Clay mineralogy of the cretaceous-tertiary boundary clay

Analyses of the clay mineralogy of samples from the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary layer at four localities show that the boundary clay is neither mineralogically exotic nor distinct from locally derived clays above and below the boundary. The significant ejecta component in the clay that is predicted by the asteroid-impact scenario was not detected.     

Age and growth of yellow eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), determined by two different methods

Abstract– Ageing and calculation of growth rate of eels has always been controversial, and remarkably little validation has been reported. This article describes the growth of yellow eels from three lakes in the Burrishoole system, Ireland, as determined by back-calculation from otoliths prepared by burning and cracking. Eels captured by fyke net ranged in length from 25.0 cm to 98.5 cm and the ages ranged from 6 to 49 years. Back-calculated growth was slow, with mean annual increments of 2.08 cm, 1.40 cm and 1.97 cm for the three lakes. Yellow eels captured in the Burrishoole system in 1987 and 1988 were marked by Pan Jet inoculated alcian blue dye and released back into the three lakes. Recaptures made over the following three years yielded considerable growth data. Mean annual growth rates recorded were 2.30 cm, 1.07 cm and 0.97 cm. These data compare favorably with the calculated growth rates, thereby validating the otolith analysis for the eels in the Burrishoole system.     

Molecular weight spectra of dissolved organic carbon in a rewetted Welsh peatland and possible implications for water quality

Abstract. Demand for water from catchments dominated by upland peat as a source of drinking water supplies in the UK is likely to increase in the future as demand per capita continues to rise (Thomsen 1990) and/or summer droughts increase in frequency (Arnell 1992). Concern has been expressed in recent years over rising colour levels (related to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and iron (Fe)) from such catchments (e.g. Kay et al. 1989) causing reduced drinking water quality. One of the major causes of increased DOC concentrations is rewetting following periods of relative drought (Mitchell & McDonald 1992). Experimental rewetting of a naturally drained wetland in Mid‐Wales over four years was found to substantially increase the concentrations of DOC, and Fe in the pore‐water, with peak values of >60 mg dm^–3 (Fe) and >300 mg dm^–3 (DOC) after rewetting, compared with typical values of <1 mgdm^–3 (Fe) and <15 mg dm^–3 (DOC) under the drained conditions. Seasonal peak concentrations of Fe and DOC have since remained at these higher levels. Rewetting produced a selective enrichment of the >5000 to <90 000 apparent molecular weight (AMW) material and this fraction was found to yield peak Fe concentrations. Two additional peaks of DOC were also found in the experimental wetland (not present in the control wetland), of >90 000 to <200 000 AMW and >200 000 AMW material. The AMW spectrum of DOC in the experimental wetland changed with season, and the >90 000 to <200 000 AMW fraction could only be seen in spring, representing a transient pool of carbon that is rapidly transformed in or transported from the wetland. These findings suggest that rewetting of peatland following drought (e.g. due to climate change) has the potential to reduce water quality. Moreover, recent interest in restoration (rewetting) of drained peatlands (Wheeler & Shaw 1995) could create an additional source of DOC rich water.     

Survey of vomitoxin-contaminated feed grains in midwestern United States, and associated health problems in swine

During the 1981 corn harvest season in Illinois and surrounding states, cold wet weather enhanced the growth of Fusarium graminearum, with resulting contamination by vomitoxin and, to a lesser extent, zearalenone. Of 342 feed samples analyzed, 274 contained vomitoxin at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 41.6 ppm (mean, 3.1 ppm) and 40 samples contained zearalenone at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 8 ppm (mean, 0.66 ppm). Animal health problems and reduced growth performance were observed mainly in swine fed vomitoxin-contaminated rations. The predominant clinical complaints, in decreasing frequency were: reproductive problems (50%), feed refusal (43%), reduced weight gain (25%), diarrhea (17%), death (14%), and emesis (11%).     

Metoserpate Hydrochloride for the treatment of hysteria in replacement pullets

Fifteen flocks of replacement pullets affected with hysteria were treated with metoserpate hydrochloride via the drinking water after water was withheld for an adequate period. The dose was 4 mg/kg body weight (BW) on day 1, and 2 mg/kg BW on days 5 and 9. Metoserpate hydrochloride proved effective and safe for treating clinical cases of hysteria in replacement pullets.     

Some Clinical and Hematological Features of Virus Enteritis of Mink

Twenty-six, ten-week-old mink were infected by force feeding by pipette 2 ml of a tissue suspension containing a Wisconsin strain of mink enteritis virus. Four days later, diarrhea and partial or complete loss of appetite developed simultaneously in all of the animals. Squinting and occasional vomiting were also observed. By the sixth day after inoculation, all of the mink were anorectic and weak. Anorexia persisted for 48 to 96 hours. Diarrhea and vomiting continued until the eighth to ninth day after exposure. For the first two days after the appearance of diarrhea, the feces contained large quantities of mucus and intestinal casts were seen frequently in the droppings. Thereafter, the feces consisted mostly of yellowish green, watery fluid and contained no casts. Some of the animals died on the eighth day after infection. Those which survived were severely dehydrated and debilitated, but resumed eating and achieved complete clinical recovery within the next five to six days.

Leukopenia, i.e., total leukocyte count of less than 5,000 cells per mm³ of blood, was found in seven of nine mink examined during the height of the disease. Leukopenic animals were deficient in both lymphocytes and neutrophils.