bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental problems in the application of UV/visible based methods as the quantification tool for the entrapped/released insulin from PLGA carriers
Authors: Lassalle V.L. , Ferreira M.L.
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Controlled release of medicaments from biodegradable polymers remains the most convenient way for their sustained release. Although a number of articles have been published, experimental work involving the preparation of polymer‐based carriers and release procedures are not described with sufficient level of detail to allow other researchers to reproduce the experiments and to compare published results with their own. In this contribution the experimental background of the entrapment and release of insulin from PLGA carriers is described and the problems found at each step related to UV/Visible method used to quantify them are addressed in detail.

RESULTS: The quantification of entrapped insulin by UV/visible methods was affected by aggregation. The design of the release experiment influenced the results regarding the entrapment efficiency (EE) and the maximum percentage of released insulin. It was also found that the presence of colloidal polymeric particles, insufficient centrifugation times and the kind of solvent used in the release test might lead to mistakes in the percentage of liberated insulin when UV/visible based methods are employed.

CONCLUSIONS: This contribution demonstrates that serious discrepancies in the EE and percentage of released protein may arise if some key experimental factors are not taken into account. Therefore, the analysis presented here tries to point out important aspects of this topic currently not reported, unnoticed or not properly analyzed in the open literature. The results are useful for the entrapment of any protein on any polymeric device using UV/visible based methods to quantify them. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of 3‐substituted 4H‐1‐benzothiopyran‐4‐ones
Authors: Nakazumi Hiroyuki , Endo Takashi , Sonoda Hikaru , Kitao Teijiro
Published: March 2009

3‐Substituted 2‐phenyl‐4H‐1‐benzothiopyran‐4‐ones (thioflavones) were prepared to test antimicrobial activity. It was found that 3‐(phenyl)thiochromone derivatives (isothioflavones) were prepared by the Meerwein reaction of thiochromone with p‐nitrobenzenediazonium ion. 3‐(Formyl)thioflavone exhibits weak antimicrobial activity against Trichophytons and Candida.
Stabilization of Liposomes by Polyelectrolytes: Mechanism of Interaction and Role of Experimental Conditions
Authors: Rinaudo Marguerite , Quemeneur François , Pépin‐Donat Brigitte
Published: March 2009

ζ‐potential measurements on LUVs allow to evidence the influence of pH, ionic salt concentration, and polyelectrolyte charge on the interaction between polyelectrolyte (chitosan and hyaluronan) and zwitterionic lipid membrane. First, chitosan adsorption is studied: adsorption is independent on the chitosan molecular weight and corresponds to a maximum degree of decoration of 40% in surface coverage. From the dependence with pH and independence with MW, it is concluded that electrostatic interactions are responsible of chitosan adsorption which occurs flat on the external surface of the liposomes. The vesicles become positively charged in the presence of around two repeat units of chitosan added per lipid accessible polar head in acid medium down to pH = 7.2. Direct optical microscopy observations of GUVs shows a stabilization of the composite liposomes under different external stresses (pH and salt shocks) which confirms the strong electrostatic interaction between the chitosan and the lipid membrane. It is also demonstrated that the liposomes are stabilized by chitosan adsorption in a very wide range of pH (2.0 < pH < 12.0).

Then, hyaluronan (HA), a negatively charged polyelectrolyte, is added to vesicles; the vesicles turn rapidly negatively charged in presence of adsorbed HA Finally, we demonstrated that hyaluronan adsorbs on positively charged chitosan‐decorated liposomes at pH < 7.0 leading to charge inversion in the liposome decorated by the chitosan‐hyaluronan bilayer. Our results demonstrate the adsorption of positive and/or negative polyelectrolyte at the surface of lipidic vesicles as well as their role on vesicle stabilization and charge control.
Thermogravimetric and weathering study of novolac resin composites reinforced with mercerized bamboo fiber
Authors: Das M. , Prasad V.S. , Chakrabarty D.
Published: March 2009

The effect of alkali treatment of bamboo strips on the thermal and weathering properties of unidirectional bamboo strips‐novolac resin composites were investigated in this work. Both alkali treated and untreated bamboo fiber‐reinforced composites were fabricated. All types of composite specimens were subjected to accelerated weathering and the % water absorption and dimensional changes were recorded after 120 h immersion in water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and further characterized by flexural property measurements. The composites were also subjected to exposure at 100% humidity and UV exposure (sun light) for 75 h. The results showed that the composites with treated bamboo strips showed a better weathering characteristics compared with the untreated ones. Thermogravimatric analysis of all the samples indicated better thermal properties of alkali treated samples. These findings confirmed the improved interfacial interactions arising from covalent bonds between the alkali treated bamboo fibers and novolac resin. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Adaptation of polystyrene/multi‐wall carbon nanotube composite properties in respect of its thermal stability
Authors: Slobodian Petr , Králová Daniela , Lengálová Anežka , Novotný Radko , Sáha Petr
Published: March 2009

Polystyrene (PS)/multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing and by coagulation of PS/MWCNT sonicated dispersion. Before mixing and coagulation particles of MWCNT were covered with PS nanospheres by microemulsion polymerization to increase their dispersibility and compatibility with the matrix. Microemulsion polymerization was carried out under sonication in the presence of surfactants and a cross‐linking agent. The structure of modified MWCNT filler was revealed by SEM and TEM microscopy analyses. They show that PS is well grafted onto surface of MWCNT in form of ca 30 nm nanospheres or as ca 3–8 nm PS film layer. Significant changes in properties were recorded mainly for the coagulated sample. Although no shift of Tg was recorded for the melt mixed composite, the coagulated sample shows an increase by 9°C. Also the reinforcing effect of MWCNT was more pronounced for the same method of preparation (further supported by the filler modification). The creep response of this material shifts to longer times not only in the Tg area, but also as low as 70°C below it, which is perceived as an improvement of temperature stability (the same properties kept for a longer time). This was also proved by the increase of creep modulus, and consequently by the prolonged time needed to reach the same tensile creep compliance after aging. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tyrosine phosphoproteome of hamster spermatozoa: Role of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 2 in sperm capacitation
Authors: Kota Venkatesh , Dhople Vishnu M. , Shivaji Sisinthy
Published: March 2009

Capacitation confers on the spermatozoa the competence to fertilize the oocyte. At the molecular level, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation pathway operates in capacitated spermatozoa, thus resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of specific proteins. Identification of these tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins and their function with respect to hyperactivation and acrosome reaction, would unravel the molecular basis of capacitation. With this in view, 21 phosphotyrosine proteins have been identified in capacitated hamster spermatozoa out of which 11 did not identify with any known sperm protein. So, in the present study attempts have been made to ascertain the role of one of these eleven proteins namely glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2) in hamster sperm capacitation. GPD2 is phosphorylated only in capacitated hamster spermatozoa and is noncanonically localized in the acrosome and principal piece in human, mouse, rat, and hamster spermatozoa, though in somatic cells it is localized in the mitochondria. This noncanonical localization may imply a role of GPD2 in acrosome reaction and hyperactivation. Further, enzymatic activity of GPD2 during capacitation correlates positively with hyperactivation and acrosome reaction thus demonstrating that GPD2 may be required for sperm capacitation.
Outcome of children with pulmonary lymphangiectasis
Authors: Mettauer Nicole , Agrawal Shruti , Pierce Christine , Ashworth Micheal , Petros Andy
Published: March 2009

Pulmonary lymphangiectasis (PL) is a very rare developmental defect of the lungs, which has previously been reported to have a very poor prognosis. However, recent reports have suggested improved outcomes, possibly as a result of advances in neonatal and pediatric intensive care medicine. We performed a retrospective study on the outcome of children with PL between 1990 and 2008 referred to our tertiary center. Seven patients with histologically proven PL were identified over the 18‐year period. Six patients presented in the neonatal period and one patient at 7 months of age, all of them requiring intensive care treatment. Three neonatal patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Six of the seven patients did not survive including all those who received ECMO. Two of the six non‐survivors died of other causes than their underlying disease. The only survivor had an antenatal diagnosis of hydrops and required in utero chest drain insertion. Postnatally he was managed with maximal medical treatment for bilateral pleural effusions and persistent pulmonary hypertension. A 7‐month follow‐up showed this infant to be doing well. In conclusion overall the prognosis of congenital PL remains poor. The one survivor demonstrates that this condition is survivable with aggressive intervention and as current evidence suggests gradual improvement of symptoms may occur over time, and that maximal medical treatment remains warranted. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:351–357. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Brichos domain of prosurfactant protein C can hold and fold a transmembrane segment
Authors: Johansson Hanna , Eriksson Maria , Nordling Kerstin , Presto Jenny , Johansson Jan
Published: March 2009

Prosurfactant protein C (proSP‐C) is a 197‐residue integral membrane protein, in which the C‐terminal domain (CTC, positions 59–197) is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and contains a Brichos domain (positions 94–197). Mature SP‐C corresponds largely to the transmembrane (TM) region of proSP‐C. CTC binds to SP‐C, provided that it is in nonhelical conformation, and can prevent formation of intracellular amyloid‐like inclusions of proSP‐C that harbor mutations linked to interstitial lung disease (ILD). Herein it is shown that expression of proSP‐C (1–58), that is, the N‐terminal propeptide and the TM region, in HEK293 cells results in virtually no detectable protein, while coexpression of CTC in trans yields SDS‐soluble monomeric proSP‐C (1–58). Recombinant human (rh) CTC binds to cellulose‐bound peptides derived from the nonpolar TM region, but not the polar cytosolic part, of proSP‐C, and requires ≥5‐residues for maximal binding. Binding of rhCTC to a nonhelical peptide derived from SP‐C results in α‐helix formation provided that it contains a long TM segment. Finally, rhCTC and rhCTC Brichos domain shows very similar substrate specificities, but rhCTCL188Q, a mutation linked to ILD is unable to bind all peptides analyzed. These data indicate that the Brichos domain of proSP‐C is a chaperone that induces α‐helix formation of an aggregation‐prone TM region.
Effects of Mo back contact thickness on the properties of CIGS solar cells
Authors: Kamikawa‐Shimizu Yukiko , Shimada Shuuhei , Watanabe Manabu , Yamada Akimasa , Sakurai Keiichiro , Ishizuka Shogo , Komaki Hironori , Matsubara Koji , Shibata Hajime , Tampo Hitoshi , Maejima Keigou , Niki Shigeru
Published: March 2009

Effects of Mo back contact thickness on the photovoltaic properties of CIGS solar cells were investigated. When the Mo was thin, an increase in series resistance and leakage current adversely affected the FF (fill factor) in solar cells fabricated using the Mo layers. On the other hand, when the thickness of the Mo layer was as thick as 0.8 μm, sodium out‐diffusion from the SLG decreased. The resulting reduced sodium concentration in CIGS films grown on top of the contact layers resulted in reduced open circuit voltage (VOC). As a consequence of the tradeoff between the decreased sodium diffusion for thicker Mo layers and reduced FF in thin Mo layers, the optimal Mo thickness was found to be 0.2 μm. Water vapor introduction during the deposition of the CIGS absorber layer was found to be effective in improving overall photovoltaic properties especially in solar cells with thin Mo back contacts. With water vapor introduction, cell efficiencies as high as 16.9% and 16.0% were obtained with Mo thicknesses of 0.2 μm and 0.07 μm, respectively. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fourier transform infrared surface photovoltage spectroscopy for the investigation of mid‐infrared semiconductor lasers
Authors: Sharma Tarun K. , Fox Natasha E. , Hosea T. J. C.
Published: March 2009

A novel application of the surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) technique, using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) interferometer, has been developed for the investigation of narrow‐gap mid‐infrared semiconductor quantum well (QW) laser structures. We demonstrate the FTIR‐SPS technique at room temperature for a GaInSb/AlGaInSb type I QW laser structure, grown on GaAs, emitting in the mid‐infrared at ∼4 μm, revealing an unambiguous detection of the ground and excited state transitions of the GaInSb QW, as well as the AlGaInSb barrier bandgap energy. As a further corroboration of the new technique, the FTIR‐SPS spectrum of a ∼1.5 μm communication laser structure has also been measured and shown to be in good agreement with conventional grating‐based electro‐modulated reflectance and SPS spectroscopic measurements on this sample. A detailed numerical analysis of the room temperature FTIR‐SPS results for the mid‐infrared semiconductor laser structure is also presented, including a comparison with theoretical predictions of the QW transition energies. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Physicochemical Properties of Banana Starch Oxidized under Different Conditions
Authors: Sánchez‐Rivera Mirna M. , Méndez‐Montealvo Guadalupe , Núñez‐Santiago Carmen , de la Rosa‐Millan Julian , Wang Ya‐Jane , Bello‐Pérez Luis A.
Published: March 2009

Starch isolated from unripe bananas was oxidized under different conditions and the physicochemical properties of the oxidized banana starches were characterized. It was found that pH was the dominating factor in the formation of carboxyl groups. Higher yields of carboxyl groups were found when oxidized starch was prepared at pH 11.5 as compared with 7.5. Longer reaction time also produced a higher carboxyl value. Maltese crosses were still visible in the polarized light micrographs of oxidized banana starch, indicating that the ordered arrangement of starch molecules was not altered. The diffraction pattern of both native and oxidized banana starches was a mixture of A‐ and B‐types. No difference was noted in the absorbance ratio as measured by infrared spectroscopy between the oxidized banana starches at both pHs. The onset and peak gelatinization temperatures increased and gelatinization range decreased with increasing pH during the oxidation. For pasting properties, viscosity significantly decreased during heating and cooling with the most drastic reduction noted for the sample oxidized at pH 11.5. All starches showed a non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning behavior. The oxidation reaction that incorporated chemical groups produced a softer system in banana starch due to the possible incorporation of more water molecules in its structure.
The C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of human proEGF is a negative modulator of body and organ weights in transgenic mice
Authors: Klonisch Thomas , Glogowska Aleksandra , Gratao Ana A. , Grzech Marjeta , Nistor Andreea , Torchia Mark , Weber Ekkehard , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Rathkolb Birgit , Hoang-Vu Cuong , Wolf Eckhard , Schneider Marlon R.
Published: March 2009

We generated transgenic mice to study the in vivo role of the cytoplasmic domain of human proEGF (proEGFcyt). Post‐pubertal proEGFcyt transgenic (tg) mice displayed an up to 15% reduction in body weight, including smaller kidney and brain weights as compared to control littermates. Renal histology, gene expression profiles, and functional parameters were normal. In both sexes, serum levels of IGFBP‐3 were reduced. Circulating IGF‐I/IGF‐II levels were unchanged. Histomorphological analysis revealed isolated foci of liver necrosis specific to proEGFcyt tg mice. In conclusion, we identified proEGF cytoplasmic domain as a novel modulator of whole body and organ‐specific growth in mice.
Patterns of rapid and extremely rapid (avalanche) sedimentation: implications for marine oil and gas generation
Authors: Lisitsyn A.P.
Published: March 2009

