In this study, oxidized sucrose is employed to crosslink corn starch at 100, 110, and 120 °C. The cross‐linked starch is analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that cross‐linked starch exhibits a “V” crystal structure after modification. Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis demonstrates that the destruction of the crystal structure increases the thermoplasticity of the starch. A decrease in the viscosity of the cross‐linked starch using a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) is noted. However, compared with native starch, the swelling power of cross‐linked starch shows a negative correlation with treatment temperature. Furthermore, the cross‐linked starch that is treated at 100 °C experiences a fivefold increase in both swelling ratio and water binding capacity, compared with native starch. Additionally, low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (low‐field NMR) analysis verifies the excellent hydrophilic properties of the cross‐linked starch. The oxidized sucrose‐modified starch (OSMS) is an alternative for improving starch‐based products, potentially in turn guiding further advancements in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Thermostable alkaline serine protease gene of Geobacillus stearothermophilus B-1172 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) using pET-22b(+), as an expression vector. The growth conditions were optimized for maximal production of the protease using variable fermentation parameters, i.e., pH, temperature, and addition of an inducer. Protease, thus produced, was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion exchange chromatography with 13.7-fold purification, with specific activity of 97.5 U mg(-1) , and a recovery of 23.6%. Molecular weight of the purified protease, 39 kDa, was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The enzyme was stable at 90 °C at pH 9. The enzyme activity was steady in the presence of EDTA indicating that the protease was not a metalloprotease. No significant change in the activity of protease after addition of various metal ions further strengthened this fact. However, an addition of 1% Triton X-100 or SDS surfactants constrained the enzyme specific activity to 34 and 19%, respectively. Among organic solvents, an addition of 1-butanol (20%) augmented the enzyme activity by 29% of the original activity. With casein as a substrate, the enzyme activity under optimized conditions was found to be 73.8 U mg(-1) . The effect of protease expression on the host cells growth was also studied and found to negatively affect E. coli cells to certain extent. Catalytic domains of serine proteases from eight important thermostable organisms were analyzed through WebLogo and found to be conserved in all serine protease sequences suggesting that protease of G. stearothermophilus could be beneficially used as a biocontrol agent and in many industries including detergent industry.
A total of 1820 victims of alleged police torture were examined at the office of Surgeon Medicolegal Punjab Lahore during a period of 5 years. Most of the victims at the time of examination were showing visible evidence of Physical trauma. Victims were mainly men. Examination was conducted on the directions of various courts (Judicial Magistrates, District and Session Judges, and Lahore High Court). A wide range of different types of injuries of different durations were observed on various parts of the body. Blunt trauma was most frequent. Psychologic element of torture was also seen in some victims.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.