Electron Photomicrographs Research Articles

Mutation mapping of a variegated EMS tomato reveals an FtsH-like protein precursor potentially causing patches of four phenotype classes in the leaves with distinctive internal morphology

BackgroundLeaf variegation is an intriguing phenomenon observed in many plant species. However, questions remain on its mechanisms causing patterns of different colours. In this study, we describe a tomato plant detected in an M2 population of EMS mutagenised seeds, showing variegated leaves with sectors of dark green (DG), medium green (MG), light green (LG) hues, and white (WH). Cells and tissues of these classes, along with wild-type tomato plants, were studied by light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. We also measured chlorophyll a/b and carotene and quantified the variegation patterns with a machine-learning image analysis tool. We compared the genomes of pooled plants with wild-type-like and mutant phenotypes in a segregating F2 population to reveal candidate genes responsible for the variegation.ResultsA genetic test demonstrated a recessive nuclear mutation caused the variegated phenotype. Cross-sections displayed distinct anatomy of four-leaf phenotypes, suggesting a stepwise mesophyll degradation. DG sectors showed large spongy layers, MG presented intercellular spaces in palisade layers, and LG displayed deformed palisade cells. Electron photomicrographs of those mesophyll cells demonstrated a gradual breakdown of the chloroplasts. Chlorophyll a/b and carotene were proportionally reduced in the sectors with reduced green pigments, whereas white sectors have hardly any of these pigments. The colour segmentation system based on machine-learning image analysis was able to convert leaf variegation patterns into binary images for quantitative measurements. The bulk segregant analysis of pooled wild-type-like and variegated progeny enabled the identification of SNP and InDels via bioinformatic analysis. The mutation mapping bioinformatic pipeline revealed a region with three candidate genes in chromosome 4, of which the FtsH-like protein precursor (LOC100037730) carries an SNP that we consider the causal variegated phenotype mutation. Phylogenetic analysis shows the candidate is evolutionary closest to the Arabidopsis VAR1. The synonymous mutation created by the SNP generated a miRNA binding site, potentially disrupting the photoprotection mechanism and thylakoid development, resulting in leaf variegation.ConclusionWe described the histology, anatomy, physiology, and image analysis of four classes of cell layers and chloroplast degradation in a tomato plant with a variegated phenotype. The genomics and bioinformatics pipeline revealed a VAR1-related FtsH mutant, the first of its kind in tomato variegation phenotypes. The miRNA binding site of the mutated SNP opens the way to future studies on its epigenetic mechanism underlying the variegation.

Preparation, characterization and release studies of naproxen-loaded microspheres from natural gums

Background: Use of biodegradable natural materials as pharmaceutical excipients is increasing. In this study, Naproxen loaded microbeads were produced, using natural gums obtained from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensisObjective: Aim is to evaluate physicochemical properties of the gums and determining release properties of the formulations.Materials and Methods: Cedrela gum (CG) and Irvingia gum (IG) were extracted from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensis respectively, and characterized by viscosity, density and pH measurements. Naproxen microbeads were formulated (Formulation A2 to A9) with the gums and sodium alginate using ionotropic gelation method. Cross linkers (CaCl2 or Al2[SO4]3) were used at different curing times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photomicrographs, entrapment efficiency and release profiles of the formulations were determined.Results: Physicochemical property tests showed that the gums possess good flow, viscosity and they presented with acidic pH. There was no interaction between FT-IR spectra of the gums and naproxen. SEM revealed microbeads to be almost spherical, having slightly rough surfaces. Microbeads from Formulation A6 had the largest particle size (1500±163.2 μm) while Formulation A9 possessed the smallest particle size A9 (491.6±191.7 μm). All the formulations gave high entrapment efficiency (80 – 96%); microbeads containing IG (Batch A6 – A9) had higher values than those formulated with CG gum (Batch A2 – A5) (p > 0.05). Batch A6 (containing IG with CaCl2 at curing time of 15 minutes) gave the highest drug release (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Gums obtained from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensis possessed good physicochemical properties and produced microbeads suitable for the controlled release of Naproxen. Formulations containing Irvingia gum showed higher drug release and better entrapment.

Comparative Evaluation of Fibrin Network Formation after Root Conditioning using Erbium, Chromium-Doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium and Garnet Laser, Ethylene-Diamine-Tetra-Acetic Acid, and Tetracycline on Dentin: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study.

Regeneration of periodontal tissues depend on the adhesion and development of fibrin clots to the root surface. Demineralization of the root surface ensures removal of smear layer uncovering dentin tubules and collagen matrix. Root conditioning agents were introduced to remove the smear layer and enhance the adhesion of blood components. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium and garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) laser on smear layer removal (SLR) and fibrin network formation when compared to tetracycline, and ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) for periodontal regeneration. The study was conducted at Amrita school of dentistry and the study design involves in vitro comparative study. Forty dentinal sections were prepared from freshly extracted teeth that were periodontally affected. The samples were divided into four groups: Scaling and root planing (SRP), tetracycline, EDTA, and Er, Cr: YSGG laser. The samples were assessed using a scanning electron microscope and photomicrographs were taken and analyzed for removal of smear layer, blood component adhesion (BCA), and fibrin network formation. Analysis of variance test and Kruskal-Wallis test with P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. There was a significant difference between Er, Cr: YSGG laser, tetracycline hydrochloride, and EDTA categories when compared with SRP categories. There was no significant difference between Er, Cr: YSGG laser, tetracycline, and EDTA according to SLR scoring and BCA scoring. It can be concluded that Er, Cr: YSGG laser-treated samples presented complete elimination of smear layer, formation of fibrin network, and BCA along with desensitizing effect for a better reduction in dentin hypersensitivity.

Scaphanocephalus spp. (Trematoda: Opisthorchiidae) in intermediate and definitive hosts of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, with a re-description of Scaphanocephalus expansus

Summary Scaphanocephalus is a small trematode genus belonging to the family Opistorchiidae. The genus currently contains only three species associated with marine fish as intermediate hosts and fish-eating birds as definitive hosts. Here, specimens of Scaphanocephalus were collected from the Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, and the White mullet, Mugil curema in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. We report for the first-time DNA sequences of adult specimens of Scaphanocephalus, particularly S. expansus, as well as a sequence of a different species sampled as metacercaria. Morphological comparisons of Scaphanocephalus expansus confirmed the identity of the adult specimens, with minor morphological variations; Scanning electron photomicrographs were included, and the species was re-described. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA sequences showed that Scaphanocephalus is monophyletic within Opisthorchiidae and consists of three independent lineages. Sequences of adults are identical to those of S. expansus. Instead, the sequence of the metacercaria sampled from the mesentery of Mugil curema nested with specimens reported as Scaphanocephalus sp. from a labrid fish in the Mediterranean Sea, herein named it as Scaphanocephalus sp. 2.

Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogens on Inshell Walnuts by UV-C Radiation

Inshell walnuts can be contaminated with pathogens through direct contact or cross-contamination during harvesting and postharvest hulling, drying, or storage. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of UV-C radiation in inactivating foodborne pathogens on inshell walnut surfaces. Intact inshell walnut surfaces were inoculated separately with Salmonella,Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus and then were subjected to UV-C radiation at doses of 29.4, 147.0, 294.0, 588.0, and 882.0 mJ/cm2. UV-C radiation inactivated the inoculated pathogens in a dose-dependent manner, and a tailing effect was observed for the inactivation of pathogens. UV-C radiation at 29.4 and 882.0 mJ/cm2 reduced the populations of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30, Salmonella Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus on inshell walnut surfaces by 0.82 to 1.25 and 1.76 to 2.41 log CFU per walnut, respectively. Scanning electron photomicrographs showed pathogenic bacterial cells in the cracks and crevices of the inshell walnut surface, and the shielding of microorganisms by the cracks and crevices may have contributed to the tailing effect observed during UV-C inactivation. No significant changes (P > 0.05) were found in walnut lipid oxidation following UV-C radiation at doses up to 882.0 mJ/cm2. Together, the results indicate that UV-C radiation could be a potential technology for reducing the populations of various foodborne pathogens on inshell walnut surfaces while maintaining the quality of walnuts.

Inactivation mechanism of slightly acidic electrolyzed water on Bacillus cereus spores

This study aimed to investigate the inactivation mechanism of Bacillus cereus spores by slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW). Spore inactivation efficacy of SAEW at different available chlorine concentrations (ACC, 20, 60 and 100 mg/L), as well as spore structures change, coat damage, mutagenesis, and inner membrane (IM) properties were examined. The viability of treated spores with lysozyme addition and spore germination induced by germinant was also examined. The results showed that SAEW could reach maximal 5.81 CFU/mL log reduction with ACC of 100 mg/L for 20 min treatment. Scanning and transmission electron photomicrographs indicated that SAEW treatment rendered spore surface ruptured, IM damage and core contents loss. No mutants were generated in survivors of SAEW treated-spores. SAEW significantly weakened spore viability in high salt medium, losing its ability to retain pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (DPA) at 85 °C. SAEW-treated spores germinated with l-alanine or inosine induction were mostly stained with propidium iodide (PI) but could not recover via lysozyme addition. Furthermore, SAEW treatment inhibited spore germination in the induction of germinant (mixture of l-alanine and inosine or dodecylamine). These findings indicated that SAEW inactivated spore primarily by damaging the spore IM.

Out of the Blue and into the Black: Preparation, Mounting, and Image Rendering of Complex, Chorate Dinoflagellate Cysts for Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract:We describe an experimental approach for achieving an optimal black background for scanning electron photomicrographs of small samples with elaborate and intricate structures. Specimens of the highly ornate, 66-million-year-old chorate dinoflagellate cyst species Cannosphaeropsis franciscana were selected as the subject of this study. Photomicrographs collected following standard aluminum stub surface placement were compared to those taken of specimens mounted using a novel pin-and-pedestal method. This simplistic mounting technique minimizes the need for post-production image editing and extraneous background removal.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Paratylenchus beltsvillensis n. sp. (Tylenchida: Paratylenchidae) from the rhizosphere of pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) in Maryland, USA.

The pin nematode, Paratylechus beltsvillensis n. sp. collected from rhizosphere soil of a Virginia pine tree (Pinus virginiana Mill) growing in Little Paint Branch Park, Beltsville, Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA, is described and illustrated along with light and scanning electron photomicrographs. Females, males, and juveniles of this new species were recovered from soil samples using the sugar centrifugal flotation and Baermann funnel extraction methods. Morphologically, females are short, body length ranging from 245 to 267 μm, stylet from 70 to 75 μm long with anchor shaped knobs, vulva located at 70–73% and small vulval flap, spermatheca large, and ovoid filled with sperms. Lateral field with three incisures, of which the outer two are prominent. Tail slender, having a rounded tail terminus. Males without stylet and have a degenerated pharynx, spicules = 17–20 µm and gubernaculum = 5.0–5.5 µm. Both morphological observations and molecular analysis of ITS and partial 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences indicated that the specimens collected from the soil at Beltsville Park from rhizosphere soil samples from Virginia pine represents a new pin nematode species.

New species of Macropostrongyloides Yamaguti, 1961 (Nematoda: Strongylida) and the redescription of Ma. baylisi (Wood, 1930) from Australian macropodid marsupials.

Specimens of four genetically distinct groups of Macropostrongyloides baylisi Wood, 1930 were analysed morphologically. Each genotype was found to represent a morphologically distinct species: Ma. baylisi from Osphranter robustus woodwardi (Thomas) and Osphranter robustus erubescens (Sclater); Ma. spearei n. sp. from Osphranter robustus robustus (Gould) and O. r. erubescens; Ma. mawsonae n. sp. from Macropus giganteus Shaw and Ma. woodi n. sp. from Osphranter rufus (Desmarest). The new species described here are differentiated primarily by several male-specific features that have been overlooked in previous taxonomic revisions. These features include striations on the terminal part of the spicule ala, the papillae surrounding the genital cone and the bursal striations. Furthermore, scanning electron photomicrographs have revealed greater details of previously undefined structures within the buccal cavity that warrant further investigations.

Pollen morphological investigations of family Cactaceae and its taxonomic implication by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

The family Cactaceae is the diversified group of angiosperm plants whose pollen statistics has been used for taxonomic identification. In this article, we present the pollen morphology of eight species belong to seven taxonomically complex genera of Cactaceae including Astrophytum, Cylindropuntia, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Mammillaria, Opuntia, and Thelocactus using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, described, and electron photomicrographs were taken. Cactaceae can be characterized by presenting different palynomorphological features including pollen type, sculpturing, polar and equatorial diameter, aperture orientation, exine thickness, P/E ratio, and echini features. Four types of pollen shapes, that is, prolate spheroidal (three species), subprolate (two species), prolate (two species), and oblate spheroidal in Echinocereus reichenbachii were observed. The polar and equatorial diameter observed maximum in O. ficus indica 116.95 and 112.27 μm while minimum in M. compressa 38.42 and 21.05 μm. Pollen of two types, tricolpate in members of subfamily Cactioideae and pantoporate in the Opuntioideae were examined. The fertility percentage has been observed maximum in Opuntia macrocentra (83.84%) and minimum in Opuntia ficus-indica (57.89%). Exine sculpturing showing great variations such as granulate, reticulate, granulate perforate and micro-echinate foveolate ornamentation was examined only in Echinopsis eyriesii. A key to species, based on pollen micromorphological attributes, has been constructed for correct identification of complex cactus species.

Mechanical characterization of blends containing recycled paper pulp and other lignocellulosic materials to develop hydromulches for weed control

Spreading of hydromulch as a crop management technique might show important advantages over plastic films for weed control, because it can be applied anywhere in a field, even in orchard and vineyard rows. In the present work, 24 blends were prepared by mixing paper pulp, from recovered paper and cardboard coming from paper mills, with different additives: (a) wheat straw, rice hulls, and substrate used for mushroom cultivation on the one hand as fillers, and (b) rice bran, white glue, sodium silicate, and powered gypsum on the other hand as agglomerating agents. The blends were tested with a texture analyser to evaluate their mechanical properties, testing the puncture resistance (24 blends) and the tensile strength (15 blends). Scanning electron photomicrographs of some blends were obtained in order to explore the relationship between their components and the mechanical properties. The results indicate that a blend prepared with paper pulp, wheat straw sieved at 2.5 mm and gypsum attained the highest stress resistance and tensile strength. An environmentally controlled experiment was performed on this and another hydromulch in which rice husk substituted wheat straw to evaluate their efficiency for reducing weed seedling emergence, using propagules of four common summer weeds. Compared with the control treatment performed, the hydromulches reduced seedling emergence from 64.6% to 95.9%. In general, the percentage of dead seedlings underneath was greater than that which passed through the barrier, making the hydromulches promising tools for preventing seedling emergence and for managing the weed seed bank in field conditions.

Temperature-dependent mucosal permeation kinetics of stigmasterol microspheres: In vivo mice model antioral candidiasis study.

Evaluation of mucosal permeation of stigmasterol from the glutaraldehyde cross linked chitosan microspheres at increasing experimental temperatures was performed. The activation energy of permeation, partition, and diffusion were estimated to understand the permeation kinetic with respect to the temperature. The formulation depicting least activation energy possessed the increased permeation thresholds of drug at the site of application. The encapsulation efficacy and mucoadhesive strength were found to be directly proportional to the polymer-emulsifier ratio. Decreased intensity in crystallography directed the molecular dispersion of microencapsulated drug. The depleted enthalpic phase transition in thermogram affirmed the stigmasterol encapsulation. The sphericity and the size of microspheres were determined by scanning electron photo micrograph. The in vivo quantification of oral Candida infection with different statistical approach and histopathological observation of infected tongue of mice on treatment with the stigmasterol encapsulated microspheres showed significant anti oral candidiasis activity by reduction of fungal colony count and recovery of papillae, reorganization of basal cell layer and newly formed papillae during 21-28 days of treatment.

Neotype designation and generic re-definition of the monotypic genus Dialeurotrachelus Takahashi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and first record of its occurrence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

Takahashi (1942) described Dialeurotrachelus cambodiensis, the type species of the monotypic whitefly genus, Dialeurotrachelus Takahashi from three syntype specimens collected on an unidentified tree in Cambodia, which were subsequently lost or destroyed. It was rediscovered after eight decades in the Indian territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A neotype is designated for D. cambodiensis Takahashi, from specimens collected on Diospyros kurzii Hiern (Ebenaceae) from Andaman Island, India. It is recorded for the first time from the Indian territories, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Pupal morphology is assessed for redefining the generic description with differential diagnoses from related genera, and anomalies involved with structure of the vasiform orifice and associated structures are discussed. Illustrations are provided of the puparia in life, camera lucida drawings, slide mounts, and scanning electron photomicrographs.

White skin orange sweet potato grown in Limapuluh Kota District, West Sumatra Indonesia: Morphology and elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray flourescence

The white skin sweet orange potato (Ipomoea batatas Linn ) was grown by organic method without using any synthetic fertilizer. It was harvested after 4 months of cultivation. Scanning electron photomicrograph of both transversal and longitudinal cross sections showed the formation of starch crystals having round or spherical and polygonal shape with sizes between 2 and 30 μm. Only carbon, oxygen as major elements and small concentration of potassium, calcium and magnesium were detected by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The absence of some important essential elements demands further investigation on soil-plant nutrient uptake relationship towards the production of highly nutritional potato.

&lt;i&gt;Scutellaria krasevii&lt;/i&gt; Kom. &amp; I. Schischk. ex Juz. (Lamiaceae): a new record species from Mongolia

We report Scutellaria krasevii Kom. & I. Schischk. ex Juz. (subfamily Scutellarioideae, family Lamiaceae) as a new recorded species of Mongolia. This species is morphologically similar to S. galericulata but can be differentiated by the presence of comparatively thick and triangular-cordate leaves having a heteromerously deep-crenate margin, a densely reclinate pubescent stem, and a densely pubescent corolla. A taxonomic description, a key to the genus in Mongolia, habit photographs, and scanning electron photomicrographs of nutlets are provided for species identification. We also present a table for a comparison of the diagnostic characteristics with those of related species. This species grows along the banks of the Unit river, Khutag-Undur soum, Bulgan province, Mongolia, approximately 2,300 km far away from the type locality in Russia.

The systematic value of pollen morphology in Arthrocereus A. Berger (Cactaceae, Cactoideae)

Arthrocereus belongs to the Cactaceae family, which comprises 124 genera and 1438 species distributed throughout the Americas. The present study aimed to investigate pollen morphology, to provide taxonomic and phylogenetic value for the knowledge of the group, in order to clarify the relationships among its taxa. Ten taxa were analyzed: A. glaziovii, A. melanurus subsp. magnus, A. melanurus subsp. melanurus, A. melanurus subsp. odorus, A. rondonianus, A. spinosissimus, one possible new species (sp.1), and three taxa with difficult taxonomic delimitation close to A. melanurus (sp.2, sp.3, sp.4), being six accepted taxa and four of uncertain position. The pollen grains was acetolyzed, measured and described, electron photomicrographs were taken, and multivariate analysis was conducted. Descriptions, measurements and photomicrographs are presented. Arthrocereus can be characterized by presenting pollen grains which are large, isopolar, oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal and subprolate, with a very small to small polar area, subcircular and subtriangular amb, 3–6-colpate with long to very long colpi; microechinate exine, perforations with conspicuous to inconspicuous annuli. Palynological results indicate two morphological patterns in the studied taxa: the first (I) is related to the 3-colpate pollen grains and the second (II) to the 3–6-colpate pollen grains. The principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis confirm the separation of species using quantitative pollen grain variables. The analysis of the pollen grains revealed that the genus is stenopalynous and there is significant overall correspondence in the pollen variations among the taxa, which provides support of taxonomic and phylogenetic value for future studies in the genus.

Ablation of PHOX2B‐Derived Astrocytes Results in Neuronal Dystrophy‐Like Neuropathology in the RTN

The transcription factor Phox2b is a regulator of the autonomic nervous system development and is especially expressed by respiratory circuits involved in chemosensory integration, as neurons of solitary tract nucleus (NTS) that relay information from peripheral chemoreceptors to the ventral respiratory column, and by central chemoreceptors located in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). In addition to neurons, recent studies show that astrocytes from ventral medullary surface also detect PCO2 increase, and contribute to respiratory drive. Since PHOX2B biased progenitor cells generate astrocytes that have a developmental connection with RTN neurons, the aim of this study is determine the extent to which selective ablation of these astrocytes affect synapse integrity in the retrotrapezoid nucleus. We utilized the astrocyte ablation technique described by Tsai et al., 2012. In this model, the astrocyte‐specific ALDH1L1 promoter induces GFP expression in the absence of cre recombinase, and in the presence of cre recombinase expresses diphtheria toxin A (DTA). We interbred ALDH1L1loxp‐GFP‐STOP‐loxp‐DTA mice to PHOX2Bcre mice. Transmission electron photomicrographs were captured from the RTN/VLM area and morphometric analysis was performed using FIJI. We noted that axon terminals in the mutants (PHOX2Bcre, ALDH1L1loxp‐GFP‐STOP‐loxp‐DTA) were on average larger in area and perimeter. Furthermore, we noted an increase in the percentage of axon terminals showing autophagic vacuoles/phagosomes. The proportion of axon terminals with other organelles, including mitochondria and dense core neurosecretory vesicles, was not different between groups. In summary, PHOX2B‐derived, astrocyte ablated mice show synaptic pathology characterized by dysmorphic neuroaxonal morphology, suggesting an underlying defect in the afferent input into the RTN. These data suggest that PHOX2B‐derived astrocytes may play a role in regulating the synaptic integrity of neuronal inputs into RTN neurons. Other experiments are being performed in order to elucidate if the cell body of these neurons is located in the commissural NTS, and also, if PHOX2b derived astrocytes depletion can imply local regulation of presynaptic autophagy, which can lead to neurodegeneration and breathing impair.Support or Funding InformationFAPESP and NIHThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

