bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lusitanic Acid, Peristictic Acid and Verrucigeric Acid. Three New β-Orcinol Depsidones from the Lichens Relicina sydneyensis and Xanthoparmelia verrucigera
Authors: Elix John A. , Wardlaw Judith H.
Published: September 2002

Three new β-orcinol depsidones belonging to the stictic acid
chemosyndrome, namely peristictic acid
(1,4-dihydroxy-10-methoxy-5,8-dimethyl-3,7-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-7H-isobenzofuro[4,5-b][1,4]benzodioxepin-11-carboxylic
acid) (9), lusitanic acid (methyl
1,4-dihydroxy-10-methoxy-5,8-dimethyl-3,7-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-7H-isobenzofuro[4,5-b][1,4]benzodioxepin-11-carboxylate)
(10) and verrucigeric acid
(1,4-dihydroxy-11-hydroxymethyl-10-methoxy-5,8-dimethyl-3,7-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-7H-isobenzofuro[4,5-b][1,4]benzodioxepin-1,11-diyl
hydrogen orthoacetate) (14) have been identified in the lichens
Relicina sydneyensis and
Xanthoparmelia verrucigera respectively. The structure
of the new depsidones followed from a combination of partial syntheses,
chromatographic comparisons and spectroscopic data.
Raman Spectroscopic Study of Ion Pairing of Alkali Metal Ions with Carbonate and Sulfate in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sipos Pal , Bolden Lee , Hefter Glenn , May Peter M.
Published: September 2002

Raman spectra of carbonate and sulfate ions were recorded in aqueous solutions
in the presence of large excesses of M′X
(M′+ = Na+,
K+ or Cs+;
X– = OH– or
Cl–) at 25°C. The positions of the
v1(A1′)
symmetric stretching vibrations for both
CO32– (at ~1060
cm–1) and
SO42– (at ~980
cm–1) shift, by up to 10
cm–1, to lower frequencies and broaden (by up to
25%) with increasing concentrations of M′X. The shifts are
slightly smaller for SO42–
than for CO32– and also
differ somewhat between M′OH and M′Cl solutions. The changes in
the peak positions, which are indicative of contact ion pairing, show a clear
dependence on the nature of the cation. However, the observed order,
Na+ < K+ <
Cs+, is directly opposite to the magnitudes of the
(overall) ion-pairing constants. This anomaly is thought to be due to
decreased hydration of Cs+ cf.
Na+ in these highly concentrated, water-deficient
solutions. Some implications of this for understanding ionic interactions in
concentrated electrolyte solutions are suggested.
Myeloconone A2, a New Phenalenone from the Lichen Myeloconis erumpens
Authors: Ernst-Russell Michael A. , Chai Christina L. L. , Elix John A. , McCarthy Patrick M.
Published: September 2002

The new phenalenone, myeloconone A2
(6,7,9-trihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxy-4-methyl-1H-phenalen-1-one),
has been isolated from the lichen Myeloconis erumpens
and the structure (1a) (or an equivalent tautomer) deduced from a combination
of spectroscopic data.
Prediction of Dispersion Forces: Is There a Problem?
Authors: Dobson John F. , McLennan Keith , Rubio Angel , Wang Jun , Gould Tim , Le Hung M. , Dinte Bradley P.
Published: September 2002

We discuss the ability of a number of standard and non-standard computational
techniques to reproduce dispersion forces, using examples from the literature
as well as some new examples. We conclude that there are still some cases
where standard methods are not so far successful. There are some promising
directions under study, however.
Manuscript received: 15 March 2001
Final version: 26 October 2001.
Single Crystal Formation by Solid-State Reaction Between p-Benzoquinone and 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
Authors: Singh N. B. , Pathak A. , Fröhlich R.
Published: September 2002

Vapours of p-benzoquinone (BQ) have been found to react with solid 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP). The reaction product (BQ-TCP) separated in the form of monoclinic single crystals, the structure of which was determined by X-ray diffraction to reveal that the two molecules are linked by a single hydrogen bond between the carbonyl oxygen of BQ and the phenolic hydrogen of TCP.
New Terpenoids from the Roots of Melia azedarach
Authors: Faizi S. , Wasi A. , Siddiqui B. S. , Naz A.
Published: September 2002

Two new terpenoids, bakayanolide (1) and 2α-hydroxy-3β-methoxy-6-oxo-13α,14β,17α-lanosta-7,24-dien-21,16β-olide (2), together with the known compounds 6β-hydroxy-3-oxo-13α,14β,17α-lanosta-7,24-dien-21,16β-olide (3), sendanolactone (4), kulactone (5), and β-sitosterol have been isolated from the ethanolic root extracts of Melia azedarach. Triterpenoids (4), (5), and β-sitosterol have been identified previously from M. azedarach, while it is the first instance of the isolation of (3) from this source. The identity of these compounds was established through extensive spectroscopic methods (infrared and mass spectroscopy, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance) as well as appropriate two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Bakayanolide (1) belongs to the rare class of C11 odd terpenes. Compounds (3) and (4) possessed moderate cytotoxic activity against KB cell lines.
Review: Photodissociation and Photoisomerization of Small Aromatic Molecules in a Molecular Beam
Authors: Huang Cheng-Liang , Jiang Jyh-Chiang , Lin Sheng Hsien , Lee Yuan T. , Ni Chi-Kung
Published: September 2002

The photodissociation and photoisomerization of
(D3)toluene,
(D6)m-xylene, 4-fluorotoluene,
α−fluorotoluene, and α,α,α-trifluorotoluene in a
molecular beam at 248 and 193 nm were studied by multimass ion imaging
techniques. The dissociation channels, dissociation rates, and photofragment
translational-energy distributions were obtained. A new isomerization pathway,
from a six- to a seven-membered ring followed by rearomatization prior to
dissociation, was observed for toluene and xylene after photonic exitation at
193 nm. This isomerization is significant as the carbon and hydrogen atoms of
the methyl group are involved in an exchange with the atoms in the aromatic
ring during the process. This complete isomerization was not observed for
4-fluorotoluene, α-fluorotoluene and
α,α,α-trifluorotoluene. The dissociation rate of toluene at
248 nm is too slow to be measured, and the upper limit of the dissociation
rates at 248 nm is estimated to be
104s–1.
Manuscript received: 1 October 2001.
Final version: 29 November 2001.
Structure-Making with 3,5-Dimitrosalicylic Acid. I. The Proton Transfer Compounds of 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic Acid with a Series of Aliphatic Amines
Authors: Smith G. , Wermuth U. D. , Healy P. C. , Bott R. C. , White J. M.
Published: September 2002

The crystal structures of the proton-transfer compounds of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (dnsa) with ammonia (two polymorphs) and a series of common aliphatic amines (methylamine, triethylamine, hexamethylenetetramine and ethylenediamine) have been determined and the hydrogen-bonding associations in each analysed. The compounds are [(NH4)+(dnsa)-] (1A, 1B), [(CH3NH3)+(dnsa)-] (2), [{(C2H5)3NH}+(dnsa)-] (3), [(C6H12 N4H)+(dnsa)-] (4) and [{(CH2 NH3) 2}2+(dnsa)2-�H2O] (5). It is of interest that with hydrate (5) the phenolic proton of dnsa is also lost on reaction, giving a rare dianionic species. In all compounds, protonation of the amino group of the Lewis base occurs, with subsequent hydrogen bonding via this and other hydrogens variously to the carboxylic, nitro and phenolic oxygens of dnsa, and in the case of (5), the lattice water. The result is the formation of simple linear associations with the tertiary amines, or network polymers with the less-substituted examples. Short intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the phenolic group and the carboxylate group are found in all compounds except (5), with the proton localized on the carboxylate oxygen rather than on the phenolic oxygen, but in the case of (3), delocalized within the hydrogen bond.
Cyclic Voltammetry as an Indicator of Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Papanikos A. , Eklund J. , Jackson W. R. , Kenche V. B. , Campi E. M. , Robertson A. D. , Jarrott B. , Beart P. M. , Munro F. E. , Callaway J. K.
Published: September 2002

A series of compounds based around combining the neuroprotective properties of non-competitive N-methyl D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonists with antioxidant functionalities have been prepared. The redox chemistry of these compounds has been evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, and the results have been compared with their radical-scavenging properties obtained from two standard biological assays, the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reacting substances assay) and the Sapphire colorimetric assay. Results from these different methods show general concordance. The most effective antioxidants were substituted phenols, e.g. Trolox�. The antioxidant activity of a series of pyrimidines was shown to be dependent on the presence of three amino substituents.
Structural Study of the Anthelmintic Macrodiolide Pyrenophorol
Authors: Ghisalberti E. L. , Hargreaves J. R. , Skelton B. W. , White A. H.
Published: September 2002

A metabolite isolated from the culture filtrate of an isolate of the fungus Byssochlamys nivea has been shown to be the macrodiolide pyrenophorol, by an X-ray crystallographic study. The identity of pyrenophorol and helmidiol, a metabolite with anthelmintic activity, is established.
Review: Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes: Synthesis, Characterization and Selected Applications
Authors: Pescarmona Paolo P. , Maschmeyer Thomas
Published: September 2002

Manuscript received: 2 January 2002.
Final version: 4 February 2002.
Synthesis and Structure of the Methylated Tren Derivative N,N,N-Tris(2-aminoethyl)-N-methylammonium Chloride Trihydrochloride
Authors: Blackman A. G.
Published: September 2002

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the new tren derivative N,N,N-tris(2-aminoethyl)-N-methylammonium chloride trihydrochloride are detailed. The compound was synthesized by methylation of tris(2-phthalimido-ethyl)amine using dimethyl sulfate followed by acid deprotection. N,N,N-Tris(2-aminoethyl)-N-methylammonium chloride trihydrochloride crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63 and the X-ray crystal structure reveals one-dimensional chains of cations extensively hydrogen-bonded to two different types of chloride counter ions, one of which exhibits a coordination number of nine. The cation is a poor ligand towards both CoIII and NiII.
Synthesis of an Electrophilic Polymer by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Larsen C. A. , Taylor E. L. , Lambert J. N. , Chiefari J.
Published: September 2002

A new class of modifiable polymer is described. The electrophilic polymer is readily prepared using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and it is shown that amine nucleophiles can be introduced to the polymer.
Cycloadducts of Benzynes and 3,4-Dimethoxyfuran.
Authors: Dachriyanus  , Sargent Melvyn V. , Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H.
Published: September 2002

Cycloaddition between benzyne and 3,4-dimethoxyfuran (1) yielded
2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-dihydro-1,4- epoxynaphthalene (3) which was unusually
labile. On chromatography and exposure to air, it yielded
(1α,3β,4α)-3-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-1,4-epoxynaphthalen-2(1H)-one
(4) and
(5α,5aβ,6aα,7β,12β,12aα,13aβ,14α)-6a,12a,13a-tri-methoxy-6a,7,12,12a,13a,14-hexahydro-5,14:7,12-diepoxydinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-e][1,4]dioxin-5a(5H)-ol
(19). A single-crystal X-ray structure determination was performed on compound
(19). The chemistry of the ketone (4) was investigated. Cycloadditions were
also carried out with 3,4-dimethoxyfuran (1) and methoxy-substituted benzynes.
The regiochemistry of hydrolysis of the resultant adducts was explored.
The Reaction of 1,2-Diones with Ureas-a Synthesis of 4-(1-Substituted)alkylimidazol-2-ones
Authors: Liepa Andris J. , Wright Denis M. J.
Published: September 2002

The reaction between glyoxal and ureas or thioureas in formic acid in the
presence of sulfinates gives 4-arylsulfonylimidazol-2-ones such as (3b) and
(3e). Labile 4-arylsulfonyl-5-hydroxyimidazolidin-2-ones (2a–c) may be
isolated. Acyclic or cyclic 1,2-diketones react with ureas in the presence of
selected nucleophiles to give side-chain substituted imidazol-2-ones
(5a–e).
Speeds of Sound and Viscosities of Potassium Thiocyanate in Water, Methanol, and Propylene Carbonate
Authors: Rohman Nashiour , Dass Narendra Nath , Mahiuddin Sekh
Published: September 2002

Measured speeds of sound, structural relaxation times, and the viscosities of
aqueous, methanolic, and propylene carbonate solutions of potassium
thiocyanate are reported as functions of concentration (0.0049 ≤
m/mol kg–1 ≤ 22.924)
and temperature (273.15 ≤ T/K ≤ 343.15). The
primary solvation number of the SCN– ion has been
estimated to be 11.6 in a water medium. The total solvation numbers
corresponding to the concentration at which the isentropic compressibility
isotherms converge for potassium thiocyanate in methanol and propylene
carbonate media were estimated to be 5.2 and 1.9, respectively. Structural
transition in aqueous potassium thiocyanate solution has been observed in the
concentration range of c. 4.0–5.5 mol
kg–1 which was assigned due to the counterbalance
between the structural-breaking effect of the K+
ion and the ion-association of K+ and
SCN– ions.
Monocyclic Diterpenes from the Marine Alga Caulerpa trifaria (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Handley Jackie T. , Blackman Adrian J.
Published: September 2002

Four novel monocyclic diterpenes
(1E,6E)-3-[(E)-acetoxymethylidene]-7-methyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)nona-1,6-dienyl
acetate (5),
(E)-2-[(E)-4-methyl-6-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)hex-3-enyl]but-2-enedial
(6),
(2Z,6E)-3-acetoxymethyl-7-methyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)nona-1,6-dienyl
acetate (7) and
(2E,6E)-3-formyl-7-methyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enyl)nona-2,6-dienyl
acetate (8) and the known compounds (1)–(4) have been isolated from the
Tasmanian green alga Caulerpa trifaria.
Chiral ligand induced distortions: the origin of pyramidal three-coordinated lithium ions in the X-ray crystal structure of Lithium (1R,2R,4S)-exo- 2-[o-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl]-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-endo-2-olate
Authors: Goldfuss Bernd , Eisenträger Frank
Published: September 2002

The X-ray crystal structure of dimeric lithium
(1R,2R,4S)-exo-2-[o-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl]-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-endo-2-olate
(2-Li)2 exhibits lithium ions with pyramidal
environments of oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Ab initio
(RHF/6-31+G*) computations of dimeric trimethylamine-coordinated
lithium methoxide show that electrostatics disfavour the pyramidal distortions
at lithiums in (2-Li)2 by 5.0 kJ/mol.
ONIOM(B3LYP/6-31+G*:UFF) computations of
(2-Li)2 as well as of (2-Li-b)2
and (2-Li-c)2, with one or two planar constrained
lithium ion environments, reveal destabilizations of 32.2 and 97.5 kJ/mol,
respectively, upon planarization at lithium. The destabilizations of planar
coordinated lithiums in (2-Li-b)2 and
(2-Li-c)2 arise from repulsions between methylamino
groups and bicycloheptane moieties and give rise to the observed pyramidal
environments at the lithiums in the X-ray crystal structure of
(2-Li)2.
Sampling procedures and damage thresholds for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on pineapple
Authors: Stirling G. R. , Kopittke R.
Published: September 2002

The relationship between the population density of root-knot nematode
(Meloidogyne javanica) and pineapple yield was studied
by establishing different nematode densities in field plots at 3 sites.
Differences in nematode populations between treatments were apparent
9–22 months after planting, but yields in the plant crop were similar,
regardless of nematode density. In the ratoon crop, yields in treatments with
less than 10 nematodes/200 mL soil at 9–22 months were reduced by
about 10%. Yield reductions of more than 25% occurred when
population densities were greater than 50 nematodes/200 mL soil. These
results demonstrate that economically significant crop losses from root-knot
nematodes can occur in pineapple when the population density at 12 months is
greater than 1–5 nematodes/200 mL soil.
The sampling procedures required to obtain reliable estimates of
M. javanica in pineapple fields were determined by
studying nematode distribution in 2 fields in south-east Queensland. Nematodes
were extracted from more than 100 individual soil cores on a 5 by 5 m grid and
populations were found to have a clumped rather than random distribution. A
composite sample of 41 cores in 1 field and 72 cores in the other gave a
relatively precise estimate of the population of root-knot nematodes (i.e.
standard error : mean ratio of 0.3). These data suggest that a 50-core
sampling unit is appropriate when nematode population density is being
estimated for decision-making purposes.
Factors affecting beef palatability — farmgate to chilled carcass
Authors: Ferguson D. M. , Bruce H. L. , Thompson J. M. , Egan A. F. , Perry D. , Shorthose W. R.
Published: September 2002

The potential eating quality of beef is set by the intrinsic structural and
compositional characteristics of muscle. However, the extrinsic factors that
prevail during the production of the animal, slaughter and processing of its
carcass and finally, cooking can produce changes in these structural and
compositional characteristics that ultimately manifest as large variations in
beef palatability. The conditions that apply in the 24–48 h immediately
before and after slaughter are recognised as having the largest influence on
beef palatability. This review specifically examines the critical pre- and
post-slaughter factors and discusses their putative effects on biochemical and
physical changes in muscle and the consequences to beef palatability. Areas
for future research within this domain are also discussed.
Associations between immune system, growth and carcass variables in cattle
Authors: Colditz I. G. , Hennessy D. W.
Published: September 2002

A range of haematological and immunological variables was measured in calves
to assess relationships between these factors and effects of maternal and
pre-weaning supplementation on meat quality. The ability of immunological and
haematological measurements to predict both weight loss during transport and
meat quality was also examined. Calves from supplemented cows had higher
counts of lymphocytes bearing the γδ T cell receptor [workshop
cluster (WC)1+ lymphocytes]. When cultured
in vitro, lymphocytes from calves supplemented directly
produced higher levels of the cytokine interferon (IFN)γ. These changes
may reflect a greater resilience to the effects of stress associated with
routine handling for weighing and blood sampling, or earlier maturation of the
immune system in supplemented calves. Two calves from unsupplemented
treatments died of calf diphtheria before weaning. During feedlot finishing,
the prevalence of disease was low and did not differ between groups. The
prevalence of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ lymphocytes in blood was
correlated with growth rates from weaning to slaughter and during feedlot
finishing. Lymphocyte counts and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in
blood collected either before or after transport was correlated with weight
change during transport. These variables were not correlated with meat
quality, however the numbers of lymphocytes after transport in the subset
bearing the CD8 marker was correlated with the meat quality traits,
tenderness, juiciness, flavour, overall likability, meat quality (MQ) 4 score
and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grade ratings. The results demonstrate that
lymphocyte subpopulations are associated with growth rate, weight loss during
transport, and meat quality. Their utility in predicting performance, stress
tolerance, and meat quality therefore, warrants further investigation.
Effects of fire on germination and viability of rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) seeds
Authors: Bebawi F. F. , Campbell S. D.
Published: September 2002

Studies were undertaken at 2 sites in northern Queensland (Wrotham Park and
Ten Mile Creek) to quantify the effects of fire on germination and viability
of both loose rubber vine seeds and seeds held within pods. Seed lots were
placed at a range of positions within the vertical profile of rubber vine
infestations; 0.5 cm below ground (loose seeds only), on bare ground, below
fuel, above fuel and on crowns of free-standing rubber vine. The influence of
seed age (0 and 1 year old) and seed plumage (with and without plumes) was
also examined for loosely held seeds. Late season fires were imposed at both
Wrotham Park and Ten Mile Creek, with an additional early season fire
undertaken at Ten Mile Creek to enable comparison between seasonal fires.
Maximum fire temperatures reached during burning averaged 853, 827 and
871˚C for Wrotham Park, Ten Mile Creek early and Ten Mile Creek late
season fires, respectively. The temperatures that seeds were exposed to
depended on their location within the vertical profile, with temperatures
above fuel > below fuel > on rubber vine crown > bare ground > 0.5
cm below ground. Seed viability after burning ranged from 0 to 100%,
with seeds generally most affected if located above or below the fuel, and
least affected if buried below ground. The age of seed and the presence of
seed plumes interacted with seed placement so that seed germination and
viability of loose seeds were affected. Some seeds remained viable, but were
inhibited from germinating, particularly if located 0.5 cm below ground.
Positive, non-linear relationships occurred between seed mortality and maximum
temperature and between seed mortality and the duration of exposure. These
results suggest that fire may inhibit germination and kill a substantial
proportion of rubber vine seeds.
Factors affecting the extraction of alkylamides and cichoric acid during ethanolic processing of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.
Authors: Stuart D. L. , Wills R. B. H.
Published: September 2002

Factors generic to the manufacture of ethanolic extracts of
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench were evaluated for their
ability to extract the pharmacologically active alkylamides and cichoric acid
in roots and shoots. Extraction of alkylamides and cichoric acid was
differentially affected by ethanol composition, with 60 : 40 mixture of
ethanol : water giving the maximum overall yield of both constituents.
Elevated solvent temperature enhanced cichoric acid extraction but was
detrimental for the alkylamides. A reduction in particle size and a high
solvent : solid ratio resulted in a marked increase in extraction of both
constituent groups. Both constituent groups were found to be stable in ethanol
: water solutions held at 20˚C for 4 months.
Improving estimates of weight gain and residual feed intake by adjusting for the amount of feed eaten before weighing
Authors: Robinson D. L. , Oddy V. H.
Published: September 2002

In Australia, a trait under consideration for genetic selection to improve
feed efficiency is residual feed intake (RFI), which is defined as the amount
of feed eaten by an animal less what would be expected from the animal’s
growth rate and body weight. Accurate estimates of RFI therefore require
accurate estimates of weight gain. Results presented here on steers finished
in a feedlot to liveweights of 540 or 600 kg show that, when feed intake is
being measured, weight gain can be estimated more accurately using the amount
of feed eaten in the previous 3–5 days (as an adjustment for gut fill)
than if feed eaten in the 80 h before weighing is ignored. This is
demonstrated by a much lower residual mean square from modelling the weight of
each animal as a quadratic growth curve over time if terms are included for
feed eaten on the current and previous 3–5 days.
An analysis of measurement errors associated with fitting the equation used to
calculate RFI:
Feed intake = constant + βw x mean
metabolic weight + βg x weight gain +
error (i.e. RFI) (1) indicates that the relatively high measurement errors
associated with weight gain but comparatively low measurement errors
associated with metabolic weight will result in upward biases in the partial
regression coefficient βw and downward biases in
βg. For example, in a 105-day feed intake test of 44
steers (mean start/end weights 440/600 kg), the estimate of
βg was 1.26 based on weight gain estimated by a
simple linear regression of each animal’s weight over time (LIN),
compared with 2.20 using weight gain estimated from the difference between
first and last weight of each animal adjusted for the amount of feed eaten on
the current and previous 5 days (DIFFadj). From a shorter test, based on
weight gains from day 15 to 50 in the automatic feeder pens, the estimate of
βg was 0.40 using LIN and 1.67 using DIFFadj. These
results illustrate the potential magnitude of the downward bias in
βg if inaccurate estimates of weight gain are used
to fit equation 1. The higher estimates for βg
obtained using DIFFadj may still have some downward bias but are closer to the
theoretical values published by SCA (1990) for the amount of metabolisable
energy required for weight gain. Adjusting for the amount of feed eaten before
weighing therefore increased the accuracy of estimated weight gain and reduced
the biases in βg and βw,
so providing better and more stable estimates of residual feed intake.
Multi-stakeholder benchmarking: clarifying attitudes and behaviour from complexity and ambiguity
Authors: Woodhead A. C. , Cornish P. S. , Slavich P. G.
Published: September 2002

Developing an understanding of a major environmental issue with multiple
stakeholders is complex. Each stakeholder has a different perspective, level
of knowledge and institutional focus. Acid sulfate soils on New South Wales
coastal catchments are an emotive and polarising issue for the many
stakeholders involved. Conflict over acid sulfate soils is therefore
newsworthy, and the broader community is introduced to different stakeholders
from these polarising viewpoints. Consequently, cane and cattle producers, who
benefit from the draining of acid sulfate soils, are portrayed as
perpetrators. Oyster farmers and fishers, who incur the cost of acidified
water, are portrayed as victims, while local and state government agencies,
who have responsibility for regulation, are variously portrayed as either
heavy-handed bureaucrats or toothless tigers.
Multi-stakeholder benchmarking has been developed to clarify complexity and
ambiguities. By establishing indicators for documenting and understanding
change in stakeholder attitude and behaviour it aims to decrease the
divisiveness and degree of the polarised opinions. Benchmarking is a
continuous process of measurement that identifies the best and compares
against the best. Multi-stakeholder benchmarking uses multiple methods to
establish quantitative data which, along with qualitative data are used to
develop a deeper understanding of the complex social issues. It aims to
empower individuals and groups while supporting extension and processes of
change. First, information about social and economic issues is established by
identifying and surveying stakeholders, using both quantitative
‘closed’ or explicit questions and qualitative ‘open’
questions for non-structured responses. Second, qualitative research,
conducted in focus groups of subsampled survey respondents, validates and
explores the survey results. During this stage, unique characteristics of the
groups are defined, compared and best practices are identified. Results from
these 2 stages are communicated back to the stakeholders, taking care to use
non-judgemental language. Finally, best practice goals are defined,
investigated and transferred within the same or other stakeholder groups.
This paper proposes multi-stakeholder benchmarking as a new benchmarking
process, and discusses the application of it to a complex environmental
problem, acid sulfate soils. Multi-stakeholder benchmarking provides an
important opportunity for stakeholders to voice their view on how
environmental issues can be best managed and for determining which practices
they wish to change. Further it provides information for education program
development and evaluation, and facilitates the process of change. Acid
sulfate soils stakeholders’ positive responses to non-judgemental
information, that clarifies their position, and helps identify the way
forward, suggest that multi-stakeholder benchmarking is applicable to other
multi-stakeholder environmental problems.
Reproduction effects on annual fleece production, liveweight and body condition of grazing Merino ewes
Authors: Waters C. M. , Coelli K. A. , Lee G. J. , Atkins K. D.
Published: September 2002

This study sought to confirm the long-term consequences of current and
previous reproductive cycles on liveweight, body condition and wool growth
over the lifetime of Merino ewes (2–6 years of age). Liveweights and
body condition scores at 4 stages of the reproductive cycle, and annual fleece
weights (greasy and clean), fibre diameter and yield were analysed to
determine the effects of the previous and current reproductive performance
(birth-type or rearing-type categories) using records from about 3300 Merino
ewes collected between 1977 and 1989.
The major effect of current reproduction on liveweight and wool production was
associated with fertility, although both birth and rearing types also
contributed. Ewes that lambed in the current year weighed 5.2 kg less at
weaning and grew 0.4 kg less clean wool annually than dry ewes, while ewes
that reared a lamb to weaning weighed 4.3 kg less than ewes that lost their
lamb(s). The effects on condition score followed those of liveweight.
The effects of previous reproduction on liveweights and condition scores were
large and, although diminishing with time, lasted for at least 10 months,
whereas any effects on annual fleece weight and mean fibre diameter were
small.
The results suggest that many ewes may enter the next reproductive year before
recovering from the reduction in either liveweight or body condition
associated with the previous reproductive cycle. Since Merino ewes are
required to produce both wool and replacement sheep, the changes in a
ewe’s production capacity associated with reproduction are important to
Merino wool production enterprises as their profitability may be influenced.
Method of phosphorus fertiliser application and row spacing on grain yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Bolland M. D. A. , Riethmuller G. P. , Siddique K. H. M. , Loss S. P.
Published: September 2002

Yield responses of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cv. Fiord
to applications of fertiliser phosphorus (P), as superphosphate, were measured
in 2 field experiments. The P was either (i) placed with the seed while sowing
at 6 cm depth and also cultivating at 3–4 cm below the seed (drilled P)
or (ii) placed 3–4 cm below the seed while sowing at 6 cm depth (banded
P). This was done when the seed and fertiliser were placed in rows at either
the standard 19 cm apart (current recommendation) or 38 cm apart (makes it
easier to sow into the stubble of the previous crop).
Yield of dried shoots and seed (grain) increased with increasing amount of P
applied (0–30 kg P/ha in experiment 1, 0–45 kg P/ha in
experiment 2), but were unaffected by the method of P application or spacing
between seed and fertiliser rows. Therefore, (i) up to 45 kg P/ha can be
drilled with the seed while sowing faba bean crops (current farmer practice)
and (ii) faba bean can be sown and fertilised at 38-cm spacings making it
easier to sow into the stubble of the previous crop than the 19-cm spacing
currently being practiced.
Agronomic studies of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Lisson S. N. , Mendham N. J.
Published: September 2002

This paper reports on field agronomy studies into flax
(Linum usitatissimum L.) conducted in Tasmania,
Australia from 1994 to 1997. These studies investigated the performance of
selected cultivars, and responses to sowing date, plant density and
irrigation. The work formed part of a feasibility study assessing the
potential of fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and flax as
sources of fibre for the Australian newsprint industry.
Two cultivar evaluation trials were conducted at the University of Tasmania
Farm, Cambridge, in Tasmania’s south-east. One of these included 7
European and Australian flax cultivars, and the other, 4 mucilage linseed
cultivars. The European flax cultivars yielded significantly more stem and
bark fibre than the Australian flax cultivars. Of the former group, Ariane
(841 g/m 2 ) and Marina (883 g/m
2 ) performed the best in terms of stem yield
production, while Viking had comparable bark yields to these 2 cultivars. With
the exception of cv. Kreola (543 g/m 2 ), which
produced comparable stem yields to the Australian flax cultivars, the linseed
cultivars were short and produced relatively low stem yields. Interestingly,
seed yields (149–194 g/m 2 ) were not superior
to those for the flax cultivars (156–218 g/m 2
). While offering little dual-purpose seed/fibre potential, they may
supply a future niche market for seed production.
Three other trials were conducted to investigate the response of flax to
seeding rate and sowing date, and the interactions between seeding rate,
sowing date and irrigation availability. Autumn sowings of flax gave higher
yields of both stem and seed compared with winter and spring sowings.
Reasonable stem and seed yields were achieved from dryland cropping of flax.
However, good results from such rainfed crops in Tasmania will depend on
autumn sowing and good rainfall during winter and spring seasons. There were
clear yield benefits from irrigation between early November and January, when
the amount and distribution of rainfall was poor. The selection of an optimum
seeding rate will depend on the sowing date and involve a compromise between
maximising yield and minimising potential losses from lodging. The decreased
occurrence of lodging with winter and spring sowings in this study, suggests
that later sowings can accommodate higher seeding rates.
Effects of age and liveweight at first calving on first lactation milk, protein and fat yield of Friesian heifers
Authors: Dobos R. C. , Nandra K. S. , Riley K. , Fulkerson W. J. , Lean I. J. , Kellaway R. C.
Published: September 2002

This paper reports on both the individual and combined effects of age (AFC)
and liveweight (LWFC) at first calving for Australian Holstein–Friesian
heifers on first lactation production. One hundred and thirty-five Australian
Holstein–Friesian heifers were allocated to 1 of 3 AFC treatments.
Within each AFC treatment, heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 LWFC
treatments. Heifers in all groups grazed pasture and were supplemented when
the quantity and quality of pasture was inadequate to meet growth
requirements. Mean AFC and LWFC achieved were 25.1, 29.9 and 33.9 months and
498, 549 and 595 kg, respectively. Mean liveweight gains from 16 weeks of age
to calving ranged from 0.45 to 0.71 kg/day, depending on treatment. The
heifers calving at 33.9 months of age produced 6.6 and 12.3% more milk,
6.3 and 11.9% more protein and 5.4 and 12.2% more fat than those
calving at 29.9 and 25.1 months of age at the end of their first 300 day
lactation, respectively. The lower production of the younger cows was
associated with decreased daily output rather than by shorter lactation
length. Heifers averaging 595 kg at first calving produced 5.5% more
milk, 8.4% more protein and 11.4% more fat than those averaging
498 kg in first lactation, respectively. The heifers averaging 621 kg LWFC and
34 months AFC had the highest production of the 9 treatment groups. Production
was increased by 5.35 L milk, 0.19 kg protein and 0.23 kg fat for an
additional 1 kg LWFC, respectively. For each month delay in AFC, production
was increased by 66.7 L milk, 1.87 kg protein and 2.36 kg fat, respectively.
The combined effects of AFC and LWFC showed that to offset the negative
effects of a 1 month reduction in AFC on milk, protein and fat yields in first
lactation, LWFC would have to be increased by 8.1, 4.0 and 4.5 kg,
respectively. Under the conditions of this experiment, maximum milk, protein
and fat were estimated to be achieved at 559, 563 and 568 kg liveweight at
first calving, respectively.
The use of thyroxine to reduce average fibre diameter in fleece wool when feed intake is increased
Authors: Lee G. J. , Thornberry K. J. , Williams A. J.
Published: September 2002

An experiment was conducted to determine whether thyroxine injections would
control the increases in fibre diameter when the wool growth of Merino wethers
is stimulated by an increased supply of feed. Fifty-seven sheep were allocated
to 1 of 5 levels of daily intake, ranging from 0.75 maintenance to
ad libitum, and injected every third day with 3 mg of
L-thyroxine or a saline solution (control). Sheep treated with thyroxine had
elevated plasma tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels, which
were highest in sheep fed the least (P<0.01).
Ad libitum intakes of sheep treated with thyroxine
tended to be higher than that of control sheep, particularly in the fifth to
seventh weeks of the experiment, and liveweight gain over the initial 4 weeks
was significantly (P<0.001) less.
Wool growth was increased by thyroxine treatment, although the difference was
small in the second half of the experiment at the highest intake levels. Fibre
diameter of sheep treated with thyroxine was greater at low intakes, although
the difference diminished as intake increased. Fibre length in the second half
of the experiment was positively related to intake, but there were no effects
of thyroxine. Although the relationships of fibre diameter and length with
wool growth did not differ between the treatment groups, length accounted for
more of the variation in wool growth in the second half of the experiment in
treated wethers than in control wethers (0.376 v. 0.182
of the variation, respectively). Thyroxine did not appreciably reduce the
extent of the increase in fibre diameter associated with an increase in the
availability and intake of feed.
Fatty acids in honeybee-collected pollens from six endemic Western Australian eucalypts and the possible significance to the Western Australian beekeeping industry
Authors: Manning R. , Harvey M.
Published: September 2002

Western Australian eucalypt pollens in this research have low levels of lipid
(0.59–1.9%) when compared with many other plant species that have
evolved alongside the European honeybee. Eucalypt-pollen lipid was dominant in
linoleic acid (35.7–48%). The six other major fatty acids that
were present in the lipid were myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linolenic
and arachidic acids.
Linoleic acid was dominant in eucalypt pollen at average concentrations of
2.77–5.81 mg/g pollen. These results could be of significance to the
Australian beekeeping industry in refining disease-management strategies in
the light that other researchers have found that 2 economically damaging bee
diseases (EFB and AFB) are inhibited by certain concentrations of the acid.
Redgum- or marri (Corymbia calophylla)-pollen lipid was
also dominated by 2 other known antibacterial fatty acids: myristic (0.25
mg/g pollen) and linolenic (1.06 mg/g pollen), when compared with the
other eucalypts studied.
Preference of banana flavour and aroma are not affected by time of the year or 'winter' chilling
Authors: Klieber A. , Muchui M. N.
Published: September 2002

Banana (Musa acuminata Coll. Cavendish cv. Williams)
eating quality was assessed through winter, spring and summer, and for mildly
chilled bananas with symptoms mimicking that of ‘winter-chilled’
fruit using sensory testing and principal component analysis of
mass-spectrometric data obtained from a ‘chemical nose’. Sensory
testing of bananas harvested at different times of the year showed no
differences in flavour preference, even though soluble solids were higher in
spring at 23.6%, compared with winter at 22.6% and summer at
21.9%. Principal component analysis of mass-spectrometric data did not
reveal aroma differences between times of the year. Results of difference
tests for mildly chilled and non-chilled bananas indicated no differences in
aroma intensity or sweetness. Mild chilling did not alter soluble solids and
principal component analysis of mass-spectrometric data did not discriminate
between chilled and non-chilled bananas.
Sodification under conjunctive water use in the Shepparton Irrigation Region of northern Victoria: a review
Authors: Surapaneni A. , Olsson K. A.
Published: September 2002

The Shepparton Irrigation Region Land and Water Salinity Management Plan
promotes groundwater pumping and re-use for irrigation where groundwater
quality and availability allow dilution with channel water (‘conjunctive
water use’) to levels that produce minimal production losses from annual
and perennial pastures used widely for dairying. In addition, municipal and
industrial waste waters are used on a smaller scale for irrigating pastures
(and crops).
An upper level of irrigation water salinity (expressed as an electrical
conductivity of 0.8 dS/m) is currently recommended in the plan. This
recommendation is based on empirical data from experiments on unstocked,
perennial pasture collected over 2 decades on red-brown earths in the region.
While the strategy has, so far, achieved acceptable control of soil salinity
levels, while generally maintaining pasture yields, a concern that
‘conjunctive water use’ may not be sustainable in the long term
arises from the sodicity of the groundwater and waste waters. The continual
addition of sodium to clay soils, initially low in both sodium and
electrolytes (upper 0.5 m depth), risks the soils becoming sodified, with
attendant soil physical problems should salts be leached to below threshold
electrolyte concentrations, as in winter for example.
We show that clay soils supporting pastures in the Shepparton Irrigation
Region sodify with time under ‘conjunctive water use’. We review
evidence for adverse effects of such sodification on soil physical properties
affecting plant productivity and hydrologic processes important in the
long-term sustainability of the strategy. On-farm management implications of
the strategy are discussed and important issues for research are identified.
Effects on milk production of increased dietary crude protein by feeding nitogen-fertilised turnips or lupins to dairy cows in mid-lactation
Authors: Moate P. J. , Dalley D. E. , Roche J. R. , Gow C. B. , Grainger C.
Published: September 2002

