bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new effective combination of a thin‐film extractor and gravity setter
Authors: Berman Yuli , Tamir Abraham
Published: March 2009

Previous and present studies demonstrate that the new thin‐film extractor with the gravity settler have superior performance over other conventional devices. This is because the volume of the extractor and the settler are significantly reduced, on the average, by factors of 100 and 10, respectively, for a similar power input. Correlations for a water‐iodine‐kerosene liquid system developed in the past (Berman and Tamir, 2000) for the mass transfer and pressure drop were modified by incorporating the ratio R/Rr This ratio takes into account the impact of the liquids on the walls of the reactor where R is the radius of the free film and Rr is the radius of the reactor. In addition, an equation was proposed, which demonstrates the dependence of the extraction efficiency on the operating parameters. The gravity settler combined with the thin‐film extractor was tested thoroughly yielding two correlations for estimating its height, i.e. the fluidized‐bed and dense‐packed zones. In the present case the sedimentation zone is absent. A scale up procedure based on the model developed is proposed as well as a principle scheme of a pilot plant based on the new effective combination
Modelling of transient mass transfer in liquid and liquid‐solid pulsating systems: Applications and extension to heat transfer
Authors: Maucci E. , Martinuzzi R. J. , Briens Cedric L. , Wild Gabriel
Published: March 2009

The dynamic surface renewal model of Maucci et al. (2001) is applied to transient mass transfer problems and extended to transient heat transfer measurements in pulsating, two‐phase flows. The model is also used to simulate mass transfer for square‐wave liquid velocity pulses in a liquid‐solid column. Experiments and simulation show that, when flow reversal occurs, the average mass transfer for a pulsating flow can be significantly higher than for steady state flow at the same bulk flow rate. This increase depends mainly on the relative pulse magnitude. The influence of pulse frequency and symmetry is second‐order. Apparent differences between various published studies are resolved.
Rheological evolution of a particular sol‐gel system
Authors: Fernández‐Torres María J. , Ghirisan Adina L. , Tipan‐Lepetich Janina M.
Published: March 2009

Rheological measurements and results discussed in this paper made on gelling mass containing thetraethoxysilane (TEOS or Si(OC2H5)4) and calcium nitrate as sol‐gel precursors is important because of the interest of sol‐gel processes as a possible preparation route of glasses and amorphous body structures (sol‐gel route). The rheological measurements in our study, have been made to investigate the sol‐gel transition of Si(OC2H5)4 by measuring the viscosity evolution at time intervals and temperature values established. The temperature dependence of the viscosity was used to determine the activation energies of the flow.
Mixing and micromixing times in the forced vortex region of unbaffled mixing devices
Authors: Rousseaux Jean‐Marc , Muhr Hervé , Plasari Edouard
Published: March 2009

Unbaffied mixing devices are characterized by a very particular hydrodynamics. A well defined depression in the liquid surface is formed, resulting from the combined vortex established in the liquid. The combined vortex is composed of one central Forced Vortex Region (FVR) and one annular free vortex region. Because the FVR behaves like a confined mixing zone, this region inside an unbaffled mixing device appears to be quite interesting to carry out certain chemical reactions. In this paper the influence of operating conditions on the mixing time of two reagent feed streams arriving continuously in the FVR of unbaffled mixing devices is investigated. Process parameters investigated are†: stirrer speed, reagent flow rates and feed pipe position. Mixing time correlations are established, which are useful for the scale‐up of this reactor.
Application of high‐pressure swing adsorption process for improvement of CO2 recovery system from flue gas
Authors: Takamura Yukihiro , Aoki Junya , Uchida Shigeo , Narita Saburou
Published: March 2009

Although the super cold separator applied to the system for CO2 recovery from flue gas can produce pure CO2 liquid, the CO2 recovery efficiency is low. Therefore, the addition of a PSA plant was considered for the secondary CO2 recovery from the noncon‐densing gas to improve the efficiency. The PSA plant was operated for adsorption at the same pressure as that of the super cold separator and for desorption at the atmospheric pressure. From both the simulation and the experimental data, it was confirmed that CO2 could be concentrated from 50% in the noncondensing gas to 70% in the recovery gas by the PSA plant and the CO2 recovery efficiency of the plant was about 90%.
Chronic effects of low to moderate alcohol consumption on structural and functional properties of the brain: beneficial or not?
Authors: Verbaten Marinus N.
Published: March 2009

Objective

Some studies suggest that the effects of low to moderate drinking (about 1–3 standard glasses of alcohol per day) on the brain and cognitive performance are positive. In the present study this hypothesis is investigated.

Methods

For this purpose studies on the effects of low to moderate drinking on brain structure (Magnetic Resonance Induction (MRI) studies) and on cognitive performance were analysed and discussed

Results

In MRI studies, a linear negative effect of alcohol consumption on brain volume was found. Furthermore, a linear decrease in grey matter concurring with a linear increase in white matter volumes as a function of number of drinks was reported in males, but not in females. Only in elderly low to moderate drinkers (aged > 65 years) there appeared to be an U‐shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and white matter integrity (grade) on the one hand and cognition on the other hand.

Conclusions

The changes reported in brain shrinkage, grey matter and white matter volume, as a result of low to moderate alcohol consumption sooner offer support for the contention that such drinking decreases brain health than for its beneficial effect. An exception might hold for elderly light and moderate drinkers where less white matter damage was found than in abstainers concurring with better cognitive performance. However, methodological problems impose limits on this conclusion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient and tumor characteristics associated with increased mortality in young women (≤40 years) with breast cancer
Authors: Bharat Ankit , Aft Rebecca L. , Gao Feng , Margenthaler Julie A.
Published: March 2009

Background

The goal of the current study is to identify predictors responsible for mortality disparities between young (≤40 years) and older (>40 years) women with breast cancer.

Methods

From 1998 to 2006, 344 patients ≤40 years were treated for breast cancer. Cox regression models calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine differences in breast cancer mortality in women ≤40 years versus >40 years (n = 3,252), controlling for potential confounders in univariate tests.

Results

From 1998 to 2006, 3,596 patients were treated for breast cancer; 9.6% were ≤40 years and 90.4% were >40 years. Young women were more likely to be African‐American, with a family history of breast cancer, diagnosed at advanced stage, and treated by mastectomy (P < 0.05). Tumors in young women were more likely to be bilateral, T2/T3, grade III, ER/PR negative, and lymph‐node positive (P < 0.01). Overall, young women (≤40 years) with breast cancer were more likely to die compared with older women (>40 years) (aHR 1.52, CI 1.37–1.74).

Conclusions

Young women (≤40 years) with breast cancer are diagnosed at a more advanced stage and have tumors with poor prognostic features. Young women (≤40 years) are 52% more likely to die from breast cancer compared to older women (>40 years). J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:248–251. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nodal stage of stage III colon cancer: The impact of metastatic lymph node ratio
Authors: Park In Ja , Choi Gyu‐Seog , Jun Soo Han
Published: March 2009

Purpose

We assessed which classification of lymph node metastasis better predicted outcomes in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Methods

We identified 318 patients (176 men) with stage III colon cancer who underwent curative resection. The number of LNs dissected, LNR, and disease‐free survival time, were analyzed. Lymph node disease was stratified by the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging and LNR, with the latter categorized into groups with LNR <0.059 (n = 67), 0.059–0.23 (n = 171), and >0.23 (n = 80). Median follow‐up time was 37 (range, 1–122) months.

Results

LNR significantly increased with the number of metastatic LNs (P < 0.0001). Three‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rates differed significantly in the three LNR groups. Within each TNM stage, 3‐year DFS rates differed according to LNR, but, within each LNR subgroup, 3‐year DFS did not differ according to TNM stage. When both TNM stage and LNR subgroup were considered, 3‐year DFS was stratified into four groups, which differed significantly (P < 0.0001). Considering number of retrieved lymph nodes, this stratification was not found when <12 lymph nodes retrieved.

Conclusions

Re‐stratified lymph node staging, reflecting both LNR and TNM stage, can predict survival in patients with LN‐positive colon cancer, especially when more than 12 lymph nodes harvested. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:240–243. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supramolecular Structures, Organization and Surface Behavior at Interfaces
Authors: Gargallo L. , Vargas D. , Becerra N. , Sandoval C. , Saldias C. , Leiva A. , Radić D.
Published: March 2009

The surface behavior of Supramolecular Structures as inclusion complexes[1] were studied. The inclusion complexes (ICs) obtained from the threading of α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) with poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PEC) and derivatives as precursor homopolymers were prepared and characterized by 1H‐NMR and FT‐IR Microscopy. In order to investigate the influence of the chemical structure of the other precursor homopolymers as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF), the inclusion complexes (ICs) were also obtained from the threading of α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) with these polymers. Surface pressure‐area isotherm (π‐A) at the air‐water interface were determined by the Langmuir Technique for all the ICs and their polymers. Due to solubility reasons, different spreading solvents were used. In a set of control experiments, it was observed that the spreading volume did not influence significantly the isotherms for any polymeric systems studied. It was found that the hydrophobic and hydrophilic balance changes with the increasing of the methylene and hydroxyls groups number in the chemical structures of the precursor polymers involved in the ICs. The degree of hydrophobicity of the different supramolecular systems was also estimated from the determination of the surface free energy (SE) values using the wettability measurements.[2] In order to describe the experimental behavior of the ICs and the precursor polymers, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) were performed. The radial distribution functions (RDF) between water molecules and hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties of the polymeric systems studied were analized. By this way it was possible to visualize the orientation and the organization of these supramolecular structures at the air‐water interface.
Assessment of drug use among pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Binyam , Gedif Teferi , Getachew Ashebir
Published: March 2009

Purpose

To assess the drug use among antenatal care (ANC) attendant pregnant women in Addis Ababa.

Methods

Institution‐based cross sectional study was conducted reviewing the antenatal care follow up cards and interviewing pregnant women using semi‐structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 1268 women were included in the study; of which 71.3% of them were prescribed at least one drug during pregnancy. Twelve point four per cent of the pregnant women who reported illness in the 2 weeks prior to the date of the interview, self‐medicated themselves with either over the counter or prescription drugs or traditional herbs. The majority of the drugs prescribed were iron and vitamins followed by anti‐infectives. Nearly 4% of the pregnant women were prescribed with drugs from category D or X of the US‐FDA risk classification.

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of pregnant women were exposed to drugs, including those with potential harm to the fetus. Furthermore, pregnant women self‐medicated themselves with modern medications or traditional herbs. Health care providers should thus weigh the therapeutic benefits of the drug to the mother against its potential risk to the developing fetus before prescribing. In addition it is essential to routinely inquire about the woman's self‐medication practice and provide the appropriate advice to the pregnant women. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Punch‐through voltage enhancement scaling of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using AlGaN double heterojunction confinement
Authors: Bahat‐Treidel Eldad , Hilt Oliver , Brunner Fank , Würfl Joachim , Tränkle Günther
Published: March 2009

In this paper we present an enhancement of punch‐through voltage in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor devices by increasing the electron confinement in the transistor channel using an AlGaN buffer layer structure. An optimized electron confinement results both, in a scaling of punch through voltage with device geometry and a significantly reduced subthreshold drain leakage current. These beneficial properties are pronounced even further if gate recess technology is applied for device fabrication. Physical‐based device simulations give insight in the respective electronic mechanisms. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical devices for genital organ prolapse
Authors: Suresh Yalanadu Narendra , Jaiyesimi Rotimi A.K.
Published: March 2009

Pelvic organ prolapse is common, with some degree of prolapse seen in up to 50 per cent of parous women, although many are asymptomatic. Treatments include surgery, mechanical devices and conservative therapies. The authors describe a variety of mechanical devices or pessaries that aim to alleviate the symptoms of prolapse and avert or delay the need for surgery. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
The Genetic Classification of Soils
Authors: Tulaïkoff N. M.
Published: March 2009

All classifications of soils yet proposed may be divided into two groups: (a) scientific classifications which are based on the natural characteristic of the soil, and (b) “applied” classifications which are based on the suitability of soils for certain crops, or on the revenue that may be derived from them.
‘Five-day-spraying.’ The Brown Tick and the East Coast Fever
Authors: Cooper W. F.
Published: March 2009

In spite of the enormous mass of literature dealing with cattle-dipping, the actual amount of definite information on the subject is very small considering its vast economic importance. On this account this communication should be of interest.
The Action of Platinum Black on Free Nitrogen
Authors: Læw Oskar
Published: March 2009

The attention of the writer was called recently to a publication of E. J. Russell and Norman Smith in this Journal, stating among other things that the observation of the writer of the production of nitrous acid and to a small amount of ammonium nitrite by platinum black in presence of alkaline bases as potash or baryta and air could not be realised by those authors. Since this failure was considered by others as a refutation of my observation, a few lines of explanation may be in order.
The Symptoms of Internal Disease and Sprain (Streak-disease) in Potato
Authors: Horne A. S.
Published: March 2009

1. Internal Disease has been found to occur throughout numerous samples of potato of known variety such as for example: “The Sutton Flourball,” “Sharpe's Express,” etc.; similarly, Streak-disease has been found in samples of certain other varieties such as: “British Queen,” “Edina,” “Duke of York,” etc.

2. Well-developed Internal Disease has been detected in very young tubers.

3. The markings in Internal Disease and Streak-disease may or may not form a connected system in the tissue of the potato, sometimes the discoloured areas are quite isolated. The diseased cells can be easily traced to within a few cells of the cork-layer (skin). In Streak-disease they can be occasionally traced right up to the cork or to a slight injury to the surface of the tuber.

4. No trace of a hyphal organism could be found either within the cells or intercellular spaces of diseased tissue. The cells are killed, often retaining their starch in an unaltered condition. If the disease is propagated from cell to cell it takes place without an easily visible deterioration of the cell-wall in the initial stages.

5. Internal Disease and Streak-disease did not spread in store under the experimental condition described.

6. In every experiment samples of potatoes affected with Internal Disease and Streak-disease whether planted in Devonshire or Northumberland produced a certain proportion of tubers affected with these diseases.

7. The diseases in question are frequently complicated by the presence of Phytopthora infestans in the field and Fusarium solani in the pit or store.
Direct Assimilation of Ammonium Salts by Plants
Authors: Hutchinson H. B. , Miller N. H. J.
Published: March 2009

Ithas recently been shown that the soil of some of the Rothamsted Grass Plots which have received ammonium salts for many years in succession has become distinctly acid and that, consequently, nitrifying organisms have become greatly reduced in numbers. Nitrification is limited to portions of soil directly in contact with the few particles of calcium carbonate still remaining in the soil. It is evident therefore that more or less of the nitrogen assimilated by the grasses must be in a form, or in forms, other than nitrate—probably mainly as ammonium salt. In view of these results it seemed desirable to obtain additional evidence of direct assimilation of ammonium salts by plants.
Investigations on “Sickness” in Soil: I. Sewage “Sickness”
Authors: Russell E. J. , Golding J.
Published: March 2009

The experiments of Russell and Hutchinson1 have shown that the micro-organic population of ordinary soils is not working at a maximum efficiency; there exists a biological factor, provisionally identified with the soil protozoa, detrimental to bacteria and limiting their numbers and activities. It follows that any change in the conditions of the soil that is more favourable to the harmful organisms than to the bacteria will disturb the normal equilibrium between these two sets of organisms and lead to a relative reduction in bacterial numbers and activity. We shall therefore expect to find that causes not in themselves harmful to bacteria may bring about a reduction of bacteria through favouring the development of the detrimental factor.
Digestibility Experiments with Sheep. Para Rubber Seed Cake
Authors: Auld S. J. M.
Published: March 2009

The experimental determination of the digestibility of feeding stuffs has been carried out only to a very limited extent in this country. Nearly all the tables of digestibility-coefficients are of Continental origin, those of Kellner having pre-eminence and being generally adopted. The desirability of carrying out digestibility trials with home-grown feeding stuffs and with new feeding materials obtained from the Colonies and India is, however, apparent, and this is also the case with many of the proprietary feeds which are much used in this country.
Studies of the Formation and Translocation of Carbohydrates in Plants: III. The Carbohydrates of the Leaf and Leaf Stalks of the Potato. The Mechanism of the Degradation of Starch in the Leaf
Authors: Davis William A. , Sawyer George Conworth
Published: March 2009

1. In the potato leaf when the tubers are beginning to develop the principal sugar present is saccharose; its amount increases from sunrise up to 2 p.m., following approximately the curve of temperature. It then falls during the rest of the day and night. The rise and fall are both linear.

2. The hexoses are present in the leaf in very small amounts—generally less than 1 per cent, of the total dry weight of the leaf. They fluctuate considerably during the early part of the day, the fluctuations being apparently determined by conversion into or formation from starch.

3. During the early part of the day up to 2 p.m. the proportion of starch changes very little, the small fluctuations which occur being related to changes in the starch. The starch is apparently formed from the hexoses.
The Protective Action, against MgCO3, of CaCO3 for A. chroococcum
Authors: Lipman Chas. B. , Burgess Paul S.
Published: March 2009

In investigations on the effects of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate on nitrogen fixation by A. chroococcum in soils and in solutions, the following results have been obtained:

1. Calcium carbonate in mannite solution cultures acts only as a stimulant, never as a toxic agent at least up to and including a concentration of 2%.

2. Magnesium carbonate is sharply toxic in solution cultures in concentrations in excess of ·1% to ·2%.

3. Calcium carbonate in soil cultures is without effect up to 1·4% of the dry weight of the soil when it becomes slightly toxic in the Anaheim sandy soil.
The shape of the lactation curve
Authors: Sanders H. G.
Published: March 2009

(1) The ratio of the total lactation yield to the maximum yield, divided by the mean ratio (in the particular district) for the month of calving in which the lactation commenced, has been selected to represent the shape of each individual cow's lactation curve, and has been called the shape figure (S.F.).

(2) The variation of individual S.F.'s was found to be less than that of all cows taken together—i.e. the shape of the curve, though largely determined by environmental factors, is due partly to a genetic characteristic of the cow.

(3) The S.F.'s of 1st calvers are high (about 11 per cent, above those of subsequent lactations); i.e. heifers give a small maximum relative to their total yield.

(4) No significant relation was found between the length of the dry period preceding calving, and the ratio of the total to the maximum yield in the subsequent lactation.

(5) S.F.'s rise markedly and definitely as we pass from low to moderate, and from moderate to high, yielders; i.e. in good milkers the maximum is lower relative to the total yield than in bad milkers. Though there is variation from herd to herd (due probably to the system of management), this rise was shown between bad and good cows within the same herd, and seems to be a definite genetic character.
Studies on the metabolism of the ruminant by indirect calorimetry. II. The influence of pregnancy on the energy exchange of the goat
Authors: Magee H. E.
Published: March 2009

The total metabolism of the pregnant goat remains at a steady rate from the 4th to the end of the 13th week of pregnancy. It increases steadily from the 14th to the 21st week, when a value is attained about 50 per cent, above the rate at the 14th week. Just before delivery the rate drops slightly. The increased metabolism is due partly to the increase in the mass of active protoplasm and partly to the stimulus exerted by the growing ovum on the maternal tissues. This stimulus tends to fall off slightly in intensity in early pregnancy and increases markedly in late pregnancy.

Post partum the total metabolism drops suddenly and continues to fall until the end of the 5th week; but the metabolism per unit of weight increases steadily until the 4th week and then declines. This increased activity of the maternal protoplasm is due to the processes of involution and repair.

In early pregnancy the increasing intra-abdominal pressure cuts short fermentation of food and causes the R.Q. to be higher in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant animal. As the pressure increases it begins to impede slightly the evacuation of the rumen so that the food ferments more thoroughly and the R.Q. falls slightly. After parturition the low intra-abdominal pressure aggravated by the laxity of the abdominal walls allows the food to remain longer in the rumen so that fermentation is more thorough and the R.Q. lower than in late pregnancy.
Some properties of the wool from copper-starved Merino sheep
Authors: Palmer R. C.
Published: March 2009

The mean fibre length, mean fibre diameter, mean fibre crimp ratio (i.e. ratio of length of the fibre under 2·5 mg. load to its length stretched), and a quantity approximately proportional to the ultimate tensile fibre strength, have been measured for twenty-five skirted Merino fleeces clipped from sheep that had been grazed at Robe (South Australia) on copperdeficient land and fed by mouth with amounts of copper varying from zero to 100 mg./day. Sulphur analyses and qualitative amino-acid analyses were carried out on some of the fleeces. The fleeces were processed one by one on the worsted system into yarn. The results show an increase in fibre diameter, an increase in ultimate tensile strength and an improvement in behaviour in processing with increasing dietary supplement of copper.

A contribution to these experiments through special skill or knowledge has been made by almost everyone on the staff at Torridon, and especially by the late W. L. Semple, J. G. Martindale and H. Beevers. Thanks are due to Messrs Isaac Holden and Sons Ltd. for their generous co-operation in carrying out part of the work at their mill and to Mr A. Prescott, Mr F. Sharp and Mr G. W. Owen of the Wool Control, and Mr F. R. Emmett of Messrs Laycock, Son and Co. Ltd., for their assistance in judging tops. The author would like to thank Mr B. H. Wilsdon, the Director of Research, for suggestions and encouragement during this work, and the Council of the Wool Industries Research Association for permission to publish this paper.
‘Fodder Yeast’ as a dietary supplement for sheep maintained on poor-quality hay
Authors: Thomson W. , Tosic J.
Published: March 2009

When growing Cheviot hoggs were wholly maintained indoors on a very poor quality hay fedad libitumthey had a low food intake and consequently were losing weight. A 40 g. supplement of ‘Fodder Yeast’ greatly increased the hay intake of the sheep, and this was accompanied by a steady gain in body weight. Increase in body weight appeared to be accountable for by the increase in food consumption. These findings, obtained in a pilot experiment, require confirmation with a larger flock of sheep.
Electrical measurement of bull sperm activity. The effect of small electric currents on fertilizing capacity
Authors: Rothschild Lord
Published: March 2009

The activity of spermatozoa in bull semen can be assessed by measuring the frequency of impedance changes in the semen. Such measurements necessitate the passage of a small electric current through the semen. The field experiment described in this paper shows that this electrical treatment is harmless. Measurements can therefore be made on samples of semen which subsequently will be used in artificial insemination.
Genetic studies in potatoes; sterility
Authors: Salaman R. N. , Lesley J. W.
Published: March 2009

Male sterility in potatoes, that is the absence of pollen from the anthers, has been shown by one of us (Salaman(1)) to behave as a recessive to male fertility. The present paper is an account of some farther experiments in the genetics of this character, particularly of crosses between two varieties in which the reciprocals give different results.

Both quantity and quality of pollen were estimated by methods similar to those used by Salaman(1) Four empirical grades of quantity were employed, viz. “abundant,” “midium,” “small” and “very few grains.” The quality of the pollen was determined by mounting a sample in water and examining microscopically. Under this treatment living and presumably healthy grains swell up, appear spherical and translucent, whilst the pores become prominent. Such grains are termed “good.” Bad grains are generally smaller, irregular in outline, and often appear quite empty.
The importance of the sense of smell to the grazing sheep
Authors: Tribe D. E.
Published: March 2009

1. A series of experiments was carried out to assess the importance of the sense of smell to the grazing sheep.

2. The results of the first two experiments described indicated that the sense of smell is of importance in the initial stimulation of appetite, but under the experimental conditions the selection of particular herbage species was not affected.

3. Further experimentation showed that, because of its adaptation character, olfaction can only be of supplementary importance in influencing the food selection of the grazing sheep.
Placement of fertilizers for row crops
Authors: Cooke G. W.
Published: March 2009

Fertilizer placed in contact with the seed damaged the germination of sugar beet, mangolds, swedes and peas in 1947; damage was also caused by fertilizer placed directly below the seed. In 1947 and 1948 some damage to the germination of sugar beet was caused by fertilizer in bands 3 in. below the soil surface and 1 in. to the side of the seed; in both years bands of fertilizer 3 in. to the side of the seed were safe. Where placement of medium or full fertilizer dressings is adopted for row crops, the bands should be placed not less than 2 in. from the seed to avoid the risk of injury to germination.

All methods of placing gave consistently higher yields of peas than broadcasting fertilizer, the average advantage of placing being over 2 cwt. of peas per acre. In all the experiments on peas in 1948 early applications broadcast and worked deeply into the seed-bed were somewhat superior to late applications made at sowing time.
The effect of temperature, humidity and atmosphere on the viability of Chewing's Fescue grass seed in storage
Authors: Gane R.
Published: March 2009

The loss of viability of seeds of Chewing's Fescue Grass has been a serious problem to both the producers in New Zealand and the trade in the United Kingdom. It has been shown by Foy (1934) that seeds with a high moisture content (20 %) held at 30° C. deteriorated rapidly after 10–14 days and even more quickly at 40° and 50° C. Seeds with a water content of 13 % deteriorated more slowly but it was not until the water content was reduced to and maintained at 5 % that seeds retained their viability at 30°, 40° or 50° C. for 42 days. Even at room temperature (16–20° C.) the loss of viability occurred after 4–5 months at 20 % water content and after 8–9 months at 13 % but at 5 % water content there was no loss. Foy discusses the effects of temperature and humidity that may occur during transport; Hyde (1935) has examined the effect of heating seeds to 50°, 60°, 70°, 80° and 90° C. with a view to working out the conditions for artificial drying of the seeds before transport, and Lewis (1934) has found that, in some seasons, there was a marked loss of viability in storing these seeds in the United Kingdom.
Digestion trials with swine: IV. Note on the utilisation of whole milk by swine
Authors: Woodman Herbert Ernest
Published: March 2009

During the investigation in connection with maize digestibility recorded in the current issue of this journal (1), a period of feeding was carried out in which the two pigs received a ration consisting of unsoaked crushed maize and whole milk. Although it was found necessary to discontinue the main maize trial along these lines, the results of this isolated period are not without interest, since they enable conclusions to be drawn concerning the extent of the digestion and assimilation of the constituents of milk when fed to swine.

The crushed maize used in this period was from the same stock as that fed in the mixed maize and middlings periods. The daily ration consisted of 2000 gm. crushed maize together with one quart of whole milk; it was given in two equal portions during the day, the milk and a little water being mixed with the dry maize in the trough at the time of feeding. The presence of the milk appeared to make the ration attractive to the animals, since ready and complete consumption was obtained.
A modified test for sour soils
Authors: Comber Norman M.
Published: March 2009

It was recently suggested by the writer that the neutral salt test for sourness in soils could be adapted for rapid qualitative purposes by using an alcoholic solution of potassium thiocyanate. This reagent becomes coloured in contact with soils deficient in strong bases, because of the presence of iron among the weak bases which are brought into solution from such soils by neutral salts.
The flocculation of soils. III
Authors: Comber Norman M.
Published: March 2009

In support and extension of the conclusions drawn in the earlier papers the following facts and deductions are submitted:

1. The only sparingly soluble substance, from a random collection examined, whose suspensions showed the same abnormal flocculation by calcium hydroxide that is shown by clay, were certain phosphates of iron aluminium and calcium. The abnormal flocculation of these phosphates is open to an explanation quite analogous to that already advanced for the flocculation of clay.

2. Until the amount of calcium hydroxide added to a suspension of clay or phosphate reaches a certain amount its abnormal flocculating power is not manifested. The amount required to produce the abnormal flocculation is greater for a fat clay than for a lean one. This is in agreement with the view that the abnormal flocculation is caused by a coagulation of emulsoid matter, for obviously such coagulation will not become dominant until a sufficient amount of the precipitant has been added.

3. The lime absorbed by a soil can be wholly and completely removed by a dilute acid treatment which cannot very appreciably decompose the unweathered minerals. It is therefore concluded that the absorption of lime by a soil is an absorption by the soil colloids and not by the unweathered minerals.

4. The ignition of a soil for a few minutes over a bunsen flame increases the amounts of iron and aluminium dissolved by acid. Evidence is brought to show that this is due to a destruction of the colloids which bind the particles together, and a consequent exposure of a larger surface.

5. The effect of a partial ignition on the base absorbing power of soils and subsoils is described and the results are claimed to be in agreement with the view that the particles in the aggregates are bound together by gelatinous colloidal matter.
Digestibility of peat moss after treatment with acid
Authors: Godden William
Published: March 2009

In connection with the experiments described in the foregoing paper the opportunity was taken of determining the digestibility of a proprietary product suggested for use as a feeding-stuff, which was made by subjecting finely-shredded peat moss to the action of hydrochloric acid gas, and subsequently expelling the latter from the residual product. By this treatment appreciable quantities of reducing sugars are produced in the peat moss, amounting in some cases, it is claimed, to 15 or even 20 per cent.
The relation of protein content to variety types in American wheat
Authors: Roberts Herbert F.
Published: March 2009

1. Protein in wheat is the most important constituent, and therefore the chief constituent to breed for. No wheat variety possesses at once combined the desired characteristics of high protein, high yield, maximum flour production, and maximum bushel weight.

2. So far as climatic factors are concerned, a short, comparatively dry growing season, especially in the spring, in the case of winter wheat, favours the development of grain rich in gluten, and hence high in protein.

3. The most important ground factor in determining the starchprotein ratio is the water supply. The protein content has been found to vary from 11·63 per cent, under 22–24 inches of rainfall to 14·93 per cent, under 12–13 inches (Minnesota); and from 12·63 per cent, under 25 inches of irrigation to 13·62 per cent, under no irrigation (Utah).
Some factors influencing lodging in cereals
Authors: Brady J.
Published: March 2009

Three varieties, characterised by the possession of varying degrees of resistance to lodging, were grown in a Latin square with a view to determining if any character could be found which would serve as a stable criterion of resistance to lodging.

Observations were made and analysed for all those morphological characters associated with strength of straw. The characters examined were: tillering, length of straw, lengths of internodes, diameter of fifth internode, thickness of culm wall, number of vascular bundles, width of lignified tissue in a cross-section, and thickness of sclerenchyma cell walls.
The nutritive value of legume husks
Authors: Linton R. G. , Wilson A. N. , Watson S. J.
Published: March 2009

There are three by-products obtained from the preparation of legume seeds for human consumption which are marketed as supplemental animal foods, namely, the seed-coats (testa) which are removed from beans, peas and lentils. They are known commercially by various names, “skins,” “shells,” “husks,” “hulls” and as “offals.” They are used extensively in the East for the nutrition of cattle, where dehusked legumes enter so largely into the dietary of humans. Bean, pea and lentil husks are all used for stock feeding in Britain, and it was the frequency with which pea husks were found in commercial sheep-feeding mixtures sent for examination, and the knowledge that considerable consignments of bean shells are from time to time imported, that led to this enquiry into their nutritive value. Previous to the adoption of the Foodstuffs and Fertilisers Act, 1926, bean husks were imported into Britain in larger quantities than is at present the case, some of them being ground and added to bean meal, a practice which one has reason to believe has now ceased. Bean husks are seldom fed as such to cattle in Britain, but in France they are given to dairy cows and horses. For cows they are mixed with beet pulp, oil cakes and bran with, it is stated, good results. For horses they are mixed with oats, and an informant, a farmer from Cambrai, mixes them in equal proportions with oats for his working horses, giving to each 30 litres per day. It is claimed that the addition of the husks causes a more complete mastication of the oats and that horses do well on the mixture.
The Colorimetric Determination of Phosphoric Acid in Hydrochloric Acid and Citric Acid Extracts of Soils
Authors: Warren R. G. , Pugh A. J.
Published: March 2009

1. The colorimetric determination of phosphoric acid in hydrochloric and citric acid extracts of soils by a method involving the evaporation of the extract, ignition and acid extraction of the residuewith either the Denigès and Fiske-Subbarow methods of colour development was satisfactory only with light soils. Clay soils gave low results owing to the presence of larger amounts of iron.

2. A method is given in which the organic matter and iron are removed by treatment with sodium permanganate and potassium ferrocyanide. The results are in good agreement with the gravimetric method.
The influence of war-time milling control on the composition, digestibility and nutritive value of the wheaten offals
Authors: Woodman H. E. , Evans R. E.
Published: March 2009

The investigations described in this paper are concerned with the influence of the various war-time changes in milling practice on the composition, digestibility and nutritive value, both for ruminants, and pigs, of the wheaten milling offals. The need for obtaining a larger output of flour for human consumption led to the raising of the rate of flour extraction from 70 to 75 % at an early stage of the war, and this was increased further to 85% with the introduction of the ‘national wheat-meal loaf’ in 1942. Two grades of wheaten offals only were marketed at this stage of the war—fine bran and coarse bran. Early in 1943 it became permissible to incorporate a proportion of rye, barley or de-husked oats in the wheat before milling. It was considered unlikely that the inclusion of rye or de-husked oats would exert any adverse influence on the nutritive value of the milling offals. When barley is used to dilute the wheat, however, the husk from this grain finds its way into the offals, and it was therefore to be anticipated that the presence of the barley husk would cause the fibre content of the offals to be raised and their nutritive value to be lowered. Authority has been given for the use of a grist that will give rise to a flour containing up to 10% of barley flour, but at the time of writing it would appear that, in actual practice, flour millers have not exceeded 10% of barley in the grist itself.
A new calorimeter for use with young farm animals
Authors: Deighton Thomas
Published: March 2009

In the Journal of Agricultural Science for October 1921, Dr J. W. Capstick described a calorimeter large enough to take a full-grown pig or a small bullock. This apparatus was in regular use up to the end of 1923 and proved, on the whole, quite satisfactory.
Digestibility trials with poultry. I. The digestibility of English wheats, with a note on the digestibility of fibre in Sussex ground oats
Authors: Halnan E. T
Published: March 2009

(1) A review of the literature on the digestibility of wheat by poultry revealed the fact that, whereas there appeared to be but little variation in the digestibility coefficients for organic matter and N-free extract, considerable variation existed in the digestibility coefficients for crude protein, fibre and ether extract. It was considered desirable, therefore, to carry out digestibility determinations of known varieties of English wheats in order to ascertain how far such variations could be attributed to different varieties of wheat having been used in these experiments.

(2) Experiments carried out with Little Joss wheat and Yeoman II wheat gave closely concordant results for all nutrients other than ether extract.

(3) The results obtained in these experiments support the view that the digestibility of crude fibre by poultry is negligible.

(4) Except in the case of crude fibre and ether extract, poultry appear to be able to digest wheat as efficiently as other farm animals. Poultry are, however, distinctly inferior to other farm animals in their capacity to digest crude fibre and ether extract.

(5) The results of the present experiment show general agreement with previous work, except in the case of protein, where the digestibility coefficients are distinctly higher than those hitherto recorded. The explanation of this result may possibly be sought for in the improved methods used in the estimation of uric acid and ammonia
On the fertility of stallions
Authors: Sanders H. G.
Published: March 2009

Two sets of records, for Light and Heavy Horses respectively, have been analysed statistically, with the object of studying some of the factors which affect the percentage of foals left by a stallion in a service season.

It has been found that the stallion himself is one factor, in that each individual’s percentage returns, in successive seasons, tend towards a constant figure; although there is every gradation, and even considerable variation from year to year, there are definitely good and bad “getters” of foals.

A stallion's fertility varies according to the district of the country in which he stands or travels, being higher in the north and west of England and Wales than in the south and east, and very low in Scotland.

In moderation, frequent use does not impair a stallion's fertility; there is, in fact, some (insignificant) evidence that the more mares he serves, the greater the proportion of foals he leaves.

There is a slight tendency for a stallion's fertility to rise from the time he is 3 years old till he is 13 years old—this result may, though, easily be due to chance; on the other hand it is quite clear that fertility declines after the age of 16 years, and this occurs over the whole range, and is not caused by a certain number becoming absolutely sterile.
Note on a Method for the Preparation of Permanent Records of Soil Colour
Authors: Whittles C. L.
Published: March 2009

Hart(1) has recently emphasised the importance of obtaining soil colour data. The following method, which is an elaboration of one proposed by Monie(2), has proved satisfactory in practice.
Herd size and its genetical significance in pedigree cattle breeding
Authors: Donald H. P. , El Itriby A. A.
Published: March 2009

The average numbers of females of all ages (herd size) in pedigree herds of Jerseys, Guernseys, and Red Polls in 1939 were found to be 25, 22 and 42 respectively. Of the herds listed, 15–20% made no herdbook entries and were of much smaller than average size. Excluding these, the average numbers become 29, 26 and 49. The number of females entered in the herdbook during 1939 was about 20% of the total number of females of all ages. The same proportion was found in all herd size groups except the smallest where it was lower. As a general guide, therefore, to breed and regional differences in herd size in all the major breeds, the average number of herdbook entries of females has been multiplied by 5.
Maize silage. II
Authors: Woodman H. E. , Amos A.
Published: March 2009

In an earlier communication on this subject(1), the writers arrived at the conclusion that the main reason for the comparative failure of attempts to grow maize as a silage crop in this country was due in large measure to the general use of the late maturing variety, American Horse Tooth. It was predicted that success would probably depend on discovering a variety of maize which is able to reach the desirable stage of maturity under English conditions before being cut for the silo. Preliminary trials had indicated that the necessary qualities might be found in certain varieties like Saltzer's North Dakota, Longfellow, Compton's Early and White Cap, all of which mature at least a month before American Horse Tooth.
Certain acid soils and growth of sugar beet
Authors: Newlands George
Published: March 2009

1. Variations in growth of sugar beet on certain soils from north-east Scotland were investigated by examination of the soils with regard to field conditions, mechanical composition, pH value, lime requirement, readily extractable calcium and humified organic matter.

2. Field conditions and mechanical composition did not account for the variations in growth of the beet.

3. A certain degree of correlation was found between pH value, readily extractable calcium and growth of beet. In general when the pH was below 5·3 and extractable calcium below 0·12 per cent., growth was poor or failed. Above these figures it was good, but only relatively so, since all the soils were below 6·2 in pH value.
Recent developments in the design of field experiments. I. Split-plot confounding
Authors: Finney D. J.
Published: March 2009

A convenient method of introducing into a field experiment additional factors which can be applied to smaller areas than that of the whole plots is to use split plots: each whole plot is split into sections, and the different combinations of the additional factors are randomized over each set of sub-plots. An extension of this idea is the device of split-plot confounding, by which not all the combinations of the additional factors are used in every whole plot; instead, the possible combinations are subdivided into two or more sets which are then assigned to blocks and whole-plot treatments in a balanced manner, in such a way as to confound certain interactions of the additional factors between whole plots and certain higher order interactions between blocks.