Comparison of pure Holsteins to crossbred Holsteins with Norwegian Red cattle in first and second generations

A total of 1922 first generation crossbred cows born between 2005 and 2012 produced by inseminating purebred Israeli Holstein cows with Norwegian Red semen, and 7487 purebred Israeli Holstein cows of the same age in the same 50 herds were analyzed for production, calving traits, fertility, calving diseases, body condition score, abortion rate and survival under intensive commercial management conditions. Holstein cows were higher than crossbreds for 305-day milk, fat and protein production. Differences were 764, 1244, 1231 for kg milk; 23.4, 37.4, 35.6 for kg fat, and 16.7, 29.8, 29.8 for kg protein; for parities 1 through 3. Differences for fat concentration were not significant; while crossbred cows were higher for protein concentration by 0.06% to 0.08%. Differences for somatic cells counts were not significant. Milk production persistency was higher for Holstein cows by 5, 8.3 and 8% in parities 1 through 3. Crossbred cows were higher for conception status by 3.1, 3.6 and 4.7% in parities 1 through 3. Rates of metritis for Holsteins were higher than the crossbred cows by 7.8, 4.6 and 3.4% in parities 1 to 3. Differences for incidence of abortion, dystocia, ketosis and milk fever were not significant. Holstein cows were lower than crossbred cows for body condition score for all three parities, with differences of 0.2 to 0.4 units. Contrary to comparisons in other countries, herd-life was higher for Holsteins by 79 days. A total of 6321 Holstein cows born between 2007 and 2011 were higher than 765 progeny of crossbred cows backcrossed to Israeli Holsteins of the same ages for milk, fat and protein production. Differences were 279, 537, 542 kg milk; 10.5, 17.7, 17.0 kg fat and 6.2, 12.9, 13.2 kg protein for parities 1 through 3. Differences for fat concentration were not significant, while backcross cows were higher for protein percentage by 0.02% to 0.04%. The differences for somatic cell score, conception rate, and calving diseases other than metritis, were not significant. Holstein cows were lower than backcross cows by 1.5% to 2.5% for conception status in parities 1 to 3 and lower for body condition score for parities 1 and 2, with differences in the range of 0.06 to 0.09 units. Culling rates were higher, and herd-life lower for the crossbred cows. The gains obtained in secondary traits for crossbred cows did not compensate for the major reduction in production.     

CEA, ZGM and EMA localization in cells of pleural and peritoneal effusion: a preliminary study

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the zinc glycinate marker (ZGM) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) have been described as epithelial or tumour markers of varying specificity. These antigens were studied by immunoperoxidase localization in selected cell blocks of 62 pleural or peritoneal effusions and compared to cytological findings and review of the clinical records. By cytological criteria, 25 of the cell blocks were positive for malignancy, 30 negative, and 7 inconclusive. CEA, ZGM, and EMA by immunoperoxidase staining were localized on the cell surface and often in the cytoplasm of malignant cells, in 11/25 (44 per cent), 17/25 (68 per cent) and 22/25 (88 per cent) of the positive cell blocks respectively. Ten (40 per cent) of these cases were positive for all three antigens, 7 (28 per cent) for two, and 6 (24 per cent) for one. Of the 7 cases which were inconclusive on routine cytological reporting, 5 were positive for at least one marker. In 3 of the 5 a diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed, and in the other two was strongly suspected as malignant on clinical grounds. Macrophages were sometimes positive for one or more markers (but showed cytoplasmic staining only) and mesothelial cells in some cases stained positively for EMA but were always negative for CEA and ZGM. Localization of the 3 antigens in cells of malignant effusions was compared with their localization in the primary tumours in 9 cases. Localization corresponded for CEA in 7 of 9 cases, for EMA in 8 of 8 an for ZGM in only 2 of 9. Effusion fluid levels for CEA were compared with the cytological and immunocytochemical findings in 30 cases. Mucin stains performed on the cell blocks were also compared with the immunoperoxidase findings.     

Kinetic properties of pig (Sus scrofa domestica) and bovine (Bos taurus) D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate 1-phosphohydrolase (F1,6BPase): liver-like isozymes in mammalian lung tissue

F1,6BPases from porcine and bovine lung were isolated and their kinetic properties were determined. Ks, Kis and beta were determined assuming partial-noncompetitive inhibition (simple intersecting hyperbolic noncompetitive inhibition) of the enzyme by the substrate. Values for Ks were 4.1 and 4.4 microM for porcine and bovine F1,6BPase, respectively and values for 1 were close to 0.55 in both cases. Kis were 9 and 15 microM for porcine and bovine F1,6BPase, respectively. I0.5 for AMP were determined as 7 microM for pig enzyme and 14 microM for F1,6BPase from bovine lung. The enzymes were inhibited by F2,6BP with Ki's of 0.19 and 0.21 microM for porcine and bovine enzymes, respectively. In the presence of AMP concentration equal to I0.5, the Ki values for pig and bovine enzymes were 0.07 and 0.09 microM, respectively. The levels of F2,6BP, AMP and antioxidant enzymes activities in pig and bovine lung tissues were also determined. The cDNA coding sequence of pig lung F1,6BPase1 showed a high homology with pig liver enzyme, differing only in four positions (G/C-63, T/A-808, G/C-884 and T/A-1005) resulting in a single amino acid substitution (Gly-295 for Ala-295). It is hypothesized that the lung F1,6BPase participates in gluconeogenesis, surfactant synthesis and antioxidant reactions.     

Aging process of leg muscle endurance in males and females

In order to estimate muscle endurance during knee extension (KME) and plantar flexion (PME) using a simple method, holding times for the half-squatting posture for KME and for the calf-raising posture for PME were measured in 3,792 males and 3,620 females aged between 6 and 79 years. The regression lines of the aging process for KME and PME in both sexes were determined. Peak values were found at 13 years in males and 12 years in females for KME, and at 15 years in males and 16 years in females for PME. The mean values increased sharply with age up to each peak and then decreased abruptly to a low level at around 20 years, thereafter declining gradually. The values of KME as a percentage of the peak value were 71, 75 and 34 at the ages of 6, 20 and 70-79 years respectively in males, while the corresponding values were 80, 77 and 36 for females. The values of PME at these ages were 34, 93 and 69 in males and 54, 91 and 73 in females. The mean values for males were generally higher than those for females. These results suggest that endurance of the leg muscles differs according to age, sex and the region of the leg muscle. These data will be useful as standard values for evaluating endurance and for prescribing suitable exercise for the promotion of physical fitness.     

Maturation and fertilization of porcine oocytes in vitro

Four experiments were conducted to study 1) factors affecting porcine oocyte maturation in culture medium and 2) a new method for oocyte maturation outside the porcine body. In Experiment 1, five groups of oocytes were cultured in m-TCM199 or m-KRB medium for 24 to 28, 32 to 36 or 40 to 42 hours and then were fertilized in vitro. The cleavage rate (two to four-cell stage) of oocytes cultured for 32 to 36 hours was significantly higher than those of the other oocytes. The results indicate that a suitable culture period for the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes is 32 to 36 hours. In Experiment 2, four groups of oocytes were cultured in m-KRB or m-KRB supplemented with PFF, PMSG or FSH for in vitro maturation, and the cleavage rates of oocytes were 7.94, 22.56, 30.23 and 23.26%, respectively, after in vitro fertilization. The results show that porcine follicular fluid (PFF) and gonadotrophins added to the culture medium promote porcine oocyte maturation in vitro. In Experiment 3, oocytes were cultured in m-KRB or m-TCM199, supplemented with both gonadotrophin and pocine folliclar fluid for maturation in vitro. After fertilization in vitro, the cleavage rates of oocytes were 26.32 and 27.93% for the two media. The results indicate that the difference between m-KRB and m-TCM199 was insignificant when the media were used to culture porcine oocytes. But there was a significant difference when PFF and gonadotrophins were added to the basic media. In Experiment 4, porcine oocytes were transferred into the reproductive tracts of other animals for maturation. After 34 to 36 hours, the oocytes were collected and fertilized in vitro. The cleavage rates of oocytes were 10.42, 28.45, 3.33 and 36.36%, respectively, for the oocytes matured in mouse uterine horns, rat uterine horns, rat oviducts or rabbit oviducts. The results show that porcine oocytes can be matured in the reproductive tracts of other animals.     

Flow measurements in an atherosclerotic curved, tapered femoral artery model of man

Flow visualization and pressure measurements were made for physiological conditions in a model derived from a femoral angiogram of a patient with lesion localization on the inner curvature wall and with vessel taper. Effects of curvature and taper were evaluated separately in other curved, tapered, smooth and straight, tapered, smooth models. Double helical secondary flow patterns were modified by plaque on the inner wall, and flow separations were observed between plaques at higher flow rates and Reynolds numbers. Pressure drop data for the plaque simulation model were similar in trend with Reynolds number as for the smooth model, but flow resistances were 25 to 40 percent higher. Significant pressure drops were measured due to the mild taper which could be estimated from momentum considerations, and smaller increased pressure drops were found due to curvature effects at the higher Dean numbers. Flow resistances for in vivo pulsatile flow simulation were about 10 percent higher than for steady flow for the plaque model, whereas no differences were observed for the smooth model.     

滇金丝猴驯养的初步研究

本文报道的６只慎金丝猴均捕自同一野生种群。由于在运动途中采用了降低应激反应药物,动物得以安全运出。笼养期间,试投以各种本地产植物的叶、花、果和蔬菜为食,结果有５６种为动物所接受。说明金丝猴的食性狭窄主要是受栖息地的限制。在以这些食物为主食的条件下,分别笼养了１４个月的３只（♀）、６个月２只（♂）和８０个月１只（♀）的滇金丝猴目前健康状况良好：成年人体的体重多有所增加,幼体的生长发育良好,结核菌素试     

Comparative study of QTLs for agronomic traits of riceOriza sativa L.) between salt stress and nonstress environment

Genotype-by-environment interactions (GxE) are commonly observed for quantitative traits. In the present study, a doubled haploid (DH) population and its genetic linkage map were used to comparatively study QTLs in salt stress and nonstress environments. A total of 24 QTLs were detected for five agronomic traits, which were distributed on all the chromosomes except 9 and 11. Under the salt stress, nine (37.5%) QTLs were detected, including one for 1 000-grain weight (GW), two for heading date (HD), one for plant height (PH), two for grains per panicle (GPP), and three for effective tillers (ET), while in the nonstress environment, 17 QTLs (70.8%) were detected, including five for GW, six for HD, three for PH, two for GPP, and one for ET. Two QTLs (8.3%) were consistently detected in both environments. One was identified on chromosome 4 for HD and the other on Chr.6 for GPP. Furthermore, three regions carrying multiple QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 4 and 8 respectively. For example, on chromosome 8, three QTLs for HD, GW and PH, respectively were identified between RG885-GA408 in nonstress environment, but not in the stress environment. The comparative study of QTLs detected in extremely different (salt stress and nonstress) environments revealed that there existed several QTLs for important agronomic traits on chromosome 8 which were affected significantly by salt stress.     

Comparative study of QTLs for agronomic traits of rice (Oriza sativa L.) between salt stress and nonstress environment

Genotype-by-environment interactions (GxE) are commonly observed for quantitative traits. In the present study, a doubled haploid (DH) population and its genetic linkage map were used to comparatively study QTLs in salt stress and nonstress environments. A total of 24 QTLs were detected for five agronomic traits, which were distributed on all the chromosomes except 9 and 11. Under the salt stress, nine (37.5%) QTLs were detected, including one for 1 000-grain weight (GW), two for heading date (HD), one for plant height (PH), two for grains per panicle (GPP), and three for effective tillers (ET), while in the nonstress environment, 17 QTLs (70.8%) were detected, including five for GW, six for HD, three for PH, two for GPP, and one for ET. Two QTLs (8.3%) were consistently detected in both environments. One was identified on chromosome 4 for HD and the other on Chr.6 for GPP. Furthermore, three regions carrying multiple QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 4 and 8 respectively. For example, on chromosome     

Quantitation of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum of patients with hepatoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the serum of 31 patients with histologically confirmed primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) from Malaysia and Indonesia was quantitated by densitometric scanning of autoradiograms obtained by Southern blot DNA hybridization, after electrophoresis using a 32P DNA cloned into plasmid pBR325 as a probe. This quantitation after electrophoresis is more informative than the usual spot hybridization technique. Five of the 31 sera were positive for HBV DNA. Levels ranged between 1.36 pq and 143.18 pq per ml of serum, and the levels of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HBeAg and anti-HBe in the serum were serologically determined. All five sera positive for HBV DNA were also positive for HBsAg. Three of the five positive for HBV DNA were positive for HBeAg and negative for anti-HBe. Two of the sera positive for HBV DNA were negative for HBeAg but positive for anti-HBe. All sera negative for HBV DNA were also negative for HBeAg. Many sera which were negative for HBV DNA and HBeAg were positive for HBsAg. Of the 31 sera from PHC patients, 23 had at least one HBV marker positive (74.2%).     

Comparative study of QTLs for agronomic traits of riceOriza sativa L.) between salt stress and nonstress environment

Genotype-by-environment interactions (GxE) are commonly observed for quantitative traits. In the present study, a doubled haploid (DH) population and its genetic linkage map were used to comparatively study QTLs in salt stress and nonstress environments. A total of 24 QTLs were detected for five agronomic traits, which were distributed on all the chromosomes except 9 and 11. Under the salt stress, nine (37.5%) QTLs were detected, including one for 1 000-grain weight (GW), two for heading date (HD), one for plant height (PH), two for grains per panicle (GPP), and three for effective tillers (ET), while in the nonstress environment, 17 QTLs (70.8%) were detected, including five for GW, six for HD, three for PH, two for GPP, and one for ET. Two QTLs (8.3%) were consistently detected in both environments. One was identified on chromosome 4 for HD and the other on Chr.6 for GPP. Furthermore, three regions carrying multiple QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 4 and 8 respectively. For example, on chromosome 8, three QTLs for HD, GW and PH, respectively were identified between RG885-GA408 in nonstress environment, but not in the stress environment. The comparative study of QTLs detected in extremely different (salt stress and nonstress) environments revealed that there existed several QTLs for important agronomic traits on chromosome 8 which were affected significantly by salt stress.     

Chromosomal insertions of Tn917 in Bacillus subtilis.

We describe 46 insertions of the Streptococcus faecalis transposon Tn917 into the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis. These insertion mutations were mapped genetically. Some caused auxotrophic requirements, and others were cryptic. These insertions were scattered around the B. subtilis chromosome. The mutant strains were useful in several ways for mapping and cloning B. subtilis genes and were added to the Bacillus Genetic Stock Center collection. Among the auxotrophic markers were a new serine auxotrophy and deletion-insertions that caused auxotrophy in one case for homoserine and threonine, in another case for uracil and either cysteine or methionine, and in a third case for leucine, isoleucine, and valine.     

母体遗传效应对青海细毛羊生产性能遗传参数估计的影响

为了研究母体遗传效应对青海细毛羊生长性状、产毛性状的影响,文章采用平均信息最大约束似然法应用不同混合动物模型估计青海细毛羊生产性状的遗传参数,并采用似然比检验对不同模型进行比较分析。各模型中均包括固定效应、个体直接加性遗传效应、残差效应;随机效应为:个体永久环境效应、母体遗传效应、母体永久环境效应。不同模型对随机效应作了不同考虑:模型1不考虑个体永久环境效应、母体遗传效应、母体永久环境效应;模型2考虑母体永久环境效应;模型3考虑母体遗传效应;模型4考虑母体遗传效应和母体永久环境效应;模型5考虑个体永久环境效应和母体遗传效应;模型6考虑个体永久环境效应、母体遗传效应、母体永久环境效应。各模型估计的初生重遗传力为:0.1896~0.3781;断奶重遗传力为:0.2537~0.2890;周岁重遗传力范围:0.2244~0.3225;成年羊体重遗传力范围:0.2205~0.3983;产毛量遗传力为:0.1218~0.1490;羊毛细度遗传力为:0.0983~0.4802;羊毛长度遗传力为:0.1170~0.1311。与模型1相比,模型3对于初生重、断奶重差异显著(P<0.01),对于周岁重、成年羊体重各模型与模型1的似然比检验差异不显著(P>0.05);与模型6相比,模型4、5对于羊毛细度差异显著(P<0.01),模型4对羊毛长度差异显著(P<0.05),对于产毛量各模型与模型6似然比检验差异不显著(P>0.05)。生长性状中初生重、断奶重受母体遗传效应影响显著,周岁重、成年羊体重受母体遗传效应影响不显著;产毛性状中羊毛细度、长度受母体遗传效应影响显著,产毛量受母体遗传效应影响较弱。     

母体遗传效应对青海细毛羊生产性能遗传参数估计的影响

为了研究母体遗传效应对青海细毛羊生长性状、产毛性状的影响, 文章采用平均信息最大约束似然法应用不同混合动物模型估计青海细毛羊生产性状的遗传参数, 并采用似然比检验对不同模型进行比较分析。各模型中均包括固定效应、个体直接加性遗传效应、残差效应; 随机效应为：个体永久环境效应、母体遗传效应、母体永久环境效应。不同模型对随机效应作了不同考虑：模型1不考虑个体永久环境效应、母体遗传效应、母体永久环境效应; 模型2考虑母体永久环境效应; 模型3考虑母体遗传效应; 模型4考虑母体遗传效应和母体永久环境效应; 模型5考虑个体永久环境效应和母体遗传效应; 模型6考虑个体永久环境效应、母体遗传效应、母体永久环境效应。各模型估计的初生重遗传力为：0.1896~0.3781; 断奶重遗传力为：0.2537~0.2890; 周岁重遗传力范围：0.2244~0.3225; 成年羊体重遗传力范围：0.2205~0.3983; 产毛量遗传力为：0.1218~0.1490; 羊毛细度遗传力为：0.0983~0.4802; 羊毛长度遗传力为：0.1170~0.1311。与模型1相比, 模型3对于初生重、断奶重差异显著(P<0.01), 对于周岁重、成年羊体重各模型与模型1的似然比检验差异不显著(P>0.05); 与模型6相比, 模型4、5对于羊毛细度差异显著(P<0.01), 模型4对羊毛长度差异显著(P<0.05), 对于产毛量各模型与模型6似然比检验差异不显著(P>0.05)。生长性状中初生重、断奶重受母体遗传效应影响显著, 周岁重、成年羊体重受母体遗传效应影响不显著; 产毛性状中羊毛细度、长度受母体遗传效应影响显著, 产毛量受母体遗传效应影响较弱。     

Material properties of articular cartilage in the rabbit tibial plateau

The material properties of articular cartilage in the rabbit tibial plateau were determined using biphasic indentation creep tests. Cartilage specimens from matched-pair hind limbs of rabbits approximately 4 months of age and greater than 12 months of age were tested on two locations within each compartment using a custom built materials testing apparatus. A three-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of leg, compartment, and test location on the material properties (aggregate modulus, permeability, and Poisson's ratio) and thickness of the cartilage for each set of specimens. While no differences were observed in cartilage properties between the left and right legs, differences between compartments were found in each set of specimens. For cartilage from the adolescent group, values for aggregate modulus were 40% less in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment, while values for permeability and thickness were greater in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment (57% and 30%, respectively). Values for Poisson's ratio were 19% less in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment. There was also a strong trend for thickness to differ between test locations. Similar findings were observed for cartilage from the mature group with values for permeability and thickness being greater in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment (66% and 34%, respectively). Values for Poisson's ratio were 22% less in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment.     

Spatial Variability in Species Composition in Birds and Insects

If spatial patterns of change within a habitat were similar for both vertebrates and insects, then vertebrates would provide useful surrogates for designing reserves for the conservation of invertebrates. Data from two eucalypt habitats were analysed to determine levels of habitat richness, site richness and species turnover in birds and insects. For birds the relatively low species richness and turnover indicated that sites within the habitat were similar in composition. In wet eucalypt forests Diptera were very speciose with over 1,000 morphospecies sorted. Species turnover was slightly higher than for birds, indicating a large number of species change from site to site. In dry eucalypt woodland, insects trapped through the winter months were not speciose but turnover between sites was very large. This suggests reserves designed to conserve insects may need to be larger than for birds in order to include the high site variability and richness of insect communities.Spatial patterns of birds and insects were investigated further, to determine if sites that were closer together were more similar for both birds and insects. No patterns were found for birds in either habitat suggesting birds are not responding to changes in the environment at this scale. Diptera in wet eucalypt forest showed higher similarity between close sites than distant sites, while for winter insects in dry eucalypt woodland the relationship was significant when two outlier points were removed. Overall, birds are not good surrogates for insects in either habitat as no relationship between birds and insects in site-to-site similarity was found.     

Reflectance and transmittance of light by leaves

Spectrophotometric transmittance and reflectance curves were recorded for wavelengths from 0.45 (in some cases 0.34) to 2.7 micrometers for faces and backs of leaves and for stacked leaves of several plant species. Measurements were made at different angles of illumination. Leaf spectrophotometric curves were compared with curves for leaf extracts, potato tuber tissue, glass beads in water, and frozen leaves to demonstrate the physical bases for the leaf curves. Leaves were infiltrated with liquids of different refractive indices for further comparison of spectrophotometric curves. Goniophotometric reflectance curves were recorded, giving visible reflectance and degree of polarization as functions of viewing angle for two different angles of illumination.     

Characterization of Food Physical Properties by the Mastication Parameters Measured by Electromyography of the Jaw-Closing Muscles and Mandibular Kinematics in Young Adults

The relationship between the physical properties of solid food and the masticatory parameters is clarified. Eight solid foods of varying physical properties were chosen. Electromyography of the jaw-closing muscles and mandibular kinematics in eleven young subjects were recorded. The masticatory parameters were derived from the recorded data for the entire mastication process, for the first bite, and in the early, middle, and late stages of mastication. After calculating values relative to the mean value for each subject, nine parameters representing each group were chosen through a cluster analysis. Three principal components were extracted, each of them related to the masticatory time and cycle, minimum jaw opening at the early stage of mastication, and masticatory force. The principal component scores for each food were different, except for one combination in which the physical properties under large and extra-large deformations were similar, despite different breaking properties or small deformation properties. The masticatory parameters did not correlate with the physical properties of food measured for small deformation.     

Fitness Effects of Ems-Induced Mutations on the X Chromosome of DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. I. Viability Effects and Heterozygous Fitness Effects

Drosophila melanogaster X chromosomes were mutagenized by feeding males sucrose solutions containing ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS); the concentrations of EMS in the food were 2.5 mM, 5.0 mM, and 10.0 mM. Chromosomes were exposed to the mutagen up to three times by treating males in succeeding generations. After treatment, the effective exposures were 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 15.0, and 30.0 mM EMS. X chromosomes treated in this manner were tested for effects on fitness in both hemizygous and heterozygous conditions, and for effects on viability in hemizygous and homozygous conditions. In addition, untreated X chromosomes were available for study. The viability and heterozygous fitness effects are presented in this paper, and the hemizygous fitness effects are discussed in the accompanying one (MITCHELL and SIMMONS 1977). Hemizygous and homozygous viability effects were measured by segregation tests in vial cultures. For hemizygous males, viability was reduced 0.5 percent per mM EMS treatment; for homozygous females, it was reduced 0.7% per mM treatment. The decline in viability appeared to be a linear function of EMS dose. The viabilities of males and females were strongly correlated. Heterozygous fitness effects were measured by monitoring changes in the frequencies of treated and untreated X chromosomes in discrete generation populations which, through the use of an X-Y translocation, maintained them only in heterozygous condition. Flies that were heterozygous for a treated chromosome were found to be 0.4% less fit per mM EMS than flies heterozygous for an untreated one.