Dynamics of the Cumulation of Macroelements – Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium During Development to Maturity of Soybean Seed

Dynamics of the cumulation of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in developing seed of four soybean genotypes under the defined climatic conditions in the course of three years was observed. Samples were being taken at weekly intervals from the point at which the grain reached a size suitable to be analyzed up to the full maturity of the seed. By analyzing the results it was found out that the intense cumulation of the minerals tested took place during the stages III and IV of the seed development, that is, in the course of intense cumulation of dry matter and the most expressive metabolic activity in the seed. Investigation of the impact of climatic conditions provides evidence that cumulation of the tested macroelements has been favourably influenced by increased precipitation along with moderate air temperatures within the seed developing period. The highest content of the minerals found with the cultivar Maksimirka independently of the year investigated reveals that mineral cumulation in soybean seed is affected by the cultivar and genetic particularity.     

Changes in several blood and urine parameters during combined hyperfluid therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) in the horse

During the combination of oral and intravenous application of saline solution for treatment of the COPD of horses the level of hydraemia basing on the total protein concentration in the serum, the urine production and the specific weight of urine was determined. Additionally the development of serum concentration and of renal excretion rates of potassium, calcium and magnesium were ascertained. The level of hydraemia resulting from the combined method is almost identical with the solely intravenous performed hyperinfusion therapy. Due to the excessive application of fluid an extremely high level of urine production is reached which causes a reduced specific weight as well as an increased renal excretion of potassium, calcium and magnesium. The result is a real loss of electrolytes which is - apart from hydraemia - the reason for the lower level of the corresponding serum concentrations. This seems to be important, especially for potassium and magnesium, because the organism is unable to compensate the loss of these electrolytes in the same way as the loss of calcium. In connection with the renal loss of electrolytes during the high level of urine production glucosuria is observed.     

Microcirculation in the follicles and corpora lutea of the bovine ovary--a corrosion anatomical study

With the help of a new synthetic material follicles and corpora lutea from the ovaries of 80 cows in different stages of the sexual cycle were examined for modifications of their blood vessel architecture. In the theca externa the main artery which runs towards the follicle, separates into arterioles of which capillaries derive in the theca interna, building a basket-like network around the zona granulosa. After ovulation the follicle wall forms characteristic fields. Capillaries grow into the zona granulosa and thus the folds form the lobular structure of the corpus luteum. Capillaries which rise from the ruptured part of the follicle, spread centripetally and together with lutein cells they build up the not lobulated cupola of the corpus luteum. The regression of the corpus luteum starts around the 16th day of the cycle, beginning at the capillary network of the cupola. A contraction of the vessels and a quick decrease of the volume follow.     

The effect of hypervitaminosis D3 on the bones of the chicken. 2. Electron microscopic studies

In an experiment of 36 days duration 46 one-day-old chicks were divided into 5 groups and fed with different concentrations of vitamin D3. The animals of the group which lacked vitamin D3, showed the typical rachitic lesions. After a 15 days lack of vitamin D3 the chicks of another group were treated with standard food (2000 I.U. vitamin D3/kg food) with the consequence of an approximation of the analyzed parameters to those of the control group within 3 weeks. When fed with 60,000 I.U. of vitamin D3 after a 15 days lack of this vitamin, the animals showed an over-hasty healing process, ending up with signs of intoxication which were even more conspicuous when fed with 120,000 I.U. of vitamin D3. Besides an increasing calcification of osteoblasts and endothelial cell membranes as well as a degeneration of osteoblasts, a clear increase of eosinophilic granulocytes could be noticed. In all groups free erythrocytes within the ground substance were found. There was no evidence of necroses of osteocytes or of bone.     

The Content of β-endorphin-like Immunoreactivity in Porcine Corpus Luteum and the Potential Roles of Progesterone, Oxytocin and Prolactin in the Regulation of β-endorphin Release from Luteal Cells in vitro

The amount of β‐endorphin‐like immunoreactivity (β‐END‐LI) in porcine corpora lutea from several stages of the oestrous cycle and the effects of progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin on β‐END‐LI secretion in vitro by luteal cells were studied. Porcine corpora lutea obtained on days 1–5, 6–10, 11–13, 14–18, and 19–21 of the cycle were used to prepare extracts for β‐END‐LI determination. Additionally, corpora lutea from days 11–13 and 14–18 were enzymatically dissociated and isolated luteal cells were used for further study of β‐endorphin secretion in vitro. Cells were cultured in serum‐free defined M 199 medium (10⁶ cells/ml) at 37°C under 5% CO₂ in air, for 12 h. The influences of the following factors on β‐END‐LI secretion by luteal cells were tested: progesterone (10^–9, 10^–7 and 10^–5M ), oxytocin (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 ng/ml), and prolactin (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml). The β‐END‐LI contents in extracts and media were measured by radioimmunoassay. The tissue concentration of β‐END‐LI was lowest on days 1–5 of the cycle (0.35 ± 0.03 ng/g wet tissue). Subsequently, it constantly increased to the highest value on days 14–18 (16.58 ± 0.52 ng/g wet tissue) and on days 19–21 it declined (11.10 ± 0.52 ng/g wet tissue). Progesterone at a low dose (10^–9 M ) resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increases and decreases in β‐END‐LI secretion by luteal cells from days 11–13 and 14–18, respectively. Higher doses of progesterone (10^–7 and 10^–5 M ) had no effect on β‐END‐LI release, compared with the control group. All dose‐levels of oxytocin used decreased β‐END‐LI secretion by luteal cells on days 11–13 and 14–18 of the cycle. Prolactin at doses of 0.1 and 1 ng/ml on days 11–13, and all doses tested on days 14–18 resulted in decreases in β‐END‐LI release from luteal cells. These results document evident changes in β‐END‐LI content in the pig corpus luteum during its development and indicate the potential roles of progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin in luteal cell secretion of β‐END‐LI.     

In situ radiometric mapping of soil erosion and field-moist bulk density on cultivated fields

Abstract. Recent developments in in situγ ray spectrometry offer a new approach to measuring the activity of radionuclides such as ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K in soils, and thus estimating erosion or deposition rates and field moist bulk density (ρ_m). Such estimates would be rapid and involve minimal site disturbance, especially important where archaeological remains are present. This paper presents the results of a pilot investigation of an eroded field in Scotland in which a portable hyper pure germanium (HPGe) detector was used to measure γ ray spectra in situ. The gamma (γ) photon flux observed at the soil surface is a function of the ¹³⁷Cs inventory, its depth distribution characteristics and ρ_m. A coefficient, Q_Cs, derived from the forward scattering of ¹³⁷Cs γ ray photons within the soil profile relative to the ¹³⁷Cs full energy peak (662 keV), was used to correct the in situ calibration for changes in the ¹³⁷Cs vertical distribution in the ploughed field, a function of tillage, soil accumulation and ρ_m. Based on only 8 measurements, the agreement between in situγ ray spectrometry and soil sample measurements of ¹³⁷Cs inventories improved from a non significant r²=0.05 to a significant r²=0.62 (P<0.05). Erosion and deposition rates calculated from the corrected in situ¹³⁷Cs measurements had a similarly good agreement with those calculated from soil cores. Mean soil bulk density was also calculated using a separate coefficient, Q_K, derived from the forward scattering γ photons from ⁴⁰K within the soil relative to the ⁴⁰K full energy peak (1460 keV). Again there was good agreement with soil core measurements (r²=0.64; P<0.05). The precision of the in situ¹³⁷Cs measurement was limited by the precision with which Q_Cs can be estimated, a function of the low ¹³⁷Cs deposition levels associated with the weapons testing fallout and relatively low detector efficiency (35%). In contrast, the precision of the in situ ρ_m determination was only limited by the spatial variability associated with soil sampling.     

Characteristics of Rice Cultivars with Implications for Crawfish Double Cropping1

Twenty-five domestic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars were evaluated in a simulated rice/crawfish double cropping system in southwest Louisiana during 1983 and 1984. Wide variation was observed among cultivars in parameters believed to be important for maximizing productivity in such a system. Mean maturity ranged from 99 (Labelle) to 118 days (Starbonnet), while height ranged from 76 (Bellemont) to 130 cm (Della, Nato). Significant differences in grain yield response were observed, with yields ranging from 4,101 (Bluebelle) to 6,665 kg/hectare (Newbonnet). Straw dry matter production varied greatly, from 3,831 (Bellemont) to 9,170 kg/hectare (Della), and was positively correlated with plant height (r = 0.64; P = 0.0001). Ratoon biomass production was negatively correlated with both grain yield (r = -0.39; P = 0.0001) and maturity group (r = -0.69; P = 0.0001). Plant senescence at grain maturity also varied greatly and appears to be a factor in post-harvest ratoon capability. Early or very early maturing cultivars with both proven grain production and good ratooning capability appear best suited. Cultivar selection should be based upon individual farm situations and currently employed agronomic practices.     

A test for interaction between brown trout (Salmo trutta) and inanga (Galaxias maculatus) in an artificial stream

Abstract –  The interaction between brown trout ( Salmo trutta ; fork length (FL) range 255–390 mm) and inanga ( Galaxias maculatus ; FL range 55–115 mm) was tested during summer through autumn in an artificial stream consisting of a single run-riffle-pool sequence with a natural food supply. Each experimental trial lasted for 15 days, and consisted of two brown trout and 50 inanga collected fresh from a nearby stream, with each species given prior residence in four replicate tests, totalling eight trials in all. In addition, two control trials (each 10 days), with 50 inanga in each, were run. Brown trout almost exclusively occupied the pool, whereas inanga occupied all habitat types, although in different proportions, when tested with and without brown trout. The proportion of inanga in the pool was appreciably lower in the experimental trials with brown trout than in the control trials with no brown trout; prior residence had no significant effect on inanga habitat use. Mortality of inanga attributable to predation by brown trout ranged from 0 to 40% with a mean of 14.5 ± 4.7%. The results suggest that habitat use and survival of inanga populations in small streams can be adversely affected by brown trout.     

The effects of straw disposal and depth of cultivation on the growth, nutrient uptake and yield of winter wheat on a clay and a silt soil

Abstract. Experiments were conducted for one year on two different soil types. On a clay soil straw was either (a) burnt, (b) baled leaving the stubble, or (c) chopped and spread. The soil was tine cultivated to depths of 5, 10 or 15 cm or ploughed to 20 or 30 cm before winter wheat was sown conventionally. In addition, a direct-drilled crop was sown after each straw treatment. On a silt loam soil the direct-drilled, tine cultivated to 15 cm and ploughed to 30 cm treatments following burning or chopping and spreading straw were repeated.
Tine cultivation incorporated less straw than ploughing, decreased plant establishment and early growth but did not decrease yield. Direct-drilling through chopped straw decreased yield on the silt loam but not on the clay soil. Short straw (< 5 cm) was easier to incorporate than longer straw. Ploughing was the most efficient method of straw incorporation because it inverts soil. Early effects on crop growth and nutrient uptake following straw incorporation were transient and associated with large amounts of straw in the seeded layer of soil.