Conventional Grain Research Articles

Influence of grain size on radiation effects in a low carbon steel

Ultra-fine grain (UFG) metals with a relatively large volume of interfaces are expected to be more radiation resistant than conventional metals; grain boundaries act as unsaturable sinks for neutron irradiation induced defects. Effects of neutron irradiation on conventional and ultra-fine grain structured carbon steel are studied using the PULSTAR reactor at NC State University to relatively low fluence (∼1.15×10−3dpa). The low dose irradiation of ultrafine grained carbon steel revealed minute radiation effects in contrast to the observed radiation hardening and reduction of ductility in its conventional grained counterpart.

Effect of a Diet Composed of Genetically Modified Feed Components on the Selected Immune Parameters in Pigs, Cattle, and Poultry

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the immune effects of genetically modified (GM), insect resistant corn (MON810) expressing toxin protein of Bacillus thuringiensis, and glyphosate-tolerant soybean meal (Roundup Ready MON-40-30-2), which are used as the feed mixture components in domestic animals. The study was conducted on 60 pigs (36 fatteners and 24 sows), 20 calves, 40 broilers, and 40 laying hens. Each species was divided into four basic nutritional groups: group I (control) - conventional feed, group II - feed consisted of GM soybean meal and non-modified corn, group III - non-modified soybean meal and GM corn, group IV - GM soybean meal and GM corn. Moreover, in the experiment on fatteners two additional groups were formed: group V - animals fed both conventional soybean meal and bruised grain, and group VI - GM soybean meal and conventional bruised grain. The results of study did not reveal any significant effect of feed mixtures containing GM components on the immune response in all animals regardless of their species and technological producing groups.

Life Cycle Analysis of Corn Harvest Strategies for Bioethanol Production

Corn (Zea mays L.) and corn stover are currently considered the most abundant and readily accessible feedstock resources for renewable bioethanol. Whole‐plant corn harvest could increase bioethanol yield compared with a conventional separated grain and stover harvest. There is limited research, however, on the environmental effects of whole‐plant harvest strategies, including nonrenewable energy efficiency, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity, and soil organic C (SOC) changes. In this study, harvest methods together with bioprocessing steps were combined through life cycle analysis (LCA) models, and SOC changes for corn farming with different harvest methods were simulated by a Daycent ecosystem model. The harvest data were from four agronomy farms (Branch, Ingham, Huron, and Menominee) of Michigan State University across south to north in Michigan. The LCA results showed that a whole‐plant harvest strategy could increase energy efficiency 3.4 to 4.3 times and reduce GHG emissions by 38 ± 2% relative to a traditional separate grain and stover harvest strategy. The analyses also indicated, however, that whole‐plant harvest could reduce SOC (66.9 ± 22.9 g CO2 equivalent m−2) annually during 50 yr of continuous corn farming at Branch, Ingham, and Huron, while the conventional harvest system could sequestrate CO2 into SOC at Ingham, Huron, and Menominee. The Daycent simulation also showed that a winter cover crop planted after whole‐plant immature corn harvest could compensate for part of the SOC loss associated with a whole‐corn‐plant harvest.

The many facets of deformation mechanism mapping and the application to nanostructured materials

Abstract

A Small and Slim Coaxial Probe for Single Rice Grain Moisture Sensing

A moisture detection of single rice grains using a slim and small open-ended coaxial probe is presented. The coaxial probe is suitable for the nondestructive measurement of moisture values in the rice grains ranging from from 9.5% to 26%. Empirical polynomial models are developed to predict the gravimetric moisture content of rice based on measured reflection coefficients using a vector network analyzer. The relationship between the reflection coefficient and relative permittivity were also created using a regression method and expressed in a polynomial model, whose model coefficients were obtained by fitting the data from Finite Element-based simulation. Besides, the designed single rice grain sample holder and experimental set-up were shown. The measurement of single rice grains in this study is more precise compared to the measurement in conventional bulk rice grains, as the random air gap present in the bulk rice grains is excluded.

