bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stability of lycopene. I.‐Degradation by oxygen
Authors: Cole E. R. , Kapur N. S.
Published: November 2006

The rate of degradation by oxygen of lycopene in solution varies according to temperature. Catalytic effects of traces of copper lead to a marked increase in rate of oxidation of solutions.

Solid lycopene is degraded into small fragments and derivatives of acetone, methylheptenone, laevulinic aldehyde, laevulinic acid and of an α‐dicarbonyl, probably glyoxal, have been obtained.
Some factors affecting the physical toxicity of fumigants
Authors: Hassall K. A.
Published: November 2006

The fumigant toxicities to the grain weevil Calandra granaria of 39 alkyl chlorides, bromides and thiocyanates have been estimated with considerable accuracy. The difference between toxicities of isomers on the thermodynamic scale is small, except near the cut‐off point, or when instability or chemical reactivity are evident. Near the cut‐off point, the characteristic sudden rise in the ratio Pt/Ps (toxic vapour pressure/saturation vapour pressure) is more marked the lower the vapour pressure of the isomers, so that a secondary compound may be toxic when the normal one is non‐toxic. Vapour pressure may also be a limiting factor for a whole series when the saturation vapour pressures of even the lower homologues are small. For chlorides and bromides, Pt/Ps values change slowly with carbon content below the cut‐off member, but for unit saturation vapour pressure the bromides are the more toxic. When a molecular volume correction factor, V, is introduced, the points for chlorides and bromides form a single line, the slope of which approximates to unity. The equation, log Pt/V = log Ps + k′, gave better results than log Pt = b log Ps + k, when it was applied to various published data, and experimental evidence was therefore found justifying a mainly theoretically derived equation of McGowan4.

Experiments using different times of exposure, and with death as the criterion of toxicity, indicated no difference of behaviour between physical and chemical poisons. Doubling the exposure time approximately halved the LD50 and hence the Pt/Ps value. This provides further evidence that the arbitrary physical/chemical barrier of Pt/Ps = 0.05 has little practical significance.
The water‐soluble carbohydrates of grasses. III.–first and second year growth
Authors: Waite R.
Published: November 2006

The water‐soluble carbohydrates, glucose and fructose (reported together as total free hexoses), sucrose and fructosan have been determined in eight strains of rye‐grass of varying rates of growth and in two strains of timothy and one of cocksfoot in their first and second years of growth. In the rye‐grasses, the extremely rapid growth and flowering of annual varieties resulted in much smaller accumulations of fructosan but more free hexoses than in biennial or perennial plants. Flower formation in the timothy grasses in the first year similarly delayed the storage of fructosan until after head emergence.

In second‐year growth the fructosan content of all species increased rapidly early in the year but flower formation and early development caused a marked fall in the fructosan content of the timothy and cocksfoot strains but not of the rye‐grasses. The reverse was later true during stem elongation after flower emergence, when the fructosan content in the rye‐grasses fell sharply whilst those of the timothy grasses and cocksfoot rose to a second peak. The practical aspect of this difference in the soluble carbohydrate content of grasses at similar stages of growth is mentioned.
Factors influencing the lead content of wine
Authors: Rankine B. C.
Published: November 2006

Winemaking procedures, materials and equipment were examined for their influence on the lead content of wine.

Unwashed grapes contained from less than 0.01 to 0.98 p.p.m. of lead (mean 0.13 p.p.m.), depending on the extent of surface contamination which was partly due to lead arsenate spray residue. Grapes, washed with acid to remove surface contamination, contained from less than 0.01 p.p.m. to 0.10 p.p.m. (mean 0.05 p.p.m.). Fermentation removed from solution 11 to 45% (mean 30%) of the lead present in the grape juice.

Fining agents, fortifying spirit and acids normally added to wine did not significantly alter the lead content, nor was it lowered by the Möeslinger blue fining, which is used in some countries to remove copper and iron. Brass winery equipment and rubber wine hoses were found to be sources of contamination, but stainless steel, plastic, and glass equipment and a filter pad examined were not.

Maturation of young wine produced a slight decrease but refrigeration and ion‐exchange treatment produced no significant alteration in lead content. Contact with various types of cask wood, paraffin wax, bottle corks and also wine analysed before and after shipment to England led to no significant change.

The influence of wine type and composition on the extent of lead contamination was examined. Contamination was not found to be related to sulphur dioxide content, titratable acid or pH but was higher in sweet fortified wines than in dry wines, and in these wines added sulphur dioxide and tartaric acid produced a further increase.

The influence of lead bottle capsules was not investigated as these are known to be a major source of contamination.

