Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Kg M (kg + m)
Selected AbstractsAssessment of endothelial function and blood metabolite status following acute ingestion of a fructose-containing beverageACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010A. J. Bidwell Abstract Aim:, Fructose intake has increased concurrent with sugar intake and this increase has been implicated in contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome risk factors. Recent evidence suggests a role for uric acid (UA) as a potential mediator via suppression of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The aim of this study was to explore this hypothesis by measuring changes in UA concentration and systemic NO bioavailability as well as endothelial function in response to acute ingestion of a glucose-fructose beverage. Methods:, Ten young (26.80 ± 4.80 years), non-obese (body mass index: 25.1 ± 2.55 kg m,2; percent body fat: 13.5 ± 6.9%) male subjects ingested either a glucose (100 g dextrose in 300 mL) or isocaloric glucose-fructose (glucose : fructose; 45 : 55 g in 300 mL) beverage. Blood was sampled pre- and every 15-min post-ingestion per 90 min and assayed for glucose, lactate, fructose, total nitrate/nitrate, UA and blood lipids. Forearm blood flow and pulse-wave velocity were recorded prior to and at 30 and 45 min time intervals post-ingestion, respectively, while heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded every 15 min. Results:, The glucose-fructose ingestion was associated with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma lactate concentration and altered free fatty acid levels when compared with glucose-only ingestion. However, UA was not significantly different (P = 0.08) between conditions (AUC: ,1018 ± 1675 vs. 2171 ± 1270 ,mol L,1 per 90 min for glucose and glucose-fructose conditions respectively). Consequently, no significant (P < 0.05) difference in endothelial function or systemic NO bioavailability was observed. Conclusion:, Acute consumption of a fructose-containing beverage was not associated with significantly altered UA concentration, endothelial function or systemic NO bioavailability. [source] Pulmonary diffusion and aerobic capacity: is there a relation?ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2010Does obesity matter? Abstract Aim:, We sought to determine whether pulmonary diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO), carbon monoxide (DLCO) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) at rest predict peak aerobic capacity (O2peak), and if so, to discern which measure predicts better. Methods:, Thirty-five individuals with extreme obesity (body mass index or BMI = 50 ± 8 kg m,2) and 26 fit, non-obese subjects (BMI = 23 ± 2 kg m,2) participated. DLNO and DLCO at rest were first measured. Then, subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine O2peak. Multivariate regression was used to assess relations in the data. Results:, Findings indicate that (i) pulmonary diffusion at rest predicts O2peak in the fit and obese when measured with DLNO, but only in the fit when measured with DLCO; (ii) the observed relation between pulmonary diffusion at rest and O2peak is different in the fit and obese; (iii) DLNO explains O2peak better than DLCO or Vc. The findings imply the following reference equations for DLNO: O2peak (mL kg,1 min,1) = 6.81 + 0.27 × DLNO for fit individuals; O2peak (mL kg,1 min,1) = 6.81 + 0.06 × DLNO, for obese individuals (in both groups, adjusted R2 = 0.92; RMSE = 5.58). Conclusion:, Pulmonary diffusion at rest predicts O2peak, although a relation exists for obese subjects only when DLNO is used, and the magnitude of the relation depends on gender when either DLCO or Vc is used. We recommend DLNO as a measure of pulmonary diffusion, both for its ease of collection as well as its tighter relation with O2peak. [source] Expression of inflammatory molecules and associations with BMI in childrenEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 5 2010George V. Z. Dedoussis Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (5): 388,392 Abstract Background, Adipose tissue secrets several adipokines that have been proposed to be enrolled in many inflammatory pathways. Our aim was to investigate the adipokine expression in adipose tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in children. Materials and methods, Thirty-one (17 males and 14 females) healthy children aged 10·9 ± 1·8 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 19·3 ± 3·5 kg m,2 were enrolled. Adipokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and leptin) gene expression was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR in adipose tissue and PBMCs from the same children. Their serum levels were also measured. Results, BMI was positively correlated with leptin gene expression in adipose tissue and with leptin serum levels (, = 0·476, P = 0·006 and , = 0·576, P = 0·003 respectively). Leptin's serum levels were positively correlated with leptin gene expression in adipose tissue (, = 0·462, P = 0·02). Adipose tissue gene expression of leptin and TNF-alpha and serum leptin and TNF-alpha serum levels were positively correlated (, = 0·752, P < 0·001, , = 0·311 and P = 0·015 respectively). In PBMCs, a positive correlation between TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression was found (, = 0·526, P = 0·042). Conclusion, We demonstrated powerful correlations of adipokines gene expression in adipose tissue and PBMCs in children, underlying that these molecules share common pathways related to childhood obesity. [source] Abnormal vascular reactivity at rest and exercise in obese boysEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2 2009L. Karpoff Abstract Background, Obese children exhibit vascular disorders at rest depending on their pubertal status, degree of obesity, and level of insulin resistance. However, data regarding their vascular function during exercise remain scarce. The aims of the present study were to evaluate vascular morphology and function at rest, and lower limb blood flow during exercise, in prepubertal boys with mild-to-moderate obesity and in lean controls. Materials and methods, Twelve moderately obese prepubertal boys [Body Mass Index (BMI: 23·9 ± 2·6 kg m,2)] and thirteen controls (BMI:17·4 ± 1·8 kg m,2), matched for age (mean age: 11·6 ± 0·6 years) were recruited. We measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and wall compliance and incremental elastic modulus, resting brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitrate-dependent dilation (NDD), lower limb blood flow during local knee-extensor incremental and maximal exercise, body fat content (DEXA), blood pressure, blood lipids, insulin and glucose. Results, Compared to lean controls, obese boys had greater IMT (0·47 ± 0·06 vs. 0·42 ± 0·03 mm, P < 0·05) but lower FMD (4·6 ± 2·8 vs. 8·8 ± 3·2%, P < 0·01) in spite of similar maximal shear rate, without NDD differences. Lower limb blood flow (mL min,1·100 g,1) increased significantly from rest to maximal exercise in both groups, although obese children reached lower values than lean counterparts whatever the exercise intensity. Conclusions, Mild-to-moderate obesity in prepubertal boys without insulin resistance is associated with impaired endothelial function and blunted muscle perfusion response to local dynamic exercise without alteration of vascular smooth muscle reactivity. [source] Menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with changes in low-grade inflammationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2006J. J. Puder Abstract Background, A close link between mood, low-grade inflammation and obesity has been demonstrated even in healthy subjects. We investigated the relationship between changes in physical and psychological symptoms and inflammatory markers during the menstrual cycle both in normal weight and in overweight women. Materials and methods, Eight healthy normal weight (body mass index 21·6 ± 1·9 kg m,2) and seven overweight (body mass index 30 ± 2·4 kg m,2) young women with normal ovarian function and with no premenstrual syndrome were assessed 15 times throughout their menstrual cycle. At each time point fasting blood was drawn and symptoms were recorded using the Freeman Daily Symptom Record. Results, Independent of weight status, the serum concentrations of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the total scores, in addition to the individual four factors (mood, behaviour, pain and physical symptoms), of the Daily Symptom Record varied significantly during the menstrual cycle (all P , 0·04) and paralleled each other. During the menstrual cycle, repeated hs-CRP serum concentrations correlated to the corresponding total symptom score and the factors mood, behaviour and physical symptoms, independent of both weight status and changes in circulating gonadal steroids (all P , 0·04). These associations were not observed for tumour necrosis factor-, serum levels. The mean hs-CRP concentrations were associated with the mean total symptom score, independent of weight status (r = 0·56, P = 0·04). Conclusion, Healthy young women showed psychological and physical symptoms during the menstrual cycle which changed in association with alterations in low-grade inflammation and which were independent of body weight or plasma levels of gonadal steroids. [source] Weight reduction, but not a moderate intake of fish oil, lowers concentrations of inflammatory markers and PAI-1 antigen in obese men during the fasting and postprandial stateEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 11 2004A. Jellema Abstract Background, In obese subjects, chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, which are reversed by weight loss. Sustained weight loss, however, is difficult to achieve and more insight into dietary approaches on anti-inflammatory responses in obese subjects is needed. In this respect, fish oil deserves attention. Material and methods, Eleven obese men (BMI: 30,35 kg m,2) received daily fish oil (1·35 g n-3 fatty acids) or placebo capsules in random order for 6 weeks. Eight subjects continued with a weight reduction study that lasted 8 weeks. Mean weight loss was 9·4 kg. At the end of each experimental period a postprandial study was performed. Results, Relative to fasting concentrations, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels increased by 75% 2 h and by 118% 4 h after the meal (P < 0·001), when subjects consumed the control capsules. In contrast, C-reactive protein (C-RP) concentrations decreased slightly by 0·7% and 6·6% (P = 0·046), and those of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen by, respectively, 26% and 53% (P < 0·001). Tumour necrosis factor-, (TNF-,; P = 0·330) and soluble TNF-receptor concentrations (sTNF-R55 and sTNF-R75; P = 0·451 and P = 0·108, respectively) did not change. Changes relative to fasting concentrations were not significantly affected by either fish oil or weight reduction. Absolute IL-6, C-RP, sTNF-R55, sTNF-R75, and PAI-1 antigen concentrations, however, were consistently lower after weight reduction, but not after fish oil consumption. Conclusion, For slightly obese subjects a moderate intake of fish oil does not have the same favourable effects on markers for a low-grade inflammatory state as weight reduction. [source] Endothelial markers in chronic heart failure: training normalizes exercise-induced vWF releaseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 9 2004L. W. E. Sabelis Abstract Background, Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction. Vascular endothelium is important for control of haemostasis and vasoregulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma levels of several endothelial markers and the exercise-induced changes on these plasma levels in CHF patients. Subsequently, the effect of a 6-month training programme on these markers is described. Materials and methods, Twenty-nine male CHF patients (NYHA II/III, age 60 ± 8 year, body mass index 26·7 ± 2·3 kg m,2, left ventricular ejection fraction 26·3,7·2%; mean ± SD) participated. Patients were randomly assigned to a training or control group. Training (26 weeks; combined strength and endurance exercises) was four sessions/week: two sessions supervised and two sessions at home. Before and after intervention, anthropometry, endothelial markers (haemostasis and vasoregulation), maximal workload and peak oxygen uptake were assessed. Results, Physical training positively affected maximal workload. Plasma levels of endothelial markers were not affected by physical training and not related to exercise tolerance. After training, stimulated (maximal exercise) plasma von Willebrand Factor (vWF) release was present, whereas at baseline this release was absent. Conclusion, Physical training led to normalization of the stimulated plasma vWF release. Plasma levels of other endothelial markers were not affected by physical training either at rest or under stimulated (maximal exercise) conditions. [source] Comparison of in vivo effects of nitroglycerin and insulin on the aortic pressure waveformEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2004J. Westerbacka Abstract Background, Individuals whose platelets are resistant to the antiaggregatory effects of insulin in vitro are also resistant to the antiaggregatory effects of nitroglycerin (GTN). We have previously shown that insulin acutely diminishes central wave reflection in large arteries and that this action of insulin is blunted in insulin-resistant subjects. However, as yet, no studies have compared the haemodynamic effects of insulin and GTN on large arterial function in the same group of subjects. The aim of this study was to determine whether resistance to the haemodynamic effects of insulin is a defect specific to insulin or whether individuals resistant to the vascular actions of insulin are also resistant to GTN. Design and results, Dose,response characteristics of insulin and GTN on the aortic waveform were determined using applanation tonometry and pulse wave analysis (PWA) in seven healthy men (age 26 ± 1 year, BMI 25 ± 2 kg m,2). Three doses of sublingual GTN (500 µg for 1, 3 or 5 min) and insulin (0·5, 1 or 2 mU kg,1 min,1 for 120 min) were administered on three separate occasions. Both agents dose-dependently decreased central pulse pressure and the augmentation index (AIx) without changing brachial artery blood pressure. We next compared responses to insulin (2 mU kg,1 min,1 for 120 min) and sublingual GTN (500 µg for 5 min) in 20 nondiabetic subjects (age 50 ± 2 year, BMI 21·0,36·3 kg m,2). Again, both agents significantly decreased AIx. Although the vascular effects of insulin and GTN vascular were positively correlated [Spearman's r = 0·92 (95% confidence interval 0·81,0·97), P < 0·0001], the time-course for the action GTN was faster than that of insulin. Brachial systolic blood pressure remained unchanged during the insulin infusion (122 ± 3 vs. 121 ± 3 mmHg, 0 vs. 120 min) but aortic systolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 30 min (111 ± 3 vs. 107 ± 3 mmHg, 0 vs. 30 min, P < 0·01). Similarly, GTN decreased aortic systolic blood pressure from 119 ± 4 to maximally 112 ± 3 mmHg (P < 0·001) without significantly decreasing systolic blood pressure in the brachial artery. Conclusions, The effects of insulin and GTN on large arterial haemodynamics are dose-dependent and significantly correlated. The exact mechanisms and sites of action of insulin and GTN in subjects with insulin resistance remain to be established. [source] Gender, age and menopause effects on the prevalence and the characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea in obesityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 12 2003O. Resta Abstract Background, In the 1970s and 80s it was believed that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was primarily a disease of men. The present study was addressed to evaluate the effect of gender and menopause on the prevalence and the characteristics of OSA and on anthropometric, clinical, respiratory and polysomnographic data in a population of obese individuals. Patients and methods, A total of 230 obese subjects (BMI , 30 kg m,2), 148 women and 82 men, aged 16,75 years, were recruited and evaluated for general and anthropometric parameters, respiratory function, sleep-related symptoms and sleep disorders of breathing. Results, Respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and the prevalence of OSA were lower in women than in men (P < 0·001 and P < 0·001, respectively). Among subjects < 55 years, neck circumference, percentage of predicted normal neck circumference (PPNC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), PaCO2, RDI and the prevalence of OSA were lower in female subjects (P = 0·05, P < 0·05, P < 0·001, P < 0·01 and P < 0·01, respectively). BMI, neck circumference, PPNC, WHR, RDI and the prevalence of OSA were higher in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women (P < 0·01, P < 0·01, P < 0·01, P < 0·01 and P < 0·01, respectively). Conclusions, Our study demonstrates that (i) the male dominance regarding the prevalence and the severity of OSA disappears in men older than 55 years, and (ii) menopause seems to play a pivotal role in modulating both the presence and the degree of sleep disorder. [source] Nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling diminish whole body protein catabolism in HIV-infected patientsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2000Berneis Background Weight loss and protein malnutrition are frequent complications in HIV-infected patients. The effect of an oral nutritional supplement combined with nutritional counselling on whole body protein metabolism was assessed. Materials and methods HIV-infected individuals with a body mass index < 21 kg m,2 or CD4-T cells < 500 , L,1 in stable clinical condition were randomly allocated to [ 1] receive either oral nutritional supplements (containing 2510 kJ, complete macro- and micronutrients) and dietary counselling (n = 8), or [ 2] identical monitoring but no supplements or specific nutritional advice (controls, n = 7). Whole body leucine kinetics and leucine oxidation rate were determined by [1,13C]-leucine infusions and lean and fat mass were measured before and 12 weeks after intervention. Results Leucine oxidation (protein catabolism) decreased in the group receiving nutritional intervention from 0.33 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.02 ,mol kg,1 min,1 after 12 weeks (P < 0.05; P < 0.05 vs. control group) but remained unchanged in the control group. Whole body leucine flux showed a tendency to decrease in the intervention group from 1.92 ± 0.19 to 1.73 ± 0.14 ,mol kg,1 min,1 (P = 0.07) and remained unchanged in the control group (2.21 ± 0.16 and 2.27 ± 0.14 ,mol kg,1 min,1, respectively). Lean body mass determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis increased in the nutritional intervention group from 84 ± 2 to 86 ± 2 per cent (P < 0.05) and fat mass decreased from 17 ± 2 to 14 ± 2 per cent (P < 0.05) of total body weight whereas neither mass changed in the control group. Nutritional intervention had no significant effect on lymphocyte CD4 counts, on plasma TNFR 55, TNFR 75 and ILR 2 concentrations and on quality of life. Conclusions The data demonstrate an anticatabolic effect of nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling in HIV-infected subjects. They suggest that diminished whole body protein catabolism resulted in a change of body composition (increased lean mass, decreased fat mass). [source] The effects of calcium on stem lesions of silver birch seedlingsFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007A. Lilja Summary In this study, we tested the hypothesis that decreased liming of growth medium has a role in the increase of stem lesions and top dying caused by Phytophthora cactorum in containerized silver birch seedlings (Betula pendula) in Finnish forest nurseries. The effect of limestone dose rates on growth and the nutrient status was also monitored. An index based on severity of symptom expression was used to compare the effect of different liming treatments on P. cactorum infection. Limestone amended into the sphagnum peat growth medium increased the amount of calcium in the seedling stems. Liming did not significantly decrease the disease severity although index values in most cases decreased with the increased limestone dose rates. In general, the lesions were restricted after out-planting and the mortality of seedlings was low. Only inoculated seedlings on which the lesions had spread around the stem in the nursery died. Phytophthora cactorum appears to be a nursery pathogen, as it did not survive under conditions present in the field. Four years after out-planting, the tallest birches were those grown in sphagnum peat amended with the highest limestone dose of 8 kg m,3. [source] Biological control of beech and hornbeam affects species richness via changes in the organic layer, pH and soil moisture characteristicsFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Anne Mieke Kooijman Summary 1. ,Litter quality is an important ecosystem factor, which may affect undergrowth species richness via decomposition and organic layers directly, but also via longer-term changes in soil pH and moisture. The impact of beech trees with low-degradable and hornbeam trees with high-degradable litter on biodiversity and soil characteristics was studied in ancient forests on decalcified marl, a parent material sensitive to changes in pH and clay content, and characteristic of large parts of western Europe. 2. ,Vegetation analysis clearly separated beech and hornbeam plots, and showed that species richness was consistently lower under beech. Low species richness under beech was associated with low pH, high mass of the organic layer and low soil moisture, which were all interrelated. 3. ,Development of the organic layer was affected by, not only litter quality, but also by pH levels and soil moisture. Under hornbeam, older organic matter increased from almost zero to 1 kg m,2 in drier and more acid soil. Under beech tree litter decay was generally slow, but slowed further in acid soils, where older organic matter amounted to 4 kg m,2. 4. ,Soil moisture and pH levels were strongly related, possibly due to long-term soil development. Under hornbeam, which is more palatable to soil organisms, moisture, bulk density, clay content and pH were high. Acidification and clay eluviation may be counteracted by earthworms, which bring base cations and clay particles back to the surface, and stimulate erosion, so that the impermeable, clay-rich subsoil remains close to the surface. Soils remain base-rich and moist, which further stimulates litter decay and species richness. 5. ,The unpalatable beech showed low pH and clay content, and high porosity, air-filled pore space and depth to the impermeable subsoil. Acidification and clay eluviation may proceed uninhibited, because earthworm activity is low, and erosion limited by protective litter covers. This may lead to drier and more acid soils, which reduce litter decay and species richness even further. 6. ,Trees with low and high litter quality may thus act as an ecosystem engineer, and not only affect ecosystem functioning via mass of the organic layer, but also via longer-term changes in soil characteristics, which in turn affect species richness of the understorey. [source] Uplift at lithospheric swells,I: seismic and gravity constraints on the crust and uppermost mantle structure of the Cape Verde mid-plate swellGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2010D. J. Wilson SUMMARY Wide-angle seismic data have been used to determine the velocity and density structure of the crust and uppermost mantle beneath the Cape Verdes mid-plate swell. Seismic modelling reveals a ,standard' oceanic crust, ,8 km in thickness, with no direct evidence for low-density bodies at the base of the crust. Gravity anomaly modelling within the constraints and resolution provided by the seismic model, does not preclude, however, a layer of crustal underplate up to 3 km thick beneath the swell crest. The modelling shows that while the seismically constrained crustal structure accounts for the short-wavelength free-air gravity anomaly, it fails to fully explain the long-wavelength anomaly. The main discrepancy is over the swell crest where the gravity anomaly, after correcting for crustal structure, is higher by about 30 mGal than it is over its flanks. The higher gravity can be explained if the top 100 km of the mantle beneath the swell crest is less dense than its surroundings by 30 kg m,3. The lack of evidence for low densities and velocities in the uppermost mantle, and high densities and velocities in the lower crust, suggests that neither a depleted swell root or crustal underplate are the origin of the observed shallower-than-predicted bathymetry and that, instead, the swell is most likely supported by dynamic uplift associated with an anomalously low density asthenospheric mantle. [source] Storage, patterns and controls of soil organic carbon in the Tibetan grasslandsGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008YUANHE YANG Abstract The soils of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau store a large amount of organic carbon, but the magnitude, spatial patterns and environmental controls of the storage are little investigated. In this study, using data of soil organic carbon (SOC) in 405 profiles collected from 135 sites across the plateau and a satellite-based dataset of enhanced vegetation index (EVI) during 2001,2004, we estimated storage and spatial patterns of SOC in the alpine grasslands. We also explored the relationships between SOC density (soil carbon storage per area) and climatic variables and soil texture. Our results indicated that SOC storage in the top 1 m in the alpine grasslands was estimated at 7.4 Pg C (1 Pg=1015 g), with an average density of 6.5 kg m,2. The density of SOC decreased from the southeastern to the northwestern areas, corresponding to the precipitation gradient. The SOC density increased significantly with soil moisture, clay and silt content, but weakly with mean annual temperature. These variables could together explain about 72% of total variation in SOC density, of which 54% was attributed to soil moisture, suggesting a key role of soil moisture in shaping spatial patterns of SOC density in the alpine grasslands. [source] Peat carbon stocks in the southern Mackenzie River Basin: uncertainties revealed in a high-resolution case studyGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008DAVID W. BEILMAN Abstract The organic carbon (C) stocks contained in peat were estimated for a wetland-rich boreal region of the Mackenzie River Basin, Canada, using high-resolution wetland map data, available peat C characteristic and peat depth datasets, and geostatistics. Peatlands cover 32% of the 25 119 km2 study area, and consist mainly of surface- and/or groundwater-fed treed peatlands. The thickness of peat deposits measured at 203 sites was 2.5 m on average but as deep as 6 m, and highly variable between sites. Peat depths showed little relationship with terrain data within 1 and 5 km, but were spatially autocorrelated, and were generalized using ordinary kriging. Polygon-scale calculations and Monte Carlo simulations yielded a total peat C stock of 982,1025 × 1012 g C that varied in C mass per unit area between 53 and 165 kg m,2. This geostatistical approach showed as much as 10% more peat C than calculations using mean depths. We compared this estimate with an overlapping 7868 km2 portion of an independent peat C stock estimate for western Canada, which revealed similar values for total peatland area, total C stock, and total peat C mass per unit area. However, agreement was poor within ,875 km2 grids owing to inconsistencies in peatland cover and little relationship in peat depth between estimates. The greatest disagreement in mean peat C mass per unit area occurred in grids with the largest peatland cover, owing to the spatial coincidence of large cover and deep peat in our high-resolution assessment. We conclude that total peat C stock estimates in the southern Mackenzie Basin and perhaps in boreal western Canada are likely of reasonable accuracy. However, owing to uncertainties particularly in peat depth, the quality of information regarding the location of these large stocks at scales as wide as several hundreds of square kilometers is presently much more limited. [source] Effects of nutrient additions on ecosystem carbon cycle in a Puerto Rican tropical wet forestGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006YIQING LI Abstract Wet tropical forests play a critical role in global ecosystem carbon (C) cycle, but C allocation and the response of different C pools to nutrient addition in these forests remain poorly understood. We measured soil organic carbon (SOC), litterfall, root biomass, microbial biomass and soil physical and chemical properties in a wet tropical forest from May 1996 to July 1997 following a 7-year continuous fertilization. We found that although there was no significant difference in total SOC in the top 0,10 cm of the soils between the fertilization plots (5.42±0.18 kg m,2) and the control plots (5.27±0.22 kg m,2), the proportion of the heavy-fraction organic C in the total SOC was significantly higher in the fertilized plots (59%) than in the control plots (46%) (P<0.05). The annual decomposition rate of fertilized leaf litter was 13% higher than that of the control leaf litter. We also found that fertilization significantly increased microbial biomass (fungi+bacteria) with 952±48 mg kg,1soil in the fertilized plots and 755±37 mg kg,1soil in the control plots. Our results suggest that fertilization in tropical forests may enhance long-term C sequestration in the soils of tropical wet forests. [source] Ensilage of wilted whole crop rice (Oryza sativa L.) using a roll baler for chopped material: Silage quality in long-term storageGRASSLAND SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Hidenori Kawamoto Abstract We examined the effects of long-term storage on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and digestibility of wilted whole crop rice silage prepared using a roll baler for chopped material (set chop length, 13 mm) and compared the results with those obtained by using a conventional roll baler. The roll balers were used for ensiling whole crop rice of three types: (i) dough-ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter); (ii) dough-ripe stage with heavy wilting (65% dry matter); and (iii) yellow-ripe stage with light wilting (45% dry matter). The apparent dry matter density was higher in the ensiled roll bales composed of chopped whole crop rice (chopped bales) than in those composed of non-chopped whole crop rice (conventional bales) (195,250 kg m,3 vs 156,218 kg m,3, respectively). The formation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia-nitrogen was low in all types of silage. Further, no marked differences in the chemical composition and apparent dry matter digestibility were observed between silage from the two types of bales. However, there were significant differences in their lactic acid and ethanol contents. The lactic acid production in the conventional silage was low (0.08,0.14% fresh matter), whereas that in the chopped silage was high (0.71,0.97% fresh matter). A lower pH value (pH 4.0,4.3) was retained in the chopped silage after 10 months of storage. High ethanol production (1.1,2.5% fresh matter) was observed in the conventional silage, whereas ethanol production decreased to less than 1% in the chopped silage. These results indicate that although the ethanol fermentation is readily enhanced in the ensilage of wilted whole crop rice performed by a conventional baler, the ensilage performed by a baler for chopped material encourages lactic acid fermentation and suppresses ethanol production over a wide moisture range throughout the long-term storage. [source] Obesity: a new disaster for haemophilic patients?HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2008A nationwide survey Summary., The prevalence of obesity, an important risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and arthropathy, is strongly increasing in the general population, but data for the haemophilia population are scarce. Obesity may have a more profound effect on arthropathy and on cardiovascular disease in patients with haemophilia. To assess the prevalence of obesity in haemophilia patients and install adequate measures, if necessary. We performed a nationwide postal survey to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Dutch haemophilia patients in 1992 (n = 980) and 2001 (n = 1066). A random sample of the Dutch male population served as the control group. In adult haemophiliacs, the prevalence of overweight (BMI 25,30 kg m,2) increased from 27% to 35% (95% CI 31.1,38.0) and the prevalence of obesity (BMI ,30 kg m,2) doubled from 4% to 8% (95% CI 6.0,10.1), which was comparable with the general population. The increased prevalence of obesity in boys with haemophiliacs, which tripled in 10 years, is alarming. The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with haemophilia may have a profound effect on morbidity and quality of life of haemophilia patients by aggravating pre-existing arthropathy and predisposing aged patients to cardiovascular disease. Measures to prevent overweight in haemophiliacs are therefore urgently needed. [source] Runoff and suspended sediment yields from an unpaved road segment, St John, US Virgin IslandsHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 1 2007Carlos E. Ramos-Scharrón Abstract Unpaved roads are believed to be the primary source of terrigenous sediments being delivered to marine ecosystems around the island of St John in the eastern Caribbean. The objectives of this study were to: (1) measure runoff and suspended sediment yields from a road segment; (2) develop and test two event-based runoff and sediment prediction models; and (3) compare the predicted sediment yields against measured values from an empirical road erosion model and from a sediment trap. The runoff models use the Green,Ampt infiltration equation to predict excess precipitation and then use either an empirically derived unit hydrograph or a kinematic wave to generate runoff hydrographs. Precipitation, runoff, and suspended sediment data were collected from a 230 m long, mostly unpaved road segment over an 8-month period. Only 3,5 mm of rainfall was sufficient to initiate runoff from the road surface. Both models simulated similar hydrographs. Model performance was poor for storms with less than 1 cm of rainfall, but improved for larger events. The largest source of error was the inability to predict initial infiltration rates. The two runoff models were coupled with empirical sediment rating curves, and the predicted sediment yields were approximately 0·11 kg per square meter of road surface per centimetre of precipitation. The sediment trap data indicated a road erosion rate of 0·27 kg m,2 cm,1. The difference in sediment production between these two methods can be attributed to the fact that the suspended sediment samples were predominantly sand and silt, whereas the sediment trap yielded mostly sand and gravel. The combination of these data sets yields a road surface erosion rate of 0·31 kg m,2 cm,1, or approximately 36 kg m,2 year,1. This is four orders of magnitude higher than the measured erosion rate from undisturbed hillslopes. The results confirm the importance of unpaved roads in altering runoff and erosion rates in a tropical setting, provide insights into the controlling processes, and provide guidance for predicting runoff and sediment yields at the road-segment scale. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sediment infiltration traps: their use to monitor salmonid spawning habitat in headwater tributaries of the Cascapédia River, QuébecHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 20 2005André E. Zimmermann Abstract Sediment infiltration can clog salmon nests and reduce egg survival. As a countermeasure, environmental managers often deploy infiltration traps to monitor sediment infiltration. Traps provide a repeatable means of measuring infiltration and enable comparisons to be made between sites. Results from infiltration rates measured with traps have also been used to estimate infilling rates into salmon nests. Application of these data is questionable, as the composition of the bed and the amount of fine sediment within the bed is known to affect infiltration rates. Thus, infiltration rates measured with infiltration traps may differ from the infiltration rates occurring in redd and riffle gravels. To examine how relationships between sediment infiltration rates varied between four watersheds, we continuously monitored suspended sediment transport, shear stress and infiltration rates at four sites over 5 months. We also compared infiltration rates measured with infiltration traps with changes in the hydraulic conductivity and subsurface grain size distribution of adjacent artificially constructed salmon nests and natural riffle gravels. Among the four watersheds, clear differences in sediment infiltration rates were observed. The differences correlated with the subsurface silt content but no strong relationship existed between land-use or basin physiography/geology. Despite observing an average of 30 kg m,2 of sediment finer than 2 mm being deposited in the infiltration traps during the study, no change in redd or riffle substrate was observed. If the deposition rates measured with the traps reflect the processes in redds, enough sediment would have been deposited to inhibit egg emergence. However, no reduction in egg survival to the eyed stage was observed. In summary, our results show that infiltration traps with clean gravels can be used to detect intersite differences in sediment transport regimes. Extrapolations of sediment infiltration rates measured with such collectors to estimate infiltration rates in redds or riffles is, however, flawed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Tomography of temperature gradient metamorphism of snow and associated changes in heat conductivityHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2004Martin Schneebeli Abstract Temperature gradient metamorphism is one of the dominant processes changing the structure of natural dry snow. The structure of snow regulates the thermal and mechanical properties. Physical models and numerical simulations of the evolution of the snow cover require a thorough understanding of the interplay between structure and physical properties. The structure of snow and the heat conductivity were measured simultaneously without disturbance in a miniature snow breeder. The structure was measured by microtomography, and heat conductivity by measuring heat fluxes and temperatures. A temperature gradient from 25 to 100 K m,1 was applied to the snow. The snow density range of the samples varied from 150 to 500 kg m,3. The density in the observed volume remained constant during the experiments under temperature gradient conditions. The structure was analysed with respect to the size of typical ice structures and air pores, specific surface area, curvature and anisotropy of the ice matrix. The temporal changes in structure and heat conductivity are compared. The heat conductivity changed by as much as twice its initial value, caused by changes in structure and texture, but not due to changes in density. This shows the enormous importance of structure in the evolution of the heat conductivity. The observed changes are not in good agreement with the current understanding of the metamorphic process, because heat conductivity increased during temperature gradient metamorphism, instead of the expected decrease due to a shrinking of the bonds. We also observed a plateau in the evolution of the heat conductivity coefficient, which indicates a quasi-steady state of the structural evolution with respect to thermophysical properties of snow. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Comparative thermal performance evaluation of an active solar distillation systemINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 15 2007G. N. Tiwari Abstract In this paper, thermal models of all types of solar collector-integrated active solar stills are developed based on basic energy balance equations in terms of inner and outer glass temperatures. In this paper, hourly yield, hourly exergy efficiency, and hourly overall thermal efficiency of active solar stills are evaluated for 0.05 m water depth. All numerical computations had been performed for a typical day in the month of 07 December 2005 for the climatic conditions of New Delhi (28°35,N, 77°12,E, 216 m above MSL). The thermal model of flat-plate collector integrated with active solar still was validated using the experimental test set-up results. Total daily yield from active solar still integrated with evacuated tube collector with heat pipe is 4.24 kg m,2 day,1, maximum among all other types of active solar stills. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Thermal conductivity of wool and wool,hemp insulationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006Z. Ye Abstract Measurements have been obtained for the thermal resistance of sheep-wool insulation and wool,hemp mixtures, both in the form of bonded insulation batts, using a calibrated guarded hot-box. The density was 9.6,25.9 kg m,3 for the wool and 9.9,18.1 kg m,3 for the wool,hemp mixtures. The measurements were made at a mean sample temperature of 13.3°C using a calibrated guarded hot-box. The estimated uncertainly in the resistance measurements was of the order of ±7%. The thermal conductivity of the samples, derived from the thermal resistance measurements on the basis of the measured thickness, was well correlated with the density, although the variation with density was larger than that obtained in previous studies. The conductivity of the wool,hemp samples was not significantly different from that of the wool samples at the same density. Moisture uptake produced an increase of less than 5% in the conductivity of the bonded wool insulation for an increase in absorbed moisture content of 20%. The thermal resistance was 1.6% lower on average for samples oriented in the horizontal plane rather than the vertical plane, but this difference is not significant. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Gasification of char particles in packed beds: analysis and resultsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2001S. Dasappa Abstract In this paper a packed bed of char particles is considered for experimental study and analysis. The packed char bed is modelled by extending the single-particle analysis (Dasappa et al., 1994a, Chem. Eng. Sci.49,2:223,232. Dasappa et al., 1994b, Twenty-fifth Symposium (International) on Combustion, pp. 1619,1628. Dasappa et al., 1998, Twenty-seventh Symposium (International) on Combustion, pp. 1335,1342.). All the reactions related to gasification are introduced into the reaction system as in Dasappa et al. (1998). The propagation of the reaction front into the packed char bed against the air stream is modelled. The results are compared with the experimental data on a model quartz reactor using charcoal. Experimental data of propagation of the reaction front through the packed bed from the present study and of Groeneveld's charcoal gasifier are used for comparison. Using the analysis of Dosanjh et al. 1987 (Combust. Flame68:131,142), it is shown that heat loss dominates the heat generation at the quench condition. It is also shown that increasing the oxygen fraction in air has resulted in flame front to propagate into the char bed. The critical air mass flux for peak propagation rate in a bed of char is found to be 0.1 kg m,2 s. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Thermo-physical properties of composite bread dough with maize and cassava floursINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Olufunmilola Olaitan Oladunmoye Summary Composite wheat,cassava and wheat,maize flours were produced in ratio 100:0. 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 0:100 respectively. Thermo-physical properties of bread dough were determined. For wheat ,cassava composite bread dough, moisture content ranged between 44.02 ± 2.04 to 51.31 ± 2.99% dry basis (db), density (1035.2 ± 20.4 to 975.6 ± 12.6 kg m,3), specific heat capacity (2.51 ± 0.61 to 3.01 ± 0.42 kJ kg,1 K) and thermal conductivity (0.362 ± 0.13 to 0.473 ± 0.12 W mK,1). While wheat,maize mixture gave 44.14 ± 1.94 to 45.09 ± 1.26%(db) of moisture content, 981.4 ± 16.3,960.4 ± 22.5 kg m,3 density, 1.77 ± 0.17,2.61 ± 0.63 kJ kg,1 K specific heat capacity and 0.36 ± 0.07,0.39 ± 0.02 W mK,1 thermal conductivity. Effects of substitutions was significant on moisture content and thermal conductivity of dough while non significant influence was recorded on density and specific heat capacity at P < 0.05. [source] Protein stabilisation of Chardonnay wine using trisacryl and bentonite: a comparative studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Johannes De Bruijn Summary The stabilisation of a Chilean Chardonnay wine by SP-Trisacryl-M and bentonite was investigated, evaluating protein, polyphenol and polysaccharide adsorption, turbidity and wine quality. The wine could be stabilised by adding at least 0.3 kg m,3 of bentonite or 12 kg m,3 of trisacryl, removing 95% and 76% of the wine proteins, respectively. The protein adsorption data for bentonite and trisacryl were fitted using the Freundlich isotherm. The wine protein adsorption isotherm on trisacryl was unfavourable. Protein removal from Chardonnay by trisacryl in a packed column at continuous operation was about 50% during the first 70 bed volumes (BV) of treated wine and decreased progressively until the end of the treatment (100 BV). The adsorbents showed a higher selectivity for proteins than for polyphenols and polysaccharides. A sensorial panel could not detect statistically significant differences between the bentonite and trisacryl treatments of wine at P , 0.05. [source] The resistance of packed beds of moth gram (Vigna aconitifolius) to airflowINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Prabhakar M. Nimkar Summary The resistance of packed beds of clean moth gram (Vigna aconitifolius) to airflow was studied at moisture contents varying from 5.64 to 19.42% dry basis (d.b.) and at superficial air velocities ranging between 0.0104 and 0.8321 m s,1 with bed depths of 0.2,0.6 m and bulk densities ranging from 745 to 875 kg m,3. The airflow resistance of moth gram increased with increase in airflow rate and bulk density and decreased with moisture content. Results indicated that a 13.78% increase in moisture content decreased the pressure drop by 26.58% whereas, a 7.7% increase in bulk density increased the pressure drop by 43%. The modified Shedd's equation and Hukill and Ives equation were evaluated to see if they predicted pressure drop accurately. Airflow resistance was accurately described by the modified Shedd's equation. The statistical model that related airflow rate and bulk density could fit pressure drop data reasonably well. For loose fill beds an increase in grain moisture content increased the minimum fluidization velocity value from 1.1009 to 1.2391 m s,1 whereas, for grain beds with 12.47% moisture content, the increase in bulk density decreased the minimum fluidization velocity value from 1.1152 to 1.0306 m s,1. [source] Excessive Phosphorus Loading to Dal Lake, India: Implications for Managing Shallow Eutrophic Lakes in Urbanized WatershedsINTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF HYDROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Sabah Ul Solim Abstract Extensive watershed development has resulted in excessive total phosphorus (TP) loads to Dal Lake, a high altitude Himalayan lake known for its tourism and economic potential. External and internal TP loads of 5 and ,1 g m,2 yr,1, respectively, were estimated for the lake. These loading rates are high in relation to the lake's critical tolerance range of 0.1,0.2 g m,2 yr,1, and, over time, have resulted in severe eutrophication in view of extremely high macrophyte biomass (average = 3.2 kg m,2 -fresh weight) and bottom sediment enrichment (79 tons of TP reserves which contribute 88% of the annual TP budget). This study emphasizes the importance of external TP load reduction as a primary management objective to counteract internal TP loading and P storage within bottom sediments resulting from historic anthropogenic loads. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] The role of controlled drainage under drought conditions in an irrigated area in NWFP, Pakistan,IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 2 2003Gul Daraz Khan sécheresse; drainage commandé; eaux souterraines; efficacité d'utilisation de l'eau et rendement Abstract The River Swat is the source of irrigation for the entire irrigation system of Mardan, Nowshera and Charsadda districts. Reductions of water and overdrainage have influenced the yield of major crops. The impact of reduced supply at the inlet from the source, drought conditions and overdrainage from the area have lowered the groundwater to a disastrous level. Thus the present groundwater level cannot contribute to the crops. A subsurface collector at its exit in drainage unit 106 was controlled to raise the watertable. The study area was divided into 10 zones. Each zone was separately assessed to analyze the groundwater impact in response to the controlled technique adopted for mitigating drought in different strategies of the canal operation. The interaction of groundwater level with irrigation depth, crop yield, water use efficiency and water saving were also studied. During the rotational period of the canal, irrigations applied in section II raised the water level by nearly 1 m. The upslope area of section III also needed a large irrigation depth. The groundwater level on the downslopes of the lateral drains in sections I and V was at the design depth of 1.1 m during the rotational strategy, while it decreased only slightly on the upslopes of the lateral drains for the same positions. Because of effective control by the collector, the watertable on the downslopes of the laterals in sections II and III was affected less while in the respective upslope area of section III it dropped more than 2 m. The water levels in section IV (both in the upslope and downslope areas along the laterals) remained very close to the design level. A significant contribution of seepage in the upslope of the collector drain considerably reduced the irrigation depths. During the canal closure period, the watertables in the study area dropped to the limit from 2.3 to 3.25 m. After the reopening of the canal, the watertables in sections II, III and IV were raised from 2.55 to 0.70 m. During this period the water levels near the canal reached the design level. The maximum yield of 6.5 tons ha,1 on the downslopes of the lateral drains in section II was obtained, resulting in maximum water use efficiency of 0.93 kg m,3. However, the minimum yield of 3.5 tons ha,1 on the upslopes of the lateral drains in section I was obtained, resulting in the lowest water use efficiency of 0.35 kg m,3 near the deep surface drain (5 m). The impact of controlled subsurface drainage in zones 2, 3 and 7 resulted in the best maintenance of optimum groundwater level and moisture content. Therefore large amounts of extra irrigation water applied (ranging from 23 to 129% of that actually required) in different zones of the controlled area can be saved for drought conditions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. RÉSUMÉ Le fleuve Swat est la source d'irrigation pour les systèmes d'irrigation entiers des zones de Mardan, de Nowshera et de Charsadda. Les réductions de drainage de l'eau et d'excédent ont influencé le rendement de récoltes principales. L'impact de l'approvisionnement réduit à l'admission de la source, des conditions de sécheresse et du drainage d'excédent du secteur ont laissé tomber les eaux souterraines à un niveau désastreux. Ainsi le niveau actuel d'eaux souterraines ne peut pas contribuer aux récoltes. Un collecteur à fleur de terre à sa sortie dans l'unité 106 de drainage a été commandé pour soulever le niveau hydrostatique. Le secteur d'étude a été divisé en dix zones. Chaque zone a été séparément évaluée pour analyser l'impact d'eaux souterraines en réponse à la technique commandée adoptée pour atténuer la sécheresse dans différentes stratégies de l'opération de canal. L'interaction du niveau d'eaux souterraines sur la profondeur d'irrigation, le rendement de récolte, l'efficacité d'utilisation de l'eau et l'économie de l'eau ont été également étudié. Pendant la période de rotation du canal, les irrigations appliquées dans la section II ont élevé le niveau d'eau de presque un mètre. Le secteur demontée de la section III avait besoin d'une grande profondeur d'irrigation. Le niveau d'eaux souterraines des déscentes de la vidange latérale dans les sections I et V était à la profondeur de conception de 1.1 m pendant la stratégie de rotation, tandis qu'il diminuait seulement légèrement aux montée des drains latéraux pour les mêmes positions. En raison de la commande efficace du collecteur, le niveau hydrostatique des déscentes des parties latérales dans les sections II et III a été affecté moins, tandis que dans le secteur respectif demontée de la section III il descentait à plus de deux mètres. Les niveaux d'eau dans la section IV (tous les deux dans les secteurs demontée etde déscentes le long des parties latérales) ont demeuré très près de la conception. La contribution significative de l'infiltration dans lamontee du drain de collecteur a considérablement réduit les profondeurs d'irrigation. Pendant la période de fermeture du canal, les niveaux hydrostatiques dans le secteur d'étude sont descendus la limite de 2.3 à 3.25 m. A la réouverture du canal, les niveaux hydrostatiques dans les sections II, III et IV augmenté de 2.55 à 0.70 m. Pendant cette période les niveaux d'eau près du canal ont atteint celui de la concept. Le rendement maximum de 6.5 tons ha,1 aux déscentes des drains latéraux dans la section II a été obtenu, ayant pour résultat l'efficacité maximum d'utilisation de l'eau de 0.93 kg m,3.Cependant le rendement minimum de 3.5 tons ha,1 aux montées des drains latéraux dans la section a été obtenu, ayant pour résultat la plus basse efficacité d'utilisation de l'eau de 0.35 kg m,3 près du drain extérieur profond (5 m). L'impact du drainage à fleur de terre commandé dans les zones 2, 3 et 7 a maintenu le meillear niveau d'eaux souterraines et le contenu d'humidité optimum. Par conséquent la grande quantité de l'eau supplémentaire d'irrigation celle appliquée (s'étendant de 23 à 129% deréellement requise) dans différentes zones de la zone de contrôle peut être sauvée pour les conditions de sécheresse. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of Deficit Drip Irrigation Ratios on Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Yield and Fibre QualityJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009H. Basal Abstract Increasing irrigation costs and declining water availability compel producers to adapt irrigation strategies for maximum crop yield and water use efficiency. A field trial was conducted to observe the effects of various drip irrigation ratios (IR-0, IR-25, IR-50, IR-75 and IR-100) on water use efficiency (WUE), the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), lint yield, yield components and fibre quality at two upland cotton varieties during 2004 and 2005. WUE was found to increase from 0.62 to 0.71 kg m,3 as the irrigation water applied was reduced from 100 % to 75 % of soil water depletion. Deficit irrigation of cotton with drip irrigation at 75 % treatment level (IR-75) did not decrease seed cotton yield and yield components during 2 years, with the exception of the number of bolls in 2005. Among fibre quality parameters, no significant differences in fibre length, fineness, uniformity index and elongation were detected between the 100 % and 75 % irrigation levels in 2005. The results revealed that irrigation of cotton with a drip irrigation method at 75 % level had significant benefits in terms of saved irrigation water without reducing yield, and high WUE indicated a definitive advantage of employing deficit irrigation under limited water supply conditions. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||