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Showing papers by "Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences published in 1985"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results indicate that, with energy supplied by plant roots or with external glucose additions, soil bacteria can mineralize N from the soil organic matter to support their own growth.
Abstract: Summary-The capacity of bacteria and protozoa to mineralize soil nitrogen was studied in microcosms with sterilized soil with or without wheat plants. The effect of small additions of glucose or ammonium nitrate or both, twice a week was also tested. Plant dry weight and N-content, number of microorganisms and biomass plus inorganic N were determined after 6 weeks. The introduction of plants profoundly influenced the N tr~sfo~ations. In the presence of root-derived carbon, much more N was mineralized from the organic matter and immobilized mainly in plant biomass. “Total observable change in biomass N plus inorganic N” was negative in the unvegetated soils without additions, while a mmeralization of 1.7 mg N microcosm-’ was observed in microcosms with wheat plants grown with bacteria only. When protozoa were included, the N taken up by plants increased by 75%. Sugar additions resulted in an 18% increase of total N in the shoots when protozoa were present, but had no significant effect in the absence of grazers. Plants with the same root weight were more efficient in their uptake of inorganic N when protozoa were present. Plants grown with protozoa also had a lower R/S ratio, indicating a less stressed N availabiIitv situatron. The lowest ratio was found with N additions m the presence of protozoa. The results indicate that, with energy supplied by plant roots or with external glucose additions, soil bacteria can mineralize N from the soil organic matter to support their own growth. Grazing of the bacteria is necessary to make bacterial biomass N available for plant uptake.

651 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, changes in soil fertility caused by various organic and N-fertilizer amendments were studied in a long-term field trial mostly cropped with cereals, which resulted in soil organic matter contents ranging from 4.3% (I) to 5.8% (V). Microbial biomass and activity were determined by chloroform fumigation, direct counting of fungi (fluorescein diacetate (FDA)-staining and Jones-Mollison agar-film technique) and bacteria (acridine orange staining), most
Abstract: Changes in soil fertility caused by various organic and N-fertilizer amendments were studied in a long-term field trial mostly cropped with cereals. Five treatments were included: (I) fallow, (II) cropping with no C or N addition, (III) cropping with N-fertilization (80 kg ha −1 yr−1), (IV) cropping with straw incorporation (1800kg Cha−1 yr−1) and N-fertilization (80 kg ha−1yr−1), and (V) cropping with addition of farmyard manure (80 kg N + 1800kg Cha−1yr−1). The treatments resulted in soil organic matter contents ranging from 4.3% (I) to 5.8% (V). Microbial biomass and activity were determined by chloroform fumigation, direct counting of fungi (fluorescein diacetate (FDA)-staining and Jones-Mollison agar-film technique) and bacteria (acridine orange staining), most probable number determinations of protozoa, esterase activity (total FDA hydrolysis) and respiration. Both biomass estimates and activity measurements showed a highly significant correlation with soil organic matter. Microbial biomass C ranged from 230 to 600 μg C g−1 dry wt soil, as determined by the fumigation technique, while conversions from direct counts gave a range from 380 to 2260 μg C. Mean hyphal diameters and mean bacterial cell volumes decreased with decreasing soil organic matter content.

418 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Ulastructural analysis shows that Percoll does not associate with the cells during the separation procedure, and the technique is based on collagenase perfusion of the liver, isopycnic sedimentation in Percoll, and selective adherence of the cells.
Abstract: A rapid method for mass isolation of functionally intact hepatocytes and reticuloendothelial cells from a single rat liver is described. The technique is based on collagenase perfusion of the liver, isopycnic sedimentation in Percoll, and selective adherence of the cells. The Kupffer cells (KC) attach and spread on glass or plastic in serum-free medium 15 min following seeding. Cultures of KC are 90%-95% pure with about 5% liver endothelial cells (LEC), less than 1% parenchymal cells (PC) and a maximum of 5% stellate cells (SC). The LEC adhere and spread on fibronectin 60-120 min following seeding, forming cultures that are contaminated with 5-10% SC and less than 1% KC and PC. The yield of plated LEC is 50-60 X 10(6) per 200-g rat. Ultrastructural analysis shows that Percoll does not associate with the cells during the separation procedure.

307 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the nitrogen productivity concept is formalized in the nitrogen growth relation, which is essentially a constant for a given species under fixed environmental conditions, and a number of results follow for increases in whole plant biomass: (1) the relative growth rate is a linear function of the internal nitrogen concentration.
Abstract: A theory is developed on the assumption that growth of plants is determined by the current amount of nitrogen in the plants. The nitrogen-growth relation is formalized in the nitrogen productivity concept (amount of biomass produced per amount of nitrogen in the biomass and per unit of time), which is essentially a constant for a given species under fixed environmental conditions. A number of results follow for increases in whole plant biomass: (A) The relative growth rate is a linear function of the internal nitrogen concentration. (B) The maximal relative growth rate uniquely determines the scaling of the time axis. (C) Exponential growth is consistent only with stable internal nitrogen concentration. Dose-response curves expressed in reduced variables (the ratio between a variable and the same variable for a plant growing under optimal conditions) are universal, so that all species and all environmental conditions yield the same curve. This is confirmed by experimental data. The shape (linear, exponential, etc.) of the nitrogen uptake curve is the only parameter differentiating these universal curves. The Mitscherlich curve or variations of it can be fitted very closely to the derived dose-response curves, except under exponential growth. A conclusion drawn from the analysis is that the results of nutrition experiments cannot be properly interpreted unless the variation with time of the amount of nitrogen in the plant is known. The theory can be extended to more complex situations, for example, time-varying environmental conditions.

258 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Leaf chemistry of a willow clone (Salix aquatica Smith) differed significantly when grown at constant relative growth rates depending upon the relative availability of nutrients and light.
Abstract: Leaf chemistry of a willow clone (Salix aquatica Smith) differed significantly when grown at constant relative growth rates depending upon the relative availability of nutrients and light Concentration of amino acids and nitrate were high in plants grown with a relative surplus of nutrients Concentrations of starch, tannin, and lignin, on the other hand, were high in plants grown with a relative surplus of carbon Photosynthetic rates, expressed per unit leaf area, were similar when plants were grown under high light conditions, regardless of nutrient availability Dark respiration was much higher in plants supplied with abundant nutrients than in those with a more limited supply, reflecting differences in nitrogen concentration of the tissue The experimental approach allows plants to be grown to a standard size with differing, but highly uniform chemistry Plants grown in such a manner may provide good experimental material to evaluate interactions between herbivores or pathogens and their hosts

233 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In treatments with free nutrient access, growth allocation to the shoot had a high priority in all genotypes, but there was still a marked tendency for luxury uptake of nutrients, and nitrogen productivity was lower than in broadleaved species and highest in lodgepole pine.
Abstract: The growth of two provenances of Pinus sylvestris L. were compared with two provenances of Picea abies (L.) Karst. and with Pinus contorta Dougl. when grown in solution cultures with low nutrient concentrations. Nitrogen was added at different exponentially increasing rates, and the other nutrients were added at a rate high enough to ensure free access of them to the seedlings. During an initial period of the culture (a lag phase), when the internal nutrient status was changing from optimum to the level of the treatment, deficiency symptoms appeared. The needles yellowed and the root/shoot ratio increased. The initial phase was followed by a period of exponential growth and steady-state nutrition. The needles turned green again, and the root/shoot ratio stabilized at a level characteristic of the treatment. These patterns were the same as previously reported for other tree species. The relative growth rate during exponential growth was numerically closely equal to the relative nitrogen addition rate. The maximum relative growth rates were about 6 to 7.5% dry weight increase day-1. This is a much lower maximum than for broad-leaved species (about 20 to 30% day-1) under similar growth conditions. The internal nitrogen concentrations of the seedlings and the relative growth rates were stable during the exponential period. Close linear relationships were found between these parameters and the relative addition rate up to maximum growth. During steady state the relative growth rates of the different plant parts were equal. However, there were large differences between genotypes in absolute root growth rate at the same seedling size because of differences in root/shoot ratio. Lodgepole pine had the highest root growth rate, whereas that of Norway spruce, especially the southern provenance, was remarkably low. Yet, Norway spruce had a high ability to utilize available nutrients. In treatments with free nutrient access, growth allocation to the shoot had a high priority in all genotypes, but there was still a marked tendency for luxury uptake of nutrients. Nitrogen productivity (growth rate per unit of nitrogen) was lower than in broadleaved species and highest in lodgepole pine. The relevance of the dynamic factors, i.e. maximum relative growth rate, nutrient uptake rate, nitrogen productivity, growth allocation and root growth rate, are discussed with regard to conifer characteristics and selection value.

223 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The presence of TBPA in all vertebrates suggests prealbumin to be a far more important thyroxine carrier than earlier anticipated.

186 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A high prevalence of allergy to storage mites among farmers with respiratory symptoms is clearly demonstrated in the whole farming population of Gotland.
Abstract: The prevalence of storage mite allergy was investigated in an epidemiological study of respiratory symptoms in farmers on Gotland, an island in the Baltic Sea. A questionnaire concerning work-related and chronic symptoms from the airways and eyes was completed by 2578 farmers. A sample of 440 farmers subsequently underwent examination comprising skin-prick tests (animal danders, pollens, moulds and house dust mite), blood sampling for RAST against four storage mites (Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Glycyphagus domesticus) and total IgE analyses. Immediate onset hypersensitivity reactions in the airways and eyes were very common among active farmers on Gotland, the prevalence being as high as 40.0%. The prevalence of atopic allergy was 15.6%. Allergy to storage mites was diagnosed, from the case history and a positive RAST to at least one of the four storage mites, in fifty-two of 440 studied farmers (12%), corresponding to a calculated prevalence of storage mite allergy in the whole farming population of Gotland of 6.2%. The corresponding prevalence among farmers with hypersensitivity symptoms was 15.4% and among those with possibly IgE-mediated symptoms it was as high as 37.8%. The present study clearly demonstrates a high prevalence of allergy to storage mites among farmers with respiratory symptoms.

164 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a theory for the decomposition of a heterogeneous substrate is proposed, in which the heterogeneity is described by a continuously varying quality variable, q. The final nitrogen-to-carbon ratio is shown to be independent of these two functions but depends on the initial nitrogen concentration and quality of the substrate.
Abstract: A theory is proposed for the decomposition of a heterogeneous substrate, in which the heterogeneity is described by a continuously varying quality variable, q. Two microbial properties, efficiency in substrate utilization, e(q), and rate of substrate utilization, u(q), depend on the quality variable and decrease with decreasing substrate quality. General results of the theory can be displayed either in terms of time or quality. It turns out that the quality representation is both more general and more lucid. Only very weak specifications of the functions u(q) and u(q) are necessary to determine whether the decomposition process will end after a finite time and whether all substrate eventually will become mineralized. The final nitrogen-to-carbon ratio is shown to be independent of these two functions but depends on the initial nitrogen concentration and quality of the substrate. Using specific functions for u(q) and u(q) it is possible to derive a number of models used to describe decomposition and the variation in the critical nitrogen-to-carbon ratio with specific decomposition rate of the substrate. The theoretical predictions are compared to a number of decomposition experiments.

161 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A study on the structure and function of Kupffer cells (KC) and liver endothelial cells (LEC) isolated by a simple and rapid technique involving perfusion of the liver with collagenase; cell separation by means of density centrifugation in Percoll, taking advantage of the fact that KC and LEC differ in their preferences for growth substrate.
Abstract: This paper presents a study on the structure and function of Kupffer cells (KC) and liver endothelial cells (LEC) isolated by a simple and rapid technique involving 1) perfusion of the liver with collagenase; 2) cell separation by means of density centrifugation in Percoll; and 3) cell culture, taking advantage of the fact that KC and LEC differ in their preferences for growth substrate. The KC, which attach and spread under serum-free conditions on surfaces of glass or plastic during the first 15 min in culture exhibit a typical macrophage-like morphology including membrane ruffling and a heterogenous content of vacuoles. Moreover, these cells express (a) Fc receptors (FcR) for binding and phagocytosis of erythrocytes covered with immune globulin G (E-IgG), and (b) complement receptors (CR) for binding and serum dependent phagocytosis of erythrocytes covered with either human C3b or mouse inactivated C3b (iC3b). The cells also bind fluid phase fluoresceinated C3b. Approximately 30% of the KC express immune response-associated (Ia)-antigens.

149 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 150 picosecond molecular dynamics computer simulation of the C-terminal fragment of the L7/L12 ribosomal protein from Escherichia coli is reported, and good agreement is found between the molecular dynamics results and the X-ray data.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the number of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria was measured with the most probable number (MPN) method while potential ammonium oxidation rates were determined with a chlorate inhibition technique in two arable soils.
Abstract: The number of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria was measured with the most probable number (MPN) method while potential ammonium oxidation rates were determined with a chlorate inhibition technique in two arable soils. A new method for measuring actual in situ ammonium oxidation in soil cores is presented. One soil was cropped for 4 years with one of four crop-fertilizer combinations: Unfertilized lucerne ley, unfertilized barley, nitrate-fertilized grass ley, or nitrate-fertilized barley. The highest ammonium oxidizer numbers and potential rates were found in the grass ley. The unfertilized barley had one-third the number and activity of the grass ley. Actual rates were in general 5–25 times lower than potential rates. The other soil was that undergoing a 27-year-old field trial with a fallow and four different cropping treatments: No addition, nitrate, nitrate + straw, or manure. Ammonium oxidizer numbers were highest in the manure and straw treatments. MPN numbers and potential rates were lowest in the fallow treatment. Typical specific potential rates were 30 ng N oxidized cell−1 h−1. Actual rates were in general 40 times lower than potential rates. Actual ammonium oxidation measurements seem to correspond to actual in situ activity at the moment of sampling, whereas the MPN technique and the potential measurements reflect events that occurred weeks to months before the sampling.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was concluded that the effect of milk yield seen when feed was given in accordance with the standard recommendations was not due to yield as such or to the absolute amounts of feed ingested, but to the correlation between yield and protein/energy ratio in the diet under controlled feeding conditions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested as a hypothesis, that the function of the final massage of sows and piglets during suckling is to regulate the milk production of the sow according to the prevalent litter size.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In a study based on 3078 Swedish dairy cows from 126 herds, milk acetone was measured at the first 3 monthly production tests after calving and significant correlations were found between the prevalence of hyperketonaemia and herd means of the intervals from calving to first and last service.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The effects of κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) genetic variants on cheesemaking were examined in two laboratory scale experiments.
Abstract: The effects of κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) genetic variants on cheesemaking were examined in two laboratory scale experiments. Variants of κ-casein had highly significant (P B) and rennet clotting time (A > B). When curds were cut at constant firmness there were only minor effects of κ-casein variants on milk component recoveries and cheese yield and composition. A tendency to higher fat recoveries from milks containing κ-casein B was reflected in significantly (P AB > A) and protein recoveries (B > AB > A) and significant (P AB > A). Green (unripened) cheeses made from the different milks also differed in fat, protein and moisture contents, probably in part due to differences in fat/casein ratios of the cheesemilks. The compositional differences were reflected in differences in the extent of proteolysis during ripening (A > AB > B). In the experiment with β-lg genetic variants the effect of time of cold storage of the cheesemilk was also investigated. No differences were found in milk composition and component recoveries or cheese yield, composition and quality when milks were cold-stored for 24, 48 or 120 h before cheesemaking.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Freshwater zebrafish and brackish water rainbow trout exposed to different concentrations of cadmium for up to 6 weeks revealed some gross alterations compared with control fish, but the first sign of degeneration was observed in the chloride cells, which were characterized by a dispersed cytoplasm and a smooth apical plasma membrane.
Abstract: Freshwater zebrafish and brackish water rainbow trout were exposed to different concentrations of cadmium for up to 6 weeks. The gill morphology was examined by light and electron microscopy, and a morphometric analysis was performed. The morphometric study of the secondary lamellae revealed an increase in the portion exterior to the basal lamina, resulting in an increased diffusion distance, after exposure to cadmium concentrations of 10μg l−1 and above. In both species this was due to an increase in volume of the non-tissue spaces of the secondary lamellar epithelium. Furthermore, the water space between neighbouring secondary lamellae was clearly reduced. Morphological examination revealed some gross alterations compared with control fish. These initially consisted in curling of the secondary lamellae and finally resulted in local teleangiectasia. Partial lifting of the secondary lamellar epithelium from the pillar cells resulted in large non-tissue spaces which were invaded by leucocytes. The first sign of degeneration was observed in the chloride cells, which were characterized by a dispersed cytoplasm and a smooth apical plasma membrane.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evaluated microbial dynamics during aerobic deterioration of silages indicated low stability in surface samples and fairly good stability in samples from 160cm depth, while a rubber seal improved storage stability in laboratory silage inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and infected with Candida albicans.
Abstract: Factors affecting microbial dynamics during aerobic deterioration of silages were evaluated in laboratory, pilot-scale and full-scale experiments. Yeasts usually caused the initial deterioration but in some samples with fairly good storage stability (>10 days) the activity was associated with the growth of moulds and bacteria. At a later stage, and especially at higher temperatures (>40°C), the activity was caused by bacilli. The increase in pH as a result of lactate metabolism permitted the growth of Enterobacteria. Evaluation of storage stability in samples from different levels in a bunker silo indicated low stability in surface samples and fairly good stability in samples from 160cm depth. The surface samples contained higher numbers (100–1000 times) of yeasts but the pH levels were similar. The establishment of yeasts during storage is probably due to diffusion of oxygen by leakage through the plastic cover. Compared with a plastic cover (0.1mm polythene), a rubber seal improved storage stability in laboratory silage (pH4.0) inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and infected with Candida albicans. An increase in acid content and a reduction in pH (3.7) by means of an efficient inoculant did not seem to increase the storage potential under the conditions described above. The content of adenosine triphosphate has been used as a measure of microbial activity during aerobic deterioration of silages. The main activity was concentrated at the surface (0–5cm). At 20°C, the activity was about ten times higher at the surface than at a depth of 30cm; above 30°C it was about 100 times higher.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The disappearance of microbially corrected dry matter (DM; correction calculated from the 15N values) was, accordingly, always faster than the uncorrected DM disappearance, and feed, pore/sample size and incubation-time effects were always found for the disappearance values.
Abstract: Rapeseed (Brassica napus), barley grain, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and barley straw were labelled with 15N as an internal marker. The dilution of 15N was used to estimate microbial N (RMN15N) in the feed residues in nylon bags incubated in the rumen for 5, 12 and 24 h. For comparative purposes, diaminopimelic acid (DAP) content of the residues was also determined and rumen microbial N (RMNDAP-N) in the feed residues calculated using DAP as a bacterial marker. The influence of two bag pore sizes (20 microns and 40 microns) with different sample sizes (1 g and 5 g respectively) was also studied. For all feeds, the average disappearance of 15N was faster than that of total N, the difference between N and 15N disappearance being marked with barley, ryegrass and barley straw. The disappearance of microbially corrected dry matter (DM; correction calculated from the 15N values) was, accordingly, always faster than the uncorrected DM disappearance. Except for the bag pore/sample size effect for N disappearance, significant (P less than 0.01-0.001) feed, pore/sample size and incubation-time effects were always found for the disappearance values. Errors (%) resulting from the microbial contamination (calculated from the 15N values) in N-loss measurement with rapeseed, barley, ryegrass and barley straw, at 5, 12 and 24 h in 20 microns bags were respectively: -1.8, -3.9, -0.9; -3.8, -22.4, -3.8; -7.2, -4.1, -2.9; -164.5, -146.3, -204.6. In 40 microns bags the corresponding errors were respectively: -4.4, -1.2, -0.7; -26.1, -10.5, -3.9; -13.2, -6.4, -5.5; -221.2, -310.1, -1284.6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a system of partial differential equations is developed to describe an aerosol entering from an open field into a downwind forest, where deposition and turbulent transfer affect particle concentration.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Five bird species were examined in order to ascertain if any changes in flight muscle catabolism take place between breeding season and migration, and two different patterns were discovered.
Abstract: Five bird species were examined in order to ascertain if any changes in flight muscle catabolism take place between breeding season and migration. Two different patterns were discovered. The first consists of a high oxidative capacity and a low glycolytic and anaerobic capacity during migration. The converse occurs during the breeding season, i.e. low oxidative, high glycolytic and anaerobic capacity. The pattern was found in those species that deposit large amounts of fat prior to migration. The second pattern was similar to the first, but there was no change in fatty acid oxidation capacity between breeding season and migration. The pattern was found in those species that do not deposit much fat towards migration. These changes are believed to reflect differences in migration strategy and differences in locomotory activity during different seasons. Deviations from these patterns are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that pH increases significantly after clear-felling, and the increase is larger than can be explained by the release of basic cations in connection with decomposition of slash and humus.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: If reduced fecundity is a general phenomenon in small and isolated populations, demographic models of extinction probabilities presented hitherto are too simple and dispersal ability must be taken into account when planning reserve systems for endangered species.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Intramuscular substrates (glycogen and triglycerides) and the activities of enzymes used as markers for the glycolytic potential of the muscle seemed to be similar in the three groups of horses, although there were large interindividual variation.
Abstract: Muscle biopsies were taken from the middle gluteus muscle of 36 Standardbred horses. Twelve of the horses were inactive, while 24 were actively trained and raced. Twelve of the trained horses were moderate performers, with a mean racing time of 1 min 21 secs per km (741 m/min) and the other 12 were excellent performers, with a mean racing time of 1 min 16 secs per km (789 m/min). The percentage and mean area of Type I fibres were similar in all three groups of horses. Marked differences were found among the subgroups of Type II fibres. The well-trained horses had a higher proportion of Type IIA fibres and a lower proportion of the Type IIB (58 per cent IIA and 15 per cent IIB fibres in the excellent performers; 49 per cent IIA and 26 per cent IIB in the moderate performers) than the inactive horses (41 per cent IIA and 35 per cent IIB fibres). The mean area of Type II fibres was smaller in the muscle of the active horses (excellent performers: IIA, 3075 micron2; IIB, 3378 micron2) moderate performers: IIA, 3185 micron2; IIB, 4252 micron2) than in that of the inactive ones (IIA, 3714 micron2; IIB, 5935 micron2). Intramuscular substrates (glycogen and triglycerides) and the activities of enzymes used as markers for the glycolytic potential of the muscle seemed to be similar in the three groups of horses, although there were large interindividual variation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results strongly indicate that the decline of NDF and phenolic constituents is important for an improved food quality and may constitute the major chemical defense of birch in winter against browsing vertebrates by reducing digestibility and having toxic properties.
Abstract: Birch twigs of diameter ≦1.5 mm exhibit seasonal trends in ruminant in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and in the contents of crude protein, cell walls (neutral detergent fibre, NDF), and phenolic compounds. The IVOMD is low in winter twigs, increases in spring, and reaches a maximum in early summer. Crude protein behaves similarly. On the other hand, the proportion of hydrophilic phenols and cell walls (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) to dry weight decreases dramatically in spring when leaves start emerging and growth is initiated. This reduction of phenols is reflected by concomitant changes in concentration of catechin, a major phenolic compound of birch. The concentration of phenolic acids are low in winter and spring but increase after leafing.The biological activity of an extract containing the phenolic compounds, measured as reduction of IVOMD, also decreases concomitantly with the decline of the total phenolic concentration and catechin. It is notable that catechin when tested alone at natural concentrations does not depress IVOMD. It is possible, however, that the amount of catechin reflects the level of condensed tannins, which may be responsible for IVOMD depression. The results strongly indicate that the decline of NDF and phenolic constituents is important for an improved food quality. Phenols may constitute the major chemical defense of birch in winter against browsing vertebrates by reducing digestibility and having toxic properties.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The meat quality of M. longissimus muscle was evaluated in 851 pigs by using the Fibre Optic Probe at three sites in the muscle and in both halves of the carcass, and a systematic difference between sites was found.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1985-Biomass
TL;DR: In this paper, the drying and storage of forest energy logging residues of various types, ranging from unreduced material at the logging site to reduced material at a heating plant, were analyzed before and after storing.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Of the sensory properties of meat, tenderness seems to be especially related to the metabolic profile of the muscles in the living pig.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A high-resolution structure determination of glycolate oxidase from spinach is reported, and the subunit structure is essentially a structure of the eight-stranded alpha/beta-barrel type first described for triosephosphate isomerase.
Abstract: A high-resolution structure determination of glycolate oxidase from spinach is reported. X-ray data were collected on films at the synchrotron radiation source in Daresbury, England. The structure was solved by using two heavy-atom derivatives and a solvent-flattening procedure developed by B.-C. Wang. The subunit structure is essentially a structure of the eight-stranded α/β-barrel type first described for triosephosphate isomerase. In addition, there are 70 residues at the NH2 terminus and 45 residues between strand four and helix four of the barrel, which are arranged in a helical domain outside the COOH end of the parallel strands of the barrel. The active site is in a cleft between these domains with the coenzyme FMN essentially bound to the barrel and a substrate analogue, thioglycolate, bound to the helical domain. The molecule is octameric with 422 symmetry and has a 15- to 20-A-wide hole in the middle.