Effect of partial and complete defoliation on regrowth of white clover plants

Single plants of white clover (Trifolium repens) were subjected either to two intensities of overall defoliation or to severe defoliation of different parts of the plant. Measurements were made of growth in terms of leaf size, petiole length, internode length and other parameters, and compared with those of undefoliated plants. The results show that, while growth of all parts of the plant was reduced by severe overall defoliation, partial defoliation affected various parts of the plant differently according to which leaves were removed. The results are interpreted in terms of the acropetal movement of assimilates from alternative sources in response to defoliation. The probable effects of this on yield and its relevance to grazing management of newly seeded clover are discussed.     

Bacterial Isolates From Plaque and From Blood During and After Routine Dental Procedures in Dogs

Objective — This study evaluates the association between dental procedures and bacteremia in dogs, including a comparison of bacteria isolated from plaque and blood, severity of the bacteremia versus the severity of dental disease, and the longevity of bacteremia.
Study Design — Bacteria cultured from the blood over time were compared with those isolated from the plaque and crevicular fluid and in relation to severity of dental disease.
Animals or Sample Population — Twenty adult greyhounds.
Methods — Blood samples were collected for culture before induction of general anesthesia, immediately after intubation, 20 minutes after initiation of the dental procedure, and at 10-minute intervals until 10 minutes after the dental procedure was completed. Samples of plaque were taken for microbiological culture.
Results — Sixty to ninety percent of the bacterial genera isolated from the plaque were present in the blood. Dogs classified according to severity of dental disease showed no difference in the total number of different species or number of different Gram-negative, Gram-positive, or anaerobic bacteria isolated from plaque or blood (P <.05). Bacteremia was present in all of the dogs studied, within 40 minutes from the initiation of the dental procedure, regardless of the severity of oral disease.
Conclusions — Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria are present in blood during dental procedures; the bacteremia can persist beyond the dental procedure, and is not associated with the severity of dental disease.
Clinical Relevance — The nature and extent of bacteremia occuring during routine dental procedures is important in understanding a potential risk to dogs.     

Establishing climate–growth relationships for yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) in the northeast Pacific using a dendrochronological approach

We applied dendrochronology (tree‐ring) methods to develop multidecadal growth chronologies from the increment widths of yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) otoliths. Chronologies were developed for the central California coast, a site just north of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and at Bowie Seamount west of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. At each site, synchronous growth patterns were matched among otoliths via the process of cross‐dating, ensuring that the correct calendar year was assigned to all increments. Each time series of growth‐increment measurements was divided by the values predicted by a best‐fit negative exponential function, thereby removing age‐related trends. These detrended time series were averaged into a master chronology for each site, and chronologies were correlated with monthly averages of sea surface temperatures, upwelling, the Northern Oscillation Index, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The two northern growth chronologies positively correlated with indices of warm ocean conditions, especially from the prior summer through the spring of the current year. During the same period, the California chronology positively correlated with indices of cool ocean conditions, indicating an opposing productivity regime for yelloweye rockfish between the California Current and the Gulf of Alaska. Overall, this study demonstrates how tree‐ring techniques can be applied to quickly develop annually resolved chronologies and establish climate–growth relationships across various temporal and spatial scales.     

Analgesia After Lateral Thoracotomy in Dogs Epidural Morphine Vs. Intercostal Bupivacaine

One of two analgesic treatments was randomly assigned to 40 dogs undergoing lateral thoracotomy. Group E (20 dogs) received an epidural injection of morphine (0.1 mg/kg) before surgery. Group I (20 dogs) received injections of bupivacaine around five intercostal nerves when the thorax was about to be closed. All dogs were given an opioid as part of their preoperative medication (meperidine or butorphanol), followed by thiopental for induction and halothane or methoxyflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. Scores were assigned for preoperative demeanor and response to restraint and injection. Alertness, undisturbed pain behavior, and response to palpation of the wound were assessed 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Dogs that appeared uncomfortable were given analgesics. Blood for evaluation of arterial blood gases was obtained at 3 and 6 hours after surgery. The person scoring the dogs was blinded to the treatment given. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Group E contained more "nervous" dogs (12 vs. 6) and more dogs in group E received postoperative analgesics (8 vs. 2). Both techniques appeared to provide adequate analgesia for most dogs.     

Change in the Concentration of Employment in Computer Services: Spatial Estimation at the U.S. Metro County Level

ABSTRACT This article models the concentration of computer services activity across the U.S. with factors that incorporate spatial relationships. Specifically, we enhance the standard home‐area study with an analysis that allows conditions in neighboring counties to affect the concentration of employment in the home county. We use county‐level data for metropolitan areas between 1990 and 1997. To measure change in employment concentration, we use the change in location quotients for SIC 737, which captures employment concentration changes caused by both the number of firms and the scale of their activity relative to the national average. After controlling for local demand for computer services, our results support the importance of the presence of a qualified labor supply, interindustry linkages, proximity to a major airport, and spatial processes in explaining changes in computer services employment concentration, finding little support for the influence of cost factors. Our enhanced model reveals interjurisdictional relationships among these metro counties that could not be captured with standard estimates by state, metropolitan statistical area (MSA), or county. Using counties within MSAs, therefore, provides more general results than case studies but still allows measurement of local interactions.     

A rapid sensitive bioassay for determination of paraquat and diquat in water

The change in cell-membrane permeability as indicated by leakage of electrolytes from treated fronds of Lemna minor was the criterion used to detect the presence of diquat and paraquat in solution. The minimum herbicide concentrations that could be detected ranged from 1.8 and 1.7 μg/ml diquat and paraquat cation respectively after 3 h treatment to 0.00018 and 0.000017 μg/ml after 72 h. Paraquat was more active than diquat in all treatments. Increase in cell-membrane permeability occurred without the appearance of injury such as, chlorosis or bleaching of fronds. Light was necessary for these herbicides to alter cell-membrane permeability, though a little herbicidal activity could be detected after 48 h in the dark at concentrations above 0.17μg/ml. Un test biologique rapide et sensible pour la recherche du paraquat et du diquat dans l'eau Des modifications de la perméabilité de la membrane cellulaire, révélées par la déperdition d'électrolytes à partir de frondes de Lemna minor, ont été utilisées comme critères pour révéler la prèsence de diquat et de paraquat dans des solutions. Les concentrations minimales d'herbicides qui ont pu être décelées se sont situées entre 1,8 μg/ml et 1,7 μg/ml des cations diquat et paraquat respectivement, apres 3 heures de traitement, jusquà 0,00018 et 0,000017 μg/ml après 72 heures. Le paraquat s'est montré plus actif que le diquat dans tous les traitements. Un accroissement de la perméabilité cellulaire s'est produit sans qu'il soit apparu de dégâts tels que la chlorose ou le blanchissement des frondes. La lumière a été nécessaire pour que ces herbicides altèrent la perméabilité de la membrane cellulaire, bien qu'une faible activité herbicide ait pu être décelée après 48 heures à l'obscurité, à des concentrations supérieures à 0,17 μg/ml. Ein schneller und empindlicher Biotest für den Nachweis von Paraquat und Deiquat in Wasser Veränderungen in der Permeabilität der Zellmembran in Form des Austretens von Elektrolyten aus behandelten Wedeln von Lemna minor wurden als Kriterium für den Nachweis von Deiquat und Paraquat in wässeriger Lösung benutzt. Die geringsten Herbizidkonzentrationen, die festgestellt werden konnten, lagen nach 3 h nach der Applikation bei 1,8 und 1,7 μg/ml Deiquatbzw. Paraquat-Kation und nach 72 h bei 0,00018 und 0,000017 (μg/ml). In allen Behandlungen war Paraquat wirksamer als Deiquat. Der Anstieg in der Zellmembran-Per-meabilität war nichi mit äusseren Symptomen wie Chlorose oder Ausbleichen der Wedel verbunden. Für die Herbizidbedingte Veränderung der Zellmembran-Permeabilität war Licht notwendig, doch konnte auch eine geringfügige Herbizidwirkung nach einer 48-h-Dunkelperiode bei Konzenlrationen > 0,17 μg/ml festgestellt werden.     

Differential gene expression of the α-chain of mitochondrial H+-transporting ATP synthase between dormant and non-dormant seeds of paddy Echinochloa weeds

Gene expression was compared under favorable germination conditions between dormant and non-dormant seeds of rice paddy Echinochloa weeds and a domesticated Echinochloa species lacking dormancy. Two dormancy-specific cDNAs, Ecd1 and Ecd2 , were identified by differential display. Northern blot analysis revealed that these genes were more strongly expressed in dormant seeds than in non-dormant seeds. A database search for the Ecd1 sequence revealed no significant homology with any known proteins, but the Ecd2 sequence was highly homologous with the α-chain of mitochondrial H⁺-transporting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase in rice ( Oryza sativa L.). These findings indicate that the gene encoding the enzyme associated with conventional aerobic respiration is more abundantly transcribed in dormant seeds. The results reported in the present study suggest that dormant seeds of paddy Echinochloa weeds, which appear during the period when paddy soil becomes aerobic by drainage, may maintain viability primarily by efficient conventional aerobic respiration, including ATP synthesis catalyzed by the mitochondrial H⁺-transporting ATP synthase.     

SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PROXIMAL METACARPAL AND METATARSAL REGIONS IN CLINICALLY SOUND HORSES

In recent years, pain arising from the proximal metacarpal and metatarsal regions has become well recognized as a cause of lameness and various disease entities have been identified. However, our knowledge of normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake is limited, making interpretation of images problematic. It is therefore important to characterize normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake at specific sites to ensure valid interpretation of images in clinical cases with subtle lesions. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal metacarpal and proximal metatarsal regions in clinically sound horses. Scintigraphic images from 64 clinically normal horses were evaluated. All the images were assessed subjectively. The lateral, dorsal, and plantar scintigraphic images were assessed qualitatively using horizontal line profiles through the proximal metacarpal and proximal metatarsal regions. Mean ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake were calculated from three regions of interest sited over the proximal metacarpal and proximal metatarsal regions and a reference site. In 78% of forelimbs the peak of radiopharmaceutical activity was at the dorsal to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region. Seventy-five per cent of the dorsal plane profiles of activity were symmetrical, with the highest peak over the medial to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region. In 80% of hindlimb lateral images the peak radiopharmaceutical activity was at the central to plantar aspect of the proximal metatarsal region. All (100%) plantar image profiles of activity were symmetrical, with the highest peak being over the lateral portion of the proximal metatarsal region. There was no significant left and right variation between sites for mean ratios on the lateral and dorsal images of the proximal metacarpal region. However, using lateral images the mean ratios from all regions of the right proximal metatarsal were greater than left (dorsal P = 0.003, plantar P < 0.0001 and whole proximal metatarsal, P = 0.0006). There was no significant variation in mean ratios between left and right on plantar images. However, the mean ratio for the lateral proximal metatarsal region was significantly greater than for the medial proximal metatarsal regions (P < 0.0001). There was no significant effect of age. Left/right symmetry of radiopharmaceutical uptake was shown in the proximal metacarpal region. However, there was a significant difference between left and right proximal metatarsal regions. There was higher radiopharmaceutical uptake in the right proximal metatarsal region than the left, which agrees with previous studies of the tarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints. There were differences in the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake between the forelimbs and hindlimbs. In the forelimbs maximum radiopharmaceutical uptake was located at the dorsal to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region in the lateral image, with peak activity over the medial to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region on dorsal images. In the hindlimbs the maximum radiopharmaceutical uptake was at the central to plantar aspect of the proximal metatarsal region in the lateral image, with peak activity over the lateral portion of proximal metatarsal region on plantar images. The results of this study support the hypothesis that there would be a standard pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake across the proximal metacarpal and l metatarsal regions, but the pattern of uptake observed would be different in the proximal metacarpal region compared with the proximal metatarsal region. There was left/right symmetry of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal metacarpal region. However, there was a significant difference between left and right proximal metatarsal regions, with higher radiopharmaceutical uptake in the right. There was no variation of radiopharmaceutical uptake pattern with age.     

FOCAL INCREASED RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL UPTAKE IN THE DORSOPROXIMAL DIAPHYSEAL REGION OF THE EQUINE PROXIMAL PHALANX

The aims of this study were to establish the frequency of occurrence, intensity and symmetry of focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the dorsoproximal aspect of the diaphysis of the proximal phalanx; to determine if this focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was related to age, height, gender, breed, bodyweight, or discipline of the horse, and if there was any relationship with lameness. Scintigraphic images from 690 horses were analyzed subjectively and objectively. Age, breed, discipline, height, weight, gender, and lame limb(s) or reasons for presentation were recorded for all horses. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associations between available variables and focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was present in 17% of forelimbs and 7% of hindlimbs. It occurred most frequently in the forelimbs of older, taller, and heavier warmblood and warmblood cross dressage horses, and the hindlimbs of older, taller, and heavier showjumpers and dressage horses. It was usually bilaterally symmetrical and was not associated with lameness.     

An economic threshold model for spraying herbicides in cereals

A model has been developed for calculating the economic benefit of early spraying of herbicides in wheat and barley crops, using data derived from routine herbicide evaluation field experiments. Annual grass and broadleaf weed densities are converted to weed units using a weighting for the competitiveness of each species. The absolute yield benefit (kg ha^?1) from controlling a forecast proportion of estimated weed units present when the crop is sprayed at or before the early tillering stage has three major determinants: the weed-free yield potential of the crop (kg ha^?1); the number of weed units m^?2 at spraying; and the relative growth stages of weeds and crop at spraying. The weight of evidence from the data used indicates that there is an approximately linear relationship between weed density after spraying and grain yield. We have based the model on this expectation, which contrasts with the strongly curvilinear relationship of yield and unsprayed weed density. It is suggested that this difference is attributable to the effects of the herbicide treatments on surviving weeds, which are less competitive with the crop than untreated weeds. Un modèle de seuil économique pour I'application des herbicides dans les céréales Un modèle a étéélaboré pour calculer l'intérêt économique de traitements herbicides précoces dans le blé et l'orge, en utilisant des données issues d'évaluations d'herbicides au champ. Les densités de graminées annuelles et de di-cotylédones étaient converties en ‘unités mau-vaise herbe’ après pondération par 1'aptitude à la concurrence de chaque espèce. Le gain de rende-ment absolu (kg ha^?1) obtenu en détruisant, avant ou au moment du tallage, une proportion donnée d'un nombre estimé d'unités mauvaise herbe', a trois déterminant: le potentiel de la culture en l'absence de mauvaises herbes (kg ha^?1), le nombre d'unités mauvaise herbe' par m^?2 au moment du traitement, et les stades de dévelop-pement relatifs de la culture et des mauvaises herbes au moment du traitement. Les données utilisées montrent qu'il existe une relation approximativement linéaire entre la densité de mauvaises herbes après le traitement et le rende-ment de la culture en grain. Nous avons basé le modèle sur cette observation, ce qui contraste avec les relations forgement curvilinéaires entre le rendement et la densité de mauvaises herbes non traitées. II est suggéré que cette différence peut être attribuée aux effets du traitement herbicide sur les mauvaises herbes survivantes, qui sont moins compétitives à l'égard de la culture que des mauvaises herbes non traitées. Ein Modell der ökonomischen Schadensschwel-len für die Behandlung von Getreide mil Herbiziden Anhand von Daten aus Herbizid-Feldprüfungen wurde ein Modell zur Abschätzung des ökonomischen Vorteils früher Herbizidbehandlungen in Weizen und Gerste entwickelt. Für die Gewichtung der Konkurrenzkraft jeder Unkrau-tart wurden die Dichten der mono- und dikotylen Arten zu Unkraut-Einheiten verrechnet. Der absolute Ertragsgewinn infolge der Bekämpfung eines prognostizierten Anteils der zum Spritzter-min während oder vor Beginn der Bestockung geschätzten Unkraut-Einheiten hat 3 Haupt-Determinate: das Ertragspotential der Kultur ohne Unkrautkonkurrenz, die Unkrautdichte und die Entwicklungsstadien von Unkraut und Kultur bei der Behandlung. Die Beweiskraft der benutzten Daten zeigt, daß eine fast lineare Beziehung zwischen der Unkrautdichte bei der Behandlung und dem Ertrag besteht. Das Modell basierte auf dieser Erwartung, die zur sehr kurvilinearen Beziehung zwischen Ertrag und unbehandelter Verunkrautung in Gegensatz steht. Dieser Unterschied wird darauf zurückgeführt, daß behandelte Unkräuter eine geringere Konkurrenz ausüben als unbehandelte.