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 49 (2006) 4082-4094; L. Cheng, G. Ribatski, L. Wojtan, J.R. Thome, Erratum to: ""New flow boiling heat transfer model and flow pattern map for carbon dioxide evaporating inside tubes"" [Heat Mass Transfer 49 (21-22) (2006) 4082-4094], Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 50 (2007) 391] flow boiling heat transfer model as the starting basis. The flow boiling heat transfer correlation in the dryout region was updated. In addition, a new mist flow heat transfer correlation for CO2 was developed based on the CO2 data and a heat transfer method for bubbly flow was proposed for completeness sake. The updated general flow boiling heat transfer model for CO2 covers all flow regimes and is applicable to a wider range of conditions for horizontal tubes: tube diameters from 0.6 to 10 mm, mass velocities from 50 to 1500 kg/m(2) s, heat fluxes from 1.8 to 46 kW/m(2) and saturation temperatures from -28 to 25 degrees C (reduced pressures from 0.21 to 0.87). The updated general flow boiling heat transfer model was compared to a new experimental database which contains 1124 data points (790 more than that in the previous model [Cheng et al., 2006, 2007]) in this study. Good agreement between the predicted and experimental data was found in general with 71.4% of the entire database and 83.2% of the database without the dryout and mist flow data predicted within +/-30%. However, the predictions for the dryout and mist flow regions were less satisfactory due to the limited number of data points, the higher inaccuracy in such data, scatter in some data sets ranging up to 40%, significant discrepancies from one experimental study to another and the difficulties associated with predicting the inception and completion of dryout around the perimeter of the horizontal tubes. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of adsorbent films obtained by plasma polymerization of oxygenated organic compounds

Thin films obtained by plasma polymerization of ethyl ether, methyl or ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, acetone and 2-propanol were compared. Infrared spectroscopy (FFIR), resistance to chemicals, contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were carried out. For all films FTIR showed high intensity for polar bonds yet the films are not resistant to polar solvents. Contact angle measurements revealed hydrophilic and organophilic surfaces and XPS pointed out a high proportion of oxygenated bonds. All films showed good step coverage and peeling was significant only with acetone and 2-propanol. All films are adsorbent for organic compounds in a large scale of polarity but acetaldehyde and 2-propanol act like a selective membrane. Also, deposition of these films on hydrophobic substrates leads to island formation. A possible model to explain the results must consider the hydrogen bridge formation on 2-propanol and acetaldehyde films. Ethyl ether, ethyl and methyl acetate showed good characteristics for development of sensor and sample pretreatment using miniaturized devices. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fast Transforms for Acoustic Imaging-Part II: Applications

In Part I [""Fast Transforms for Acoustic Imaging-Part I: Theory,"" IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON IMAGE PROCESSING], we introduced the Kronecker array transform (KAT), a fast transform for imaging with separable arrays. Given a source distribution, the KAT produces the spectral matrix which would be measured by a separable sensor array. In Part II, we establish connections between the KAT, beamforming and 2-D convolutions, and show how these results can be used to accelerate classical and state of the art array imaging algorithms. We also propose using the KAT to accelerate general purpose regularized least-squares solvers. Using this approach, we avoid ill-conditioned deconvolution steps and obtain more accurate reconstructions than previously possible, while maintaining low computational costs. We also show how the KAT performs when imaging near-field source distributions, and illustrate the trade-off between accuracy and computational complexity. Finally, we show that separable designs can deliver accuracy competitive with multi-arm logarithmic spiral geometries, while having the computational advantages of the KAT.

Volatile organic compounds produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibit the in vitro development of Guignardia citricarpa, the causal agent of citrus black spot

Due to the low chemical control effectiveness of citrus black spot, caused by the fungus Guignardia citricarpa at postharvest, and to the search for alternative control methods, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), produced by yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on G. citricarpa. It was observed that the yeast strains evaluated acted as antagonists by VOC production, whose maximum inhibitory capacity was as high as 87.2%. The presence of fermentable carbon sources in the medium was essential for the bioactive VOC production by the yeast. The analysis of VOCs produced in PDA medium by SPME-GC-MS indicated the presence of high quantities of alcohols as well as esters. An artificial VOC mixture prepared on the basis of the composition of the VOCs mimicked the inhibitory effects of the natural VOCs released by S. cerevisiae. Thus, the VOCs produced by the yeast or the artificial mixtures can be a promising control method for citrus black spot or others postharvest diseases.

