Abstract: Simple and efficient methods for formulating cereal beta glucan compositions that retard the natural gel forming properties of hydrocolloids and remain free flowing liquids is disclosed. The method employs a biological buffer system consisting of a zwitterionic salt that will vary pH with temperature. The resulting beta glucan preparation can be used directly or stored for future use.

Abstract: The thermostability of the 20,396 dalton Bacillus circulans xylanase was increased by site-directed mutagenesis. The thermostability was conferred by the presence of non-native disulfide bridges, and selected N-terminal mutations. The introduction of these non-native disulfide bridges was accomplished by the examination of the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme, and choosing sites where a favorable geometry for a bridge existed. The N-terminal mutations were constructed on the basis of primary sequence comparison with other family G xylanases. The mutant proteins were examined for their ability to retain enzymatic activity after heating as an indication of increased thermostability. These thermotolerant variants are useful as an alternative to chemical bleaching of Kraft pulp in a pre-bleaching step (bio-bleaching). The pre-bleaching involves temperatures higher than that normally used for these enzymes and accordingly these thermotolerant variants can be advantageously used at this step.

Abstract: An underwater gamma radiation survey probe adapted to be towed by a tow cable along the bottom of a body of water. The probe comprises a tubular shell with a nose cone having a waterproof connector for the tow cable. The nose cone closes one end of the tubular shell in a waterproof manner and an end plug closes the other end of the tubular shell in a waterproof manner. At least one weight of high density material is located in a lower half of the shell with that weight containing a cavity having an opening which faces the tubular shell. The weight maintains the orientation of the probe such that the opening faces downwards and a radiation detector in the cavity can detect radiation from the bottom surface.

Abstract: An ion trap for an electron beam generator consists of at least two electrically conductive elements which are in the form of a sector of a cylinder the elements being spaced apart from each other and together form a cylindrical form. Each element has end plates and a number of fins extending inwardly to the center of the cylindrical form. A recess in the form of a sector of a circle is located in each end plate and each fin adjacent to the center of the cylindrical form. These recesses form a central bore through which an electron beam from an electron gun travels, the electron beam and central bore being essentially of the same diameter. Each elements is attached to an outer envelope by an insulating element and a conductive lead is electrically connected to each element to maintain that element at a predetermined potential which deflects positive ions travelling along the beam path.