This experiment investigated whether increased crude protein concentration in
turnips fertilised with nitrogen would improve milk production. Dairy cows
were offered a basal diet of silage, hay and 5 kg dry matter barley
supplemented with 5 kg dry matter turnips fertilised with nitrogen
(n = 12) or 5 kg dry matter control turnips
(n = 12) over 14 days. The effect of providing a
diet isonitrogenous with the nitrogen-fertilised turnip diet and with rumen
degradable protein on milk production was also investigated by replacing 1 kg
barley with 1 kg lupins; 12 cows were offered 4 kg (dry matter) barley, 1 kg
lupins with 5 kg control turnips.
The control cows (offered control turnips with barley) consumed 17.8 kg dry
matter, 2.34 kg crude protein and 187 MJ metabolisable energy. In comparison
with the control cows, cows offered nitrogen-fertilised turnips with barley
had lower (P<0.05) daily dry matter and metabolisable
energy intakes and higher (P<0.05) crude protein
intake whereas cows offered control turnips with barley and lupins had similar
daily dry matter intake and higher (P<0.05) intakes
of metabolisable energy and crude protein.
The cows offered nitrogen-fertilised turnips with barley produced similar
yields of milk and milk constituents to those of the control cows (19.6 L milk
with 855 g fat, 625 g protein and 951 g lactose daily), reflecting the lower
intakes of dry matter and metabolisable energy by the cows offered
nitrogen-fertilised turnips with barley compared with that of the control
cows. Cows offered control turnips with barley and lupins had a greater
(P<0.05) daily yield of milk fat and protein than did
the other groups of cows; milk yield was increased by 0.5 L when 1 kg dry
matter barley was replaced with 1 kg dry matter lupins. It is economical for
farmers to feed turnips in conjunction with barley and lupins to overcome
summer shortages of high-quality feeds.
A decision support system for mapping the site-specific potassium requirement of wheat in the field
Authors: Wong M. T. F. , Corner R. J. , Cook S. E.
Published: September 2002

The intensely weathered nature of Western Australian cropping soils and the
long history of potassium depletion by the farming system has resulted in
increased incidence of potassium deficiency in wheat. There is currently no
scientifically based method for potassium recommendation in Western Australia.
This paper describes the use of site-specific plot-scale field trials carried
out in 1995–98 and a crop response model to develop a generally
applicable potassium recommendation system. Geographic information system
technology was used to extend the uniform potassium recommendation system into
a system for mapping spatially variable potassium requirement that takes
account of crop demand and soil available potassium. The field trials were
carried out on a range of soil types and showed that wheat response to
potassium can be described by the Mitscherlich equation. The size of the
response was dependent on the soil test value for plant available potassium
and the yield of the crop. The latter is mainly dependent on rainfall in the
water-limited Mediterranean environment of Western Australia. The
relationships between the maximum achievable yield, crop response and soil
available potassium values were quantified in order to allow the decision
support system to be developed for uniform whole-paddock fertiliser
recommendation. Both soil available potassium and yield are very spatially
variable in Western Australia and for wheat, the coefficient of variation of
yield within the paddock is often of the order of 30%. Soil property
variation can be of a similar order. Maps of soil available potassium values
and of spatially variable target yield determined either from (i)
farmer’s estimate, (ii) yield monitors and (iii) remotely sensed
normalised difference vegetation index measurements allow this decision system
to map spatially variable potassium requirement. Comparison of the map of
potassium requirement with measured spatially variable response to potassium
showed that the decision support system performed satisfactorily.
International significance of Australian research on beef quality - a view from the periphery
Authors: Devine C. E.
Published: September 2002

Australia produces agricultural products, including meat, as major items for
export as well as being consumed locally. It is no accident that Australia is
one of the major exporters of meat to distant markets and the success is
predicated on adapting animal production practices and processing to produce a
highly desirable product that is safe to eat. Research plays a large part in
this strategy, but one would have to say that for some time the view that
‘a prophet hath no honour in his own country’
has predominated. The Cattle and Beef CRC is designed to improve the
profitability of the Australian beef industry by bringing in partners, some of
whom were prominent in previous research endeavours to coordinate a research
effort in order to benefit the whole industry — it is a unique and
effective approach. It has taken some time to demonstrate that a
‘nice’ looking animal is not a predictor of meat quality —
rather it needs to be processed correctly in order for it to meet the most
critical consumer requirements. The researchers in Australia have in fact been
the world leaders in advocating procedures such as electrical stimulation that
have been taken up by the industry. There are still areas where the research
results from Australia differ from that in other countries. CRC-based research
in Australia in controlled studies using large numbers of animals with a wide
genetic base, has shown that both cattle with a significant component from
tropical genotypes and non-tropical genotypes, processed correctly, produce
highly acceptable meat. To get further improvements, we merely need to
identify the causes of outliers and this should not be difficult. This concept
is of course important in the context of the relatively dry Australian climate
that results in different problems from other countries. One important outcome
of the CRC has been to show that sectors of the industry need to work together
to use research and, if necessary, challenge current thinking imposed from
outside. In other words, Australians should believe in themselves.