Abstract: The processing of waxy barley grain by a series of sequential steps to produce a carbohydrate syrup having a high maltose content, novel protein products, a gluten-like product, a barley oil, a carbohydrate gum, all useful in the food industry, and a fermentable product which can be converted to alcohol. The processing steps comprise conditioning and milling of waxy barley grain, separation of starches, conversion of starch residues by liquifaction and saccharification to the syrup and protein products, and recovery of the products and by-products.

Abstract: A novel agriculturally useful composition that includes a seed treated with a selected infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism. Also provided are methods of enhancing root elongation, shoot elongation or root development of selected seeds. These methods include treating a selected seed with the infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism. In addition, there is provided a method of inducing germination of Kentucky bluegrass seed that involves treating Kentucky bluegrass seed with a selected infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism. Furthermore, there is provided a method of promoting plant growth at a lower soil temperature than is common at the time of planting a seed of the plant. Additionally, there is disclosed an inoculant for increasing nodulation, root mass and shoot mass in a leguminous plant. The inoculant contains a Rhizobium microorganism and a selected infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus for reduction of matrix interference in an electrothermal atomizer for atomic absorption spectroscopy. In a carbon rod atomizer within which a sample to be analyzed is atomized to the atomic state, the graphite furnace tube is electrothermally heated from the ends to the center where the sample is located. This provides sufficient thermal energy for complete decomposition of the sample molecules to the atomic state. In a first apparatus embodiment two-pronged substantially Y-shaped graphite electrode support holders for the graphite furnace tube are provided. In a second apparatus embodiment a double-walled graphite furnace tube is provided.

Abstract: A method for treating Dutch elm disease by treatment of an elm tree with a microorganism comprising P. syringae or equivalent. The method includes the step of applying the microorganism to an elm tree early in the growing seaons and wherein no more than 10% of the crown of the tree is infected with the disease.