bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative biological and enzymatic studies on some host-adapted populations of melon and cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Owusu E. O. , Kim C. -S. , HorilKe M. , Hirano C. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe biology of some host-adapted populations of A. gossypii and the comigration band mobilities of aphid enzyme extracts were studied in 1992 in Kochi, Japan. Results indicated that biologically there are no significant differences between eggplant, cucumber and watermelon aphid populations with regards to longevity and the number of offspring produced per female aphid. However, in all populations, adult survival declined significantly within 5 days of introduction onto a new host from the original. No genetic differences were observed between populations since they scored equally at seven different enzyme loci: malic enzyme (ME), glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI), isocitrate dehydrogenase (1DH), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and naphthylacetate linked esterase (EST). Also, protein bands, as revealed by SDS-PAGE, as well as carboxylesterase banding patterns, showed no differences between populations. These results indicate that the various host-adapted populations of A. gossypii infesting a wide range of solanaceous and curcubitaceous crops can be treated as single species devoid of genetic variability. The slight differences in biology and behaviour found between the various hostadapted populations can be attributed to physiological variations, differences in host nutrient composition, and possibly to some unknown co-existing biotic factors.
The nutritive value of wheat and oat silages ensiled on three cutting dates
Authors: Garnsworthy P. C. , Stokes D. T. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe production of biomass and its partitioning into stem, leaf, ear and dead material were monitored weekly in crops of wheat and oats from 16 May 1990, which corresponded approximately to ear emergence in the wheat, until ensilage on 29 June, 7 July and 19 July 1990 using the Ag-Bag system. An enzyme/inoculant additive was used on both crops on each ensilage date, although a portion of oats was ensiled without additive on the first two cutting dates, giving a total of eight silages. Changes in rumen degradability of dry matter were assessed for both crops throughout the monitoring period using the synthetic fibre bag technique. The digestibilities of gross energy, modified acid detergent fibre, organic matter and crude protein were determined in vivo using sheep.Over the total period of monitoring, the daily rates of increase in dry matter (DM) yield were 15·1 (± 1·6) and 16·5 (±1·9) g DM/m2 for wheat and oats respectively. From 29 June to 19 July the rates of increase were 11·3 (± 3·1) and 23·1 (±6·0) g DM/m2. The increase in weight of the ears accounted for almost all of this increase and, by the end of the monitoring period, the ears contributed approximately half of the dry matter of each crop. In both crops the portion of dead material was small until 19 July, when there was a rapid increase in the amount of dead stem. The DM content of both crops remained < 30% up to day 33 (18 June) but increased from c. 33% to c. 52% between days 53 and 65 (8–20 July). Rumen degradability of both crops decreased rapidly from c. 66% on 16 May until 16 June, when it was c. 56% for wheat and 55% for oats; it remained constant at these values thereafter.For silages made on the three successive ensilage dates, there was an increase in DM and starch contents but decreases in digestible energy, digestible fibre and digestible crude protein contents. Digestible organic matter was similar for the first two ensilage dates but lower in silage made on the third date.The use of an additive with the oat crop resulted in decreases in the digestible energy, digestible organic matter and digestible crude protein contents of the silages compared with untreated oats.Maximum yield of DM from wheat (18·6 t/ha) was obtained with the third cutting date, but optimum yield of energy (170 GJ/ha) and digestible crude protein (746 kg/ha) were found at the second cutting date. For oats, maximum yield of DM (17·3 t/ha) was again found with the third cut and maximum yield of energy (159 GJ/ha, untreated; 140 GJ/ha with additive) with the second cut. Digestible crude protein yield was greatest with the second cut of oats when no additive was used (708 kg/ha) but with additive it was greatest with the first cut (661 kg/ha).It was concluded that, under these conditions, the optimum date for ensilage of wheat or oats was 7 July and that the use of the additive was detrimental to the quality of the oat silage.
