bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungal growth in silages of sugarbeet press pulp and maize
Authors: Nout M. J. R. , Bouwmeester H. M. , Haaksma J. , Van Dijk H.
Published: March 2009

Fungal spoilage of animal feed silage occurs frequently. In spoiled silage of sugarbeet press pulp sampled in The Netherlands during the period 1986–90, 40% of the samples were infested byPenicillium roquefortii. Other fungi of health significance includedAspergillus fumigatus(8% of all samples) andByssochlamysspp. (4 % of all samples). P.roquefortiiis also the dominant spoilage mould in maize silage. However, no PR-toxin could be detected in 25 lumps of P.roquefortii-intested maize silage, although one lump contained a fluorescent substance, with an Rff-value close to that of PR-toxin. This silage sample was not mutagenic, but had a cytotoxic effect towardsSalmonella typhimuriumin the Ames test. All P.roquefortii-infested lumps contained fluorescent fungal metabolites which were absent in samples taken at 5 cm distance from the corresponding lumps in the silage heaps. It is recommended that lumps of fungal-infested silage are removed before feeding the silage to cattle.
Incorporation of abomasal and intravenous doses of [35S]cystine and [35S]methionine into wool
Authors: Reis P. J. , Tunks D. A. , Sharry L. F.
Published: March 2009

The fate of abomasal and intravenous doses of [35S]cystine and [35S]methionine was investigated in sheep to determine their relative efficacy as supplements for wool growth.

Administration of L-[35S]cystine and L-, DL- and D-[35S]methionine via the abomasum produced similar patterns of35S labelling in blood plasma. Only 10–16% of the administered35S was excreted in urine over 7 days and 22–32% of the dose was incorporated into wool over 21 days. All isomers were utilized by the sheep with similar efficiency and it was concluded that D- and L-methionine and L-cystine are equally effective as supplements for wool growth at optimal dose rates. Abomasal supplementation with a large amount of methionine (10 g/day) resulted in the excretion of a high proportion of the35S in urine (55% of the dose over 7 days) and low incorporation into wool.

A comparison of the extent of incorporation of35S into wool from intravenous doses of L-[35S]cystine and L-[35S]methionine in the same sheep, and in sheep from flocks selected for high and low wool production, showed that incorporation from methionine averaged 80% of that from cystine. It was concluded that, at moderate (2–3 g/day) methionine availability, methionine is utilized for synthesis of wool with about 80% of the efficiency of cystine, conversion of methionine to cysteine occurring via the transulphuration pathway.
An analysis of the differences in germination of seed lots of perennial ryegrass in response to artificial ageing
Authors: Naylor R. E. L.
Published: March 2009

Statistically sound methods for analysing the results of germination tests were used to quantify and assess differences between seed lots of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) subjected to accelerated ageing. Ageing altered not only the proportion of seed not germinating but also the mean germination time and the synchrony of germination. Seed lots differed in these three parameters before and after ageing. The responses to ageing of mean germination time and synchrony were not regular and a simulation of trie possible effects of ageing on germination suggested this irregularity might be due to changes in the proportion of viable seeds and to a non-normal distribution of seed ages.
The long-term effects of applying high rates of N fertilizer to winter wheat
Authors: Holbrook J. R. , Ridgman W. J.
Published: March 2009

An experiment in which all combinations of four rates of N fertilizer soon after sowing, four in early spring and nine in late spring were applied to the same plots of winter wheat for 6 years is described and the effects discussed.

It was found that although the yield varied considerably from year to year the regime leading to greatest yield was fairly consistent. If the farmer had used the regime which gave the greatest average yield (0, 90, 180 kg N/ha in autumn, early spring and late spring, respectively) he would have averaged only 0·12 t/ha less than the maximum attainable each year.

Application of N increased protein concentration in the grain more or less linearly but the latest application increased it most. Since the regime which gave greatest yield on average produced grain which qualified for bread-making premium from the protein point of view in all years except 1981, adopting the regime which gave maximum yield would reduce the potential maximum gross margin by only £30/ha.

Analysis of the soil showed a reduction in pH down to 15 cm and of available P2O5 down to 10 cm.
Interactions between and within inflorescences in relation to the storage capacity of field beans (Vicia faba)
Authors: Aufhammer W. , Nalborczyk E. , Geyer Barbara , Götz Isabella , Mack Carola , Paluch S.
Published: March 2009

Two field experiments and one pot experiment were carried out to test the hypothesis that competition and dominance relations between and within inflorescences control seed yield. The experiments compared untreated field bean (Vicia faba L.) plants with others in which the numbers of inflorescences and flowers had been surgically reduced to 18 defined positions at lower or at upper nodes. Growth conditions were varied by sowing date and plant density. Seed yields, yield components and 14C-labelled assimilate distribution were determined.

Most untreated plants set no more than 18 pods while treated ones set 4–7 pods fewer. As variation in seed set per pod was small, the resulting number of seeds remained about 30% less in treated compared with untreated plants. In plants with pods set only at upper nodes, 14C-assimilate distribution shifted in favour of leaf and root production, presumably supporting seed production later on. Concerning seed yield per plant, full compensation was reached as mean weights per seed increased up to 40%. In interactions with growth conditions, small overcompensation effects on seed yield per plant were indicated. Results are discussed in relation to storage capacity and yield stability.
Yield, quality and nitrogen fertilizer recovery of standard and semi-dwarf spring wheat as affected by sowing date and fertilizer rate
Authors: Alessi J. , Power J. F. , Sibbitt L. D.
Published: March 2009

Because of environmental and economic constraints, we need to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application on nutrient availability and fertilizer recovery, especially in regions of limited rainfall. This study was conducted to provide information on effects of N rate on yields and N recovery by standard and semi-dwarf spring wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) sown at two dates.

Ammonium nitrate was applied to spring wheat at rates up to 272 kg N/ha each year for 4 consecutive years. Only grain was removed from the plot at harvest. Wheat types did not differ in grain yields, but these yields were significantly reduced in 2 of 4 years by late sowing. Average grain yields for late sowing were greatest at 34 kg N/ha, but yields for early sowing approached maximum at the 68 kg N for semi-dwarf wheat and 136 kg N/ha for the standard wheat.

Semi-dwarf wheat was lower than standard wheat in grain and flour protein concentration and baking absorption. Late sowing (May 30) reduced test weights, flour yield and baking absorption, but increased wheat protein concentration as compared with early sowing (April 30). Leaching of fertilizer N below the 90 cm depth ranged from 152 to 378 kg/ha at the 272 kg N/ha/year rate, and was greater for the late than for the early sowing. Fertilizer N that could be accounted for averaged 87 and 82% for early and late seeding respectively. Water-use efficiency was reduced by late sowing.Soil-water extraction by wheat to the 120 cm depth was greater for high N rates.

These 4-year results showed that semi-dwarf and standard wheats had only slight differences in total grain production. Also, for efficient use of applied fertilizer and available soil water, wheat should be sown in the spring as soon as soil and weather conditions permit.
The flow of amino acids into the small intestine of cattle when fed heated and unheated beans (Vicia faba)
Authors: McMeniman N. P. , Armstrong D. G.
Published: March 2009

The effect of substituting different amounts of heated and unheated beans for barley in diets to cows, on the flow of total nitrogen (N), total amino acid nitrogen (TAA-N) and individual amino acids into the proximal duodenum was studied. Neither heating of the beans nor increasing their proportion in the diet significantly increased the flow of total N at the duodenum; however, increasing the proportion of beans did increase the flow of TAA-N. The substitution of both forms of cracked beans for barley, and at both levels significantly increased the flows of leucine and aspartic acid; flows of histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine and serine were increased by substitution of both forms of beans but only at the higher level. In the bean supplemented diets significant proportions of all of the ingested amino acids except methionine were apparently destroyed in the forestomachs. The substitution of beans for barley resulted in a net increase of 0·2 g TAA-N flow into the proximal small intestine for each gram of additional dietary N.
Evaluation of legume intercropping in conservation of fertilizer nitrogen in maize culture
Authors: Nair K. P. P. , Patel U. K. , Singh R. P. , Kaushik M. K.
Published: March 2009

Experiments made over a period of 2 years (1975–6) covering three crop seasons at Pantnagar, India, on the comparative utility of intercropping the principal maize crop with legumes in economizing fertilizer N requirements of the former, indicated that among soya bean, cowpea, pigeonpea and groundnut, soya bean was the most suitable. At 40 kg N/ha intercropping maize with soya bean gave 19·5% more yield than taking it as a pure crop. When the option to use adequate fertilizer N does not exist, as is invariably the case with the average Indian farmer, intercropping maize with legumes, such as soya bean, is the logical way out. All the intercropping treatments left sufficient residual fertility to significantly increase yield of a wheat crop given no fertilizer which followed maize.
The effect of stress on the redistribution of calcium in sheep
Authors: Moseley G. , Axford R. F. E.
Published: March 2009

Welsh mountain sheep were subjected to a number of stressful treatments including minor surgical interference, restrictive handling and adrenaline administration. A decline in plasma calcium concentration was consistently observed following treatment, and this was accompanied by the elevation of plasma NEFA levels. There was a highly significant negative correlation between these changes.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue taken by biopsy from adrenaline-treated sheep showed an increase in calcium concentration which was significantly correlated with the depression of plasma calcium concentration.

In vitroincubation of omental fat with adrenaline showed there was an uptake of calcium by adipose tissue from the medium, which was dependent on time and log dose of adrenaline.

The results are discussed in the light of the possible effect of calcium transport into adipose tissue on calcium homeostasis during periods of severe calcium loss.
Effect of linseed oil fatty acids and linseed oil on rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Czerkawski J. W.
Published: March 2009

Three experiments were made, in which two, four and three sheep were given rations in which increasing amounts of linseed oil fatty acids or Unseed oil were incorporated.

Although the changes in the rumen fermentation patterns were similar in all sheep, in some sheep the lipid metabolism in the rumen appeared abnormal, inasmuch as there was considerable accumulation of palmitic and smaller amounts of myristic acid.

It was concluded that the increases in the concentration of palmitic acid were due to an increased rate of its synthesis in the rumen, and an attempt was made to calculate these rates approximately.

The significance of these results within the context of rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and its inhibition were discussed.
Estimating leaf area in mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Hamid A. , Agata W.
Published: March 2009

Linear measurements of the length and maximum width of terminal leaflets of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) were made to estimate the whole trifoliate leaf area. The linear measurements were compared with the areas of leaflets and whole trifoliate leaves, determined using a leaf area meter. Five varieties were used in the study. Varieties differed in leaf shape and size, and equations were generated for each of the varieties to estimate the leaf area as a function of the product of the length and maximum width of the terminal leaflets, thus providing a means of nondestructive estimation of leaf area.
Influence OfAspergillus oryzaefermentation extract on the fermentation of a basal ration in the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec)
Authors: Frumholtz P. P. , Newbold C. J. , Wallace R. J.
Published: March 2009

The effects of adding a culture extract fromAspergillus oryzae(AO) to the fermentation of a basal ration were investigated using the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec). The ration consisted of hay, barley, molasses, fishmeal and a minerals/vitamins mixture, at 500, 299–5, 100, 91 and 9–5 g/kg dry matter respectively. AO eliminated the transient fall in pH that occurred following the addition of substrate to Rusitec, but had no influence on the buffering capacity of the medium. Increases in the acetate: propionate ratio and in the proportion of butyrate in the fermentation products were observed in vessels receiving AO. Ammonia concentrations increased by over 30%. The number of total viable bacteria almost doubled and the cellulolytic population increased three-fold in vessels receiving AO. Protozoal numbers were reduced by almost 45% by AO. The proportion of methane in the headspace gas collected from the vessels during the day was significantly(P< 0·01) lower in vessels receiving AO. These results demonstrate that AO has a marked effect on the microbial population and the stoichiometry of the rumen fermentation, and that these changes can be seen in anin vitrosystem.
Foliage of the tree legumes gliricidia, leucaena, and sesbania as supplement to napier grass diets for growing goats
Authors: van Eys J. E. , Mathius I. W. , Pongsapan P. , Johnson W. L.
Published: March 2009

Three experiments were conducted to determine the value of foliage from three tropical legume trees as low level protein supplements to napier grass diets for growing ‘Kacang’ goats. The average crude protein concentration in the napier grass was 12%.

Napier grass and foliage of the legume trees Gliricidia maculata, Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania grandiflora were subjected to in situ microbial fermentation and subsequent treatment with acid-pepsin solution. The levels of N solubilized after 2 h incubation were 46 and 43% for napier grass and sesbania respectively, which were higher (P < 0·05) than those for gliricidia and leucaena (27%). Rates of protein disappearance between 2 and 24 h incubation in the rumen averaged 2·6%/h for the legumes and 1·0%/h for napier grass. The proportion of water-insoluble, rumendegradable protein from the legumes was larger (P < 0·05) than that from napier grass.

Napier grass intake by goats supplemented with gliricidia or leucaena at 15% of the dry-matter intake from napier grass was lower (P < 0·05) than that of controls receiving no legume supplement. Napier grass intake did not differ between controls and sesbania-supplemented goats. There was no difference among diets in total dry-matter intake, intake of cell wall constituents or digestibility. Average daily gain for control goats was – 1 g/day as compared with 21 g/day for supplemented goats.

The feeding of formaldehyde-treated soya-bean meal (F-SBM) as a supplement to either napier grass or napier grass–legume diets increased (P < 0·05) intake of dry matter and weight gain of goats. Napier grass intake of animals supplemented with only F-SBM was higher (P < 0·05) than that of control animals. The efficiency of N utilization from F-SBM was higher than that in the legumes, but replacement of legumes by F-SBM above 4% F-SBM feeding had no effect on weight gain or efficiency of utilization.

It was concluded that napier grass of 6–8 weeks' regrowth with 12% crude protein did not provide sufficient protein for growing goats owing to inefficient protein utilization. The increase in efficiency of protein utilization on supplemented diets is mainly associated with the larger proportion of water insoluble, rumen degradable protein and possibly acid-pepsin soluble protein in tropical tree legumes.
The digestion by cattle of barley and silage diets containing increasing quantities of soya-bean meal
Authors: Rooke J. A. , Alvareza P. , Armstrong D. G.
Published: March 2009

A 4 x 4 latin-square design experiment was carried out to determine the effects of increasing nitrogen (N) intake by feeding diets containing increasing amounts of soyabean meal upon the digestion of organic matter (OM) and N by cattle equipped with rumen and duodenal cannulae. A basal diet (B) containing 600 g ground barley and 400 g grass silage/kg diet and three diets (BS1, BS2 and BS3) in which increasing amounts of the barley were replaced by soya-bean meal were fed. The mean daily intakes of OM and N when each diet was fed were 4·56, 4·55, 4·30 and 4·52 kg OM and 920, 114·7, 138·3 and 164·1 g N for diets B, BSl, BS2 and BS3 respectively.

Neither the amounts of OM entering the small intestine nor those voided in the faeces were altered by the diets fed. Thus the mean apparent OM digestibility for all the diets fed was 0·74 + 0·013 and the proportion of digestible OM intake apparently digested in the rumen was 0·77 + 0048.

Mean daily concentrations of ammonia N in the rumen were significantly (P < 0·001) increased from 38 mg N/l (diet B) to 129 mg N/l (diet BS3) as N intake increased.

The quantities of non-ammonia N and of amino acid N entering the small intestine were not significantly (P >0·05) increased as more soya-bean meal was added to the diet, although diet BSl supported the greatest flows of N to the small intestine. Thus as more soya-bean meal was added to the diet there were increasing net losses of nonammoniaN(P < 0·01) and amino acid N (P < 0·01) prior to the small intestine. Faecal N excretion was not increased (P > 0·05) as soya-bean meal intake increased and thus apparent N digestibility was significantly (P < 0·01) increased by increasing soyabean intake.

Both the quantities of microbial N entering the small intestine daily and the apparent efficiency of microbial N synthesis within the rumen were increased when diet BSl was fed in comparison with the basal diet (B) and then declined when diets BS2 and BS3 were fed; these increases were not significant. The quantities of feed N entering the small intestine daily were not significantly (P > 0·05) increased as soya-bean meal intake increased; thus apparent feed N degradability in the rumen was significantly (P < 0·01) increased as soya-bean meal intake increased. In contrast, the rates of disappearance of N from each of the components of the diets fed, when incubated in the rumens of the cattle in porous synthetic fibre-bags, were not increased (P > 0·05) as soya-bean meal intake increased.
Growth of sugar-beet crops including the influence of synthetic plant growth regulators
Authors: Green C. F. , Vaidyanathan L. V. , Ivins J. D.
Published: March 2009

Observations are presented from a crop of sugar beet grown in Cambridgeshire during 1978, and a field trial at Sutton Bonington during 1985 in which the influence of synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) daminozide, chlormequat, GA4+7and ethephon were compared.

Several distinct patterns of growth were evident, being similar for both growing seasons and described by two intersecting straight lines. Early development was characterized by a slow rate of biomass accumulation, a dominance of foliage production with a constant but small root fraction (around 40%), a low specific leaf area and a slow but conservative rate of sucrose fractionation. Later in the season the rate of stand growth was both constant and maximal, the root fraction doubled, specific leaf area increased and the rate of sucrose accumulation rose markedly.

Transitions between developmental phases occurred at various times dependent on variate under consideration. The onset of the main growth period began at the end of June, followed by an increase in the rate of sucrose accumulation about 2 weeks later. Finally, near the end of July, partition of assimilate into the root assumed a faster rate. Changes in the partitioning into both roots and sucrose are discussed in relation to the development of the secondary cambium.

Generally there were no effects of PGRs on biomass accumulation, dry-matter partitioning, specific leaf area and sucrose accumulation. However, daminozide increased early canopy expansion and early dry-matter production but failed to influence biomass or sugar yield.
An investigation of the usefulness of phosphorus concentrations in tissue water as indicators of the phosphorus status of field-grown spring barley
Authors: Leigh R. A. , Johnston A. E.
Published: March 2009

The effects of recalculating P concentrations in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Georgie or Julia) on the basis of tissue water were investigated. Expressing P concentrations in this way altered their apparent behaviour with time. Whereas % P in dry matter declined during growth, P concentrations in tissue water decreased initially but then increased. The rate of increase became more rapid during senescence. Nitrogen and water supplies induced differences in % P in dry matter but these were reduced when P concentrations were expressed on the basis of tissue water. Like % P in dry matter, P concentrations in tissue water were lower in crops grown on a soil that had not received P since 1852. It is suggested that P concentrations in tissue water can provide a method for assessing crop P status that has some advantages over % P in dry matter.
Comparison of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium utilization efficiency in maize/mungbean intercropping
Authors: Chowdhury M. K. , Rosario E. L.
Published: March 2009

Effects of rhizobial inoculation and applied nitrogen on the utilization efficiency of N, P and K were studied in relation to the yield advantage in additive maize/mungbean intercrops at Los Baños, Philippines in 1988. Inoculation increased grain yield of both maize (Zea mays L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). Yield of maize increased by 60% in the sole crop and 71% in the intercrop as the N application rate was increased from 0 to 90 kg/ha, with a corresponding decrease of 29–35% in the yield of the associated mungbean. Intercropping reduced mungbean yield by 35–57%; maize was less affected. Inoculation also improved the land equivalent ratio (LER). The highest LER (1·49) was obtained at 30 kg N/ha with inoculation.

Nutrient absorption by both maize and mungbean was reduced due to intercropping, mungbean being more affected than maize. The reductions in the N absorption efficiency of maize ranged from 4 to 37% and those of mungbean from 37 to 58%. Increases in N rate increased N absorption of maize but caused greater reductions in N absorption of mungbean. Reductions in P absorption by intercropped maize declined with increases in applied N and with inoculation. Inoculation, however, had a lesser effect on K absorption efficiency.

Land equivalent ratio analysis in terms of N, P and K utilization efficiency showed that the increase in LER over unity was due largely to a higher total uptake of nutrients by the component crops in the mixture than by the sole crops. The greater efficiency of intercrops than of the sole crops in converting absorbed nutrients to grains also contributed to the yield advantage.
An evaluation of seedling progeny tests for resistance to potato leaf roll virus in potato
Authors: Solomon-Blackburn R. M. , MacKay G. R. , Brown J.
Published: March 2009

Progeny tests for resistance to potato leafroll virus using true seedlings in a glasshouse in Scotland ranked progenies by the percentages of seedlings showing primary symptoms, in accordance with the known phenotypes of their parents. Symptoms were more obvious in seedlings grown under sodium lamps than in those grown under fluorescent strip lights. These glasshouse seedling progeny tests were then evaluated by comparing them with field clonal trials. The progeny tests were found to identify effectively those progenies most resistant to potato leafroll virus but were not effective for identifying the most resistant clones within progenies.
Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing duckweed (Lemna gibba)
Authors: Haustein A. T. , Gilman R. H. , Skillicorn P. W. , Hannan H. , Díaz F. , Guevara V. , Vergara V. , Gastañaduy A. , Gilman J. B.
Published: March 2009

Titan broiler chickens kept in batteries at the Universidad Agraria, Lima, were fed diets containing duckweed (Lemna gibba) in proportions of 0, 10, 15 and 25%. The weight gain of broilers fed 15% duckweed was similar to that of the controls; 25% duckweed in the diet resulted in a significant decrease in feed consumption and weight gain.

To determine if Titan and Arbor Acres broiler chickens could be maintained on duckweed diets under commercial conditions, birds were fed diets containing 0 and 5% duckweed. Female birds (Titan and Arbor Acres) fed diets containing 5 % duckweed showed increased final weights. The pigmentation of all birds receiving the diet containing duckweed was significantly increased.

Duckweed used at levels of up to 15 % in the diets of broiler chickens could represent an important protein source for poultry feed in developing countries where soyabean meal or fish-meal are not available.
An investigation into copper deficiency in cattle in the Southern Pennines. I. Identification of suspect areas using geochemical reconnaissance followed by blood copper surveys
Authors: Thornton I. , Kershaw G. F. , Davies M. K.
Published: March 2009

Severe clinical copper deficiency has been recognized for some years on a number of farms within an area of 10 square miles in North Staffordshire. Response to injected copper is good and supplementation is now regular practice. One of the causes would appear to be a dietary excess of molybdenum, confirmed in soil and pasture.

Geochemical reconnaissance in 1965 delineated areas totalling 60 square miles, including the above area, in which molybdenum occurs in above normal concentrations in stream sediments, rocks, soils and pasture. The source of the molybdenum was found to be black marine shales of Carboniferous age. Within the areas the presence of molybdeniferous soils and pasture is related to local variation in geology and parent material and is in particular affected by drift cover.

Blood copper analysis on 350 cattle from 26 herds, excluding those herds in which deficiency was previously recognized, indicated hypocupraemia in 64% within the geochemically denned molybdeniferous area compared to 35 % in nearby control areas. Excluding animals fed minerals, the results were 77 and 37%, respectively. On the whole, deficient animals showed no marked clinical symptoms of hypocuprosis, though unthriftiness and poor fertility are common in the area.
Effects of rolling and alkali treatment of barley grain supplements on forage intake and utilization by steers and lactating cows
Authors: Sriskandarajah N. , Ashwood A. , Kellaway R. C.
Published: March 2009

In Expt 1, lactating dairy cows grazing kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) were given no supplement (C), supplements of rolled barley grain at 4 (4R) and 6 (6R) kg/day and supplements of NaOH-treated whole barley grain at 4 (4A) and 6 (6A) kg/day. Daily production of milk (kg/day), fat and protein (g/day) and live-weight changes (g/day) respectively were C 7·82, 303, 276, 450; 4R 9·26, 338, 315, 865; 4A 10·23, 366, 349, 529; 6R 10·09, 352, 343, 672; 6A 10·61, 363, 348, 361.

Milk production was significantly higher (P < 0·05) and live-weight gain significantly lower (P < 0·05) on NaOH-treated grain than on rolled grain.

In Expt 2, yearling steers in pens were fed pasture hay ad libitum with no supplement (C) and 3 kg/day of barley grain which was either rolled (3R) or NaOH-treated whole grain (3A). Mean intakes of hay (g/day) and DOMD in vivo (%) respectively were C 7684, 60; 3R 5224, 65; 3A 6209, 60.

Hay intake was significantly higher (P < 0·05) on NaOH-treated grain than on rolled grain.

Fractional disappearance rates of rolled and NaOH-treated grain from nylon bags suspended in the rumen were, respectively, 0·15 and 0–07/h for the period 0–4 h, and 0·07 and 0·02/h for the period 4–12 h incubation. In Expt 2, rumen pH was higher and the digestion rate of hay in nylon bags in vivo was higher on C than on 3R and 3A. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the rumen did not differ significantly between diets.

It was concluded that greater milk production and hay intakes when cattle were fed NaOH-treated whole barley than when they were fed rolled barley were attributable to the slower rate of digestion of the former. The NaOH treatment (30 g NaOH/kg grain) was probably too low and further study is necessary to determine optimum levels of treatment, which are likely to vary with the ratio of grain: forage in the diet.
Developmental changes in the biochemical composition of foetal and neonatal pig muscle with special reference to DNA synthesis
Authors: Farmer Linda J. , Mackie W. S. , Ritchie P. J.
Published: March 2009

DNA and protein concentrations were measured in selected muscles from foetal and neonatal pigs; the protein: DNA ratios of hind-limb muscles were similar to those of the forelimb from 83 days gestation to 27 days after birth. The ratios increased during the perinatal period, providing evidence that maturation of muscle began in the last few days of pregnancy. RNA concentration, cathepsin D activity and tritiated thymidine incorporation were measured in muscles from the neonatal animals and the results indicated a surge of biosynthetic activity in the first days of life. Values obtained from the hind- and forelimb muscles were similar throughout the period of study with RNA: DNA ratio, cathepsin D activity and thymidine incorporation reaching maximum values at 4 days of age. A considerable proportion of thymidine incorporation was attributed to the mitotic activity of satellite cells.
The effect of time of harvest on the yield components of poppies (Papaver somniferumL.)
Authors: Laughlin J. C.
Published: March 2009

In a field experiment in the north-west region of Tasmania, poppies (Papaver somniferumL.) were harvested at weekly intervals beginning 10 days after full bloom and continuing until 4 weeks after the dry commercial harvest stage. At each harvest the plants were cut off at ground level and partitioned into terminal capsules, lateral capsules, seed and the combined stem plus leaf component.

The dry-matter yield of total plant and of all the components except seed achieved maximum values 2–3 weeks after full bloom and then progressively declined. For the total plant this decrease between maximum dry weight and that at the time of commercial harvest (8 weeks after full bloom) amounted to 26% while for terminal capsules it was 37% for lateral capsules 15% and for stem plus leaves 39%. In contrast, the dry-matter yield of total seed rose to a maximum by 4 weeks after full bloom and then remained constant for the duration of the experiment.

The morphine concentration of both terminal and lateral capsules reached a maximum value of 1·1% 6 weeks after full bloom and then decreased by about 10% at the dry harvest stage. The morphine concentration of stem and leaves also reached a maximum of 0·1% about the same time as capsules but decreased rapidly and had halved by dry commercial harvest. The mutually compensating factors of decreasing dry-matter yield and increasing morphine concentration gave similar total plant morphine yields at any time of harvest from 2 to 7 weeks after full bloom. The morphine extracted from the whole plant at these times of harvest was about 50% greater than that derived from capsules alone at the time of dry commercial harvest.
A comparison of sources of supplementary nitrogen for young cattle receiving fibre-rich diets
Authors: Smith T. , Broster Valerie J. , Hill R. E.
Published: March 2009

Fishmeal, soya-bean meal and urea were compared as nitrogen sources in diets rich in fibre for yearling cattle, using feeding trials and digestibility and nitrogen retention studies. All animals were individually fed. Diets supplemented with fishmeal supported the highest rates of daily live-weight gain and nitrogen retention. There was no response in dry-matter intake and digestibility from extra nitrogen, either from fishmeal or urea, when the crude protein of the diet was 8·5% or over, and a small response in digestibility when soya-bean meal was used.

Molar proportions of VFA, rumen NH3-N concentrations and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were all affected by both amount and source of nitrogen supplementation. Multiple regression analysis showed the undegradable protein supply to be more critical with high than with low fibre diets.
Available potential energy diagnosis in a direct numerical simulation of rotating stratified turbulence
Authors: ROULLET GUILLAUME , KLEIN PATRICE
Published: March 2009

Review of three studies devoted to the available potential energy (APE) leads to the proposal of a diagnosis for APE, well-suited for rotating stratified flows within the primitive equations (PE) framework in which anharmonic effects (due to large vertical displacements of isopycnals) are permitted. The chosen diagnosis is based on the APE definition of Holliday & McIntyre (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 107, 1981, pp. 221–225) and uses the background stratification of Winters et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 289, 1995, pp. 115–128). Subsequent evaluation of the APE in a PE direct simulation (1/100°, 200 levels) of oceanic mesoscale turbulence indicates that anharmonic effects are significant. These effects are due to large vertical displacements of the isopycnals and the curvature of the background density profile.
Assessing the “Revive the Northeast” (zhenxing dongbei) Programme: Origins, Policies and Implementation
Authors: Chung Jae Ho , Lai Hongyi , Joo Jang-Hwan
Published: March 2009

This article, focusing on the “revive the northeast” programme, examines four questions: why was the northeast region selected as yet another macro-site for Beijing-endorsed scheme of regional development; how does it differ from the “develop the west” scheme; what does the “revive the northeast” scheme entail in concrete policy terms; and how can we assess the impact of this scheme on the region's economic development? While it offers a relatively positive assessment of the programme's impact in facilitating a faster growth during 2004–06, future challenges are also noted for a sustainable development of the northeast region as a whole.
Relativistic electron loss timescales in the slot region
Authors: Meredith Nigel P. , Horne Richard B. , Glauert Sarah A. , Baker Daniel N. , Kanekal Shrikanth G. , Albert Jay M.
Published: March 2009

Recent observations show that the decay rate of relativistic electrons measured at low altitudes in the slot region at L = 2 is an order of magnitude shorter than theoretical estimates based on CRRES wave data. Here we compare the decay rates of 2–6 MeV electrons measured at low altitudes by the SAMPEX spacecraft with those derived from CRRES wave observations. We show that pitch angle scattering by plasmaspheric hiss (0.1 < f < 2 kHz) is the dominant process responsible for electron loss in the outer slot region (2.4 < L < 3.0), but hiss alone cannot account for the observed loss timescales at lower L. Although SAMPEX samples small equatorial pitch angles (αeq ≈ 18°), this is not the dominant reason for the different timescales. We find that the decay of 2–6 MeV electrons measured by SAMPEX in the inner slot region (2.0 < L < 2.4) is most likely due to the combined effects of hiss and guided whistlers propagating with small wave normal angles. Unguided whistlers have little or no effect on the loss timescales. Magnetosonic waves may be as important as guided whistlers for electron loss under active conditions. Guided whistlers and fast magnetosonic waves increase the diffusion rates in a “bottleneck region” near αeq = 75°, enabling electrons with larger pitch angles to diffuse into the loss cone more effectively and hence the entire distribution function decays more rapidly. Even though the power of guided whistlers and magnetosonic waves may be two orders of magnitude less than hiss, they play a very important role in electron loss in the inner slot region.
A ground‐to‐exosphere Martian general circulation model: 1. Seasonal, diurnal, and solar cycle variation of thermospheric temperatures
Authors: González‐Galindo F. , Forget F. , López‐Valverde M. A. , Angelats i Coll M. , Millour E.
Published: March 2009

We present the extension to the thermosphere of a Martian general circulation model, the first able to self‐consistently study the whole Martian atmosphere from the surface to the exosphere. We describe the parameterizations developed to include physical processes important for thermospheric altitudes. The results of a simulation covering 1 full Martian year are presented, focusing on the seasonal, diurnal, and day‐to‐day variability of the temperatures in the exobase region. The seasonal variation of the zonal mean temperatures in the upper atmosphere is of about 100 K, mostly due to the variation of the solar forcing. The temperature of the mesopause ranges between 115 and 130 K, with little seasonal and day‐night variations. Its pressure level undergoes significant seasonal and day‐night variations. Comparisons with SPICAM observations show that the modeled mesopause is too low and too warm. A similar study for the homopause shows that it is located higher in the atmosphere during solstices, owing to reinforced mixing by a stronger circulation. Important day‐night temperature differences are found in the thermosphere, ranging from about 60 K at aphelion to 110 K at perihelion. This diurnal cycle is slightly perturbed by the day‐to‐day variations of temperature, dominated by waves with periods of 2 to 6 sols and amplitude of 30 K. The model reproduces the observed solar cycle variation in temperatures when using a UV heating efficiency of 16%, slightly lower than the theoretical value. The seasonal variation of temperatures is overestimated by the model, in comparison with the available measurements.
Critical evaluation of parameter consistency and predictive uncertainty in hydrological modeling: A case study using Bayesian total error analysis
Authors: Thyer Mark , Renard Benjamin , Kavetski Dmitri , Kuczera George , Franks Stewart William , Srikanthan Sri
Published: March 2009

The lack of a robust framework for quantifying the parametric and predictive uncertainty of conceptual rainfall‐runoff (CRR) models remains a key challenge in hydrology. The Bayesian total error analysis (BATEA) methodology provides a comprehensive framework to hypothesize, infer, and evaluate probability models describing input, output, and model structural error. This paper assesses the ability of BATEA and standard calibration approaches (standard least squares (SLS) and weighted least squares (WLS)) to address two key requirements of uncertainty assessment: (1) reliable quantification of predictive uncertainty and (2) reliable estimation of parameter uncertainty. The case study presents a challenging calibration of the lumped GR4J model to a catchment with ephemeral responses and large rainfall gradients. Postcalibration diagnostics, including checks of predictive distributions using quantile‐quantile analysis, suggest that while still far from perfect, BATEA satisfied its assumed probability models better than SLS and WLS. In addition, WLS/SLS parameter estimates were highly dependent on the selected rain gauge and calibration period. This will obscure potential relationships between CRR parameters and catchment attributes and prevent the development of meaningful regional relationships. Conversely, BATEA provided consistent, albeit more uncertain, parameter estimates and thus overcomes one of the obstacles to parameter regionalization. However, significant departures from the calibration assumptions remained even in BATEA, e.g., systematic overestimation of predictive uncertainty, especially in validation. This is likely due to the inferred rainfall errors compensating for simplified treatment of model structural error.
The “Maya Express”: Floods in the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Dirmeyer Paul A. , Kinter James L.
Published: March 2009

The 2008 floods in the U.S. Midwest culminated in severe river flooding, with many rivers in the region cresting at record levels during May and particularly June. Twenty‐four people were killed and more than 140 were injured as a result of the floods. Nine states were affected: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In Iowa, 83 of the state's 99 counties were declared disaster areas. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was among the cities hardest hit by flooding. At one point, water covered 1300 city blocks across 24 square kilometers, inundating 3900 homes and most of the city's infrastructure and municipal facilities. The flood, which also damaged the Midwest's corn and soybean crops, was presaged by unusually heavy snowpack the preceding winter and by anomalously heavy rainfall during the spring.
Benoít‐Bird Receives 2008 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award
Authors: Benoít‐Bird Kelly
Published: March 2009

Kelly Benoít‐Bird received the 2008 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award at the 2008 AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held 17 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes significant contributions to and promise in the ocean sciences. Benoít‐Bird's response to receiving the award follows.
Glutathione and amino acid concentrations in human liver during short warm ischaemia and reperfusion: a pilot study
Authors: Westman Bo , Thörne Anders , Rooyackers Olav , Fredriksson Katarina , Wernerman Jan , Hammarqvist Folke
Published: March 2009

Glutathione is a major antioxidant, and, in the present study, we investigated whether a clinical model of short warm ischaemia and reperfusion of the human liver during surgery would influence glutathione and amino acid metabolism. Previous studies in humans have demonstrated that ischaemia and reperfusion in skeletal muscle for up to 120 min have no major effect on muscle glutathione concentrations. Liver ischaemia and reperfusion in animals have demonstrated diverging results concerning glutathione metabolism. In the present study, six patients with liver malignancies, undergoing liver resection during warm ischaemia, were included. Liver biopsies were obtained from healthy appearing liver tissue from both lobes before ischaemia and at maximal ischaemia, and from the remaining liver lobe after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min of reperfusion. The biopsies were analysed for glutathione, amino acids and lactate. Median ischaemia time was 28 (range, 15–36) min. Lactate increased 266% at maximal ischaemia (P<0.05). No alterations in glutathione concentrations or the redox status of glutathione (GSH/total glutathione) were observed. Glutamate decreased 22% (P<0.05) at maximal ischaemia and increased thereafter 72% at 30 min of reperfusion (P<0.05). Alanine increased 105% at maximal ischaemia (P<0.05) and was normalized during reperfusion. BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) increased 67% at maximal ischaemia (P<0.05). In conclusion, short-time ischaemia and reperfusion in the human liver did not affect glutathione concentrations, whereas changes were observed in amino acid concentrations during both ischaemia and reperfusion.
The Diagnostic Accuracy and Construct Validity of the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test—Preschool: Second Edition
Authors: Greenslade Kathryn J. , Plante Elena , Vance Rebecca
Published: March 2009

Purpose

In order to support evidence-based practice, this study served to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, convergent validity, and divergent validity of the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test—Preschool: Second Edition (SPELT–P2; J. Dawson, J. A. Eyer, J. Fonkalsrud, 2005) in order to determine whether it can be used as a valid measure for identifying language impairment in preschoolers.

Method

The SPELT–P2 was administered to 54 children with typically developing language and 42 children with specific language impairment.

Results

A discriminant analysis revealed good sensitivity (90.6%), good specificity (100%), and good positive and negative likelihood ratios, with a standard score cutoff point of 87 used to determine group membership. Analyses of convergent and divergent validity also supported use of the SPELT–P2 for identifying language impairment in preschoolers.

Implications

The empirical evidence supports use of the SPELT–P2 as a valid measure for correctly identifying the presence or absence of language impairment in 4- and 5-year-old preschool children.
Ferromagnetic resonance properties and anisotropy of Ni-Mn-Ga thin films of different thicknesses deposited on Si substrate
Authors: Golub Vladimir , Reddy K. M. , Chernenko Volodymyr , Müllner Peter , Punnoose Alex , Ohtsuka Makoto
Published: March 2009

Ni-Mn-Ga films of different thicknesses were deposited onto Si(100) substrates by magnetron sputtering and annealed at 1073 K for 1 h in high vacuum. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the formation of 220 fiber texture perpendicular to the film plane. Magnetic properties of thin films were investigated at room temperature using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique. The dependencies of both the FMR absorption maximum position and resonance linewidth on the direction of the external magnetic field with respect to the film normal were studied. The data analysis showed that the direction of magnetocrystalline anisotropy easy axis in the films makes 45° angle with the film normal. The modeling allowed evaluation of the uniaxial anisotropy constant, which is found to increase with thickness of Ni-Mn-Ga films. Uniaxial anisotropy constants were found to be ∼2.8×105 erg/cm3 for 0.1 and 0.5 μm film thickness, ∼4.2×105 erg/cm3 for 1 μm film, and ∼5.1×105 erg/cm3 for 3 μm film.
Switching field and mechanism of cubic and flat square particles
Authors: Uesaka Y. , Endo H. , Nakatani Y. , Hayashi N. , Fukushima H.
Published: March 2009

Switching fields and mechanisms of cubic and flat square particles were investigated using computer simulation. The switching fields can be estimated from the nucleation fields obtained from the analytical equation for the coherent rotation or the curling modes of a sphere with the same diameter as the cubic particle or of an oblate spheroid with the same length of the principal axes as the flat square particle. When the magnetic moments rotate coherently in the initial stage (Mzav/Ms∼0.9, Mzav is the average magnetization in the easy direction and Ms is the saturation magnetization), the nucleation field of the coherent rotation mode accounts for the switching field. The switching fields of the flat square particle with chips were also investigated when the exchange stiffness constant was not small (=1.0×10−6 erg/cm). It was found that the chips increase the switching field and that the sum of the anisotropy field and the field due to shape anisotropy calculated from the average demagnetizing fields in the three directions (x,y,z) accounts for the switching field.