林木及林下土壤N<,2>O排放的研究

N<,2>O是一种重要的温室气体.该研究以中国长白山典型的森林生态系统——阔叶红松林为研究对象，采用空气样品同步采样法和封闭罩法首次对几种主要树木——水曲柳、红松、赤杨（阳生树木）和椴树（阴生树木）的N<,2>O释放进行了较为系统的研究，同时对林下土壤N<,2>O排放进行了实验室模拟实验.获得以下主要研究结果：1.首次确证在自然状态下，林木是森林生态系统中除土壤外的另一重要N<,2>O排放源.2.首次发现光照对阴生树木与阳生树木N<,2>O释放的调节作用不同.3.首次在野外自然条件下，对林木的N<,2>O排放通量进行了测定，并估算了其年排放总量.4.发现在一定条件下，土壤N<,2>O排放和CH<,4>吸收与土壤pH和温度呈正相关.

D2-4放线菌的筛选及其抗生物质研究

利用有益微生物及其代谢产物来防治植物病害，已成为一个十分活跃并具有巨大应用前景的领域。本论文采用土壤预处理等特殊方法，从长白山不同高度的土壤中筛选出1068株放线菌。通过对峙培养法和杯碟法，筛选出D1-1等10株对蔬菜病害菌具有抑制作用的菌株。离体叶片实验中发现D2-4发酵液对黄瓜、辣椒、番茄等蔬菜真菌病害具有一定的防治效果。以水和常用化学农药作为空白和药物对照，对D2-4发酵液进行了盆栽实验，结果对番茄灰霉、辣椒根腐和黄瓜枯萎病的防治效果分别为70.65％、63.27％、65.04％，初步显示出良好的防治效果。通过单因素和均匀设计实验，优化了DZ-4菌发酵培养基的组成，考察了培养时间、接种量、菌龄等对抑菌活性的影响。确定了最佳发酵培养基成分：黄豆饼粉1.10％、葡萄糖2.71％、蔗糖1.00％、NaCl0.10％、酵母膏0.10％、发酵培养基初始pH为6.61。最佳发酵时间为96h左右，培养20～24h的种子液以7％的接种量转接有利于提高抑菌活性。经发酵培养基和发酵条件的优化，发酵液抑菌活性达到了6588 u／ml，比原始发酵培养基（3678 u／ml）活性提高了79.12％。经发酵液的预处理、离子交换层析、吸附柱层析、高效液相色谱纯化等步骤，对D2-4抗生素进行了分离纯化研究。通过纸层析、纸电泳等试验最后确定该农用抗生素为弱碱性水溶性抗生素。对D2-4抗生素纯品进行了红外吸收光谱、紫外吸收光谱等理化性质的研究。

白介素4-绿脓杆菌外毒素重组免疫毒素的构建与活性研究

白介素-4受体（IL-4R）在实体瘤和血癌等许多肿瘤细胞表面表达量很高构建导向IL-4R的免疫毒素，是研究肿瘤治疗的一个重要方向。天然IL-4分子N末端和C末端含有很多与受体结合的活性位点，为了降低连接蛋白毒素时对这些位点的影响，将天然IL-4分子的N端和c端用寡肚GGNGG相连，并在非活性部位形成新的开口，构建了cpIL-4；为了进一步提高cpIL-4与IL-4R的亲和力，通过重叠PCR引入13位点突变，得到cpIL-4（13D）；为了增强IL-4免疫毒素对淋巴细胞的选择性，在121位引入点突变，得到cpIL-4（13D121E）。将上述三种重组IL-4分子分别于大肠杆菌表达系统进行表达。ELISA分析表明，三种重组蛋白均可与人IL-4抗体特异性结合。由于PE的DNA序列的GC含量很高，很难用常规手段进行改造，本文采用特殊条件的PCR反应和酶切反应进行绿脓杆菌外毒素PE的改造，得到PE38KDEL，并于大肠杆菌表达系统进行表达。其特点是分子量较小，不含结合区，C末端氨基酸KDEL有利于提高其跨膜能力和细胞毒作用。将靶向分子分别与毒素分子相连，得到三种免疫毒素：cpIL4-PE38KDEL，cpIL4（13D）-PE38KDEL，cpIL4（13D121B）-PE38KDEL。将之分别于表达载体pET32a（＋）进行表达，目的蛋白表达量均约为菌体总蛋白的30％。western blotting分析表明，诱导后表达的三种IL-4免疫毒素均可与hIL-4抗体特异性结合。采用Ni-NTA亲和层析和阴离子交换层析纯化上述三种IL-4免疫毒素，纯度均在95％以上。用MTT法检测其细胞毒作用，结果显示，免疫毒素cpIL4（13D）-PE38KDEL可特异性地靶向产生IL-4R的细胞株，＿且其活性与未突变的免疫毒素cpIIL4-PE38KDEL相比有2-3倍的提高；免疫毒素cpIL4（13D121E）-PE38KDEL对表达I型IL-4R的淋巴瘤细胞结合力较强，对表达II型IL-4R的内皮细胞结合力较弱，因此对淋巴瘤具有一定的选择性，这对于提高药物疗效，降低血管渗漏症等毒副作用具有重要意义。