Studies on germination of Adansonia digitata seeds
Authors: Esenowo G. J. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYDormancy in seeds of Adansonia digitata (L.) can be attributed partly to the testa and partly to the pulp. Several methods, such as wet heat treatment, total or partial seed decoating and scarification of seeds with concentrated acids, herbicides, fungicides and growth regulators, were tested in 1988 and 1989 to break dormancy. The most effective was scarification with HNO3 or H2SO4, which gave 86 and 98% germination, respectively, while total decoating, partial decoating, wet heat treatment and ethrel gave 85, 80, 75 and 70%, respectively. Seeds treated with herbicides and fungicides did not germinate. Inhibition of germination caused by the pulp was overcome by thorough washing of seeds and soaking in water for 3 days.
Studies on reproduction in prolific ewes
Authors: Dingwall W. S. , Robinson J. J. , Aitken R. P. , Fraser C. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryIn Expt 1, 34 individually-penned Finn Dorset ewes of mean live weight 68 kg were synchronized in oestrus and mated to Suffolk rams. From mating until day 28 of pregnancy each received daily 15 MJ of metabolizable energy (ME) and 225 g crude protein (CP). From day 28 to slaughter on days 34, 41, 48 or 55 half of the ewes continued on this feeding regime and half had their daily intake reduced abruptly to 7·5 MJ of ME and 112 g CP. The mean number of ovulations per ewe was 4·03 (range 2–8) and the mean number of viable foetuses at time of slaughter 3·35 (range 2–6). The combined loss of ova (fertilization failure and early embryonic death) was 14·6% and detectable foetal deaths 2·2%. Level of feeding had no significant effect on these measures or on foetal growth. Foetal growth from 34 to 55 days was described by the equationIn w = 0·962–18·613 e-0·0272t–0·00091t(f–3),where w = foetal weight (kg), t = age (days) and f = litter size. Within-litter variability measured as the S.D. of In w (kg) was 0–081 for twins, 0·108 for triplets and 0·106 for quadruplets and higher multiples.In a second experiment Suffolk × Finn Dorset embryos were transplanted at the rate of two per uterine horn into 15 recipient Finn Dorset ewes. Embryo survival was 72% and foetal weights at 60 days varied from 67 to 146% of the mean value of 66 g. Withinlitter variation in foetal size was only about 70% of that expected for foetuses developing from the variable distribution in their initial positioning that occurs naturally. The correlation between foetal weight and placental weight at day 60 was 0·72 (P < 0001) indicating that the association between foetal weight and placental weight in prolific ewes is not confined to late pregnancy.The results of both experiments are consistent with the hypothesis that the greater within-litter variability in birth weight in large litters is controlled by events in early pregnancy.
Effects of plant density and tillage on growth and grain yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) under dryland conditions in a semi-arid area in Ethiopia
Authors: Adjei-Twum D. C. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryEffects of plant density ranging from 44444 to 133333 plants/ha and tillage practices (planting in flat beds (control), in the furrows of open ridges, on the top of open ridges, in the furrows of tie-ridges and on the top of tie-ridges) on growth and grain yield of sorghum were investigated at Kobo, a typical semi-arid area in Ethiopia, during 1980, 1981 and 1982 cropping seasons. Plant growth was limited in the flat beds because they were likely to be deficient in soil moisture and sometimes in the tie-ridging treatments, due to waterlogging. However, planting on the top of tie-ridges produced 1·6, 0·4 and 1·8 t/ha more yield than in the flat beds, the method commonly practised by the Kobo farmers, during 1980, 1981 and 1982 respectively. In all seasons, the effect of plant density did not show marked differences. The plants rather adjusted their reproductive growth and development to the seasonal rainfall and presumably to the available soil moisture at the grain-filling periods. It was concluded that the highest plant density did not reach the optimum for the area. Planting sorghum on the top of tie-ridges is recommended.
Effect of methods of stand establishment on grain yield of rice under intermediate deep water conditions (15–50 cm)
Authors: Reddy M. D. , Panda M. M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryIn intermediate deepwater conditions (15–50 cm), direct seeding was superior to transplanting in 20 cm of water. Varieties with greater plant height performed better under transplanted conditions. Nitrogen fertilizer application at 40 kg/ha increased the grain yield under both direct-seeded and transplanted conditions. Though yield of the transplanted crop was less than that of the direct-seeded crop, the decrease was less in the crop given nitrogen fertilizer.
Effect of rumen degradation on intestinal digestion of nitrogen of 15N-labelled rapeseed meal and straw measured by the mobile-bag method in cows
Authors: Vanhatalo A. , Varvikko T. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYRape (Brassica campestris) was labelled, during cultivation, with 15N and then prepared into rapeseed meal (RSM) and rapeseed straw (RSS). Three non-lactating cows, equipped with ruminal and Tshaped duodenal cannulae, were used to incubate both feeds in the rumen for various periods of time in mobile bags contained within larger mesh bags. Some of the mobile bags were then inserted into the duodenum and collected from the faeces. The effects of rumen incubation time and contamination by non-feed N during the rumen incubation and subsequent intestinal digestion on the intestinal feed N digestion values so obtained were assessed. The intestinal digestion of intact RSM nitrogen was also measured in vivo by dosing directly into the duodenum and measured as the net loss of excess 15N not recovered in the faeces.With RSM, microbial contamination did not affect the disappearance values of feed N from mobile bags in the rumen, the difference in the disappearance between 15N and total N (NT) being negligible. However, the decrease in the disappearance from the mobile bags in the intestine with increasing rumen incubation time tended to be smaller with 15N than with NT, resulting in significantly increasing differences between 15N and NT with increasing rumen incubation time. The average in vivo net loss within the intestine of 15N of labelled RSM was much lower (50·0%) than the 15N disappearance from the mobile bags (80·9%).With RSS, the disappearance values of 15N and NT from the mobile bags in the rumen were different. The disappearance of 15N was always higher than that of NT, and it also increased significantly more with increasing incubation time. The disappearance of 15N from the mobile bags within the intestine decreased with increasing rumen incubation time, but that of NT remained rather constant.It is concluded that the intestinal N digestion of a feed may vary significantly depending on the degree of preceding rumen degradation. Therefore, constant intestinal digestion coefficients may not be applied in the modern protein evaluation systems. With protein-rich feeds, such as RSM, the influence of non-feed N is small and does not interfere with the estimation of intestinal N digestibility by the mobile-bag method. With fibrous feeds with low N, such as RSS, intestinal N digestion values are seriously confounded by non-feed N. The present study with RSM did not confirm the correspondence between the value obtained by the mobile-bag method and that in vivo.
Lipid production rates and the pathogenesis of fatty liver in fasted cows
Authors: Reid I. M. , Collins R. A. , Baird G. D. , Roberts C. J. , Symonds H. W. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYLipid production across the liver was measured in catheterized dairy cows in vivo in the fed state and during 6 days of fasting. Production rates were calculated from the lipid concentrations in arterial, portal and hepatic-venous plasma and from the rates of plasma flow in the portal vein and the hepatic veins.There was a consistent net hepatic output of triacylglycerol and a net hepatic uptake of free fatty acids in the fed state.In the fasted state there was a significant change to a net hepatic uptake of triacylglycerol and an increased hepatic uptake of free fatty acids. Both factors are likely to result in an accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver.
