024419   Daniel D K;Malik S (Chemical Engineering Div, School of Biotechnology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014) : Prediction of low temperature viscous behaviour of bio-diesel from karanja oil methyl ester. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2008, 89(Sep), 29-32.

The utilization ofbio-diesel as a fuel significantly depends on its viscosity. In the investigation, viscous behaviour of Karanja oil ester was investigated for use as a potential and alternating fuel. Blends of the ester and oil were prepared, analyzed and compared with diesel fuel. The effect of temperature on viscosity of bio-diesel and Karanja oil was determined. The different samples were examined in the range of 0-20°C. Empirical relations for the temperature dependence of viscosity were computed. Above 0°C, these relations described all measurements well. Below 0°C, the viscosity was observed to decrease due to the crystallization of the ester.

3 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

024418   Chakra Vorty D;Basu S;Pal B N;Mukherjee P K; Ghosh B;Chatterjee K;Bose A;Bhattacharya S;Banerje A (DTS Unit on Nano Science and MLS Professor's Unit, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata-700 032, Email: mlsdc@iacs.res.in) : Synthesis of nanocomposites using glasses and mica as templates. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 263-76.

Various nanocomposites were synthesized using either a silica-based glass or mica crystallites as the medium. In some cases by an oxidation or a sulfidation treatment a core-shell nanostructure could be generated. Iron-iron oxide core-shell structured nanocomposites exhibited excellent humidity sensing behaviour. Gold-gold sulfide core-shell nanorods exhibited a number of optical absorption peaks which arose because of their structural characteristics. Nanoparticles of silver and silver oxide could be aligned in a polymethyl-methacrylate film by an a.c. electric field of 1 MHz frequency. The composites showed large sensitivity to relative humidity. Lead sulfide nanowires of diameter, 1-2 nm, were grown within the nanochannels of Na-4 mica. These exhibited a semiconductor to metal transition at around 300 K. This arose because of high pressure generated on the nanowires. Copper sulfide nanowires grown within the Na-4 mica channels showed metallic behaviour. Silver core-silver orthosilicate shell nanostructures developed within a silicate glass medium showed discontinuous changes in resistivity at some specific temperatures. This was explained as arising due to excitation of Lamb modes at certain pressures generated because of thermal expansion mismatch of the core and the shell phases. Optical properties of iron core-iron oxide shell nanocomposites when analysed by effective medium theory led to the result of a metal non-metal transition for particle diameters below a critical value. Similar results were obtained from optical absorption data of silver nanoparticles grown in a tetrapep-tide solution.

27 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

024417   Bohidar H B (School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, New Delhi-110 067, Email: bohi0700@mail.jnu.ac.in) : Kinetics of self-organization of polyampholyte nanoparticles in solutions. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 391-95.

An appropriate composition of a binary solvent, water-ethanol, provides the necessary thermody-namic environment for the polyampholyte (gelatin) molecules to form self-assembled nano-clusters having fractal dimension, ≈ 2-6, in the bulk (3-D). The aggregation in the bulk of the solution appears to be an anomalous process and could be explained through Smoluchowski aggregation model. It gives a diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) type fractal dimension to the cluster in bulk, but shows extremely low polydispersity, which in fact is a signature of a slowly growing reaction limited cluster aggregation (RLA) process. Experimental results obtained from light scattering and electrophoresis experiments enable us to probe the kinetics of such growth processes.

3 illus, 20 ref

024416   Bhuvana T;Kulkarni G U (Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit and DST Unit on Nanoscience, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore-560 064, Email: kulkarni@jncasr.ac.in) : Polystyrene as a zwitter resist in electron beam lithography based electroless patterning of gold. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 201-6.

The resist action of polystyrene (M_w, 2,600,000) towards electroless deposition of gold on Si(100) surface following cross-linking by exposing to a 10 kV electron beam, has been investigated employing a scanning electron microscope equipped with electron beam lithography tool. With a low dose of electrons (21 μC/cm²), the exposed regions inhibited the metal deposition from the plating solution due to cross-linking-typical of the negative resist behaviour of polystyrene, with metal depositing only on the developed Si surface. Upon increased electron dosage (160 μC/cm²), however, Au deposition took place even in the exposed regions of the resist, thus turning it into a positive resist. Raman measurement revealed amorphous carbon present in the exposed region that promotes metal deposition. Further increase in dosage led successively to negative (220 μC/cm²) and positive (13,500 μC/cm²) resist states. The zwitter action of polystyrene resist has been exploited to create line gratings with pitch as low as 200 nm and gap electrodes down to 80 nm.

8 illus, 19 ref

024415   Bhattacharyya S;Roychowdhury A;Ghosh S (Chemistry Technology Dep, College of Science and Technology Univ, Calcutta Univ, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: santinathghosh@yahoo.com.hk) : Lutein content, fatty acid composition and enzymatic modification of lutein from marigold (Tagetes patula L.) flower petals. J Indian Chem Soc 2008, 85(9), 942-4.

Marigold flower (Tagetes patula L.) is a very good source of carotenoid mainly lutein. The marigold flowers of three varieties (orange, yellow and red) are utilized to extract the lutein present in it by using various solvents like hexane, acetone, petroleum ether and methanol. Among these solvents methanol showed the highest extractability (52.51%). Among the various marigold, orange variety content the maximum amount of lutein of 154.96 mg per gram of extract. The fatty acid composition of the ester fraction was determined and saturated fatty acid content was maximum (about 75%) and unsaturated fatty acid was about 25%. The lutein ester was also reacted with capric acid (C₁₀) in presence of M. miehei immobilized lipase and about 17.5% C₁₀ fatty acid was incorporated to produce modified lutein for application in various functional foods.

2 tables, 13 ref

024414   Bhattacharya K;Das D (Energy Research Unit, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata-700 032, Email: erdd@iacs.res.in) : Nanocrystalline silicon prepared at high growth rate using helium dilution. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 467-71.

Growth and optimization of the nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si: H) films have been studied by varying the electrical power applied to the helium diluted silane plasma in RF glow discharge. Wide optical gap and conducting intrinsic nanocrystalline silicon network of controlled crystalline volume fraction and oriented crystallographic lattice planes have been obtained at a reasonably high growth rate from helium diluted silane plasma, without using hydrogen. Improving crystallinity in the network comprising ~ 10 nm Si-nanocrystallites and contributing optical gap widening, conductivity ascending and that obtained during simultaneous escalation of the deposition rate, promises significant technological impact.