According to recent data from seas and oceans, marine sediments have extremely uneven thicknesses varying from tens of meters to 15–20 km. Sedimentary material is localized mainly at three global levels: river–sea boundary (zero level, continental base of erosion), continental rise (3–5 km), and trenches (6–11 km). As a result of extremely rapid (“avalanche”) deposition in trenches, large amounts of organic matter accumulate in bottom sediments, thus providing their high petroleum reservoir potential. Sediments in areas of rapid sedimentation have a particular rheology, which causes them to move downslope hundreds of kilometers on the sea floor. Continental rise is a global area where gravitites accelerate, with their potential energy due to a depth difference of 3 to 5 km. Global-scale drift of sedimentary masses driven by eustatic sea level change produces very large deposition zones rich in oil and gas at the continental rise (global piedmont), i.e., at the second level. Predicted oil and gas fields of this kind have been discovered recently at sea depths over 3.5 km, which lie in stock for future development through the 21st century.
Variation in the Chemical Composition of Mangels
Authors: Wood T. B. , Berry R. A.
Published: March 2009

Below is a brief summary of the chief points of interest which our investigations appear to have suggested so far:

That the most convenient method of sampling roots for analysis is to remove a core from each root, and that when using this method at least 50 roots must be cored in order to obtain a sample representing the composition of the bulk of roots grown on a field.

That a large proportion of the commonly grown strains of mangels may be assigned to one or other of five types.

That of these types, four have their cropping power and percentage of dry matter so nearly in inverse proportion that they yield practically the same weight of dry matter per acre.

That the fifth type, Long Bed, yields considerably more dry matter per acre than the other four varieties.

That large roots on the average contain more water and less dry matter than smaller ones.

That there is a considerable variation in the composition of mangels from year to year, probably depending on such conditions as rainfall and sunshine at particular periods of growth.

That manurial treatment causes distinct variations in composition, the most noticeable point being that excessive applications of nitrogen delay ripening and decrease the percentage of dry matter.

That different farms grow roots of different composition.

That there is very great variation among individual roots of the same variety grown side by side, in content of dry matter, sugar, and nitrogen, and in size, shape, colour; in fact, in all the characters which we have been able to observe.

That there is so little correlation between the different characters that it is possible to pick out for seed-mothers large roots containing high percentages of dry matter rich in any desired constituent, and it is suggested that, from analogy with the sugar beet, continuous selection carried out in this manner may result in improvement in any desired direction.

That since colour, shape, and specific gravity of root or of juice are shown not to be correlated with percentage of dry matter, sugar, or nitrogen, selection for these characters is not likely to lead to any improvement.
A Contribution to the Study of Factors affecting the Quality and Composition of Potatoes
Authors: Ashby S. F.
Published: March 2009

The work was undertaken with the hope of establishing some connexion between the characters of soils as shown by chemical and mechanical analyses, and the quality and composition of the potatoes grown on them. As regards quality, most attention has been given to the occurrence of ‘blackening’ after cooking, especially after a second warming up, and an attempt has been made to get at the cause of this phenomenon. This defect has been often complained of by potato growers and dealers, and seriously affects the price of samples marketed for consumption in towns where the largest buyers are hotels and restaurants which demand a potato capable of keeping its colour after a second steaming. ‘Blackening’ is often associated with sandy soils heavily manured with farmyard dung or town manure, and it has been observed in tubers grown with spring dressings of kainite; concordant opinions, however, are not to be had from practical men, and in fact the defect may arise on the most widely different types of soil. In order to exclude disturbances due to variety, ‘Up to Date,’ as one of the most widely grown sorts, has alone been investigated.
Some Observations on “Swollen Head” in Turkeys
Authors: Graham-Smith G. S.
Published: March 2009

In experimentally infected birds a clear viscid discharge from the nostril is sometimes the first symptom noticed, and may occasionally be the only one for a long time (turkey E). This is followed by a soft fluctuating swelling under one or both eyes. After the development of a well-marked swelling, the course of the disease may vary both in naturally and experimentally infected birds. In some cases the swelling gradually diminishes and finally disappears (turkeys 3, C, D, F, and G), in other cases the soft fluctuating swelling persists for considerable periods (turkeys 1, E and H), and in others the swellings become hard and the gelatinous contents are replaced by cheesy, foulsmelling material (turkeys 2, A and B). The latter condition may be due to secondary infection. Sometimes the disease only attacks one side leaving the other quite normal. Death occurred in some instances, but could not be definitely attributed to the disease.
The Nitrogen Compounds of the Fundamental Rocks
Authors: Hall A. D. , Miller N. H. J.
Published: March 2009

It has been shown that many rocks, when samples are taken from such a depth as precludes all possibility of weathering, contain nitrogen in amounts comparable to those present in soil, especially when the strata consist of indurated clays like the Lower Lias, Oxford, Kimmeridge or London Clay. Since the rocks also contain carbon the nitrogen is without doubt of organic origin; the carbon and nitrogen compounds represent the humus present in the clay when it was deposited, and are in fact the mineralised remains of that organic matter. When soil is produced by the weathering of such rocks these carbon and nitrogen compounds will remain wholly or in part in the soil and may there account for a considerable proportion of the total nitrogen they contain. It thus becomes of some importance to ascertain if this nitrogen is ever likely to become available for the plant by the normal processes of bacterial oxidation, or whether it has passed into such a state of combination as to be susceptible of no further change under such conditions as prevail in the soil. If the compounds are too mineralised or bituminised to be attacked by bacteria it would explain the fact that much of the nitrogen present in soils seems to remain permanently beyond the reach of plants. For example the soil of Broadbalk wheat field at Rothamsted, which had been cropped continuously with wheat for 50 years without the addition of any manure, still showed in 1893 very nearly 0·1 per cent. of nitrogen, equivalent to about 2500 lbs. per acre in the top 9 inches of soil; yet the average wheat crop on this plot only contains about 17 lbs. of nitrogen, of which 5 lbs. is supplied annually by the rain, without taking into account any further additions by the action of Azotobacter and kindred organisms.
The Action of Heat and Antiseptics on Soils
Authors: Pickering Spencer Umfreville
Published: March 2009

When soils are treated with antiseptics, such as carbon disulphide, chloroform, benzene, ether or paraffin oil, they undergo chemical change, and the soluble organic matter in them is increased, just as in case of their being heated; they also exhibit the same inhibitory effect on the germination of seeds that heated soils do.

The different antiseptics differ in the intensity of their action, but the inhibitory substance formed is probably the same in all cases, and also the same as that formed by heat, for the quantity formed has the same effect on seeds, whether produced by antiseptics or by heat.

On keeping treated soils for a few weeks at a summer temperature, some of the organic matter which was rendered soluble becomes insoluble, and the inhibitory action is reduced. This is also the case with heated soils, especially when repeatedly watered; though with unheated soils under similar conditions the soluble organic matter increases.

The treatment of soils with antiseptics induces a change equivalent to that obtained by heating the soil to 60°—75°, and this may be sufficient to account for the increased growth observed in plants grown in them.

The production by heat of a substance inhibitory to germination appears to be a property common to all soils, twelve instances having been examined: the proportion of it formed depends on the increase in the amount of organic matter rendered soluble by heating; but the actual amount of the soluble organic matter in the heated soil is not always a criterion as to the intensity of its inhibitory action, and still less is the amount of soluble organic matter originally present in the unheated soil, though in the majority of cases it may be so. There appears to be no connexion between the fertility of a soil and the extent to which it is altered by heating.

Soils in their natural state appear generally to contain a certain amount of this inhibitory substance, as they act less favourably towards germination than pure water does: whether in any cases soils can act more favourably than water—as the earlier experiments had indicated they could—is open to doubt, but the probability is in favour of their doing so. So far as the instances now examined are concerned, the richer soils, and those containing most soluble organic matter, are slightly less favourable to germination than the poorer soils.
The Feeding Value of Mangels
Authors: Wood T. B.
Published: March 2009

The paper describes attempts to test the following points—the comparative feeding value of Yellow Globe and Long Red mangels as constituents of a liberal fattening diet, the comparative feeding value of Golden Tankard and Long Red mangels, also as constituents of a fattening diet, and the comparative feeding value of Yellow Globe and Long Red mangels for store cattle.

The results point to the following conclusions:

The rates of fattening of individual animals vary so greatly that little reliance can be placed on the results of single experiments with the small numbers of animals commonly employed in feeding tests.

The feeding values of Long Reds and Yellow Globes were compared on seven occasions, and the results discussed according to the ordinary methods used in the theory of probabilities.
A Method for the Study of Soil Fertility Problems
Authors: Lipman Jacob G.
Published: March 2009

Several years ago the writer's attention was called to the apparently favourable influence of field peas on oats when the two were grown together. The rank growth of the oats, their dark-green colour and the delayed ripening gave every indication of an abundant supply of available nitrogen compounds. On the other hand, oats seeded without the peas, at about the same time, were less rank in their growth and matured at an earlier date. Further observation and inquiry strengthened the impression in the writer's mind that the associative growth of legumes and non-legumes is frequently advantageous to the latter in that they are supplied with nitrogen compounds derived either from the decay of the fibrous roots of the legumes, or from the soluble materials passing out of the roots into the surrounding soil.
Note on an Apparent Secular Change in the Rothamsted Drain Gauges
Authors: Russell Edward J.
Published: March 2009

DR Miller's interesting and important paper in the last number of this Journal (Vol. I. p. 377) raises several points in connexion with the long-continued action of rain on uncultivated and uncropped soils.
The Development of the Grain of Wheat
Authors: Brenchley W. E. , Hall A. D.
Published: March 2009

A study during 1907 and 1908 of various plots of wheat cut at three-day intervals leads to the following general conclusions:

(1) The whole plant, and with it the nitrogen, ash, and phosphoric acid it contains, increases in weight until about a week before it would be regarded as ready to cut. Some decrease of dry weight takes place during the last week.

(2) In the formation of the grain three stages may be distinguished:

(a) a period during which the pericarp is the most prominent feature,

(b) the main period during which the endosperm is filled,

(c) the ripening period characterised by the desiccation of the grain.

(3) For the filling of the endosperm each plant possesses as it were a special mould, and continually moves into the grain uniform material cast in that mould, possessing always the same ratio of nitrogenous to non-nitrogenous materials and ash. The character of the mould possessed by each plant is determined by variety, soil, season, &c.

(4) The main feature of the ripening process is desiccation rather than the setting in of such chemical changes as the conversion of sugars into starch, non-protein into protein, though the latter change also takes place.

(5) The maximum dry weight of grain is attained a day or two before the grain would be regarded as ripe by the farmer. Allowing for the fact that the tillered shoots are a little behind the central shoots, no loss of weight in the crop will be incurred by cutting before the corn appears quite ripe, while a number of accidental mechanical losses due to birds, shedding, weather, may thus be avoided. Other experiments have shown that, though there may be no gain, there will be no loss in the quality of the wheat due to such early cutting.
The Chemistry of Strength of Wheat Flour
Authors: Wood T. B.
Published: March 2009

Attention is drawn to the complexity of the ideas comprised in the term strength as applied to flour, and the necessity of investigating each idea separately.

The chemical composition of the gliadin and glutenin of strong and weak flours has been investigated, and it is shown that they are identical in all the flours examined. It is suggested therefore that the difference between strong and weak flours is connected rather with the physical properties of their gluten than with the chemical composition. Since it is well known that the physical properties of proteids are profoundly affected by small quantities of acids, alkalis, and salts, the amounts of these substances in strong and weak flours were determined. In the few cases examined, it was found that strength was associated with a high ratio of proteid to salts, and weakness with a low ratio. It is suggested that the variation of this ratio may be the explanation of the different physical behaviour of the gluten of strong and weak flours, and that this is the factor which determines that component of strength which governs the shape of the loaf, and its power of retaining gas. This point is receiving further investigation.

The factor which primarily determines the size of the loaf which a flour can make is quite distinct. The size of the loaf is shown to depend in the first instance on the amount of sugar contained in the flour together with that formed in the dough by diastatic action. It is proposed to measure this by incubating the flour with yeast and water, and collecting the carbon dioxide evolved during 24 hours. Particular attention should be paid to the rate of gas evolution in the later stages of the fermentation, as this is shown to be more directly connected with the size of the loaf.

Taking Humphries and Biffen's definition of strength as “the capacity for making large well-piled loaves,” and applying the above ideas, it is stated that the largeness of the loaf depends chiefly on the capacity of the flour to give off gas when fermented with yeast, especially in the later stages of dough fermentation, and the suggestion is made that shapeliness, and probably gas retention, are dependent on the physical properties of the gluten as modified by the presence of varying proportions of salts.
Note on Mendelian Heredity in Cotton
Authors: Balls W. Lawrence
Published: March 2009

Experiments carried out at Ghizeh during 1905 and 1906 shew that the cotton plant follows Mendel's laws of gametic segregation in certain of its characters.
A Note on Onion Cough
Authors: Underwood L. M.
Published: March 2009

One of the commonest grasses found in hedges and thickets in this country, more especially on the lighter soils, is the Tall Oat Grass (Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Beauvais). In meadows it is generally present, abundantly on some soils, while occasionally it forms part of the “seeds” mixture put down for temporary or permanent pasture. In some localities a form of this grass known as “Onion Couch” becomes a dangerous weed on the arable land—this plant is identical in outward appearance with the Tall Oat Grass except at the base of the stems where the nodes swell and form chains of bulbs each of which is capable of breaking off and giving rise to a new plant. This habit of growth together with a liberal supply of seeds formed in June and July make it a very difficult weed to eradicate. Its occurrence is usually reported from the lighter soils, but in the West of England the heavy land is equally badly affected.
The Direct Assimilation of Inorganic and Organic Forms of Nitrogen by Higher Plants
Authors: Hutchinson H. B. , Miller N. H. J.
Published: March 2009

The results of all the experiments above described may be shortly summarised as follows.

Nitrites have been shown by Molisch, M. Schultz, and by Perciabosco and Rosso to be assimilated by various plants from sufficiently dilute solutions. Perciabosco and Rosso found that plants supplied with nitrogen in this form contain higher percentages of nitrogen than with nitrates as source of nitrogen. This is also the case, as was already shown, when plants take up all, or most, of their nitrogen as ammonium salts.

Experiments with other inorganic forms of nitrogen—amidosulphonic acid, hydroxylamine, hydrazine and azoimide—have all given negative results up to the present time.

As regards organic compounds the majority have given negative if not uncertain results. The results in which at least 1 milligram of nitrogen was assimilated are set out in Table I, p. 291.
Bacterial Diseases of Plants
Authors: Potter M. C.
Published: March 2009

In discussing among men of science the subject of diseases caused by bacteria, it is quite unnecessary, at this date, to argue the question as to whether there are or are not bacterial diseases of plants. A knowledge of the literature of the past fifteen years and of the character of the researches which have been carried out in this branch of phytopathology, establishes the point beyond all doubt. But it may be useful to consider briefly some of the reasons which accounted for the scepticism prevalent in earlier days.
Studies on Soil Phyics.
Authors: Heber Green W. , Ampt G. A.
Published: March 2009

§ 34. 1. The permeability and capillarity constants of soil have been defined.

2. The movements of air and water through three types of soil have been measured and shewn to conform to equations connecting the rate of motion with the above constants.

3. It is suggested that the measurement of S, Pα, Pω and K is of more importance than, and should replace, the determination of the sizes of the soil particles as in the usual “mechanical analysis” of soils.

In conclusion, we have to acknowledge our indebtedness to Professors T. R. Lyle and R. J. A. Barnard for valuable advice and suggestions and to the Victorian Government for financial assistance towards the expenses of this research.
The Nature, Distribution and Effects upon Vegetation of Atmospheric Impurities in and near an Industrial Town.
Authors: Crowther Charles , Ruston Arthur G.
Published: March 2009

The following pages contain a summary of investigations and observations that have been made during the years 1906—1910, in part at the Manor Farm, Garforth (Experimental Farm of the University of Leeds and Yorkshire Council for Agricultural Education) and also in various parts of the city of Leeds.
“Silver-leaf” Disease
Authors: Brooks F. T.
Published: March 2009

1. The distribution of Silver-leaf disease is described.

2. Inoculations of branches of Plum trees with sporophores of Stereum purpureum have almost invariably resulted in silvering.

3. The mycelium of Stereum purpureum has been cultivated in pure culture from spores and inoculations with this mycelium have caused silvering.

4. A small number of inoculations with the spores of Stereum purpureum have resulted in silvering.

5. Various series of control experiments have given negative results.

6. The investigations strengthen the view that Stereum purpureum is the active agent which causes Silver-leaf disease in this country.
The Fat Globules of Milk in relation to Churning
Authors: Cooper W. F. , Nuttall W. H. , Freak G. A.
Published: March 2009

It is a matter of common experience in dairy work, that different creams vary in their behaviour during the operation of churning; and many theories have been adduced to explain the factors which possibly affect, adversely or otherwise, what may be termed, for want of a more suitable word, churnability
Linseed Mucilage
Authors: Neville Allen
Published: March 2009

Under laboratory conditions the mucilage is unattacked by the digestive enzymes, and even when fed to a non-ruminant animal 75 per cent. can be shown to pass through unchanged. As far as such a point can be demonstrated by laboratory experiments, it is however probable that the mucilage is attacked by intestinal bacteria, and, in ruminants especially, largely broken up in this way, with the evolution of gases and certain volatile acids among other products. This behaviour while unexpected at the beginning of the investigation is not inconsistent with its chemical character as a hydrated cellulose. A similar case is perhaps found in the substance agar-agar, which is readily attacked by bacteria, but is stated by Armstrong in his article on “Carbohydrates” in Allen's Organic Analysis to be practically indigestible by the human organism.
Grassland in Britain
Authors: Smith Wm. G. , Crampton C. B.
Published: March 2009

Grassland, like any other kind of vegetation, represents a balance between the requirements of certain plants on the one hand, and the conditions of the environment on the other. It is a result of Nature's demand and supply. An examination of the environmental conditions which determine the existence of grassland is therefore necessary if we wish to make it and maintain it, or to improve its production. Experimental work has demonstrated that grassland is capable of being improved as to grazing qualities, but the results so obtained can hardly yet be said to be capable of being safely applied to areas beyond those actually experimented upon. Few can say with confidence that such and such a treatment will succeed here, and another treatment there. In other words, we have no basis for classifying or valuing grasslands. Assuming that our present outlook is too narrow, too economic, it may be that by taking a broader, if more philosophical view, some progress may be made.
Town Smoke and Plant Growth
Authors: Crowther Charles , Ruston Arthur G.
Published: March 2009

In a previous communication we have summarised the results obtained by us in a study of the nature and extent of atmospheric pollution in different parts of the city of Leeds and in further studies of some of the effects of smoke upon plant growth.
Partial Sterilisation of Soil by Volatile and Non-Volatile Antiseptics
Authors: Buddin Walter
Published: March 2009

1. The characteristics of true partial sterilisation have been found to be common to a large number of antiseptics and are

(a) An initial decrease in the numbers of bacteria followed by a large sustained rise.

(b) The killing of protozoa and nitrifying organisms. In no case have we observed all the usual partial sterilisation phenomena without the death of the larger protozoa which occur abundantly in cultures made from our soils.
The Evaporation of Water from Soil
Authors: Keen Bernard A.
Published: March 2009

The evaporation of water from the soil fractions “sand” and “silt,” from china clay, and ignited soil is a relatively simple phenomenon which can readily be explained by the known laws of evaporation and diffusion. The evaporation from soil is more complex, something being present which operates in making the relation between the soil and the soil water of a different and closer nature than in the case of sand, etc. The effect is not due to the soluble humus, for the removal of this material from the soil does not appreciably affect the phenomena of evaporation. Any possible effect of the insoluble organic matter is largely eliminated by the consideration that ignited sand and silt behave like the unignited material.
The reaction between dilute acids and the phosphorus compounds of the soil
Authors: Russell Edward John , Prescott James Arthur
Published: March 2009

Few reactions are more important to the soil chemist than that involved in the action of dilute acids on the phosphorus compounds of the soil, but, owing to its complex nature, little has been definitely ascertained about it. The importance of the reaction lies in the fact that it affords a distinction between those phosphorus compounds which are fairly easily soluble, and may therefore be expected to enter the plant root without much difficulty, and the less soluble compounds which are of less value in the nutrition of plants.
On Ovariotomy in Sows; With Observations on the Mammary Glands and the Internal Genital Organs
Authors: Mackenzie K. J. J. , Marshall F. H. A.
Published: March 2009

In Part III of this series of communications we recorded that no mammary pigment could be found in the old sows that were examined by us, and we suggested the possibility that such pigment had previously been present and had been destroyed or removed during the periods of glandular activity.
The changes taking place during the storage of farmyard manure.
Authors: Russell E. J. , Richards E. H.
Published: March 2009

We can now bring together the various results obtained during the course of our investigations.

We find that the changes are at a minimum underanaerobicconditions, and they are as follows:

1. In the laboratory experiments as much as 17 % of the dry matter may be converted into gas: in the heap the proportion is less.

2. The non-nitrogenous constituents are particularly affected, as much as one quarter of the pentosans may disappear during the process and other constituents break down in like proportion. The gas evolved contains carbon dioxide, marsh gas, and hydrogen.
Pot-culture experiments with an electric discharge
Authors: Blackman V. H. , Legg A. T.
Published: March 2009

Pot-culture experiments carried out during a period of four years with Wheat, Barley and Maize show that these plants exhibit increase of dry weight when subjected to minute electric currents (of an intensity as low as 0·1 × 10–10 amp. per plant) from wire networks charged to a high voltage suspended above them. Of 28 sets in which the cultural conditions were satisfactory 23 showed an increased yield.

A percentage increase in dry weight of 27 ± 5·8 was shown by Maize plants grown under glass and little more than a month old. With Barley the largest percentage increase was 18 ± 2·4.

Direct currents were mostly studied, but increased growth was obtained with both direct and alternating current, the alternating current being apparently as effective or even more effective than the direct; the plants themselves, however, are able to bring about a slight rectification of the current.

Electrification of Barley for the first month of the growing season appears to be as effective as electrification during the whole growing season.

The discharging networks were usually charged positively, but a similar stimulating effect on dry weight production was obtained with a negative charge on the network.

Currents of the order of 1 × 10–8 amp. per plant and higher are injurious, causing a reduction of dry weight.

In one experiment plants screened from the normal atmospheric current by a series of parallel “earthed” wires (0·35 mm. diameter) showed, by comparison with the controls, a percentage decrease of 4·7 ± 2·3, which is hardly significant. It indicates however that though a favourable effect may be exerted by the normal atmospheric (air-earth) current, yet the effect can be but slight.

In one experiment with Barley indications of a differential effect of the discharge were obtained, for the increase in grain yield brought about by the discharge was greater than the increase in total dry weight.

The effect is to be.classed as of the nature of a stimulation since the energy-value of the additional plant material produced is out of all proportion to the energy supplied by the electric discharge.

These experiments with pot-cultures fall into line with those from the field (1) and from the laboratory(2); they leave no uncertainty as to the favourable action of the electric discharge.
Studies on soil reaction. II. The colorimetric determination of the hydrogen ion concentration in soils and aqueous soil extracts (Preliminary communication.)
Authors: Fisher E. A.
Published: March 2009

Themethods used for the determination of — log [] fall naturally into two groups:

(a) Electrometric, and

(b) Colorimetrie methods.

Electrometric methods were first introduced into analytical practice in 1897 by Böttger(l) who determined the neutral point in titrating acids with alkalis by using a gas chain; subsequent improvements were made by Hildebrand (16), Gumming and Gilchrist(10); Hasselbalch(15), W. M. Clark(6), Michaelis(19), Walpole(28, 29) and others. The method has been applied to the measurement of [] of biological fluids with considerable success*. It was first applied to the measurement of [] of soil suspensions by G. Fischer (12) in Germany in 1914 and subsequently in America by Sharp and Hoagland(23), and by Gillespie(13, 14) and his co-workers.
Notes on the drainage from tower silos
Authors: Godden William
Published: March 2009

In a recent paper dealing with the changes which occur during the ensilage of oats and tares, Amos and Woodman (1) indicate that drainage is an important source of loss during ensilage and record that the drainage liquid has been found to contain varying quantities, between 4 and 10 per cent., of soluble material. No analysis of this soluble material is given.