Surface hardening of biocompatible ultrafine-grained niobium zirconium alloy by two-stage oxidation treatment

The present study reports on an optimized surface hardening process for biocompatible ultrafine-grained (UFG) niobium 2.3 wt% zirconium (NbZr) alloy, a promising candidate implant material. The as-received material of conventional grain size (CG) was processed using multipass equal channel angular processing at room temperature to obtain an UFG microstructure featuring high strength and ductility. Subsequent surface hardening was performed by a heat treatment leading to internal oxidation. Using a thermogravimetric system, the influence of temperatures, time, and partial pressure of oxygen ( $$ p_{{\text{O}}_2} $$ ) on the oxidation kinetics were investigated. Metallographic and microscopic analyses and hardness measurements were employed to evaluate maximum hardness, penetration-depth and scale formation under various conditions. Heat treatment at 620 °C for 6 h at a $$ p_{{\text{O}}_2} $$ of 0.2 hPa led to sufficiently rapid oxidation kinetics yielding a relatively high depth of penetration without formation of loose Nb2O5 on the surface, which was observed at higher $$ p_{{\text{O}}_2} $$ . As compared to CG material, improved hardness profiles were reached using the same heat treatment parameters, since the UFG structure significantly changes diffusion conditions and therefore oxidation kinetics. After a second heat treatment in high vacuum the high maximum hardness of 820 HV0.01 in the UFG material was reduced effectively and a less steep hardness gradient was achieved, both contributing to a less brittle behavior under mechanical loading. High-cycle fatigue tests performed on surface-hardened UFG NbZr samples showed a substantial improvement of fatigue life in tests conducted near the endurance limit. Especially when high fatigue and wear resistance are key issues for a given application, the internal oxidation process offers an effective way to further improve the properties of UFG NbZr.

Ochratoxigenic fungi associated with green coffee beans (Coffea arabica L.) in conventional and organic cultivation in Brazil

The genera Aspergillus comprises species that produce mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins and patulin. These are cosmopolitan species, natural contaminants of agricultural products. In coffee grains, the most important Aspergillus species in terms of the risk of presenting mycotoxins belong to the genera Aspergillus Section Circumdati and Section Nigri. The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence of isolated ochratoxigenic fungi of coffee grains from organic and conventional cultivation from the South of Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as to evaluate which farming system presents higher contamination risk by ochratoxin A (OTA) produced by fungi. Thirty samples of coffee grains (Coffea arabica L.) were analysed, being 20 of them of conventional coffee grains and 10 of them organic. The microbiological analysis was done with the Direct Plating Technique in a Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC) media. The identification was done based on the macro and micro morphological characteristics and on the toxigenic potential with the Plug Agar technique. From the 30 samples analysed, 480 filamentous fungi of the genera Aspergillus of the Circumdati and Nigri Sections were isolated. The ochratoxigenic species identified were: Aspergillus auricoumus, A. ochraceus, A. ostianus, A. niger and A. niger Aggregate. The most frequent species which produces ochratoxin A among the isolated ones was A. ochraceus, corresponding to 89.55%. There was no significant difference regarding the presence of ochratoxigenic A. ochreceus between the conventional and organic cultivation systems, which suggests that the contamination risk is similar for both cultivation systems.

An investigation on physical and chemical refinement of aerospace aluminium alloys

Conventional grain refinement is performed through the addition of chemical refiners. However, this article proposes physical refinement as an alternative method for producing fine grain size. Two methods of physical refinement are examined and evaluated, namely Melt Conditioning by Advanced Shear Technology (MCAST) and the use of an Ultrasonic technique. The results were compared with the conventional method of grain refining. The outcomes indicate that the Ultrasonic technique can be used for grain refinement of alloys that cannot be chemically refined. Moreover, this technique seems to overcome other problems associated with the addition of grain refiners or the MCAST method.