The impact of differences in nitrogen content, nitrogen utilization and loss from laminae on competition between four grass species in an old pasture
Authors: Tallowin J. R. B. , Brookman S. K. E. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe concentration of nitrogen (N) within the emerging, youngest fully expanded and the youngest dead leaf laminae were examined in the grassesLolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatusandPoa trivialisin Devon, UK, in 1986 and 1987. Lamina growth, appearance interval and lamina utilization were also examined in each species. Marked tillers were measuredin situover 14–21 day periods in a continuously grazed permanent pasture under steady state management on plots receiving either zero (ON) or 400 kg nitrogen (400N) fertilizer/ha per annum. The concentration of N tended to be greatest in the distal half and least in the basal part of each lamina in each species. Total mass showed an opposite trend due in part to the shape of the lamina. Less than 40 % of the lamina N was lost through grazing either in the ON or 400N plots in the four species, except once inH. lanatuswhen more was lost. In absolute terms, becauseL. perenneandH. lanatusmaintained larger and longer laminae than eitherA. stoloniferaorP. trivialis, they lost more N through grazing. The four grass species recycled N from the senescing lamina with the same apparent efficiency; this meant that differences in lamina N concentration and carbon: nitrogen ratios were present in the dead laminae of the four species.L. perenneachieved the highest tissue growth rate per unit of N in the lamina in the ON plot, not only in comparison with the three other grasses but also compared with the 400N plot. This high N-use efficiency inL. perennewas not translated into an ability to either expand or maintain its population in the ON plot.L. perennehad a lower leaf appearance rate than the other species in both the 400N and ON plots, but this inherent characteristic of the species was particularly pronounced in the ON plot. A slower leaf appearance rate would limit the potential tillering capacity ofL. perennecompared with the other species. A reduced tillering capacity, exacerbated by N deficiency, was probably the principal factor limiting the ability ofL. perenneto exploit available niches in the ON pasture.
Directed by desire: An exploration based on the structures of the desire for God
Authors: Bom Klaas 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe concept of ‘desire’ offers an interesting bridge between cultural phenomena of contemporary society and the theological tradition. The exploration of some key elements of this tradition concerning desire supports the launching of a ‘theology of desire’. Although the natural desire for God, as discussed in the so-called ‘théologie nouvelle’, provides very valuable material for this exploration, ‘desire’ is conceived here in a somewhat broader sense. Three levels of desire are distinguished. The ‘lover's desire’ refers to the conscious affirmation of the presence of God's love. The second level, called the ‘seeker's desire’, concerns a more general desire for happiness. Third, the desire for God as an ontological term refers to the relationship between God and humankind. The desire for God, revealed by Jesus Christ, demonstrates the ultimate capacity of our human nature. Thus christology, and especially the creed of Chalcedon, offers the key to systematic anthropology. Finally, the daily reality of the desire for God is discussed with the help of Gregory of Nyssa's concept of asceticism. The integrating power of the Holy Spirit makes the channelling of our desires possible, so that the desire for God forms a part of daily life. Three challenges to encourage continuation on the way toward a theology of desire form the conclusion. The reconsidering of an ontological approach in theology, the priority to christology in systematic anthropology and the ethical and missionary possibilities of the desire for God are invitations for theologians to further explore the theology of desire.
Commentry: Crucible of Nationhood
Authors: Kováč Dušan 
Published: March 2009

It is Difficult to find fault with Peter Bugge's study, which is based on a very solid knowledge of the most important literature and sources. For many centuries, the citizens of Bratislava (Pressburg/Pozsony) had lived their own lives, which were only minimally touched by ethnic or national conflicts. Their mentality was best reflected by an anecdote published in the Pressburger Zeitung in 1919, shortly before Czechoslovakia's first census:Two “Pressburger” met in the street.“What nationality will you declare on the census? Are you a German?” the first one asks.“I am not a German,” answers the second.“Will you declare yourself a Magyar?”“No, I am not a Magyar.”“Then you must be a Slovak.”“No, I am not a Slovak.”“And what nationality are you actually?”“I am a Pressburgeaner.”
Human rights litigation and the ‘war on terror’
Authors: Duffy Helen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe ‘war on terror’ has led to grave human rights violations and, in response, to a growing volume of human rights litigation. This article provides an overview of litigation that has unfolded in recent years in relation to issues such as arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, extraordinary rendition, extraterritorial application of human rights norms and the creeping reach of the ‘terrorism’ label. These cases provide a prism through which are displayed key characteristics of the war on terror as it affects human rights, and enables us to begin to ask questions regarding the role of the courts and the impact of human rights litigation in this area.
Culture and the processes of virtual teaming for training
Authors: Ahanchian M.R. , McCormick J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractVirtual teamwork is a growing mode of operation within organizations through the increasing sophistication and accessibility of computer‐mediated communication. The purpose of this paper was to develop a new conceptual framework and propositions to assist understanding of a new training phenomenon. The approach used was the integration of related, but distinct, literatures and development of arguments for the important role of cultural factors in virtual training teaming. We argue that delivery of training through teamwork in virtual spaces is potentially effective, and individualist and collectivist orientations of team members are likely to be critical for the effectiveness, or otherwise, of such programs.
Measuring the importance of competition in plant communities
Authors: Freckleton Robert P. , Watkinson Andrew R. , Rees Mark 
Published: March 2009

Summary

Plant ecologists have developed numerous ways to measure competition and to rank the effects of competition relative to other factors. According to one line of logic, there is an important distinction between competitive intensity (broadly, the absolute, proximate effects on individuals) and the importance of competition (loosely, the relative effects on ecological or evolutionary processes).
It has been argued recently that there is a great deal of confusion in the literature regarding these concepts. We agree and suggest that this arose because of loose logic in the initial formulation, and that this has been perpetuated and exacerbated in recent critiques.
Using a simple example, we argue that recent analyses have generated new problems because of a failure to measure importance in terms of individual fitness (defined in an evolutionary sense) or per capita rates of population change. Only when calculated in this way can importance be measured relative to all other processes in the life cycle.
It is not possible to directly measure the importance of competition from short‐term experiments that last less than one generation, using data from artificial conditions, or using data from glasshouse experiments.
Too often researchers use the term ‘importance’ without stating clearly what this is measured with respect to. We highlight, for example, that importance could be measured for population growth rate, community composition or community invasibility and that the appropriate measure would differ in each case.
Synthesis. We ask whether a single index of importance is really useful in plant ecology. The concept focuses on index‐based measures of competition using experimental data, narrowly concentrating on comparing two theories of plant competition. In the rest of the ecological world, researchers are using model‐based analyses of field data and increasingly sophisticated fitting techniques to dissect out the various processes determining the dynamics of single and interacting populations and making a great deal of progress. It is obviously very useful to disentangle the effects of competition at different stages in the life cycle and to determine how these vary along environmental gradients. However, the measure of competition and the measure of importance should be tailored to the question being addressed.
Allosteric regulation of the primase (DnaG) activity by the clamp‐loader (τ) in vitro
Authors: Chintakayala Kiran , Machón Cristina , Haroniti Anna , Larson Marilyn A. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Griep Mark A. , Soultanas Panos 
Published: March 2009

SummaryDuring DNA replication the helicase (DnaB) recruits the primase (DnaG) in the replisome to initiate the polymerization of new DNA strands. DnaB is attached to the τ subunit of the clamp‐loader that loads the β clamp and interconnects the core polymerases on the leading and lagging strands. The τ–DnaB−DnaG ternary complex is at the heart of the replisome and its function is likely to be modulated by a complex network of allosteric interactions. Using a stable ternary complex comprising the primase and helicase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus and the τ subunit of the clamp‐loader from Bacillus subtilis we show that changes in the DnaB–τ interaction can stimulate allosterically primer synthesis by DnaG in vitro. The A550V τ mutant stimulates the primase activity more efficiently than the native protein. Truncation of the last 18 C‐terminal residues of τ elicits a DnaG‐stimulatory effect in vitro that appears to be suppressed in the native τ protein. Thus changes in the τ–DnaB interaction allosterically affect primer synthesis. Although these C‐terminal residues of τ are not involved directly in the interaction with DnaB, they may act as a functional gateway for regulation of primer synthesis by τ‐interacting components of the replisome through the τ–DnaB−DnaG pathway.