6 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

024413   Bhargava B L;Saharay M;Balasubramanian S (Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore-560 064, Email: bala@jncasr.ac.in ) : Ab initio studies on [bmim][PF₆]-CO₂ mixture and CO₂ clusters. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 327-34.

Ab initio molecular dynamics studies have been carried out on the room temperature ionic liquid, l,n-butyl,3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF₆]) and supercritical carbon dioxide mixture at room temperature and experimental density. Partial radial distribution functions (RDF) for different sites have been computed to see the organization of CO₂ molecules around the ionic liquid. Several partial RDFs around the carbon atom of CO₂ molecule are compared to find out that the CO₂ has specific interaction with a carbon atom present in the imidazolium ring. The CO₂ is also found to be very well organized around the terminal carbon atom of the butyl chain. The partial RDFs for the oxygen atoms around oxygen and carbon atoms of the CO₂ suggests that there is very good organization of CO₂ molecules around themselves even in the [bmim][PF₆] - CC₂ mixture. The instantaneous quadrupole moment tensor has been calculated for the anion and the cation. The ensemble average of diagonal components of quadrupole moment tensor of the cation have finite values, whereas the off-diagonal components of the cation and both the diagonal and off-diagonal components of the anion have the value of zero with a large standard deviation. The CPMD studies performed on CO₂ clusters reveals the greater tendency of the clusters with more CO₂ units, to deviate from the linear geometry.

8 illus, 1 table, 64 ref

024412   Awasthi K;Yadav T P;Mishra P R;Awasthi S; Srivastava O N (Physics Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: hepons@yahoo.com) : Investigation on carbon nanomaterials: Coaxial CNT-cylinders and CNT-polymer composite. Bull Mater Sci 2008, 31(3), 313-18.

The macroscopic coaxial carbon cylinders (dia. ~ 0-5 cm with varying lengths, ~ 7-10 cm) consisting of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) stacks have been prepared by controlled spray pyrolysis method. The coaxial carbon cylinders of CNT stacks have been formed directly inside the quartz tube. Another study is done on multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs)-polymer (e.g. polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyacrylamide (PAM)) composite films. We have investigated the structural, electrical and mechanical properties of MWNTs-PEO composites. Composites with different wt% (between 0 and 50 wt % of MWNTs) have been prepared and characterized by the scanning electron microscopic technique. Enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical strength were observed for the MWNTs-PEO composites. We have also studied the electrical property of MWNTs-PAM composite films.

6 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

024411   Athawale V;Shetty N (Chemistry Dep, Mumbai Univ, Vidyanagari, Mumbai, Email: vilasda@yahoo.com) : Blends of CNSL phenol - formaldehyde ketonic resin: a cost-effective endeavour to enhance performance of conventional CNSL coatings. Paintindia 2008, 58(12), 69-78.

Cashewnut shell liquid (CNSL) and Phenol formaldehyde were synthesised in the laboratory and subsequently blended with ketonic (Cyclohexanone formaldehyde) resin. The physico-mechanical and performance properties such as drying time, hardness, adhesion, flexibility, gloss, skinning tendency, corrosion, impact resistance and chemical resistance were examined at various compositions of the modified CNSL resin and ketonic resin blend. The 50:50 percent (w/w) of CNSL-phenol-formaldehyde - Ketonic (Cyclohexanone formaldehyde) resin blend exhibited enhanced coating properties as compared to any other proportions of the blend. The 50:50 percent (w/w) of CNSL-phenol-formaldehyde-Ketonic (Cyclohexanone formaldehyde) resin blend exhibited enhanced coating properties as compared to any other propertions of the blend.

4 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

024410   Ahsan H;Rehman W U;Wami S M;Dar B N;Dalal M R;Malik A R (Post Harvest Technology Div, S.K. Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar-191 121, Email: darnabi@gmail.com) : Influence of potassium metabisulphite pre-treatment, osmotic dip and packaging materials on dehydration and some chemical properties of apple rings. Appl biol Res 2008, 10(1-2), 31-5.

Investigations were carried out to optimize potassium metabisulphite (KMS) pre-treatment and osmotic dip for dehydration of apple rings. The apple cv. 'White Dotted Red' fruits were divided into two lots. One lot was dipped in sugar (sucrose) syrup of 0, 40, 50 and 60% Brix for 8 hr. The other lot was first pre-treated with 1.5% KMS for 45 minutes before sugar syrup dip. The apple rings were packed in low density either polyethylene or laminated almunium pouches and stored under ambient conditions (temperature 18±2°C, pH 65±5%) for 180 days. The moisture content and acidity also showed significant increase during storage whileas reducing sugars showed non-significant increase. The samples packed in laminated almunium pouches were found more acceptable after storage.

3 tables, 16 ref

024409   Ada K (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey, Email: kezbanada@mynet.com) : Effect of preparation procedure for precursor on the morphology, surface area and porosity of alumina powders. Asian J Chem 2008, 20(4), 3259-66.

Investigates the effect of preparation procedure for precursors on some physico-chemical properties of powders, three alumina precursors were prepared by different ways. The first precursor (P1) was precipitated by adding ammonia to the boiling aluminium sulphate solution buffered by NH₃/NH₄Cl pH = 9.25). The second precursor (P2) was precipitated by the reaction between aluminium sulphate and excess urea in boiling aqueous solution (pH = 3.42). The third precursor (P3) was precipitated by the similar reaction in boiling aqueous solution buffered by C₂H₄(COOH)₂/C₂H₄(COONH₄)₂ (pH = 4.16). Three different alumina powders (P1, P2 and P3) were obtained by the calcination of the precursors at 1000°C for 2 h. The powders were examined by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. The BET specific surface areas (A) and specific micro-mesopore volumes (V) for the powders (P1, P2 and P3) were obtained as 116 m² g^-1 and 0.34 cm³ g^-1, 66 m² g^-1 and 0.15 cm³ g^-1 and 148 m² g^-1 and 0.59 cm³ g^-1, respectively. The surface areas of the powders determined by other methods, are compared with the BET values.

6 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

023414   Yogesh;Gupta S;Javiya S;Paul P;Singh K; Bhattacharya A (NO, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700 064, Email: bhattacharyaamit1@rediffmail.com) : Natural colors through modified synthetic membranes : separation performances of floral pigments from the extract of rose petals. J Indian Chem Soc 2008, 85(11), 1134-9.