Thirteen week rodent feeding study with grain from molecular stacked trait lepidopteran and coleopteran protected (DP-ØØ4114-3) maize

The results from a subchronic feeding study conducted in Sprague–Dawley rats fed with diets containing grain from 4114 (OECD unique identifier: DP-ØØ4114-3) maize that was untreated (4114) or sprayed in field with glufosinate ammonium (4114GLU) in a design similar to previous studies are reported. The test material, 4114 maize, is a hybrid maize produced by transformation with a DNA construct encoding 4 different transgenic proteins for resistance to lepidopteran pests, coleopteran pests, and tolerance to the herbicidal active ingredient glufosinate ammonium. There were a total of 144 rats divided into 12 groups of 12 rats/sex/group. All experimental diets were formulated by Purina Mills, LLC (St. Louis, MO) in accordance with the standards of Purina Mills Labdiet® Certified Rodent LabDiet® 5002. The incorporation rate of maize grain in all diets was 32% (wt/wt). No biologically significant, treatment related differences in body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology parameters (hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis, or organ weight) were observed in rats consuming the diets containing 4114 maize grain compared with rats fed conventional maize diets. A number of histologic observations were noted in this study but were background lesions and representative of what would be expected for rats of this age and strain. An independent panel of experts determined certain observations to be spontaneous and not related to the test diet. Accordingly, these results support the conclusion that 4114 maize grain is as safe and nutritious as conventional maize grain.

Natural Occurence of Deoxynivalenol and Ochratoxin a in Conventional Maize Hybrids and their Biosafety Compared with GM Equivalents

Abstract Familiarity based approval of the newly developed GM cereal events is based upon the stable and safe consumption of conventional grains. The level of concentrations of mycotoxins and biomolecules establishes the criteria for premarket evaluation of genetically modified cereals e.g. MON 810 maize. The objective of the present study was to comparatively evaluate food biosafety of the conventional and GM maize. Grain samples from the harvest lot of 10 maize hybrids in the year 2011 were collected arbitrarily. Well ground and homogenized samples were analysed for the deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) mycotoxins. Contamination rates and levels of DON and OTA were low and did not exceed the maximum levels, indicating their possible safe use as food and feed under the EC regulation 1881/2006.The samples were further analysed for the possible effect of mycotoxin concentration upon that of starch and proteins. The study reveals the absence of any negative impact of the presence of mycotoxins upon these biomolecules as their concentrations lie within the normal range. A comparative review of data for the mycotoxins in conventional maize grains invalidate the argument from the producers of GM maize hybrids that conventional hybrids are inferior for food biosafety with respect to mycotoxins.

Elemental composition of wheat, common buckwheat, and tartary buckwheat grains under conventional production

The elemental composition of cereal and pseudocereal grain is believed to significantly affect the portions of the minerals supplied for particular human populations. Therefore, care needs to be taken to improve the availability of the essential elements and to decrease unwanted metal accumulation in edible plant parts. In the present study, we have investigated the element accumulation in the grain of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.), harvested from the same field under conventional grain production. Soil and grain element compositions were analysed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The wheat grain shows significantly higher (p < 0.05) higher element concentrations than both of the buckwheat species tested. The contents of elements in 100 g grain were higher than the concentrations listed in the literature for wheat and buckwheat flours, which indicates significant losses of elements during milling and polishing. Concerns are raised due to the high and unwanted metal ac- cumulation in wheat and buckwheat. The data indicate that both of these buckwheat species accumulate less metal contaminants when compared to wheat.

Short-range resource location by Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) demonstrates a strong preference for fungi associated with cotton seed

Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a common stored grain pest for which a wide range of suitable resources has been recorded. These beetles are facultatively fungivorous and their resource range may extend to fungi associated with non-grain resources (e.g. cotton seed) and other decaying plant matter. Little is known with respect to fungi in terms of resource location by these beetles in the field. We, therefore, conducted a series of experiments in laboratory arenas, glasshouse cages and the field to determine how beetles respond to grain resources in relation to cotton seed (together with its lint stubble and associated fungal flora). Results from the tests conducted in relatively small arenas and cages in the laboratory and glasshouse reveal that the responses of T. castaneum adults to food resources were twice as strong when walking as when flying (as measured by the proportion of the released beetles that were trapped). Also, a clear preference for linted cotton seeds was evident in walking T. castaneum, especially in small-scale arenas in the laboratory, where at least 60% of beetles released preferred linted cotton seeds over wheat and sorghum. Similarly, in cages (1 m3) they responded five times more strongly to linted cotton seed than to conventional grain resources. However, this pattern was not consistent with those obtained from field trapping over 20 m and the beetles did not show any particular preference to any of the resources tested above. Our results suggest a focus on walking beetles in trapping studies for population estimations and, for developing effective food-based trapping lures, the potential use of active volatiles from the fungi associated with linted cotton seed.

Development of In Situ As Cast Al–Mg2Si Particulate Composite: Microstructure Refinement and Modification Studies

In situ processed hypereutectic Al–Mg2Si composites are reported as potential replacements for Al–Si–Mg heat-treated alloys in specific automotive applications like brake discs, cylinder heads and piston heads. Experiments were conducted for preparing as cast hypereutectic Al–15 %Mg2Si alloy, with 8 % extra silicon. The alloy microstructure revealed a dendritic morphology of α-Al, primary (P)-Mg2Si particles and Fe rich inclusions embedded in the ternary eutectic matrix. Addition of conventional grain refiner Al–5Ti–1B (1 %wt) lead to refinement of P-Mg2Si dendrites to faceted hopper-like polyhedral particles of ~30 μm in size. Addition of combination of B-rich grain refiner Al–1Ti–2B and phosphorous, resulted in finer (~20 μm), dense and fairly uniformly distributed P-Mg2Si particles in the microstructure. Electron probe microanalysis revealed the presence of free boron on all P-Mg2Si sites. Coupled compounds consisting of Ti, B and P were found to be associated with P-Mg2Si which may be responsible for enhanced refinement and modification of P-Mg2Si particles.

Analysis of grain characters in temperate grasses reveals distinctive patterns of endosperm organization associated with grain shape

Members of the core pooids represent the most important crops in temperate zones including wheat, barley, and oats. Their importance as crops is largely due to the grain, particularly the storage capabilities of the endosperm. In this study, a comprehensive survey of grain morphology and endosperm organization in representatives of wild and cultivated species throughout the core pooids was performed. As sister to the core pooid tribes Poeae, Aveneae, Triticeae, and Bromeae within the Pooideae subfamily, Brachypodium provides a taxonomically relevant reference point. Using macroscopic, histological, and molecular analyses distinct patterns of grain tissue organization in these species, focusing on the peripheral and modified aleurone, are described. The results indicate that aleurone organization is correlated with conventional grain quality characters such as grain shape and starch content. In addition to morphological and organizational variation, expression patterns of candidate gene markers underpinning this variation were examined. Features commonly associated with grains are largely defined by analyses on lineages within the Triticeae and knowledge of grain structure may be skewed as a result of the focus on wheat and barley. Specifically, the data suggest that the modified aleurone is largely restricted to species in the Triticeae tribe.

Study on the Kinetics and Mechanism of Grain Growth during the Thermal Decomposition of Magnesite

The X-ray line broadening technique was used to calculate the grain size of MgO at 1023, 1123, 1223 K respectively either in <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> or during the thermal decomposition of magnesites in air as well as in vacuum. By referring to the conventional grain growth equation, <TEX>$D^n=kt$</TEX>, the activation energy and pre-exponential factor for the process in air are gained as 125.8 kJ/mol and <TEX>$1.56{\times}10^8\;nm^4/s$</TEX>, respectively. Ranman spectroscopy was employed to study the surface structure of MgO obtained during calcination of magnesite, by which the mechanism of grain growth was analyzed and discussed. It is suggested that a kind of highly reactive MgO is produced during the thermal decomposition of magnesites, which is exactly the reason why the activation energy of the grain growth during the thermal decomposition of magnesite is lower than that of bulk diffusion or surface diffusion.

