bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and development in beef cattle. 2. Direct and residual effects of plane of nutrition during early life on the chemical composition of body components
Authors: Patterson D. C. , Steen R. W. J.
Published: March 2009

Low, medium and high planes of nutrition were imposed on Friesian calves from 1 to 13 weeks of age (Period 1) and factorially arranged with low and high planes of nutrition in the 13–25 week period (Period 2). In the final (residual) period, from 25 weeks to slaughter, all animals were given the same high plane diet. The different planes of nutrition were achieved by offering restricted allowances of milk replacer or concentrates with roughage ad libitum. The roughage was grass hay during the milkfeeding period and grass silage thereafter. Representative animals were slaughtered at 1, 13 and 25 weeks of age while the remaining animals were slaughtered at mean liveweights of 503 and 553 kg. The ME intake of the low plane animals in Period 1 was 0·55 that of the high plane animals and produced daily accretions of protein, fat and energy in empty body which were respectively 0·43, 0·29 and 0·36 of the gains of the high plane animals. The ME intake of the low plane in Period 2 was 0·69 of the high plane and daily accretions of protein, fat and energy in empty body were 0·46, 0·59 and 0·54 of the gains of the high plane animals.

Within Period 2 compensatory protein growth was observed in both carcass and non-carcass components in response to nutritional restriction in Period 1. Compensatory protein growth was also obtained in the carcass component in the residual period as an indirect effect of nutritional restriction in Period 2.

Nutritional restriction in early life produced relatively small non-significant direct effects on body and carcass composition and while early restriction subsequent produced a considerable degree of compensatory growth, there were no significant differences in carcass measurements or chemical composition of the carcass by the final slaughter weight.
Direct and residual effect of phosphorus on dryland barley
Authors: Orphanos P. I.
Published: March 2009

In a 14-year experiment conducted at Athalassa in the central plain of Cyprus, phosphorus was applied (0, 30 or 60 kg P/ha) annually over the first 5-year period to rainfed barley continually grown and cut for hay at the milk stage of the grain. The bicarbonate-extractable P content in the surface soil was 4 mg/kg at the start and increased to 16 and 25 mg/kg after the five annual applications of 30 and 60 kg P/ha, respectively. The residual effect of P was monitored in the following seven crop seasons, by the end of which soil P had dropped to below the recognised 6 mg/kg threshold value for response to P. The application of P was resumed in the last two experimental seasons (1992/93 and 1993/94). In two cropping seasons, rainfall was < 140 mm and no harvestable yield was obtained. In another two seasons, in which there was adequate rainfall in December and January, there was no response to P, but in the other seasons 30 kg P/ha was sufficient for maximum yield. Concentration of P in the dry matter (DM) harvested increased in proportion to the P applied.

A P balance sheet made after the first five P applications and taking into account the amount of P removed in the DM and the increase in soil bicarbonate-extractable P indicated that 29 and 26 % of the P applied with the 30 and 60 kg P/ha rates, respectively, was accounted for.

The data indicate that the established threshold value of 6 mg P/kg is valid. The soil tested 180 mg/kg exchangeable K. but application of 240 or 480 kg K/ha did not increase yield.
Nutritional and haemagglutination properties of several tropical seeds
Authors: Grant G. , More L. J. , McKenzie N. H. , Dorward P. M. , Buchan W. C. , Telek L. , Pusztai A.
Published: March 2009

The nutritional potential of a number of raw tropical seeds was assessed in a series of feeding trials with rats. Seed lectin reactivity was also monitored, α-amylase and trypsin inhibitory activities were determined in some of the seeds.

Abelmosclius esculentus, Chenopodium quinoa, Delonix regia, Macroptilium lathyroides, Papaver sonmiferum, Parkia biglandulosa, Sesbania arabica, Terminalia catappa, Vigna subterranea, Vigna umbellata and Vigna unguiculata seeds supported moderate rat growth. The seeds contained only low levels of essentially non-toxic lectin, moderate amounts of trypsin inhibitors and negligible quantities of a-amylase inhibitors and they have great potential as dietary protein sources for man and animals.

Artocarpus altilis, Canavalia ensiformis, Canavalia maritima, Dioclea grandiflora, Phaseolus acutifolius, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Processor, cv. Rosinha G2 and cv. Carioca 80 seeds were toxic. These seeds contained high levels of potentially toxic lectins. Other antinutritional factors may also have contributed to the high oral toxicity of some of these seeds.

Albizia adinocephala, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia violacea, Cassia nodosa, Cassia tora, Dioclea sclerocarpa, Entada phaseoloides, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Leucaena leucocephala and Moringa oleifera seeds were also highly toxic but had only low levels of essentially non-toxic lectins suggesting that the toxicity was due to other anti-nutritional factors.

Bauhinia reticulata, Macrotyloma uniflorum and Tamarindus indica proteins were poorly digested and utilized. The seeds contained low levels of lectins which agglutinated only rat and cattle erythrocytes which had been pre-treated with suitable proteases. Brownea macrophylla had a similar lectin reactivity.
Effects of synchronizing the rate of dietary energy and nitrogen release in diets with a similar carbohydrate composition on rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep
Authors: Sinclair L. A. , Garnsworthy P. C. , Newbold J. R. , Buttery P. J.
Published: March 2009

The effects of synchronizing dietary energy and nitrogen supply in diets with a similar carbohydrate composition on microbial protein synthesis and rumen fermentation were examined in sheep. Two diets were formulated to be either synchronous (diet S) or asynchronous (diet A) for the hourly release of nitrogen (N) and energy to the rumen. Diet S contained (g/kg) 425 g wheat straw, 400 g winter barley, 150 grapeseed meal and 25 g minerals/vitamins and diet A contained 505 g wheat straw, 458.5 g winter barley, 11·5 g urea and 25 g minerals/vitamins. Both diets were fed at the rate of 1 kg/day in four equal portions, to four cannulated sheep, in two periods in a change-over design. Rumen ammonia concentrations followed the predicted hourly trend in N degradation with a peak 1 h after feeding of 10 mM for diet S and 16 mM for diet A before falling within 3 h of feeding to 4 ITIM in animals fed either diet. Rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations followed the cyclical trend predicted by stoichiometric equations, whilst rumen VFA ratios were more stable than predicted in animals fed either diet. The observed content of rumen degradable protein and organic matter truly degraded in the rumen was similar for both diets. The increase in total CHO digested in the rumen observed with diet A (427 g/kg DM) compared with diet S (364 g/kg DM) can be attributed to the greater content of starch in the asynchronous diet, which had a high degradability. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (g N/kg OM truly degraded in the rumen) was 11–20% greater in animals fed the synchronous diet (S) than the asynchronous diet (A). It is concluded that microbial N production was more efficient when dietary energy and N supply were synchronized.
Seed-size effects on lentil (Lens culinaris) yield potential and adaptation to temperature and rainfall in West Asia
Authors: Erskine W.
Published: March 2009

Among lentil-growing regions, it is only in West Asia that both large-seeded, yellow cotyledon and small-seeded, red cotyledon lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) are grown by farmers. This study examined the adaptation to temperature and rainfall of the two seed-size groups in West Asia; first in germplasm evaluated in Syria in the 1978/79 and 1979/80 seasons and assessed for cold susceptibility in Turkey in the 1979/80 season, and second in breeding lines over the decade 1984–93 at three sites in West Asia.

Large-seeded material consistently had a longer reproductive growth period than the small-seeded group by 2·8 days, an extended period being required to fill its greater seed mass per pod. In the breeding material, the large-seeded group consistently produced taller plants and more straw than the smaller seeded-group. Germplasm with large seeds was less susceptible to winter cold than that with small seeds. Additionally, in the breeding material there was an advantage in seed yield of the largeseeded group over the small seeds in average temperatures < 10 °C from January to April, with the converse true at higher temperatures. In the breeding material, the large-seeded group showed an advantage in seed yield over their small-seeded counterparts at the two wetter sites, whereas the smallseeded group was better adapted to dry environments. Based on this adaptation, the potential of some regions currently growing exclusively large-seeded lentil for producing the other seed type is emphasised.
Sewage sludge applications to grassland: influence of sludge type, time and method of application on nitrate leaching and herbage yield
Authors: Misselbrook T. H. , Shepherd M. A. , Pain B. F.
Published: March 2009

Sewage sludge applications were made to two freely draining grassland sites of contrasting rainfall in SW England in 1991/92 and 1992/93. Applications were made in autumn, winter and spring (following first silage cut), with raw sludge applied by injection and digested sludge both as a surface application and injection at application rates of 140 m3/ha and 125 m3/ha for raw and digested sludge respectively. A tine-only treatment and an untreated control were also included. Nitrate leaching was measured following autumn and winter applications using porous ceramic cups. Average NO3--N concentrations in drainage water exceeded the EC limit for potable water of ll·3 mg/l following autumn injection of digested sludge at one site for both years. Average concentrations in drainage water for all other sludge treatments were below this limit. Up to 24, 11 and 6% of the applied total N was leached from injected digested, surface-applied digested and injected raw sludge respectively. Autumn applications resulted in greater leaching losses than winter application. Leaching losses were greater from digested than from raw sludge when both were applied by deep injection. Injection of digested sludge as compared to surface application exacerbated nitrate leaching losses. Herbage yields and N recoveries were better from later sludge applications, with the exception of injection treatments, where spring sludge injection during a prolonged dry period resulted in yield reductions as compared to autumn injection.
Differences in phasic development rate amongst wheat cultivars independent of responses to photoperiod and vernalization. A viewpoint of the intrinsic earliness hypothesis
Authors: Slafer G. A.
Published: March 2009

Differences amongst wheat cultivars in the rate of reproductive development are largely dependent on differences in their sensitivity to photoperiod and vernalization. However, when these responses are accounted for, by growing vernalized seedlings under long photoperiods, cultivars can still differ markedly in time to ear emergence. Control of rate of development by this ‘third factor’ has been poorly understood and is variously referred to as intrinsic earliness, earliness in the narrow sense, basic vegetative period, earlinessper se, and basic development rate. Certain assumptions are made in the concept of intrinsic earliness. They are that differences in intrinsic earliness (i) are independent of the responses of the cultivars to photoperiod and vernalization, (ii) apply only to the length of the vegetative period up to floral initiation (as suggested by several authors), (iii) are maintained under different temperatures, measured either in days or degree days. As a consequence of this, the ranking of cultivars (from intrinsically early to intrinsically late) must be maintained at different temperatures. This paper, by the re-analysis of published data, examines the extent to which these assumptions can be supported.

Although it is shown that intrinsic earliness operates independently of photoperiod and vernalization responses, the other assumptions were not supported. The differences amongst genotypes in time to ear emergence, grown under above-optimum vernalization and photoperiod (that is when the response to these factors is saturated), were not exclusively due to parallel differences in the length of the vegetative phase, and the length of the reproductive phase was independent of that of the vegetative phase. Thus, it would be possible to change the relative allocation of time to vegetative and reproductive periods with no change in the full period to ear emergence.

The differences in intrinsic earliness between cultivars were modified by the temperature regime under which they were grown, i.e. the difference between cultivars (both considering the full phase to ear emergence or some sub-phases) was not a constant amount of time or thermal time at different temperatures. In addition, in some instances genotypes changed their ranking for ‘intrinsic earliness’ depending on the temperature regime. This was interpreted to mean that while all genotypes are sensitive to temperature they differ amongst themselves in the extent of that sensitivity.

Therefore, ‘intrinsic earliness’ should not be considered as a static genotypic characteristic, but the result of the interaction between the genotype and temperature. Intrinsic earliness is therefore likely to be related to temperature sensitivity. Some implications of these conclusions for plant breeding and crop simulation modelling are discussed.
Vigour of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) plants grown from rhizomes as an index for selecting for ease of establishment from stem cuttings
Authors: Ahuja S. L. , Tuteja O. P.
Published: March 2009

In studies of 36 genotypes of Boehmeria nivea, height of plants grown from rhizomes at 70, 90 and 110 days after planting showed positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations with establishment percentage from stem cuttings, indicating that genotypes producing tall plants from rhizomes could establish more easily from stem cuttings than genotypes producing shorter plants. A higher genotypic than phenotypic correlation coefficient and a higher coheritability percentage indicated that plant height and establishment percentage were genetically linked and influenced little by environment. It was concluded that vigour of plants grown from rhizomes may be used as a criterion in selection of genotypes for ease of establishment of stem cuttings.
Seasonal changes in leaf water relations and cell membrane stability in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)
Authors: Premachandra G. S. , Saneoka H. , Fujita K. , Ogata S.
Published: March 2009

Fifteen cultivars of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were grown in the field at Hiroshima University, Japan, to investigate seasonal changes in leaf water relations and cell membrane stability (CMS) measured by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) test. Leaf water potential and osmotic potential were measured from August 1988 to August 1989. Solute concentration in leaf cell sap was also estimated.

Cell membrane stability increased, leaf water potential and osmotic potential decreased and turgor potential increased with decreasing environmental temperatures during autumn and winter. The significant increases observed in CMS may enable plants to tolerate freezing temperatures during winter. Decrease in leaf water potential may be a result of water-deficit effects due to soil freezing at low temperatures and the decrease in osmotic potential may help plants to maintain turgor and tolerate freezing conditions. Plants maintained higher turgor as the osmotic potential decreased to values as low as – 3·98 MPa during winter; the maintenance of turgor helps to maintain water uptake under water deficit conditions at low temperatures.

Sugar and K were the major osmotic contributors in orchardgrass leaves. Sugar and Ca concentrations increased and Mg and P concentrations decreased at cold temperatures. K concentration increased in six cultivars and decreased in nine others at cold temperatures. Sugar concentration in cell sap was negatively correlated with osmotic potential. It was concluded that seasonal changes in CMS may be mainly associated with the osmotic potential of the leaf tissues.
Ratio of plant to soil concentrations of strontium-85 and its relation to properties of Greek soils
Authors: Papanicolaou E. P. , Apostolakis C. G. , Skarlou V. , Nobeli C. , Kritidis P.
Published: March 2009

Plant:soil ratios (CRs) of 85Sr concentration were studied in wheat, lucerne, lettuce, radish, string bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and cucumber grown in pots in eight Greek soil types in a glasshouse pot experiment in 1989.

The CRs of the crops and of the plant parts studied differed according to soil type. They ranged from 0·034–1·39 for wheat grains to 7·6–36·5 for cucumber stems and leaves. The CRs of the edible parts were much lower than those of the other plant material.

The correlation between CRs and clay content was negative and, in most cases, significant (P = 0·05–0·01) or highly significant (P < 0·01). The negative correlation improved (higher absolute value of r, lower variability) if clay plus silt content or cation exchange capacity was used instead of clay content.

The correlation between CRs and soil properties was greatest for soil pH (r = –0·89) and decreased in the order: pH > total clay plus silt ≃ cation exchange capacity > total clay.
A comparison of six cover crop types in terms of nitrogen uptake and effect on response to nitrogen by a subsequent spring barley crop
Authors: Richards I. R. , Wallace P. A. , Turner I. D. S.
Published: March 2009

A field experiment was conducted at nine sites in England (1991–94) to compare six sown species of cover crop and natural regeneration in terms of nitrogen uptake and effect on response to applied N by a subsequent spring barley crop. The success and extent of cover crop establishment varied among sites and was insignificant in two. This may be associated with the relatively late sowing of the cover crops, the earliest site being sown on 27 August and the latest on 19 October. Dry matter (DM) yield of the sown cover crop at time of incorporation was related to sowing date, earlier sowing giving the higher yields. Maximum total DM yield and N uptake by the above-ground portion of cover crops were 1280kgDM/ha and 38 kg N/ha respectively. The extent of N uptake by the cover crops appeared to be related to the success of establishment rather than to the level of soil nitrate-N at the time of their sowing. Effects of cover crop incorporation on the subsequent spring barley were small. There was no evidence for any positive effect of the cover crop on N supply to the barley. In one trial, incorporation of forage rye significantly reduced grain yield of the barley by 0·7–1·2 t/ha compared to other cover crop species.
Evaluation of six cultivars of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) across three yam-growing areas in southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Asadu C. L. A. , Akamigbo F. O. R. , Nweke F. I. , Ezumah H. C.
Published: March 2009

A split split-plot experiment was conducted in the 1986 and 1987 cropping seasons in three major yam-growing areas in southeastern Nigeria to assess the performance and yield stability of six cultivars of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir). Location, fertilizer and cultivar, as well as some of their interaction effects, significantly affected tuber yields.

The best location for yam production, based on the overall performance of the cultivars, was the sub-humid Guinea savanna, followed by the humid forest-regrowth and then the transitional forestsavanna zone. Except for two cultivars, which performed best in their source locations, all other cultivars yielded best at a different location. Thus, at present, these cultivars are not grown in those areas to which they are best suited. This makes it desirable to test exogenous cultivars in new areas. In terms of yield stability, however, the two cultivars originating from the humid forest-regrowth area gave the most stable yields across the three diverse environments considered. Although they did not give the highest tuber yields at all the locations, their overall yields were above the mean yields forall the cultivars. The most suitable cultivars were recommended for each ecological zone, on the basis of the observed interaction effects.
Some long-term effects of slurry on grassland
Authors: Christie P.
Published: March 2009

A field experiment is described in which three rates of pig and cow slurry were applied to a ryegrass sward over a period of 16 years. The experiment included control plots and plots receiving fertilizer supplying 200 kg N, 32 kg P and 160 kg K/ha per year.

The slurry nutrient concentrations were similar to published values. Pig slurry was more variable than cow slurry and both varied significantly from year to year. Slurry was applied at 50, 100 or 200 m3/ha per year, with each rate divided into three equal applications.

Even the highest slurry application rate did not depress herbage yield, which showed a typical response curve to the amount of soluble nitrogen applied. The ammoniumnitrogen content of slurry (61% on average) gave an adequate measure of its effect on herbage yield when it was applied three times per year in spring and summer.

Recovery of phosphorus in the herbage averaged 30% from pig slurry, 40% from cow slurry and 66% from-fertilizer. Pig slurry supplied more phosphorus than did cow slurry, and herbage phosphorus content was significantly correlated with the amount applied. Much of the slurry phosphorus may have been organically bound and not available to plants in the short term.

Recovery of potassium from pig slurry and fertilizer was nearly 90% and from cow slurry about 70%. Cow slurry supplied potassium in excess of crop requirements so that it accumulated in the soil under the largest dressing. Soil phosphorus reserves declined under the smallest dressing of cow slurry but were maintained at higher application rates. The pig slurry produced a marked accumulation of phosphorus under the largest dressing. The substantial accumulations of phosphorus and potassium from pig and cow slurry respectively gave marked penetration of the soil below 10 cm depth only at the highest application rate. The data suggest that at rates typical of farm practice significant losses of phosphorus and potassium from the rooting zone would be unlikely to occur.

The main invading plant species were Agrostis stolonifera L. and Poa spp. Small slurry dressings produced a similar botanical composition to that of plots given fertilizer. Increasing slurry application rates decreased the proportion of L. perenne and increased that of A. stolonifera but only under the largest dressing did L. perenne fall to a small proportion of the sward and A. stolonifera become very dominant. L. perenne made maximum contribution to herbage dry-matter yield early in the season while the proportion of A. stolonifera increased as the season progressed.

Under these conditions even extremely large slurry dressings did not depress herbage yield and may not necessarily have reduced herbage quality despite marked changes in sward botanical composition.
The nutrition of the bacon pig: VI. The minimum level of protein intake consistent with quick growth and satisfactory carcass quality (Part III)
Authors: Woodman H. E. , Evans R. E.
Published: March 2009

It has been shown that a diet supplying, in addition to barley meal, weatings and 2% of lucerne meal, 5% of fish meal up to 90 lb. live weight, 2% from 90 to 150 lb. and no protein-rich food from 150 lb. to slaughter at about 200 lb. live weight, will give almost as good results, from the standpoints of mean daily live-weight increase and efficiency of food conversion over the whole period as one that provides 10% of fish meal from weaning to 150 lb. and 5% of a protein-rich food such as ex. soya bean meal from 150 to 200 lb. live weight. The small differences noted in the present trial were not statistically significant. It is true that the reduction of the fish meal supply to 5% or less retards to a significant extent the rate of growth up to 90 lb. live weight, but this initial setback, according to the results of this and the writers' previous investigations, tends to be wiped out during the later stages of feeding.

Further, a diet supplying, in addition to cereal, weatings and a small proportion of lucerne meal, as little as 2% of fish meal up to 90 lb. live weight and no protein-rich food at all thereafter has been shown to give results that are not seriously inferior, particularly when viewed against the background of wartime conditions, to those obtained on the standard diet. In this treatment, the protein required for growth beyond 90 lb. live weight was supplied by a diet of barley meal and weatings reinforced by 2% of lucerne meal.
Meiotic irregularities in hexaploid oats I. Univalent frequencies in spring × winter variety hybrids of Avena sativa
Authors: Hoeard H. W.
Published: March 2009

1. Meiosis was studied in pollen mother cells of the following F1 hybrids: Victory × Avoine d’hiver, Victory × Grey Winter, Argentine × Avoine d’hiver, Victory × Argentine and Avoine d’hiver × Grey Winter.
A model for the prediction of dairy cow body weight based on a physiological timescale
Authors: Devir S. , Zur B. , Maltz E. , Genizi A. , Antler A.
Published: March 2009

A multivariate linear model was developed to evaluate dairy cow body weight (BW) during lactation on a commercial dairy farm. The model was calibrated separately for first, second and greater than second parities, and also for winter and summer calvers, fed a total mixed ration of 65% concentrates. Average weekly BW was predicted using the following variables on a weekly basis: 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield, time of conception (PREG), time from calving (w), initial body weight (1BW) measured within 2 days after calving, and weeks remaining until the end of the calving season (SWR). The ability of the model to predict mean BW along lactations was tested in the same herd following calibration and during the same period. The prediction capacity of the model for average BW of groups of cows was examined on two timescales: (i) time from calving (physiological timescale) and (ii) any time during the year (calendar timescale). Results indicated that predicted mean BW deviated from measured values either by 1–2% with a maximal deviation of c. 5% on the physiological timescale or by up to 2% on the calendar timescale.
Effects of sowing date, nitrogenous fertilizer and insect pest control on cotton yield and its year-to-year variation in the Sudan Gezira
Authors: Burhan H. O. , Jackson J. E.
Published: March 2009

Variation of cotton yields from year to year has been a major problem in the Sudan Gezira for a long time. Previous studies indicated involvement of pest attack, soil nitrogen levels and lengths of growing season in this and suggested that adequate control of these factorswould lead to consistently high yields. Factorial experiments to test this hypothesis, comparing plots sown in early or late August, with or without frequent insecticide spraying and with orwithout nitrogenous fertilizer were therefore carried out at each of five sites in the Sudan Gezira and the first five years’ results are presented.

There were large, positive responses to nitrogen, spraying and early sowing at all sites. Nitrogen and spraying interacted positively, i.e. the response to nitrogen was much greater on sprayed plots and the response to spraying much greater on fertilized plots. Where plots were sprayed, early sowing also increased the response to nitrogen.

Treatment responses varied from year to year in such a way that the optimum combination resulted not only in much higher average yields but also in greatly improved stability of yield from year to year. The average yields, and the response to nitrogen on sprayed plots, were up to the levels which previous regression studies had estimated would be obtained in the absence of serious pest attack and were similar to peak yields in earlier years. During the course of theseexperiments commercial crop practice has changed towards earlier sowing, heavier nitrogen dressing and more frequent spraying, with apparently beneficial effects on yield and consistency of cropping.
Fungicidal control of powdery mildew and its effect on yield, digestibility and chemical composition of eight forage rape cultivars
Authors: Williamson Cynthia J. , Smith W. H. MacFarlane
Published: March 2009

Eight forage rape cultivars were grown in replicated trials in 1980, 1981 and 1982; the plots were either inoculated to promote early infection with powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum) or they received one application of fiuotrimazole (in 1980) or triadimefon (in 1981 and 1982) to control mildew.

Mildew infections first appeared during August and increased rapidly during September to give highly significant differences between cultivars for the percentage leaf area infected in October; cv. Lair had the least mildew and cvs Samo, Early Giant, Bishop and Winfred were most severely infected. Regression analyses were used to investigate the increase in mildew over time in 1980 and 1981. No clear pattern of disease development was evident in 1980, but in 1981 the increase in mildew was predominantly linear and in untreated plots the greatest increase occurred in cvs Winfred, Samo and Bishop and the least in cv. Lair. Mildew was reduced in each year (P < 0·001) on fungicide treated plots and the mean fresh weight yield increase of 4·61 t/ha from treated plots was attributed mainly to the control of E. cruciferarum.

Fungicide treatment had little effect on % organic matter (OM), % digestible organic matter (DOMD) or concentration of thiocyanate ion (SCN-); both % nitrogen (N) and concentration of S-methyl cysteine sulphoxide (SMCO) were reduced in fungicide-treated plots in 1981, and N was also reduced in 1982. The mean concentration of SCN- from treated and untreated plots over 3 years was least in cv. Samo (14·90 mg/100 g D.M.) and greatest in cv. Lair (22·15 mg/100 g D.M.). The response in yield and quality factors to fungicide treatment is discussed in relation to the control of powdery mildew and other, possibly phytotonic, effects.
The Making of a Slovak City: The Czechoslovak Renaming of Pressburg/Pozsony/Prešporok, 1918–19
Authors: Bugge Peter
Published: March 2009

Any modern atlas or encyclopedia will inform us that Bratislava is the capital of the Slovak Republic, the center of Slovak political and cultural life. But before World War I—or even toward the end of it in 1918—it was far from clear that the city could or should be defined as “Slovak,” to say nothing of a “Slovak capital”; that it was to belong to the future state of Czechoslovakia; or that it was to be called Bratislava. This essay will describe the processes that led to these outcomes, and how a name shift became a crucial instrument in the “Slovakization” of the city. In focusing also on the ways local and central actors responded to these political and symbolic transformations, I hope to shed new light on the complexity of collective identifications and allegiances, and on the significance of renaming as a catalyst for processes of nationalization in Central Europe in the early decades of the twentieth century.
Metallothioneins and Related Chelators
Authors: Nordberg Monica , Schaffner Walter , Blindauer Claudia A , Weser Ulrich , Freisinger Eva , Atrian Silvia , Sturzenbaum Stephen R , Vergani Laura , Campbell Peter G C , Hidalgo Juan , Vasak Milan , Petering David H , Waalkes Michael P , Lillig Christopher Horst , Achterberg Eric , Meloni Gabriele , Kraeutler Bernhard , Matthews Rowena G , Thauer Rudolf K , Lindahl Paul A , Camps Juan C Fontecilla , Peters John W , Brunold Thomas , Rivera Mario , Karlin Kenneth D , Sosa-Torres Martha E , Hille Russ
Published: March 2009

This title is not available to purchase from Royal Society of Chemistry. Please visit www.bioinorganic-chemistry.org/mils for title information.

 

These sulfur-rich chelators, being important in metal ion homeostasis, find increasing attention. MILS-5, written by 30 internationally recognized experts, focuses on this hot topic. The reader is supported by about 20 tables, more than 80 illustrations and nearly 2000 references. This book is an essential resource for scientists working in a wide range of disciplines from environmental toxicology and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to physiology and medicine.
Metallothionein Toxicology: Metal Ion Trafficking and Cellular Protection
Authors: Petering David H. , Krezoski Susan , Tabatabai Niloofar M.
Published: March 2009

The literature is replete with reports about the involvement of metallothionein in host defense against injurious chemical, biological, and physical agents. Yet, metallothionein's functional roles are still being debated. This review addresses the issues that have left the physiological significance of metallothionein in doubt and moves on to assess the MT's importance in cell toxicology. It is evident that the protein is broadly involved in protecting cells from injury due to toxic metal ions, oxidants, and electrophiles. Attention is focused on MT's structural and chemical properties that confer this widespread role in cell protection. Particular emphasis is placed on the implications of finding that metal ion unsaturated metallothionein is commonly present in many cells and tissues and the question, how does selectivity of reaction with metallothionein take place in the cellular environment that includes large numbers of competing metal binding sites and high concentrations of protein and glutathione sulfhydryl groups?
Meeting Housing-Space Demand through in Situ Housing Adjustments in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana
Authors: Awanyo Louis
Published: March 2009

In this primary research-based paper I highlight an officially neglected housing supply strategy in Ghana. I discuss the ubiquitous in situ housing strategies employed by households of varying socioeconomic means for meeting housing-space demand and the factors that condition these strategies in the Madina-Adenta area of the rapidly expanding Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. Income and available housing space, household and room occupancy rates, changes in household size, length of residence, tenure, and housing stress were factors in the adoption of housing-space strategies. While 44% of respondents expressed great need for additional housing space, lack of financial resources and the problem of affordability were primary constraints on their ability to employ an incremental housing-space strategy. Access to a good supply of affordable housing credit is thus viewed as a critical housing policy mechanism for enabling in situ housing construction.
Structured event complexes in the medial prefrontal cortex support counterfactual representations for future planning
Authors: Barbey Aron K. , Krueger Frank , Grafman Jordan
Published: March 2009

We propose that counterfactual representations for reasoning about the past or predicting the future depend on
structured event complexes
(SECs) in the human prefrontal cortex (PFC; ‘What would happen if
X
were performed in the past or enacted in the future?’). We identify three major categories of counterfactual thought (concerning action versus inaction, the self versus other and upward versus downward thinking) and propose that each form of inference recruits SEC representations in distinct regions of the medial PFC. We develop a process model of the regulatory functions these representations serve and draw conclusions about the importance of SECs for explaining the past and predicting the future.
Arabidopsis RNA immunoprecipitation
Authors: Terzi Lionel C. , Simpson Gordon G
Published: March 2009

RNA‐binding proteins are key regulators of plant gene expression. Consistent with this, the Arabidopsis genome encodes many RNA‐binding proteins that are genetically required for normal development and for responding to environmental changes. However, the direct RNA targets and RNA processing events that these RNA‐binding proteins control are poorly understood. In order to facilitate the functional characterization of RNA‐binding proteins, we have applied the RNA immunoprecipitation assay to Arabidopsis. Working with the U2B″–U2 snRNA interaction as a model experimental system, we show that treatment of intact plants with formaldehyde allows immunocapture of U2 snRNA using antibodies that recognize U2B″ fused to the generic GFP tag. When coupled with recent developments in whole‐genome tiling arrays and high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing, this combination of procedures and technology has the potential to allow systematic functional analysis of plant RNA‐binding proteins.
Aurora1 phosphorylation activity on histone H3 and its cross‐talk with other post‐translational histone modifications in Arabidopsis
Authors: Demidov Dmitri , Hesse Susann , Tewes Annegret , Rutten Twan , Fuchs Jörg , Karimi Ashtiyani Raheleh , Lein Sandro , Fischer Andreas , Reuter Gunter , Houben Andreas
Published: March 2009

The enzymological properties of AtAurora1, a kinase responsible for the cell cycle‐dependent phosphorylation of histone H3 at S10, and its cross‐talk with other post‐translational histone modifications, were determined. In vitro phosphorylation of H3S10 by AtAurora1 is strongly increased by K9 acetylation, and decreased by K14 acetylation and T11 phosphorylation. However, S10 phosphorylation activity is unaltered by mono‐, di‐ or trimethylation of K9. An interference of H3K9 dimethylation by SUVR4 occurs by a pre‐existing phosphorylation at S10. Hence, cross‐talk in plants exists between phosphorylation of H3S10 and methylation, acetylation or phosphorylation of neighbouring amino acid residues. AtAurora1 undergoes autophosphorylation in vivo regardless of the presence of substrate, and forms dimers in planta. Of the three ATP‐competitive Aurora inhibitors tested, Hesperadin was most effective in reducing the in vivo kinase activity of AtAurora1. Hesperadin consistently inhibited histone H3S10 phosphorylation during mitosis in Arabidopsis cells, but did not affect other H3 post‐translational modifications, suggesting a specific inhibition of AtAurora in vivo. Inactivation of AtAurora also caused lagging chromosomes in a number of anaphase cells, but, unlike the situation in mammalian cells, Hesperadin did not influence the microtubule dynamics in dividing cells.
Leukotriene pathway genetics and pharmacogenetics in allergy
Authors: Duroudier N. P. , Tulah A. S. , Sayers I.
Published: March 2009

Leukotrienes (LT) are biologically active lipid mediators known to be involved in allergic inflammation. Leukotrienes have been shown to mediate diverse features of allergic conditions including inflammatory cell chemotaxis/activation and smooth muscle contraction. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4and, LTE4) and the dihydroxy leukotriene LTB4are generated by a series of enzymes/proteins constituting the LT synthetic pathway or 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) pathway. Their function is mediated by interacting with multiple receptors. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and LT synthesis inhibitors (LTSI) have shown clinical efficacy in asthma and more recently in allergic rhinitis. Despite growing knowledge of leukotriene biology, the molecular regulation of these inflammatory mediators remains to be fully understood. Genes encoding enzymes of the 5‐LO pathway (i.e.ALOX5,LTC4SandLTA4H) and encoding for LT receptors (CYSLTR1/2andLTB4R1/2) provide excellent candidates for disease susceptibility and severity; however, their role remains unclear. Preliminary data also suggest that 5‐LO pathway/receptor gene polymorphism can predict patient responses to LTSI and LTRA; however, the exact mechanisms require elucidation. The aim of this review was to summarize the recent advances in the knowledge of these important mediators, focusing on genetic and pharmacogenetic aspects in the context of allergic phenotypes.
IGF‐1‐stimulated protein synthesis in oligodendrocyte progenitors requires PI3K/mTOR/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways
Authors: Bibollet‐Bahena Olivia , Almazan Guillermina
Published: March 2009

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) interacts with the Type I receptor to activate two main signaling pathways, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt cascades, which mediate proliferation or survival of oligodendrocyte (OL) progenitors (OLPs). In other cellular systems, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the p70 S6 kinase are downstream effectors that phosphorylate translation initiation factors (e.g. eIF‐4E), their regulators (e.g. 4E‐binding protein 1, 4E‐BP1) and ribosomal protein S6 (S6). The aim of this study was to determine whether these pathways are involved in IGF‐1‐stimulated protein synthesis, important for growth and differentiation of OLs. Rat cultured OLPs were treated with IGF‐1 with or without inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002 or Wortmannin), mTOR (rapamycin), MEK (PD98059), and Akt (III or IV), as well as an adenovirus encoding a dominant negative form of Akt. Protein synthesis, as assessed by [35S]‐methionine incorporation, was stimulated by IGF‐1 and required the upstream activation of PI3K, Akt, mTOR and MEK/ERK. Concordant with the experiments using protein kinase inhibitors, western blotting revealed that IGF‐1 stimulates phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, ERK, S6 and 4E‐BP1. Activation of S6 and inactivation of 4E‐BP1, necessary for protein synthesis to take place, were dependent on the upstream activation of PI3K and mTOR. Finally, IGF‐1 consistently stimulated protein synthesis through mTOR in differentiating OLPs but mRNA transcription was not required at day 4, indicating a differential role of IGF‐1 throughout OL development.
Using Multimember District Elections to Estimate the Sources of the Incumbency Advantage
Authors: Hirano Shigeo , Snyder, Jr. James M.
Published: March 2009

In this article we use a novel research design that exploits unique features of multimember districts to estimate and decompose the incumbency advantage in state legislative elections. Like some existing related studies we also use repeated observations on the same candidates to account for unobserved factors that remain constant across observations. Multimember districts have the additional feature of copartisans competing for multiple seats within the same district. This allows us to identify both the direct office‐holder benefits and the incumbent quality advantage over nonincumbent candidates from the same party. We find that the overall incumbency advantage is of similar magnitude as that found in previous studies. We attribute approximately half of this advantage to incumbents' quality advantage over open‐seat candidates and the remainder to direct office‐holder benefits. However, we also find some evidence that direct office‐holder benefits are larger in competitive districts than in safe districts and in states with relatively large legislative budgets per capita.
Campaign Learning and Vote Determinants
Authors: Peterson David A. M.
Published: March 2009

How campaigns shape voters' decisions is central to the study of political behavior. The basic conclusion is simple: campaigns matter. While we know who campaigns influence, there is no clear empirical evidence of why or how campaigns matter. This comes from two things. First, despite different theories about campaigns, the existing studies measure the campaign as a function of time. Second, these studies ignore the individual‐level psychological mediators of these effects. We know that there are differences across time during a campaign, but we do not know how or why. In this article I suggest that campaigns work by altering voters' uncertainty about the candidates and combine aggregate and individual‐level data using a hierarchical logit estimated via Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. I find that voters change how they weigh their attitudes during the campaign because of changes in their uncertainty about the candidates.
Current Views of European Anthropologists on Race: Influence of Educational and Ideological Background
Authors: Kaszycka Katarzyna A. , Štrkalj Goran , Strzałko Jan
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Significant differences in views on race (once a core anthropological concept) occur between scientists from different countries. In light of the ongoing race debate, we present the concept's current status in Europe. On three occasions in 2002–03, we surveyed European anthropologists' opinions toward the biological race concept. The participants were asked whether they agreed that there are biological races within the speciesHomo sapiens. A dependence was sought between the type of response and several factors. Three of these factors—country of academic education, discipline, and age—were found to be significant in differentiating the replies. Respondents educated in Western Europe, physical anthropologists, and middle‐aged persons reject race more frequently than respondents educated in Eastern Europe, people in other branches of science, and those from both younger and older generations. The survey shows that the views of anthropologists on race are sociopolitically (ideologically) influenced and highly dependent on education. [Keywords: human races, race concept, physical anthropology, Europe]
In Situ Raman Indentation of β‐Eucryptite: Characterization of the Pressure‐Induced Phase Transformation
Authors: Jochum Timothy , Reimanis Ivar E. , Lance Michael J. , Fuller Edwin R.
Published: March 2009

A pressure‐induced phase transformation in the lithium aluminum silicate β‐eucryptite was studied with in situ Raman spectroscopy. Dense β‐eucryptite composites were made via powder synthesis followed by sintering. The specimens were then subjected to diamond indentation up to applied contact stresses of about 8 GPa, while collecting Raman spectra. The appearance of a Raman peak (∼520 cm−1) at a contact stress of about 3 GPa likely corresponds to the reversible phase transformation of β‐eucryptite to the orthorhombic phase ɛ‐eucryptite. Loading and unloading in situ Raman indentation experiments are discussed with regards to this transformation.