UV-assisted photochemical technique was used to produce modified polysulfone (PS) membranes and their separation ability of natural pigments from rose petal extract was tested. Grafting by hydrophilic monomer (acrylic acid) increased wettability of polysulfone membrane surface and shifted the membrane to lower molecular weight cut off, which increased retention in anthocyans from rose petal extract. Membrane modified with acrylic acid with different grafting showed gradual increase in performance behavior towards the anthocyans separation. The pH dependence performance study showed different significant behavior in anthocyans separation, as the chemistry of modified membranes and anthocyanins is sensitive.

5 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

023413   Vikesh Kumar;Tripathi M R;Manish Kumar;Shukla G (Chemistry Dep, D.A.V.P.G. College, Kanpur-208 001, Email: tripathimadhoram@yahoo.co.in) : Photosensitization studies in selected dyestuffs. E J Chem 2009, 6(3), 659-64.

There are various dyestuffs species to produce reactive oxygen such as singlet oxygen O₂ and super oxide radicals. Irradiation with sun light in vitro, the dyestuff like benzanthrone, metanil yellow and p-aminodiphenylamine were found to produce reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and/or superoxide radicals (O₂^-). However benzanthrone produces detectable amount of ¹O₂ Although metanil yellow and p-aminodiphenylamine (p-ADPA) did not produce detectable amounts of ¹O₂ under similar conditions. The dyestuffs are routinely used in textiles, cosmetics, detergents, leather industries as well as food additives. In view of the fact that workers exposed to some of these chemicals during manufacture, pulverization and storage develop edema and even skin cancers in the exposed areas of skin. Activated oxygen species may play a major role in the development of these symptoms.

2 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

023412   Vijaya Y;Krishnaiah A (Biopolymers and Thermophysical Laboratories, Chemistry Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: abburikrishnaiah@gmail.com) : Sorption response profile of chitosan coated silica in the defluoridation of aqueous solution. E J Chem 2009, 6(3), 713-24.

Th investigation aims to develop chitosan coated silica (CCS) and to investigate the removal of fluoride by CCS through adsorption. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for the characterization of the sorbent. The surface morphology of the CCS was observed using SEM. Series of batch adsorption experiments were carried out to assess parameters that influence the adsorption process. The factors investigated include the influence of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial fluoride concentration. The studies revealed there is an enhanced fluoride sorption on CCS. The sorption data obtained at optimized conditions were subjected to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The monolayer sorption capacity, Q° (44.4 mg/g) and binding energy b (0.010 L/mg) have been estimated using Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic studies indicate that the sorption of fluoride on CCS follows Pseudo second-order kinetics.

12 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

023411   Tiwari M K;et al. (Indus Synchrotron Utilisation Div, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore-452 013, Email: mktiwari@cat.ernet.in) : Progress in total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology. Curr Sci 2008, 95(5), 603-9.

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectro-scopy has attracted interest in recent years. Using this technique, almost all elements ranging from sodium (Z = 11) to uranium (Z = 92) in the periodic table can be detected and analysed in a wide concentration range in a single measurement. The present state-of-the-art sensitivities of TXRF are stretched to femtogram range by employing synchrotron radiation as an excitation source. This article aims to provide a basic overview of the TXRF technique to the general readers. Describes a TXRF spectrometer developed in a laboratory source. An X-ray fluorescence-microprobe beamline for TXRF is being constructed, as an extension of this activity, on the Indian synchrotron source, Indus-2.

9 illus, 23 ref

023410   Soren N M;Sastry V R B;Saha S K;Mendiratta S K (Animal Nutrition Div, Central Sheep and Wool, Research Institute, Avikanagar, Via-Jaipur, Rajasthan-304 501) : Effect of feeding processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake on carcass characteristics and meat sensory attributes of fattening lambs. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(8), 858-62.

Male lambs (24) of average body weight (12.88±0.15 kg) and age (4 months) were randomly assigned to a soybean meal (SBM) based control (T₁), and 3 test diets, containing variously processed solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC), viz. water washed (T₂), 2.5% lime (T₃) and 0.4% binder (T₄) treated SKC to replace 50% nitrogen moiety of SBM of T₁. The respective concentrate mixtures were fed along with ad lib. chaffed oats straw for 196 days. All the lambs were slaughtered at the end of experiment. Pre-slaughter weight (PSW) and empty body weight (EBW) was significantly lower in T₃ and T₄ diets, while carcass weight and carcass length were reduced significantly in T₄. The yield of liver was significantly higher in lambs on T₃ diet. Moisture content of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was higher in T₃ and T₄ diets, while protein was more in control and T₂ diet. The ash content was comparable across the treatments while the meat of T₂ group exhibited higher fat. Organoleptic evaluation of pressure cooked meat with 1.5% salt gave a poor score for juiciness, tenderness and acceptability from lambs of T₄ diet. Therefore it is concluded that water washed SKC can be incorporated to replace 50% soybean meal protein in the concentrate mixture for economic mutton production without affecting carcass characteristics and sensory attributes.

4 tables, 16 ref

023409   Satyanarayana C V;Sen D C (Dairy Technology Dep, , Mohanpur Campus, Nadia-741 252, Email: dulalchandrasen@rediffmail.com) : Potential application of holy basil (Tulsi) in dairy products. Indian Dairyman 2009, 61(1), 49-52.

Tulsi is widely used in traditional medicines for curing various diseases since vedic times. The phenolics present in the Tulsi leaf appeared to be the main contributory factors for extending the oxidative stability of dairy products. This correspond to a markatable shelf life of the products. Tulsi leaves are also used for flavouring stews, sauces, sausages, dressings, salads and thick spup.

1 table, 17 ref

023408   Satish Kumar;Arora S;Trehan A;Gagandeep Kaur (Processing & Food Engineering Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: aa94@rediffmail.com) : Engineering properties of dried peas. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4A), 1765-8.

The dried peas are gaining popularity due to extended shelf life, palatability, convenience during transport and handling. The engineering properties of biological materials play an important role in the design of machines, processes and handling operation, which leads to efficiency of operation and quality of the end product. A study was conducted to determine physical, frictional and flow properties of four varieties of dried peas (10%, db) viz. Arkel, Ageti, Pb-87 and Mithi phali. It was observed that Arkel and Ageti varieties were larger in size and spherical in shape compared to Pb-87 and Mithi phali. The Arkel and Ageti varieties had lower bulk density but higher true density and porosity compared to Mithi phali and Pb-87. The Arkel and Ageti varieties had much higher 1,000-grain weight compared to Mithi phali and Pb-87. All the varieties had almost equal values of angle of repose (32.63ø). The angle of external friction of pea kernel with either plywood or GI surface was highest in Pb-87, and lowest in Arkel. The angle of external friction of GI surface was higher by 3-5° compared to plywood. The coefficient of mobility determined by both empirical formula and by thumb rule was lowest in Mithi phali compared to other varieties. The normal and shear stress increased with the increase in load. The Arkel variety showed lowest while Pb-87 highest increase in these stresses. The regression analysis of normal and shear stress indicated their linear dependence on compaction loads. All the properties except angle of repose vary significantly with all varieties of dried peas.

