bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic management of change process
Authors: Garland R. Wayne
Published: November 2004

Protection safeguards must reliably and effectively detect, diagnose, and control process deviations before the deviations can result in loss events such as fires and explosions. Any process change can potentially affect protection safeguards. Therefore, it is critical to identify process changes and assess their impact on layers of protection, safety instrumented systems (SIS), operating procedures, and alarms. Process change designs should be reviewed, and any needed modifications to safeguards should be implemented as part of the change. Existing management of change processes rely primarily on human knowledge and interaction among various functional groups, making them highly susceptible to human error. In an effort to reduce the risk involved with process changes, we developed a standardized, electronic management of change (eMOC) system and process, which facilitates reviews of process changes, update of company process safety information (PSI), and notification of affected personnel. It also enhances the ability to track and audit changes. Implementation included all necessary software and development/selection of training. The system is web based and includes a standardized electronic form with checklists (including some flexibility for site or division variation) and an automatic workflow routing. All system functions were automated including routing of documents and drawings, record keeping, approvals, notification, tracking, reporting, printing, searching, and audit trails. The process has now been in use for more than 1.5 years and has been used for over 3500 process changes with good results. The major advantages of the system identified by users are tracking, documentation and compliance, automatic routing, and automatic reminders. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2004
How important is the dispersion interaction for cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene)‐based molecular “shuttles”? A theoretical study
Authors: Romero Carlos , Fomina Lioudmila , Fomine Serguei
Published: November 2004

Inclusion complexes of cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) and various aromatic molecules in their neutral and oxidized form were studied at the LMP2/6‐311+G**//BHandHLYP/6‐31G* level of theory, which represents the highest level theoretical study to date for these complexes. The results show that it is dispersion interaction that contributes most to the binding energy. One electron oxidation of a guest molecule leads to complete dissociation of inclusion complex generating strong repulsion potential between guest and host molecules. Electrostatic interactions also can play an important role, provided the guest molecule has a dipole moment; however, dispersion interactions always dominate in binding energy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Studies on phytocides. I. Diurnal variation in effectiveness of 'methoxone'
Authors: Greenham CG
Published: November 2004

As determined by the length for which roots were killed, there was no diurnal variation in the effectiveness on skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea L.) of spray applications of 'Methoxone' at two-hourly intervals over a period of 24 hours. As determined by reduction in growth above the primary leaves, there was a well-marked diurnal variation in the effectiveness on bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of drop applications of 'Methoxone.'
Studies on the carbohydrate metabolism of sheep. II. The uptake by the tissues of glucose and acetic acid from the peripheral circulation
Authors: Reid RL
Published: November 2004

The level of volatile fatty acid in the peripheral blood of sheep is considerably higher than in non-ruminants, arterial levels reaching 10 mg. per cent. (as acetic acid) or higher. That the level is related to fermentation in the rumen is indicated by its steady decrease during fasting. In sheep fed on rations of widely differing composition, 86-95 per cent. (molar basis) of the total volatile fatty acid in arterial blood was found to be acetic acid. Small amounts of propionic, butyric, and at least one other acid were also present. The removal of acetic acid from the arterial blood during its passage through the tissues of the head is considerable, and the extent of its removal is closely dependent upon its arterial level. There was no evidence that acids other than acetic were removed in significant quantities. The low normal blood-glucose level in fed sheep is associated with a smaller uptake of glucose by the tissues of the sheep than occurs in non-ruminants and this low uptake is compensated by a higher uptake of acetic acid. Arterio-venous differences of glucose and of volatile fatty acid have been measured in two dogs, after feeding and during fasting, and are compared with the results obtained from sheep. These findings are discussed in the light of present knowledge of the influence on ruminant metabolism of the rumen and the digestive processes therein.
Studies in the variation of soil reaction. I. Field variations at Barooga, NSW
Authors: Downes RG , Beckwith RS
Published: November 2004

A study has been made of the variability of soil reaction, in the field, on Barooga Field Station, N.S.W., and on portion of a nearby property. Soil samples were taken at two depths, 0-4 in. and 4-8 in., at 4-chain intervals according to a rectangular grid. Other samples were taken at ½-chain intervals on restricted areas, and at 1-foot intervals on grids 4 feet by 3 feet. Differences of more than 3 pH units have been found for samples taken in one continuous area of a single soil type, and differences in excess of 2.5 pH units for individual samples taken 4 chains apart. The differences between individual samples at distances of ½ chain and 1 foot were found to be as large as 1.2-2.0 pH units and 0.6-1.1 pH units respectively. The standard deviation of the differences between adjacent points was considerably smaller in the samples spaced at 1-foot intervals.
Studies in the variation of soil reaction. II. Seasonal variations at Barooga, NSW
Authors: Raupach M
Published: November 2004

