bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immobilization of Acetylcholinesterase on Screen-Printed Electrodes. Application to the Determination of Arsenic(III)
Authors: Sanllorente-Méndez Silvia , Domínguez-Renedo Olga , Arcos-Martínez M. Julia
Published: March 2010

Enzymatic amperometric procedures for measuring arsenic, based on the inhibitive action of this metal on acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, have been developed. Screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) were used with acetylcholinesterase covalently bonded directly to its surface. The amperometric response of acetylcholinesterase was affected by the presence of arsenic ions, which caused a decrease in the current intensity. The experimental optimum working conditions of pH, substrate concentration and potential applied, were established. Under these conditions, repeatability and reproducibility of biosensors were determined, reaching values below 4% in terms of relative standard deviation. The detection limit obtained for arsenic was 1.1 × 10−8 M for Ach/SPCE biosensor. Analysis of the possible effect of the presence of foreign ions in the solution was performed. The method was applied to determine levels of arsenic in spiked tap water samples.
Real-Time Estimation of Pathological Tremor Parameters from Gyroscope Data
Authors: Gallego Juan , Rocon Eduardo , Roa Javier O. , Moreno Juan , Pons José L.
Published: March 2010

This paper presents a two stage algorithm for real-time estimation of instantaneous tremor parameters from gyroscope recordings. Gyroscopes possess the advantage of providing directly joint rotational speed, overcoming the limitations of traditional tremor recording based on accelerometers. The proposed algorithm first extracts tremor patterns from raw angular data, and afterwards estimates its instantaneous amplitude and frequency. Real-time separation of voluntary and tremorous motion relies on their different frequency contents, whereas tremor modelling is based on an adaptive LMS algorithm and a Kalman filter. Tremor parameters will be employed to drive a neuroprosthesis for tremor suppression based on biomechanical loading.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT BY MULTIMOORA AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR TRANSITION ECONOMIES / PROJEKTŲ VADYBA SU MULTIMOORA KAIP PRIEMONĖ PEREINAMOJO LAIKOTARPIO ŪKIAMS
Authors: Brauers Willem Karel M. , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: March 2010

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe moved from a previously centrally planned economy to a modern transition economy with strong market aspects. This paper proposes project management as an answer to this transition. Traditional Cost‐Benefit analysis does not respond to this purpose. Indeed Cost‐Benefit analysis is only interested in one specific project and not in a competition between projects. In addition all goals (objectives) have to be translated into money terms, leading sometimes to immoral consequences. On the contrary Multi‐Objective Optimization takes care of different objectives, whereas the objectives keep their own units. However different methods exist for the application of Multi‐Objective Optimization. The authors tested them after their robustness resulting in seven necessary conditions. MOORA (Multi‐Objective Optimization by Ratio analysis) and MULTIMOORA (MOORA plus Full Multiplicative Form), assisted by Ameliorated Nominal Group and Delphi Techniques, satisfy the seven conditions, although in a theoretical way. A simulation exercise illustrates the use of these methods, ideals to be strived for as much as possible. Santrauka Centrinės ir rytų Europos šalys perėjo iš anksčiau centralizuotai planuojamos ūkinės sistemos į šiuolaikinę pereinamąją ūkinę sistemą, kuriai būdingi ryškūs rinkos požymiai. Šiame straipsnyje siūloma projektų vadyba kaip atsakas į perėjimą. Įprastinė kainos ir naudos analizė tam tikslui yra netinkama. Be viso to, kainos ir naudos analizėje neatsižvelgiama į kiekvieną atskirai paimtą projektą bei į konkurenciją tarp tų projektų. Visi tikslai turi būti pakeisti piniginėmis vertėmis. Del to kartais kyla nepageidaujamų pasėkmių. Priešingai tam daugiatikslė optimizacija atsižvelgia į skirtingus tikslus, išsaugant tikslams būdingus mato vienetus. Yra daug įvairių daugiatikslės optimizacijos metodų. Autoriai patikrino jų stipriasias savybęs pagal septynias būtinasias sąlygas. MOORA (daugiatikslė optimizacija santykių dydžių analizės pagrindu) ir MULTIMOORA (MOORA plius pilnoji sandaugos forma), apimanti patobulintą normaliųjų grupių ir Delphi būdus, geriausiai atitinka septynias būtinąsiąs sąlygas taip pat ir teoriniu lygmeniu. Pavyzdžio modelis iliustruoja šiu metodu taikymą, idealai buvo pasiekti tiek, kiek galima.
USING QUALITY MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES IN EDUCATION: MANAGING THE LEARNER‐CENTERED EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT / KOKYBĖS VALDYMO PROCEDŪROS TAIKYMAS MOKYMUI: Į MOKINĮ ORIENTUOTOS MOKYMO APLINKOS VALDYMAS
Authors: Stukalina Yulia
Published: March 2010