Lysine biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa): Study of enzymes and nitrogen-containing compounds

Aspartate kinase (AK, EC 2.7.2.4), homoserine dehydrogenase (HSDH, EC 1.1.1.3) and dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS, EC 4.2.1.52) were isolated and partially purified from immature Chenopodium quinoa Willd seeds. Enzyme activities were studied in the presence of the aspartate-derived amino acids lysine, threonine and methionine and also the lysine analogue S-2-aminoethyl-L-cysteine (AEC), at 1 mM and 5 mM. The results confirmed the existence of, at least, two AK isoenzymes, one inhibited by lysine and the other inhibited by threonine, the latter being predominant in quinoa seeds. HSDH activity was also shown to be partially inhibited by threonine, whereas some of the activity was resistant to the inhibitory effect, indicating the presence of two isoenzymes, one resistant and another sensitive to threonine inhibition. Only one DHDPS isoenzyme highly sensitive to lysine inhibition was detected. The results suggest that the high concentration of lysine observed in quinoa seeds is possibly due to a combined effect of increased lysine, synthesis and accumulation in the soluble form and/or as protein lysine. Nitrogen assimilation was also investigated and based on nitrate content, nitrate reductase activity, amino acid distribution and ureide content, the leaves were identified as the predominant site of nitrate reduction in this plant species. The amino acid profile analysis in leaves and roots also indicated an important role of soluble glutamine as a nitrogen transporting compound. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Plant availability of phosphorus in four superphosphate fertilizers varying in water-insoluble phosphate compounds

There is concern that the use of lower quality phosphate rock can result in elevated amounts of Fe-Al-P water-insoluble compounds in fertilizers and, consequently, low agronomic effectiveness. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of some of these compounds on plant growth. Four commercial superphosphates varying in chemical composition (two single and two triple superphosphates) were selected for the study. Fertilizer impurities were collected as water-insoluble residues by washing each P source with deionized water. A modal analysis, based primarily on elemental chemical analysis and x-ray diffractometry, was used to estimate the chemical composition of each P source. Water-soluble monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and the water-leached fertilizer residues were prepared to give a range of fertilizers in terms of water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) (0-100% of the available P as MCP). The water-leached fractions, MCP, and the mixtures of MCP with water-leached fractions were applied to supply 40 mg available P kg(1) to a thermic Rhodic Kanhapludult with pH values of 5.2 +/- 0.05 (unlimed) and 6.4 +/- 0.08 (limed). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a greenhouse for 101 d served as the test crop. The requirement for WSP was source and pH dependent. At a soil pH of 5.2, the fertilizers required 73 to 95% WSP to reach the maximum dry-matter yield, while they required 60 to 86% WSP at pH 6.4. To reach 90% of the maximum yield, all superphosphate fertilizers required <50% WSP. These results show that it is not always necessary to have high water solubility as required by legislation in many countries.

Winter-feeding systems for gestating sheep II. Effects on feedlot performance, glucose tolerance, and carcass composition of lamb progeny

