017884   Ince M;Yaman M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Engineering Faculty, Tunceli Univ, Tunceli, Turkey, Email: myaman@firat.edu.tr) : High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for determination of benzo[a]pyrene in grilled meat foods. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(8), 3391-5.

Concentrations and varieties of benzo[a]pyrene were determined in Turkish foodstuffs including grilled meat and chicken samples by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The parameters that are thought to affect the response in the HPLCMS analysis were optimized. The optimized conditions were found to be 0.75 mL min^-1 for flow rate of mobile phase, 45 μL for injection volume, 55 °C for column temperature and 140 V for fragmentor potential. The optimized method was applied for the determination of benzo[a]pyrene concentrations in grilled meat and chicken foods. The obtained concentrations were found in the range of 2.7-8.3 μg kg^-1 for the normal grilled meat and chicken samples and 72-138 μg kg^-1 for over-grilled samples. The results showed that the concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene were significantly dependent on the kind of meat and the cooking time and source. The limits of detection and quantitation were found to be 0.7 and 2.33 μg L^-1, respectively.

3 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

017883   Hossaini H;Fatehizadeh A;Yousefi N;Reshadat S;Rajabi Gilan N;Ghasemi S R;Ahmadian M (Environmental Health Engineering Dep, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: moh.ahmadian@yahoo.com) : Application of enhanced softening process in slaughterhouse wastewater treatment. Indian J chem Technol 2013, 20(3), 217-21.

Enhanced softening has been applied for the removal of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), phosphorous and colour of the abattoir effluent, and the effect of increasing dose of coagulants is investigated. The study is performed on a laboratory scale by using jar apparatus, lime as softener and pH adjuster agent. Coagulants such as alum and ferric chloride are used to increase the size of flocs in various pH solutions. The results show that the enhanced softening is an efficient method for SCOD, and colour and phosphorous removal from abattoir wastewater. The maximum SCOD (93%) and phosphorous (94%) removal is attained at pH 11.65. Use of alum as coagulant combined with enhanced softening does not have positive effect on enhanced softening efficiency in SCOD, and phosphorous and colour removal, but ferric chloride increases the enhanced softening efficiency except its SCOD removal efficiency. The results also show that ferric chloride removes 90% and 97% SCOD and phosphorous respectively. This efficiency is obtained at 11.57 pH and 90 mg/L ferric chloride. The optimum pH and dose of ferric chloride (90 mg/L) increase the luminance of effluent from 40% to 75% at pH 7.6 and decrease its purity from 47% to 14% at pH 7.6.

3 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

017882   Himani D;Mane B G (Veterinary Public Health Dep, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, CSK-HPKV, Palampur-176 062, Email: drbandu_176@rediffmail.com) : Plant materials as natural antimicrobials for decontamination and reduction of food-borne pathogens. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(4), 54-60.

The ever increasing demand of consumers for chemical and antibiotic free food along with the emerging multi drug resistance in food borne pathogens has paved the path for natural antimicrobials to be used in food industry. The use of natural antimicrobials can maintain the safety of food besides increasing its shelf life. The plants which are easily available and commonly used by man in food are considered in this review. This review examines the potency of plant materials as natural antimicrobials against various food borne pathogens and thus indicating their future usefulness as decontaminants and preservatives in food industry.

^iia63 ref

017881   Gupta A;Issar K (Food Science and Technology Dep, Dr. Y S Parmar Horticulture and Forestry Univ, Nauni, Solan, Email: anil_pht@rediffmail.com) : Role of nanotechnology in food processing and packaging. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(1), 51-60.

Nanotechnology is the art and science of moving matter at atomic scale (1-100 nanometers) having potential applications in food processing, products manufacturing, human health, nutrition, food packaging, quality assurance and diseases prevention. Applications of nanotechnology have the potential to change the entire agriculture sector and food industry chain from production to conservation, processing, packaging, transportation and even waste treatment. The technology has opened up paths to unexplored science for studying individual nano-particles and their unique interactions to understand actual applications in various fields including food processing. Nanotechnology applications in food processing range from food designing, food security and safety, overcoming food allergies, use in filtration, separation, encapsulation etc. Further, the applications include nano-particle delivery systems, nano-toxicity and food safety. These emerging technologies have shown great potential in nutraceuticals and functional foods for delivering bioactive compounds to improve human health. Finally it may be possible one day to manufacture food from component atoms and molecules, so called 'Molecular Food Manufacturing'. Although the practical application of such technology is far into the future, it is expected that this could allow a more efficient and sustainable food production process to be developed where less raw materials are consumed and food of a higher nutritional quality is obtained. Nanotechnology thus has the potential application in food sector which can not be ignored. The safety of food and individual health will remain prime concern. It is a rapidly growing technology finding enormous applications in food processing sectors.

^iia2 illus, 5 tables, 52 ref

017880   Gong W J;Dong C X;Chen J;Zhang T Y;Zhang P Y; Bai L Y (NO, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang-453 003, P.R. China, Email: gongwj2006@163.com) : Preparation of a chemical sensor based on modified silver nanoparticles for quick recognition of 5-fluorocytosine. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(8), 3695-8.

Chemical sensor of p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles was initially prepared, which can be used for quick recognition of 5-fluorocytosine. The presence of 5-fluorocytosine can induce the aggregation of nanoparticles due to electron donor-acceptor interaction between the target and p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid on the surface of silver nanoparticles, resulting in a shift in the surface plasmon band and a consequent colour change of the silver nanoparticles from yellow to green. Moreover, the high selectivity of p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid-modified silver nanoparticles for the target was approved with a significantly higher absorption ratio (A₆₄₅/A₃₉₀) compared with other seven molecules with similar structures. The concentration of 5-fluorocytosine was determined with a limit of detection lower than 0.08 mg/L by the naked eyes and the sensitivity could be enhanced by the adjustment of ion strength and pH.

7 illus, 16 ref

017879   Ghonkrokta S S;Sharma S (NO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110 002, Email: sghonkrokta@fssai.gov.in) : Active and intelligent packaging: a smart solution for the future. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(4), 38-44.

In this age of rapid-transforming consumer dynamics and choice, packaging no longer serves the traditional functions of preservation and protection. The food packaging industries are using innovative packaging solutions which also respond to sustainable growth. One can see product packaging playing an active and intelligent role in monitoring and communicating information about food quality. Active and intelligent packaging is the result of innovative thinking in packaging which caters to growing demands of food safety, quality maintenance, traceability and environment friendliness. The paper presents an overview of active packaging system and intelligent packaging system and its applications in food and beverages. Active packaging refers to the incorporation of additives into packaging systems with the aim of maintaining or extending quality and shelf-life of the product. Active packaging systems discussed include oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide scavengers and emitters, moisture control agents and antimicrobial packaging technologies. Intelligent packaging systems are those that monitor the condition of packaged foods to give information regarding the quality of the packaged food during transport and storage. Some of the intelligent packaging systems such as sensor technologies, indicators (including integrity, freshness and time-temperature (TTI) indicators) and radio frequency identification (RFID) have been discussed. Regulations on active and intelligent packaging by EU and Malaysia have been also discussed. To promote innovations, detailed studies on food safety implications, technological viability, environmental issues and assessment of acceptability among the stakeholders are required to suggest modifications in legislations.

19 ref

017878   Garg N;Sanjay Kumar;Yadav P (NO, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, O Kakori, Lucknow-227 107, Email: neelimagargg@rediffmail.com) : Development of fermented beverage from raw mango fruits. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(1), 46-50.

A partially fermented beverage having distinct flavour and taste has been developed from ameliorated raw mango pulp using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (variety Ellipsoideus Montrachet strain). The siphoned beverage, obtained after 15 days of fermentation, was flavoured with fennel or mint or combination of spices. In all, six combination treatments were tried. Slight decrease in TSS and acidity upon 6 months of storage was observed. Approximately 53 per cent reduction in anti-oxidant values (FRAP values), while slight increase in reducing sugars and non-enzymatic browning values were noticed. The sensory evaluation at different storage intervals revealed that beverages from all the treatments were acceptable. However, treatment containing fennel and spices scored highest after 6 months of storage.

4 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

017877   Fu K;Li Z;Xia Q;Zhong T (NO, Hainan Provincial Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou, P.R. China, Email: fukan@hnraes.cn) : Removal of ammonium from aqueous solution using natural and modified dalian clinoptilolite. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(8), 3415-9.

Removal of ammonium from aqueous media using Chinese Dalian clinoptilolite has been investigated. To improve the ammonium exchange of the clinoptilolite, its modifications in aqueous NaCl solution at different temperatures and under different power levels of ultrasonication have been tested. The ammonium-exchange isotherms of the clinoptilolite have been determined. The effects of solution pH and the different modifications of the clinoptilolite on ammonium exchange have been further studied. The results showed that a pseudo-second-order model gave a better correlation for all of the kinetic data as compared to Vermeulen's model or an intraparticle diffusion model. The optimal pH of solutions for ammonium exchange with clinoptilolite has been identified to be between 3 and 9. Natural clinoptilolite soaked in aqueous NaCl solution at 98 °C had the highest sodium content, leading to an improved ammonium-exchange capacity. The ammonium-exchange capacity of clinoptilolite could be improved by increasing the temperature at which it was soaked in aqueous NaCl solution, but it could not be improved by increasing the power level of ultrasonication continuously. All of the ammonium-exchange equilibrium isotherms, with both natural and modified clinoptilolite, conformed well to the Freundlich model.

5 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

017876   Dhawle K N;Naik A G;Mhetre D A;Wankhede G P; Male S R;Mandalik G B (Post Harvest Technology Dep, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450) : Evaluation of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) varieties for organoleptic acceptability changes in dehydrated powder during storage. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(1), 43-5.

Dehydrated tomato powder was prepared from ten varieties, viz GT-1, GT-2, Co-3, H-24, PB Chhuhara, Arka Vikas, DVRT-2, KS-227, KS-229 and Junagarh Ruby. Their organoleptic evaluation in respect of Colour, Texture, Flavour, Taste and Overall acceptability was made. Looking to the organoleptic acceptability of dehydrated tomato powder, DVRT-2 variety was found better in respect of colour, taste and overall quality while, PB Chhuhara, GT-2 and Junagarh Ruby were equally good in colour and texture as well as overall acceptability compared to the rest of the varieties. All organoleptic characters were found to be in decreasing trends over 0, 3 and 6 months of storage. It has been recommended to farmers and processors that tomato powder should be prepared from DVRT-2, GT-2, and Junagarh Ruby varieties of tomato as they produce excellent quality of product in respect of quality, overall acceptability and long shelf life up to 6 months storage.

1 table, 9 ref

017875   Dev Raj;Neeraj Kumar;Sharma P C;Verma A (Food Science and Technology Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Horticulture and Forestry Univ, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh-173 230, Email: drdpandir@yahoo.co.in) : Standardization of dehydration technology for preparation of IMF from plums (Santa rosa). Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(1), 38-42.

Suitability of Santa Rosa cultivar of plum was evaluated for dehydration. Results revealed that dipping of plum fruits in hot boiling 0.5% NaOH solution for 10-15 seconds results in better bloom removal and mass transfer. After bloom removal the plum fruits were dried by different osmotic dehydration methods. The standardized method was a slow method of osmotic dehydration in which the fruits are dipped in 40°Brix sugar syrup for overnight and then strength of syrup is raised by 5° Brix everyday till 70° Brix is achieved. This method results in production of low acid IMF plum with better appearance. After this, fruits were rinsed in warm water to remove the adhering syrup followed by air drying in mechanical dehydrator (55°C) to desired moisture (30% on wet weight basis). The standardized technology gave better dried product with good colour / appearance, taste, texture and overall acceptability.

2 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

017874   Dev Raj (Center of Excellence, Post-harvest Technology Dep, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: drdpandir@yahoo.co.in) : Quality evaluation of pathernakh-apple blended juice during storage. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(6), 84-7.

'Pathernakh' and apple juices were extracted by grating the fruits and passing them through a hydraulic press. The juices were filtered, pasteurized and packed in glass bottles followed by processing.' Pathernakh' juice was blended with apple juice and evaluated for storage stability. Blending of 'Pathernakh' juice (PJ) with apple juice (AJ) in the proportion of 50:50 to 60:40 gave better quality with higher sensory score. Results depict that with the increase in the level of 'Pathernakh' juice (PJ) in the blend, there was gradual increase in the level of polyphenols. Brix: acid ratio of the juice was found to be good when PJ and AJ were blended in the ratio of 50:50 to 60:40. Blended juice containing 50 to 60% 'Pathernakh' juice (PJ) was found more shelf stable during 6 months storage.

3 tables, 19 ref

017873   Deng X;Zeng G;Li H;Yang D (Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Ecological Diagnosis-Remediatio, Nanchang Hangkong Univ, Nanchang-330 063, P.R. China, Email: zengguisheng@hotmail.com) : Study of low-grade zinc sulphide ore bioleaching using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(8), 3597-601.

In this work, a comprehensive modelling study of the zinc sulphide bioleaching with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was investigated. The effects of particle size, pulp density, stir time, pH and ferrous iron on the bioleaching of zinc were evaluated. Experimental results show that the strains isolated from acid mineral drainage and cultivated in 9/2K medium resulted in high metabolic activities. The bioleaching rates of zinc decreased with the increasing of ore sizes and highest leaching rate of zinc was achieved at the ore size 0.14 mm, pulp density 10%, stir time 9 days, pH value 1.5-2.0 and 9/2 K medium.

8 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

017872   Deepthi M;Harinadha Babu V;Madhava Reddy B (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad-500 028, Email: dr.harinathbabu@rediffmail.com) : Synthesis of some modified aurones as antileukemic and antibacterial agents. Indian J Chem-Sect B 2013, 52(11), 1455-61.

Cyclisation of 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-substituted phenylprop-2-en-1-ones 1a-h in pyridine with mercuric acetate gives different 2-benzylidene-1-benzofuran-3(2H)-ones 2a-h which on subsequent reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride affords 2-benzylidene-1-benzofuran-3(2H)-one oximes 3a-h. These oximes on reaction with benzoyl chloride / p-toluene sulphonyl chloride gives two series of compounds 4a-h and 5a-h. The compounds thus synthesized have been characterized by physical and spectral data. All the compounds have been screened for antileukemic and antibacterial activities.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

017871   Dasgupta S;Mittal V;Choudhary P;Saxena P; Joshipura M H (Chemical Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology Nirma Univ, Ahmedabad, Email: 11bch056@nirmauni.ac.in) : Comparative studies on decaffeination of tea and coffee with various solvents. Int J latest Technol Engng Mgmt appl Sci 2014, 3(3), 145-9.