Determination of some basic constants of sec-octylphenoxy acetic acid

In this work some basic constants of extractant Sec-Octylphenoxy acetic acid (CA-12) such as solubility (S) in water, dissociation constant (K-a) in aqueous solution, dimerization constant( K-2) and distribution constant (K-d) between water and haptane have been determined by two phase titration method. The results are as follows: S = 1.40 x 10(-4) mol/L, K-a = 3.02 x 10(-4), K-2 = 3.56 x 10(2), K-d = 4.06 x 10(2) (25 +/-0.5 degreesC).

Synthesis and crystal structure of (1,3-(Bu2C5H3)-Bu-t)(2)Sm(mu-Cl)(2)Li(THF)(2)

Anhydrous SmCl3 reacts with two equal of Li(1-3-(Bu2C5H3)-Bu-t) to give a complex (1,3-(Bu2C5H3)-Bu-t)(2) Sm(mu -Cl)(2)Li(THF)(2) (C34H58Cl2LiO2Sm, M-r = 726.99), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 10.615(2), b = 21.037(4), c = 17.166(3) Angstrom, beta = 93.60(3)degrees, V = 3825.7 (13) Angstrom (3), Z = 4, D-c = 1.262 Mg/m(3), mu = 1.699 mm(-1) and F(000) = 1508, final R = 0.0387 and wR = 0.0741 for 5320 observed[I greater than or equal to2 sigma (I)] reflections. The average Sm - C distance is 2.73 Angstrom. Sm - Cl1 and Sm - Cl2 distances are 2.719 (2) and 2. 697 (2) Angstrom, respectively. Two 1, 3-(Bu2C5H3)-Bu-t-ring centroids and two mu (2)-bridging chloride atoms around Sm atom form a distorted tetrahedron.

Syntheses and crystal structures of [(C6H5CH2C5H4)(2)GdCl center dot THF](2) and (C6H5CH2C5H4)(2)ErCl center dot THF

[(C6H5CH2C5H4)(2)GdCl . THF](2) (1) and (C6H5CH2C5H4)(2)ErCl . THF (2) were prepared by the reaction of LnCl(3) (Ln=Gd, Er) with benzylcyclopentadienyl sodium in THF and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, MS and thermal gravimetry. The crystal structures of both compounds were determined. Complex 1 is dimeric and its structure belongs to the monoclinic, P2(1)/c space group with a=1.1432(2), b=1.2978(2), c=1.7604(3) nm, beta=108.75(2), V=2.4732(9) nm(3), Z=2(four monomers), D-c=1.54 g . cm(-3). R=0.0342 and R(w)=0.0362. Complex 2 is monomer and its structure belongs to the orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1) space group with a=0.8645(2), b=1.1394(3), c=2.5289(4) nm, V=2.4919(9) nm(3), Z=4, D-c=1.56 g . cm(-3). R=0.0514, R(w)=0.0529. The determination of the crystal structure shows that in complex 1 the benzyl groups on the cyclopentadienyls coordinated to Gd3+ are located in the opposite direction (139 degrees); in complex 2 the benzyl groups on the cyclopentadienyls coordinated to Er3+ are located in the same direction (6.5 degrees).

冲绳海槽黑潮流域近4万年以来的古海洋环境演化

本文采用取自冲绳海槽的91个站位的表层样品和2个柱状岩芯，通过微体古生物有孔虫分析、氧碳同位素测试、AMS~(14)C测年、沉积物粒度和地球化学分析，探讨了现代生物群落、表层沉积物氧同位素与现代海洋环境之间的关系，进而对冲绳海槽区域近4万年来的古海洋环境和古黑潮演化进行了详细的研究。表层沉积物中的浮游有孔虫氧同位素与现代海洋环境之间的关系密切，浮游有孔虫从G.ruber到G.sacculifer到N.dutertrei其δ~(18)O值由轻变重，表明三种有孔虫其生活水层依次由浅到深。在横穿海槽的剖面上浮游有孔虫δ~(18)O在近陆端因受冲淡小影响较强而变轻，而在东侧站位，受黑潮暖流或其支流的影响氧同位素同样有变轻的趋势。N. dutertrei和G.ruber的氧同位素差值表明了冲绳海槽北部区域黑潮支流对表层水体的影响要大于次表层水体，而在冲绳海槽南部区域，黑潮暖流对次表层水体有相对较强的影响。冲绳海槽南部表层沉积物中的浮游有孔虫整体上属于赤道区组合，溶解作用对该区的浮游有孔虫群落有显的影响，冲绳海槽北部区浮游有孔虫组合对具有温带群落的特征。浮游有孔虫分布与海洋环境密切相关，南北区的浮游有孔虫分布都明显受暖流的影响，在暖流的主流轴处浮游有孔虫丰度通常较高。冲绳海槽具有相对较浅的碳酸盐溶跃面，浮游有孔虫丰度和底栖有孔虫深水胶结壳的含量都进一步表明了该区碳酸钙溶跃面大约在1700 m水深左右，比开放大洋明显要浅得多。表层沉积物中的底栖有孔虫主要受水深和水团等因素的制约。水深制约着有孔虫属种的分带，也影响底栖有孔虫的组合。根据Q型因子分析，冲绳海槽南部表层沉积物中的底栖有孔虫从陆架连缘到海槽底部可以划分为5个特定的组合，分别对应黑潮表层水和次层水影响环境、黑潮中层水影响环境、溶跃面以上的黑潮深层水影响环境、黑潮底层水团影响环境和溶解作用较强的槽底环境；北部区的底栖有孔虫群落反映了四个组合，分别代表了陆架混合水团影响环境、黑潮暖流中层水影响环境、冷涡沉积和上升流区影响环境以及对马暖流水团影响下的环境。以氧同位素曲线为基础，结合AMS~(14)C测年和生物地层学对柱状岩芯进行了地层划分和对比，E107孔记录了冰消期以来大约15,000 a来的古环境演化记录，具有较高的沉积速率，DOC－42孔保存在主要是末冰期中40－10ka BP期间的古环境沉积记录，沉积物记录的分辨率相对较低。浮游有孔虫有碎壳比和底栖有孔虫深海胶结壳含量表明了现代冲绳海槽的浅溶跃面是大约最近2000 a BP才开始突然变浅形成的，碳酸盐的溶解作用从冰消期到现在逐增强。冲绳海槽南部E107孔的底栖有孔虫组合把映了15,000 a来的底层水团具有两种完全不同的营养状况，约6500 a BP以前有机质通量较高，6500 a BP以后有机质通量则明显降低。DOC－42孔的底栖有孔虫组合反映该区约4万年以来的底部水团演化主要受有机质通量和氧含量的共同制约，氧同位素3期主要为高有机质通量的沉积环境，伴随有氧含量水平的较大波动；氧同位素2期有机质通量有所降低，氧含量整体为中等水平；氧同位素1期早期义部水体则较高氧含量为主。浮游有孔虫温跃层转换函数反映了冲绳海槽中部的温跃层在约13100 a BP有一个明显的变化，在这之前产温跃层深度较浅，平均89 m，而在该时间以后，温跃层平均深度变为166 m。此外在160 cm处和100 cm的温跃层深度的两次明显的降低，分别对应于新仙女木事件和黑潮暖流的重新入侵，表明这两个事件导致了海洋上层水体结构的突然变化。冲绳海槽北部浮游有孔虫转换函数古温度和浮游有孔虫的低温、低盐特征种反映了在氧同位素3期早期约40000a BP和氧同位素2期间存在两个明显的低温、低盐阶段，可能与沿岸水在该期间加强有关。其中氧同位素3期早期的表层海水古水温比末次冰期还要低，反映了区域海洋环境的重大变化。冲绳海槽南部E107孔的沉积物粒度、地球化学特征、黑潮特征指示种、表层古水温以及底层水团的性质在6500 a BP左右发生了重大的改变，与冲绳海槽南部的其他岩芯反映的古环境化基本一致，表明了南部海槽在6500 a BP前后古黑潮流径发生了重大变化。而冲绳海槽北部区域2万年以来的古环境则与南部有明显差异，总结前人对冲绳海槽古黑潮流径的研究，笔者对未次冰盛期古黑潮流径提出了新的推测。

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of cluster compound {[Ni(enMe)(2)][SiW12O40]}[Ni(enMe)(2)(H2O)(2)](2) center dot 3H(2)O

the novel One-dimensional chain structure of the title cluster compound was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, TGA and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The title cluster compound crystallized in a monochnic system with space group C2/c, a = 1.2656 nm, b = 2.20656 (4) nm, c =2.26763 (4) nm, beta = 92.078 degrees, V = 6.32852 (16) nm(3), Z = 4, D-c = 3.801 g/cm(3), A = 2.271 mm(-1), F(000) = 6512, R-1= 0.0549, wR(2) = 0.1087. The structure building block of the structure is the polyanion [SiW12O40](6-) with alpha-Keggin structure. The clusters were linked together with one-dimensional infinite chain through [ Ni ( enMe) (2)] (2+) cations. The [ Ni ( enMe) (2) ( H2O) (2)] (2+) cations and water molecules were filled in the structure. The cluster compound was expanded to three-dimensional framework by hydrogen bond interactions among molecules.

Synthesis of N3- and 2-NH2-substituted 6,7-diphenylpterins and their use as intermediates for the preparation of oligonucleotide conjugates designed to target photooxidative damage on single-stranded DNA representing the bcr-abl chimeric gene

Two 17-mer oligodeoxynucleotide-5'-linked-(6,7-diphenylpterin) conjugates, 2 and 3, were prepared as photosensitisers for targeting photooxidative damage to a 34-mer DNA oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) fragment 1 representing the chimeric bcr-abl gene that is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The base sequence in the 17-mer was 3'G G T A G T T A T T C C T T C T T5'. In the first of these ODN conjugates (2) the pterin was attached at its N3 atom, via a -(CH2)3OPO(OH)- linker, to the 5'-OH group of the ODN. Conjugate 2 was prepared from 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-6,7-diphenyl-4(3H)-pteridinone 10, using phosphoramidite methodology. Starting material 10 was prepared from 5-amino-7-methylthiofurazano[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4 via an unusual highly resonance stabilised cation 8, incorporating the rare 2H,6H-pyrimido[6,1-b][1,3]oxazine ring system. In the characterisation of 10 two pteridine phosphazenes, 15 and 29, were obtained, as well as new products containing two uncommon tricyclic ring systems, namely pyrimido[2,1-b]pteridine (20 and 24) and pyrimido[1,2-c]pteridine (27). In the second ODN conjugate the linker was -(CH2)5CONH(CH2)6OPO(OH)- and was attached to the 2-amino group of the pterin. In the preparation of 3, the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester 37 of 2-(5-carboxypentylamino)-6,7-diphenyl-4(3H)-pteridinone was condensed with the hexylamino-modified 17-mer. Excitation of 36 with near UV light in the presence of the single-stranded target 34-mer, 5'T G A C C A T C A A T A A G14 G A A G18 A A G21 C C C T T C A G C G G C C3' 1 caused oxidative damage at guanine bases, leading to alkali-labile sites which were monitored by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cleavage was observed at all guanine sites with a marked preference for cleavage at G14. In contrast, excitation of ODN-pteridine conjugate 2 in the presence of 1 caused oxidation of the latter predominantly at G18, with a smaller extent of cleavage at G15 and G14 (in the double-stranded portion) and G21. These results contrast with our previous observation of specific cleavage at G21 with ruthenium polypyridyl sensitisers, and suggest that a different mechanism, probably one involving Type 1 photochemical electron transfer, is operative. Much lower yields were found with the ODN-pteridine conjugate 3, perhaps as a consequence of the longer linker between the ODN and the pteridine in this case.

Distribution and visual impact of postoperative refractive error after cataract surgery in rural China: study of cataract outcomes and up-take of services report 4.

PURPOSE: To model the possible impact of using average-power intraocular lenses (IOLs) and evaluate the postoperative refractive error in patients having cataract surgery in rural China.SETTING: Rural Guangdong, China.METHODS: Patients having cataract surgery by local surgeons were examined and visual function was assessed 10 to 14 months after surgery. Subjective refraction at near and distance was performed bilaterally by an ophthalmologist. Patients had a target refraction of -0.50 diopter (D) based on ocular biometry.RESULTS: Of the 313 eligible patients, 242 (77%) could be contacted and 176 (74% of contacted patients, 56% overall) were examined. Examined patients had a mean age of 69.4 +/- 10.5 years. Of the 211 operated eyes, 73.2% were within +/-1.0 D of the target refraction after surgery. The best presenting distance vision was in patients within +/-1.0 D of plano and the best presenting near vision, in those with mild myopia (<-1.0 D to > or =2.0 D) (P= .005). However, patients with hyperopia (>+1.0 D) reported significantly better adjusted visual function than those with emmetropia or myopia (<-1.0 D). When the predicted use of an average-power IOL (median +21.5 D) was modeled, predicted visual acuity was significantly reduced (P= .001); however, predicted visual function was not significantly altered (P>.3).CONCLUSIONS: Accurate selection of postoperative refractive error was achieved by local surgeons in this rural area. Based on visual function results, aiming for mild postoperative myopia may not be suitable in this setting. Implanting average-power IOLs significantly reduced postoperative presenting vision, but not visual function.

Effective collision strengths for fine-structure forbidden transitions among the 2s22p3 levels of S x

Effective collision strengths for electron-impact excitation of the N-like ion S x are calculated in the close-coupling approximation using the multichannel R-matrix method. Specific attention is given to the 10 astrophysically important fine-structure forbidden transitions among the ⁴S^O, ²D^o and ²P^o levels in the 2s²2p³ ground configuration. The total (e^- + ion) wavefunction is expanded in terms of the 11 lowest LS eigenstates of S x, and each eigenstate is represented by extensive configuration-interaction wavefunctions. The collision strengths obtained are thermally averaged over a Maxwellian distribution of velocities, for all 10 fine-structure transitions, over the range of electron temperatures log T(K) = 4.6-6.7 (the range appropriate for astrophysical applications). The present effective collision strengths are the only results currently available for these fine-structure transition rates.

Effective collision strengths for fine-structure forbidden transitions among the 3s 23p 3 levels of Ar IV

The multichannel R-matrix method is used to compute electron impact excitation collision strengths in Ar IV for all fine-structure transitions among the ⁴S°, ²D° and ²P° levels in the 3s ²3p ³ ground configuration. Included in the expansion of the total wavefunction are the lowest 13 LS target eigenstates of Ar iv formed from the 3s ²3p ³, 3s3p ⁴ and 3s ²3p ²3d configurations. The effective collision strengths, obtained by averaging the electron collision strengths over a Maxwellian distribution of electron velocities, are presented for all 10 fine-structure transitions over a wide range of electron temperatures of astrophysical interest (T _e = 2000-100 000 K). Comparisons are made with an earlier 7-state close-coupling calculation by Zeippen, Butler & Le Bourlot, and significant differences are found to occur for many of the forbidden transitions considered, in particular those involving the ⁴S° ground state, where discrepancies of up to a factor of 3 are found in the low-temperature region. © 1997 RAS.

Germination requirements of Plantago algarbiensis seeds, an endangered species endemic to the Algarve region (South of Portugal)

The ecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone or beta-ecdysone, is a steroid hormone which plays a crucial role in molting, metamor- phosis and reproduction of arthropods. This ecdysteroid and its analogues have high potential to be used as insecticides. Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that Vitex glabrata R.Br. (commonly known as Khai-Nao), an indigenous herbaceous plant of Thailand, synthesized and accumulated high quantity of 20-hydroxyecdysone. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of precursor and elicitors feeding on cell growth and 20-hydroxyecdysone production of V. glabrata suspension cultures. Plant cells were cultured in half strength MS medium containing 30 g/l glucose and supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Cells were incubated on a rotary shaker at 120 rpm under continuous light of 2000 lux at 25 °C. Sterilized cholesterol (5 and 10 mg/l) as precursor was added to the cell cultures on the day of inoculation, while chitosan (50, 100 and 200 mg/l) and methyl jusmonate (100 and 200 mM) as elicitors were added to the cell cultures on day 6 after cultivation.

Effects of corn silage derived from a genetically modified variety containing two Transgenes on feed intake, milk production, and composition, and the absence of detectable Transgenic deoxyribonucleic acid in milk in holstein dairy cows

The objectives were to compare the chemical composition, nutritive value, feed intake, milk production and composition, and presence in milk of transgenic DNA and the encoded protein Cry1Ab when corn silages containing 2 transgenes (2GM: herbicide tolerance: mepsps and insect resistance: cry1Ab) were fed as part of a standard total mixed ration (TMR) compared with a near isogenic corn silage ( C) to 8 multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows in a single reversal design study. Cows were fed a TMR ration ad libitum and milked twice daily. Diets contained [ dry matter (DM) basis] 45% corn silage, 10% alfalfa hay, and 45% concentrate (1.66 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg of DM, 15.8% crude protein, 35% neutral detergent fiber, and 4.1% fat). Each period was 28-d long. During the last 4 d of each period, feed intake and milk production data were recorded and milk samples taken for compositional analysis, including the presence of transgenic DNA and Cry1Ab protein. There was no significant difference in the chemical composition between C and 2GM silages, and both were within the expected range (37.6% DM, 1.51 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg, 8.6% crude protein, 40% neutral detergent fiber, 19.6% acid detergent fiber, pH 3.76, and 62% in vitro DM digestibility). Cows fed the 2GM silage produced milk with slightly higher protein (3.09 vs. 3.00%), lactose ( 4.83 vs. 4.72%) and solids-not-fat (8.60 vs. 8.40%) compared with C. However, the yield (kg/d) of milk (36.5), 3.5% fat-corrected milk (34.4), fat (1.151), protein (1.106), lactose (1.738), and solids-not-fat ( 3.094), somatic cell count (log(10): 2.11), change in body weight (+ 7.8 kg), and condition score (+ 0.09) were not affected by type of silage, indicating no overall production difference. All milk samples were negative for the presence of transgenic DNA from either trait or the Cry1Ab protein. Results indicate that the 2GM silage modified with 2 transgenes did not affect nutrient composition of the silages and had no effect on animal performance and milk composition. No transgenic DNA and Cry1Ab protein were detected in milk.

Enhancement of oleic acid and vitamin E concentrations of bovine milk using dietary supplements of whole rapeseed and vitamin E

With the aim of reducing the degree of saturation and increasing the C18:1 cis fatty acid content of milk fat, the effects of feeding high levels of whole cracked rapeseed to dairy cows was investigated together with the effect of increasing dietary intake of vitamin E on the vitamin E content of milk. Using a 3 x 3 factorial design, 90 Holstein dairy cows were fed one of three levels of whole cracked rapeseed (0 (ZR), 134 (MR) and 270 g . kg(-1) diet dry matter (DM) (HR)) in combination with one of three intakes of supplementary vitamin E (0 (ZE), 2 (ME) and 4 g . cow(-1) . d(-1) (HE)). Supplementing with up to almost 2 kg . d(-1) of rapeseed oil (diet HR) significantly (P < 0.001) increased C18: 1cis in milk fat, from 181 (ZR) to over 400 g &BULL; kg(-1) (HR) of total milk fatty acids. Concentrations of C18: 0, C18: 2 and C18: 3 fatty acids were also increased ( P < 0.001) but by a much lesser degree, and the saturated fatty acids C4: 0 to C16: 0 decreased substantially. Vitamin E supplementation increased ( P < 0.01) milk vitamin E concentrations from 1.29 (ZE) to 1.68 mg &BULL; kg(-1) whole milk (HE). Thus substantial changes in milk fat composition with potentially beneficial effects on human health were achieved and without any adverse effects on milk taste. However, these improvements must be offset against the substantial reductions ( P < 0.001) observed in voluntary feed DM consumption (ZR, 20.6; HR, 15.2 kg DM . d(-1)), milk yield (ZR, 22.9; HR, 13.2 kg . d(-1)) and milk fat concentration (ZR, 42.1; HR, 33.4 g . kg(-1)) which would not be commercially sustainable unless a considerable premium was paid for this modified milk. It seems likely that the optimum dose of dietary rapeseed is lower than used in this study.