bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some biochemical aspects of bracken ‘poisoning’ in the ruminant animal. II.—The significance of the cyanogenetic principle of bracken
Authors: Moon F. E. , Raafat M. A.
Published: November 2006

Determinations have been made of the amounts of HCN in bracken at various stages of maturity and of the apparent retention of cyanide by animals fed on fresh bracken, dried bracken and hay plus sodium cyanide.

Newly emerging bracken shoots contained up to 50 mg. HCN per 100 g. dry matter but the mean value for early‐summer bracken (18 June to 16 July) was only 3·35 mg. per 100 g. dry matter and that for early‐autumn plants (18 Aug. to 27 Sept.) only 1·81 mg. per 100 g. A young second‐growth in October contained an average of 7·35 mg. per 100 g. There were considerable day‐to‐day fluctuations in the HCN content of bracken.

As it was difficult to arrive at valid figures for normal urinary cyanide and thiocyanate no attempt was made to correct the urinary excretion values obtained for bracken‐fed animals but the apparent retention of HCN was nevertheless high in nearly all cases. HCN destroyed in the digestive tract or excreted through the lungs could not be measured, these fractions being included in the figures for apparent retention; the high apparent retention of HCN by bracken‐fed animals is therefore not regarded as sufficient evidence to indicate the cyanogenetic principle as a causative factor in ruminant bracken ‘poisoning.’ The relatively low HCN content of bracken during most of the season, the insignificant amounts of cyanide found in the liver and rumen contents of bracken ‘poisoned’ animals and the failure of thiosulphate injections to promote recovery suggest that danger arising from the cyanogenetic principle of bracken is likely to be slight. The administration of sodium cyanide did not lead to any increase in the combined urinary excretion of cyanide and thiocyanate, indicating a difference from the metabolism of the cyanogenetic principle of bracken.
The saponification of α‐monostearin in a monolayer
Authors: Jellinek H. H. G. , Roberts M. H.
Published: November 2006

The saponification of α‐monostearin in a monolayer over a range of surface pressures and temperatures has been studied on a substrate of o‐IN‐sodium hydroxide. Pseudo‐unimolecular constants have been found for the range 13.5–21°C., but above 22°C. the reaction is retarded in its later stages. The results at the lower temperatures indicate that the soap remains in the monolayer and that the molecular areas of soap and monoglyceride are additive. The energy of activation of the monolayer reaction has been compared with that of saponification in bulk.
Birefringence iodine reactions and fine‐structure of waxy starches
Authors: Baker Frank , Whelan W. J.
Published: November 2006

Microscopic examination of iodine‐stained waxy starches has shown the presence of linear (blue‐staining) components in the centres of the granules, corresponding with the points of intersection of the polarization crosses. This, and other evidence, is used in postulating a structure for the starch grain in which the proportion of linear to branched component decreases from the centre to the periphery; two ways in which this transition might occur are suggested.
The chemical composition of some english market apples and their juices
Authors: Ayres Audrey , Fallows Pat
Published: November 2006

Analyses of freshly expressed apple juices for a number of chemical constituents are presented. The analyses extended over a period of five consecutive seasons and the effect of source of the fruit, variety, etc., is indicated. The wide range of figures for any one constituent is so large that the use of chemical analyses to check the juice content of various liquid apple products is shown to be impracticable. An extensive list of the ascorbic acid contents of whole apples from the best‐known market varieties in this country is given.
The amino‐acids of several grassland species, cereals and bracken
Authors: Smith A. M. , Agiza A. H.
Published: November 2006

Various species of plants have been sampled at different stages of first and second growth from field crops and from special plots; the proteins have been extracted and hydrolysed and the amino‐acids separated by two‐dimensional chromatography on paper. Fourteen amino‐acids have been determined colorimetrically and the proportions of the acids have been found to be affected by such factors as stage of growth, season, nitrogenous fertilizers and species. Several consistent changes, particularly in arginine, lysine and glutamic acid, have been recorded and attention has been directed to the difficulty of comparing plant proteins without a knowledge of the conditions in which the plants have been grown and sampled.
The component fatty acids and glycerides of tung oil
Authors: Hilditch T. P. , Mendelowitz A.
Published: November 2006

The component acids and glycerides of several specimens of tung oils have been investigated. Oils of both Aleurites Fordii and A. montana species were included and one oil from authentic A. montana nuts contained as high (78%) a proportion of elaeostearic acid as that usually associated with A. Fordii oils, although a Nyasaland oil of the A. montana type contained only 72% of elaeostearic acid in its total acids. The proportion of elaeostearic acid in the mixed acids of the oils examined varied between 72% and 82%, but it is considered that these differences are more likely to be due to environmental than to genetic influences.

The oil of lowest (72%) elaeostearic acid content contained 23% of trielaeostearin, 67% of dielaeostearic and 10% of monoelaeostearic glycerides, whereas that of the highest (82%) elaeostearic acid content contained 56% of trielaeostearin, 40% of dielaeostearic and 4% of monoelaeostearic glycerides: the difference in constituent glycerides is especially pronounced at this particular range of elaeostearic acid content, owing to the normal effect of the ‘rule of even distribution’.

The validity of heat‐gelation tests for adulteration of tung oils is critically discussed.
The determination of fat peroxide in small samples of the lean and fatty tissues of meat by the ferric thiocyanate method
Authors: Smith G. Howard
Published: November 2006

The photometric ferric thiocyanate procedure of Loftus Hills and Thiel for the estimation of fat peroxide has been adapted for the examination of the fat in small samples of the lean and fatty tissues of meat. A modification in the mode of addition of the reagents has been made which improves the reproducibility of the results and the effect of certain water‐soluble antioxidants on the determination has been investigated.
The movement of a radio‐phosphorus‐labelled insecticide in groundnut plants
Authors: Stein L. H. , Alper Tikvah , Anderssen E. E.
Published: November 2006

As part of an investigation into the efficacy of the systemic insecticide Pestox III (octamethylpyrophosphoramide, Schradan) as a. protective agent against aphis‐borne virus rosette in groundnuts, the movement of 32P‐labelled Pestox was followed. Plants were sampled at random in groups of ten at intervals up to 25 days after spraying. The parts above ground were treated so that Pestox‐contained radioactivity and other radioactivity could be assayed separately. Roots, nuts and soil samples were tested for total radioactivity only. It was found that decrease in radioactivity in the parts above ground was due to loss of Pestox as a whole. The largest loss was due to evaporation immediately after spraying and a further loss took place by movement into the roots, nuts and soil. There was no decomposition of Pestox until more than 18 days after spraying. The radioactivity in the roots and soil samples increased steadily with time.
Acacia mollissima willd. II—extractives from the wood
Authors: Stephen A. M.
Published: November 2006

The total acetone extract from the timber of Acacia mollissima Willd (black wattle) contains phlobatannin, ‘phlobaphene,’ pinitol, fructose and an isohexane‐soluble fraction consisting mainly of a monohydric alcohol which shows sterol reactions. The tannin and phlobaphene differ from wattle‐bark tannin and from one another in their degree of hydroxylation, but yield oxidation products of similar type and methylated derivatives of high molecular weight (1300 to 4800). Chromatographic separation of the products of alkali fusion reveals a number of benzenoid hydroxy‐acids. A preliminary survey shows that there are wide variations in the yield of extractives from different trees grown in a single plantation.
The extraction of cacao pigments
Authors: Forsyth W. G. C. , Rombouts J. E.
Published: November 2006

The belief that the anthocyanins of the cacao bean are rendered alcohol‐soluble during sun‐drying by a photochemical process is shown to be without foundation. The extract‐ability by ethanol depends on the extent to which the beans are dehydrated before the tissues are killed. When not sufficiently dehydrated at the time of killing, the vacuole contents can migrate and, when dried, are retained by adsorption. However, when quickly dehydrated, the coloured anthocyanins remain in situ in an alcohol‐extractable form. In fresh cacao beans the anthocyanins are present as free colour‐bases, free colourless pseudo‐bases, and as ethanol‐insoluble colourless complexes with other polyphenols.
The rapid detection of high salt concentrations in soil likely to damage lettuce plants
Authors: Grainger John
Published: November 2006

The method described depends upon the fact that when an electric potential difference is applied to soils with high salt contents they heat more quickly, and the final current is greater than with soils of low salt contents. Data for performance are also given.
Trimethylamine‐producing bacteria in whalemeat
Authors: Robinson R. H. M. , Ingram G. C. , Eddy B. P.
Published: November 2006

The ability of organisms isolated from the flora of whalemeat to produce trimethylamine from trimethylamine oxide, choline and lecithin has been investigated with reference to the production of ‘fishy’ flavours. More than half produced it from trimethylamine oxide, one‐eighth from choline and none from lecithin. It is not decided how far this may be significant in commercial practice.
Effects of soil cultivation on the growth and yield of winter wheat. I.—soil cultivation and winter survivals
Authors: Singh Khazan
Published: November 2006

1. The effects of three types of soil preparation—ploughing to 8 in., use of a cultivator 3 to 4 in. deep or more, shallow cultivation to 1 1/2‐2 in.—on the winter survivals of wheat were examined on six farms and during three seasons.

2. The effects varied with the type of soil and with the season; open‐textured and light soils were the chief types in which winter survivals were affected by cultivation. In ploughed and 4‐in.‐cultivated soils winter survival was superior to that in shallow‐cultivated soils in mild seasons; the reverse was true in the severe winter of 1946–47.

3. In the moderate seasons of 1945–46 and 1947–48, early frost caused higher mortality after shallow cultivation as a result of the shallower placement of seed. In the severe winter, with deeper ground‐frost, of 1946–47, the relative depth of penetration of frost into the soil in the arable layer was the factor primarily concerned in producing greater frostinjury to the plants in the ploughed and deep‐cultivated plots, as compared with the shallow‐cultivated. The seed‐bed left after shallow cultivation was more compact than that after ploughing or deep cultivation and seemed to be associated with the effects of different types of cultivation on winter survivals in 1946–47.

4. It is suggested that early sowing of the crop with shallow cultivation to about 2 in. would reduce the risk of frost injury in the open‐textured and light soils during moderate as well as severe winters. Sowing must be early enough to ensure good establishment of the plants before the frosty periods.

5. Varietal differences in susceptibility to winter killing were of the same order under the three types of cultivation treatments and in all soils. Neither cultivation nor varietal selection alone could give a normal stand in a severely affected soil such as Burdiehouse. In such soil, shallow cultivation (2 in.) and use of a frost‐resistant variety would probably give a stand of plants equal to that in a soil in which no frost injury occurred.
Physico‐chemical studies on the application of insecticides to sheep fleece. II—the action of dilute solutions of cationic wetting agents on fleece
Authors: Addison C. C. , Furmidge C. G. L.
Published: November 2006

The reaction of natural fleece with wetting agents changes sharply at a critical concentration near that for micelle formation in solution. This paper describes the behaviour of cationic wetting agents at concentrations below this critical value. Measurements of the apparent removal from aqueous solution (termed the ‘inactivation’) of cetylpyridinium chloride by samples of Scotch Blackface fleece over periods of time show that such inactivation is considerable, even after one minute. The inactivation has been determined from decrease in the interfacial activity of the solution after contact with the fleece.

The high inactivation observed is due to grease and suint on the wool; inactivation by the cleaned fibres is relatively slight. Suint influences the interfacial activity of the solution by co‐precipitation between the long‐chain suint anions and the cetyl cations, and also by the introduction of inorganic salts. High adsorption, with some absorption, occurs at the grease surface. Consideration is given to the mutual interference between these two effects.

The inactivation is directly proportional to concentration up to 0.0025M. and the isotherm is almost independent of grease and suint content of the fleece; reasons for this, and possible implications, are discussed.
The relative toxicity of 2 : 4‐dichlorophenoxy‐acetic acid and 2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxyacetic acid to wheat, oats and barley
Authors: Allen H. P.
Published: November 2006

The herbicides 2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2:4‐dichlorophenoxy‐acetic acid (2,4‐D) are compared, as regards their relative toxicity to the cereals wheat, oats and barley. Reference is made to the main factors governing toxicity, in particular nature of derivative, which affects not only toxicity of each chemical but the relative toxicity of one as compared with the other. The influence of concentration on toxicity is dealt with, it is shown that the so‐called concentration effect is bound up with derivative, crop and even variety of crop to a certain extent. Again, stage of development of crop at time of application of chemical appears to have a profound effect on the relative toxicity of the two growth substances.

The cereals are dealt with in turn; and the general impression arising from evidence both from this country and abroad is that the wheat crop is fairly resistant to both MCPA and 2,4‐D, provided that dosage rate of chemical and stage of crop are correct for the circumstances prevailing. Oats is the most susceptible of the three cereal crops to a lowering of yield and grain quality as a result of hormone treatment; experimental results suggest that, with spring oats at least, 2,4‐D is more toxic than MCPA. Finally, barley seems more liable to abnormalities than either oats or wheat, and more abnormalities on this crop are caused by 2,4‐D than by MCPA. Though not necessarily related to loss of yield, abnormalities are definite manifestations of toxicity and on this basis 2,4‐D is the more toxic to barley of the two growth substances under discussion.
The lignin fraction of animal feeding‐stuffs. II—Investigation of lignin determination procedures and development of a method for ‘acid‐insoluble lignin’
Authors: Moon F. E. , Abou‐Raya A. K.
Published: November 2006

Examination of humin residues obtained at various stages during lignin determination and of the alcohol‐soluble fraction of pre‐treated food materials has indicated the necessity for modifying the procedures used in lignin determination. Factors affecting the dispersion and hydrolysis of cellulose are reported, and it is shown that in order to determine as lignin only material insoluble in concentrated acid it is necessary to filter without dilution after the main treatment. A method for determining ‘acid‐insoluble lignin’ is proposed and shown to give satisfactory agreement between replicates.
Effects of soil cultivation on the growth and yield of winter wheat. III—crop growth
Authors: Singh Khazan
Published: November 2006

1. Investigations of the influences of soil cultivation on the growth and yield of winter wheat were carried on at six farms in the Midlothians, Scotland, during the three years 1945–46, 1946–47 and 1947–48.

The effects of cultivation treatments on the yields of winter wheat varied with soil type and level of fertility (nutrient status and physical condition). In rich soils, the method of cultivation had little effect on the yield; in the poorer soils yields were reduced if the cultivator was used instead of the plough.

2. Of the two types of tillage with a cultivator, i.e. deep and shallow cultivation, the 4‐in. treatment compared more favourably with ploughing as regards crop growth and yield than did the 2‐in. cultivation. In rich soils, the cultivator, working to a depth of 4‐in., could replace the plough for the preparation of seed bed for wheat. In neither season and on neither soil did 2‐in. cultivation compare in growth and yield with ploughing.

3. Depth of cultivation had no effect on the date of maturity of the wheat crop nor on the straw/grain ratios.
The determination of nitrogen in agricultural materials by the nessler reagent. I.—preparation of the reagent
Authors: Yuen S. H. , Pollard A. G.
Published: November 2006

1. A modified Nessler reagent in which the ratio HgI2 : KI : NaOH is 1 : 2.2 : 20 is described. It is clear and ready for immediate use and is less susceptible to interference by various cations. Distillation with phosphoric acid was satisfactory for preparing ammonia‐free water. The best range of ammonia‐nitrogen for this determination was from 0 to 100 μg.

2. The amount of the reagent used, the time and temperature of colour development, and the acidity of the test solution were critical factors in the accuracy of the determination.

3. Many cations interfered with the test to various extents. Among anions tested only arsenite, chromate, cyanide, dichromate and permanganate caused serious interference. Addition of sodium potassium tartrate, which did not alter the effects of anions, generally lessened cation interference.

4. With the modified reagent and under the conditions described quantities of ammonia‐nitrogen in the range 0–100 μg. may be determined with an accuracy of 2–3%.
The conversion of collagen to gelatin and their molecular structures
Authors: Ames W. M.
Published: November 2006

A systematic account is given of the conversion of collagen to gelatin. It is shown that collagen can be converted into two types of gelatin of differing nitrogen content. A study of heat degradation has made it possible to separate the effects of heat and chemical treatment in the preparation of one type. The results have been collated by means of diagrams of molecular structure which lead to useful deductions and suggestions for further investigation.
Studies on protein hydrolysis. I.—preliminary observations on the taste of enzymic protein‐hydrolysates
Authors: Murray T. K. , Baker B. E.
Published: November 2006

The influence of various factors such as type of protein, extent of hydrolysis, and nature of enzyme preparation on the development of undesirable flavours in enzymic protein‐hydrolysates has been investigated. Of the proteins studied, gelatin gave the blandest‐tasting product and casein gave the most objectionable one. The type of proteolytic enzyme used was shown markedly to affect the taste of the resulting products. All casein hydrolysates prepared with the various commercial enzymes decreased in palat‐ability during the initial stages of hydrolysis. Three enzyme preparations gave hydrolysates which increased in palatability during the later stages of hydrolysis. The taste of a commercial enzymic casein‐hydrolysate was greatly improved by carbon treatment. An extremely bitter‐tasting fraction containing polypeptides was eluted from the carbon which had been used in the carbon treatment. Acid hydrolysis changed the bitter taste of this fraction to a meaty taste.
Fumigation of agricultural products. III—the effects of high doses of methyl bromide vapour on seed potatoes and on their progeny
Authors: Blackith R. E. , Lubatti O. F. , Page A. B. P.
Published: November 2006

The effect of high doses of methyl bromide vapour on seed potatoes is described, together with the effects of the fumigant on tubers themselves derived from treated tubers. Three criteria of damage were used : loss in storage, failure of tubers to form plants, and reduction in yield. Losses in storage increase faster than dosage increases; losses of Majestic, Sharpe's Express and Gladstone varieties increase in this order.

The fumigation treatments, the pre‐treatments given to the tubers from which those used in these experiments were derived, and the varieties used, all affected the number of plants emerging, and most of their complex interactions were also detectable by this criterion of damage.

The influence of the treatments, varietal effects, and the interaction of these two factors on the yields of plants was detectable. The yields were adjusted by a covariance analysis for the number of plants emerging.

At least a part of the complex results obtained appear to have arisen from the impurity of the commercial potato varieties used, and some suggestions are offered to account for the remainder.
Fumigation of agricultural products. IV—susceptibility of ‘dressed’ seed potatoes to injury by methyl bromide vapour
Authors: Blackith R. E. , Lubatti O. F.
Published: November 2006

In view of the part played by secondary fungal and bacterial attack in enhancing the damage done to seed potato tubers by the vapour of methyl bromide, it was thought advisable to investigate the reactions of tubers dressed with rot‐preventing chemicals.

The two dressings chosen were Fusarex, a chlorinated nitro‐benzenoid, chosen for its wide current use, and Aretan, an organo‐mercurial fungicide. Aretan is not much used for tuber dressing, but was included because chemicals of this kind may interact with methyl bromide.

No definite influence of either dressing on loss in storage, stand or yield of fumigated or unfumigated tubers could be detected.

The seasonal variation in susceptibility of the three varieties used is discussed.
A soil compactometer
Authors: Singh Khazan
Published: November 2006

1. A soil compactometer with an automatic recording device has been described. It is portable and adaptable to spacings of 6 and 9 inches between the rows, and gives satisfactory results with soils varying from very light to heavy resistances to penetration.

2. A survey of the compactometers and penetrometers and their uses has been made. The speed of penetration of the instrument into the soil is considered in relation to the design of machines for accurate measurements.
The requirements for efficient expression of tung oil: Relationship to harvesting conditions
Authors: Cutting C. V.
Published: November 2006

Experience has shown that a low moisture content in the seed is essential for satisfactory expression of the oil. The greater size of tung seed compared with other oil seeds led to experiments with both whole seeds and disintegrated meal, but similar conclusions were reached with both types of feed. Determination of the equilibrium moisture contents of tung seed under the usual atmospheric conditions of Nyasaland showed that the accepted estate methods of harvesting could be improved, resulting in higher yields of oil being expressed from the seed.
The determination of ascorbic acid in canned foods containing ferrous iron
Authors: Parkinson T. L.
Published: November 2006

Interference by ferrous iron in the determination of ascorbic acid in canned foods can be eliminated by passing an oxalic acid extract through the cation‐exchange resin Zeo‐Karb 215.

This method has given satisfactory results when tested on a number of canned food products. The average recovery of pure ascorbic acid added to extracts of iron‐contaminated canned foods was 97%, and the results showed less scatter than those obtained by another method. With citrus juices that were deliberately contaminated by iron, recovery of the natural ascorbic acid was not less than 95%.

Results obtained by this method for the ascorbic acid contents of canned foods were generally in good agreement with those obtained on the same samples by another method based on a different principle.
Methods for determining peroxide in lipids
Authors: Lea C. H.
Published: November 2006

The relative efficiencies of three methods for the determination of peroxide oxygen in fatty materials have been compared using methyl oleate, linoleate and linolenate oxidized under standard conditions to known oxygen‐absorptions. The iodometric method indicated the conversion of 71–91% of the oxygen absorbed to peroxy‐compounds, but the ferric thiocyanate and 2: 6‐dichlorophenolindophenol methods both gave abnormally high results in the presence of atmospheric oxygen, and values which were obviously too low in its absence.

Nevertheless, the aerobic ferric thiocyanate method shows excellent reproducibility, requires much less material than the iodometric method, and under any one set of conditions gives results which appear to be directly proportional to the iodometric values.

The 2: 6‐dichlorophenolindophenol method behaved similarly in most respects to the ferric thiocyanate method, but reproducibility appeared to be poorer and interference by atmospheric oxygen and by traces of copper when present was more marked.
The relative rates of release of potassium, calcium, and magnesium from soils during electrodialysis
Authors: Cornfield A. H. , Pollard A. G.
Published: November 2006

The relative rates of release during electrodialysis of potassium, calcium and magnesium from field soils, from single‐base soils containing the three cations separately, and from a soil saturated with, equivalent amounts of all three cations, were studied. In all cases potassium was released much more rapidly than either calcium or magnesium. Potassium fertilization of the soil resulted in a quicker release not only of potassium but also of calcium and magnesium. The rates of release of calcium and magnesium were similar from single‐base soils, but the presence of potassium and calcium depressed the rate of release of magnesium. There was little difference in the relative rates of removal of the three bases during leaching of the triple‐base soil with ammonium acetate. The relatively easy release of potassium is possibly connected with the ‘luxury consumption’ of potassium by plants.
Studies on commercial octamethylpyrophosphoramide (Schradan). V.—Insecticidal Comparisons of the Two Main Constituents
Authors: Lickerish L. A.
Published: November 2006

Solutions of pure octamethylpyrophosphoramide, (Me2N)4 P2O3, and of a mixture of this insecticide with its higher homologue (Me2N)5P3O5, were sprayed on plants and the insecticidal effects were compared. Three species of aphids were used on chrysanthemum plants, and two species on Windsor bean seedlings.

The different insect species showed not only different levels of susceptibility to the insecticides and different relationship between dosage and response, but also different relative effects between the two insecticide samples. In particular, the mixture containing (Me2N)5P3O5 was found more toxic or less toxic than pure (Me2N)4P2O3, according to the insects used for testing.

In all cases, the insecticidal activity of the mixture was greater than would be expected from its content of (Me2N)4P2O3, alone; it is concluded that the higher homologue is itself an insecticide of the same order of toxicity as (Me2N)4P2O3, but rather more or less toxic than this according to the insects used for testing.
The component glycerides of stillingia oil
Authors: Crossley A. , Hilditch T. P.
Published: November 2006

The glycerides of stillingia oil have been studied by resolution into a series of fractions by crystallization from acetone. Deca‐2: 4‐dienoic acid, which forms about 8% (mol.) of the total acids of the oil, is shown to occur almost exclusively as monodecadienoic di‐C18‐polyethenoid glycerides with the short‐chain acyl group in the β‐or symmetrical position. The chief constituents of the oil are linoleodilinolenins, decadienolinoleolinolenins and decadieno‐dilinolenins, with lesser proportions of saturated‐linoleolinolenins, saturated‐dilinolenins, oleolinoleolinolenins and oleodilinolenins. Owing to the presence of the decadienoic acid (8%) with linolenic acid (51%) and linoleic acid (22%), the total proportion of tripolyethenoid glycerides (95%) in the oil is greater than in linseed oil and comparable with that in conophor oil. This accounts for the relative behaviour of stillingia oil and linseed oil as drying oils in paint films.
Through‐circulation drying of seaweed I.Laminaria cloustoni stiple
Authors: Gradner R. G. , Mitchell T. J.
Published: November 2006

The drying characteristics of freshly harvested seaweed stipe of the speciesLaminaria cloustonihave been investigated in a laboratory through‐circulation drier. The stipes, with a water content of 83‐86%, were cut on a bacon slicer into discs 1/8‐in. thick by I‐I 1/4. in. diameter.

Experiments on the effect of interruption of drying, initial water content, and repeatability established the experimental procedure before studying the principal factors. Variables studied were bed depth (0‐5‐7 in), air temperature (120–340° F.), air wet‐bulb depression (44‐228° F.) and air velocity [3‐9.5 lb./(sq. ft.)(min.)], slice thickness (1/165 to 1/16 in.) with an experiment on agitation. Static pressure drops of air passing through beds of dried and wet stipe slices were also investigated.

As the initial drying rates of the seaweed beds were virtually constant, the value of this constant rate has been correlated with the drying factors. Drying times between water content limits of 5 to 0‐15 lb, of water/lb. of bone‐dry solids have been related by empirical equations to the drying conditions.

It has been demonstrated that the drying rates of seaweed beds at average water contents of 5 to 0‐2 lb./lb. of bone‐dry solids are directly proportional to the wet‐bulb depression of the air, and a unit wet‐bulb depression evaporation coefficient may be used to find approximate drying times and rates.

Tests showed that static beds of seaweed stipe were scorched at temperatures of 250° F. or higher.

Factors to be considered in the design of a continuous through‐circulation drier for stipe are given.
The fixed oil from the seeds of carum copticum benth. (Ptychotis Ajowan)
Authors: Farooq M. O. , Osman S. M. , Ahmad M. S.
Published: November 2006

The fixed oil from the seeds of Carum co‐pticum Benth. of Indian origin has been analysed and the composition of its fatty acids determined by fractionation and thiocyanometric methods. Petroselinic acid has been found to be the major component of the fatty acids; linolenic acid and any saturated acid other than palmitic are absent.
Chemical aspects of thermal damage to the nutritive value of vegetable oils. I.—Formation of intrapolymeric glycerides during heat polymerization of linseed and soya‐bean oils
Authors: Wiseblatt L. , Wells A. F. , Common R. H.
Published: November 2006

Observations on the nutritionally deleterious effects of heat‐polymerized vegetable oils and various fractions of them prompted an examination of the chemical nature of the products of polymerization. Analytical data for linseed and soya‐bean oils and for stand oils prepared from them are reported. The data suggest that linolenic acid reacts in a selective manner during thermal polymerization of linseed oil until the concentration of linolenic acid is greatly reduced. The relationship between content of polymeric acyl radicals and mean molecular weights of heated linseed and soya‐bean oils is discussed in connexion with the existence of intrapolymers. The refractive indices of heated linseed and soya‐bean oils bear a linear relationship to their content of dimeric acyl radicals. This provides a simple method of polymerizing to a desired content of dimeric acids.
Through‐circulation drying of seaweed II.—Laminaria cloustoni frond
Authors: Gardner R. G. , Mitchell T. J.
Published: November 2006

The drying characteristics of freshly harvested Laminaria cloustoni frond have been investigated in a through‐circulation drier.

Drying factors investigated were bed depth (0.5‐4 in.), particle size (minced and shredded), air velocity [3‐7 lb./(sq. ft.) (min.)], air temperature (130–220° F), air wet‐bulb depression (53‐123° F), and the seasonal variation of drying times. In most of the tests reported, the fronds were minced before drying.

The general effect of air velocity, air temperature and humidity on the drying time is similar to that for L. cloustoni stipe, and a comparison test showed that minced frond dried slightly faster than the shredded material. Drying rates of frond beds at average water contents of 2.5‐0.2 lb./lb. (dry basis) have been found to be directly proportional to the wet‐bulb depressions of the air.
Note on recent changes in the A.O.A.C. method for the assay of pyrethrins
Authors: Mitchell Wm.
Published: November 2006

Experimental evidence is advanced to show that the changes recently adopted1 in the A.O.A.C.* (7th Edition) method2 for the assay of pyrethrins† were an improvement; and that their subsequent official cancellation is unfortunate and should be reconsidered.
The mineralization of nitrogen in a soil acidified with sulphur, aluminium sulphate or ferrous sulphate
Authors: Cornfield A. H.
Published: November 2006

The mineralization of nitrogen in a soil which had been acidified to different degrees by applying sulphur, aluminium sulphate or ferrous sulphate at three equivalent rates was studied. With low and medium applications of the acidifying materials pH was reduced to a similar extent at each rate by all materials, but with heavy applications sulphur had the least potent, and ferrous sulphate the most potent, effect in reducing pH. During incubation of the treated soils in the absence of added chalk, nitrate and total mineral nitrogen (ammonia plus nitrate) accumulation decreassed, whereas ammonia accumulation increased, with the amount of acidifying agent used. When the acidified soils were incubated with excess of added chalk, nitrate accumulation returned to normal, except where heavy application of sulphur and ferrous sulphate had been made; total mineral‐nitrogen accumulation returned to normal, except where heavy ferrous sulphate application had been made; and ammonia accumulation occurred only where heavy ferrous sulphate application had been made.
The separation of glyceride concentrates from natural fats by crystallization from solvents
Authors: Cama J. S. , Chakrabarty M. M. , Hilditch T. P. , Meara M. L.
Published: November 2006

The limits of experimental accuracy of systematic crystallization of fats and fatty oils from solvents as a method of determining glyceride constitution are critically considered. Examination of artificial fat mixtures of approximately known composition prepared from concentrates of various types of mixed glycerides has given results generally accordant with the proportions of glyceride categories known to be present. More conclusive evidence of the validity of the crystallization procedure is, however, to be gathered, from the facts (a) that the trisaturated glyceride content of a fat is the same, whether it is determined chemically (by removal of all unsaturated glycerides by permanganate‐acetone oxidation) or physically (by crystallization); and (b) that the amount of a simple triglyceride (e.g. trisaturated, triolein, trilinolein etc.) in a seed fat, determined by the crystallization procedure, is related to the proportion of the acid concerned (e.g. saturated, oleic, linoleic etc.) in the total fatty acids of the fat in a perfectly regular manner, irrespective of the nature of the acid concerned (saturated or unsaturated).
Acacia Mollissima Willd. III.—The purification of native black‐wattle wood lignin
Authors: Enslin P. R.
Published: November 2006

An adsorption chromatographic method for the separation of isolated native black‐wattle wood lignin from impurities such as tannins and phlobaphenes is described. The pure native lignin is characterized by its elementary analysis, methoxyl content, molecular weight, ultra‐violet and infra‐red absorption spectra and behaviour on paper chromato‐grams. The results of nitrobenzene oxidation indicate that the lignin is of the guaiacyl‐syringyl type.
Sulphur in soils. I.—Determination of readily soluble sulphates in soil
Authors: Little R. C.
Published: November 2006

A review is given of techniques proposed for the determination of sulphates in soils. Classical methods for sulphate determination are not, in general, suitable for determining readily soluble sulphates in soils. Sulphate in a 0.001N‐hydrochloric acid extract of soil (40 g. of soil in 100 ml. of acid) can be directly titrated with 0‐02N‐barium chloride by using sodium rhodizonate as an internal indicator. Bromocresol purple used to screen the rhodizonate indicator increases the sensitivity and the ease of detection of the end‐point. The method is simple, rapid and free from serious interference. Results were within the limits of ± 0.5 mg. of SO4 per 100 g. of soil for soils having a sulphate content of about 10 mg. of SO4 per 100 g. of soil; from soils of higher sulphate content, errors amounting to less than 5% can be expected. The method is applicable to soils of a wide range of organic matter and sulphate contents.
The correlation of easily soluble phosphorus in soils with responses of crops to dressings of phosphate fertilizers
Authors: Cooke G. W.
Published: November 2006

When sufficient numbers of soils are examined empirical determination of easily soluble soil phosphate can be used to forecast crop responses to fertilizer dressings. Correlations between soil analyses and crop behaviour fail for individual soils and the causes have been examined.

Dilute acids dissolve relatively large quantities of phosphate from some soils where crops respond to phosphate fertilizers owing to (1) dissolution of iron and aluminium phosphates, which are useless to crops, (2) use of too much solvent, (3) use of an unsuitable solvent and (4) dissolution of phosphate from the interior of particles of calcium carbonate in calcareous soils.

Other soils contain very little phosphate soluble in dilute acid but, nevertheless, crops grown on them do not respond to phosphate fertilizers. In such cases crop growth may be limited by some other factor, such as drought. Phosphate dissolved by dilute acids is immediately reprecipitated by some soils; the extent of such reactions may be estimated by repeated extractions in the presence of added phosphate. Most mineral soils in eastern England fix very little phosphate during acid extraction, but fen soils and ferruginous soils may fix considerable amounts.

Changes in the amounts of soil phosphate that are soluble in dilute acid may occur when air‐dried soils are stored. Such changes are accentuated by incubating moist soils with or without calcium hydroxide. Incubation experiments may be used to forecast increases in dilute‐acid‐soluble phosphate that occur during the growing period of a crop and changes which occur in easily soluble phosphate when acid soils are limed. Incubation with lime was used to measure reserves of soil phosphorus that were easily converted into forms soluble in dilute acids; such measurements were more satisfactory than simple extraction with dilute acid in relating crop responses and soil‐phosphorus status in one group of field experiments.
Behaviour of fumigants during vacuum fumigation II.—Penetration of methyl bromide into bagged wheatfeed, and related diffusion experiments
Authors: Brown W. Burns , Heuser S. G.
Published: November 2006

The penetration of methyl bromide into bags of wheatfeed has been investigated in experimental fumigations at atmospheric pressure and by various techniques in which reduced pressures are used. In a series of four‐hour treatments the highest penetration factors were obtained when, after allowing an initial period of one hour at reduced pressure, the pressure was restored to atmospheric The effects of total pressure and of sorption on the diffusion of methyl bromide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide along a column of wheatfeed have been studied.
Laboratory tests on some hoof and horn materials used in horticulture. II.—Materials heat‐treated during processing
Authors: Owen O. , Winsor G. W. , Long M. I. E.
Published: November 2006

Nineteen samples of ‘calcined’ hoof and horn materials have been examined in the laboratory with particular reference to their nitrogenous constituents. All the samples, which included hoof, horn and mixtures of the two materials, were milled in the laboratory before testing. The nitrogen content of the samples ranged from 12.98 to 15.10%. Considerable differences were found in the initial rates of mineralization of the nitrogen of the samples in soil. Highly significant correlations were found between the initial rates of mineralization of nitrogen and the contents both of water‐soluble nitrogen and of ammonia as determined by distillation with magnesia.

A rapid test, in which aqueous extracts of the hoof and horn samples were titrated with a standard solution of sodium hydroxide in the presence of formaldehyde, was found to give results approximating to the ammonia values as determined by distillation and highly correlated with the soil‐incubation tests. A positive correlation was also found between the initial rates of mineralization of nitrogen and the bulk density of the samples. After incubation for 10 weeks in the soil the percentage mineralization of nitrogen in the samples ranged from 62 to 76%; no correlation could be found between these values and the other properties of the samples tested.

It is concluded that calcined hoof and horn materials constitute a reasonably homogeneous class of nitrogenous fertilizer, except where the preliminary heat treatment was insufficient to destroy the fibrous nature of the horn samples.
Harvesting hybrid and inbred sweet‐corn seed in ENGLAND
Authors: Haskell Gordon
Published: November 2006

Sweet corn is increasingly grown for seed in England. As the seeds are unusually susceptible to fungal diseases, especially if left too long in the ear, a better understanding is required of the relationship between seed harvesting and climatic conditions. Correct harvesting is essential for the different varieties grown in England, since they react differently to English climatic conditions. A study was therefore made of growing, harvesting, drying, threshing and storing hybrid and inbred sweet‐corn seed in England.

Inbred C 13 and its hybrid with Extra Early Bantam (John Innes Hybrid No. 1) were sampled between 12 September and 26 November, 1951. Harvestings on 23 October and 5 November gave the heaviest yields of hybrid, and on 5 November of inbred. Mature hybrid seeds were heavier than inbreds, the heaviest individual seed‐weight of inbreds being on 8 October, and of hybrids on 23 October. Seed quality and appearance were best on 8 October for inbred and 23 October for hybrid, which could be harvested over a longer period without deterioration. Harvestings of 8 and 23 October gave most viable hybrid seeds, and inbred seeds from 24 September germinated best in the glasshouse, but inbreds from 23 October gave best germination outside. This indicates better adaptability of hybrid seeds. Seedling vigour is associated with harvesting date; inbreds were weaker and wilted more than hybrids. These results are discussed in relation to climatic conditions at the time of the experiment.
Sodium as a plant nutrient
Authors: Lehr J. J.
Published: November 2006

1. The present paper gives a critical re‐examination of different data and conceptions on the action of sodium in relation to deficiency symptoms and yield response.

2. The importance of sodium for different agricultural crops is discussed in relation to the replacement of potassium and independent sodium effects.

3. The results of pot experiments on oats, reported in the literature, indicate that sodium has an independent function other than that of replacing potassium. Both the nitrate and chloride of sodium appeared to be suitable for oats.

4. Field experiments testing sodium for early potatoes in Holland showed little effect on yield of tubers, but there were effects on the tops. Even at high levels of potassium there were responses in yields of main‐crop tubers from dressings of sodium. The effect of sodium was studied by comparing sodium nitrate with calcium nitrate. When sodium chloride was applied to potatoes, either as common salt or with 20‐40% muriate of potash, there were decreases in yield and starch contents of the tubers.

5. Results are given of recent Dutch experiments with fodder beet, testing sodium as nitrate of soda. The influence of soil type and addition of farmyard manure is discussed.
Purification of activated charcoal for decolorizing soil extracts
Authors: Yuen S. H. , Pollard A. G.
Published: November 2006

Activated charcoal is purified by boiling it twice with concentrated hydrochloric acid and then leaching with sodium chloride. The prepared charcoal is practically free from phosphate extractable by customary soil extractants. The use of 0.1 g. or less of this charcoal for decolorizing 25 ml. of filtered soil extracts is advised.

The adsorption of ions by the treated charcoal from solutions in distilled water and 0.002N‐H2SO4 was investigated. Ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium and manganese were adsorbed to various extents from aqueous solutions. In acid media, the adsorption of ammonia was negligible; that of phosphate, potassium, magnesium or manganese was insignificant and that of nitrate was further intensified.

Addition of charcoal at the rate of 0.1 g. per 25 ml. removed all colour from 2.5% acetic acid extracts and Morgan extracts of ordinary field soils, but did not successfully decolorize 1% citric acid extracts.
The volatile oil of metrosideros umbellata
Authors: Corbett R. E. , Hanger W. G.
Published: November 2006

The essential oil of Metrosideros umbellata has been fractionated in an efficient column and is shown to contain at least 12 constituents. Nine of these have been identified with known compounds, namely (+)‐α‐pinene, (‐)‐ and (±)‐β‐pinene, myrcene, (+)‐limonene and dipentene, (±)‐α‐terpineol, (+)‐myrtenyl acetate, geranyl acetate, (+)‐aromadendrene, and (+)‐cadinene. Other constituents include a terpene ester, a new sesquiterpene and a sesquiterpene alcohol.
Fumigation of agricultural products. V.—The distribution of nicotine vapour in glasshouses
Authors: Blackith R. E.
Published: November 2006

The extension of the bromothymol‐blue method to the determination of nicotine vapour in glasshouses is described. The vapour pressure of technical nicotine is discussed, and the factors that influence the distribution of nicotine vapour in glasshouses are assessed.

Glasshouses are so leaky that effective fumigation ends when the nicotine has been evaporated. The optimum dosage is about 1/4 oz. per 1000 cu. ft. and the rate of evaporation should be about 1/4 oz. per hour for each of the usual spirit‐lamp evaporators. Fumigation should not be done while the temperature is rising because marked layering of the atmosphere is liable to occur. Stirring, in conjunction with the leaky structure, only enhances loss of fumigant. Strong cross‐winds are likewise deleterious.
Analytical studies on the carbohydrates of grasses and clovers. III.—Carbohydrate breakdown during wilting and ensilage
Authors: Wylam Clare B.
Published: November 2006

Considerable enzymic breakdown of sucrose and fructosan has been found to occur during wilting and laboratory ensilage of grass. The implications of this are discussed with respect to the collection of grass samples for analysis and the preparation of grass silage.