Daunting mission of researchers to develop the best methods for decaffeination resulted in hundreds of patents to decaffeinate coffee. Today, mainly the traditional chemical process is used for decaffeination because it does a good job in maintaining the flavor profile of the beans. In present work, a comparative study has been done using the traditional chemical process that is the solid liquid extraction with various extracting solvents. As concluded by the FDA in 1987, caffeine consumption includes risks of cancer, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, reproductive function, birth defects and behavior of children, therefore caffeine content reduction is essential. The experiment has been performed using 'Wagh Bakri' tea and coffee beans with various extracting solvents at laboratory scale and amount of caffeine has been determined.

6 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

017870   Dafare S;Deshpande P S;Bhavsar R S (Chemistry Dep, Institute of Science, Nagpur-440 001, Email: dr.rajesh_bhavsar@rediffmail.com) : Photocatalytic degradation of congo red dye on combustion synthesised Fe₂O₃. Indian J chem Technol 2013, 20(6), 406-10.

This paper reports the semiconductor assisted photochemical degradation of reactive azo dye such as Congo Red on combustion synthesized ferric oxide as a photocatalyst. Oxalyldihydrazide is used as fuel in different molar proportions. Ferric oxide is characterized by powder XRD, Brunquer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, scanning electron microscopy, reflectance spectroscopy and powder density. BET surface area is found to be 32 m² gm^-1 and has a particle size equals to 66 nm. Energy gap is found to be 2.91 eV as observed by reflectance spectroscopy. Ninety seven per cent COD removal is observed at pH 6 within 90 min using UV light (254 nm wavelength) as a source of radiation.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

017869   Dadkhah S M;Golbabaei F;Malakootikhah J; Mohamadfam I (Environment and Energy Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: jmalakoutikhah@gmail.com) : Appropriateness criteria for choosing proper risk assessment model of nanomaterial manufacturing processes. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(8), 3719-23.

Importance of risk identification and assessment of manufacturing processes is well known and it is doubled for unknown products and technologies such as nanotechnology. Whensoever a new technology is offered there are major concerns regarding its potential risks and hazards. So many methods like CHECK LIST, FMEA (Failure modes and effect analysis) and FTA (fault tree analysis) have been yet proposed for risk assessment in the industries, each, in turn, is effective in particular cases. The question is now what kind of technical, social and organizational parameters should be considered through selecting proper model for nanotechnology risk assessment. Study ahead, aims at determining the role of parameters involved in selecting appropriate risk assessment model of nanomaterial manufacturing processes. Accordingly, by examination of all features of common risk assessment methods listed in ISO31000 as well as the opinions of expertise, a pattern was recommended for choosing proper risk assessment model in nanomaterial manufacturing processes. The statistic society was all the active manufacturers of nanomaterials participated at The Third International Festival and Exhibition on Nanotechnology held on November 28, 2010 in Iran. The obtained results indicated that due to the small size of production units of nanomaterials and lack of being organized in such production units, the research hypothesis was rejected for the statistic society. Therewith, presenting an identification model for proper risk assessment methods of nanomaterials manufacturing process were considered meaningless regarding to the current circumstance.

5 tables, 25 ref

017868   Barak S;Mudgil D;Khatkar B S (Food Technology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar Food Science and Technology Univ, Hisar-125 001, Email: shewetabarak@yahoo.in) : Innovations in food packaging. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(2), 66-73.

Food packaging retards product deterioration, retains the beneficial effects of processing, extends shelf-life, and maintains or increases the quality and safety of food. Many innovative trends are occurring in food packaging to cater to the growing needs of convenient food by consumers. Important packaging systems including oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide emitters/absorbers, moisture absorbers, ethylene absorbers, ethanol emitters, flavor releasing/absorbing systems, time-temperature indicators, and antimicrobial containing films, biosensors, radio frequency identification, thermochromic ink, gas sensors and nanocomposites in packaging have been discussed in this paper.

^iia2 tables, 33 ref

017867   Baisya R K (NO, , Strategic Consulting Group Pvt. Ltd, Email: rkbaisya@hotmail.com) : Marine products industry in India. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(4), 61-4.

5 tables

017866   Babani L;Patel V;Oswal N;Saxena P;Joshipura M H (Chemical Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology, Nirma Univ, Ahmedabad, Email: 11BCH051@nirmauni.ac.in) : Preparation and characterization of Jatropha based biodiesel and its blends with waste cooking oil. Int J latest Technol Engng Mgmt appl Sci 2014, 3(3), 80-5.

Energy crisis due to over dependence on fossil fuels as a source of energy have shown that fossil fuels are limited finite resource and the continuous depreciation of the world oil reserves also corroborates the fact that oil is a finite non-renewable source of energy that will ultimately be exhausted. This therefore leads to the continuous agitation and research activities towards establishing alternate fuels that should be economically attractive in order to compete with currently used fossil fuels. Biodiesel production from renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats offers the potential of both reducing fossil carbon emissions and producing alternative ultra clean transportation fuels. Biodiesel is commonly produced by the trans-esterification of the vegetable oils or animal fat feedstock. There are several methods for carrying out this trans-esterification reaction including the common batch process, supercritical processes, ultrasonic methods, and even microwave methods. In this present work, biodiesel (mixture of fatty acid methyl ester, FAME) was prepared from multi-feedstock of jatropha and its various blends with waste cottonseed cooking oil which was collected from college canteen of Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India using microwave oven technique. The characterization of biodiesel and its blends with petro-diesel were carried out using various methods as mentioned in the literature.

7 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

017865   Annam Renita A;Joshua Amarnath D;Kirubagaran R;Magesh Peter D (Chemical Engineering Dep, Sathyabama Univ, Chennai-600 119, Email: reniriana@gmail.com) : Caulerpa peltata methyl esters as a renewable source of energy. Asian J Chem 2012, 24(8), 3653-5.

In this paper, ten species of macroalgae comprising of four green algae, three brown algae and three red algae collected from Gulf of Mannar were evaluated for their lipid content and this paper strives to suggest an alternate to diesel fuel from bio-diesel derived from the green macro algae, Caulerpa peltata. Biodiesel characterization was based on ASTMD6751 and the glycerine content and flash point was found to be little bit higher than the standards. Kinematic viscosity, iodine value, neutralization value were within the permissible limits.

5 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

017864   Andal P;Parimalavalli R (Food Science Dep, Periyar Univ, Salem, Tamilnadu, Email: andalm.sc87@gmail.com) : Functional properties of cassava starches from different cultivars. Indian Fd Packer 2012, 66(3), 74-9.

Cassava starches extracted from different varieties of cassava tubers such as C23-2, C23-3, C23-5, C23-6 and C15 were used to determine the functional properties of cassava starch. C23-5 variety yielded the highest starch content (78.67g /100g) whereas C15 variety yielded the lowest starch content. In functional properties C23-2 variety of cassava starch had the highest water absorption capacity (76.67%), oil absorption capacity (86.60%) and high gelatinization onset temperature (66.33°c) and conclusion temperatures (87.33 °c). However C23-3 variety of cassava starch had the highest water hydration capacity (8.42%) while C23-6 variety of cassava starch had the highest viscosity (163.46 RVU). Regarding freeze thaw stability, cassava starch had lowest syneresis (2.17%, 9.50%, 26.33%,35.33% and 35.50%) in five cycles. These functional properties of starch can be used in food industry.

5 tables, 33 ref

017863   Ali Mohammad;Siddiq A;Moheman A;El-Desoky G E (Applied Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: alimohammad0812gmail.com) : Green analytical method for identification of amino acids, vitamins and sugar with preliminary separation on HPTLC plates. Indian J chem Technol 2013, 20(3), 180-4.

High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) has been used as a green analytical method for the identification and separation of amino acids, vitamins and sugars using silica static flat bed in contact of n-butyl alcohol, ethylene glycol or ethyl acetate and their mixtures. From the point of view of chromatographic performance, a mixture of n-butyl alcohol-70% aqueous ethylene glycol-ethyl acetate in the ratio of 5:2:3 by volume proves to be more efficient than the individual components for providing useful separations of amino acids, vitamins and sugars from their multi-component mixtures. The effect of presence of inorganic ions (cations and anions) as impurities in the sample has been examined for the separation of amino acids, vitamins, and sugars. The limits of detection for different analytes are found to be 7.5 μg spot^-1 for proline, thiamine, ascorbic acid, mannose dextrose and fructose; 1.5 μg spot^-1 for pyridoxine and xylose; 0.75 μg spot^-1 for leucine, methionine, histidine, maltose and galactose; and 0.15 μg spot^-1 for glutamic acid. The worked out HPTLC procedure has been tested for its applicability in the identification and separation of amino acids and vitamins present in the commercially available drug and beverage samples respectively. The proposed method is simple, rapid and free from the use of volatile organic solvents and is therefore environmentally acceptable.

2 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

016873   Wang Y;Guo X N;Zhang R;Zhang L F;Liu Q Y (NO, Institute of Material Chemistry, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen 041004, China, Email: zhanglf0015@163.com) : Ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone to polycaprolactone using N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysts. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(2), 175-85.

A metal-free, organocatalytic approach to polymerization using N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as catalysts is described. Herein, the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) catalyzed with three imidazol-2-ylidenes substituted by different groups was investigated for the first time. The effects of polymerization conditions, such as the monomer, catalyst and initiator concentration on the polymerization have been investigated. We have demonstrated that the imidazol-2-ylidenes were able to produce polycaprolactone (PCL) with controlled molecular weights, low polydispersities and well-defined end groups derived from the alcohol /nitiator. The kinetic studies indicate that the polymerization rate is first-order with respect to both catalyst and monomer concentrations. The analyses of polymer ends by lHNMR reveal that the ε-caprolactone polymerization proceeds according to a monomer-activated process.

8 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

016872   Thomas M;Kamble A D;John N (NO, Institute of Science and Technology for Advanced Studies and Research, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat) : Investigations of the influence of compatibilizer and clay filler on the properties of thrmoplastic polyurethane/polyolefins blends. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(2), 1191-1202.

Melt blending of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with polyolefins (PO's) can lower the cost and improve mechanical and chemical properties. Since TPU and PO's are completely immiscible polymers, property enhancement cannot be attained. Effect of incorporation of polypropylene copolymer (PPCP), TPU-g-MA, TPU-g-AA as compatibiliser on the miscibility of the blends and effect of clay filler on the mechanical properties were studied. Blends were produced by melt mixing using a single screw extruder. Mechanical and morphological properties were studied. The results show that the blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/PO's with suitable compatibiliser and clay gives excellent performance in all aspects.

15 ref

016871   Sunathi R;Meerabai R S (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, P.S.G.R.Krishnammal College for Women, Peelamedu, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: sumi_eswar@yahoo.co.in) : Biodiesel Production from Cotton seed oil using extracellular liprase enzyme as catalyst. Adv Pl Sci 2013, 26(1), 61-4.

Biodiesel (Fatty acid methyl esters), which is derived from triglycerides by transesterification with methanol, has attracted considerable attention during the past decade as a renewable, biodegradable and nontoxic fuel. Several processes for biodiesel fuel production have been developed among which the enzymatic process offers several advantages than the chemical routes. Enzymatic transestrification using lipase has become more attractive for biodiesel fuel production, since the glycerol produced as a by product can be easily recovered and the purification of fatty acid methyl ester is simple to accomplish. The main hurdle to the commercialization of this system is the cost of lipase production. As a means of reducing the cost, the extra cellular enzyme is significantly advantageous. In the present investigation, optimization of process parameters for high lipase production by the microbes viz, Mucor racemosus, Aspergillus terreus and Penicillium candidum using SOB and MYGP medium were carried out. Culture filtrates were used as extra cellular crude enzyme source as a catalyst for conversion of cotton seed oil to biodiesel and the parameters such as quantity of enzyme and methanol needed for significant yield of biodiesel were standardized.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

016870   Saxena M;Kukreti A K;Gupta S;Agarwal M K; Rastogi N (NO, Moradabad Institute of Technology, Moradabad) : Effect of compositional dependence on physical properties of Ge₂₂Se_78-xIn_x glass system. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(2), 994-1001.

In the present work, the effect on the physical properties viz. average coordination number, number of constraints, cross-linking density, molecular weight, fraction of floppy modes, mean bond energy, glass transition temperature etc., with the variation in Indium content has been studied theoretically for Ge₂₂Se_78-xIn_x (x=3,6,9,12,15,18,21at.%) glassy alloys. The glass transition temperature and mean bond energy are calculated by using the Tichy-Ticha approach. It has been found that almost all the parameters, studied here, except mean bond energy and glass transition temperature T_g, were increased with the increase in In content.

35 ref

016869   Sastry D N;Revanasiddappa M;Basavaraja C; Suresh T;Raghavendra S C (Chemistry Dep, Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevara University, Bellary-583 104, Email: revum75@gmail.com) : DC conductivity studies of doped polyaniline tungsten oxide nanocomposites. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(5), 435-42.

Camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) doped polyaniline (PANI) and tungsten oxide (WO₃) composites (PANI/CSA/WO₃) have been prepared by in situ deposition technique by placing different wt% of fine grade nano powder of WO₃(PANI/CSA/WO₃-10, -20, -30, -40 and -50%) during polymerization of polyaniline. The polymerization of aniline is carried by using ammonium peroxydisulfate as oxidizing agent. The composites are characterized by various physical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffractogram (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM). The FTIR spectral data shows the homogeneous distribution of WO₃ nano particles in PANI/CSA polymer matrix. The TGA reveals that PANI interacted strongly with the WO₃-SO₃H, enhancing the thermal stability of polyaniline. The SEM images indicate that increase of WO₃ wt% in PANI/CSA/WO₃ composites, enhances the compactness of the matrix. The TEM image clearly shows the size distribution of WO₃nanoparticles formed during the reaction and ranges from 150 to 200 nm. The temperature dependent DC conductivity of PANI/CSA/WO₃ composites is studied in the temperature range 308-433 K. The results of PANI/CSA/WO₃ indicate strong interaction of PANI/CSA with WO₃in the composites. The study of DC conductivity shows an evidence for the transport properties of the composites. Due to the positive temperature coefficient of resistance of WO₃, these composites can signify in development of new materials in temperature dependent applications.

9 illus, 34 ref

016868   Sarkar B;Kammara Sunitha;Sridhar S;Kale V (Lipid Sci. and Tech. Div, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: baisali_s@yahoo.co.in) : Bioethanol dehydration through polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 3A Zeolite mixed matrix composite pervaporation membrane. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(2), 131-43.

Attempts have been made to enhance the hydrophilicity of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) pervaporation (PV) membrane by incorporating 3A zeolite for the separation of ethanol-water azeotrope at varying temperature and permeate pressure. Crosslin king was carried out with 4% glutaraldehyde (GA) and performance of PVA membranes was examined over a zeolite loading range of 5-20% of polymer weight. The zeolite was uniformly dispersed in aqueous PVA solution through sonication. The bubble free solution was subjected to solution casting and solvent evaporation process for obtaining dense membranes. The composite zeolite-PVA layer was supported on an ultraporous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) substrate which had been prepared earlier by phase inversion technique. Zeolite compatibility with cross linked PVA matrix was evaluated by characterization through scaoning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction study (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile strength measurement etc. at 5-20% zeolite dosages. 10% zeolite incorporation was found to be optimum for dehydration of ethanol containing 0-10% water under ambient temperature and low vacuum conditions. Results revealed permeate concentration of water to be greater than 99% for a feed containing 3% water in ethanol, indicating water selectivity of 73,000 and water flux of O. 23kg/m² hr.

8 illus, 23 ref

016867   Saibi S;Belhadj M;Benyoussef E H (NO, Laboratoire Biotechnologie et Genie des Procedes (BIOGEP)-Ecole Natio, 0, Avenue Hassen Badi El-Harrach BP 182, Alger 16200, Algeria, Email: el-hadi.benyoussef@enp.edu.dz) : Essential oil composition of Pimpinella anisum from Algeria. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(6), 401-4.

Water-distilled essential oil from seeds of Pimpinella anisum of Algerian origin was analysed by GC-MS. 9 components representing more then 98.8% of the essential oil were identified among which trans-anethole (92.4%), estragol (1.9%), o-isoeugenol (1.9%) and γ-himachalene (1.1%) were the major constituents. Essential oil yield evolution during water distillation has been investigated as a function of time and showed a relatively slow extraction kinetic.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

016866   Riyajan S A;Isaraintharit;Tangboriboonrat P (Material Science and Technology Dep and Center of Excellence in Nanot, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112 Thailand, Email: saadriyajan@hotmail.com) : Physical properties of the maleated sulphur prevulcanized natural rubber latex-g-cellulose fiber. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(2), 159-74.

The maleated sulfur prevulcanized natural rubber grafted cellulose (M-SPNR-g-cellulose) was prepared from SPNR latex and cellulose fiber of corn leaves by using benzoyl peroxide and potassium persulfate as thermal initiators. The chemical structure of the M-SPNR-g-cellulose was confirmed by ATR-FTIR and solid state ¹³C-NMR. Their modulus and hardness dramatically increased with increasing cellulose content. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased when compared to the unmodified SPNR. The M-SPNR-g-cellulose exhibited good thermal resistance at 90°C. The well dispersed cellulose fibers in rubber matrix were confirmed by SEM and optical microscopy The composite film had antibacterial activity (E. coli) and could be easily degraded when buried in moist soil.

14 illus, 32 ref

016865   Riswan Ali S B;Muthuvelayudham R;Viruthagiri T (Chemical Engineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu) : Statistical optimization of nutrients for production cellulase & hemicellulase from rice straw. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2012, 2(2), 154-74.

Production of cellulase and hemicellulase from Cellulomonas flavigena NCIM 2481, using rice straw as a substrate in submerged fermentation,was enhanced by medium optimization from twelve nutrients using Placket-Burman design. The optimization process was further analyzed using central composite rotary design and response surface methodology. Four significant factors influencing cellulase and hemicelluase productions were identified as NaNO₃,KH₂PO₄, MgSO₄.7H₂O and CaCl₂.2H₂O using Plackett-Burman design study. The combined effects of these nutrients on production of cellulase and hemicellulase were studied using central composite design. The optimized conditions by response surface analysis were NaNO₃ (0.753g/L), KH₂PO₄ (3.3g/L), MgSO₄.7H₂O(0.423g/L) and CaCl₂.2H₂O(0.42g/L). Under these conditions, the production of cellulase and hemicellulase were found to be 1.16 IU/mL and 12.48 IU/mL.

14 ref

016864   Reddy S P;Vardhan S V M;Ravi Kumar D; Shanmukha Kumar J V;Rambabu C (Biochemistry Dep, Krishna Univ, P.G. Centre, Nuzvid, Email: shanmukh_fed@kluniversity.in) : Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for the estimation of raloxifene in marketed formulations. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(6), 358-62.

A Simple, selective, accurate, economical reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was developed for estimation of Raloxifene in pharmaceutical formulations. Chromatographic separation achieved on a C₁₈ column (Use INERTS1L, C₁₈, 5μ,250x4.6 mm i.d.) with mobile phase containing acetonirile and ammonium acetate buffer in the ratio 75:25 v/v. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and effluent was monitored at 254 nm. The retention time was 4.413 min. The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy and precision. The linearity curve was found to be linear over 2.5 - 12.5 μg/mL. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.0202 and 0.202 μg/ml respectively. The proposed method was successfully used to determine the drug content of marketed formulations.

2 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

016863   Misra A N;Misra M;Singh R (Centre for Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ratu-Lohardaga Road, Brambe, Ranchi-835 205, Email: misraan@yahoo.co.uk) : Nanotechnology in agriculture and food industry. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2013, 16(2), 1-9.

There is a growing demand for healthy and safe food, strategy against an increasing risk of biotic factors such as disease, and threats to agricultural and food production from changing global climate condition. Nanotechnology is a new discipline and developed innovative tools to revolutionize the agricultural and food industry through diagnosis and treatment of diseases, enhancing the ability of plants to absorb nutrients, combat microbial and pest infections, increase the efficiency of biocides, reduce pollution and clean-up existing pollutants. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) can immensely benefit itself fromnanotechnology by using nano-sensors and nano-devices, and improve the grower's ability for timely harvest of the crop, maintaining the vitality of the crop, and abatement of microbial or chemical hazards. With these technological development, societal issues associated with nanotechnology and to improve public awareness are emerging.

^iia1 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

016862   Kucukbay F Z;Cetin H (Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Analytical Chemistry Div, Inonu Univ, Faculty of Pharmacy, 44280 Malatya, Turkey, Email: zkucukbay@inonu.edu.tr) : Determination of some essential elements and composition of the essential oils of Achillea grandifolia Friv. (Asteraceae) from different localities. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(6), 337-50.

The chemical composition essential oils of Achillea grandifolia natively grown from different localities in Turkey and their total contents of major, minor and trace elements (Al, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Fe, Co, Se, Cd, Pb) were studied. Piperitone (34.0%), carvacrol (7.0%) and p-cymene, (5.0%) were the main components in the oil of Achillea grandifolia collected from Izmir. The oil of Achillea grandifolia collected from Aydin contained 1,8-cineole (32.0%), piperitone (18.7%), and p-cymene, (10.0%) as main constituents. The determination of mineral and trace elements in Achillea grandifolia samples leaves was carried out by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The accuracy of method was ensured by using standard reference material (N1ST-SRM 1515 Apple leaves). Results presented here clearly show that the examined herbal remedies play a meaningful role in human nutrition as micro-nutrients sources. Their recommended daily dose consumption is not harmful.

5 tables, 76 ref

016861   Jithin M M;Eganathan P;Saranya J;Anil Kumar N P;Parida A (Plant Tissue Culture and Bioprospecting Laboratory, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, 3rd Cross Road, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai-600 113, Email: eganathan@gmail.com) : Essential oil composition of leaf and wood of Mastixia arborea C.B. Clarke. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(6), 351-7.

Fresh leaf and wood samples of Mastixia arborea collected from wild tree and essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation process and the compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis. A total 38 compounds from leaf and 9 compounds from wood were identified among which β-caryophyllene (15.53%) occupies the higher composition in the leaf oil and 2- propenamide (30.05%) in the wood oil. The leaf oil has higher percentage of sesquiterpenoid compounds (78.8%).

2 tables, 24 ref

016860   Huang Y;Fu Z;Gu X;Feng L;Fan Z (State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China, Email: fenglf@zju.edu.cn) : Terpolymerization of ethylene/propylene/5- ethylidene-2-norbornene using rac-Et(lnd)₂ZrCI₂ and modified-methylaluminoxane metallocene catalyst system. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(2), 145-57.

Terpolymerizations of ethylene, propylene and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB) were carried out with rac-Et(lnd)₂ZrCl₂/ modified-methylaluminiumoxane (MMAO) in n-heptane. Continuous gas feeding method was employed. The rac-Et(lnd)₂ZrCl₂/MMAO catalyst system exhibited very high terpolymerization activity (4. 2x 10⁴ kg' mol^-1_zr, h^-1) at Al/Zr <60> 1000. The effect of polymerization pressure, [rac-Et(lnd)₂ZrCl₂], [ENB] and ethylene/propylene feed ratio on the terpolymerizations were studied. Terpolymers containing 51 - 71 wt% of ethylene units and 0.4 - 2. 1 wt% of ENB units were produced. The comonomer composition of terpolymers was about the same as the feed composition in the range from ethylene/propylene = 50/50 to ethylene/propylene = 70/30. The triads distribution of some terpolymers made in this work was similar to that of commercialized EPDM.

7 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

016859   Hazarika S B;Choudhury S U;Panja S S;Dolui S K;Chandra Ray B (Chemistry Dep, Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam, Email: sonaleeghy@gmail.com) : Fabrication and performance of hybrid betel nut and jute fiber reinforced epoxy composite. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(2), 213-24.

Preparation of epoxy hybrid composites reinforced with betel nut and jute fiber with fixed fiber weight fraction (30%) pattern has been described. Both the fibers were chemically treated for better compatibility between fiber and matrix. Characterization of the composites was carried out by measuring its tensile, flexural, impact strength and density. The hybridization of betel nut fibers with jute fibers improved the mechanical strength and dimensional stability of the hybrid composites. Surface morphology of fiber and the composites have also been investigated with scanning electron microscope. Thermal stability of the composites was also studied. Hybrid composite of mixed fiber layer shows better mechanical strength.

8 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

016858   Gurumoorthi P;Janardhanan K;Kalavathy G (Food and Process Engineering, School of Bioengineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur-603 203, , Email: p_gurumoorthi@yahoo.com ) : Improving nutritional value of velvet bean, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall.ex.Wight) L. H. Bailey, an under-utilized pulse, using microwave technology. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2013, 12(4), 677-81.

The velvet bean is an under-utilized legume species grown predominantly in Asia, Africa and in parts of America. A hill tribe by name Kanikkars inhabiting Western Ghats bordering Tamil Nadu and Kerala traditionally consume the seeds as source of protein. However, the seeds also are known to possess several undesirable anti-nutritional factors which elicit adverse effects in the consuming people. In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the effect of soaking followed by microwave cooking on the elimination or reduction of anti-nutritional factors (ANF's) and the overall improvement in nutritional quality of two germplasm seed samples collected from Western Ghats of Velvet bean. In both the germplasm, it has been detected and demonstrated that all the investigated ANF's except the pharmacologically important L-Dopa are significantly eliminated. The reduction in contents of total free phenolics, tannins and phytic acid due to microwave cooking is significant (87.5%, 69.9-69.6%, and 78.7-82.1%), respectively. The reduction in levels of L-Dopa due to microwave cooking is insignificant (4.47-6.48%) where as TIA and CIA are found to be significant (TIA: 89.5-90.8%; CIA: 94.6-96%), respectively. Among the three erythrocytes, the loss of lectin activity in respect of `O' blood group in Kailasa Nadu germplasm is low compared to other values (76%). At the same time the seed protein quality of both the germplasm is not adversely affected.

5 tables, 23 ref

016857   Dutta M;Ghosh P;Basu J K (Indian Institute of Technology, , Kharagpur, Kharagpur) : Statistical optimization for the prediction of ibuprofen adsorption capacity by using microwave assisted activated carbon. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(2), 1053-1060.

The adsorption of ibuprofen was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) through a three level Box-Behnken design (BBD). The microwave assisted activated carbon derived from scrap wood of Acacia Auriculiformis was used as an adsorbent for the present study. The optimization through RSM involves the approximation of several independent dependent variables. In the present scenario solution pH, initial adsorbate concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and reaction temperature were considered as the input variables whereas, the ibuprofen adsorption capacity was chosen as the response variable. The quadratic model was suggested to predict the ibuprofen removal efficiency. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA) it was found that solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and reaction temperature had significant effects on ibuprofen adsorption. With help of numerical optimization technique the adsorption process was optimized and a good desirability value (1.0) was also obtained. The experimental and model predicted values of the ibuprofen adsorption were compared and both the values were found to be in reasonable agreement with each other.

29 ref

016856   Dutta M;Basu J K;Faraz M H;Gautam N;Adarsh Kumar (Indian Institute of Technology, , Kharagpur) : Fixed-bed column study of textile dye direct blue 86 by using a composite adsorbent. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(2), 882-91.

In the present study, the adsorption of a textile dye direct blue 86 was studied through a fixed-bed column by using a carbon-alumina composite pellet. The adsorbent wasdeveloped by using microwave assisted activated carbon and commercial alumina. In order to find out the batch adsorption characteristics various adsorption isotherms such as, Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin were investigated and the corresponding monolayer capacity was found to be 500.16 mg/g. The fixed - bed column was used to investigate the dynamic adsorption characteristics where the effects inlet dye concentration (50-200 mg/L), feed flow rate (5 - 15 mL/min) and activated carbon bed height (5.04 - 10.16 cm) on the adsorption breakthrough were also investigated. The maximum removal capacity in the column study was found to be 142.67 mg/l with an initial dye concentration and flowrate of 100 mg/l and 12 ml/min according to Bohart-Adams model. The breakthrough behavior was also effectively described by the Yoon-Nelson and Clark model.

26 ref

016855   Dubey P R;Dubey R;Vashishtha P (Foods and Nutrition Dep, Halina School of Home Science, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of cooking methods on oxalic acid and phytic acid content of horse gram dal and Khesari dal. Adv Life Sci 2012, 1(2), 164-6.

Khesari dal and Horse gram dal are cheaper in comparison of other pulses and they are also easily cultivated. Vegetarians who consumed greater amount of these pulses will have a higher intake of oxalate, which may reduce calcium availability. The objectives of present research were to investigate on the effect of different domestic cooking methods on the antinutritional factors such as Oxalic acid and Phytic acid in selected pulses and to asses their palatability after cooking. The organoleptic acceptability of the Khesari dal products was good in comparison to Horse gram dal products after cooking it by both the cooking methods (roasting and frying).Oxalic acid and Phytic acid were determined in raw and cooked pulses. The different cooking methods showed significant reduction (p=0.05) in Oxalic acid and Phytic acid content of pulses. Among both the cooking methods (frying and roasting) frying was found to be the better method for lowering the oxalic acid and Phytic acid contents. In Khesari dal significantly greater reduction (p=0.05) in Phytic acid (39 per cent) content was observed by frying method in comparison to roasting method (25.7 per cent) In Khesari dal significant decrease (p=0.05) in oxalic acid content (25.5 per cent) was observed by frying method in comparison to roasting method (13.7 per cent). In Horse gram dal significantly greater reduction (p=0.05) in phytic acid (20.1 per cent) content was observed by frying method in comparison to roasting method (11.7 percent). In Horse gram dal significant decrease (p=0.05) in Oxalic acid content (22.4 per cent) was observed by frying method in comparison to roasting method (13.3 per cent). Cooking methods shows considerable reduction in Oxalic acid and Phytic acid contents in both the pulses. Frying was fairly effective in reducing the phytic acid and Oxalic acid. The reduction of anti-nutrients on cooking is expected to enhance the nutritional value of these pulses by increasing the availability of nutrients present.

016854   Dubey P R;Dubey R;Saxena K (Foods and Nutrition Dep, Halina School of Home Science, Deemed-to-be University, Allahabad, Email: ritupdubey2009@rediffmail.com) : Preparation of value added weaning food products for infants using flours of germinated cereals and pulses. Adv Life Sci 2012, 1(2), 152-6.

Germinated grain flours were incorporated into four weaning food recipes namely pangiri, sweet porridge, ladoo, sweet and salty biscuits using their standardize recipes. For each of the product prepared there were 3 treatments T1 (60 per cent W.F., 20 per cent M.F., 20 per cent B.F.), T2 (20 per cent W.F, 70 per cent M.F, 10 per cent B.F), T3 (20 per cent W.F, 15 per cent M.F., 65 per cent B.F). The prepared products were organoleptically evaluated using the Nine-point hedonic Scale. Chemical analysis of germinated grain flours (wheat flour, whole mung flour and bajra flour) was analysed using standardized methods. The nutritional content of the products were calculated using the Food Composition Table (Gopalan, 2004). Treatment T2 (20 per cent W.F, 70 per cent M.F, 10 per cent B.F) scored the best in 2 prepared products whereas treatment T1 (60 per cent W.F, 20 per cent M.F, 20 percent B.F) scored best in prepared products and treatment T3 (20 per cent W.F, 15 per cent M.F, 65 per cent B.F) in the overall acceptability. The chemical composition of wheat flour (100g) with respect to moisture (5.2 g), carbohydrates (86.4 g), crude fibre (2.8 g) protein (10.4 g), calcium (56 mg) and iron (7.2 mg) in whole mung flour (100g) with respect to moisture (4.9 g), crude fibre (6.8 g), carbohydrates (70.1 g), protein (26.7 g), calcium (96 mg) and iron (4.8 mg) and in bajra flour moisture (6.1 g), carbohydrate (79.2 g), crude fibre (2.3 g) protein (13.9 g), calcium (58 mg) and iron (9.8 mg). Nutrients content of the products showed an increased in all nutrients. So it was concluded that the products formulated by incorporation of different percentage of germinated grain flours are acceptable and at the same time are nutritionally dense.

016853   Dhanapal K;Reddy G V S;Naik B B;Venkateswarlu G;Reddy A D;Basu S (Fish Processing Technology Dep, College of Fishery Science, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Muthukur, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh) : Effect of cooking on physical, biochemical, bacteriological characteristics and fatty acid profile of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) fish steaks. Archiv appl Sci Res 2012, 4(2), 1142-9.

Fish makes a vital contribution to the survival and health of a significant portion of the world's population. Fish is especially important in the developing world. In some of Asia's poorest countries people derive as much as 75% of their daily protein from fish. In West Africa, fish accounts for 30% of animal protein intake, and this number would be larger if the poor could afford to buy more. In the present study, the effect of cooking on the changes in physical, biochemical, and bacteriological characteristics and fatty acid profile of fresh tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) meat were studied. The physical parameters like color, textural and pH was analyzed, while the chemical parameters like Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVB-N), Thiobarbutric Acid (TBA) value, fatty acid profile and bacteriological analysis like Total plate count (TPC) were also analyzed. Along with the physical, biochemical, and bacteriological parameters, proximate analyses like moisture, protein, fat and ash content were also analyzed to assess the nutritional quality of tilapia fish. A significant (p<60>0.05) reduction in moisture and fat content was observed in cooked tilapia meat with increased protein and ash content. The parameters of color viz. lightness (L), redness (a), yellowness (b), hue angle (arcton, b/a) and saturation index (a^*2+b^*2)0.5 significantly changed (p<60>0.05) in the cooked fish steaks. Textural profile analysis of tilapia fish steaks revealed significant decrease (p<60>0.05) in hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, resilience, cohesiveness and chewiness, with a slight increase in the springiness and stringiness. Cooking of tilapia fish steaks had a significant influence on the TBA content and microbial load. The levels of TBA, salt, TVBN and TPC of raw/fresh meat of tilapia, which were 0.77±0.01mg%, 0.58±0.01%, 3.57±0.01mg% and 4.9 x104cfu/g, was changed to 1.61±0.06mg%, 0.41±0.01%, 3.59±0.01mg% and <1 x102cfu/g respectively, after cooking. The fatty acid composition of the cooked tilapia fish steaks significantly decreased in the levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and increased the n-3/n-6 Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) ratio. While cooking significantly increased the contents of eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA) in tilapia meat, no significant (p<62>0.05) impact was observed on the contents of decosa-pentaenoic acid (DPA). Therefore tilapia meat appears to be a valuable source of n-3 PUFAs.

33 ref

016852   Deshmukh K A;Amin P D (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Dep, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Email: purnima.amin@yahoo.co.in) : Stability indicating RP-HPLC method for analysis of soy isoflavones in pharmaceutical formulations. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(6), 327-36.

For evaluating the stability of the Soy Isoflavones in pharmaceutical formulations and for detecting the presence of any degradation product generated during the six months of accelerated stability conditions a simple, isocratic, reverse phase HPLC method was developed for the quantification of Soy aglycones viz. Daidzein, Glycitein and Genistein. The method was found to be specific, linear (r²= 0.9994), precise (RSD for six samples <60> 2%) and accurate.

5 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

016851   Bakar M;Kostrzewa M;Bialkowska A;Gradkowski M (Organic Materials Technology Dep, Radom Uniersity of Technology and Humanities, Chrobrego 27, 26-600 Radom, Poland, Email: mbakar@wp.pl) : Optimization of mixing parameters on the impact strength and flexural properties of montmorillonite incorporated epoxy resin. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(2), 199-211.