A Study on Influence of Annealing and Aging on High Temperature Internal Friction in Al-Zr Alloy

By using a low frequency inverted torsion pendulum, the high temperature internal friction spectra of Al-0.02wt%Zr and Al-0.1wt%Zr alloys were investigated respectively. In Al-0.02wt%Zr alloy, the conventional grain boundary internal friction peak (Pg) is observed with some small unstable peaks. In Al-0.1wt%Zr alloy, the bamboo peak is observed to appear at the high temperature side of the conventional grain boundary internal friction peak. The conventional grain boundary internal friction peak decreased and moved to higher temperature. The bamboo peak owns an activation energy of 1.75eV. When average grain size exceeded the diameter of samples, Pb strength was reduced and its position was shifted to a lower temperature. Based on the grain boundary sliding model, Pg and Pb peaks were explained. Their dependence on annealing temperature and time was determined by considering the effects of contained Ce atoms and other impurities on the relaxation across grain boundary.

Architectured surface layer with a gradient nanotwinned structure in a Fe–Mn austenitic steel

A surface layer with a gradient decrease in twin density has been produced in a Fe–Mn austenitic steel, which corresponds to a gradient drop in hardness from 5.3GPa in the top surface to 2.2GPa in the coarse grained core. The dependence of hardness on the twin thickness was determined, showing a weaker strengthening effect of twin boundaries than that of conventional grain boundaries in this alloy. Superior strength–ductility synergy was observed in tensile tests of the gradient nanotwinned layer.

Comparative Breakeven Analysis of Annual Grain and Perennial Switchgrass Cropping Systems on Claypan Soil Landscapes

The Central Claypan region is an important agricultural production contributor in the U.S. Midwest. Because of the tendency for grain yield fluctuations caused by water stress, however, claypan soils may have potential for conversion from grain to grass production in support of biomass energy markets and conservation programs. This study examined the economic potential of transitioning from grain to perennial switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production on claypan soils using comparative breakeven analysis. Partial budgets for a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation and a perennial switchgrass cropping system were developed. Yield data from research plots with varying topsoil depths defined by the underlying claypan layer were used to establish yield expectations as affected by topsoil depth. Switchgrass yield projections for the claypan region were simulated with the Agricultural Land Management Alternatives with Numerical Assessment Criteria (ALMANAC) model. Comparative breakeven prices for two switchgrass cultivars ranged from US$65 on marginal, eroded soils to US$124 Mg−1 on soils with &gt;27 cm of topsoil. Breakeven yields with a biomass price of US$40 Mg−1 would require yield increases of up to 450% for lower yielding cultivars. The switchgrass cultivar Kanlow holds the most promise for biomass production on claypan soils; with an average projected yield of 12.56 Mg ha−1, breakeven prices fall to around US$60–80 Mg−1 for marginal soils with &lt;15 cm of topsoil. Based on these projections, perennial switchgrass shows potential to compete with conventional grain crops at reasonable yield levels on eroded soils in the Central Claypan region.

Geriatric Psychiatrist Honored for Innovative Care Strategies

The vision of Yeates Conwell, M.D., dovetails with the movement toward “integrated care,” merging primary and mental health care with social services to improve service coordination and lower costs.

Nipa (Distichlis palmeri): A perennial grain crop for saltwater irrigation

The perennial saltgrass nipa (Distichlis palmeri, Poaceae) is endemic to northern Gulf of California tidal marshes flooded with hypersaline (38–42gL−1) seawater. Nipa was a wild harvest staple of the Cocopah people of the Río Colorado delta. We investigated the physiology, anatomy, chromosome number, and agronomic potential of nipa as a global food crop. Nipa seeds had 60–93% germination on salinities ranging from 0 to 30gL−1. Relative Growth Rates (RGR) on both flooded and aerobic conditions remained above 4% d−1 up to 30gL−1, about half the RGR on freshwater. Nipa grain (caryopses) had 7–8% protein, 8% sugar and 79% total digestible carbohydrates (mostly starch) and only 2% ash and 8% fiber, equal to conventional grains in apparent nutritional value. Shoots were low in ash and sodium, and compared favorably to alfalfa forage in protein, digestible carbohydrates and energy contents. Mature female stands in the Colorado River delta produced an estimated 1.25tha−1 of grain, but over two years in the greenhouse only partial flowering was observed. Nevertheless, D. palmeri appears to be worth developing as a perennial grain and forage crop, especially for salinized, flooded soils.