The method of determination of lead is given.
The storage of groundnuts under tropical conditions. I.—the effects of prolonged storage on undecorticated and decorticated groundnuts
Authors: Duerden J. C. , Cutler J. R.
Published: November 2006

In a study of the extent of insect damage and determination of quality of groundnuts stored in sacks for 16 months in a warehouse in N. Nigeria, there was found little difference between undecorticated, hand‐shelled and ‘pestle‐and‐mortar’‐shelled nuts, in the loss of weight and production of powder, as a result of attack by insects (mainly Tribolium castaneum), but there were large differences in the build‐up of free fatty acids. The insects are shown to cause breakage of the nuts, but under the conditions of the experiment an unbroken shell provides complete protection of the kernels against the species used.
The mechanism of sorption of ethylene dibromide on moist soils
Authors: Call F.
Published: November 2006

The influence of moisture on the swelling of soils and clays has been studied at low moisture contents. No detectable swelling was found with soils at low moisture contents while the montmorillonites showed discontinuous swelling corresponding to the lattice changes indicated by X‐ray analysis. From the sorption isotherms at different moisture contents it is shown that ethylene dibromide is displaced from sorption by water vapour, three distinct stages being apparent. The surface energy of ethylene dibromide solutions has been measured and the Gibbs sorption equation applied to moist soils. It is suggested that sorption on soils at field capacity is partly due to solution in the soil water and partly to sorption at the water interfaces. The surface areas obtained by the B.E.T. method using nitrogen at 78° k are much smaller than areas obtained from the water isotherms and other methods, the difference being apparently due to dehydration of organic matter during degassing.
Lesser‐known indian vegetable fats. I.—oleic‐rich fats
Authors: Subrahmanyam V. V. R. , Achaya K. T.
Published: November 2006

Five oleic‐rich seed fats of Indian origin, viz, those derived from soapnut, papaya, nux vomica, sweet almond and guava, have been analysed for component fatty acids by ester fractionation. All are potentially capable of collection at single locations. Possible uses are suggested.
The expressible fluid of fish fillets. VI.—electrophoretic analysis of the expressible fluid of cod muscle
Authors: Connell J. J.
Published: November 2006

Electrophoretic diagrams of the expressible fluids of cod muscle have been compared with those of extracts at low ionic strength. A new component has been observed in the expressible fluids and some of its properties examined. Its possible sites in the muscle structure and its bearing on the nature of expressible fluid are discussed.
Use of γ‐radiation for preventing the sprouting of potatoes
Authors: Burton W. G. , Hannan R. S.
Published: November 2006

γ‐Irradiation at doses as low as 3500 r. suppresses the sprouting of potatoes but it may also have harmful effects. After storage for 6 months or more, sweetening rendered the tubers unsuitable for crisp or chip production. After 15 months, a great accumulation of sugar and complete breakdown have been observed. Irradiation at 20,500 r. and over increased the initial rate of water loss and subsequent wilting. Irrespective of irradiation, there was an apparent direct correlation between the rate of water loss and the cumulative loss which had occurred.
Enzymes in canned stone fruit, their survival and their effect on corrosion of the cans
Authors: Dickinson Denis
Published: November 2006

Stone fruit—plums, greengages and cherries—which contain β‐glucosidase corrode lacquered tinplate cans more rapidly if the heat process used is insufficient to inactivate the enzyme. Heat penetration measurements indicate that the stone offers no peculiar resistance to heat, but nevertheless canning processes which give adequate protection against microbiological spoilage may leave active β‐glucosidase, or even peroxidase, in the kernels of the stones. Such residual enzyme activity provides a ready explanation of the abnormally rapid corrosion of cans sometimes encountered in commercial canning. The storage life of fruit in plain cans appears to be unaffected by such activity.
Observations on ‘crude fibre’ estimation by acid digestion
Authors: Dougall H. W.
Published: November 2006

The solvent action of 0.255N‐, I.5N‐, 3N‐ and 6N‐sulphuric acid on Kikuyu grass and Rhodes grass, ‘feed’ and ‘faeces’, and of I‐5N‐sulphuric acid on Russian comfrey, Setaria splendida, and Trifolium semipilosum, has been studied. Equations have been derived to relate the ‘crude fibre’ remaining after acid digestion to the concentration of the acid and to the duration of the boiling. Experimental results are discussed in the light of Hallsworth's suggestion that the ‘crude fibre’ in animal feeding stuffs might best be determined by an acid digestion for I h. with either 5 or 7–5% sulphuric acid. The extraction of fats from the feeding stuffs beforehand, and the estimation of the nitrogen contained in the residues resisting acid digestion, are proposed.
Studies on the ‘fermentation’ of ceylon tea. IX. — A preliminary investigation of the volatile constituents of tea leaf
Authors: Lamb J. , Ramaswamy M. S. , Mendis V.
Published: November 2006

Examination of steam distillates from tea leaves showed that the amount of KMnO4‐ oxidizable constituents decreased during the fermentation process. Methanol was present in the distillate and its content was greatly increased by steam distillation from acid or alkaline solution. The methanol present is attributed to hydrolysis of pectin in the leaf by the acid or alkali, or by enzymes in the leaf in neutral distillations. The amount of methanol is present in the distillate in amounts far in excess of those of the substances responsible for the tea aroma.
The consistency of starch‐milk puddings. I.—Preparation of puddings and measurement of consistency
Authors: Rutgers R.
Published: November 2006

A standardized procedure for the preparation of starch‐milk puddings is evolved and a study is made of various types of apparatus for the determination of the viscosity and consistency of the products. The limitations and applications of the instruments are discussed.
Some problems of transient‐state conduction in the cooling of fish fillets
Authors: Nicol D. L.
Published: November 2006

Theoretical calculations and experimental results are presented for the rate of cooling of fish fillets packed in boxes with ice (average temperature of the fish at the time of packing about 50° F). It is shown that the temperature within a mass of fillets can be predicted with considerable accuracy. The application of the results to commercial practice is discussed.
Through‐circulation drying of vegetable materials. IV.—peas
Authors: Mitchell T. J. , Potts C. S.
Published: November 2006

The drying rates of peas, in single layers and in deep beds, have been studied at different air temperatures (110–150° F), humidities (6% and 40% R.H.) and air velocities (8–23 Ib. of dry air/sq. ft./min.).

