bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heritability estimates of liabilities to digestive diseases in heavy racehorses
Authors: KUMAGAI Masashi , SUZUKI Keiichi , SHINOHARA Hisashi , OHTOMO Yukiko , NISHIDA Akira
Published: September 2005

Data on 1410 heavy racehorses were taken from theHokkaido Banei Horse Racing Result Bookpublished during 1997–2000. Heritabilities were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method with a full data set of the accumulated prize winnings and the frequency of medical treatment against digestive diseases. Heritability estimates for the same traits were also obtained using a partial data set from affected animals only. In addition, a ‘two classes, one threshold’ model was applied to the full data set for the heritability estimation of liability to the diseases. Heritabilities estimated by restricted maximum likelihood with the full data set were quite low: 0.09 ± 0.02 for the prize winnings and 0.08 ± 0.03 for all three digestive diseases – colic resulting from flatulence, constipation and overfeeding. Low heritabilities were also estimated for each of the three kinds of colic. Medium heritabilities were estimated for colic resulting from constipation (0.30 ± 0.19) and overfeeding (0.46 ± 0.22) using the partial data set taken from the affected animals. Using the threshold model, higher heritabilities from 0.42 ± 0.04 to 0.57 ± 0.03 were estimated for the liabilities to all three digestive diseases and to the individual digestive diseases. These results suggest that liability evaluation of the frequency of medical treatment is insufficient because all non‐affected animals are scored as 0. The high heritabilities estimated by the threshold model with half‐sib relationships should be verified in future studies by comparing them with estimates from other genetic relationships and with realized heritabilities from a small‐scale practical selection program.
Effect of time of the addition of glucose to a medium on the development of 1‐cell stage mouse embryos
Authors: MASUDA Shinya , KOYANAGI Fukashi
Published: September 2005

In the present study, 1‐cell stage mouse embryos were cultured with or without glucose, and their development to the blastocyst stage was compared. Embryos cultured in a glucose‐free medium had a higher percentage of development to the 8‐cell stage, and they had higher developmental speeds compared with those cultured in a glucose‐containing medium. The percentages of embryos that developed to the early blastocyst stage, blastocyst stage and expanded blastocyst stage were much lower than those developed in a glucose‐containing medium. This suggests that the culture of 1‐cell stage embryos in a glucose‐containing medium inhibits development at the 8‐cell stage, and that glucose is necessary for blastocyst formation. Previous reports indicate that, from the 1‐cell stage to the 4‐cell stage, glucose inhibits embryo development. In the present study, exposure of early embryos to a glucose‐free medium improved subsequent embryo development, and there was no difference in the percentage of development to the stages ranging from the 8‐cell stage to the expanded blastocyst stage between embryos cultured in a glucose‐free medium from the 1‐cell stage to the 2‐cell, 4‐cell and 8‐cell stage. This indicates that embryo development is improved when a 1‐cell stage embryo is exposed to a glucose‐free medium before and during the 2‐cell stage, and glucose only has an inhibitory effect on embryo development during conversion from the 1‐cell stage to the 2‐cell stage.
Effects of first breeding age on the production and reproduction of Holstein heifers up to the third lactation
Authors: SAKAGUCHI Minoru , SUZUKI Takahiro , SASAMOTO Yoshihiko , TAKAHASHI Yoshiyuki , NISHIURA Akiko , AOKI Mari
Published: September 2005

The effects of early initiation of first service for dairy heifers on their fertility and productivity up to the third lactation were examined under constant raising and management conditions. Eight Holstein heifers in their early breeding regimens and eight Holstein heifers in their late breeding regimens were initiated to be bred at 12 and 15 months of age, respectively, and were first calved at 21.5 and 25.1 months of age, respectively, with bodyweights of 563 and 638 kg after calving, respectively. Early first breeding resulted in a lower bodyweight and a lower body condition score, but it did not affect the fertility or milk production during the first lactation of heifers as cows. The calving intervals of cows to the second and third calving were similar in early and late bred heifers. Although the early bred heifers had a significantly lower fat‐corrected milk yield at the second lactation than that of the late bred heifers, early breeding did not impair the productivity indicated by the mean milk yield per day from birth to the end of the third lactation with a shorter production period.
Ontogeny of testicular inhibin and activin in ducks: An immunocytochemical analysis
Authors: YANG Peixin , MEDAN Mohamed S. , ARAI Koji Y. , JIN Wanzhu , WATANABE Gen , TAYA Kazuyoshi
Published: September 2005

The ontogeny of testicular inhibin/activin in ducks was investigated. Testicular localization of three inhibin/activin subunits (α, βA and βB) was determined in embryonic and newly hatched ducks from 12 days of incubation to 1 day of age, in immature ducks and in adult ducks. In the duck embryonic testis, positive α‐subunit immunostaining was first detected in the Leydig cells and Sertoli cells on day 15 of incubation, whereas βA‐subunit and βB‐subunit immunostaining were found in Sertoli cells and primary germ cells on day 18 of incubation. In 1 month old ducks, intense staining of α‐subunit was present in the seminiferous epithelium consistent with localization in Sertoli cells and primary germ cells, and the immunostaining of the βA‐ and βB‐subunit was also present in Sertoli cells and primary germ cells. Specific immunostaining with inhibin/activin α‐, βA‐ and βB‐subunits antisera occurred in Sertoli cells in the adult duck testes. In conclusion, it was shown that, in the duck testis, the majority of α‐, βA‐ and βB‐subunits are colocalized in Sertoli cells with a certain degree of staining in germ cells and the α‐subunit is present in Leydig cells of embryonic testes before day 18 of incubation. These results indicate that Sertoli cells and possibly germ cells in the embryonic testes of late stage of incubation and newly hatched ducks, immature ducks and mature ducks may produce bioactive inhibin dimers, inhibin A and inhibin B, as a possible regulator of follicle‐stimulating hormone secretion. Free inhibin/activin subunits and their dimers may also play an autocrine/paracrine role in the development of the testis and spermatogenesis. Furthermore, early onset of the α‐subunit in duck testes indicates that it may have an autocrine/paracrine effect on steroid hormones, which is important for sex differentiation.
Effect of dietary enzymes on the ileal digestibility and abdominal fat content in broilers
Authors: SALEH Fuad , OHTSUKA Akira , HAYASHI Kunioki
Published: September 2005

The effects of purified cellulase and a commercial feed enzyme (FE) containing cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase and so on, on the performance, abdominal fat content, digestibility of ileal contents and metabolizable energy of broilers were examined. Male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) were divided into three groups: control, cellulase (1 U/g feed) and FE (0.6 mg/g feed) with seven replicates. Chicks were raised under a temperature condition of 25°C in wire bottom cages for 12 days from 15 days of age. Feed (corn–soybean meal diet: crude protein, 21%; metabolizable energy, 3000 kcal/kg) and water were offered ad libitum. Dietary cellulase had a negative effect on the bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio. The FE had no effect on bodyweight gain, but tended to improve the feed conversion ratio. The ileal crude protein and ash digestibilities were improved by the FE, but not by the cellulase. Furthermore, cellulase decreased the abdominal fat content and the FE increased metabolizable energy. In conclusion, digestion is enhanced and an improvement in performance is brought about by FE and, interestingly, fat metabolism is affected by cellulase by an unknown mechanism.
Effects of bacterial strains on the development of the ripening flavor of cured pork loins
Authors: YAMANAKA Hiroyuki , AKIMOTO Masanobu , SAMESHIMA Takashi , ARIHARA Keizo , ITOH Makoto
Published: September 2005

To determine the effect of bacteria on the development of the ripening flavor of cured meat, pork loins were cured with pickles containing 8 or 16% sodium chloride at 0 and 8°C. The bacterial flora, total free amino acid content and total free fatty acid content in the cured loins, sensory properties of cooked pork loins and the relationships between the proteolytic and lipolytic activities of isolates and curing conditions were investigated. Desirable bacteria, including salt‐tolerant bacteria and lactic acid bacteria, were predominant under the condition of 8% sodium chloride in the pickles and a curing temperature of 8°C. The total free amino acid content and total free fatty acid content at a curing temperature of 8°C were higher than those at 0°C. Cooked pork loins cured in pickles containing 8% sodium chloride at a temperature of 8°C for more than 7 days were preferred in terms of color, flavor and taste. Before the curing procedure, gram‐negative bacteria (Vibrio, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae) were predominant in the pork loins. During the curing period, the numbers of viable gram‐positive bacteria (Micrococcus, Staphylococcus and Pediococcus) increased and the numbers of viable gram‐negative bacteria decreased. Strains of Micrococcus and Staphylococcus with proteolytic and/or lipolytic activities in cured meat also increased during the curing period and were more predominant in the pork loins cured in pickles containing 8% sodium chloride and at a curing temperature of 8°C than in pork loins cured in pickles containing 16% sodium chloride and at a curing temperature of 0°C. The actions of these bacteria were thought to be important factors affecting the flavor of the cured pork. Micrococcus and Staphylococcus with proteolytic activity might contribute to the development of the ripening flavor of ham. The results of the present study together with the results of further investigations on the relationships of the enzyme activities of Micrococcus and Staphylococcus in cured meat with a preferable flavor would be useful for establishing a novel effective method for using bacteria to produce ham of a high quality.
Inhibitory effects of epigallocatechin gallate on the propagation of bovine coronavirus in Madin‐Darby bovine kidney cells
Authors: MATSUMOTO Mitsuyo , MUKAI Takao , FURUKAWA Satoru , OHORI Hitoshi
Published: September 2005

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is the main active component of tea polyphenol and shows several biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antitumor‐promoting, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative activities. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of EGCg on bovine coronavirus (BCV) propagation in Madin‐Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells was investigated. EGCg at concentrations of less than 10 µg/mL did not show any cytotoxicity to MDBK cells. BCV propagation was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of the virus with EGCg (0.5–10 µg/mL) before virus inoculation in dose‐dependent, incubation time‐dependent and temperature‐dependent manners. The antiviral effect of pretreating MDBK cells with EGCg on BCV propagation was much weaker than that of pretreating BCV with EGCg. The hemagglutination activity of BCV was also reduced by EGCg in a dose‐dependent manner. These results demonstrate that EGCg possesses a distinct anti‐BCV activity and strongly suggest that EGCg interferes with the adsorption of BCV to MDBK cells by the interaction of EGCg with BCV particles. EGCg may therefore be a useful candidate for controlling BCV infection more effectively.
Development of X‐ray computed tomography for live standing cattle
Authors: NADE Toshihiro , FUJITA Kazuhisa , FUJII Masashi , YOSHIDA Masaya , HARYU Teikichi , MISUMI Satsuki , OKUMURA Toshiaki
Published: September 2005

An X‐ray computed tomography (CT) system for live standing cattle was developed for studying the meat yield, carcass composition and so on. The gantry contained three X‐ray tubes and detectors that corresponded to each X‐ray tube. The system was able to operate while the animal remained standing. The scan area had a diameter of 900 mm. The Musculus longissimus and Musculus trapezius areas, and the back fat thickness in the CT image were evaluated and compared to the actual cross‐section of the carcass using eight cattle. The differences among the muscles, and the subcutaneous and intermuscular fat were easily recognized. The correlation coefficient between the CT image and the actual carcass photograph of the M. longissimus area and the back fat thickness was high (r = 0.84, r = 0.93, P < 0.01). The present study demonstrated that muscle, fat and bone can be clearly imaged from a live standing animal using X‐ray equipment.
Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.): Growth behavior and multipurpose usages
Authors: Islam M. Anowarul , Hirata Masahiko
Published: September 2005

For sustainable and profitable agricultural production and conservation of environment, wildlife and amenity resources, it is important to use appropriate plant species in respective grassland systems. In recent years in Japan, there has been increased interest in using centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.) as a low‐input plant for soil conservation and gazing purposes. The history of cultivation and use of centipedegrass in Japan is not long and thus, detailed information on growth habit, establishment, management and utilization of this grass is lacking. In the present paper, the distribution and occurrence of centipedegrass are traced and the growth habit and importance are discussed. Since its introduction into the USA from China in 1916, it is increasingly being used as a popular turfgrass. This grass forms a relatively short and highly dense sward with rapidly spreading leafy stolons, which is advantageous in terms of soil conservation, particularly in high rainfall and sloped areas. This grass can also be used for grazing due to high leafiness and high palatability by animals. Therefore, there may be real potential in utilizing centipedegrass for multipurpose usages and the usefulness of this grass needs reevaluation.
Floristic composition and plant biomass production of steppe communities in the vicinity of Kharkiv, Ukraine
Authors: Kawada Kiyokazu , Vovk Alexandra G. , Filatova Olga V. , Araki Masayuki , Nakamura Toru , Hayashi Ichiroku
Published: September 2005

In grassland in the vicinity of Kharkiv, Ukraine, we determined the floristic composition of the plant communities, v‐values of the species and above‐ground plant biomass. The plant communities in Kharkiv were dominated by Stipa capillata L., Medicago romanica Prodan, Inula ensifolia L. and Poa angustifolia L. There were 46 species in eight 1‐m2 quadrates and the above‐ground plant biomass was 245 g m−2 in the Stipa capillata stand. In the Medicago romanica stand, the number of species and above‐ground plant biomass were 37 per 10 quadrates of 1 m2 and 195 g m−2, respectively. The numbers of species in the stands were 40 in Poa angustifolia and 45 in Inula ensifolia. The plant biomass of the Poa angustifoia stand was 380 g m−2. These values were similar to those from Inner Mongolia. The species diversity of the stand (H) was calculated as: H = −Σpi log2 pi. The species diversity of the two stands was 2.98 for the Stipa capillata stand and 2.66 in the Medicago romanica stand. The stand changed by various human impacts, such as grazing and cultivation. Plantago schwarzenbergiana Schur. seemed to become established after the exposure of Stipa capillata stands to grazing, while Inula ensifolia stands became established in an abandoned field. The species composition in Kharkiv was different from that of Inner Mongolia, though the genus of plants was similar.
Mineral properties and their balance in manure, soil, plant and water of pot‐cultured napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach)
Authors: Idota Sachiko , Hasyim Hadijah , Wadi Ahmad , Ishii Yasuyuki
Published: September 2005

In order to investigate mineral properties in manure, soil, plant and water of pot‐cultured napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach cv. Wruk wona), napiergrass plants were grown in a sandy soil of 1/2000 a Wagner pots, designated as a plant (P) plot and a without‐plant (WP) plot and were set under the same levels of manure application to compare the mineral properties with a P plot in 2002 and 2003. Plants were treated under four (control, low, medium and high) and three (control, low and high) levels of basal cattle manure application in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphoric acid (TP) concentrations of applied manure were higher than those of sampled manure during the growing period in all application levels in both P and WP plots, while the rate of decrease in each element was higher in P plots than in WP plots. Soil inorganic nitrogen (IN) concentration changed in the same pattern with the soil electric conductivity (EC), was lower in P plots than in WP plots and also decreased greatly from July to August and tended to decrease from August to September in all manure application levels. The contents and concentrations of TN and TP in the whole plant, as well as in each plant part of napiergrass, increased with the increase in manure application and the major nutrient elements of total potassium (TK), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents also increased, where the equivalent ratio of K/(Ca + Mg) was higher in stem with leaf sheath than in leaf blade. In all application levels, TN concentrations of percolating water were consistently lower in P plots than in WP plots and were not significantly different among application levels in P plots, while they increased with the increase in manure application in WP plots. Nitrogen and phosphoric acid use efficiencies by napiergrass in P plots were calculated at approximately 42% and 25–30%, respectively. The significance of accumulated nutrients from the previous cropping by manure application was discussed under the sequence of cropping systems in napiergrass.
Alpine grassland degradation and its control in the source region of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, China
Authors: Zhou Huakun , Zhao Xinquan , Tang Yanhong , Gu Song , Zhou Li
Published: September 2005

Serious grassland degradation is endangering the environment of the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers (SRYYR). There is an urgent need to analyze and review the grassland resources, status of grassland degradation, factors causing grassland degradation, and measures for grassland protection and restoration so as to ensure sustainable development in the SRYYR. This review shows that: (1) The alpine meadow, one of the most important grassland types in the SRYYR, can be divided into four subtypes: typical alpine meadow, alpine swamp meadow, alpine steppe meadow and alpine shrub meadow. (2) There is approximately 357.13 × 104 ha degraded grassland in this area, which is 34.34% of the area of all the investigated grasslands in the SRYYR, and heavily degraded grasslands cover an area of 74.34 × 104 ha, approximately 20.82% of the degraded grasslands. (3) Alpine grassland degradation in the SRYYR follows the following sequence: non‐degraded grassland → lightly degraded grassland → moderately degraded grassland → heavily degraded grassland. (4) Grassland degradation in the SRYYR is caused by the integrated effect of anthropogenic and natural factors. The principal factors causing grassland degradation are thought to be long‐term overgrazing and the destruction by rodents that follows, and climate warming, which accelerates the grassland degradation process. (5) Some effective management practices (e.g. rodent and ruderal weed control, establishment of artificial grassland, rational management of grassland, and optimizing livestock structure) and integrated countermeasures for the restoration of degraded grasslands have been developed in the SRYYR.
Patterns of floristic composition under different grazing intensities in Bulgan, South Gobi, Mongolia
Authors: Sasaki Takehiro , Okayasu Tomoo , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Jamsran Undarmaa , Jadambaa Sanjid
Published: September 2005

We surveyed the floristic composition and analyzed the patterns of floristic composition under different grazing intensities in the semiarid area of Bulgan, in the South Gobi, Mongolia. We sampled 90 quadrats at six points (15 quadrats each) along a transect from a spring and grouped them into five vegetation types by using TWINSPAN. All or most of the quadrats at each point corresponded to one of the five vegetation types. DCA axis 1 arranged all the quadrats in order of grazing intensity, and the floristic composition changed dramatically in a lopsided stepwise‐pattern along this axis. The composition ratio for five groups clustered by TWINSPAN according to plant functional type (toxicity or palatability, and life‐form) and family varied to a greater or lesser extent. Background environmental factors such as soil moisture or landform did not affect the pattern of the floristic composition at this site. The patterns of floristic composition were determined by grazing intensity (determined as distance from the spring) together with palatability, which was the dominant environmental effect at the site.
Rotational grazing system for beef cows on dwarf napiergrass pasture oversown with Italian ryegrass for 2 years after establishment
Authors: Ishii Yasuyuki , Mukhtar Muhammad , Idota Sachiko , Fukuyama Kiichi
Published: September 2005

We examined an intensive rotational grazing system for dwarf and late‐heading (DL) napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) pasture in a summer period, and an oversown Italian ryegrass (IR) pasture in a winter period for the 2 years following establishment. Four 0.05‐ha paddocks of DL napiergrass pasture (20 m ×  25 m) were established on 6 May 2002. They were rotationally grazed for 1 week, followed by a 3‐week rest period by 2–3 breeding or raising beef cattle (Japanese‐Black) for three and six cycles in a summer period during the first and second years of establishment, respectively. In the IR pasture, which was established by oversowing IR in both years, rotational grazing by 3–4 animals was conducted in March and April for two cycles of grazing for 1–2 days in each paddock in 2003 and for 3–5 days in all four paddocks in 2004. In the DL napiergrass pasture before grazing, the plant height, leaf area index and the ratio of leaf blade to stem were highest in the hot summer season, while tiller number increased and herbage mass tended to increase as grazing occurred, except for the first grazing cycle both years, and for one paddock in the second year. Herbage consumption, rate of herbage consumption and dry matter intake tended to decrease in three paddocks from the first to the third cycle in the first year, while herbage consumption and rate of herbage consumption tended to increase as grazing occurred in the second year. Dry matter intake averaged 10.2–14.5 and 15.4–23.2 g DM kg−1 liveweight (LW) day−1 over the four paddocks in the first and second year, respectively, and average daily gains were 0.09 and 0.35 kg head−1 day−1 in the first and second year, respectively. In the oversown IR pasture, herbage consumption tended to increase as grazing occurred, and the average daily gains were 1.49 and 1.36 kg head−1 day−1 in 2003 and 2004, respectively, except for the LW decrease during the first cycle in early March 2004. The carrying capacities on DL napiergrass pasture and IR pasture were estimated at 1016 and 208 cow‐days (CD) ha−1, respectively (annual total 1224 CD ha−1) in the first year and at 1355 and 207 CD ha−1, respectively (annual total 1562 CD ha−1) in the second year. Thus, DL napiergrass pasture oversown with IR can expand the grazing period for beef cows to late November, March and April, in addition to the summer season for the 2 years following establishment.
Influence of atmospheric exposure period on the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins, dibenzofurans and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxins) in forage
Authors: Uegaki Ryuichi , Seike Nobuyasu , Otani Takashi
Published: September 2005

The correlation between the period of atmospheric exposure and dioxin concentration in forage was examined to confirm whether a dioxin accumulation effect could be found in forage. Because it was clear from a previous study that most of the dioxins in forage originated from the atmosphere, if there was a dioxin accumulation effect, there would be a correlation between the concentration of dioxins in the forage and the period of atmospheric exposure. Alfalfa and Sudangrass were grown in two separate areas. The forage in one area was not cut during cultivation, whereas the forage in the other area was cut and allowed to regrow several times. The concentrations of dioxins in samples of uncut forage were compared with the concentrations of dioxins in samples of regrowth forage. There was no tendency in dry samples for a higher dioxin concentration to be associated with longer exposure to the atmosphere. No correlation was found between the concentration of dioxins and forage growing period; in other words, the atmospheric exposure period and the dioxin concentrations were unrelated. These results show that the dioxin accumulation effect does not occur in forage. Furthermore, it would not be possible to decrease the level of dioxins in forage by adjusting the cultivation period.
Additive effects of fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria on the fermentative quality of guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) silage
Authors: Bureenok Smerjai , Namihira Tomoyuki , Kawamoto Yasuhiro , Nakada Tadashi
Published: September 2005

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of fermented juice of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria (FJLB) prepared with glucose, sucrose or molasses as additives on the fermentative quality of guineagrass silage. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in all FJLB increased from 105 c.f.u. mL−1 to 108−109 c.f.u. mL−1 after 2 days of anaerobic incubation. FJLB mixed with 3% of the three sugar substrates were added at various volumes (0.2, 0.5 and 1%[v/w]) in experiment 1. As the volume of FJLB added increased, increases in lactic acid and decreases in butyric acid and the pH value were observed, except when FJLB prepared with molasses was used. In experiment 2, FJLB prepared with various levels of glucose, sucrose and molasses were made and added to guineagrass. The level of lactic acid production in silage was higher (P < 0.05) when treated with glucose‐FJLB than with sucrose‐FJLB or molasses‐FJLB. The fermentative quality of silages tended to increase with increasing levels of sucrose or molasses in the FJLB preparation. We suggest that both increasing the volume of FJLB and increasing the level of sugar substrates in FJLB will produce high fermentative quality in guineagrass silage. Glucose‐FJLB is effective even when prepared with a low level of glucose.
Development and characterization of simple sequence repeat markers in Zoysia japonica Steud.
Authors: Tsuruta Shin‐Ichi , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Ebina Masumi , Matsuo Taiyo , Yamamoto Toshiya , Kobayashi Makoto , Takahara Manabu , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Akashi Ryo
Published: September 2005

Simple sequence repeats (SSR) have several positive attributes as genetic markers when compared with other DNA‐based marker systems. Because of their successful use for genetic analysis in a number of plant species, they could be similarly useful tools for the genetic study of various Zoysia species. A genomic library enriched for the AG/TC motif was developed from Zoysia japonica cv. ‘Asagake’ and screened by using 5′‐biotin‐labeled oligonucleotides (AG20). As a result of sequencing analysis of 162 clones, a total of 119 clones were identified containing 8–35 SSR repeats. Thirty‐two primer pairs designed from these clones were evaluated for their ability to detect polymorphisms among six additional zoysiagrass cultivars. The average values of the observed heterozygosities and polymorphic information content for the individual loci were 0.57 and 0.69, respectively. These primers were successful in generating several informative cross‐amplification products in additional Zoysia species. The generation of informative SSR markers should be a valuable tool for identification, estimation of genetic diversity and construction of genetic linkage maps in Zoysia species.
SOFTENING KINETICS OF COOKED DRY BEANS AT TEMPERATURES BELOW 100C
Authors: DOLAN K.D. , STOECKLE A.W. , BECK M.E.
Published: September 2005