A pictorial key to differentiate the recently detected exotic Haemaphysalislongicornis Neumann, 1901 (Acari, Ixodidae) from native congeners in North America.

Until recently, only two haemaphysaline species, Haemaphysalischordeilis (Packard, 1869) and Haemaphysalisleporispalustris (Packard, 1869), were known to occur in the United States, and neither was considered to be of significant medical or veterinary importance. In 2017–2018 established populations of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalislongicornis Neumann, 1901, were detected in the eastern US for the first time. Haemaphysalislongicornis has the potential to be a significant threat to human and animal health, and the urgent need to determine the full extent of its distribution and host range requires availability of a straightforward and practical guide to differentiate it from native species. We created a pictorial dichotomous key to all stages of Haemaphysalis spp. known to occur in North America with scanning electron photomicrographs of all H.longicornis life stages, including rarely seen males, to aid researchers in differentiating these species. The largely Neotropical species Haemaphysalisjuxtakochi Cooley, 1946, with established populations in Mexico and sporadic detections in the US on migrating birds is also included.

Petrology Characters of Conglomerates in Baikouquan Formation, Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin

Mahu Sag, one of the most oil and gas bearing sags in Junggar basin, is in the northwestern margin of the basin. On gentle slope region of the sag, a serial of large scale coarse fan delta deposits were developed in Triassic Baikouquan Formation. In order to understand the petrology characters of conglomerates in Baikouquan Formation, based on lots of cores, grain size analysis, normal thin sections, casting thin sections, scanning electron photomicrographs, mineral composition identifications, clay mineral and bulk composition identifications of X-ray diffraction, were comparatively studied for Xiazijie and Huangyangquan fan-delta in Mahu Sag. Mineral composition of conglomerates is main tuff, while eurite, dacite, rhyolite, andesite and granite are common. However, more tuff and granite, less eurite and andesite in Xiazijie fan-delta, there is no rhyolite in Huangyangquan fan-delta. Kaolinization and chloritization of conglomerates are ubiquitous in the formation. The content of chlorite and kaolinite is higher in Xiazijie fan-delta, with lower illite-smectite and illite. There is less feldspar of clastic and more calcite of cement in Xiazijie fan-delta.

Quality of ready-to-eat komal chawal produced by brown rice parboiling method.

Komal chawal, meaning soft rice, produced by brown rice parboiling of a low amylose rice variety chokuwa, was studied for its physical, physico-chemical, morphological and structural characteristics. The product was produced by soaking the brown rice at 60°C for 90min, followed by steaming and air drying to 12.0% (wb). The two steaming conditions used were: (1) open-steaming at atmospheric pressure for 20min and (2) pressure-steaming at 1atm (gauge) for 10min. The three different drying temperatures used were 40, 50 and 60°C. When soaked in water at 60°C for 20min the product attained a hardness value of cooked rice. The extent of changes in the kernel and flour properties as compared to the raw form were affected by the severity of the steaming condition and drying air temperature. The pressure steamed samples exhibited virtually persistent growth in paste viscosity in the profiles obtained from the rapid viscosity analyzer. X-ray diffraction analysis of flours revealed a loss of A-type pattern and formation of feeble peaks of A + V-type mixed patterns in steam-treated samples. Scanning electron photomicrographs showed the loss of the polygonal shape by starch granules during processing. The values of rehydration ratio, equilibrium moisture content for rehydration, sediment volume, extent of color change as denoted by total color difference, and the percent head rice yield were higher in pressure steamed komal chawal samples.