Observations have been made on the evidence of case hardening and the influence of humidity upon it.

An approximate prediction method, based on single‐layer results, is proposed for the drying times of deep beds.
The toxicity of organic sulphides to the eggs and larvae of the glasshouse red spider mite. VI.—Benzyl heterocyclic sulphides
Authors: Cranham J. E. , Cummings W. A. W. , Johnston A. M. , Stevenson H. A.
Published: November 2006

The toxicities of a series of benzyl heterocyclic sulphides, some of the corresponding sulphones, and a small number of heterocyclic‐methyl phenyl sulphides to the eggs and larvae of the glasshouse red spider mite (Tetranychus telarius L.) are tabulated and discussed.
Development of urea‐formaldehyde compounds as nitrogenous fertilizers
Authors: Winsor G. W. , Long M. I. E.
Published: November 2006

Published work on the preparation and testing of urea‐formaldehyde compounds as nitrogenous fertilizers is reviewed, and additional information presented on the effects of pH and urea/formaldehyde ratio upon the properties of the products. Some increase in the proportion of slowly available nitrogen was obtained by preliminary reaction under alkaline conditions followed by a brief acid treatment, as compared with preparation under entirely acid conditions. The effect of soil pH upon the decomposition of urea‐formaldehyde compounds, including plastics waste products, is discussed. Recent work on the reaction between urea and formaldehyde, and on the composition of the products, is outlined. Isolation of some of the lower members of the methyleneurea series is discussed, and preliminary data presented for mineralization of the nitrogen of three such compounds in soil, the rates of decomposition decreasing with increased chain‐length. In conclusion, references are given to some practical trials with urea‐formaldehyde compounds as slow‐acting fertilizers, and to patents for the production of these materials.
Lipoxidase activity by cup‐plate techniques
Authors: Blain J. A. , Todd J. P.
Published: November 2006

Conditions for the assay of soya lipoxidase by cup‐plate techniques have been examined using a linoleate—carotenoid system. Observations have also been made on the activity of wheat extracts and haematin compounds on the system. It is considered that a valid estimation of lipoxidase can be made on soya extracts, but not necessarily on extracts of other plant materials.
The drying of seaweeds and other plants. I.—Through‐circulation drying of Ascophyllum nodosum
Authors: Merritt J. H. , Cosgrove E. T.
Published: November 2006

Tests on the through‐circulation drying of Ascophyllum nodosum on a semi‐commercial scale have been conducted with a batch dryer to determine the optimum conditions. It was found that there was a maximum feasible loading for rockweed of 80% initial moisture content of approximately 8 Ib./sq. ft. in each layer and that four layers were enough to insure full use of drying air at an air mass flow of 20 Ib. dry air/min./sq. ft. The effects of variations in the fraction of air recirculated, air‐flow reversal, and temperature (160–220° F) have been studied with particular reference to output and thermal efficiency. High outputs were recorded at heat consumptions of <2500 B.Th.U./Ib. of water evaporated.
Soil nitrogen. III.—Mineralizable nitrogen determined by an incubation technique
Authors: Cooke G. W. , Cunningham R. K.
Published: November 2006

‘Mineralizable‐N’ values were determined by incubating at 18° a series of 27 soils of medium and heavy textures at 50% of their moisture‐holding capacity for 30 days. Increases in nitrate levels following incubation of soils which had been previously air‐dried were, on average, three times as great as increases given by incubating corresponding freshly‐sampled soils. In all soils the levels of nitrate and total mineral nitrogen increased appreciably on incubation; corresponding changes in ammonium levels were smaller, were irregular and were not related to other soil characteristics. Increases in nitrate and in total inorganic nitrogen on incubating air‐dried soils were approximately related to the initial levels of nitrate present in the soils when they were sampled, and to their percentages of total nitrogen.
A detailed summative analysis of the crude fibre and nitrogen‐free extractive fractions of roughages. II.—The analysis of straw, hay, grass and mangold
Authors: Gaillard Blanche D. E.
Published: November 2006

The three variations of the scheme of analysis proposed in Part I are tested on different roughages and compared with Harwood's sulphuric acid hydrolysis method. The results of the summative analysis on grain straw, legume straw, hay, artificially dried grass, fresh grass, mangold and some crude fibres are given.
The chemistry of tea manufacture
Authors: Roberts E. A. H.
Published: November 2006

Many of the substances occurring in freshly plucked tea shoots are listed and the chemical changes taking place during withering and fermentation are discussed. In fermentation (—)‐epigallocatechin and its gallate are the only polyphenols to undergo appreciable chemical change. A scheme for the oxidation of these substances is developed which suggests that substances A, B and C are bisflavanols, and that theaflavin and theaflavin gallate are derivatives of purpurogallin. Thearubigins are probably formed as a result of coupled oxidation of theaflavins. Structures are also suggested for the minor components P, Q, R and Z. It is probable that theaflavins and thearubigins account for the colour and strength of tea liquors, and that theaflavins also contribute towards quality and briskness.
Preservation of ascorbic acid in rose hips during storage
Authors: Mapson L. W. , Tomalin A. W.
Published: November 2006

The stability of ascorbic acid in rose hips stored under various conditions has been investigated. The growth of fungi on hips can be completely inhibited by certain treatments, but even so, the loss of ascorbic acid occurs at a rate similar to that in fruits in which fungal infection is evident. Similarly, treatments which cause physiological damage but prevent fungal attack accelerate the rate of loss of the vitamin. It is concluded that the main loss of ascorbic acid from hips stored above o° is due to physiological damage rather than to fungal infection.

At temperatures below o°, the growth of moulds is prevented but loss of ascorbic acid occurs through enzymic oxidation. This loss is fairly rapid at temperatures above −10° but the rate of loss at −20° is so slow that satisfactory storage for periods of 6–12 months may be achieved.
Fate of labelled insecticide residues in food products. VI.—Retention of γ‐Benzene Hexachloride by Wheat and Cheese
Authors: Bridges R. G.
Published: November 2006

The γ‐isomer of benzene hexachloride labelled with 14C has been used to study the rate of loss of the insecticide from whole wheat and its distribution between the flour and bran fractions after milling. Loss from exposed wheat was rapid, but when it was stored in closed containers no loss was detected. After milling the wheat, 40–50% of the initial residue was still present in the ‘fine’ flour fraction while the residue in the bran was increased between two‐ and four‐fold. Loss of the insecticide from Cheddar and Stilton cheeses was slow, about 40% of the weight applied remaining after 44 weeks. Penetration of the insecticide into both types of cheese was slow although appreciably more rapid in the Stilton cheese. Repeated applications caused a build‐up of the insecticide in the outer few millimetres of the cheeses but had little effect on the amount penetrating more deeply. The toxicological significance of such residues is discussed.
Relationship between soil structure, soil cultivation, nitrogen uptake and crop growth. III.—Effects of cultivation on the porosity of soil and its compactness and on crop development and yields
Authors: Singh Khazan , Pollard A. G.
Published: November 2006

Cultivation treatments examined consisted of deep ploughing (8 in.), shallow ploughing (4 in.) and surface treatment (2 in.) with a tine cultivator.

The non‐capillary porosity of the soil was affected more than the capillary porosity by cultivation. Deep‐ploughed plots showed higher percentages of total and non‐capillary pore space than did shallow‐ploughed or tine‐cultivated plots at depths of 0–2, 2–4 and 4–8 in. At the 8–12‐in. depth no significant differences in porosity due to the different treatments were apparent.

Effects of depth of cultivation on non‐capillary porosity persisted throughout the growing season, remaining longer in a dry than in a wet season.

Variation in the compactness of soil with time was unaffected by the type of cultivation.

As compared with tine cultivation, deep ploughing increased the numbers of branch roots in wheat, but no significant differences in this respect between deep and shallow ploughing existed.

There were no apparent differences between the types of cultivation in respect of numbers or lengths of main roots or dry weights of roots and shoots in wheat, or of ‘stand’, dry weight or final yield in wheat and swedes, except that in the earlier stages of growth of swedes on unmanured plots, deep ploughing produced greater weights of crop than did either shallow ploughing or tine cultivation. The top/root ratios in wheat were higher after ploughing (deep or shallow) than after tine cultivation.

Neither aggregation (based on crumbs >0.5 and 0.5–0.05 mm.) nor pore space (total, capillary or non‐capillary) was associated with numbers of roots in wheat or with any other plant characteristics examined in wheat or swedes, in the two soils used.
The proximate analysis of rice carbohydrates
Authors: Fraser J. R. , Holmes D. C.
Published: November 2006

The four main classes of carbohydrate in rice, (a) starch, (b) pentosans, (c) sugars, and (d) cellulosic material, have been separately determined and their sum has been shown to agree closely with the composite fraction ‘carbohydrate by difference’. The samples so analysed ranged from the Loonzain to the fully refined stage of rice milling. The methods used have already been applied to wheat flours,1, 2 the only difference being that, in the case of rice, the cellulosic material may be determined by the normal fibre process.
The tocopherol contents of some australian cereals and flour milling products
Authors: Mason E. L. , Jones W. L.
Published: November 2006

A modification is proposed of the two‐dimensional chromatographic procedure of Green et al. in order to achieve uniform and replicate separation of the tocopherol spots. The proposed method is more suitable than the previous procedure for control purposes in a small laboratory. Results are recorded for a number of Australian cereals.
The stability of carrageenin in dried irish moss (Chondrus crispus)
Authors: Gordon Young E. , Goring D. A. I.
Published: November 2006

A single uniform batch of the red alga, Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), was dried and portions were stored at 4°, 10° and 20° for two years. It is shown that there was loss in gel strength of the carrageenin present after one year at all temperatures of storage and a fall in viscosity was noted at 20°. These losses became more marked after two years at all temperatures tested, and indicated marked degradation of carrageenin in the plant. No difference in sulphate was detected until after two years at 10° and 20° when a slight loss occurred.
Soil properties and phosphate sorption
Authors: Williams E. G. , Scott N. M. , McDonald Margaret J.
Published: November 2006

Relationships between phosphate sorption and soil properties have been examined for ten soils from each of four parent‐material groups in N.E. Scotland. Aluminium extracted by the Tamm acid‐oxalate method gives highly significant correlations in all groups, and except for the granite soils, where the highest correlation is with loss on ignition, it is the best single criterion of sorption. Acid‐oxalate‐soluble iron also gives significant correlations, but in no case does addition of a term for iron significantly improve the estimate of sorption given by aluminium alone. Iron extracted by dithionite‐0.05N‐HCl treatment gives very poor relationships, but again the aluminium extracted gives highly significant correlations, as does aluminium extracted with 2.5% acetic acid.

Sorption in all groups is highly correlated with loss on ignition and organic carbon, indicating that the active iron and aluminium are closely associated with organic matter. Clay and silt values, unconnected for organic matter, iron and aluminium lost in the normal treatment with H2O2 and HCl, are useless as criteria of sorption, and residues from the Tamm extraction sorb only about 10% as much phosphate as the original soils, indicating that apart from associated soluble iron and aluminium, clay minerals play a relatively minor rôle.

The differences between soil groups are mainly quantitative, and the basic igneous and slate soils have relatively high sorption capacities and high iron and aluminium contents.
Studies on egg shells. X.—A method for determining variations in characteristics in different parts of the same shell
Authors: Tyler C.
Published: November 2006

A method is described whereby an egg shell may be divided into 50 pieces, each marked in such a way that its position relative to all other pieces is known. Pieces of shell obtained in this way may be studied in relation to a number of characteristics and some typical results have been given. The method should make possible a more detailed study, not only of normal shells, but also of the changes occurring during shell deposition and during incubation.
The mechanism of the control of turnip flea beetle by benzene hexachloride dressings on brassicae seed
Authors: Jameson H. R.
Published: November 2006

Laboratory experiments have shown that kale seedlings recently emerged from seed treated with γ‐BHC are highly toxic to flea beetle. This toxicity falls rapidly in the week following emergence of the seedlings but their protection against material damage by flea beetle is maintained for another 2 or even 3 weeks. The experiments indicate that initial protection is due to γ‐BHC from the seed dressing contaminating the seedling leaves directly. When the plants are about a week old the insecticide reaches the leaves systemically through the roots; some is then volatilized through the leaves in amounts causing low mortality of the insect but, nevertheless, preventing it from causing serious damage to the plant.
Some modifications of the design and use of the ‘research’ water absorption meter in relation to consistency measurements of single doughs
Authors: Muller H. G. , Barron L. F.
Published: November 2006

The standard ‘Research’ Water Absorption Meter has been modified by surrounding the cup with a water jacket in order to eliminate the use of a constant‐temperature room. Standardization of dough handling has been achieved by the use of two mechanical moulding devices for filling the cup. The standard deviation of sets of duplicate determinations are given as obtained by a trained and untrained operator using the standard technique and by the use of a mechanical moulding method. By obtaining a four‐point curve from a single test dough, the effect of various ingredients on the consistency of dough is described, and it has been shown that it is possible to obtain dough relaxation curves similar to those obtained by using load extension tests.
Effects of acidification of alkali and calcareous soils
Authors: Tobia S. K. , Pollard A. G.
Published: November 2006

Preliminary field and laboratory observations have been made on the acidification of calcareous and artificially alkalized soils using aluminium sulphate, ferrous sulphate and sulphuric acid. In calcareous soils aluminium sulphate was much more effective than ferrous sulphate in giving persistent acidity; in neutral soil acidity from aluminium sulphate persists for a year but that produced by sulphuric acid is small and short‐lived. The effects of continuous irrigation of the soil are reported. The effects of the three acidifiers on manganese mobilization, phosphate fixation and solubilization are also recorded.
Mineralisation and immobilisation of nitrogen in soil
Authors: Winsor G. W.
Published: November 2006

The processes of mineralisation and immobilisation of nitrogen are defined, and the contribution of mass isotope (15N) studies to our knowledge of these simultaneous transformations in soil is briefly reviewed.

Studies of immobilisation of nitrogen in soils treated with organic materials are reviewed with particular reference to the nitrogen content and carbon/nitrogen ratio of the added substances. Laboratory studies on carbon/nitrogen relationships in glasshouse soils incubated with mixtures of sucrose and inorganic nitrogen are summarised, together with comparative data for a wide range of other soils. The amounts of nitrogen immobilised in acid ‘maiden’ soils on incubation with sucrose were increased by the addition of lime and phosphate, but did not reach the levels of activity of old glasshouse soils; these findings are discussed in relation to the carbon/nitrogen ratios of the untreated soils and to their rates of evolution of carbon dioxide.

Recent studies on the simultaneous mineralisation of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are briefly described. Data are presented for 32 soils showing relationships between initial soil pH and the percentages of the total soil nitrogen mineralised after liming or hydrolysed by autoclaving with acid. The observation that acid soils appear to contain a reserve of nitrogenous constituents which is readily mineralised on liming is discussed with reference to recent views on the chemistry of the nitrogenous components of soil organic matter.

Reference is made to some recent work on laboratory incubation tests as a guide to the availability of soil nitrogen and the prediction of crop response to nitrogenous fertilisers.
Effect of insect infestation on stored grain. III.—Studies on kaffir corn (Sorghum vulgare)
Authors: Venkatrao S. , Nuggehalli R. N. , Swaminathan M. , Pingale S. V. , Subrahmanyan V.
Published: November 2006

Kaffir corn (Sorghum vulgare), which is easily susceptible to damage by insects during storage, was subjected to infestation by Calandra oryzae L. (weevils) and the changes brought about in the grain have been studied. The results show that weevils cause a heavy loss in the weight of the grain. The extent of unhygienic conditions brought about in the grain by the presence of insect excreta and body fragments has been assessed. The uric acid (an important constituent of insect excreta) content of the grain was found to increase with the progress of infestation. An increase in the kernel damage and fat acidity and a decrease in the thiamine content were also observed.
An investigation of the dermal exposure to parathion by workers engaged in handling cucumbers and tomatoes under glass after smoke and aerosol treatments
Authors: Hughes J. T. , Read W. H.
Published: November 2006

The hazard to workers handling parathion‐treated tomato and cucumber plants in greenhouses, has been studied by determining the residue of insecticide on the foliage and quantities transferred to the gloves of workers handling the treated plants. Figures are given to show that the amounts of parathion picked up on the hands of such workers are unlikely to be hazardous.
Relationship of chemical composition to quality in fruit and vegetables for canning
Authors: Dickinson D.
Published: November 2006

The variability in behaviour of different varieties of the same vegetable species when subjected to the canning process is discussed. While practical canning trials afford valuable results in ensuring that varieties grown locally are suitable for the industry, chemical examination can give results more quickly and helps to define optimum maturity which can thus be standardised throughout a series of tests. Examples of direct relationship between the quality attributes of colour, flavour, and texture, and chemical composition have been chosen from among British fruits, peas, beans, celery and tomatoes.
The distribution of methyl bromide in barges containing dried fruit
Authors: Stevenson J. H.
Published: November 2006

The distribution of methyl bromide in barges during the fumigation of dried fruit has been examined. By altering the stowage of the cases of fruit, a more even distribution of the fumigant has been obtained, while the rate of loss of methyl bromide from the barges has been substantially reduced by sealing off hatch covers and other openings in the deck.
Determination of fumigants: Gas measurements in sorption tests
Authors: Heuser S. G.
Published: November 2006

Methods of establishing gas concentrations for sorption measurements in the study of the behaviour of fumigants are discussed with particular reference to tests over short periods and at reduced pressures. A method of introducing accurately determined amounts of gas into a number of flasks containing sorbent is described and results of series of dosages are given. The method may be of general application where closely related series of gas concentrations are required, e.g. in small‐scale tests of the toxicity of fumigants to insects or mites.
Behaviour of fumigants during vacuum fumigation. IV.—Sorption of fumigants by wheat and wheat feed under atmospheric and reduced pressure
Authors: Heuser S. G.
Published: November 2006

In assessing the effectiveness of reduced pressure fumigation compared with fumigation at atmospheric pressure a knowledge of the effect of reduced pressures on the sorption equilibrium between fumigant and commodity is necessary.

Experiments are described in which sorption isotherms for wheat feed/hydrogen cyanide and wheat feed/methyl bromide were determined at atmospheric and at 5 cm. Hg pressure and rates of sorption are deduced.

In small‐scale chamber fumigations of whole wheat with methyl bromide at atmospheric pressure and at 5 cm. Hg, amounts of gas sorbed and bromide residues were determined. The results of the experiments are discussed with reference to effects in full‐scale fumigations.
Studies on the uptake of phosphorus from 32P‐labelled superphosphate by crops. I.—Oats
Authors: Verma R. D. , Dainty J. , Simpson K.
Published: November 2006

Soils from two sites, one high and one low in available phosphorus, were used in a greenhouse pot experiment with different rates of application of 32P‐labelled superphosphate in combination with various dressings of ammonium sulphate. The crop was sampled at three stages of growth.

The pattern of uptake was different in the two soils. In the low‐phosphate soil the percentage of fertiliser‐derived phosphorus in the plant fell steadily as the season progressed, but in the high‐phosphate soil there was apparently a renewed demand for phosphorus by the plant at the time of grain formation. This demand was met by fertiliser‐phosphorus. There was no indication that the extra uptake during this period enhanced grain formation. Grain yield was, in fact, reduced by the application of 160 Ib. of P2O5, per acre as superphosphate.

The uptake of soil‐phosphorus was depressed so much by applications of superphosphate that the total uptake in treated pots from both soils was less than that in the control at maturity.
Studies on the uptake of phosphorus from 32P‐labelled superphosphate by crops. II.—Potatoes
Authors: Dainty J. , Verma R. D. , Simpson K.
Published: November 2006

Field experiments were carried out using different amounts of 32P‐labelled superphosphate in combination with two rates of application of ammonium sulphate on soils high and low in “available” phosphate. The crop was sampled at three stages of growth and analysed for dry matter and for total and fertiliser‐phosphorus.

The rate of application of nitrogen had little effect on phosphorus uptake or crop growth but the uptake of soil‐phosphorus from both soils was depressed by added fertiliser‐phosphorus, the depression being very marked on the high‐phosphate soil. Higher uptakes of fertiliser‐phosphorus were not effective in increasing the final yield of tubers and the yield of dry matter was depressed on the high‐phosphate soil by the application of 1.0 and 2.0 cwt. of P2O5 per acre (as superphosphate) compared with application of 0.25 and 0.5 cwt. The optimum yields were reached with 0.25 and 1.0 cwt. of P2O5 per acre on the high‐ and low‐phosphate soils respectively.

Onset of tuber development was earlier on the low‐phosphate soil. Lower rates of application of phosphorus hastened the start of tuber development and the time of maturing of the plant, giving an earlier crop, but higher rates delayed both early tuber development and the attainment of the final yield. Such effects at levels of superphosphate normally applied to the potato crop in Scotland may lead to serious reductions in yield—particularly with early potatoes.
The colour of cooked cured pork. III.—Distribution and relationship of pigments, pH and cysteine
Authors: Hornsey H. C.
Published: November 2006

Variations in the pigment concentration of fresh pork, in different muscles or in the same muscle, lead to variations in the colour of the cooked cured pork. Two‐fold variations were found for different muscles, these being due almost wholly to myoglobin, and not to haemoglobin.

The relationships between pH, cysteine, cystine, total pigments, nitroso pigments, and stability of colour have also been investigated, pH appearing to have opposite effects in the fresh pork and the cooked cured pork.
The composition and manurial value of poultry excreta, straw‐droppings composts and deep litter. II.—Experimental studies on composts
Authors: Tinsley J. , Nowakowski T. Z.
Published: November 2006

An experimental study was made of the changes in composition and losses of organic matter and nitrogen (especially that soluble in cold o.IN‐H2SO4) occurring in composts prepared from cereal straw mixed with fresh poultry droppings in various proportions and stored for up to 3 years. A comparison was also made of composts prepared with droppings and with ammonium sulphate plus calcium carbonate, each at two levels of total nitrogen.

Tests were made on composts prepared on a small scale kept under cover in brick cells and in large heaps.

Loss of organic matter and changes in nitrogen components could be followed indirectly from the ratios of ash to loss on ignition and of ash or P or K content to nitrogen content.

There was accumulation of NO3−‐N up to about 1% of the dry matter in composts stored for 2–3 years, the composition of the compost then being fairly stable and differing little whether a high or low proportion of droppings was used initially. The optimum ratio of straw to droppings was 1: 1.5 by weight.

Composts made with ammonium sulphate and calcium carbonate in place of droppings had lower N, P and K contents.
The phenolic substances of manufactured tea. VI.–The preparation of theaflavin and of theaflavin gallate
Authors: Roberts E. A. H. , Myers M.
Published: November 2006

Improved methods are described for the preparation of theaflavin gallate and of theaflavin from black tea extracts Both substances were obtained chromatographically pure and the theaflavin was crystallized.
Ammoniacal liquor as a fertiliser—Effect of various constituents on the activity of microbiological flora
Authors: Marsden Arthur , Stansfield I. L.
Published: November 2006

An apparatus has been devised, based on the work of Audus, for circulating under controlled conditions various types of liquor and solutions of ammonium salts of equivalent strength over duplicate samples of various soils. At regular intervals analyses were made to determine the progress of the nitrification and also the concentration of thiocyanate and phenols. Work over a period of several years showed that in the case of the soils examined nitrification proceeded satisfactorily and that within about a quarter of the time required for nitrification the thiocyanate and phenols had disappeared.

This is in keeping with the results of plot trials and leads to the general conclusion that, when clean ammoniacal liquor is used as a fertiliser applied directly to the ground, there is no build‐up of toxic substances in the soil, from the point of view of nitrification.
Pectin changes in cider fermentations
Authors: Pollard A. , Kieser Margaret E.
Published: November 2006

Pectin is not normally present in fermented ciders. The degradation of the pectin in the juice during fermentation has been found to be due to the action of a polygalacturonase of microbiological origin acting in conjunction with pectin methylesterase derived from the fruit. The properties of a polygalacturonase produced by a yeast isolated from cider are described. The enzyme produces from partially de‐esterfied pectins a range of lower galacturonides : in the absence of pectin methylesterase, as in heat‐treated juices, high‐ester pectins remain undegraded. The factors influencing the course of pectin degradation in cider fermentations are discussed.
Changes in the lipids of cod during storage in ice
Authors: Lovern J. A. , Olley June , Watson Helen A.
Published: November 2006

Cod were stored in crushed ice and the composition of the flesh lipids determined at intervals over a total period of about 8 weeks. The outstanding changes are hydrolysis of phospholipids with concomitant production of free fatty acids, and progressive esterification of free “cholesterol”. The former takes place without accumulation of such intermediates as lysophosphatides, phosphatidic acids or diglycerides, but there is evidence of some intermediate between free and esterified sterol. Lecithin and phosphatidyl ethanol‐amine are hydrolysed at the same rate. Initial rates of change are relatively low, becoming markedly greater after about 2 weeks, but virtually ceasing rather abruptly before complete conversion has occurred. After about 5 weeks, when some 70% of the phospholipids has been hydrolysed, there is no further breakdown, while the chemical composition of the phospholipids does not alter significantly at any time. The sterol transformations, as observed, are virtually over after 6 weeks, with 85% of the sterol in the esterified form, but it is uncertain whether the final sterol is cholesterol. The only definite destruction of lipid which occurred was of free fatty acids, in one experiment, after about 5 weeks. The possible contributions of non‐enzymic, autolytic and bacterial agencies to the over‐all effects have been briefly considered.
Inhibition of oxidation of ascorbic acid by EDTA
Authors: Rao M. V. L. , Sastry L. V. L. , Srinivasan M. , Subrahmanyan V.
Published: November 2006

Addition of small amounts of EDTA to acidified solutions of ascorbic acid, completely protects the vitamin against copper‐catalysed aerobic oxidation for over 6 days at room temperature. In the absence of acid, excess EDTA acts as a pro‐oxidant for the vitamin. Under optimal conditions solutions of ascorbic acid containing EDTA could be heated on the water‐bath to complete evaporation without any loss of the vitamin.
Fumigation of lucerne seed with methyl bromide for the control of the stem eelworm Ditylenchus (anguillulina) dipsaci
Authors: Page A. B. P. , Hague N. G. M. , Jakabsons V. , Goldsmith R. E.
Published: November 2006

Laboratory experiments show that effective control of stem eelworms, removed from plant debris, can be obtained by fumigation under conditions which do not reduce either the germination of seed or the yield of lucerne grown from seed similarly fumigated.

A practical fumigation of six tons of seed under a gas‐proof sheet is described.
The presumptive detection of some antibiotics in foods, using a simple microbiological test
Authors: van der Mijll Dekker L. P. , Mossel D. A. A. , de Bruin A. S. , Manten A.
Published: November 2006

A simple and sufficiently sensitive test for the presumptive detection of antibiotics in foods has been developed, based on the principle that the food under investigation is mixed with double‐strength agar containing triphenyltetrazolium chloride as an indicator of bacterial growth. The agar dispersion so obtained is streak‐inoculated with suitable test strains and incubated, using as a blank a mixture of agar and an identical food sample known to be free from added antibiotics.

For the presumptive detection of antibiotics Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus cremoris are used as test organisms. For use in the confirmative and completed tests the usual selection of test bacteria and strains, which have been rendered resistant to a certain antibiotic, may be used.
The rate of diffusion of oxygen through grain
Authors: Bailey S. W.
Published: November 2006

The rates of diffusion of oxygen through bulk wheat, maize, barley and oats have been determined. In wheat the mean rate at 23d̀ is 0.067 mg./sec. and a temperature dependence has been demonstrated. In maize, barley and oats the mean rates at room temperatures are 0.0558, 0.0642 and 0.0721 respectively. The volumes of the intergranular air space of the four grains have been determined.
Proximate analysis of wheat flour carbohydrates. IV.—Analysis of wholemeal flour and some of its fractions
Authors: Fraser J. R. , Holmes D. C.
Published: November 2006

Wholemeal flour and sieved fractions have been examined by methods previously described for the determination of starch, hemicelluloses (including pentosans), sugars and cellulose in wheat flour. With few minor modifications, they are shown to be applicable also to samples of commercial bran, endosperm and germ.
Some effects of acidification of alkaline and calcareous soils. II.—Effect on composition of soil solution under field conditions
Authors: Tobia S. K. , Pollard A. G.
Published: November 2006

Plots of a soil previously treated with different proportions of calcium carbonate were acidified by additions of aluminium sulphate, ferrous sulphate or sulphuric acid and analyses of alcohol‐displaced soil solutions were made at intervals. Of the three acidifying agents used, aluminium had by far the most extensive and persistent effects on the composition of the soil solutions.

Used in proportions which lowered the pH of the soil solution to approximately 6.0, aluminium sulphate diminished the amount of phosphate in the soil solution. Larger applications which brought the pH of the soil solution below 4.6 increased the phosphate concentration until at pH 3.8 it was 50‐fold that of the original soil. Simultaneously, the amount of calcium in the soil solution was reduced and that of magnesium markedly increased, the Ca/Mg ratio falling below unity after the larger applications of aluminium sulphate.

Ferrous sulphate caused a temporary fall in pH, increased the magnesium and decreased the phosphate with little effect on the calcium content of the soil solution. Sulphuric acid had only a small and temporary effect on pH, increased the calcium and reduced the phosphate content of the soil solution to some extent.

Aluminium sulphate brought considerable amounts of manganese but much less iron into solution. Ferrous sulphate had little effect on the manganese or aluminium levels and sulphuric acid had no appreciable action on the solubility of either of the three bases.