4 tables, 8 ref

023407   Saratha R;Vasudha V G (Chemistry Dep, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, Email: lrsrinivas@yahoo.com) : Inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1N H₂SO₄ medium by acid extract of Nyctanthes arbortristis leaves. E J Chem 2009, 6(4), 1003-8.

Efficiency of acid extract of dry Nyctanthes arbortristis (Night Jasmine, Coral Jasmine) leaves as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in IN H₂SO₄ medium was investigated in the present study. Experimental methods include weight loss and polarization studies. The results indicate Nyctanthes arbortristis leaves to be a good corrosion inhibitor of a mixed type and having efficiency as high as 90% at 1% inhibitor concentration.

2 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

023406   Saratha R;Priya S V;Thilagavathy P (Chemistry Dep, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore, Email: saratha63@gmail.com) : Investigation of Citrus aurantiifolia leaves extract as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCL. E J Chem 2009, 6(3), 785-95.

The inhibition efficiency of acid extract of leaves of Citrus aurantiifolia [CAL] plant on the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HC1 was investigated by weight loss measurements and electrochemical studies. The corrosion rate of mild steel and the inhibition efficiencies of the extract were calculated. The results obtained show that the extract could serve as an effective inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in HC1 media. Inhibition was found to increase with increasing concentration of the plant extract. The inhibitive action of plant extract is discussed on the basis of adsorption of stable complex at the mild steel surface. Theoretical fitting of different isotherms, Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, Frumkin, Flory-Huggins and the kinetic thermodynamic model, were tested to clarify the nature of adsorption. Polarisation curves revealed that this inhibitor act as a mixed type inhibitor and the inhibition efficiency of up to 97.91% can be obtained. The surface analysis study confirms the corrosion of mild steel and its inhibition by the inhibitor CAL.

10 illus, 6 tables, 17 ref

023405   Ramulu T S;Sahoo S K;Baral S S;Das S N;Swamy Y U (NO, Institute of Minerals and Miterials Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: gr_chaudhury@yahoo.com) : Estimation of nitrous oxide emission from pulse cultivation in rainfed uplands. Curr Sci 2008, 95(5), 584-5.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

023404   Panneerselvam P;Sathya Selva Bala V; Thinakaran N;Baskaralingam P;Palanichamy M;Sivanesan S (Environmental Management Laboratory, Chemical Engineeirng Dep, A.C. Technology, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: sivanesh@yahoo.com) : Removal of nickel(II) from aqueous solutions by adsorption with modified ZSM-5 zeolites. E J Chem 2009, 6(3), 729-36.

The sorptive removal of nickel ion from aqueous solutions using modified ZSM-5 zeolites was investigated. Experiments were carried out as a function of solute concentration and different temperatures. Mesoporous material of ZSM-5 zeolite was modified with phosphoric acid by wet method. The modified zeolite was converted to Na⁺ form using aqueous NaHCO₃ solution The Na⁺ form of modified zeolite, represented as PNa₂-ZSM-5 was characterized by XRD, BET, SEM and AAS techniques. It was then tested for ion exchange with aqueous Ni(SO₄) solution. The Ni²⁺ content of the solution was analyzed by AAS. Phosphoric acid modified PNa₂.-ZSM-5 zeolite shows higher adsorption capacity than the parent Na-Y zeolite. Equilibrium modeling data were fit to linear Langmuir model then the Freundlich model. These parameter confirmed that sorption of Ni²⁺ is feasible spontaneous and endothermic.

6 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

023403   Panda A K;Anand Kumar A;Singh S D;Sastry V R B (NO, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122) : Growth performance and pathological lesions in broiler chickens fed raw or processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake as protein supplement. Indian J Anim Sci 2008, 78(9), 997-1001.

Day-old commercial broiler chicks (520) were vaccinated against Marek's disease and distributed equally into 13 groups of 40 chicks each to study the effect of dietary inclusion of karnaj (Pongamia glabra) cake in broiler chickens. Each group was further replicated to 4 of 10 chicks each. A basal reference diet was formulated containing soybean meal (SBM) as the major protein source. Another 12 isonitrogenous and isocaloric test diets were formulated by incorporating solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC), 1.5% NaOH treated SKC, 3.0% Ca (OH)₂ treated SKC and 2% NaOH treated expeller pressed karanj cake (EKC) at 6.43, 12.86 or 25.72% to replace SBM nitrogen of reference diet at either 12.5, 25 or 50%, respectively. Each diet was offered, ad lib. to 4 replicates of 10 chicks each. The raw SKC and EKC contained 0.132 and 0.324% karanjin, respectively. Treatment of SKC with either 1.5% NaOH or 3.0% Ca (OH)₂ and EKC with 2% NaOH reduced the karanjin content to 0.062, 0.082 and 0.163% respectively. Dietary incorporation of 1.5% NaOH-treated SKC could maintain the growth up to 4 weeks of age. However, growth depression was noticed in the same diet, subsequently. In the present study, in general no gross pathological lesions were observed due to dietary incorporation of SKC, NaOH treated SKC or Ca(OH)₂ treated SKC by replacing soybean meal nitrogen at either 12.5 or 25% level. However, incorporation of NaOH treated EKC even at 25% level showed its adverse effect on liver. Dietary incorporation of either processed or unprocessed karanj cake beyond 25% level except NaOH treated SKC (50% replacement) resulted in histopathological abnormalities and the severity increased with increase in level of replacement. The severity of lesions was comparatively higher in the group fed diet incorporated with 25.72% NaOH (2%) treated EKC incorporated diet. Liver showed hepatic degeneration with distortion, kidney revealed tubular degeneration with necrotic lesions, spleen cells showed degeneration with necrotic foci and depletion of lymphocytes and testis revealed degenerative changes of testicular follicles and vaculation in 25.72% NaOH (2%) treated EKC incorporated diet. Feeding of SKC after treatment with either NaOH or Ca(OH)₂ was beneficial instead of feeding SKC as such, since it inflicted more sever histopathological lesions in the vital organs of broiler chickens as compared to treated one. Replacement of SKC at 50% level with nitrogen of SBM resulted in pathological changes such as kidney showed mild tubular degeneration, spleen showed necrotic foci and lymphoid cell degeneration and bursa revealed severe depletion of lymphocytes with follicular atrophy. Treatment with 1.5% NaOH effectively minimized the toxic effects of karanjin.

