Welfare outcomes for 3- and 6-month-old beef calves in a tropical environment castrated surgically or by applying rubber rings

Castration of cattle using rubber rings is becoming increasingly popular due to the perceived ease of the procedure and greater operator safety when compared with surgical castration. Few comparative studies have investigated the effects of different castration methods and calf age on welfare outcomes, particularly in a tropical environment. Thirty Belmont Red (a tropically adapted breed), 3-month-old (liveweight 71–119 kg) and 30, 6-month-old (liveweight 141–189 kg) calves were assigned to a two age × three castration (surgical, ring and sham) treatment factorial study (Surg3, Surg6, Ring3, Ring6, Sham3 and Sham6, n = 10 for each treatment group). Welfare outcomes were assessed post-castration using: behaviour for 2 weeks; blood parameters (cortisol and haptoglobin concentrations) to 4 weeks; wound healing to 5 weeks; and liveweights to 6 weeks. More Surg calves struggled during castration compared with Sham and Ring (P < 0.05, 90 ± 7% vs. 20 ± 9% and 24 ± 10%) and performed more struggles (1.9 ± 0.2, 1.1 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.3 for Surg, Sham and Ring, respectively), suggesting that surgical castration caused most pain during performance of the procedure. A significant (P < 0.05) time × castration method × age interaction for plasma cortisol revealed that concentrations decreased most rapidly in Sham; the Ring6 calves failed to show reduced cortisol concentrations at 2 h post-castration, unlike other treatment groups. By 7 h post-castration, all treatment groups had similar concentrations. A significant (P < 0.01) interaction between time and castration method showed that haptoglobin concentrations increased slightly to 0.89 and 0.84 mg/mL for Surg and Ring, respectively over the first 3 days post-castration. Concentrations for Surg then decreased to levels similar to Sham by day 21 and, although concentrations for Ring decreased on day 7 to 0.76 mg/mL, they increased significantly on day 14 to 0.97 mg/mL before reducing to concentrations similar to the other groups (0.66 mg/mL) by day 21. Significantly (P < 0.05) more of the wounds of the 3-month compared with the 6-month calves scored as ‘healed’ at day 7 (74% vs. 39%), while more (P = 0.062) of the Surg than Ring scored as ‘healed’ at day 21 (60% vs. 29%). At day 14 there were significantly (P < 0.05) fewer healed wounds in Ring6 compared with other treatment groups (13% vs. 40–60%). Liveweight gain was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in 3-month (0.53 kg/day) than in 6-month calves (0.44 kg/day) and in Sham calves (P < 0.001, 0.54 kg/day), than in Ring (0.44 kg/day) and Surg (0.48 kg/day) calves. Overall, welfare outcomes were slightly better for Surg than Ring calves due to reduced inflammation and faster wound healing, with little difference between age groups.

Amide-catalysed isomerisation of 5,6-dihydroisoquinolines: a novel synthesis of 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines

Knoevenagel condensation of 2-acylcyclohexanones or 2-ethoxycarbonylcyclohexanone with either cyanoacetamide or malononitrile followed by silver salt alkylation gave the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolines (3a–i). Chromic acid oxidation of the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolines (3a–i) to the corresponding tetralones (4a–i) followed by sodium borohydride reduction and p-toluenesulphonic acid-catalysed dehydration of the resulting alcohols (5a–i) gave the 5,6-dihydroisoquinolines (6a–i). Reaction of 5,6-dihydroisoquinolines (6a–g) with potassium amide in liquid ammonia gave a mixture of the 1,3-dihydroisoquinolines (7a–g) and the isoquinolines (8a–g). The C-1 unsubstituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline (7c) was found to be very unstable. In the case of the 5,6-dihydroisoquinolines (6h and 6i), reaction of potassium amide in liquid ammonia resulted in a mixture of 1-aminoisoquinoline (9) and the isoquinolines (8h and 8i). All the above compounds have been characterised by spectral data. A probable pathway for the formation of the 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines (7a–g) and the isoquinolines (8a–i) is suggested.

2,6-Lutidine-N-oxide complexes of rare-earth bromides

2,6-Lutidine-N-oxide (LNO) complexes of rare-earth bromides of the composition $$MBr_3 .(LNO)_{4_{ - n} } .nH_2 O$$ wheren = l for M = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho, Er; andn = 0 for M = Y have been prepared and characterised by analyses, conductance and infrared data. Infrared spectra of the complexes indicate that the coordination of ligand to the metal ion takes place through the oxygen of the ligand, and the water molecule in the complexes present is coordinated to the metal. A coordination number of seven has been suggested to all the rare-earth metal ions.

Studies of phosphazenes. 12. Reactions of N4P4Cl8 with dibenzylamine- isolation of an unusual "bicyclic" phosphazene, N4P4[N(CH2Ph)2]6(NCH2Ph)

Octachlorocyclotetraphosphazene, N4P4CIa, reacts with dibenzylamine to give the chloro(dibenzy1amino) derivatives, N4P,C18,[N(CH2Ph)2],,, n = 1, 2 (two isomers), and 4 (three isomers). Nongeminal structures have been assigned to these compounds on the basis of ‘H and jlP NMR spectra. The presence of at least two tris(dibenzylamin0) derivatives in some reaction mixtures is also inferred from NMR spectra. Steric effects become important at the tetrakis stage of chlorine replacement, and further substitution by dibenzylamine to give monocyclic tetrameric derivatives does not occur. A “bicyclic” phosphazene, N4P4[N(CH2Ph)2]6(NCHzPh)is, obtained from the reaction of N4P4Claw ith an excess of dibenzylamine in boiling methyl cyanide. The formation of this derivative and its spectroscopic data are discussed.

Measurement of sensitivities for the thermal recording of laser beams

A simple technique for determining the energy sensitivities for the thermographic recording of laser beams is described. The principle behind this technique is that, if a laser beam with a known spatial distribution such as a Gaussian profile is used for imaging, the radius of the thermal image formed depends uniquely on the intensity of the impinging beam. Thus by measuring the radii of the images produced for different incident beam intensities the minimum intensity necessary (that is, the threshold) for thermographic imaging is found. The diameter of the laser beam can also be found from this measurement. A simple analysis based on the temperature distribution in the laser heated material shows that there is an inverse square root dependence on pulse duration or period of exposure for the energy fluence of the laser beam required, both for the threshold and the subsequent increase in the size of the recording. It has also been shown that except for low intensity, long duration exposure on very low conductivity materials, heat losses are not very significant.

Editorial of "International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies, Volume 6, Number 1, 2013"

This edition of the International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies marks the tenth since the journal’s launch in 2008. During that time, over forty articles and eleven book reviews have been published, which is testament to the continuing upward trajectory of Critical Indigenous Studies. Although there continues to be an increasing range of areas of Indigenous research to which a critical focus is brought to bear, a consistent issue for many of the journal’s contributors has been the delineation and application of Indigenous methods and methodologies in social research. The present edition is no exception, with two articles focussing on Indigenous-centred research. The first, by Krystal Summers, reflexively explores the author’s experiences as an undergraduate student undertaking Indigenous-centred research in Peru. As an Indigenous First Nations woman, Summers was mindful that her research practice was faithful to the ethics and protocols outlined in her original project proposal. Her subsequent ‘journey of critical reflexive understanding and storytelling’ supports the proposition of current literature in Indigenous research methodologies that a properly critical Indigenous ethnography will naturally enjoin with Indigenous epistemologies and methodologies.

Editorial of "International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies Volume 6, Number 2, 2013"

The International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies (IJCIS) now complements the recently launched National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN) in its efforts to build Indigenous research capacity. In this context the journal provides a platform for the research of Indigenous postgraduates, early- to mid-career researchers, and senior scholars. Indigenous scholars are therefore encouraged to submit their articles to future editions of the IJCIS, an ‘Excellence in Research for Australia’ (ERA) ranked journal.

Meeting of congregation for election of 6 trustees and to obtain a new charter

Digital image

Plan zemelʻnogo uchastka poselka Naĭvelʻt N 6

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Diurnal variation of anterior scleral and conjunctival thickness

Purpose To examine whether anterior scleral and conjunctival thickness undergoes significant diurnal variation over a 24-hour period. Methods Nineteen healthy young adults (mean age 22 ± 2 years) with minimal refractive error (mean spherical equivalent refraction -0.08 ± 0.39 D), had measures of anterior scleral and conjunctival thickness collected using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at seven measurement sessions over a 24-hour period. The thickness of the temporal anterior sclera and conjunctiva were determined at 6 locations (each separated by 0.5 mm) at varying distances from the scleral spur for each subject at each measurement session. Results Both the anterior sclera and conjunctiva were found to undergo significant diurnal variations in thickness over a 24-hour period (both p <0.01). The sclera and conjunctiva exhibited a similar pattern of diurnal change, with a small magnitude thinning observed close to midday, and a larger magnitude thickening observed in the early morning immediately after waking. The amplitude of diurnal thickness change was larger in the conjunctiva (mean amplitude 69 ± 29 μm) compared to the sclera (21 ± 8 μm). The conjunctiva exhibited its smallest magnitude of change at the scleral spur location (mean amplitude 56 ± 17 μm) whereas the sclera exhibited its largest magnitude of change at this location (52 ± 21 μm). Conclusions This study provides the first evidence of diurnal variations occurring in the thickness of the anterior sclera and conjunctiva. Studies requiring precise measures of these anatomical layers should therefore take time of day into consideration. The majority of the observed changes occurred in the early morning immediately after waking and were of larger magnitude in the conjunctiva compared to the sclera. Thickness changes at other times of the day were of smaller magnitude and generally not statistically significant.

Knoevenagel condensation of 2-carbethoxycyclohexanone and malononitrile: Synthesis of 4-cyano-3-ethoxy-1-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinoline, an isomer of the abnormal product

The structure of the abnormal product 1a formed in the Knoevenagel condensation of 2-carbethoxycyclohexanone and malononitrile has been further confirmed. Oxidation of the tetrahydroisoquinoline 3b using Na2Cr2O-AcOH-H2SO4 gave the keto isoquinoline 3d and the isoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid 5a. The acid chloride of 5a was condensed with diethyl ethoxymagnesiomalonate to afford after decarbethoxylation the methyl ketone 5d which on Baeyer-Villiger oxidation gave a mixture of the acetate 1g and the title compound 1b. The unambiguous synthesis of 1b confirms the structure assigned earlier to the title compound also formed during the partial hydrolysis of the diethoxy compound 1c. Condensation of 2-acetylcyclohexane-1,3-dione with malononitrile gave the quinoline derivative 4c which on ethylation yielded the ketoquinoline 4d. The present studies have confirmed that the quinoline compound 4a is also formed in the condensation of 2-acetylcyclohexanone and cyanoacetamide.

Theoretical gain optimization studies in 10.6 µm CO2-N2 gasdynamic lasers. IV. Further results of parametric study

Based on a method proposed by Reddy and Shanmugasundaram, similar solutions have been obtained for the steady inviscid quasi-one-dimensional nonreacting flow in the supersonic nozzle of CO2-N2-H2O and CO2-N2-He gasdynamic laser systems. Instead of using the correlations of a nonsimilar function NS for pure N2 gas, as is done in previous publications, the NS correlations are computed here for the actual gas mixtures used in the gasdynamic lasers. Optimum small-signal optical gain and the corresponding optimum values of the operating parameters like reservoir pressure and temperature and nozzle area ratio are computed using these correlations. The present results are compared with the previous results and the main differences are discussed. Journal of Applied Physics is copyrighted by The American Institute of Physics.

Scar outcome of children with partial thickness burns: A 3 and 6 month follow up

INTRODUCTION There is a paucity of research investigating the scar outcome of children with partial thickness burns. The aim of this study was to assess the scar outcome of children with partial thickness burns who received a silver dressing acutely. METHOD Children aged 0-15 years with an acute partial thickness burn, ≤10% TBSA were included. Children were originally recruited for an RCT investigating three dressings for partial thickness burns. Children were assessed at 3 and 6 months after re-epithelialization. 3D photographs were taken of the burn site, POSAS was completed and skin thickness was measured using ultrasound imaging. RESULTS Forty-three children returned for 3 and 6 month follow-ups or returned a photo. Days to re-epithelialization was a significant predictor of skin/scar quality at 3 and 6 months (p<0.01). Patient-rated color and observer-rated vascularity and pigmentation POSAS scores were comparable at 3 months (color vs. vascularity 0.88, p<0.001; color vs. pigmentation 0.64, p<0.001), but patients scored higher than the observer at 6 months (color vs. vascularity 0.57, p<0.05; color vs. pigmentation 0.15, p=0.60). Burn depth was significantly correlated with skin thickness (r=0.51, p<0.01). Hypopigmentation of the burn site was present in 25.8% of children who re-epithelialized in ≤2 weeks. CONCLUSION This study has provided information on outcomes for children with partial thickness burns and highlighted a need for further education of this population.

Zeeman effect of NQR in 4,6-dichloropyrimidine and 6-chloro 2,4-dimethoxypyrimidine

Zeeman (35Cl) NQR studies in polycrystalline samples of 4,6-dichloropyrimidine and 6 chloro 2,4 dimethoxypyrimidine show that the asymmetry at the four chemically inequivalent chlorine sites in the former is about 10%, while in the latter (one line) the asymmetry is almost zero. Using a valence-bond picture, C-Cl bonds in 4,6-dichloropyrimidine have been characterised, and the results are also compared with those in a corresponding benzene compound using a simple molecular orbital calculation. The axial symmetry of C-Cl bond in the second compound has been attributed to mesomeric effects.

Komplexe von 2,6-Dimethylpyridin-1-oxid mit Lanthanidjodiden

Complexes of 2,6-dimethylpyridine 1-oxide with lanthanide iodides of the formulaeLn(2,6-LTNO)5I3 whereLn=La, Tb and Yb,Ln(2,6-LTNO)4I3 whereLn=Pr and Nd and Er(2,6-LTNO)4.5I3 have been prepared and characterised by chemical analysis, infrared and conductance studies. Infrared and conductance data have been interpreted in terms of dimeric (or polymeric) structures involving bridging amine oxide groups.