The seasonal and spatial contributions to the variation in reaction of two Australian soils have been examined. Experiments described show seasonal effects to be slight and spatial variation contributions large. Exchangeable sodium from soluble salt variations is shown to give rise to the differences in reaction upon one soil while calcium and magnesium relationships may, among other factors, be responsible for those on the other.
Competition among pasture plants. I. Intraspecific competition among annual pasture plants
Authors: Donald CM
Published: November 2004

A series of experiments was conducted to examine the influence of density, stage of growth, and fertility level on intra-specific competition among annual pasture plants. At sowing there is a linear relationship between density and yield (weight of embryos or embryo + endosperm per unit area). Competition is evident in dense populations shortly after germination and thereafter becomes operative progressively in populations of lower and lower density. Because of the extreme reduction in growth rate in dense swards later in the season and the high growth rate in sparse swards, the sparse sward tends to approach the more dense sward in its final yield. Final yield of dry matter is constant from moderate to high densities. There is no reduction in dry matter per unit area even in extremely dense swards. This maximum yield of dry matter for the environment is controlled by some factor of the environment. It is considered that nitrogen was the factor in two of the experiments here reported and light in the third. The significance of light in competition in pastures is discussed. Practical applications of these findings are discussed.
The residual effect of phosphorus on soil fertility and pasture development on acid soils
Authors: Anderson AJ , McLachlan KD
Published: November 2004

A study was made of the residual effect of superphosphate applied to pasture on acid soils on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. The effect of the superphosphate on the development of clover and subsequent changes in soil fertility and development of grass was examined. Only a limited proportion of the phosphorus applied was taken up by the pasture over the period of the experiments, but the evidence obtained suggests that this cannot be ascribed merely to phosphate fixation in the soil. The residual phosphorus was little, if any, less effective than current dressings over a number of years. The total yield of pasture was dependent almost entirely on the amount of superphosphate applied, and frequency of application had little or no effect on the total yield. A single dose at the commencement of the trials was as effective in increasing the total yield and the uptake of phosphorus as were annual dressings. High fertility and grass dominance were achieved by heavy annual dressings of superphosphate or by application of the bulk of the phosphorus in the early years. Lighter annual dressings resulted in clover dominance. Some advantages of heavier, less frequent application of superphosphate are discussed. Competition for phosphorus was an important factor in suppression of the clover by the grass. Evidence was presented in support of a hypothesis that grass or clover dominance is dependent both upon the vigour and fertility requirements of the species and upon the relation between the nitrogen demand of the pasture unit and the soil nitrogen status.
The inheritance of shank colour in single comb White Leghorn and Australorp fowls
Authors: Skaller F , Grigg GW
Published: November 2004

Evidence has been presented in the literature on the mode of inheritance of shank colour in various breeds of chickens, but little has hitherto been known about the same aspect in an Australian breed, the Black Australorp. Observations on the incidence of shank colour in different types of crosses between yellow-shanked White Leghorns and black-shanked Australorps are reported in this paper. According to the observations made by other workers on White Leghorn and other breeds, a hypothesis is advanced regarding the genes involved in determining shank colour in the White Leghorn and Australorp. A genetical analysis of the observations made by the authors on 847 single crosses, 71 backcrosses, and 31 zig-zag crosses is presented and shows close statistical agreement with the hypothesis. A genetical formula, including four autosomal and two sex-linked genes, is suggested which would explain the mode of inheritance of shank colour in White Leghorns and Australorps.
The occurrence of sulphur deficiency on a soil of adequate phoshorus status
Authors: McLachlan KD
Published: November 2004

Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) grown on a basaltic soil from Cooma, N.S.W., responded markedly to treatment with sulphur, as sulphate. The sulphur deficiency occurring on this soil was uncomplicated by deficiencies of other elements, including phosphorus. Even when the sulphur deficiency had been corrected the phosphorus status of the soil was adequate for normal clover growth.
Depression of ruminal digestion in adult sheep by aureomycin.
Authors: Turner AW , Hodgetts VE
Published: November 2004

After the consumption by adult sheep of an amount of aureomycin hydrochloride corresponding to 23.6-27.1 mg. per kg. body weight, the ruminal flora had fallen about 75 per cent. within two hours and remained a t this low level for at least two days, the survivors being predominantly Gram-positive rods and cocci. Ruminal fermentation was greatly depressed; the yield of organic acids reached only about 30 per cent. of the normal and was insufficient to lower the ruminal pH significantly. Appetite was lessened and body weight fell, but responded favourably to administration of ruminal fluid and yeast extract.
Water requirements of tobacco grown under irrigation at Clare, North Queensland.
Authors: Lovett WJ
Published: November 2004

An investigation of the water requirements of tobacco grown during the dry season (July–December) in the coastal areas of north Queensland was undertaken at Clare during the years 1948 and 1949. There were eight spray treatments in 1948 and four in 1949. Total amount of water applied per acre varied from 8 to 27.5 in. The best results were obtained with 1.0–1.5 acre-in. of water for plant establishment in the field, followed by a total of approximately 20 acre-in. during growth. Heavy applications retarded early growth and tended to affect yield, but not quality, adversely. With low watering, plants were stunted and failed to ripen satisfactorily, whereas highest rates were above the optimum for yield and quality.
The toxicity of oil herbicides to Paspalum dilatatum POIR. 2. The effect of light on toxicity.
Authors: Myers LF
Published: November 2004

The influence of light on the phytotoxicity of hydrocarbon oils was investigated by exposing the oils to light before and after application to a perennial grass, Paspalurn dilatatum Poir. Exposure of the oils to light and air for a month prior to spraying slightly increased the speed of contact injury to foliage but did not affect regrowth. Oils had a contact effect on foliage only in the presence of light. Shading the plants for one week following treatment delayed the development of contact injury and resulted in greater inhibition of regrowth (toxicity). The increase in toxicity following shading is ascribed to the delay in contact effect per se. The results suggested an antagonism between speed of contact injury and inhibition of regrowth. Supporting evidence was provided by an additional experiment in which fortifying agents were added to the oils. Fortifying agents increased speed of foliage kill but in no instance was toxicity increased. When power kerosene was used the addition of fortifying agents reduced toxicity.
Studies on the carbohydrate metabolism of sheep. VI. Interrelationships between changes in the distribution and levels of volatile fatty acid in the blood of lambs.
Authors: Reid RL
Published: November 2004

The post-absorptive blood glucose in lambs fell steadily with advancing age from levels of 85-90 mg. per cent. in the first week of life. Stable adult levels were reached in each of six lambs at an age of 6-9 weeks. A large proportion of the decline in whole-blood glucose was due to a steady and almost complete disappearance of glucose from the corpuscles; plasma-glucose levels tended to be maintained during the first 4-5 weeks of life. Corpuscle : plasma glucose ratios decreased from an initial range of 0.45-0.99 to less than 0.15. In eight adult sheep the ratios were in the range 0.0-0.26. Blood volatile fatty acid levels in fed lambs increased steadily with advancing age. Levels characteristic of adult sheep on the same rations were not reached until an age of at least three months. It is concluded that the fall in post-absorptive blood glucose in lambs and calves, with increasing age, is largely due to factors other than the functional development of the lumen and these are discussed.
The root growth of irrigated perennial pastures and its effect on soil structure.
Authors: Barley KP
Published: November 2004

A separate of coherent organic particles obtained from soil suspensions by flotation and filtration is termed macroorganic matter. Three-year-old irrigated perennial pastures were found to have added 10 tons per acre of oven-dry macroorganic matter to a sandy loam at Deniliquin. Over half of this material hail been added to the top three inches of the soil. For any one pasture, as the macroorganic matter content of the top three inches of soil increased, infiltration rate decreased. When comparison was made at common macroorganic matter and soil moisture contents, soils under co-dominant white clover-perennial grass pastures were found to have higher infiltration rates than soils under lucerne-dominant pastures. The variability of the quantities measured is described.
Studies on seasonal variation in the level of fertility in Merino ewes. I. Observations on mating, pregnancy, and lambing at intervals of four months.
Authors: Watson RH
Published: November 2004

A flock of Merino ewes was divided at random into three groups which were mated to the one lot of Merino rams for periods of two months at intervals of four months. The mating periods were April to June, August to October, and December to February. Observations were made on the occurrence and distribution of mating throughout each mating period, on attainment of advanced pregnancy, and on lambs born. There was a high incidence of mating from the start of the first and second mating periods, but a high incidence of mating did not occur until the third week of the third period. Most of the ewes mated on one occasion only during the first and third periods and most of them eventually lambed. Many ewes returned to service on one or two occasions during the second period and many failed to bear lambs. A high proportion of the pregnancies from the first mating period and a moderate proportion of those from the second were multiple, but all pregnancies from the third mating period were single. As measured by the ratio of lambs born alive to ewes mated, the first mating was accompanied by the highest level of fertility and the second by the lowest.
Effect of cultural practices on the manganese status of soil and citrus trees under irrigation.
Authors: Connor J
Published: November 2004

The occurrence of manganese deficiency in citrus on an experimental orchard established in light horticultural soil in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area is reported. There is a relationship between visual symptoms of deficiency and the amount of manganese in the leaf. When the leaf manganese falls to 20 p.p.m., 50 per cent. of the trees show visual deficiency symptoms. Trees on Sweet Orange stock had less manganese and showed more visual deficiency symptoms than trees on Rough Lemon stock. A decrease in soil pH consequent on the addition of ammonium sulphate fertilizer led to a graduated increase in exchangeable soil manganese and leaf manganese. Bringing the calcareous subsoil to the surface consequent on digging trenches for laying agricultural drains led to acute manganese deficiency. Trees on plots tilled during the summer have greater leaf manganese contents than trees on sod plots or plots not tilled but kept free of weeds by herbicidal sprays, but these cultural treatments do not affect the exchangeable soil manganese. Possible reasons for the differences are discussed.
Inheritance of birthcoat in a flock of improved Welsh Mountain Sheep.
Authors: Rendel JM
Published: November 2004

Previous work on the inheritance of birthcoats in sheep is reviewed and the suggestion that the variation normally found is monogenic is criticized. This criticism is supported by an account of birthcoat inheritance in the flock of Welsh Mountain sheep of the University College of North Wales. It is suggested that the relationship between birthcoat type and adult fleece type can be interpreted by reference to the ratio of primary to secondary follicles in the adult skin, which in itself has no relevance to birthcoat type, since the ratio in all breeds of sheep is very similar at birth.
Equipment for the clean collection of twenty-four hour samples of urine and faeces from sheep.
Authors: Dick AT , Mules MW
Published: November 2004

Some of the difficulties of collecting sufficiently clean 24-hour urine and faeces samples from sheep for studies on trace-element balance are discussed. Equipment for use with wethers for this purpose is described.
Ploidy and virus reaction in Physalis floridana RYDB.
Authors: Hutton EM
Published: November 2004

Diploid Physalis floridana has 24, and the induced autotetraploid 48 somatic chromosomes. The increased ploidy resulted in the usual increases in size of stomates, pollen, and seed, but in a decreased nitrogen content of the leaves. Dry matter production of the leaves and stems was 28.3 per cent, greater in the tetraploid than in the diploid. The percentage moisture content was not increased by tetraploidy. The increased ploidy did not affect the reaction to several mesophyll viruses, but resulted in a marked increase in the sensitivity to the phloem virus, leaf roll. Inoculation with leaf roll at the third true-leaf stage reduced the mean fresh weight per plant by 26.5 per cent. in the diploid, and 57.3 per cent. in the tetraploid. The greater sensitivity of the tetraploid followed inoculations at other growth stages, but, with both diploid and tetraploid P. floridana, the closer the plants were to the flowering stage at inoculation the less obvious the reaction.
The effect of intake of carotene on reproduction in sheep.
Authors: Peirce AW
Published: November 2004

Ewes aged initially 3-7 years were kept in pens for periods of 3-4 years on diets which supplied only about 10 µg carotene per kg body weight per day but were adequate in other respects; supplements of carotene ranging from 25 to 200 µg per kg body weight per day were added during the five gestation periods of the experiments. Signs of vitamin A deficiency such as night-blindness and low concentrations of vitamin A in the blood did not appear until the sheep had been receiving the deficient diets for at least 16 months. The levels of vitamin A in the blood rose during periods of supplementation by amounts proportional to the intakes, but the increases brought about by a carotene concentrate were smaller than those with equivalent amounts of carotene as lucerne meal. Reproduction was satisfactory when the intake of carotene was 50 µg or more per kg body weight per day, and when at least 80 per cent. of this carotene was supplied as lucerne meal.
Kemp succession in N-type sheep.
Authors: Ross JM , Wright GM
Published: November 2004

Frequencies of G1, G2, and G3 kemps in the fleeces of N-type strains have been analysed. The G1 frequencies have been related to fibre and follicle type differences. It has been shown that shedding is restricted to fibres formed by primary follicles, and that primary central follicles shed most of their fibres, while primary laterals shed few. Differences between genotypes in total kemp frequency were highly significant. In N/N and nr/nr there was more G1 kemp than in N+ in succeeding generations the difference between N/N and N+ was maintained, but the frequency in nr/nr only equalled that in N/+ . The N gene has a greater effect than the nr gene on shedding. The proportion shedding in the different pre-curly-tip fibres (those formed by primary central follicles) was related to their length and degree of medullation, and not to N-genotype. Genotype differences in G1 kemp frequency can be explained in terms of fibre type frequency differences.
The role of water for heat dissipation by a Jersey cow and a Corriedale ewe.
Authors: Knapp BJ , Robinson KW
Published: November 2004

Experimental climatological work was carried out on a Jersey cow and a Corriedale ewe. These animals were exposed to a series of controlled environmental conditions in a psychrometric room for periods of 7 hr and their reactions observed. Both animals showed an increase in body temperature, respiratory rate and volume, and respiratory and transcutaneous water losses during heat exposure. Values and trends in these reactions were calculated for each exposure. Transcutaneous water loss by unit area of Jersey cow skin was of the same order as loss through human skin. Respiratory water loss formed only a small fraction — a fifth to a ninth — of the total water loss. In the sheep, however, respiratory water loss reached as much as one-third of the total water loss and the transcutaneous loss was one-third of that through human skin. It was concluded that the Jersey cow efficiently maintained a heat balance presumably by a good sweating mechanism. The Corriedale ewe, however, was a poorly sweating ruminant, relying mainly on the respiratory mechanism for approaching a heat balance.
Corrigendum - Fertility of anoestrous ewes following injection of progesterone and Pregnant Mare Serum (PMS).
Authors: Robinson TJ
Published: November 2004

Experiments are described in which progesterone was used alone and in combination with pregnant mare serum (PMS) in breeding Suffolk, Suffolk crossbred, and Romney Marsh ewes in anoestrus. While oestrus, presumably with ovulation, was induced in a high proportion of ewes treated with the two hormones in combination, lambing percentages were low. Of 20 Romneys treated, 18 were served, but only 5 held to this service. Comparable figures for Suffolks were: 20 treated, 18 served, 7 lambed. The crossbreds gave better results; of 6 ewes treated all were served and 5 lambed. There was some evidence that the conception rate was higher following a complete ovarian cycle. Factors which may be involved in this phenomenon are discussed.
Clover root-nodule bacteria in the New England region on NSW.
Authors: Baird KJ
Published: November 2004

Most of the cultures isolated from the New England Region of New South Wales were able to form effective associations with white clover. Associations with red, crimson, and subterranean clovers were of doubtful effectiveness, or definitely ineffective. Isolates from plants growing in the drier ayeas were the most effective symbionts with crimson and subterranean clovers, but those from plants in the wetter areas proved best with red and white clovers. This locality effect seemed to be related to the field host from which the isolate was obtained. Those from clustered and subterranean clover were more effective on crimson and subterranean clovers than were those from white clover. On the other hand white clover isolates were the most effective symbionts for white and red clovers. There was a similarity in the effectiveness of isolates of red and white, subterranean and crimson clovers. There was a significant negative correlation with all other pairs. An unusually large number of cultures was inconsistent in nodulation (29 per cent.) or failed to nodulate any of the four clover hosts (6 per cent.). There were initially only about 5 clover rhizobia per gram in the two soils examined but no difficulty was experienced in obtaining growth of bacteria in sterilized soil or successful inoculation of seed of subterranean clover sown in unsterilized soil in pots. A pure culture of each of the five strains was capable of forming nodules, but strains 297 and 298 were responsible for most of the nodules produced from a mixed inoculum. While the relative success of the strains in producing nodules appeared to be independent of their rate of multiplication in sterilized soil, it was affected to some extent by the type of soil.
The relationship of skin follicle development to growth rate in sheep.
Authors: Schinckel PG
Published: November 2004

Observations are reported on factors affecting the ratio of secondary to primary follicles (SJP) in a flock of Merino sheep.It was found that all follicles were initiated prior to birth but that the number which finally came to maturity (production of fibre) was significantly affected by birth weight and growth from birth to 1 month. Growth at later ages appeared to be unimportant. There was a significant correlation (r = +0.29) between birth weight and log potential S/P at birth. This is interpreted to indicate that while pre-natal growth conditions affect the number of follicles initiated, other factors are also of considerable importance. It is concluded that the larger animals at birth also have a greater total number of primary follicles than smaller animals. It is further concluded that this difference in total primary follicles results primarily from differences in size a t the 90th day of pre-natal life rather than from differences in density a t that time.
Maintenance of rations for Merino sheep. II. The performance of weaners fed daily and weekly on rations of wheat and wheaten chaff at maintenance levels and the effect thereon of vitamin A supplements.
Authors: Franklin MC , McClymont GL , Briggs PK , Campbell BL
Published: November 2004

Groups of Merino weaners were given 3.33 lb starch equivalent (3570 cal of net energy) per sheep per week to maintain body weight a t approximately 40 lb. This nutritional intake was provided by three different rations, namely, 50: 50 and 10: 90 mixtures of wheaten chaff and wheat, and wheat alone. Finely ground limestone was added to each ration to correct the calcium deficiency. One-half of the weaners was drenched early in the experiment . with 500,000 i.u. of vitamin A per head. Each ration was fed to two groups of sheep, one group being fed once a week and the other daily. The weekly fed groups on the high grain rations were brought on to this regime gradually and were then maintained on their rations for 243 days. The surviving sheep in the daily fed groups maintained their mean body weight and general condition as well as did those in the weekly fed groups, but at the end of the experiment the variability in the body weight of the daily fed groups was greater. This was attributed to differences in the rate of food consumption by individual sheep. The death rate in the daily fed groups was 39.8 per cent., compared with 35.4 per cent. in the weekly fed groups. Comparative data are included for similar groups of weaners which were fed ad lib. on 50: 50 and 10: 90 mixtures of wheaten chaff and wheat. Initially, the group fed the 10:90 mixture grew faster but final gains for the whole experimental period of 243 days were significantly greater for the group fed the 50:50 mixture. Plasma vitamin A levels of the weaners which were not treated with vitamin A fell to very low levels and the death rate among these was 63.0 per cent., compared with 16.7 per cent. among those which received the vitamin A supplement. Losses associated with vitamin A deficiency were highest in the groups on the all-wheat rations. The only group in which no losses occurred was that fed ad lib. on the 50:50 mixture of wheaten chaff and wheat. Untreated animals in this group showed depressed vitamin A levels but not to the same extent as those fed ad lib. on the 10: 90 mixture or on the restricted rations. Clinical and post-mortem examinations of weaners which died from vitamin A deficiency showed only signs of anorexia and inanition. Supplementation of a 100 per cent. wheat ration with 0.5 per cent. sodium chloride did not affect body weight changes or eventual losses.
Studies in fleece-rot of sheep: some ecological aspects.
Authors: Hayman RH
Published: November 2004

Previous work on this subject has indicated the importance of climatic factors, particularly rainfall, in the development of fleece-rot. Over an 8-year period 19 outbreaks were recorded on the F. D. McMaster Field Station, C.S.I.R.O. Of these, 16 occurred during calendar months which had eight or more wet days and 4 or more in. of rain. Using these data as criteria, rainfall records for the period 1911-1940 were examined in order to give broad definition to zones in which fleece-rot might be expected as a rare, or frequent, occurrence. Records were taken from 18 selected towns in south-eastern Australia. In the zone in which occurrence of the condition was expected to be high, there were differences between localities as to the season of the year at which expectation was highest, in the frequency of wet days per month, and in the intensity of daily rainfall. In some localities shearing during certain months of the year would assist sheep to escape fleece-rot, as they would be in short wool when it was most likely to occur.
Sampling variations in the concentrations of elements in soils.
Authors: McKenzie RM
Published: November 2004

Sixty-eight samples were taken from the surface horizon of an apparently uniform virgin soil, at sites uniformly distributed over an area 8 ft by 3 ft 6 in. The concentrations of copper, magnesium, gallium, vanadium, molybdenum, and manganese were determined spectrographically in each sample. It was found that the sampling variations of. these elements, expressed as coefficients of variation, mere about 10 per cent., while the highest concentration found for each element was about twice the lowest. Although the chemical properties of these elements are quite different, their concentrations showed a pronounced tendency to rise and fall together. The sampling variations were the source of the greater part of the total error in a determination, except for manganese.
Body-weight-fleece-weight relationships in a strain of Merino sheep
Authors: Schinckel PG
Published: November 2004

The relationship of body weight to wool production was examined in a flock of Merino sheep of South Australian strain over a period of 7 years. In only one out of 10 groups examined was there a significant correlation between body weight and the amount of clean wool produced per unit area of midside skin. It is concluded that body weight and wool production per unit area of body surface are independent. In all groups there was a highly significant correlation between clean fleece weight and clean wool per unit area of body surface in the midside region. The regression of log fleece weight on log body weight was determined in 15 groups. In no case was the regression coefficient significantly different from 0.60. As the regression of log surface area on log body weight in sheep is of the order of 0.60, it is concluded that wool production is proportional to fleece-bearing surface. The mean regression coefficients of log fleece weight on log body weight, calculated within sire and year groups, were: rams, 0.52 ± 0.056; ewes, 0.61 ± 0.038; wethers, 0.30 ± 0.068. There were no significant differences between sires in the regression of log fleece weight on log body weight. There were, however, highly significant differences between sire groups in mean log fleece weight, after adjustment for differences in log body weight. Skin areas 3 by 3 cm were tattooed on the left midside of 24 lambs at 1 month of age. The wool produced on these areas, and the areas of the tattoos, were measured at 4-monthly intervals from 4 months of age until 28 months. The amount of wool produced m7as proportional to the area in each of the six periods. There was also a highly significant difference between periods and between sheep in the amount of wool produced after adjustment for differences in tattoo area.
Birthcoat of lambs and adult fibre diameter
Authors: Lockart LW
Published: November 2004

Birthcoat hairiness is significantly correlated with adult fibre diameter variability, the coarser birthcoats being more variable. Birthcoat grade is not correlated with average fibre diameter, but is strongly correlated with the difference between diameters of primary and secondary fibres and with variability of primary, but not of secondary, fibres. A correlation of 0.83 was found between birthcoat grade and primary-secondary diameter difference in the adult.
Nitrogen studies on black soils form the Darling Downs, Queensland. I. Seasonal variations in moisture and mineral nitrogen fractions
Authors: Martin AE , Cox JE
Published: November 2004

A study of the equilibrium levels of moisture, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen is reported on two representative black soils (developed from basaltic colluvium and alluvium respectively) from the Darling Downs for the years 1952-1954 inclusive. Both soils were under native grassland in 1952; a portion of the sampling area at each site was cultivated early in 1953 and left fallow for the rest of the sampling programme. The moisture contents of surface (0-6 in.) grassland and fallow plots varied directly with rainfall. Subsoil under grass showed low moisture contents which increased only after heavy rain but decreased thereafter, probably owing to transpiration. Under fallow, subsoil moisture was higher and showed significant fluctuations, suggesting that losses occurred by slow liquid flow or vapour movement a t moisture contents between field capacity and the wilting point. Ammonia-nitrogen contents at the surface were lower than for comparable soils in temperate regions and showed a significant decrease with depth; values for the corresponding fallow plots were similar in amount and varied similarly with depth. Surface soils showed minor fluctuations with season, being higher in summer. Under incubation conditions at 25°C, ammonia nitrogen rarely fell below 1.0 mg/kg oven-dry soil, which suggests that this is the minimum threshold concentration of ammonia nitrogen in these soils for the nitrification process. Nitrate nitrogen showed a significant rise in summer on the colluvial basaltic soil under grass. The soil developed on basaltic alluvium showed no such seasonal trend and contained uniformly low amounts of this fraction. Cultivation resulted in a sharp rise in nitrate nitrogen in both soils, the wetter alluvial soil showing a longer time lag. There was some evidence of nitrification in the 6-12 in. depth a t one site, but below this rises in nitrate nitrogen, which were correlated with rainfall and increases in moisture content, could be accounted for by leaching. Incubation tests gave rise to highly variable nitrate nitrogen contents and such tests were found unreliable in these soils, probably owing to imperfect aeration of the laboratory sample. Analyses for total nitrogen of several alluvial black soils from the same area showed a progressive decline in this constituent with increasing periods of cultivation; in the first 26 years of cultivation about 0.8 per cent. of the total nitrogen is lost per annum. This value agrees with the nitrate nitrogen accession in fallow subsoil, suggesting that leaching of nitrate formed at the surface is a major factor determining losses in total nitrogen. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Time and temperature as factors in the dispersion of soil crumbs in water
Authors: Blackmore AV
Published: November 2004

A technique is described that enables rates of dispersion of natural soil crumbs to be determined. Mechanical disturbance is kept a t a minimum in the method, so that the inherent tendency of the soil to disperse would be the major factor in the result. Limitations of the method are discussed. The rate and degree of dispersion for qix soil materials, representing a range of texture and stability, have been obtained a t each of three levels of temperature: 5, 20, and 45°C. It has been shown that great variation exists between soils in their rate of dispersion, that temperature has a marked effect on these rates, and that for times up to 24 hr the total amount of dispersion achieved is significantly different at each temperature. It is suggested that, in some soils a t least, rate of dispersion, and therefore indirectly temperature, are of as much importance in indicating field behaviour as the extent of total dispersion.
The effects of some chlorinated hydrocarbons as systemic acaricides against the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini)
Authors: Roulston WJ
Published: November 2004

Subcutaneous injections of cattle with lindane, dieldrin, and aldrin solutions in peanut oil at the rate of 25 mg toxicant/kg body weight produced marked effects on infestations of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). The numbers of ticks present at the time of the injection declined, but many developed to maturity. The most striking effect was the prevention of establishment of seed ticks. After injection, the average period of freedom from larvae for the lindane- and dieldrin-treated animals was from the 7th to the 22nd day and from the 12th to the 25th day respectively. For the aldrin-treated group there was a minimum number of larvae from the 16th to the 27th day. Dieldrin and aldrin continued to affect the reinfesting ticks even after they were able to establish as larvae, and the first appearance of each succeeding life history stage was progressively postponed. Animals injected with lindane exhibited their first persistent reinfestation of young adult ticks on the average 43 days after injection, dieldrin-injected animals 67 days after injection, and aldrin-injected aninlals more than 80 days after injection. Lindane was detected in the hair of injected cattle in three out of four experiments, but could not be detected in skin and blood samples. DDT injections at 25 mg/kg were without effect, and DDT could not be detected in skin, hair, and blood samples. Toxaphene, diazinon, and malathion produced no systemic effects on ticks when injected subcutaneously into cattle at 25 mg/kg. Isodrin likewise produced no systemic effect on ticks when injected into cattle a t the rates of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg. Endrin at 5 mg/kg was also ineffective, but two animals injected respectively with 10 and 15 mg/kg endrin died. Compound L13/59, an organic phosphorus acaricide, produced no effect on ticks when administered orally to cattle at rates up to 50 mg/kg. Inunction of the neck of cattle with peanut oil solutions of lindane and dieldrin at the rate of 26 mg toxicant/kg body weight resulted in marked mortality of ticks over the entire body region, suggesting penetration of the skin and systemic effect from these toxicants. The lindane-anointed animal was free from larval ticks from the 3rd to the 11th day after treatment, and the dieldrin-anointed animal from the 3rd to the 21st day. Similar treatments with aldrin and DDT at 25 mg/kg were without systemic effect on the ticks. Although these results of injection are promising, the technique cannot yet be recommended for general use.
Studies on the reactions of animals to infestation with ticks. II. Tick toxins
Authors: Riek RF
Published: November 2004

Toxin has been shown to be present in the eggs of 17 species of ixodid ticks, and is probably present in the eggs of all species of this family. It was associated with the globulin fraction of the egg extract, and was thermolabile. Similar toxin was also present in the larvae of the only four species of ixodid ticks of which larvae were tested. The toxin was not present in the eggs of the five species of argasid ticks used in this study. Clinical syndrome and the pathological changes in the tissues of laboratory animals following injection of egg extracts were indicative of toxaemia. At a dose rate of 0.3 g/kg body weight, there was a rapid initial rise in rectal temperature, followed by subnormal temperature and death. At lower dose rates, there was loss of hair a t the site of injection, and usually the development of an indurated, sterile ulcer. The toxin appeared to be quite distinct from the one that causes tick paralysis, which, in Australia, results from infestation with Ixodes holocyclus Neumann.
Effects of environmental factors on the growth of two varieties of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)
Authors: Millikan CR
Published: November 2004

A water culture experiment is described in which the effects of day and night temperature, photoperiod, light intensity, and phosphate level on the total growth (T + R) and top/root ratio (T / R) of the Dwalganup and Mt. Barker varieties of subterranean clover were studied. The individual or combined effect of increases in photoperiod and in light intensity was to increase (T + R) in both varieties. With Dwalganup the relative increase in top growth was greater than that in root growth, whereas with Mt. Barker the reverse occurred. With a 16-hr photoperiod varietal differences in the response of (T + R) to day temperature occurred depending on the level of phosphate in the solution. In general, T / R increased with day temperature, although the magnitude of the increase was affected by photoperiod, phosphate level, and variety. The response of total growth (T + R) in each variety to phosphate was independent of day temperature at an 8-hr photoperiod, but at 16 hr it was greatest at 17°C for both varieties. The growth (T + R) response to phosphate was greater for Dwalganup than Mt. Barker, the condition favouring the greatest difference being high light intensity, or a 20°C day temperature combined with long photoperiod. These varietal differences in total growth due to different level of phosphate in the presence of other variables were associated with differential effects on the relative top/root ( T / R ) growth within and between the varieties. Different night temperatures had no differential effect on total growth of plants at an 8-hr photoperiod, but at 16 hr there were highly significant interactions between day and night temperature in both varieties. The sense of the interaction was reversed by an increase in phosphate level in the substrate. Runner stem development was a more sensitive indicator of the interaction than total growth (T + R).
Observations on the microclimate of the fleece
Authors: Fraser IEB
Published: November 2004

The reaction of the fleece to moisture has been studied in terms both of relative humidity of the microclimate and of fleece moisture. The processes of wetting and drying of the fleece are by no means consistent or uniform, and behaviour varies with differing climatic conditions. Measurement of fleece moisture on the basis of relative humidity and total moisture content has shown that fleece types that are susceptible to bacterial discoloration retain moisture for a longer period than do fleece types that are generally immune from such discoloration. The effect is more marked in hogget than in adult fleeces. The importance of sensitivity of the skin to water and the part played by this in the realization of susceptibility are also discussed.
Recovery of Sultana vines after spring damage
Authors: Antcliff AJ , Webster WJ , May P
Published: November 2004

Sultana vines damaged in spring by frost or hail have been studied. The destruction by frost of half the shoots present when bud burst was nearly complete did not result in the bursting of more than a t the most one-quarter of the primary buds which would normally have remained dormant. Primary buds bursting after the frost produced a much lower proportion of fruitful shoots than those bursting before. There was reduction in yield due not only to the smaller number of bunches but also to a decreased average bunch weight. Canes formed for the next season on vines frosted in early spring had more fruitful buds in the distal region and a higher overall fruitfulness. Canes formed on vines damaged by frost or hail much later in the season had fewer fruitful buds in the proximal region and a lower overall fruitfulness. Repruning of sultanas immediately after frost or hail to improve the yield in the same or the following season is not justified, but at the following winter pruning the canes should be left with more buds than usual.
Seed-setting in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) 1. The importance of the microevironment
Authors: Yates JJ
Published: November 2004

An investigation was made of the relative efficiency of above- and belowground seeding, under unfavourable environmental conditions, in the subterranean clover variety Red Leaf, which normally sets some seed above and some below the ground. The experiment included artificial shielding of burrs in sponge rubber to simulate the protective effects of natural burial. Seed-setting, expressed in terms of mature seeds as percentage of reflexed florets, was considerably better when development occurred at or below the soil surface, or when burrs were enclosed in rubber, than when untreated burrs did not come in contact with the soil.The presence of moisture in the surface soil improved seed-setting above the ground. Breakdown of seed-forming processes occurred both before and after the stage at which seed development could be detected. Seeds formed above the surface were of light weight and gave very poor germination; seeds which had been buried or enclosed in rubber were much heavier and percentage germination was high; and those formed on the surface were intermediate.The results emphasize the importance of the microenvironment of individual inflorescences and burrs, and the value of protective or modifying influences, during the whole period of seed development in this species.