2 tables, 15 ref

023402   Nourouzi M M;Chuah T G;Choong T S Y (Chemical and Environmental Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra, Malaysia, 43300 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, Email: chuah@eng.upm.edu.my) : Adsorption of reactive dyes by palm kernel shell activated carbon: application of film surface and film pore diffusion models. E J Chem 2009, 6(4), 949-54.

The rate of adsorption of two reactive dyes, Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Red E onto palm kernel shell-based activated carbon was studied. The experiment was carried out to investigate three models: film diffusion model, film-surface and film-pore diffusion models. The results showed that the external coefficients of mass transfer decreased with increasing of initial adsorbate concentration. In addition, it was found that the adsorption process was better described by using the two resistance models, i.e. film-surface diffusion.

1 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

023401   Naji G;Mellouk H;Rezzouget S A;Allaf K (Laboratoire Maitrise des Technologies Agro-industrielles, Universite de La Rochelle, 17042 La Rochelle, France, Email: kallaf@univ-lr.fr) : Extraction of essential oils of juniper berries by intantaneous controlled pressure-drop: improvement of DIC process and comparison with the steam distillation. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2008, 11(4), 356-64.

Carried out experiments concerning the treatment by Instantaneous Controlled Pressure-drop (DIC) in the case of juniper berries (Juniperus Excelsa). Study how DIC is able to extract essential oil by applying an abrupt pressure drop toward vacuum whose rate is ΔP/Δt >5 bar s^-1, which implies an autovaporization of water and some volatile molecules, leads a cooling effect and modifies the structure. Analyze the effect of both steam pressure (from 1 up to 6 bar) and treatment time (from 10 seconds up to 3 minutes) in term of extraction yield. Proves that the higher the pressure, the higher the extraction yields. A double DIC treatment at 6 bars during 150 seconds, allowed us to extract 95 % of essential oils extracted normally in 12 hours by steam distillation.

3 tables, 13 ref

023400   Murty N S;Shah S;Singh R K (NO, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Tehcnology, Pantnagar) : Climate and its variability over the western Himalaya. J Agrometeorol 2008, 10(Pt 2), 296-9.

Moving averages for 3-year, 5-year and 10-year interval for minimum and maximum temperatures of Ranichauri were calculated during 1982-2002. Results revealed a decreasing trend in all the three cases. The 5 year and 10 year moving averages were closely followed the trend line. The seasonal analysis indicated that the minimum temperature had an increasing trend during summer, winter and post rainy seasons while a sharp decline was observed during rainy season. The temperature variations were more in rainy season and less in post rainy season. The maximum temperature trend was found to be negative which is 0.13°C/year. The moving averages also indicated decreas in maximum temperature.

2 illus, 1 ref

023399   Lakshmana;Abdul Rehiman B;Lignaiah H B (Biotechnology Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Shimoga) : Effect of different levels of pH and culture on quality of wild jamun (Syzygium fruitcosm) fruit wine. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4A), 1759-64.

The chemical composition of the wild jamun (Syzygium fruitcosm) fruit wine indicated that the levels of pH 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 and level of culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var eilipsoideus) (2, 6 and 10%) affected the quality of wine prepared from must of 22° B. The wine prepared from must of 6% culture and pH of 3.5 yielded higher ethanol content and maintained acceptable chemical composition and sensory quality.

3 tables, 15 ref

023398   Janagi S;Lakshmi U K (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Avinashilingam Univ for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Development and evaluation of a health mix based on banana powder. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(8), 313-19.

The high carbohydrate and energy content of the health mix will increase the calorific value and hence more suitable for supplementary and weaning foods. High potassium content makes it suitable for preventing blood pressure and heart stroke. Among the health mixes formulated using the best accepted sundried Nendran powder with different ratios, the mean acceptability scores revealed that variation which consisted of 6 parts of roasted Bengalgram flour, 2 parts of roasted groundnut flour, 1 part of banana powder and 1 part of jaggery got the highest score of 18.4 out of 20. Nutritive value of the best accepted health mix revealed that it contained 376.1 kilocalories. 71.8 g carbohydrate, 7.5g protein and 6.5g fat in lOOg. The calcium content was only 40.3mg per cent, whereas the phosphorus content of 397mg and potassium content of 552mg per cent were very high. The iron content was 4.3mg and fibre content was very negligible with only 0.6g per 100g. The study showed that the developed health mix could be appreciated for its high carbohydrate, energy, protein, fat and potassium content.

5 tables, 15 ref

023397   Jain S;Mehilal;Nandagopal S;Singh P P; Radhakrishnan K K;Bhattacharya B (NO, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune-411 021) : Size and shape of ammonium perchlorate and their influence on properties of composite propellant. Def Sci J 2009, 59(3), 294-9.

In the study, different methods for size and shape characterization are discussed and effect of size and shape of AP on composite propellant properties are studied. The data indicate that as size of AP decreases, propellant slurry viscosity increases and burn rate increases. The particles having higher shape factor provides less end of mix (EOM) viscosity of propellant slurry and burn rate. Further, effect of size of ground AP on shape is also investigated. From the data thus obtained, it is inferred that as size of ground AP decreases, shape factor decreases, and particles become more irregular in shape.

7 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

023396   Ghosh N;Chattoraj D K;Das K P (Food Technology & Biochemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: dkchattoraj@hotmail.com) : Water vapour adsorption by L-amino acids at different water activities. J Indian Chem Soc 2008, 85(12), 1211-16.

Experimental studies on the hydration of all 20 L-amino acids by isopiestic vapour pressure method have been carried out in detail. The water vapour adsorption curves of these amino acids resemble type II or type III BET isotherms. The maximum water uptake (Δn₁⁰) of the amino acids at relative humidity equal to unity and values of secondary hydration (n₁^s) of these amino acids at p/p₀ equal to 0.92 have been compared critically with each other. Values of Δ_n⁰₁ and n₁^s for each amino acid has been found to be different from that of the corresponding amino acid residue obtained from our earlier studies. It appears that many amino acids having hydrophobic side chain may form crystals with strong ionic bonds so that they resist hydration at 0.92 relative humidity. The standard free energies of hydration of all amino acids at p/p₀ equal to unity have been evaluated using the Bull equation. The activity coefficients of several amino acids having low solubilities at p/p₀ close to unity has been evaluated when hydrated mixtures remain in gel state.

4 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

023395   Ghag S M;Pawar S D (Chemistry Dep, Siddharth College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Dr. D. N. Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 001, Email: sureshpawar_2004@rediffmail.com) : Extraction studies of Pb<. J Indian Chem Soc 2008, 85(10), 1064-5.

The neutral extractant, Cyanex-923 has been used for the extraction of Pb^II from sodium salicylate media. This metal ion was found to be quantitatively extracted with Cyanex-923 in toluene in the pH range 6-7 and from the organic phase it is stripped with 1.5 M HC1 solution. The effect of pH, sodium salicylate concentration, reagent concentration, equilibration period, diluents, diverse ions and stripping agent on the extraction of Pb^II has been studied.

^ssc2 ref

023394   Deka B C;Sharma S;Choudhury S (Horticulture Div, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793 103) : Packaging system for long distant transportation of khasi mandarin. Indian J Hort 2008, 65(4), 491-3.

^ssc4 tables, 4 ref

023393   Chauhan N;Chandra S;Javir Singh;Samsher (Agricultural Engineering & Food Technology Dep, SVBP Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Modipuram, Meerut-250 110, Email: neelesh_chauhan@rediffmail.com) : Effect of salt concentrations on sensory quality of sauerkraut. Envir Ecol 2008, 26(4C), 2308-10.

The experiments were conducted to assess the effect of salt concentration on sensory quality of sauerkraut made from mature cabbage. Studies were also made to determine the acidity of sauerkraut during fermentation period. The acidity of sauerkraut increased with increase in fermentation period. The salt concentrations were taken as 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%. The each sample (300 g) was fermented upto 2% acidity which was taken at different time to obtain desired percent acidity. The sample of 2.0% salt concentration took lowest time of about 10 days than other ones. The sauerkraut of 2% salt concentration rated highest score of over all sensory quality.

2 tables, 6 ref

023392   Bahuguna A;Tripathi N;Anshul Chandra;Lepcha S T S (NO, Uttaranchal Bamboo and Fiber Development Board (UBFDB), Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Production and processing of industrial Hemp (`Bhang') fibre and its future potential in textile/cordage industry. Indian For 2008, 134(12), 1571-4.

Industrial Hemp, commonly known as `Bhang', is an underutilized biomass found in Uttarakhand. Its stem shows fibre properties i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Samples `A' and `B' of Industrial Hemp fibre (Bhang) were made and sample `A' was chemically treated with washing soda and `8' with Boric acid. These chemically treated fibre samples were carded and spun in Nandprayag (weaving cluster developed by Uttaranchal Bamboo and Fiber Development Board - UBFDB). The spun fibre showed less breaking percentage and its appearance was white hence it can be used in textile/cordage at cottage entrepreneurship level. However due to lack of awareness, development of processing methods for fibre, Industrial Hemp and its use in textile/cordage industry these remain undeveloped and unexplored in Uttarakhand. Hence, UBFDB is undertaking continuous efforts to establish this Industrial Hemp fibre at commercial level to provide employment to local people of Uttarakhand.

3 tables, 4 ref

022290   Vidhya M;Aruna Narayanan A C (PSG College of Arts and Science, , coimbatore-641 014) : Storage stability of value added vermicelli. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(7), 298-306.

6 table, 8 ref

022289   Thilagavathi G;Raja A S M (Textile Technology Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004) : Recent developments in functional finishing of wool. J Instn Engrs-Pt TE 2009, 89(Feb), 30-3.

Outlines recent advances in wool finishing, especially comfort finishes like softness, antimicrobial, fragrance and insect repellent finishes. The developments in other important finishes like plasma treatment and pilling resistant finishes for wool have also been covered. The mechanism of finishes is explained based on the changes in chemical and morphological structure of wool.

^iia2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

022288   Sibban Singh (Dep of Industrial Chemistry, Institute of Science and Technology for Advanced Studies and Research, Vallabh vidyanagar-388 120) : Separation and evaluation of mixed cottonseed fatty acids by low temperature crystallization technique. Prajna 2008, 16(Oct), 9-15.

The present experimental work deals about the separation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids prepared from refined cottonseed oil by using low temperature crystallization technique with petroleum solvents like isopropanol, methanol and hexane in the proportion of 1:2 to 1:5 (w/v). The separated fatty acid fractions were characterized by determining their iodine values. It was observed that isopropanol was the most effective solvent for crystallization of the fatty acid. Apart from this the application of low temperature favors the solidification of saturated fatty acids. The liquid fractions were having iodine value as high as 130.2 whereas the lowest iodine value of solid fraction was found to be 31.8.

4 table, 25 ref

022287   Sawate A R;Bhokre C K;Kshirsagar R B;Gadhe K S (Food Engineering Dep, College of Food Technology, Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani-431 402) : Evaluation of RTS beverage from bottle gourd. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(9), 371-8.

It is reported that the treatment of blanching is effective for the extraction of juice to retain the natural and fresh colour of the juice and also found organoleptically acceptable. The extracted juice had appreciable amount of potassium, iron and ascorbic acid. A good quality RTS beverage can be prepared by using 15 per cent level of bottle gourd juice having 15°Bx TSS and 0.32 per cent acidity. The developed bottle gourd RTS beverage can be stored at refrigerated condition for two months and at ambient condition for one month without affecting its quality attributes. The cost of production of RTS beverage is also affordable. Hence, it is concluded that processing technology used for bottle gourd RTS beverage preparation is beneficial to the consumer with regard to nutritional and therapeutic value.

1 illus, 8 tables, 9 ref

022286   Rathnakumar K;Ananthi S;Jeyakumari A (Fish Processing Technology Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institu, Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Thoothukudi-628 008) : Storage characteristics of fish sauce prepared from silver bellies (Leiognathus spp) using plant enzyme. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(9), 366-70.

Study indicates that Leiognathus spp form a good raw material for fish sauce production. From the results it concluded that the food habits prevailing in some of the countries do not allow the use of fish sauce in daily diet as in India, where the bulk of karal (Leiognathus) is being sun dried and consumed locally. It may be worth while to divert a certain quantity of karal for fish sauce production and explore an export market in countries where fish sauces are indispensable.