Now, the role of quality management in education is increasing. Managing for quality is now one of the major issues for educational organizations. One of the key tasks for education managers is to provide the learning process participants with an effective and motivating educational environment. Management of the educational environment presupposes giving a particular attention to students’ needs and requirements in order to improve educational practice and enhance educational quality. Among other things having their impact on the educational environment effectiveness is to what extent it motivates students for further studies. In this context, we regard student motivation as an essential factor for the educational environment quality improvement. This paper considers some quality management procedures that can be used by education managers to provide qualitative changes in the educational environment. To improve the quality of the educational environment we may use several management tools, regular educational environment evaluation being one of them. It includes collecting student feedback, which is a valuable source of analytical input in the process of the environment quality enhancement. Santrauka Kokybės valdymo svarba švietimui pastaruoju metu išaugo. Ji yra viena iš pagrindinių švietimo organizacijų uždavinių. Svarbiausia švietimo vadybininkų užduotis ‐ mokymo proceso dalyviams sudaryti veiksmingą ir motyvuotą mokymo aplinką. Remiantis mokymo aplinkos valdymu, manoma, kad norint pagerinti mokymą ir pakelti mokymo kokybę reikia atsižvelgti į studentų poreikius bei reikalavimus. Vienas iš svarbiausių veiksnių, darančių įtaką mokymo aplinkos efektyvumui, yra studentų skatinimo toliau mokytis lygis. Remiantis šiuo kontekstu studento motyvacija laikoma esminiu veiksniu, padedančių pagerinti mokymo aplinkos kokybę. Norint pagerinti mokymo aplinką, galima naudoti keletą valdymo priemonių. Viena iš jų yra įprastos mokymo aplinkos įvertinimas. Ją sudaro mokinių grižtamasis ryšys, kuris yra vertingas šaltinis mokymo aplinkos kokybės gerinimo procese.
DEPENDENCE OF MULTI‐CRITERIA EVALUATION RESULT ON CHOICE OF PREFERENCE FUNCTIONS AND THEIR PARAMETERS / DAUGIAKRITERINIŲ VERTINIMŲ REZULTATŲ PRIKLAUSOMYBĖ NUO PRIORITETŲ FUNKCIJŲ IR JŲ PARAMETRŲ PASIRINKIMO
Authors: Podvezko Valentinas , Podviezko Askoldas
Published: March 2010

A considerable usage increase of multicriteria methods is recently observed in the area of quantitative analysis of social or economical phenomena. The PROMETHEE methods are discerned from other multi‐criteria methods by depth of their intrinsic logic and by using preference functions, which make up a foundation of the methods. Shapes of functions and their parameters are chosen by decision‐makers thus exerting clear advantages and features of the methods. This paper reveals influence of the choice of preference functions and their parameters on the outcome of evaluation. Along with already recently described by the authors PROMETHEE I method the other PROMETHEE II method is described and examples of its application are provided. New types of preference functions were proposed. Santrauka Pastaruoju metu socialinių ir ekonominių sudetingų reiškinių kiekybiniam lyginimui plačiai taikomi daugiakriteriniai metodai. PROMETHEE metodai skiriasi nuo kitu daugiakriterinių metodų savo ypatumu ir gilesne logika. Metodo pagrinda sudaro vadinamosios prioritetų funkcijos. Jų tipai pasirenkami ir ju parametrai nustatomi aktyviai dalyvaujant priimantiems sprendimą asmenims. Tai yra PROMETHEE metodu privalumas bei ypatumas. Darbe parodyta vertinimų rezultatų priklausomybė nuo prioritetų funkcijų ir jų parametrų reikšmių pasirinkimo. Kartu su autoriu anksčiau nagrinetų PROMETHEE I metodu šiame darbe aprašytas PROMETHEE II metodas, pateiktas jo taikymo pavyzdys ranguojant alternatyvas.
Single-joint Outcome Measures: Preliminary Validation of Patient-reported Outcomes and Physical Examination
Authors: HEALD ALISON E. , FUDMAN EDWARD J. , ANKLESARIA PERVIN , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: March 2010

Objective.

To assess the validity, responsiveness, and reliability of single-joint outcome measures for determining target joint (TJ) response in patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Methods.

Patient-reported outcomes (PRO), consisting of responses to single questions about TJ global status on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS; TJ global score), function on a 100-mm VAS (TJ function score), and pain on a 5-point Likert scale (TJ pain score) were piloted in 66 inflammatory arthritis subjects in a phase 1/2 clinical study of an intraarticular gene transfer agent and compared to physical examination measures (TJ swelling, TJ tenderness) and validated function questionnaires (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Outcome Score, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire). Construct validity was assessed by evaluating the correlation between the single-joint outcome measures and validated function questionnaires using Spearman’s rank correlation. Responsiveness or sensitivity to change was assessed through calculating effect size and standardized response means (SRM). Reliability of physical examination measures was assessed by determining interobserver agreement.

Results.

The single-joint PRO were highly correlated with each other and correlated well with validated functional measures. The TJ global score exhibited modest effect size and modest SRM that correlated well with the patient’s assessment of response on a 100-mm VAS. Physical examination measures exhibited high interrater reliability, but correlated less well with validated functional measures and the patient’s assessment of response.

Conclusion.

Single-joint PRO, particularly the TJ global score, are simple to administer and demonstrate construct validity and responsiveness in patients with inflammatory arthritis. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00126724)
The Effect of Lupus Nephritis on Pregnancy Outcome and Fetal and Maternal Complications
Authors: GLADMAN DAFNA D. , TANDON ANU , IBAÑEZ DOMINIQUE , UROWITZ MURRAY B.
Published: March 2010

Objective.

To evaluate the effect of lupus nephritis on pregnancy with respect to fetal outcome, maternal complications, and lupus activity.

Methods.

All pregnancies seen between 1970 and 2003 in the Lupus Clinic were evaluated for the 3 outcomes. Renal disease was defined as the presence of nephrotic syndrome, dialysis, renal transplant, serum creatinine > 120 mmol/l, proteinuria, sterile hematuria and pyuria, or the presence of casts. Fetal complications were evaluated in pregnancies resulting in either live births or stillbirths. Generalized estimating equations were used to test for differences in outcomes between pregnancies with and without the presence of active renal disease. Repeated measures adjustments were made in the model for multiple pregnancies in the same mother.

Results.

There were 193 pregnancies in 104 women. Of these, 81 occurred in the presence of active renal disease during the study period, defined as 6 months prior to conception until the date of pregnancy outcome. One hundred twelve pregnancies were defined as nonrenal. No statistical difference was found in pregnancy outcome. Fetal complications were not different between the 2 groups with the exception of low birth weight and congenital malformations, which were observed more frequently in the renal group. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was more frequent in pregnancies with renal disease. Lupus flares were also more likely to occur in pregnancies with renal disease compared to those without.

Conclusion.

Lupus nephritis in pregnancy does not lead to worsened pregnancy or fetal outcomes. Active renal disease, however, is associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension, as well as a flare of lupus activity during pregnancy.
Genetic Variations in Genes Encoding RANK, RANKL, and OPG in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: ASSMANN GUNTER , KOENIG JOCHEM , PFREUNDSCHUH MICHAEL , EPPLEN JOERG T. , KEKOW JOERN , ROEMER KLAUS , WIECZOREK STEFAN
Published: March 2010

Objective.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, which may lead to structural damage of the cartilage and bone. The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and the osteoprotegerin (OPG) cascade system have been reported to be essential in osteoclastogenesis. Genetic variations in the genes coding for RANK, RANK ligand (RANKL), and OPG are thought to play roles in the susceptibility to RA.

Methods.

In our case-control study, genomic DNA was obtained from 534 patients with RA who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria and 516 healthy control blood donors (HC). We studied 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the genes of RANK (2 SNP: rs1805034, rs35211496), OPG (2 SNP: rs3102735, rs2073618), and RANKL (3 SNP: rs9533156, rs2277438, rs1054016) using TaqMan assay-guided polymerase chain reaction. Genotype and allelic frequencies comparing RA patients with HC were analyzed by chi-square test for 2 × 3 and 2 × 2 tables, respectively.

Results.

Genotype distributions of the SNP rs35211496 in the RANK gene as well as the SNP rs2277438 in the RANKL gene differed significantly between patients with RA and HC. The frequency of the minor allele of rs9533156 of RANKL was significantly higher in patients with RA than in HC (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.99, p = 0.047). Multivariate analysis adjusted to sex and investigating SNP demonstrated a significantly elevated risk for RA associated with the major allele in the RANK SNP rs35211496 (p = 0.0231) and with the minor allele in the RANKL SNP rs2277438 (p = 0.0092). No significantly increased risk was detected in the other SNP.

Conclusion.

The minor allele of the RANK SNP rs35211496 may be protective against RA, while the minor alleles of the RANKL SNP rs2277438 may increase susceptibility to RA.
Benthic assemblage of Acquatina Lake (South Adriatic Sea): present state and long-term faunistic changes
Authors: Schirosi Roberto , Musco Luigi , Giangrande Adriana
Published: March 2010

A study on macrobenthos of Acquatina Lake, a transitional water basin, was performed in order to evaluate its present status and detect any faunistic changes after the digging of a larger connection with the open sea that has improved the hydrological conditions. A total of 5029 individuals belonging to 51 taxa were collected. Molluscs were taxonomically the richest group, but polychaetes were the most abundant due to the high abundance of Heteromastus filiformis. The sites representing two extremes of the biotope in terms of both the salinity gradient and the distance from the sea had the most variable assemblages, while the central area showed a more homogeneous faunal composition. This was due to the different distribution patterns of molluscs and polychaetes: the former seemed to be more influenced by salinity, while the latter were also influenced by oxygen saturation. The comparison between the present and historical data showed the increase of polychaete diversity, the change in the dominant taxa (from Naineris laevigata to H. filiformis) and the disappearance of some opportunistic forms (e.g. Capitella capitata). Changes in the salinity gradient and the improvement of trophic conditions, possibly enhanced by biotic interactions (e.g. possible competition between the two capitellids H. filiformis and Notomastus latericeus), may have led the polychaete assemblage towards the new equilibrium.
Life history, morphological variability and growth rates of the life phases of Gracilaria tenuistipitata (Rhodophyta: Gracilariales) in vitro
Authors: Bonomi Barufi José , Cabral de Oliveira Eurico , Maria Plastino Estela , Cabral de Oliveira Mariana
Published: March 2010

Gracilaria tenuistipitata, a species of commercial interest, is becoming a model organism for studies on red algal physiology and molecular biology as it can be grown easily in vitro under a broad range of conditions. Most of the experiments carried out around the world have been based on a tetrasporophytic clone isolated in our laboratory from a specimen collected in China. Here we describe the life history of this species, give anatomic details of the reproductive structures, illustrate the morphological variability of tetraspore progeny and compare the growth rate of gametophytic and sporophytic thalli. Tetrasporophytic branches showed higher growth rates than gametophytic branches.
Changes in seagrass polychaete assemblages after invasion by Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea (Chlorophyta: Caulerpales): community structure, trophic guilds and taxonomic distinctness
Authors: Box Antonio , Martin Daniel , Deudero Salud
Published: March 2010

A two-year study focusing on the associated polychaete assemblages revealed that the degradation of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, together with the colonisation of rhizomes by invasive Caulerpa racemosa in the Balearic Islands, have produced important changes in the ecosystem functioning, and have therefore affected the benthic faunal communities. The highest abundance and number of species occurred in C. racemosa from August to December. The species composition of the polychaete assemblage in C. racemosa is similar to that of P. oceanica but abundances of shared species differ between Caulerpa and Posidonia. Abundance, number of species and diversity were positively correlated with C. racemosa biomass. The spatial complexity provided by the network of C. racemosa fronds and stolons seemed to combine with that of the remaining seagrass mat to support a well developed polychaete assemblage. Although invaded meadows harboured significantly modified polychaete assemblages when compared with living P. oceanica meadows, the main impacts seem to be non-harmful (i.e. increased abundance and number of species) and mainly affect their seasonal patterns, which is a direct consequence of the corresponding biomass seasonality of C. racemosa.
CD11chi Dendritic Cells Regulate the Re-establishment of Vascular Quiescence and Stabilization after Immune Stimulation of Lymph Nodes
Authors: Tzeng Te-Chen , Chyou Susan , Tian Sha , Webster Brian , Carpenter April C. , Guaiquil Victor H. , Lu Theresa T.
Published: March 2010

Lymph node expansion during immune responses is accompanied by rapid vascular expansion. The re-establishment of quiescence and stabilization of the newly expanded vasculature and the regulatory mechanisms involved have not been well studied. We show that although initiation of vascular expansion in immune-stimulated nodes is associated with upregulated endothelial cell proliferation, increased high endothelial venule trafficking efficiency and VCAM-1 expression, and disrupted perivascular fibroblastic reticular cell organization, the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization postexpansion is characterized by reversal of these phenomena. Although CD11cmed cells are associated with the initiation of vascular expansion, CD11chiMHC class II (MHC II)med dendritic cells (DCs) accumulate later, and their short-term depletion in mice abrogates the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization. CD11chiMHC IImed cells promote endothelial cell quiescence in vitro and, in vivo, mediate quiescence at least in part by mediating reduced lymph node vascular endothelial growth factor. Disrupted vascular quiescence and stabilization in expanded nodes is associated with attenuated T cell-dependent B cell responses. These results describe a novel mechanism whereby CD11chiMHC IImed DCs regulate the re-establishment of vascular quiescence and stabilization after lymph node vascular expansion and suggest that these DCs function in part to orchestrate the microenvironmental alterations required for successful immunity.
Inhibitor of NF-κB Kinases α and β Are Both Essential for High Mobility Group Box 1-Mediated Chemotaxis
Authors: Penzo Marianna , Molteni Raffaella , Suda Tomomi , Samaniego Sylvia , Raucci Angela , Habiel David M. , Miller Frederick , Jiang Hui-ping , Li Jun , Pardi Ruggero , Palumbo Roberta , Olivotto Eleonora , Kew Richard R. , Bianchi Marco E. , Marcu Kenneth B.
Published: March 2010

Inhibitor of NF-κB kinases β (IKKβ) and α (IKKα) activate distinct NF-κB signaling modules. The IKKβ/canonical NF-κB pathway rapidly responds to stress-like conditions, whereas the IKKα/noncanonical pathway controls adaptive immunity. Moreover, IKKα can attenuate IKKβ-initiated inflammatory responses. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a chromatin protein, is an extracellular signal of tissue damage-attracting cells in inflammation, tissue regeneration, and scar formation. We show that IKKα and IKKβ are each critically important for HMGB1-elicited chemotaxis of fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils in vitro and neutrophils in vivo. By time-lapse microscopy we dissected different parameters of the HMGB1 migration response and found that IKKα and IKKβ are each essential to polarize cells toward HMGB1 and that each kinase also differentially affects cellular velocity in a time-dependent manner. In addition, HMGB1 modestly induces noncanonical IKKα-dependent p52 nuclear translocation and p52/RelB target gene expression. Akin to IKKα and IKKβ, p52 and RelB are also required for HMGB1 chemotaxis, and p52 is essential for cellular orientation toward an HMGB1 gradient. RAGE, a ubiquitously expressed HMGB1 receptor, is required for HMGB1 chemotaxis. Moreover, IKKβ, but not IKKα, is required for HMGB1 to induce RAGE mRNA, suggesting that RAGE is at least one IKKβ target involved in HMGB1 migration responses, and in accord with these results enforced RAGE expression rescues the HMGB1 migration defect of IKKβ, but not IKKα, null cells. Thus, proinflammatory HMGB1 chemotactic responses mechanistically require the differential collaboration of both IKK-dependent NF-κB signaling pathways.
Effects of Moderate-Volume, High-Load Lower-Body Resistance Training on Strength and Function in Persons with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schilling Brian K. , Pfeiffer Ronald F. , LeDoux Mark S. , Karlage Robyn E. , Bloomer Richard J. , Falvo Michael J.
Published: March 2010

Background. Resistance training research has demonstrated positive effects for persons with Parkinson's disease (PD), but the number of acute training variables that can be manipulated makes it difficult to determine the optimal resistance training program.Objective. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of an 8-week resistance training intervention on strength and function in persons with PD.Methods. Eighteen men and women were randomized to training or standard care for the 8-week intervention. The training group performed 3 sets of 5–8 repetitions of the leg press, leg curl, and calf press twice weekly. Tests included leg press strength relative to body mass, timed up-and-go, six-minute walk, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence questionnaire.Results. There was a significant group-by-time effect for maximum leg press strength relative to body mass, with the training group significantly increasing their maximum relative strength (P<.05). No other significant interactions were noted (P>.05).Conclusions. Moderate volume, high-load weight training is effective for increasing lower-body strength in persons with PD.
FACTORS INFLUENCING MILK YIELD OF BEEF CATTLE
Authors: JEFFERY H. B. , BERG R. T. , HARDIN R. T.
Published: March 2010

The joint and separate effects of several cow-calf variables on milk yield were studied with 176 and 201 beef cows from the University of Alberta beef breeding herd for 1966 and 1967, respectively. The dams consisted of Hereford, Aberdeen Angus, Galloway and hybrid breeding. Independent variables considered were: breed, post-calving weight, winter weight loss, summer weight gain and age of dam, and weaning age, sex and birth weight of calf. Total variance of milk yield explained by all variables together was only 40 and 52% for 1966 and 1967, respectively. Breed and age differences of dam accounted for 82 and 87% of explained variance in milk yield respectively for 1966 and 1967. Holding cow age constant, post-calving weight of cow explained 0.0 and 8.5% additional variance in milk yield for 1966 and 1967, respectively. Summer weight gain of cow was negatively associated with milk yield. Winter weight loss of cow had little influence on milk yield. There appeared to be a negative relationship between early parturition and milk yield. The effect of calf sex on milk yield of dam was inconsistent; cows suckling male calves vs. female calves yielded more milk in 1966 but less in 1967. Birth weight of calf had a small positive influence on milk yield of dam. Association between milk yield of dam and preweaning performance of progeny was high. It appeared that the quickest way to improve milk yield in beef cattle would be the introduction of breeds noted for high milk yield and by indirect selection, through selection of dams with progeny that have high average daily gain to weaning.
INTERACTION OF STRAIN, DENSITY AND RATION WITH TWO LIGHT SYSTEMS ON BROILER PERFORMANCE
Authors: BUCKLAND R. B. , GASPERDONE H. C. , BRAGG D. B.
Published: March 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of continuous and intermittent (1 hr on and 3 hr off) light treatments and the influence of strain, density and ration on performance of broilers maintained on each light treatment. Three thousand and six hundred broilers of two strains were grown with 0.093 m2 and 0.047 m2 of floor space per bird in experiment 1. Three thousand broilers from one strain were grown with 0.093 m2 of floor space per bird in experiment 2; 600 birds were fed each of five test rations. Body weight, mortality and feed efficiency were calculated in both experiments and slaughter grade was determined in experiment 1. Birds grown on intermittent light had lower mortality and better feed efficiency than those on continuous light. Average body weight at 7 weeks of age was not significantly different for the two light treatments; however, significant interactions were observed for strain × light, density × light and ration × light. Light treatments did not affect the percentage of grade A carcasses at slaughter. Strain and ration had a significant effect on 7-week body weight, as did bird density, in that birds maintained at 0.093 m2 were heavier and had a higher percentage of grade A carcasses than birds at 0.047 m2.
GROWTH, DIGESTIBILITY AND NITROGEN RETENTION BY LAMBS FED LIQUID DIETS CONTAINING MILK AND SOYBEAN PROTEINS
Authors: GORRILL A. D. L. , NICHOLSON J. W. G. , CAMERON C. D. T.
Published: March 2010

Milk and soybean protein sources in liquid diets for 2- to 5-day-old lambs were compared in four experiments. Average weight gains of lambs m experiments 1 and 2 fed an all-milk protein or soy-46 milk replacer (46% of total protein from a soybean protein concentrate), with 15% homogenized lard, for about 7 weeks were 251 and 147 g/day, respectively. Digestibility of dry matter averaged 97 and 95%, and for nitrogen, 97 and 90% (P < 0.05), respectively, for lambs fed the two milk replacers. The same all-milk or soy-46 formulas, or cow’s whole milk, plus a pelleted concentrate and hay were fed to a total of 42 lambs in experiments 3 and 4. Average weight gains to weaning at 9 and 14 kg body weight in experiments 3 and 4, respectively, were 141, 132 and 163 g/day for the three treatments. Weight gains to 40 kg body weight were 185, 190 and 239 g/day. The soybean concentrate settled out of the liquid diet and therefore was not suitable for ad libitum feeding.
DEVICES FOR MEASURING MATING ACTIVITY AND SEMEN PRODUCTION IN CHICKENS
Authors: SEFTON A. E. , HAWES R. O.
Published: March 2010

The design and evaluation of a hen marker and semen collector are reported. These devices were used for the direct measurement of the mating activity of chickens under natural flocking conditions. Significant product moment correlations were found between flock fertility and number of markings per female (0.60), and between flock fertility and percentage of females marked (0.64). Semen volume of matings from which semen was recovered ranged from less than 0.01 ml to 1.00 ml, with a median volume of 0.02 ml. It was found that 18.3% of what appeared to be completed matings yielded no semen.
AMINO ACID DIGESTIBILITY OF RAPESEED MEAL FED TO CHICKENS: EFFECTS OF FAT AND LYSINE SUPPLEMENTATION
Authors: TAO R. , BELZILE R. J. , BRISSON G. J.
Published: March 2010

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the amino acid digestibility of commercial rapeseed meal fed at a level of 30% as the only source of protein in the diet of chickens. The effects of supplementing the experimental diets with 3.5% vegetable fat or 0.25% L-lysine were also investigated. Each diet was fed ad libitum to four colostomized chickens, housed in individual cages. At the end of the experiment, a protein-free diet was fed to permit the measurement of true digestibility. The results showed that the digestibility coefficients for 16 amino acids of rapeseed meal ranged from 44 to 72% and from 63 to 80% for the apparent and true digestibility coefficients, respectively. Of the dietary supplements used, fat caused a greater increase in amino acid digestibility than did L-lysine.
EFFECT OF SULFUR SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS FED UREA-CONTAINING DIETS
Authors: BURGESS P. L. , NICHOLSON J. W. G.
Published: March 2010

Average quality grass hay containing 1.27 mg S/g and three grain mixtures (2.82, 4.08 and 5.48 mg S/g) containing 2% urea were fed to 24 lactating Holstein and Ayrshire cows for 120 days. Mean input-output data for the treatment groups were hay dry matter intake 1.98, 1.72, 1.68 kg/day per 100 kg body weight; total dry matter intake 2.73, 2.51, 2.44 kg/day per 100 kg body weight and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) production 14.6, 14.9 and 14.8 kg/day, respectively. No significant differences were detected between dietary S levels for feed intake or FCM yield. Body weight gains averaged 0.28, 0.20 and 0.22 kg/cow per day for the three groups. Seven-day nutrient balance trials with four cows per treatment after 90 days indicated no consistent relationship between the level of dietary S and the N or S balances. It was concluded that S supplementation was not required for dairy cattle fed locally grown hay and grain mixtures containing 2% urea.
FEEDING HIGH LEVELS OF RAPESEED MEAL TO PREGNANT GILTS
Authors: DEVILAT J. , SKOKNIĆ A.
Published: March 2010

Eleven crossbred gilts were allotted at random to two dietary treatments containing either 0% or 12% solvent-extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) of Chilean origin as the main source of supplemental protein in the diet. The RSM, of Brassica napus type, contained 4.1 mg isothiocyanates per g meal. The experiment, which covered the periods of pregnancy and lactation, was started immediately after mating and terminated 3 weeks after birth. Results indicated that gilts fed 12% RSM during pregnancy gained significantly less with the same feed allowance (2 kg per day) than the fish meal (FM) group. Total litter size and weight at birth were similar for both treatments. However, only 49% of the piglets were born alive from the gilts fed the 12% RSM diet; thyroid glands of live and stillborn piglets were markedly enlarged and symptoms of iodine deficiency were clearly manifested. Most pigs died within 72 hours after birth and four of the seven gilts lost their whole litter during this period. Of total pigs born to RSM-fed gilts only 13.4% survived to 3 weeks, although these individual pigs attained weaning weights similar to those of FM-fed gilts. It is concluded that RSM of the type fed when used as the main source of supplemental protein for gilts may result in a severe iodine deficiency syndrome in litters when non-iodized sodium chloride is used in the diet.
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE ADDITION OF GLUCOGENIC MATERIALS TO THE RATIONS OF LACTATING COWS
Authors: FISHER L. J. , ERFLE J. D. , SAUER F. D.
Published: March 2010

Glutamate, succinate, propylene glycol, or glycerol were added to a basic concentrate at 3.3% of air-dry feed. Each concentrate was fed both ad libitum and in restricted amounts to four cows in early lactation. Dietary intake, milk yield and composition, molar proportions of rumen volatile fatty acids and blood glucose, ketones and plasma free fatty acids were used as criteria of effect of these supplements. Propylene glycol in the diet resulted in a lower intake of concentrate compared with glycerol (11.44 versus 14.30 kg/day) and significantly decreased (P < 0.05) rumen butyrate and plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate. Glutamate supplementation prevented the fall in milk fat content which occurred when the other three supplemented concentrates were fed ad libitum, and this effect may have been related to the constancy in the ratio of acetate to propionate in the rumen fluid.
SOME PRENATAL EFFECTS ON BIRTH SIZE IN LINCOLN AND SOUTHDOWN LAMBS PRODUCED BY RECIPROCAL OVUM TRANSFERS
Authors: KARIHALOO A. K. , COMBS W.
Published: March 2010

Effects at birth due to maternal environment, breed of lamb, litter size and sex of lamb on body weight and cannon bone length and width were studied in lambs born naturally and as a result of reciprocal ova transfer between Lincoln and Southdown ewes. Maternal environment, breed of lamb and litter size had a significant effect (P < 0.01) of 0.63, 0.59 and 0.61 kg, respectively, on birth weight. Effects due to sex of lamb on birth weight were small and not significant. Southdown lambs carried by Lincoln dams were 0.80 kg (25%) heavier at birth than those carried in their natural environment, but Lincoln lambs carried by Lincoln dams were only 0.50 kg (10%) heavier at birth than those carried by Southdown dams. Breed of lamb had a highly significant effect (P < 0.001) on cannon bone length, but effects due to all other factors were small and not significant. On cannon bone width only the effect of litter size was significant (P < 0.05).
AN EVALUATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROTEIN AND METABOLIZABLE ENERGY VALUE OF RAPESEED MEALS FOR CHICKS
Authors: MARCH B. E. , BIELY JACOB
Published: March 2010

Eleven samples of commercially manufactured rapeseed meals were compared as sources of supplementary protein for chicks fed wheat-based diets. When the meals were used to supply 4% of protein to diets containing a total of 16% of protein, growth rate was inferior to that obtained when 4% of supplementary protein was supplied by isolated soybean protein or by soybean meal. Growth in these tests was severely limited by the suboptimal level of lysine present in the diets, even at the low level of protein fed. Growth response of the chicks fed the different meals was accordingly sensitive to the amount of lysine available to the chick from the diet. When the rapeseed meals were supplemented with lysine and tested under similar dietary conditions, i.e., to supply 4% of the supplementary protein, growth rate was enhanced from 60 to 90% above that of chicks fed the rapeseed meals without lysine supplementation. The range in protein supplementary value of the rapeseed meals was similar with and without lysine supplementation, but there was a shift in the ranking of the meals. Supplementation of rapeseed meal with methionine and/or arginine in addition to lysine did not elicit further response. When the rapeseed meals were used to supply 8% of protein to wheat-based diets containing a total of 17.5% of protein, some of the rapeseed meals gave a growth response equal to that obtained with soybean meal. Lysine supplementation stimulated growth of the chicks fed the rapeseed meal at the higher level, but to a lesser degree than when rapeseed meal supplied 4% of protein. The biologically-determined metabolizable energy values of rapeseed meal were approximately 60% lower than the estimated catabolizable energy values based upon the proximate analyses of the meals.
EFFECT OF THE MINK’S FURRING PROCESS ON FEED CONSUMPTION AND NITROGEN RETENTION
Authors: SEIER L. , KIRK R. J. , BRAGG D. B.
Published: March 2010

A series of seven nitrogen balance studies was conducted, with 12 one-year-old male mink, to examine the metabolic effect of furring in mink. The balance studies, each of two days duration, were carried out on July 14–15 and then semi-monthly until October 15–16, inclusive. Feed consumption increased (P < 0.05) a total of 97% during the furring process. Nitrogen retention changed, but not in a manner parallel to feed consumption. Two peaks were observed for nitrogen retention, one occurring on August 18–19 and the second on October 1–2. The October 1–2 nitrogen retention peak coincided with the initiation of hair growth (September 25). No change was noted in dry matter or protein digestibility over the entire test period.
ENERGY UTILIZATION BY THE LACOMBE AND YORKSHIRE BREEDS OF PIG
Authors: SHARMA V. D. , YOUNG L. G. , SMITH G. C.
Published: March 2010

A comparative slaughter trial involving 32 weanling pigs was conducted to estimate the energy requirements for maintenance and production and to compare the energetic efficiency of Lacombe and Yorkshire pigs. The coefficients of digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and ME/DE ratio were similar for the two breeds. The fasting heat production and energy requirements for maintenance of energy equilibrium for the Yorkshire pigs were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than for the Lacombe pigs. Differences in the efficiency of utilization of ME for the function of maintenance and for production were not significant. Estimates of net energy for maintenance and net energy for gain of the corn-soybean meal diet are presented. The study suggests that these net energy values, like the DE and ME values, may be used for diet formulation without need for correction for breed. The use of the exponent 0.56 rather than 0.75 as the reference base of metabolic body size led to increased precision, as indicated by higher estimates of the coefficient of determination.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF SOME TECHNIQUES USED IN DETERMINATIONS OF NITROGEN AND ENERGY CONTENT OF FECES FROM PIGS
Authors: SABEN H. S. , BOWLAND J. P.
Published: March 2010

Statistical procedures were used to compare some techniques used in digestibility studies with pigs. No significant differences were observed in fecal nitrogen (N) content when measured in the wet or dry (dried at 60 C for 72 hours) form, or in fecal energy when measured in the wet or dry form. There was, however, an average 3.7% N loss and 5.0% caloric loss from dry feces compared with wet feces. When dry fecal material was subjected to 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours of digestion after the sample became clear using the Kjeldahl method, no significant difference was observed between the length of digestion time and the percent N obtained. It may be concluded that either wet or dry pig fecal material may be used for N and energy determinations in pig digestion trials, without significantly influencing results obtained. Digestion time of dry fecal material, within the limits studied, did not alter N content as determined in the feces.
AVAILABILITY OF THE AMINO ACIDS IN CASEIN, FISH MEAL, SOYA PROTEIN AND ZEIN AS MEASURED IN THE CHICKEN
Authors: Flipot Paul , Belzile René J. , Brisson G. J.
Published: March 2010

not available
SERUM LEVELS OF MAGNESIUM, IRON AND ZINC IN NORMAL AND DYSTROPHIC SHEEP
Authors: Hidiroglou M. , Jenkins K. J.
Published: March 2010

not available
EVALUATION OF EASE OF CALVING FOR CHAROLAIS SIRES
Authors: TONG A. K. W. , WILTON J. W. , SCHAEFFER L. R.
Published: March 2010

A total of 3,221 calving records from four sections of the Charolais Conception-to-Consumer progeny test program (1969–1972 calvings), representing 104 Charolais sires tested in 43 herds, were analyzed to study (1) the effects of different definitions of ease of calving on estimates of variance components and sire proofs, and (2) the effectiveness of evaluating sires for ease of calving by percentage of natural births. Mixed model methods were used on a linear model which considered the effects of section of test, herd, sire, breed of dam, sex of calf and age of dam. Components of variance estimates and sire-predicted differences were computed by iteration. Two definitions which combined ease of calving and calf liveability codes had smaller sire variances and larger error to sire variance ratios than a third definition involving only ease of calving scores. Sire proofs changed with definitions of ease of calving. Rank correlation coefficients between sire proofs from percentage of natural births and predicted differences ranged from 0.5 to 0.8 for the four sections. This suggests that more refined procedures to rank sires should be used.
DEVELOPMENT OF EMBRYONIC STRUCTURES FROM ISOLATED MOUSE BLASTOMERES
Authors: FISER P. S. , MACPHERSON J. W.
Published: March 2010

The potential development of blastomeres isolated from 255 mouse embryos in the 2-cell stage, 283 embryos in the 4-cell stage and 184 embryos in the 8-cell stage was compared. Results indicated that 44.6, 34.9 and 14.0% of these blastomeres, respectively, were capable of forming blastocysts in vitro. Transfers of cloned embryos into synchronized females was unsuccessful.
FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS, AND FLAVOR OF LAMBS FED ALL-CONCENTRATE OR HAY AND CONCENTRATE DIETS
Authors: VESELY J. A. , HIRONAKA R.
Published: March 2010

Three groups of 33, 33, and 35 Rambouillet and Suffolk lambs with average initial weights of 18.5, 18.4, and 17.8 kg were fed three different diets. Diet 1 contained 70% barley and 27% oats; diet 2, 27% barley and 70% oats; and diet 3, 19% barley, 8% oats, and 70% hay. Lambs fed the all-concentrate diets 1 and 2 required 99.1 and 104.6 days to reach market weight, which was longer (P < 0.01) than the 74.6 days required by the lambs fed diet 3. Diet influenced the amount of trimmed fat on the carcasses. Mean weights of trimmed fat were 2.65, 2.35, and 1.74 kg from carcasses of lambs on diets 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.01). Chops from lambs fed diet 2 were assessed by a taste panel to have a less desirable flavor (P < 0.01) than those fed diet 3. There were no statistically significant differences in rate of gain or carcass measurements between the two breeds.
COMPOSITION CHIMIQUE, DIGESTIBILITE ET INGESTION VOLONTAIRE D’ENSILAGES D’HERBES ET DE MAIS PAR DES AGNEAUX
Authors: PELLETIER G. , ST-PIERRE J.-C. , COMEAU J. E.
Published: March 2010

Chemical analysis, in vivo digestibility and voluntary intake measurements were used to determine the nutritive value of different crops made as silage for sheep. In the first experiment, grass silages contained less N-NH3 than corn–pea silage. Digestible energy intake of grass silage treated with formic acid was higher than that which was untreated. Digestibility, dry matter intake and the nutritive value index were higher for corn–pea silage than for treated or untreated grass silage. In the second experiment, six different silages were made. Corn was harvested at the milk and dough stages of growth and after a frost and was chopped at either 1.3 cm or 0.6 cm. Silage made with corn harvested after a frost and chopped at 1.3 cm and that made with corn harvested at the milk stage and chopped at 0.6 cm had higher N-NH3 content than the others. Fine chopping decreased digestibility of silages harvested at earlier maturity stages but increased the digestible energy of the corn silage harvested after a frost. Voluntary intake was greater with silages harvested at the later dates than with silage harvested at the milk stage.
EFFECTS OF CREEP FEEDING, MATURE COW WEIGHT AND MILK YIELD ON FARM GROSS MARGINS IN AN INTEGRATED BEEF PRODUCTION MODEL
Authors: MORRIS C. A. , PARKINS J. J. , WILTON J. W.
Published: March 2010

A linear programming model of integrated beef production was used to determine the effects of different mature cow weights, levels of potential milk yield and creep feeding on economic efficiency. All biological values for this study were taken from the literature. The criteria for comparison were farm gross margins, defined as the difference between total revenue and total variable costs. The model is integrated in the sense that it includes a cow–calf operation with replacements bred on the farm, a feedlot for steers and surplus heifers, cropping, and the labor and capital required for livestock and cropping. Two management programs for weaning and rearing young calves were considered at each of four levels of farm resources (80 and 120 ha of land, each with one or two hired men). Beef:feed price ratios, the maximal daily dry matter intake for cows and the minimal land available for pasture were also varied. Larger cow sizes always gave larger farm gross margins. At both 5 and 10 kg/day milk yield, the management program that used creep feeding through to weaning at 213 days rather than to 70 days gave smaller farm gross margins ($14,813 and $15,166, compared with $16,836 and $16,052). Conclusions about optimal levels for feeding cows for milk were affected by the management program and by maximal daily dry matter intakes for cows. The minimal level of pasture available did not affect the rankings of cow sizes with respect to farm gross margins; there was only a 1.2% change on the average in the farm gross margins with 40 ha minimal pasture available, compared to the optimal cropping program. The beef:feed price ratio was generally not important to the rankings of cow sizes and milk yield, but it affected the magnitude of differences between cow sizes and between milk yields. Research needs for more detailed data on calf energy requirements, dry matter intakes, production from nursing cows at pasture and for defining optimal management programs were identified.
EFFECTS OF DRINKING WATER MEDICATION ON PERFORMANCE OF STARTING POULTS UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS
Authors: SALMON R. E. , O’NEIL J. B.
Published: March 2010

The drinking water of 1,021 sexed Small White poults fed eight experimental or commercial rations was either unmedicated or medicated for 6 days with chlortetracycline alone or combined with soluble vitamins. Unexpectedly cool weather during the 1st week decreased early growth and feed conversion; mortality to 10 days was increased (11.9% of males and 4.5% of females). The water medication did not influence mortality or improve early or subsequent growth performance or feed efficiency.