Mature pregnant crossbred ewes (n = 90) were used in a randomized complete block design experiment and were assigned to 1 of 3 winter-feeding systems differing in primary feed source: haylage (HL), limit-fed corn (CN), or limit-fed dried distillers grains (DDGS). Effects of these winter-feeding strategies on postweaning progeny performance were determined. Lamb progeny (n = 96) were weaned at 61 +/- 4 d of age and fed a common high-concentrate diet. Lambs were assigned to feedlot pen (n = 18) based on dam mid-gestation pen. Growth rate, DMI, and ADG were determined for the first 40 d of the finishing period. At 96 +/- 4 d of age, 1 wether lamb was randomly selected from each pen (n = 18) for a glucose tolerance test. The experiment was terminated, and lambs were slaughtered individually when they were determined to have achieved 0.6-cm 12th-rib fat thickness. After a 24-h chill, carcass data were collected and a 2.54-cm chop was removed from each lamb from the LM posterior to the 12th rib for ether extract analysis. Additional carcass measurements of bone, muscle, and fat from the shoulder, rack, loin, and leg were collected on 35 carcasses. At weaning, lamb BW was not different among treatments, whereas final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for lambs from ewes fed DDGS and CN during gestation than from those fed HL. Overall lamb growth rate from birth to slaughter was not different among treatments. Lambs from ewes fed DDGS vs. CN or HL tended to have a greater initial insulin response (P = 0.09). Dressing percent was less (P = 0.04) in lambs from ewes fed DDGS, but no difference (P = 0.16) was detected in HCW among treatments. As expected, 12th rib fat thickness was similar among treatments, whereas LM area was largest to smallest (P = 0.05) in lambs from ewes fed CN, HL, and DDGS, respectively. Proportion of internal fat tended to be greatest to smallest (P = 0.06) in lambs from ewes fed DDGS, CN, and HL, respectively. Calculated boneless trimmed retail cuts percentage was less (P = 0.04) in lambs from ewes fed DDGS than CN or HL. Loin muscle weight as a percentage of wholesale cut tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in lambs from ewes fed CN and HL than DDGS, whereas other muscle, bone, and fat weights and proportions were similar (P > 0.24) among treatments. Prepartum diet during mid to late gestation of ewes altered postnatal fat and muscle deposition and may be associated with alterations in insulin sensitivity of progeny.

A new species of Abacarus (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae) damaging sugarcane, Sacharrum officinarum L., from Costa Rica-the first eriophyoid mite described with a tibial seta on leg II

A new species of eriophyoid mite, belonging in the genus Abacarus Keifer (Eriophyidae), causing damage to sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum L. (Poaceae), in Costa Rica is illustrated and described. Abacarus doctus n. sp. is the only eriophyoid species recorded so far with a tibial seta (l`) on the second pair of legs, an unexpected characteristic observed for the first time in the superfamily Eriophyoidea. Remarks on the phylogenetic and taxonomical aspects related to the presence of this seta are presented. Damage symptoms caused by this mite are presented as well as a key for Abacarus species described from sugarcane. In addition, the need to apply biosecurity procedures during sugarcane germplasm exchange to avoid dissemination of the new mite species is discussed.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of seed and skin extracts of red grape (Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca) pomace from Brazilian winemaking

The phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of seed and skin of pomace from the vinification of grape varieties widely produced in Brazil were investigated with a view to their exploitation as a potential source of natural antioxidants. There was a greater concentration of phenolic compounds in the seeds (2128 to 16,518 mg of catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g) than in the skins (660 to 1839 mg CE/100 g). The highest antioxidant activity values determined as DPPH radical-scavenging ability and ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) were found for the seeds of the Pinot Noir variety (16,925 mu mol Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 g and 21,492 mu mol Fe(2+)/100 g, respectively) and in the skin extracts of the Isabel variety (3640 mu mol TE/100 g and 4362 mu mol Fe(2+)/100 g, respectively). The skin of Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo varieties had the highest contents of anthocyanins (935 and 832 mg/100 g, respectively). The grape seed extracts were rich in oligomeric and polymeric flavanols. The data suggested that grape seed and skin extracts may be exploited as antioxidant agents. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antioxidant status in rats after long-term intake of anthocyanins and ellagitannins from blackberries

BACKGROUND: This study reported the effects of the daily intake of anthocyanins and ellagitannins (ET) extracted from blackberries on the markers for oxidative status in healthy rats. RESULTS: The phenolic compounds were administered from three different extracts: an aqueous extract of blackberry (BJ) and its two derived fractions: anthocyanin-enriched (AF) and ET-enriched (EF) fractions. After 35 days` administration, the AF and EF extracts significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels and increased glutathione levels in the liver, kidney and brain. Plasma antioxidant capacity increased only in the group that received AF. Antioxidant enzyme activity and expression did not follow a pattern of response varying according to the tissues and extracts. A significant increase in the catalase activity was observed only in the plasma of the groups administered anthocyanin-containing extracts, which were the BJ and AF groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly increased in the liver and brain after EF treatment, and the highest increase in its expression was observed in the livers and brains of rats that received AF and EF, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that long-term intake of anthocyanin and ET through diet affects antioxidant enzyme activity and expression, and enhances oxidative markers in healthy rats. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry