bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation at five microsatellite loci in four breeds of cattle
Authors: Arranz J. J. , Bayón Y. , Primitivo F. San
Published: March 2009

Genetic variation was analysed in cattle from the central area of Spain, in 1993, for the following microsatellite loci: CYP21, BOVTAU, ETH131, ILSTS002 and ILSTS005. The breeds studied were Morucha (n = 104), Sayaguesa (n = 60), Brown Swiss (n = 90) and two different populations of Avilena-Negra Iberica (n = 134 and n = 104). Morucha cattle showed the largest number of different alleles (66), whereas Sayaguesa exhibited the lowest (38). Values of number of observed alleles, gene diversity, polymorphism information content and effective number of alleles indicated that the microsatellite showing the highest variability was CYP21, followed by ETH131, ILSTS002, BOVTAU and ILSTS005.
Effects of the total, vertical and horizontal availability of the food resource on diet selection and intake of sheep
Authors: Edwards G. R. , Newman J. A. , Parsons A. J. , Krebs J. R.
Published: March 2009

Plant species mixtures vary in total herbage mass (total availability) and the fractional cover (horizontal availability) and bulk density or height (vertical availability) of the component plant species. The expected diet selection response of sheep to changes in these three components of availability was tested in an artificial food environment by releasing flocks (of three ewes) onto a vegetation-free field that contained patches (plastic bowls) of preferred and less preferred sheep pellets for 15 min and observing their behaviour. One hundred patches (bowls) were laid out at equidistant intervals on a 50 × 50 m field. The patches were filled with either cereal (preferred) or lucerne (less preferred) pellets in different amounts to create in a factorial design two levels of total availability (10000 g or 15000 g of pellet in the field), two levels of horizontal availability (20 or 50 of the 100 patches contained cereal pellets, the rest contained lucerne pellets) and two levels of vertical availability (the mass of pellet in the cereal patches was either 10 or 80% relative to the mass of pellet in the lucerne patches). All patches were positioned at random in the field. Although, in all cases, the proportion of cereal pellets in the diet was higher than that expected if the sheep had foraged at random, it was sensitive to the horizontal and vertical availability of the food resource. The proportion declined as the horizontal availability declined from 50 to 20 patches, but only at 10% not 80% vertical availability. The lower proportion for this treatment combination arose because sheep ate from a higher proportion of the lucerne patches that they encountered and rejected more of the cereal patches that they encountered. Total availability did not affect diet selection. From these results it is pointed out why conclusions of diet selection experiments that do not consider how the food alternatives are distributed horizontally and vertically can be equivocal. The effect of variable levels of selective grazing in relation to changing horizontal and vertical availability of plant species on the species composition of plant communities is considered.
Progress and potential of interspecific hybrids of Lolium and Festuca
Authors: Thomas H. , Humphreys M. O.
Published: March 2009

The Lolium-Festuca complex of related species provides a wide range of variation for the development of versatile grasses adapted to meet the changing requirements of livestock farming. Various approaches have been used in order to harness the full potential of this variation. Tetraploid hybrids between the two ryegrass species L. perenne and L. multiflorum have resulted in stable and successful commercial varieties. Hybrids between more distantly related ryegrass and fescue species have demonstrated useful combinations of traits from both parents. Chromosome doubling is necessary in these hybrids to restore fertility in synthetic amphiploids. However, genetic instability can still be a problem and research is in progress to obtain tighter control of chromosome pairing. An alternative approach is to introduce a few specific traits from fescues into ryegrasses, or vice versa, using introgressive breeding procedures. This review outlines the progress already achieved in exploiting the ryegrass–fescue complex by using these various approaches and assesses the potential of hybrid derivatives.
Apex and ear development in relation to the number of grains on the main-stem ears in spring barley (Hordeum distichon)
Authors: del Moral M. B.Garcia , Tejada M.P.Jimenez , del Moral L. F.Garcia , Ramos J. M. , Togores F. Roca de , Molina-Cano J. L.
Published: March 2009

Apex and ear development in nine spring barley genotypes were studied at two sites in southern Spain in 1988. The genotypes were grouped into medium and early types, depending on the time from sowing to anthesis. Medium genotypes had significantly more spikelet primordia than early ones at both sites. Spikelet mortality was similar between genotypes and sites, resulting in a higher final number of grains/ear in the medium than the early genotypes.

There was a positive correlation between the maximum number of spikelet primordia and the duration of three stages of apical development: lemma-, stamen- and awn-primordia. Negative correlations were observed between spikelet mortality and the duration of certain developmental phases of the ear.
Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and farmyard manure on yield and alkaloid concentration in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don
Authors: Rao E. V. S. Prakasa , Puttanna K. , Singh M.
Published: March 2009

Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don) is an important medicinal plant grown in different parts of India. Its leaves contain vincristine and vinblastin, alkaloids which are used in the treatment of various leukaemias and limphomas, and its roots contain ajmalcine, another alkaloid, used in the manufacture of antihypertensive drugs. Cultivation of periwinkle has recently gained importance in India. The yield of periwinkle can be increased with the use of mineral fertilizers (Pareek et al. 1981, 1982; Rajasekharan et al. 1982; Reghunath & Sethumadhavan, 1982a, b; Hegde, 1986). The effect of fertilizer application on the alkaloid concentration is not clearly established though there are a few reports which suggest that application of N increases alkaloid concentration in roots (Rajasekharan et al. 1982; Reghunath & Sethumadhavan, 1982a) and leaves (Pareek et al. 1982). Therefore, the present experiment was designed to study the effect of application of nitrogen and phosphatic fertilizers and farmyard manure on the root and leaf yields, and total alkaloid concentrations in roots and leaves in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.
Nitrogen efficiency of urea and calcium ammonium nitrate for maize (Zea mays) in humid and subhumid regions of Nigeria
Authors: Arora Y. , Nnadi L. A. , Juo A. S. R.
Published: March 2009

Field experiments on efficiency of fertilizer N applied as calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and urea to no-tillage maize (Zea mays) were conducted under humid (Onne) and subhumid (Mokwa) conditions. At both the locations the rate of N was 150 kg/ha.

A comparison of apparent crop recovery of applied N indicated that CAN was a more effective N source than urea under subhumid conditions (Mokwa) but that urea was more effective under humid conditions (Onne). In 1981, percentages of applied N recovered by the maize crop at Onne were 28 and 50% from CAN and urea, respectively, whereas the recovery at Mokwa was 46 and 34%, respectively. Total recovery by crop and soil (0–120cm) of CAN at Onne with divided application was equivalent to that at Mokwa with single application at planting (54%). However, the total recovery of urea was much lower at Mokwa (40%) than at Onne (60%). The results in 1982 followed similar trends. Excessive N leaching loss from CAN under humid conditions and volatilization loss from urea under subhumid conditions are considered to be the reasons for poor efficiency of fertilizer N.
Computer simulation of changes in soil mineral nitrogen and crop nitrogen during autumn, winter and spring
Authors: Addiscott T. M. , Whitmore A. P.
Published: March 2009

summary

The computer model described simulates changes in soil mineral nitrogen and crop uptake of nitrogen by computing on a daily basis the amounts of N leached, mineralized, nitrified and taken up by the crop. Denitrification is not included at present. The leaching submodel divides the soil into layers, each of which contains mobile and immobile water. It needs points from the soil moisture characteristic, measured directly or derived from soil survey data; it also needs daily rainfall and evaporation. The mineralization and nitrification submodel assumes pseudo-zero order kinetics and depends on the net mineralization rate in the topsoil and the daily soil temperature and moisture content, the latter being computed in the leaching submodel. The crop N uptake and dry-matter production submodel is a simple function driven by degree days of soil temperature and needs in addition only the sowing date and the date the soil returns to field capacity, the latter again being computed in the leaching submodel. A sensitivity analysis was made, showing the effects of 30% changes in the input variables on the simulated amounts of soil mineral N and crop N present in spring when decisions on N fertilizer rates have to be made. Soil mineral N was influenced most by changes in rainfall, soil water content, mineralization rate and soil temperature, whilst crop N was affected most by changes in soil temperature, rainfall and sowing date. The model has so far been applied only to winter wheat growing through autumn, winter and spring but it should be adaptable to other crops and to a full season.

The model was validated by comparing its simulations with measurements of soil mineral N, dry matter and the amounts of N taken up by winter wheat in experiments made at seven sites during 5 years. The simulations were assessed graphically and with the aid of several statistical summaries of the goodness of fit. The agreement was generally very good; over all years 72% of all simulations of soil mineral N to 90 cm depth were within 20 kg N/ha of the soil measurements; also 78% of the simulations of crop nitrogen uptake were within 15 kg N/ha and 63% of the simulated yields of dry matter were within 25 g/m2 of the amounts measured. All correlation coefficients were large, positive, and highly significant, and on average no statistically significant differences were found between simulation and measurement either for soil mineral N or for crop N uptake.
Determination of fertilizer requirements of potato on the basis of soil tests in the north-western hills of India
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Sharma H. C.
Published: March 2009

summary

In field experiments with potato conducted from 1981 to 1983 on acid hill soils of Simla, a technique was developed to work out the relative contribution of soil and fertilizer nutrients to potato production. The locations accounted for more variation in tuber yield than the fertilizer effects. The value of soil tests in explaining the variation due to locations was modified by years. On average, nitrate, organic carbon and available K explained 59, 25 and 41% of the variation. The response to fertilizer N was significant in all yea s and to K was significant in 1982 only, but that to fertilizer P was not significant in any year. The fertilizer doses of N and K were calculated both from the soil test based regression equations and the fertilizer response equations. The dose of N varied from 129 to 133 kg/ ha in different years but the response per kg N at the economic dose varied from 0·05 to 0·13 t/ha.
Presence of water-soluble materials on cotton terminals as related to bollwoxm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistance
Authors: Bhardwaj H. L. , Weaver J. B. , Severson R. F.
Published: March 2009

Bollworms (Heliothis zea Boddie and H. virescens F.) are serious cotton pests. During 1980, the cotton crop in U.S.A. suffered an 8·73% loss due to insect pests; 3·07% of this loss was due to the damage caused by bollworms. This 8·73% loss in cotton production occurred despite control measures adopted by cotton growers at an average cost of $36.27 per acre (Anon. 1981). Four plant characteristics impart varying degrees of host-plant resistance against bollworms in cotton (Maxwell, 1977). The bollworm moths exhibit an oviposition nonpreference towards glabrous and nectarless cottons. Presence of high gossypol and ‘X-factors’ in plant parts detrimentally affects the growth and survival of bollworm larvae. The ‘X-factors’ are unknown chemical substances that impart host-plant resistance against bollworms in cotton. This resistance was shown to be heritable by Lukefahr et al. (1974).
Varietal responses and quantitative contribution of nutrients to potato production
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Sharma H. C.
Published: March 2009

Field experiments, conducted on alluvial soil of Jalandhar during 1984–5 and 1985–6 with four rates of application each of N, P and K and four potato cultivars, Badshah, Bahar, Lalima and Jyoti, revealed significant responses to N and K. Badshah, Bahar and Lalima responded to 240 kg N/ha while Jyoti responded to 160 kg N/ha. Badshah did not respond to K. Bahar responded to 150 K/ha whereas both Jyoti and Lalima responded to 50 kg K/ha. Varietal responses to N were related to yield and crop duration while the responses to K were related to K composition of tubers. N showed inconsistent effect on percentage dry matter of tubers, but K decreased it. N increased concentration of N and P but decreased that of K.
Glutathione concentrations in the red cells of Merino sheep
Authors: Haba M. De La , Moreno A , Llanes D. , Tucker E. M.
Published: March 2009

Tasmanian Merino sheep show a bimodal distribution in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in their red cells, 40% of sheep having GSH values of around 27 mg GSH/100 ml red cells and 60% with values of about 92 mg GSH/100 ml red cells (Tucker & Kilgour, 1972). The GSH deficiency was shown to be due to an impaired activity of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γ-GC-S), the enzyme catalysing the first step of GSH biosynthesis (Tucker, Kilgour & Young, 1976). Family data indicated that the deficiency in this strain of Merinos was under the control of a dominant gene, designated GSHL (Tucker et al. 1976). In contrast, Board, Roberts & Evans (1974) reported that a similar type of GSH deficiency in Australian Merino sheep was under the control of a recessive gene. The reasons for this apparent discrepancy remain unresolved.
Germination of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leek) under varying levels of osmotic potential of PEG 6000
Authors: Jain R. P. , Patel K. R.
Published: March 2009

Pearl millet is the choice crop in the semi-arid tropics. Strong winds, intense storms, high solar radiation and extreme temperatures are characteristics of these zones. Germination and seedling establishment are the major problems and are commonly associated with low moisture availability, high temperature of the soil and soil crusting. Water stress can affect germination by delaying initiation of germination, slowing rate of germination or by decreasing final germination percentage.
Digestion and retention time of stained food in sheep
Authors: Fadlalla B. , Kay R. N. B.
Published: March 2009

The suitability of stained food and [103Ru]phenanthroline-treated food as markers for measuring dietary retention time was examined in sheep. The digestibility of oat husk, assessed by incubation of samples contained in nylon bags in the rumen, was greatly depressed by staining with brilliant green, and slightly depressed by basic fuschsin. The latter effect appeared largely to be due to boiling rather than the stain itself.

When milled hay treated with both basic fuschsin and [103Ru]phenanthroline was introduced into the rumen, the mean retention time estimated with the stain was about 40% longer than that estimated with [103Ru]phenanthroline.
Percolation in colloidal soils, considered in relation to swelling and cohesiveness
Authors: Hardy F.
Published: March 2009

(1) The results of experiments on the rate of horizontal flow, and on the rate of gain in mass, or kerosene and of water in fine and crumb fractions of certain West Indian colloidal soils, comprising three siliceous soils containing different amounts of calcium carbonate, and two lateritic soils, are described and tabulated.

(2) The methods of experimentation employed were those elaborated by Green and Ampt, whose equations were found, however, not to fit the values obtained, as is to be expected.

(3) The siliceous soils examined possess relatively high swelling coefficients, and their component particles, when wetted, cohere to a greater or lesser extent, depending on lime content. These properties appear to account for the relatively low rates of permeability to water in these soils. Lateritic soils, on the other hand, possess low swelling coefficients, and low cohesiveness; water percolates through them relatively very rapidly.
The chemistry of basic slag: I. The determination of fluorine in basic slag
Authors: Warren R. G. , Gimingham C. T. , Page H. J.
Published: March 2009

A method is described for the determination of the fluorine content of basic slag.

The fluorine content and the citric solubility of a number of basic slags are compared.
Studies in the physical properties of soils: II. A note on the cohesion developed by capillary forces in an ideal soil
Authors: Haines William B.
Published: March 2009

Using the conception of the “ideal soil” a calculation has been made of the cohesion due to the capillary attraction between the particles when wetted. Experimental verification of this theory is afforded by cohesion tests on the ignited silt fraction separated from soil.
The inheritance of rachilla length in barley
Authors: Bell G. D. H. , Carson G. P.
Published: March 2009

1. A study of the length of the rachilla in barley shows that it is a varietal character, although strongly affected by environmental factors.

2. Rachilla length as a varietal character is affected by the density of the ear and the type of hairs or bristles borne on the rachilla.

3. In six-row barleys the length of the rachilla of the lateral spikelet is greater than that of the corresponding median spikelet.

4. In the absence of any of the complicating factors mentioned above, rachilla length is inherited as a straightforward quantitative character with an intermediate F1 and no signs of segregation in the F2. The number of major factors when the extremes of length are hybridized appears to be in the neighbourhood of four.

5. Hybridization of “Archer” and “Chevallier” type parents has given “dominance” of length and a possible heterotic effect. Long rachilla in these crosses appears to be linked with the “Chevallier” rachilla type.
Residual effects of a slant-legged subsoiler on shoot growth and grain yield of spring barley
Authors: Hipps N. A. , Hodgson D. R.
Published: March 2009

In a long-term cultivation experiment comparing mouldboard ploughing, shallow cultivation and direct drilling, soil compaction was identified as a problem. Root growth was restricted and this possibly caused a decline in grain yield of spring barley. The residual effects of a slant-legged subsoiler (Trade name, ‘Paraplow’) on the growth and yield of spring barley up to 34 months after its use were measured.

In 1982, soil not loosened with the ‘Paraplow’ had a grain yield of 5·16 t/ha and cultivation with the ‘Paraplow’ either 22 or II months previously had a negligible effect. Although the implement improved mean plant establishment by up to 12 plants/m2, compensatory tillering occurred in the treatments that initially had fewer plants, thus reducing differences in dry-matter production and grain yield at harvest. The long-term system of cultivation had a larger effect on grain yield than the ‘Paraplow’ did. Grain production on direct-drilled and shallow cultivated soils exceeded that after mouldboard ploughing by up to 0·55 t/ha (P < 0·05). The ‘Paraplow’ used 22 months previously increased grain yield by 0·47 t/ha on a direct-drilled soil that had become compacted.

In 1983, the emergence of seedlings was low (54%) due to waterlogging of the seed bed between germination and emergence. The ‘Paraplow’ used 8 months previously increased the mean number of plants that emerged by 20 plants/m2. More seedlings survived on the soil loosened by the ‘Paraplow’ because it drained more freely than the undisturbed soil. Cultivating with the ‘Paraplow’ 11, 23 and 34 months previously increased grain yield by 0·27, 0·29 and 0·13 t/ha respectively, but the mean grain yield was only 2·70 t/ha. This improvement was caused by a greater number of grains per m2 on the soils loosened with the ‘Paraplow’. Grain weight was unaffected by cultivation system or by ‘Paraplow’ treatment.
The effect of time of sowing and water supply on the bolting and growth of lettuce
Authors: Woodman Rowland Marcus , Johnson Delphine Ainslie
Published: March 2009

A statistical experiment was made on May King lettuce grown in a gravel soil in the unheated greenhouse to ascertain the effect of periodic sowings, two levels of water, and alternate drought and saturation with water on bolting and growth.

Mature lettuces at a low level of water were darker than those at a high level. The total numbers bolting irrespective of treatment were highest in May to July, and this period coincided with temperatures above 60° F., long days, and decreasing ages from germination to bolting; the largest lettuces were harvested in October to May (excluding mid-January to late March), a period of low temperatures less than 60° F., short days, and increasing ages from germination to harvest.
A field method for evaluating frost injury to lucerne
Authors: Stout D. G. , Hall J. , Brooke Barbara , Moore T.
Published: March 2009

J. agric. Sci., Camb. (1988), 111, 171–177

The Editors regret the omission from the paper of the explanation for Plate 1, facing p. 172, as follows:

EXPLANATION OF PLATE

Example of visual lesions used to evaluate winter injury: (a) viable buds (arrow) are white, turgid, and may be pink tipped; (b) injured buds (arrows) are dry, discoloured, limp, or Shrivelled and dry; (c) bark is more easily peeled from injured roots; (d) injured roots are soft and easily squeezed; also note white fungal mycelium; (e) non-injured (left) root interiors are white, whereas injured (right) root interiors may be discoloured; note that discoloration from disease (left arrow) must be separated from that caused by winter injury (right arrow). The extent of leaf development at the time of sampling is demonstrated in (e).
Genetics of tannin content and its relationship with flower and testa colours in Vicia faba
Authors: Cabrera A. , Martin A.
Published: March 2009

Tannin content of the testa was estimated in crosses among six Vicia faba lines of diverse origin using the vanillin-HCl method. Additive genetic variance was predominant in the inheritance of tannin content. Two white-flowered parents possessed different genetic information for tannin content when the pleiotropic effect of genes for white flowers was eliminated. The genes controlling red testa (r), spotted flower (Sdp) and yellow pigment on the flower (yf) negatively influenced tannin content in the testa. Breeding for low tannin content in Vicia faba is feasible and selection can be based on plants with yellow-spotted flowers and red testas.
Digestion and chewing behaviour of young sambar and red deer consuming a low quality roughage
Authors: Howse A. J. , Semiadi G. , Stafford K. J. , Barry T. N. , Muir P. D.
Published: March 2009

Low quality chaffed meadow hay, containing 10·5 g N/kg dry matter (DM), was fed to four artificially reared sambar (tropical) deer (Cervus unicolor) and four red (temperate) deer (Cervus elaphus) confined indoors in metabolism crates at Palmerston North, New Zealand, during March and April 1994. Measurements were made of DM intake (DMI), apparent digestibility, nitrogen (N) retention and the time spent eating and ruminating. Voluntary food intake (VFI), measured over days 7–11, was substantially greater for red deer than for sambar deer (67 v. 36 gDM/kgW0·75/day). Dry matter intake of red deer was then restricted, so that apparent digestibility could be better compared between the two species. Eating and ruminating time/gDMI and chews during eating/gDMI were all greater for sambar deer than for red deer. Apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and energy were low (c. 0·42) and not different between deer species. Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and cellulose were highest for red deer, but lignin apparent digestibility was highest for sambar deer. Both deer species lost weight and were in negative N balance. However, despite their lower N intake, sambar deer lost significantly less N and liveweight per day (– 5·6 g and – 118 g) than red deer (– 12·2 g and – 258 g). It was concluded that red deer responded to a diet of low quality roughage by increasing VFI and cellulose digestion, whilst sambar deer responded with a lower VFI but greater chewing activity, improved lignin digestion and better N conservation. Rumen mean retention time should be measured in future experiments with sambar deer and red deer fed on low quality forage diets.
Protection of leaf protein of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) against degradation in the rumen by treatment with formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde
Authors: Mangan J. L. , Jordan D. J. , West Janet , Webb P. J.
Published: March 2009

Aqueous glutaraldehyde, in the presence of wetting agents Tween-20 or Haemosol, reacted with fresh cut lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), complete reaction being obtained with about 7·2 g (72 mmol)/kg herbage, or 18g/100g crude protein. Reaction with 25% w/v aqueous glutaraldehyde sprayed on to fresh lucerne was rapid, and at the rate of 66 mmol/kg lucerne, all aldehyde had reacted in 3 h and about 60% of the soluble leaf protein became insoluble. Formaldehyde at twice the molar concentration of glutaraldehyde was absorbed rapidly, but a longer time, up to 24 h, was required for the protein to become insoluble. Treatments with 22, 44 and 66 mmol glutaraldehyde/kg lucerne, and 44, 88 and 132 mmol formaldehyde/kg showed that reaction with leaf protein was approximately proportional to the amount of aldehyde. A major effect on the leaf cells was the fixation of chloroplasts, and intact fixed chloroplasts were isolated from treated lucerne with high protein: chlorophyll ratios of 5·8:1 to 9·5:1.

Two varieties of lucerne, Kabul and Europe, pot-grown in a controlled environment cabinet, reacted rapidly when sprayed with glutaraldehyde and in 3 h soluble leaf protein was reduced from 30 to 16–17% of the total N. The plants rapidly lost water and the dry matter of the leaves rose to 42% for Kabul and 45% for Europe in 24 h. Stems showed little effect. Field spraying of lucerne with glutaraldehyde similarly fixed soluble leaf protein and caused desiccation of the leaves, rising to 47–50% D. M. in 3 days. The stems were little affected and subsequent regrowth of the plants was not inhibited.

Feeding glutaraldehyde- and formaldehyde-sprayed lucerne to rumen-fistulated cattle showed that release of soluble leaf protein into the rumen fluid was greatly reduced, mean values being 40 and 43% respectively of the values obtained when control lucerne was fed. Mean ammonia concentrations were similarly reduced to 49 and 33% of the control values. Formaldehyde-treated lucerne, even after reaction for several days, frequently showed toxic effects on rumen micro-organisms, particularly protozoa. Glutaraldehyde reacted more rapidly with herbage and no toxic effects were observed. Both glutaraldehyde- and formaldehyde-treated lucerne were highly palatable to cattle.
The Analysis of Tomato Plants. Part II. The Effect of Manurial Treatment on the Composition of Tomato Foliage
Authors: Owen O.
Published: March 2009

Summary and conclusions

Analyses of foliage of tomato plants grown under different manurial conditions are recorded for the four seasons 1924–7.

The nitrogen content of the dried foliage shows a seasonal variation irrespective of manurial treatment.

Where phosphates are omitted from the manure the potash content of the foliage is depressed. When phosphates are added to a soil from which they had previously been withheld the potash content of the foliage is increased.

Where potash is omitted from the manure the phosphoric acid of the foliage is considerably increased. When the deficiency of soil potash is rectified the phosphoric acid content of the foliage is reduced.
The hydrolysis of sulphur in relation to its fungicidal activity
Authors: Martin H.
Published: March 2009

1. It is suggested that the fungicidal action of sulphur upon the Erysiphaceae is due primarily to hydrolysis.

2. The presence of alkali, which brings about an acceleration of this hydrolysis, should enhance the fungicidal properties of sulphur.

3. An explanation is thus afforded of the inhibition of the fungicidal action of sulphur against the hop powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca humuli) by gelatine or saponin solutions when employed as the spreader and of the promotion of fungicidal action in the presence of soft soap and alkali casein solutions.

4. Attention is drawn to analogies between the action of sulphur upon the mildew and upon copper.

5. Current views relative to the fungicidal action of sulphur are discussed from the standpoint of the hydrolysis hypothesis.
Sizes of Induced Subgraphs of Ramsey Graphs
Authors: ALON NOGA , BALOGH JÓZSEF , KOSTOCHKA ALEXANDR , SAMOTIJ WOJCIECH
Published: March 2009

An n-vertex graph G is c-Ramsey if it contains neither a complete nor an empty induced subgraph of size greater than c log n. Erdős, Faudree and Sós conjectured that every c-Ramsey graph with n vertices contains Ω(n5/2) induced subgraphs, any two of which differ either in the number of vertices or in the number of edges, i.e., the number of distinct pairs (|V(H)|, |E(H)|), as H ranges over all induced subgraphs of G, is Ω(n5/2). We prove an Ω(n2.3693) lower bound.
Emerin—prelamin A interplay in human fibroblasts
Authors: Capanni Cristina , Del Coco Rosalba , Mattioli Elisabetta , Camozzi Daria , Columbaro Marta , Schena Elisa , Merlini Luciano , Squarzoni Stefano , Maraldi Nadir Mario , Lattanzi Giovanna
Published: March 2009

Background information. Emerin is a nuclear envelope protein that contributes to nuclear architecture, chromatin structure, and gene expression through its interaction with various nuclear proteins. In particular, emerin is molecularly connected with the nuclear lamina, a protein meshwork composed of lamins and lamin‐binding proteins underlying the inner nuclear membrane. Among nuclear lamina components, lamin A is a major emerin partner. Lamin A, encoded by the LMNA gene (lamin A/C gene), is produced as a precursor protein (prelamin A) that is post‐transcriptionally modified at its C‐terminal region where the CaaX motif triggers a sequence of modifications, including farnesylation, carboxymethylation, and proteolytic cleavage by ZMPSTE 24 (zinc metalloproteinase Ste24) metalloproteinase. Impairment of the lamin A maturation pathway causing lamin A precursor accumulation is linked to the development of rare diseases such as familial partial lipodystrophy, MADA (mandibuloacral dysplasia), the Werner syndrome, Hutchinson—Gilford progeria syndrome and RD (restrictive dermopathy).

Results. In the present study, we show that emerin and different prelamin A forms influence each other's localization. We show that the accumulation of non‐farnesylated as well as farnesylated carboxymethylated lamin A precursors in human fibroblasts modifies emerin localization. On the contrary, emerin absence at the inner nuclear membrane leads to unprocessed (non‐farnesylated) prelamin A aberrant localization only. Moreover, we observe that the restoration of emerin expression in emerin‐null cells induces the recovery of non‐farnesylated prelamin A localization.

Conclusion. These results indicate that emerin—prelamin A interplay influences nuclear organization. This finding may be relevant to the understanding of laminopathies.
Cortical thinning in persons at increased familial risk for major depression
Authors: Peterson Bradley S. , Warner Virginia , Bansal Ravi , Zhu Hongtu , Hao Xuejun , Liu Jun , Durkin Kathleen , Adams Phillip B. , Wickramaratne Priya , Weissman Myrna M.
Published: March 2009

The brain disturbances that place a person at risk for developing depression are unknown. We imaged the brains of 131 individuals, ages 6 to 54 years, who were biological descendants (children or grandchildren) of individuals identified as having either moderate to severe, recurrent, and functionally debilitating depression or as having no lifetime history of depression. We compared cortical thickness across high- and low-risk groups, detecting large expanses of cortical thinning across the lateral surface of the right cerebral hemisphere in persons at high risk. Thinning correlated with measures of current symptom severity, inattention, and visual memory for social and emotional stimuli. Mediator analyses indicated that cortical thickness mediated the associations of familial risk with inattention, visual memory, and clinical symptoms. These findings suggest that cortical thinning in the right hemisphere produces disturbances in arousal, attention, and memory for social stimuli, which in turn may increase the risk of developing depressive illness.
Self‐rated health and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Farkas Jerneja , Nabb Samantha , Zaletel‐Kragelj Lijana , Cleland John G.F. , Lainscak Mitja
Published: March 2009

Aims

In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), there is limited information on self‐rated health (SRH). We aimed to examine the distribution of SRH and whether SRH is associated with mortality in patients with stable CHF.

Methods and results

We enrolled 100 patients (71 ± 11 years, 54% men, left ventricular ejection fraction 47 ± 11%) in a prospective study with 48 months of follow‐up. Self‐rated health was assessed using a seven‐grade descriptive scale: very good, good, quite good, average, quite poor, poor, and very poor. Median SRH was quite poor and the most frequent SRH (31 patients) was average. During an average follow‐up of 1005 ± 507 days, 58 patients died. More patients in the group that rated their health as quite poor or worse died (70% vs. 43%, P = 0.008). In a Cox proportional hazard model, SRH as a seven‐grade descriptive scale [hazard ratios (HR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.10–1.74] or as a median value (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.23–3.69) predicted mortality. The association remained significant after adjustment for patient characteristics and biomarkers (P < 0.05 for both).

Conclusion

In patients with stable CHF, SRH independently predicts mortality. This suggests that SRH could be used in everyday clinical practice to obtain important prognostic information beyond clinical examination and laboratory work‐up.
See it with feeling: affective predictions during object perception
Authors: Barrett L.F. , Bar Moshe
Published: March 2009

People see with feeling. We ‘gaze’, ‘behold’, ‘stare’, ‘gape’ and ‘glare’. In this paper, we develop the hypothesis that the brain's ability to see in the present incorporates a representation of the affective impact of those visual sensations in the past. This representation makes up part of the brain's prediction of what the visual sensations stand for in the present, including how to act on them in the near future. The affective prediction hypothesis implies that responses signalling an object's salience, relevance or value do not occur as a separate step after the object is identified. Instead, affective responses support vision from the very moment that visual stimulation begins.
Imagining predictions: mental imagery as mental emulation
Authors: Moulton Samuel T. , Kosslyn Stephen M.
Published: March 2009

We argue that the primary function of mental imagery is to allow us to generate specific predictions based upon past experience. All imagery allows us to answer ‘what if’ questions by making explicit and accessible the likely consequences of being in a specific situation or performing a specific action. Imagery is also characterized by its reliance on perceptual representations and activation of perceptual brain systems. We use this conception of imagery to argue that all imagery is simulation—more specifically, it is a specific type of simulation in which the mental processes that ‘run’ the simulation emulate those that would actually operate in the simulated scenario. This type of simulation, which we label emulation, has benefits over other types of simulations that merely mimic the content of the simulated scenario.
Chronic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use suppresses multiple CpG islands hyper methylation (CIHM) of tumor suppressor genes in the human gastric mucosa
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Shibata Tomoyuki , Yamashita Hiromi , Nakamura Masakatsu , Yoshioka Daisuke , Okubo Masaaki , Hirata Ichiro , Arisawa Tomiyasu
Published: March 2009

There have been reports showing a protective role of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against gastrointestinal cancers. CpG island hyper methylation (CIHM) of tumor suppressor genes is a major event in carcinogenesis. We investigated the CIHM status of non‐cancerous gastric mucosa in chronic NSAID users and non‐users and assessed the effect of NSAIDs on CIHM. Gastric mucosa samples were obtained from 51 chronic NSAID users and 180 non‐users. CIHM of p14(ARF), p16(INK4a), death‐associated protein kinase (DAP‐kinase), and E‐cadherin (CDH1) genes were determined by methylation‐specific PCR. CIHM high was defined as two or more CpG islands methylated. CIHM of p14, p16, CDH1, and CIHM high were lower in chronic NSAID users than in non‐users (p14: non‐usersvsusers = 32.2%vs9.8%,P = 0.003; p16: non‐usersvsusers = 35.0%vs15.7%,P = 0.02; CDH1: non‐usersvsusers = 36.1%vs9.8%,P = 0.0009; CIHM high: non‐usersvsusers = 44.4%vs17.6%,P = 0.0009). NSAID use was also associated with decreased number of CIHM byanova(R = –0.32,P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for sex, age,Helicobacter pyloriinfection, and NSAID use revealed that NSAID use was inversely correlated with all four CIHM and CIHM high as an independent factor (p14: odds ratio [OR] = 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06–0.48; p16: OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14–0.75; DAP‐kinase: OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.22–0.92; CDH1: OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.06–0.48; CIHM high: OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.09–0.49). No association was found between CIHM status and the duration or dose of NSAIDs. Chronic NSAID use suppresses CIHM in human gastric mucosa. NSAIDs may have a suppressive role against methylation‐related gastric carcinogenesis. (Cancer Sci2009; 100: 1192–1197)
Generalized estimating equations and generalized linear mixed‐effects models for modelling resource selection
Authors: Koper Nicola , Manseau Micheline
Published: March 2009

Accurate resource selection functions (RSFs) are important for managing animal populations. Developing RSFs using data from GPS telemetry can be problematic due to serial autocorrelation, but modern analytical techniques can help to compensate for this correlation.

We used telemetry locations from 18 woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou in Saskatchewan, Canada, to compare marginal (population‐specific) generalized estimating equations (GEEs), and conditional (subject‐specific) generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs), for developing resource selection functions at two spatial scales. We evaluated the use of empirical standard errors, which are robust to misspecification of the correlation structure. We compared these approaches with destructive sampling.

Statistical significance was strongly influenced by the use of empirical vs. model‐based standard errors, and marginal (GEE) and conditional (GLMM) results differed. Destructive sampling reduced apparent habitat selection. k‐fold cross‐validation results differed for GEE and GLMM, as it must be applied differently for each model.

Synthesis and applications. Due to their different interpretations, marginal models (e.g. generalized estimating equations, GEEs) may be better for landscape and population management, while conditional models (e.g. generalized linear mixed‐effects models, GLMMs) may be better for management of endangered species and individuals. Destructive sampling may lead to inaccurate resource selection functions (RSFs), but GEEs and GLMMs can be used for developing RSFs when used with empirical standard errors.
Antinociceptive effects of epidural buprenorphine or medetomidine, or the combination, in conscious cats
Authors: STEAGALL P. V. M. , MILLETTE V. , MANTOVANI F. B. , GILBERT P. , LUNA S. P. L. , DUKE‐NOVAKOVSKI T.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to compare the antinociceptive effects of epidural buprenorphine (EB), epidural medetomidine (EM) or epidural buprenorphine–medetomidine (EBM). Eight cats were studied. Thermal thresholds (TT) were measured by increasing the temperature of a probe placed on the thorax. Mechanical thresholds (MT) were measured through inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder to the cat’s forelimb. After baseline measurements, EB (0.02 mg/kg), EM (0.01 mg/kg) or half of the doses of each drug (EBM) were administered. Data were analysed using anova (P < 0.05) and 95% confidence interval (CI). TT increased from 30 min to 1 h after EB and at 45 min after EM. MT increased from 45 min to 2 h after EB, from 15 min to 1 h after EM and at 30, 45 min and at 2 h after EBM. MT were significantly lower after EB than EM at 30 min. TT were above the upper 95%CI from 15 min to 24 h after EB, from 15 min to 4 h after EM and from 15 min to 8 h after EBM. MT were above the upper 95%CI from 15 min to 5 h, and at 8, 12 and 24 h after EB, from 15 min to 6 h after EM and from 15 min to 6 h and at 12 and 24 h after EBM. All treatments had similar onset. Overall, EB presented longer period of action than EBM and EM. The same magnitude of analgesia was achieved, but with fewer side effects when EBM was compared with EM.
Photoluminescence Enhancement of (La0.95Eu0.05)2Ti2O7 Nanophosphors via Li+ Doping
Authors: Yang H. H. , Cheng H. , Tang Y. G. , Lu Z. G.
Published: March 2009

Li+ ions have been successfully doped into the La sites of (La0.95Eu0.05)2Ti2O7 nanocrystals through a facile citric acid sol–gel method. The doping concentration of Li+ ions can be as high as 15 mol%. Photoluminescence (PL) performances of the obtained samples have been investigated. The results showed that a doping with small number of Li+ ions improves the PL intensity of the synthesized La2Ti2O7:Eu3+ nanophosphors. The highest emission intensity was observed using the formula of (La0.92Eu0.05Li0.03)2Ti2O7, whose brightness was increased by almost 20% in comparison with that of (La0.95Eu0.05)2Ti2O7.
A Novel Biphasic Bone Scaffold: β‐Calcium Phosphate and Amorphous Calcium Polyphosphate
Authors: Chen Gaoxiang , Li Wanwan , Zhao Bingxia , Sun Kang
Published: March 2009

Calcium polyphosphate (CPP) was added to hydroxyapatite (HA) to develop a novel biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). The effects of varying CPP dosage on the sintering property, the mechanical strength, and the phase compositions of HA were investigated. Results showed that CPP reacted with HA and produced β‐calcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and H2O and that an excessive dosage of CPP (>10 wt%) obtained a novel BCP of β‐TCP/amorphous‐CPP, while a lesser dosage of CPP (<10 wt%) obtained a traditional BCP (HA/β‐TCP). The porous β‐TCP/amorphous‐CPP scaffolds (porosity of 66.7%, pore diameter of 150–450 μm, and compressive strength of 6.70±1.5 MPa) were fabricated and their in vitro degradation results showed a significant improvement of degradation with the addition of CPP.
Effect of Oxygen Partial Pressure on the Formation of Metastable Phases from an Undercooled YbFeO3 Melt Using an Aerodynamic Levitator
Authors: Vijaya Kumar Malahalli S. , Kuribayashi Kazuhiko , Kitazono Koichi
Published: March 2009

The Yb2O3–Fe2O3 system was studied to investigate the effect of oxygen partial pressure on the formation of metastable phases over a wide range of oxygen partial pressures from 105 to 10−1 Pa. Two kinds of metastable phases, with space groups of P63cm and P63/mmc, were found through rapid solidification of an undercooled YbFeO3 melt in an atmosphere with reduced Po2. The crystal structure of the as‐solidified samples changed from orthorhombic Pbnm to hexagonal P63cm and P63/mmc with decreasing Po2. X‐ray diffractometric and scanning electron microscopic results confirmed the existence of various phases in the as‐solidified samples. The stabilities of each phase were studied by annealing the bulk sample in the thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA) furnace up to 1673 K, and the equilibrium phase diagram was constructed for the Yb–Fe–O system at 1473 K. TG analysis showed an increase of the sample mass during annealing and revealed that the existence of Fe2+, which has an ionic radius larger than that of Fe3+, decreases the tolerance factor and therefore destabilizes the perovskite structure.
Survey and phylogenetic analysis of culturable microbes in the oral secretions of three bark beetle species
Authors: Cardoza Yasmin J. , Vasanthakumar Archana , Suazo Alonso , Raffa Kenneth F.
Published: March 2009

In a recent study, we reported a previously undescribed behavior in which a bark beetle exuded oral secretions containing bacteria that have antifungal properties, and hence defend their galleries against pervasive antagonistic Hyphomycete fungi. Actinobacteria, a group known for their antibiotic properties, were the most effective against fungi that invade the spruce beetle galleries. In the present study, we describe the isolation and identification of microorganisms from oral secretions of three bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): the spruce beetle,Dendroctonus rufipennisKirby, the mountain pine beetle,Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins, and the pine engraver,Ips piniSay. Bacteria isolated from these three species span the major bacterial classes α‐, β‐, and γ‐Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria, except forD. ponderosae, which yielded no α‐proteobacteria or Bacteroidetes isolates. Spruce beetles and pine engraver beetles had similar numbers of α‐proteobacteria isolates, but pine engravers yielded twice as many Bacteroidetes isolates as spruce beetles. In contrast, mountain pine beetles yielded more isolates in the β‐ and γ‐proteobacteria than spruce beetles and pine engravers. The highest percentage of Actinobacteria was obtained from spruce beetles, followed by pine engravers and mountain pine beetles. All of the fungal isolates obtained from the three beetle species were Ascomycetes. The greatest fungal diversity was obtained in spruce beetles, which had nine species, followed by pine engravers with five, and mountain pine beetles with one.
RADICAL HOPE AND TEACHING: LEARNING POLITICAL AGENCY FROM THE POLITICALLY DISENFRANCHISED
Authors: Edgoose Julian
Published: March 2009

Abstract If teaching is a political act, how can teachers hope to make a difference through their work? In this review essay, Julian Edgoose explores this question of hope in relation to three recent books: David Halpin’s Hope and Education, Jonathan Kozol’s Letters to a Young Teacher, and Jonathan Lear’s Radical Hope. Halpin describes how hope comes from our targeted efforts to connect our critical analysis of the present to a better, yet realistic, idea of the future. In contrast, Kozol (echoing Cornel West’s “tragicomic hope”) describes a hopefulness that sustains him despite and alongside his critical view of schools. Edgoose asks a further question: can one reasonably remain hopeful in the absence of that critical stance — in the absence of a sense that one can understand the situation one faces enough to know a way out? To Lear, this would be a case of “radical hope,” and Edgoose offers a second reading of Kozol through the lenses of Emmanuel Levinas and Hannah Arendt to show what such radical hope might look like for teachers.