Polymorphism observed in mitochondrial genes of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of different origin in laboratory cultures.

Tribolium castaneum, a pest of stored grain, has a uniform morphology, preventing the visual identification of strains from different areas. Polymorphisms in the nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial genes of this species were examined, and combined into seven haplotypes among the test insect specimens originating from Japan, Thailand, and Canada. These results suggested the potential for geographical differentiation.

In vitro and in silico characterisation of Lactobacillus paraplantarum D2-1, a starter culture for soymilk fermentation.

Soymilk contains several functional nutrients and is thus a promising ingredient for production of functional foods. The present research aimed to study starter properties, functional characteristics and safety of Lactobacillus paraplantarum D2-1, a promising starter culture for soymilk fermentation. Strain D2-1 actively fermented soymilk within 24 h but had weak activity of additional acid production after 7 d.

Flavonoid compounds related to seed coat color of wheat.

In red wheat, reddish-brown pigments accumulate in testa of mature seeds. Half-cut wheat seeds were immersed in p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMACA) reagent that stains flavanol structures blue. Testa of 10-40 days after flowering (DAF) in red wheat ("Norin 61" and "Satonosora") seeds were stained blue and the reagent color changed to blue with 10-25 DAF seeds.

Microchannel emulsification: A promising technique towards encapsulation of functional compounds.

This review provides an overview of microchannel emulsification (MCE) for production of functional monodispersed emulsion droplets. The main emphasis has been put on functional bioactives encapsulation using grooved-type and straight-through microchannel array plates. MCE successfully encapsulates the bioactives like β-carotene, oleuropein, γ-oryzanol, β-sitosterol, L-ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives, vitamin D and quercetin.

Observations on the physiological effects of pithing cattle at slaughter.

Pithing cattle after captive bolt stunning, by thrusting a rod into the cranial cavity, causes violent muscular activity. The present observations have shown that this does not result in a rapid fall in the muscle pH similar to that occurring after electrical stimulation. The claim that pithing for a greater length than usual down the spinal cord causes marked enlargement of the spleen has not been substantiated.

Intracellular distribution of phosphate in cultured Humulus lupulus cells growing at elevated exogenous phosphate concentrations.

The distribution of inorganic phosphate (Pi) between the cytoplasm and the vacuole of Humulus lupulus L. cells grown in suspension culture at different exogenous Pi levels was examined by 31-P nuclear magnetic resonance. In growing cells excess Pi accumulated in the vacuoles and the inhibitory effect of high exogenous Pi was not associated with a change in the cytoplasmic Pi level or with a change in the cytoplasmic pH.