The present study investigates the effect of the ultrasonic amplitude and the mixing time on the impact strength (IS) and the flexural properties of an epoxy resin containing 1wt% nanoclay The results showed that the amplitude and the mixing time had a significant effect on the IS but a smaller effect on the flexural strength and the flexural strain at break of the epoxy resin. Maximum IS and flexural properties were obtained with a maximum ultrasonic amplitude of 260 μm (100%) and a mixing time of 10 min due to better nanoparticles dispersion. The utility function was found to be the highest at lower mixing times and higher amplitudes for both considered cases of satisfactory mechanical properties values. It was confirmed that under optimum mixing conditions, the fracture surfaces of epoxy composites were rougher with significant plastic deformations with nanoparticles embedded in the polymer matrix, explaining thus the improvement of the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix.

8 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

016850   Ayar A (NO, Sakarya University, Engineering Faculty, Food Engineering, Serdivan, Sakarya, Trkiye, Email: aayar@sakarya.edu.tr) : Some properties of traditional Turkish dessert `Incir Uyutmasi'produced by yoghurt culture. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2013, 12(3), 370-8.

The effect of yoghurt cultures on chemical, sensorial and microbiological properties of a regional dessert "incir uyutmasi" was studied in this research. Dry matter, pH, viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), color properties (L*, a*, b* values), mineral matters (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn), sensorial properties and microbial quality of dessert were affected by yoghurt cultures and other additives. Yoghurt cultures improved sensory characteristics and caused a decrease in the number of yeast and mold in desserts but also reduced WHC and pH. Salep and fig fruit concentration caused an important increase in the viscosity and the WHC of desserts. Consequently, yoghurt cultures improved functional properties and the storage stability of the dessert.

5 illus, 6 tables, 36 ref

015795   Yousefi M;Nazeri V;Moayedi A;Mirza M (Horticultural Sciences Dep, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran Univ, Karaj 31587-11167, Iran, Email: morteza.yousefi@yahoo.com) : First report on seed chemical compositions of Salvia leriifolia Benth.. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(1), 56-62.

Proximate compositions and chemical properties of the seeds and the oil extracted from seed of Salvia leriifolia Benth, a medicinal plant belonging to family Lamineaceae collected from Najmabad region (in Razavi Khorasan province of Iran) were investigated in this study. Proximate analysis showed that the seeds of 5. leriifolia contained 28.5% oil (seed dry weight), 24.77% protein, 17.18% crude fiber, 7.8% ash and 13.6% carbohydrate. The levels of minerals Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were 4000, 3009, 2700, 2300, 90, 60, 43, 19.4 and 10 mg per kg seed, respectively. The iodine value of extracted oil evaluated here (122 gI₂ per 100 g of oil) reflects high level of unsaturation of the extracted oil. Also saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, and refractive index were found to be 178, 1.05, 0.84 and 1.450, respectively. The Oil extracted from S. leriifolia had almost equal amounts of oleic and linoleic acids (41% for oleic acid and 42.3% for linoleic acid). Fatty acid profile indicated that the level of alpha linolenic acid (1.7%) is lower than those of many other studied species of Salvia. The results showed that S. leriifolia seed was rich in minerals, oil, protein, fibers, and essential fatty acids (omega-6 group) which make it a valuable oil seed.

4 tables, 32 ref

015794   Wu B;Gong M;Chu J;Wang X;Xiong S (NO, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Science & Techno, Xi'an-710 054, PR China, Email: wubohua2005@126.com) : Facile synthesis of highly dispersed PtSn nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes with excellent ethanol electrooxidation performance. Indian J Chem-Sect A 2013, 52(12), 1557-63.

Stable and uniform PtSn nanoparticles on the surface of carbon nanotubes with ultrafine particle sizes have been prepared via the ionic liquid polymer method. Morphology and electrochemical properties of the PtSn nanoparticles supported on the ionic liquid (IL) polymer-functionalzed carbon nanotubes *(PtSn/CNTs-f nanohybrids) have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The average diameter of PtSn nanoparticles in the PtSn/CNTs-p nanohybrids, 6± nm, which is much smaller, than that deposited on pristine carbon nanotubes (PtSn/CNTs-p nanohybrids, 6± nm). The electrochemical active surface area (ESA) of the ptSn/CNTs-f nanohybrids is about twice as high as that of the PtSn/CNTs-p nanohybrids. In comparison of the PtSn/CNTs-p nanohybrids, PtSn/CNTs-f nanohybrids exhibit unexpectedly high activity and stability towards ethanol electroxidation which may be attributed to the higher disperson, smaller particle size and higher ESA of the PtSn nanoparticles on the IL Polymer functionalized CNTs material. The results indicate that PtSn/CNTs-f nanohybrids are promising anodic electrocatalyst for direct ethanol fuel cells.

6 illus, 37 ref

015793   Wankhede S B;Chitlange S S;Bhole R P;Zambare S S (NO, Pad. Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune-411 018, Email: drsagarwankhede@rediffmail.com ) : Simple and sensitive HPTLC method for simultaneous analysis of thiocolchicoside and ketoprofen in combined dose tablet formation. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(5), 301-8.

High-performance thin-layer chromatographic method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of thiocolchicoside and ketoprofen in combined dose tablet formulation. The chromatography was performed on pre-coated silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates using methanol-toluene-benzene 2.5:3.5:4.0 (v/v/v) as mobile phase. The plates were developed to a distance of 8.0 cm at ambient temperature. Experimental conditions such as band size, chamber saturation time, migration of solvent front, slit width, etc. were critically studied and the optimum conditions were selected. A TLC scanner set at 260 nm was used for direct evaluation of the chromatograms in reflectance/absorbance mode. The drugs were satisfactorily resolved with R _f 0.34 for thiocolchicoside and 0.65 for ketoprofen. Method was validated according to the ICH guidelines The calibration plot was linear between 125-750 ng per band for THC and 1000-6000 ng per band for KET. The LOD and LOQ for THC were 17.43 and 52.82 ng per band, for KET they were 136.46 and 413.40 ng per band, respectively. Accuracy and precision of the proposed method was evaluated by recovery studies (% recovery for THC and KET was 99.35% and 99.99%, respectively) and intra-day and inter-day precision studies (standard deviation for precision studies was below 2), respectively. In stability testing, THC was found susceptible to acid hydrolysis, oxidation (3% H₂O₂) and photodegradation whereas KET was susceptible to oxidation (3% H₂O₂). Because the method could effectively separate the drugs from their degradation products, it can be used as a stability indicating method.

6 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

015792   Vikas Chander;Manindra Mohan;Seth R;Singh P; Singh R;Gupta S (NO, Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Dehradun-248 001, Email: prashantraj86@yahoo.com) : Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for the estimation of lisinopril in tablet dosage form. Analyt chem Lett 2012, 2(5), 309-13.

New isocratic reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with diode-array UV detection was developed and validated for the determination of lisinopril in pharmaceutical formulation. The method validation of lisinopril was performed by using Nucleosil (125 x 4.0mm, 5mm) as stationary phase with mobile phase consisting of buffer solution, isopropyl alcohol and triethylamine (95:5:0.1) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The column temperature and spectrometric detection were monitored at 50°C and 215 nm, respectively. The 20 μl of sample was injected for the run time of 7 min. The statistical analysis of data showed that the validated method is within limits in all respective parameters and is quick and reliable for quantitative as well as quality control analysis of lisinopril for pharmaceutical formulation.

4 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref