Significant Effect Of Location Research Articles

Influence of soil type and fertilizer rate on the yield and yield stability of maize in three locations of South Eastern Nigeria.

In a study to determine the effects of soil type and fertilizer application on maize performance and yiel d stability under rain-fed conditions, split-split-plot design was carried out using three selected locations (Nsukka, Awgu and Abakaliki) as the main plots, two cultivars of maize (Oba Super . 2 and local variety) as the sub-plot treatments, and five fertilizer levels (f0, f1 f2, f3, f4) as the sub-subplot treatments. The treatments were replicated four times in RCB Design for three cropping seasons (1996, 1997 and 1998). Regression equations between variety mean and site mean obtained with and without fertilizer treatments were constructed. The study showed that location, fertilizer and cultivars as well as some of their interaction effects significantly, either at P.0.05 or 0.01, affected maize yield. The significant interaction effects of location x cultivar on mean grain yields suggest that under stable environmental conditions, Awgu soils emerged the best, followed by Abakaliki, and then by Nsukka. In terms of yield stability under fertilized condition the regression showed that local maize was more stable than the hybrid maize although, hybrid maize consistently out-yielded the local maize.

Attachment of Escherichia coli on plant surface structures built by microfabrication

Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables contaminated with human pathogenic bacteria has caused numerous outbreaks of food-borne disease in recent years. Understanding the nature of bacterial colonisation on plant surfaces could lead to more effective practices to prevent contamination. The goal of our study was to determine the effect on bacterial attachment of structures mimicking those that occur on plants. Plant surfaces have microstructures in a wide range of sizes and shapes, causing difficulty in separating and understanding individual effects. Microfabrication methods were used to build surface structures on silicon to mimic stomata, trichomes, and grooves between plant epidermal cells . These structures were subjected to a 48-h culture of Escherichia coli tagged with green fluorescent protein . Bacterial attachment characteristics were determined by observation under a confocal laser scanning microscope . The number of bacteria in an area with an array of trichomes was about half of that for the stomata or grooves. Within an array of trichomes, the bacteria level around the base of the trichomes was 4.7 times higher than areas further away. Within an array of stomata, the level of bacteria attaching to the area 2.5–5.0 μm away from the stomatal opening was 35–59 percent higher than the area next to the opening or areas further away. Within an array of grooves, there were no significant location effects. Microstructure geometry and position clearly affected bacterial attachment in our model system. ► Escherichia coli attachment on simulated plant surface microstructures was studied. ► Silicon structures were microfabricated to mimic stomata, trichomes, and grooves. ► Arrays of trichomes had fewer attached bacteria than arrays of stomata or grooves. ► More bacteria attached around the base of the trichomes than areas further away. ► More bacteria attached close to the stomatal opening than in other areas.

On-farm assessment of mineral nitrogen and cultivar effects on rice productivity in Bhutan highlands

In Western Bhutan, a traditional mixed farming system is practised with integration of both livestock and crops. Irrigated highland rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown in terraced bunds by smallholder farmers for household consumption, with farmyard manure as the main source of nutrient input. The study objectives were to evaluate the rice productivity of the existing farming system, assess the potential of improved cultivars and nitrogen input, and their economic analyses. On-farm trials were carried out in 17 farmers' fields with one traditional and two improved cultivars of rice at 0 and 60 kg nitrogen ha−1 in two highland rice-growing districts. Across locations, environmental index varied from 2.9–6.3 Mg ha−1, exhibiting significantly wide differences in grain yield within and across village clusters. Soil properties were highly variable and soil organic matter was relatively high among the locations. Timely transplanting and small farm size had positive effects on grain yield. Significant effects of location, nitrogen, genotype, and environmental index×nitrogen were recorded on grain yield and total dry matter. Nitrogen fertilizer increased grain yield by 790–840 kg ha−1 in improved cultivars compared with the traditional cultivar (530 kg ha−1). Significant cultivar effects on grain yield were recorded with improved cultivars yielding 670–980 kg ha−1 more than the traditional cultivar due to higher harvest index (13–22%) and agronomic efficiency in nitrogen use (59%). Environmental index×nitrogen indicated significant difference in nitrogen response across the range of environmental indices. The highest yielding (Khangma Maap) cultivar was the most economical option due to high value/cost quotient (11.2) and marginal rate of return (Bhutan Ngultrum 16.77). Although yield levels were affected by both agronomic and socio-economic factors, Khangma Maap had higher grain and straw yield across the environments and, hence, the cultivar may be suggested for adoption.

Effect of sand-dune slope orientation on soil free-living nematode abundance and diversity

Abstract The spatial and temporal dynamics and composition of a soil free-living nematode community were studied in order to determine the impact of slope orientation on the community on the xeric south- and the mesic north-facing sand-dune slopes. A significant effect of sampling location on organic matter, total number of free-living nematodes, and trophic diversity was found. Although soil moisture had a significant effect on separate nematode trophic groups and on most of the applied ecological indices, no differences in soil moisture were observed between slopes. Organic matter was found to have a significant effect on the fungivore nematodes. The obtained results indicate that the south-facing slope is more favorable for the observed free-living nematodes than the other sampling sites. Twenty-four of the 77 nematode species that were found in the observed area showed dependence on dune slope orientation. The fungibacteria ratio, Simpson’s dominance index, and basal index were useful tools for determining slope differences.

A global survey of effects of genotype and environment on selenium concentration in lentils ( Lens culinaris L.): Implications for nutritional fortification strategies

Lentils ( Lens culinaris L.) are an important protein and carbohydrate food, rich in essential dietary components and trace elements. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health. For adults, 55 μg of daily Se intake is recommended for better health and cancer prevention. Millions of people around the world have Se-deficient diets and biofortification may be an effective solution. The total Se concentration of lentils grown in six major lentil-producing countries were analysed to determine the potential for Se biofortification in these regions. The highest Se concentrations based on location means were found in lentils from Nepal (180 μg/kg) and southern Australia (148 μg/kg) while the lowest were those from Syria (22 μg/kg), Morocco (28 μg/kg), northwestern USA (26 μg/kg), and Turkey (47 μg/kg). Significant location effects within a country were observed for Nepal and Australia. All values were lower than previous published data for Saskatchewan grown lentils (425–672 μg/kg). Lentils originating from Australia, Nepal, or Canada could be considered good sources of Se, as consumption of 50 g would provide 13–61% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Our findings indicate lentil may be appropriate as a target crop for Se biofortification and investigated as a food-based solution for populations with Se deficiencies.

Legitimacy, Strategy, and Resources in the Survival of Community-Based Organizations

Organizations active in mobilizing low- and moderate-income communities make considerable efforts to combat inequalities and build voice for citizens, despite inherent challenges of obtaining resources, maintaining member interest, and retaining staff. How, then, do such groups remain viable—even thriving—organizations? Building upon research on organizational theory and social movements, we examine patterns of survival among a sample of community-based organizations (CBOs) between 1990 and 2004, thus providing the first systematic study of their long-term mortality processes. More specifically, we test how organizations' sociopolitical legitimacy and resources (and strategies for cultivating both) influence survival, finding that the legitimacy of organizations in low-income areas is a double-edged sword, as embeddedness in resource-deprived local environments confers both benefits and disadvantages. In particular, we find the strongest support for the notion that, beyond the considerable effects of externally obtained resources, CBOs also benefit considerably by engaging in even a small amount of grassroots fundraising. Further, although we find significant effects of extra-local legitimacy in the baseline models—through organizations' affiliation with national or regional organizing networks—we find evidence in additional analyses that the survival benefits of network affiliation are largely mediated by resources. We also find sizable but marginally significant effects of local legitimacy, and significant positive effects of organizational age and urban location. Overall, our findings suggest that although cultivating resources is the surest path to survival, organizations that build their legitimacy will be in a better position to compensate for structural resource deficits.

Natural enrichment of selenium in Saskatchewan field peas (Pisum sativum L.).

Pulses are important dietary sources of selenium (Se). Supplying needed Se through widely used foods such as pulses and cereals could increase dietary Se intake. We analyzed the total Se concentration of 17 field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars grown at six locations for 2 yr in Saskatchewan. A significant effect of location was identified, with the highest Se concentration in pea seeds grown in the Saskatoon region and the lowest concentration in the Melfort region. The effect of crop year was not significant. Significant genotypic differences in total Se concentration among the 17 field pea cultivars were not observed in the combined analysis. Total Se concentrations over six locations × 2 yr ranged from 373 to 519 µg kg-1, corresponding to 68-94% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults based on a 100 g serving of dry field peas. Saskatchewan soils are derived from marine shale and are rich in Se, and pulses grown in Saskatchewan have the potential to provide an excellent natural source of this element. Key words: Selenium, field pea, biofortification

EEG Findings in Burnout Patients

EEG Findings in Burnout Patients

Effects of Environment and Variety on Alkylresorcinols in Wheat in the HEALTHGRAIN Diversity Screen

Alkylresorcinols (AR), phenolic lipids found in high amounts in whole grain wheat and rye, can be used as biomarkers for these cereals. The content (on a dry matter basis) and homologue composition of AR were determined in 26 wheat varieties grown in Hungary in 2005-2007, as well as in the United Kingdom, France, and Poland in 2007. There was a significant effect of year, location, and variety on both total AR and individual AR homologue content (p<0.001). A warm and dry climate generally resulted in higher AR contents, whereas high precipitation especially during plant development and grain-filling resulted in lower contents. There was a significant negative correlation between AR content and thousand-kernel weight (p<0.001), which may be explained by the warm and dry climate giving smaller kernels with higher AR content. The difference between varieties was generally consistent, with highest and lowest AR contents for the same varieties during different years and at different locations (p<0.001). Total AR content was correlated with the relative proportions of the different homologues, with a relatively lower concentration of homologues C17:0 and C19:0 and a lower C17:0/C12:0 ratio at higher overall contents. The results show that AR content is a highly heritable phytochemical component but that it is also affected by the environment.

EEG Findings in Burnout Patients

The concept of burnout remains enigmatic since it is only determined by behavioral characteristics. Moreover, the differential diagnosis with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome is difficult. EEG-related variables in 13 patients diagnosed with burnout syndrome were compared with 13 healthy comparison subjects in order to explore the existence of neurobiological markers for burnout. Burnout patients showed reduced P300 amplitude, a lower alpha peak frequency and reduced beta power. These EEG-related differences in burnout patients differ from those described in the literature in depression and chronic fatigue patients. Our preliminary findings suggest that burnout might be considered as a separate clinical syndrome.

A Simplified Method to Isolate and Cultivate, Laurencia brongniartii J. Agardh (Rhodophyta, Ceramiales) from Kagoshima, Japan

A simplified method to isolate and cultivate the red alga, Laurencia brongniartii J. Agardh was established to prepare it for indoor tank cultivation. This method was addressed so that relatively inexperienced personnel can start and maintain laboratory cultures of the organism. The method uses the apical tissue of branch tips which are relatively free of epiphytes and requires almost no specialized equipment or facilities. The effect of size and location of apical tissue on the relative growth rates (%RGR) and survival rates (%SR) were examined to determine the size and location of apical tissue that would promote the highest survivability and fastest growth rates. The larger sizes (5.0 mm) showed higher %SR (62.5%) and smaller sizes (1.0 mm) showed higher %RGR (4.43%/day). There was also a significant effect of tissue location, with material closest to the apex showing the highest %RGR (2.16%/day). Different concentrations of nitrate were not significant, however higher concentrations appeared to have a negative impact on %RGR. Temperature and light had a significant effect on %RGR. Optimal growth was observed at 24 and 28°C and at an irradiance of 20μmol photons/m 2 /s.

Interaksi Genetik x Lingkungan dan Stabilitas Komponen Hasil Berbagai Genotipe Kedelai di Provinsi Riau

Genotype by environment (GE) interaction and stability of a trait in any crop plant such as soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) are very important for plant breeders to develop and evaluate the new cultivars as well as for farmers to plant suitable cultivars for commercial purpose. Crop performances including harvesting date, yield components and grain yield of nine genotypes of soybean were evaluated at three locations with distinct environments in Riau. The data were used to determine GE interaction variance components of the traits and yield stability. There was significant effect of location on all characters except on grain yield per plot. The genotypes differed significantly in all yield components and grain yield. Genotype x environment interaction significantly affected several crop performances such as harvesting date, all yield components and grain yield. The magnitude of GE interaction variance component was greater than that of location for all traits except the number of seed per plant indicating that most genotypes performed differently across the locations and were not stable with respect to the locations. Among the nine genotypes, line 19BE and Malabar are classified as stable genotypes and could be grown in wide area of Riau Province, while line 13ED and Kipas Putih produced high grain yield in specific area and could be only grown in Pekanbaru. Keywords: genotype x environment interaction, yield components, stability, soybean

Accuracy of children's school-breakfast reports and school-lunch reports (in 24-h dietary recalls) differs by retention interval.

Background/ObjectivesValidation-study data were analyzed to investigate the effect of retention interval (time between the to-be-reported meal and interview) on accuracy of children's school-breakfast reports and school-lunch reports in 24-hour recalls, and to compare accuracy of children's school-breakfast reports for two breakfast locations (classroom; cafeteria).Subjects/MethodsEach of 374 fourth-grade children was interviewed to obtain a 24-hour recall using one of six conditions from crossing two target periods (prior 24 hours; previous day) with three interview times (morning; afternoon; evening). Each condition had 62 or 64 children (half boys). A recall's target period included one school breakfast and one school lunch, for which the child had been observed. Food-item variables (observed number; reported number; omission rate; intrusion rate) and energy variables (observed; reported; report rate; correspondence rate; inflation ratio) were calculated for each child for school breakfast and school lunch separately.ResultsAccuracy for school-breakfast reports and school-lunch reports was inversely related to retention interval. Specifically, as indicated by smaller omission rates, smaller intrusion rates, larger correspondence rates, and smaller inflation ratios, accuracy for school-breakfast reports was best for prior-24-hour recalls in the morning, and accuracy for school-lunch reports was best for prior-24-hour recalls in the afternoon. For neither school meal was a significant sex effect found for any variable. For school-breakfast reports, there was no significant school-breakfast location effect for any variable.ConclusionsBy shortening the retention interval, accuracy can be improved for school-breakfast reports and school-lunch reports in children's 24-hour recalls.

Non‐uniform inter‐ and intra‐fiber strain observed in MRI studies of contracting medial gastrocnemius

Finite element models of contracting muscle suggest non‐uniform strain along individual muscle fibers which is dependent upon the location of the fibers within a muscle. We have investigated the distribution of strain along muscle fibers in different regions of the medial gastrocnemius muscle using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging. The greatest changes in fiber strain occurred in the proximal region of the superficial aponeurosis and the distal region of the deep aponeurosis. These regions are theoretically the regions of highest stress concentration as the muscle narrows near its ends. The lowest strains occurred at the opposite ends of the same fibers. Fibers in the mid‐region of the muscle exhibited intermediate strains with a more even distribution of strain along the fibers. The ratio of aponeurosis displacement to fiber length change (gear ratio) was generally greater than unity, indicating that the aponeurosis moved more than the muscle fibers shortened. There was a significant dependence on the proximo‐distal position (p&lt;0.001) with a progressive increase in the ratio moving proximally (p&lt;0.05). There was no significant effect of location on overall fiber length change. Differing regional changes in the separation of aponeurosis and/or to regional differences in pennation angles may be responsible for changes in gear ratio. Funded by NIAMS Grant RO1 AR‐53343.

Characterisation of atmospheric deposition as a source of contaminants in urban rainwater tanks

To characterise atmospheric input of chemical contaminants to urban rainwater tanks, bulk deposition (wet + dry deposition) was collected at sixteen sites in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on a monthly basis during April 2007–March 2008 ( N = 175). Water from rainwater tanks (22 sites, 26 tanks) was also sampled concurrently. The deposition/tank water was analysed for metals, soluble anions and selected samples were additionally analysed for PAHs, pesticides, phenols, organic & inorganic carbon. Flux (mg/m 2/d) of total solids mass was found to correlate with average daily rainfall ( R 2 = 0.49) indicating the dominance of the wet deposition contribution to total solids mass. On average 97% of the total mass of analysed components was accounted for by Cl − (25.0%), Na (22.6%), organic carbon (20.5%), NO 3 − (10.5%), SO 4 2− (9.8%), inorganic carbon (5.7%), PO 4 3− (1.6%) and NO 2 − (1.5%). For other minor elements the average flux from highest to lowest was in the order of Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Sr > Pb > Ba > Cu > Se. There was a significant effect of location on flux of K, Sb, Sn, Li, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ba, Pb and SO 4 2− but not other metals or anions. Overall the water quality resulting from the deposition (wet + dry) was good but 10.3%, 1.7% and 17.7% of samples had concentrations of Pb, Cd and Fe respectively greater than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). This generally occurred in the drier months. In comparison 14.2% and 6.1% of tank samples had total Pb and Zn concentrations exceeding the guidelines. The cumulative mean concentration of lead in deposition was on average only 1/4 of that in tank water over the year at a site with high concentrations of Pb in tank water. This is an indication that deposition from the atmosphere is not the major contributor to high lead concentrations in urban rainwater tanks in a city with reasonable air quality, though it is still a significant portion.

Uniformity of Soil-Plant-Atmosphere-Research Chambers

Uniformity of plant responses and gas exchange calculations within and among Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Research (SPAR) chambers was evaluated using 12 SPAR chambers located at Beltsville, Maryland. Periodic non-destructive and destructive measurements were conducted at the same locations within each chamber using wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. USU-Apogee) as the crop. Identical experimental protocols were applied to each chamber. Analysis of variance indicated significant location effects within chambers at three different harvest dates. The patterning of variation within the SPAR chambers was primarily south to north and appeared to be a response to wind speed, radiation gradients, and soil media settling. Analysis of canopy radiation interception and photosynthetic responses indicated differences in early leaf area establishment among chambers. This result can be attributed primarily to variations in emergence rate, irrigation delivery, and media settling. However, no significant differences among final chamber means for any plant growth response were found, and most values were within 95% confidence limits of the pooled chamber mean. Overall, this study indicated that although differences in among-chamber and within-chamber variability were present, when appropriate experimental protocols are followed and within-chamber positional effects are taken into account during sampling, effects of inherent differences in chamber performance on plant responses can be reduced.

Genetics of heifer puberty in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia and associations with heifer- and steer-production traits

A total of 2115 heifers from two tropical genotypes (1007 Brahman and 1108 Tropical Composite) raised in four locations in northern Australia were ovarian-scanned every 4–6 weeks to determine the age at the first-observed corpus luteum (CL) and this was used to define the age at puberty for each heifer. Other traits recorded at each time of ovarian scanning were liveweight, fat depths and body condition score. Reproductive tract size was measured close to the start of the first joining period. Results showed significant effects of location and birth month on the age at first CL and associated puberty traits. Genotypes did not differ significantly for the age or weight at first CL; however, Brahman were fatter at first CL and had a small reproductive tract size compared with that of Tropical Composite. Genetic analyses estimated the age at first CL to be moderately to highly heritable for Brahman (0.57) and Tropical Composite (0.52). The associated traits were also moderately heritable, except for reproductive tract size in Brahmans (0.03) and for Tropical Composite, the presence of an observed CL on the scanning day closest to the start of joining (0.07). Genetic correlations among puberty traits were mostly moderate to high and generally larger in magnitude for Brahman than for Tropical Composite. Genetic correlations between the age at CL and heifer- and steer-production traits showed important genotype differences. For Tropical Composite, the age at CL was negatively correlated with the heifer growth rate in their first postweaning wet season (–0.40) and carcass marbling score (–0.49), but was positively correlated with carcass P8 fat depth (0.43). For Brahman, the age at CL was moderately negatively genetically correlated with heifer measures of bodyweight, fatness, body condition score and IGF-I, in both their first postweaning wet and second dry seasons, but was positively correlated with the dry-season growth rate. For Brahman, genetic correlations between the age at CL and steer traits showed possible antagonisms with feedlot residual feed intake (–0.60) and meat colour (0.73). Selection can be used to change the heifer age at puberty in both genotypes, with few major antagonisms with steer- and heifer-production traits.

Use of an Occlusion Paradigm to Examine Anticipation of Accelerating and Decelerating Stimuli

An occlusion paradigm was used to study the effects of intratrial accelerating, decelerating, and constant stimulus velocity on coincidence-anticipation timing. The Bassin anticipation timer was used to occlude the beginning, middle, and end locations of the stimulus traveling to a designated target area. The coincident anticipation responses of 64 college-age participants (32 men; 32 women) were measured for each intratrial stimulus velocity. Analysis of variance indicated a significant main and interaction effect of occluded location by type of intratrial stimulus velocity. Decreasing intratrial stimulus velocity with the beginning and middle of the runway occluded and increasing intratrial velocity with the middle occluded produced the highest error in the participants' coincidence-anticipation accuracy. The contention that more viewing time of the stimulus would result in the lowest coincidence error was not supported for decelerating and accelerating stimulus speeds but was supported for the constant velocity condition. A temporal directional bias was found in both nonoccluded and occluded location conditions which may be due to an assimilation effect.

Evaluation of American (Sambucus canadensis) and European (S. nigra) Elderberry Genotypes Grown in Diverse Environments and Implications for Cultivar Development

American (Sambucus canadensis L.) elderberry genotypes were evaluated at multiple locations, whereas European (S. nigra L.) elderberry genotypes were evaluated at a single location to assess genotypic differences and, for genotypes evaluated at multiple locations, to determine genotype × environment interactions (G × E). Seventeen S. canadensis genotypes were planted in replicated trials at Missouri State University (Mountain Grove, MO) and at the University of Missouri (Mt. Vernon, MO) or at the U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service in Oregon (Corvallis). ‘Johns’, ‘Netzer’, ‘Adams II’, and ‘Gordon B’ were in common at all locations. In addition, three genotypes of S. nigra, which are not winter-hardy in Missouri, were planted in Oregon. All plants were established in 2003 and evaluated in 2004, 2005, and, for some traits, in 2006. Plants were evaluated for phenology (e.g., dates of budbreak, first flowering, full flowering, and first ripening), vegetative growth (e.g., number of shoots and plant height), yield components (e.g., total yield, number of cymes, cyme weight, and berry weight), and for pest incidence (e.g., eriophyid mites). For the genotypes in common to all locations, there were significant differences resulting from genotype, location, year, and the interactions for various traits. Although the trend was for Corvallis to have the highest and Mt. Vernon the lowest yield, there was no significant location effect. The significant genotype × environment interaction appeared to be primarily the result of the differential performance of ‘Johns’, which was generally high-yielding in Corvallis and low-yielding at both Missouri locations. The significant G × E suggests that as the Missouri institutions develop new cultivars, it will be important to test them individually at other locations and not rely on their relative performance compared with standards in Missouri. For the genotypes in common to the two Missouri sites, there was significant variation for many traits. Although there were no differences among genotypes for yield across the locations, there was a significant G × E. Although there were some small changes in performance among the sites for yield, the most dramatic changes were for ‘Wyldewood 1’ that was the second highest yielding genotype at Mountain Grove and the second worst at Mt. Vernon. Plant growth in Oregon was 40% and 60% greater than at Mountain Grove and Mt. Vernon, respectively, when the plants were first measured. In Oregon, the two Sambucus species behaved differently. Phenologically, although the S. nigra genotypes flowered ≈3 weeks earlier than the S. canadensis genotypes, they ripened at the same time, thereby shortening their exposure to potential biotic and abiotic stress. ‘Johns’, ‘York’, ‘Golden’, and ‘Gordon B’ were the highest yielding S. canadensis genotypes and ‘Korsør’ the highest of the S. nigra genotypes. Although ‘Korsør’ is considered high-yielding in Denmark, it did not yield as well as the highest yielding S. canadensis cultivars.

Tenderness, sensory, and color attributes of two muscles from the M. quadriceps femoris when fabricated using a modified hot-boning technique1,2,3

The M. quadriceps femoris from USDA Choice (n = 12) and USDA Select (n = 12) carcasses were fabricated traditionally (COLD) or innovatively (HOT), in which the seams it shares with the top round and bottom round were separated prerigor to evaluate positional and locational effects on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sensory attributes, and objective color. At slaughter, paired USDA Choice and USDA Select carcasses were alternately assigned either the HOT or COLD treatment. At 48 h postslaughter, subprimals were removed, vacuum-packaged, and aged for an additional 5 d. After aging, the M. quadriceps femoris was cut into 2.54-cm-thick steaks and allowed to bloom 1 h. For the M. rectus femoris (REC) and M. vastus lateralis (VAL), L* values significantly (P < 0.050) decreased when moving from the proximal to distal position within the muscle. Similarly, a* and b* values decreased in the VAL when moving from the proximal to the distal aspect. After color measurement, steaks were vacuum-packaged and frozen (-26 degrees C) until shear and sensory data were collected. Significant position (proximal to distal) and location effects (cranial to caudal) were noted for both muscles. However, treatment did not affect WBSF of the VAL. Although intramuscular variation existed, WBSF and sensory panel tenderness ratings were acceptable for the REC. Although WBSF values were greater and tenderness ratings were less than the REC, the VAL were not extremely tough and therefore could be used in enhancement applications.