3 tables, 17 ref

022285   Prakasa Rao E V S;Gopinath C T;Ravindra N S (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Resource Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bangalore-560 065) : Creating value chain in patchouli oil production - some case studies of CIMAP's initiative. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2008, 30(3), 273-5.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a very important aromatic crop grown for its essential oil. Patchouli oil is in great demand (> 250 t/yr) in India. The suitable production technology has not been established well in India. CIMAP has developed necessary agro-and processing technologies for patchouli and quality studies have been conducted. In order to mobilize an end-to end mode of production programme which involves right genotype, correct agrotechnologies, post harvest processing, distillation and quality analysis, CIMAP has established two modes of experiments in south India [1] Biovillage mission programme in Siddapur village, North Kannada district, Karnataka [2] Crop consultancy programmes in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These were coupled with training programmes for farmers and entrepreneurs on patchouli oil production. These efforts have yielded desirable results and these models have a good scope in various agroclimatic regions of India to carry forward 'Mission Patchouli'.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

022284   Kumar N S;Chandra T S (NO, , IS-22, Irramanzil Colony, Hyderabad, Email: dearsuneelin@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of variations in composition, corrosion behaviour and surface hardness on reusing a Co-Cr-Mo denture alloy. J Indian Prosthodontic Soc 2008, 8(1), 22-6.

Evaluates the variations in the surface composition, corrosion resistance and surface hardness of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) removable partial denture alloy on repeated usage until six generations by adding 50% of weight of fresh alloy pellets to the left-over button and sprue in the previous generation. Corrosion testing was performed with WenkingLB81 M potentiostat to evaluate the anodic polarization behavior of the specimens from artificial saliva at room temperature. The breakdown potential for each generation was determined. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation of the corroded and uncorroded specimens was performed. Vickers hardness number (VHN) was evaluated using Zwick3212 micro hardness indenter with values ranging from 317 to 329 VHN. Surface composition of the corroded and uncorroded specimens was analyzed using X-ray energy dispersive analysis. The Mann Whitney U-test was used to analyze the numerical findings. The breakdown potential values for all six generations were recorded in between + 480 mV and + 500 mV. The hardness and composition showed variations among generations but were statistically insignificant. On the corroded surface, an increase in the Cr and Mo content and decrease in the Co content was observed. SEM photographs show a definite alteration in the surface topography at the corroded site. Within limitations, concluded that this alloy could be reused by adding 50% (by weight) of new alloy pellets without significant variation in the abovementioned properties.

5 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

022283   Kavitha T;Kaliappan S (NO, Anna Univ, Tirunelveli-627 007, Email: sudakal@annauniv.edu) : Equilibrium isotherms of methane onto activated carbons using a static volumetric method. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(3), 219-22.

The work pertains to the measurement of the adsorption capacity of methane onto activated carbons at room temperature at pressure range varying from 1 atm to 10 atm. The results were obtained with a static volumetric method. Adsorption isotherms for methane on Sorbonorit 4, Norit SX Plus, Sorbonorit B3, Norit PAC 200 XC were plotted. The equilibrium pressure data were analysed using Langmuir, Dubinin-Astakhov's (DA) and Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) equations. The DA equation described the isotherm behavior better with the exponent n equals to 1.0 for Sorbonorit 4, Sorbonorit B3, Norit PAC 200 XC and 1.7 for Norit SX Plus than the other equations. The order of the adsorption capacity is as follows: Sorbonorit 4 (4.6 mmol/g) > Norit PAC 200 XC(3.81 mmol/g) > Sorbonorit B3(3.52 mmol/g) > Norit SX Plus (3.51 mmol/g).

5 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

022282   Juneja H D;Kanfade J P;Pande S P (Chemistry Dep, RTM Nagpur Univ, Nagpur, Email: hd_juneja@yahoo.com) : Performance studies of ECORITE PAC-2010 as a coagulant in water treatment. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(3), 213-18.

Describes the performance evaluation studies of ECORITE PAC- 2010 of M/s Shriram Consolidated Limited (DSCL) as a coagulant. It was observed that ECORITE PAC - 2010 acts as a good coagulant over a wide range of turbidity and produces larger and more rapidly settleable floes than the alum. The residual aluminium is less in ECORITE PAC - 2010 treated water than that in alum treated water. The sludge volume generated by ECORITE PAC - 2010 is less than that generated by alum for attaining the same quality of settled water from turbid raw water.

9 tables, 6 ref

022281   Govani J;Joshi M J (Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Texas at El Paso Univ, El Paso, TX 79968, U.S.A., Email: mshilp24@rediffmail.com) : Growth and characterzation of gel grown potassium hydrogen levo-tartrate crystals. Indian J Phys 2008, 82(11), 1485-94.

Potassium hydrogen levo-tartrate (KHLT) crystals were grown by the single diffusion gel growth technique in silica hydro gel medium. Potassium chloride containing supernatant solution was poured on tartaric acid impregnated set gel. KHLT crystals in dendritic form were grown near the gel-liquid interface and prismatic crystals were grown at the bottom of the test tubes. Sodium chloride solution was added in different amounts to potassium chloride containing supernatant solution and its effect was studied in terms of change in crystal morphology, crystal dimension and number of grown crystals. The powder XRD analysis confirmed the growth of single-phase KHLT crystals. The grown crystals were characterized by FT-IR and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The crystals were found to be thermally stable up to 300 °C and decompose into oxide on further heating. The kinetic parameters of decomposition were estimated by employing two different relations, viz, the Coats and Redfern relation as well as the Horowitz and Metzger relation. The thermodynamic parameters of decomposition were also calculated.

6 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

022280   El-Demerdash H A;Otiabi M A (Food and Dairy Science Dep, Fac. of Anviron Agric Sci. Suez Canal Univ, El-Arish, Egypt, Email: hassanam7@hotmail.com) : Improving the viability and stability of starter culture and the quality of fermented milk using some food additives. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 2008, 4(2), 135-50.