New value‐added dry bean products, such as sugar‐coated beans, require a shorter cooking time (15–30 min) and lower temperature (under 100C) than typical canned beans. Michigan bean classes navy, great white northern, small white, small red, dark red kidney, light red kidney, vine cranberry, bush cranberry, pinto and black beans were cooked at constant water temperatures of 90, 95 and 99C for 5–120 min. Isothermal rate constants for texture were estimated at each temperature for each bean class based on a modified first‐order model and an n

th

‐order model. Heat transfer coefficients were estimated using aluminum beans and lumped capacity analysis. Isothermal parameters (rate constant and activation energy) and a nonisothermal parameter (activation energy) were used to predict texture from dynamic‐temperature experiments. The first‐order model (isothermal) was accurate up to 30 min, but was not appropriate for time greater than 30 min. The n

th

‐order was considered superior to the modified first‐order model, because only three rather than four parameters needed to be estimated for similar accuracy. The nonisothermal method can save experimental time compared with the isothermal method, because additional experiments at different constant temperatures are unnecessary. A nomograph of equivalent heating time versus constant heating temperature was shown as a useful tool for process design.
DATA ANALYSIS OF PENETROMETRIC FORCE/DISPLACEMENT CURVES FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF   WHOLE APPLE FRUITS
Authors: CAMPS C. , GUILLERMIN P. , MAUGET J.C. , BERTRAND D.
Published: September 2005

The objective of the present study was to compare two chemometric approaches for characterizing the rheological properties of fruits from puncture test force/displacement curves. The first approach (parameter approach) computed six texture parameters from the curves, which were supposed to be representative of skin hardness, fruit deformation before skin rupture, flesh firmness and mechanical work needed to penetrate the fruit. The second approach (whole curve approach) used the whole digitized curve (300 data points) in further data processing. Two experimental studies were compared: first, the variability of the rheological parameters of five apple cultivars; second, the rheological variability that was characterized as a function of storage conditions. For both approaches, factorial discriminant analysis was applied to discriminate the fruits based on the measured rheological properties. The qualitative groups in factorial discriminant analysis were either the apple cultivar or the storage conditions (days and temperatures of storage). The tests were carried out using cross‐validation procedures, making it possible to compute the number of fruits correctly identified. Thus the percentage of correct identification was 92% and 87% for using the parameter and the whole curve approaches, respectively. The discrimination of storage duration was less accurate for both approaches giving about 50% correct identifications. Comparison of the percentage of correct classifications based on the whole curve and the parameter approaches showed that the six computed parameters gave a good summary of the information present in the curve. The whole curve approach showed that some additional information, not present in the six parameters, may be appropriate for a complete description of the fruit rheology.
USING VANE GEOMETRY FOR MEASURING THE TEXTURE OF STIRRED YOGURT
Authors: MARTIN FIONA L. , PARKER ALAN , HORT JOANNE , HOLLOWOOD TRACEY A. , TAYLOR ANDREW J.
Published: September 2005

The relationship between vane geometry measurements and sensory perceptions of stirred yogurt texture was investigated. Descriptive profiling showed that the main perceptible textural difference between six commercial stirred yogurts was thickness (both visual and in‐mouth). The yogurts were analyzed using the vane with a low constant rotation rate (generation of overshoot curves). Correlations with parameters extracted from the overshoot curves were significant for both visual and in‐mouth thickness, but were higher for visual thickness. Visual thickness correlated highest with the maximum apparent stress. The maximum stress in an overshoot curve is often quoted to be equal to the material's yield stress. This was not found to be the case as the overshoot maximum decreased when the rotation rate was lowered. The physical nature of the visual thickness test was investigated to further aid interpretation of the results.
MEALINESS DETECTION IN APPLES USING TIME RESOLVED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: VALERO C. , BARREIRO P. , RUIZ‐ALTISENT M. , CUBEDDU R. , PIFFERI A. , TARONI P. , TORRICELLI A. , VALENTINI G. , JOHNSON D. , DOVER C.
Published: September 2005

Mealiness is a textural attribute related to internal fruit disorder that is characterized by the combination of abnormal softness of the fruit and absence of free juiciness in the mouth when eaten by the consumer. Time‐resolved laser reflectance spectroscopy was used as a tool to determine mealiness. This new technique in agrofood research may provide physical and chemical information independently and simultaneously, which is relevant to characterize mealiness. Using visible and near infrared lasers as light sources, time‐resolved laser reflectance spectroscopy was applied to Golden Delicious and Cox apples (n = 90), to characterize batches of untreated samples and samples that were stored under conditions that promote the development of mealiness (20C & 95% RH). The collected database was clustered into different groups according to their instrumental test values. The optical coefficients were used as explanatory variables to build discriminant functions for mealiness. The performance of the classification models created ranged from 47 to 100% of correctly identified mealy versus nonmealy apples.
Visual guidance of the human foot during a step
Authors: Reynolds Raymond F. , Day Brian L.
Published: September 2005

When the intended foot placement changes during a step, either due to an obstacle appearing in our path or the sudden shift of a target, visual input can rapidly alter foot trajectory. However, previous studies suggest that when intended foot placement does not change, the path of the foot is fixed after it leaves the floor and vision has no further influence. Here we ask whether visual feedback can be used to improve the accuracy of foot placement during a normal, unperturbed step. To investigate this we measured foot trajectory when subjects made accurate steps, at fast and slow speeds, to stationary floor‐mounted targets. Vision was randomly occluded in 50% of trials at the point of foot‐off. This caused an increase in foot placement error, reflecting lower accuracy and higher variability. This effect was greatest for slow steps. Trajectory heading analysis revealed that visually guided corrections occurred as the foot neared the target (on average 64 mm away). They occurred closer to the target for the faster movements thus allowing less time and space to execute corrections. However, allowing for a fixed reaction time of 120 ms, movement errors were detected when the foot was approximately halfway to the target. These results suggest that visual information can be used to adjust foot trajectory during the swing phase of a step when stepping onto a stationary target, even for fast movements. Such fine control would be advantageous when environmental constraints place limitations on foot placement, for example when hiking over rough terrain.
Variation of Wall Shear Stress and Periodic Oscillations Induced in the Right-Angle Branch During Laminar Steady Flow
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryuhei , Mashima Takeshi , Amagai Hideaki , Fujii Hisashi , Hayase Toshiyuki , Tanishita Kazuo
Published: September 2005

We report on flow phenomena such as wall shear stress and periodic oscillations that occur in the right-angle branch during laminar steady flow in the upstream trunk. The side-branch bifurcates from the trunk at a 90-deg angle, and both the upstream and the downstream corners of the entrance of the side-branch are square-edged. As the flow approaches the entrance of the side-branch through the trunk, the wall shear stress steeply increases along the near wall, and this stress at the upstream corner is comparable to that generated around the flow divider. Periodic velocity oscillations occur downstream in the separation region in the side-branch. The Strouhal number based on the flow conditions in the side-branch is independent of the flow division ratio for the side-branch radii ranging from 4 to 9 mm. Furthermore, it appears that the Strouhal number is weakly dependent on the Reynolds number. The periodic oscillation in the side-branch exhibits a characteristic flow behavior, which is a universally recognized phenomenon in the right-angle branch.
Theoretical Analysis of Experimentally Observed Perplexing Calibration Characteristics of Ball-in-Vortex Flow-Meter
Authors: Mahulikar S. P. , Sane S. K.
Published: September 2005

This investigation analyzes the calibration nonlinearity of the ball-in-vortex flow-meter, designed to work on the principle of a rotating sphere in and due to a vortex flow. The comparison of this flow-meter reading with the standard flow-meter indicates the existence of different calibration regimes, bifurcated by a sharp change in slope of the calibration curve. Based on the governing mechanics of this flow-meter, this paper explains this nonlinearity, and proposes its mathematical form. In particular, the bifurcation in calibration characteristics is attributed to the change in the surface contact frictional force, due to translation of the ball. The mathematical model captures the various calibration regimes associated with this translation, from one plane of rotation in the flow-meter to another, or from one periphery to another. Thus, calibration nonlinearity of this flow-meter can be fully comprehended through its governing mechanics, and harnessed for flow measurement.
Propeller Cavitation Breakdown Analysis
Authors: Lindau Jules W. , Boger David A. , Medvitz Richard B. , Kunz Robert F.
Published: September 2005

A Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational model of homogeneous multiphase flow is presented. Cavitation driven thrust and torque breakdown over a wide range of advance ratios is modeled for an open propeller. Computational results are presented as a form of validation against water tunnel measured thrust and torque breakdown for the propeller. Successful validation of the computational model is achieved. Additional observations are made with regards to cavity size and shape as well as cavitation breakdown behavior.
LES of Turbulent Separated Flow and Heat Transfer in a Symmetric Expansion Plane Channel
Authors: Sugawara Kazuaki , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Ota Terukazu
Published: September 2005

The LES method was applied to analyze numerically an unsteady turbulent separated and reattached flow and heat transfer in a symmetric expansion plane channel of expansion ratio 2.0. The Smagorinsky model was used in the analysis and fundamental equations were discretized by means of the finite difference method, and their resulting finite difference equations were solved using the SMAC method. The calculations were conducted for Re=15,000. It is found that the present numerical results, in general, agree well with the previous experimental ones. The complicated vortical flow structures in the channel and their correlations with heat transfer characteristics are visualized through various fields of flow quantities.
Nonboundary Conforming Methods for Large-Eddy Simulations of Biological Flows
Authors: Balaras Elias , Yang Jianming
Published: September 2005

In the present paper a computational algorithm suitable for large-eddy simulations of fluid/structure problems that are commonly encountered in biological flows is presented. It is based on a mixed Eurelian-Lagrangian formulation, where the governing equations are solved on a fixed grid, which is not aligned with the body surface, and the nonslip conditions are enforced via local reconstructions of the solution near the solid interface. With this strategy we can compute the flow around complex stationary/moving boundaries and at the same time maintain the efficiency and optimal conservation properties of the underlying Cartesian solver. A variety of examples, that establish the accuracy and range of applicability of the method are included.
The Use of Solution Adaptive Grid for Modeling Small Scale Turbulent Structures
Authors: de With G. , Holdø A. E.
Published: September 2005

The use of large eddy simulation (LES) is computationally intensive and various studies demonstrated the considerable range of vortex scales to be resolved in an LES type of simulation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of a dynamic grid adaptation (DGA) algorithm. Despite many developments related to adaptive methods and adaptive grid strategies, the use of DGA in the context of turbulence modeling is still not well understood, and various profound problems with DGA in relation to turbulence modeling are still present. The work presented in this paper focuses on the numerical modeling of flow around a circular cylinder in the sub-critical flow regime at a Reynolds number of 3.9∙103. LES simulations with conventional mesh and DGA have been performed with various mesh sizes, refinement criteria and re-meshing frequency, to investigate the effects of re-meshing on the flow field prediction. The results indicate that the turbulent flow field is sensitive to modifications in the mesh and re-meshing frequency, and it is suggested that the re-meshing in the unsteady flow region is affecting the onset of small scale flow motions in the free shear layer.
Characterization of the Hydrodynamically Developing Flow in a Microtube Using MTV
Authors: Thompson B. R. , Maynes D. , Webb B. W.
Published: September 2005

Micro-molecular tagging velocimetry (μMTV) has been used to characterize the hydrodynamic developing flow in a microtube inlet with a nominal inner diameter of 180μm. Velocity profile data at 11 axial locations within the hydrodynamic developing region were acquired using the μMTV approach and the results represent the first characterization of hydrodynamically developing pipe flow at the microscale. The uncertainty in measurements of time-averaged velocity profiles ranged from 6% to 7% of the centerline velocity. The uncertainty in instantaneous measurements is in the range 8%–16% of the peak maximum velocity. Data were taken at Reynolds numbers of 60, 100, 140, 290, and 350. The data suggest the formation of a vena contracta with either locally turbulent flow or unsteady laminar flow separation early in the tube for the larger Reynolds (Re) numbers, which is quite different from macroscale experiment or numerical simulation where a vena-contracta is not observed for Re<500. The velocity profiles obtained very near the tube entrance exhibited a uniform velocity core flow surrounded by regions of relatively stagnant fluid in the near wall regions. The size of the inferred recirculation zones, measured velocity rms, and maximum shear rates all exhibit increasing magnitude with increasing Reynolds number. The velocity profiles were observed to evolve in the downstream direction until the classical parabolic distribution existed. The total hydrodynamic entry length agrees well with values published in the literature for laminar flow with a uniform inlet velocity, despite the existence of the observed vena contracta.
Experimental Investigation and Modeling of Inertance Tubes
Authors: Schunk L. O. , Nellis G. F. , Pfotenhauer J. M.
Published: September 2005

Growing interest in larger scale pulse tubes has focused attention on optimizing their thermodynamic efficiency. For Stirling-type pulse tubes, the performance is governed by the phase difference between the pressure and mass flow, a characteristic that can be conveniently adjusted through the use of inertance tubes. In this paper we present a model in which the inertance tube is divided into a large number of increments; each increment is represented by a resistance, compliance, and inertance. This model can include local variations along the inertance tube and is capable of predicting pressure, mass flow rate, and the phase between these quantities at any location in the inertance tube as well as in the attached reservoir. The model is verified through careful comparison with those quantities that can be easily and reliably measured; these include the pressure variations along the length of the inertance tube and the mass flow rate into the reservoir. These experimental quantities are shown to be in good agreement with the model’s predictions over a wide range of operating conditions. Design charts are subsequently generated using the model and are presented for various operating conditions in order to facilitate the design of inertance tubes for pulse tube refrigerators. These design charts enable the pulse tube designer to select an inertance tube geometry that achieves a desired phase shift for a given level of acoustic power.
Propeller Cavitation Study Using an Unstructured Grid Based Navier-Stoker Solver
Authors: Rhee Shin Hyung , Kawamura Takafumi , Li Huiying
Published: September 2005

The cavitating flow around a marine propeller is studied using an unstructured grid based Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics method. A cavitation model based on a single-fluid multi-phase flow method is implemented in the Navier-Stokes solver. The proposed computational approach for cavitation is validated against a benchmark database for a cavitating hydrofoil as well as measured data for a cavitating marine propeller. The leading edge and mid-chord cavitation on the hydrofoil is reproduced well and shows good comparison with the well-known experimental data. The predicted noncavitating open water performance of the marine propeller geometry agrees well with the measured one. Finally, the cavitating propeller performance as well as cavitation inception and cavity shape are in good agreement with experimental measurements and observation. The overall results suggest that the present approach is practicable for actual cavitating propeller design procedures without lengthy preprocessing and significant preliminary knowledge of the flow field.
Flow Around a Simplified Car, Part 1: Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Krajnović Siniša , Davidson Lars
Published: September 2005

Large eddy simulations (LES) were made of flows around a generic ground vehicle with sharp edges at the rear end (an Ahmed body with a 25° angle of the rear slanted surface). Separation of the flow at the rear results in large regions with recirculating flow. As the separation is determined by the geometry, the Reynolds number effects are minimized. Resolution requirements of this recirculating flow are smaller than those in LES of wall attached flows. These two consequences of the geometry of the body are used to predict the experimental flow at relatively high Reynolds number. Recommendations are presented for the preparation and realization of LES for vehicle flows. Comparison of the LES results with the experimental data shows good agreement.