The investigation studied the effects of L-Ascorbic acid, casein hydrolysate, whey protein concentrate (WPC), or glucomacropeptide (GMP) on the viability of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacteria breve. (CBT) starter culture in fermented milk during manufacture and storage period. Changes in chemical and viable total bacterial count were monitored during manufacture and storage at 5°C for 21 days of fermented milk. Dated showed that the incubation time that was needed to reach pH 4.5 was considerably affected by the added ingredients. Also, the drop in pH or the increase in acidity of this fermented milk was dependent on the added ingredients. Results showed that addition of L-Ascorbic acid, casein hydrolysates, whey protein concentrate or glucomacropeptide improved the viability of bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) and Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus) starter culture in general compared to the control one. However, the survival of bifidobacteria was greatly reduced during storage of fermented milk, except for products containing CH, WPC and GMP in which viable counts remained at >10⁶ cfu/g after 21 days of storage at 5°C. No clear difference was observed between L-Asorbic acid treatment and the control in the effect on the fermented milk characteristics compared to the other treatments. Supplementation of the fermented milk with CH, WPC and GMP improved the viscosity and other Theological properties and reduced the curd synersis rate. Fermented milk fortified with GMP showed higher lactase utilization and had lower lactose concentrations during storage period than other treatments. Sensory evaluation showed that fermented milk fortified with CH, WPC and GMP recorded the highest score for and overall acceptability than the other treatments. However, fermented milk fortified with GMP showed the heights organolyptic score followed by WPC treatments, CH treatments the L-Ascorbic acid and at the end the control. Data suggested that the nitrogen source in the form of peptides and amino acids improved the viability of probiotic bacteria specially bifidobacteria in fermented milk made with a CBT (L. casei, B.breve and S. thermophilus) starter culture, which showed a dramatic decline in the counts of this organism in other studies. It is suggested that the fermented milk of acceptable quality and high total probiotic bacterial count during storage can be made from milk supplemented with 1 % (wt/vol) GMP.

3 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

022279   Balachandran S;Rudramoorthy R (NO, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 004) : Efficient water utilisation in textile wet processing. J Instn Engrs-Pt TE 2009, 89(Feb), 26-9.

Amount of water used in various textile wet processing mills vary depending on the equipment, process adopted and types of fabric. However, improper operation and lack of maintenance have resulted in excessive water usage in these units. A recent study on water audit in selected textile processing units at Tirupur cluster have confirmed this fact. Water is becoming scarce and also the quality of available water is deteriorating. Hence it is worthwhile to consider various steps in order to reduce the consumption and also the amount of effluents discharged from the plants. In this paper, a review of various water conservation techniques is being presented so that industry can benefit to a considerable extent by adopting these measures.

4 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

022278   Agarwal M;Nayak A;Hallikerimath R B (Prosthodontia Dep, KLES Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, Email: manishaagarwal_2000@yahoo.com) : Transverse strength of repaired acrylic denture with conventional heat-cured, autopolymerizing and microwave-cured resins: an in vitro study. J Indian Prosthodontic Soc 2008, 8(1), 36-41.

Evaluates the transverse strength of a conventional heat-polymerized (DPI-Heat Cure, Group I) acrylic resin and a microwave-polymerized (Acron MC, Group III) acrylic resin that were repaired with the same resins and with an autopolymerized acrylic resin (DPI-Repair Resin, Group II). Sixty rectangular specimens of Groups I and III and 15 of Group II were manufactured and stored in distilled water at room temperature for 7 days. Forty-five specimens of Groups I and III were selected randomly. Fifteen specimens of each material remained intact (control), 15 from each group were sectioned in the middle to create a 10-mm gap and repaired with the materials of Groups I, II and III. After 7 days of storage at room temperature, transverse strength of the repaired and intact specimens was measured using a 3-point bending test. The nature of failure was noted as adhesive, cohesive or mixed. Student's unpaired f-test was performed. The intact microwave-cured resin (Group III) showed the highest transverse strength value (90.25 MPa), which was significantly stronger (P < 0.05) than other materials tested. No statistically significant difference was noted amongst the repaired groups. Repaired specimens exhibited three types of failure: adhesive (15.56%), cohesive (15.56%) and mixed being the maximum (68.89%). Microwave-polymerized resin showed the highest intact transverse strength, and autopolymerized resin exhibited repair strength similar to those found for the conventional heat- and microwave-polymerized acrylic resins.

4 illus, 7 tables, 18 ref

021253   Verma H;Kanan T (Chemistry Dep, Delhi Univ, North Campus, Delhi-110 007, Email: tharani@chemistry.du.ac.in) : Synthesis and characterization of novel polyurethane-based tri-block copolymers through atom transfer radical polymerization. J Polym Mater 2008, 25(3), 437-43.

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was successfully used to synthesize novel poly (vinyl)-block-polyurethane-block-poly (vinyl) tri-block copolymers. Here novel telechelic bromo-terminated polyurethane, CuBr and N, N, N, N", N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) were used as a macroinitiator, catalyst and complexing agent respectively. Gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the number average (M_n), weight average (M_w) and polydispersity index (PDI) of the polymers synthesized. Number average molecular weight increases linearly with increasing conversion which confirms that the present system follows ATRP mechanism. The presence of polyvinyl and PU blocks in the tri-block copolymers were confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.

3 tables, 14 ref

021252   Shamsul J B;Nur Hidayah A Z;Ruzaidi C M (School of Materials Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Kompleks Pusat Pengajian 2, Tamat Muhibbah, Jejawi, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia, Email: sbaharin@unimap.edu.my) : Microstructure characterization of cobalt-chromium-HAP after corrosion test. J Ultra Chem 2008, 4(1), 39-42.

Cobalt-chromium-HAP (hyroxyapatite) biomaterial system was developed by powder metallurgy technique. Composition of 0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.% and 20 wt.% of HAP was blended with cobalt-chromium alloy. The method in fabrication of the samples consists of mixing, blending, pressing and sintering of the samples. The results showed that the most stable sample with less corrosion effect was the Co-Cr alloys without HAP. In general, the corrosion rate growths relatively with the times. In addition, the effect of adding HAP made the samples getting worse, which help the corrosion to grow in the biomaterial system developed.

5 illus, 4 ref

021251   Sekar A S S (Civil Engineering Dep, Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi-630 004) : Removal of colour from tannery dye wastewater using ozone. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(3), 505-8.

Colour removal of wastewater containing acid dye (Navitan Bordeaux MB) by ozone treatment has been studied in an attempt to abate pollution caused by leather dyeing houses. The Navitan Bordeaux MB dye is commonly used in commercial leather manufacturing. The effluent has been synthetically prepared using water with 100 ppm concentration of dye. Passing ozone in a bubble column reactor containing the dye solution carried out the decolourisation process of the pre-metallised acid dye. The effect of dye concentration, ozone dose and pH on the rate of decolourisation has been studied. The efficiency of the decolourisation has been evaluated by measuring absorbance of the dye solution.

5 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref