bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Gölbaþý Zehra , Uçar Özgül , Yüksel Ayşe Geçer , Gülel Okan , Aydoğdu Sinan , Ulusoy Vasfi
Published: August 2004

Background:

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac hormone secreted from the ventricular myocardium as a response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is still an important cause of heart failure in developing countries.

Aims:

To measure BNP levels in patients with RHD and to determine whether BNP concentrations correlate with clinical and echocardiographic findings.

Methods:

Eighty‐eight patients with rheumatic valve disease and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects were entered in the study. BNP was measured using the Triage B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide test (Biosite Diagnostics, San Diego, CA). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients to assess the severity of the valve disease and for the measurement of pulmonary artery pressure.

Results:

The plasma concentrations of BNP were significantly higher in patients with rheumatic heart disease than in control subjects (232±294 vs. 14±12 pg/ml, p<0.0001). The plasma BNP level was significantly higher in NYHA class III+IV than in class II (463±399 vs. 192±243 pg/ml, p<0.0001) and in NYHA class II than in class I (192±243 vs. 112±135 pg/ml, p<0.001). The independent determinants of higher BNP levels were NYHA functional class and systolic pulmonary artery pressure in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

We found increased plasma BNP levels in patients with rheumatic heart disease compared with healthy subjects.
COMT (Val158Met) polymorphism is not associated to neuropathic pain in a Spanish population
Authors: Armero Pilar , Muriel Clemente , Santos Juan , Sànchez‐Montero F.J. , Rodróguez Raquel E. , González‐Sarmiento Rogelio
Published: August 2004

It is well known that the response to painful stimuli varies between individuals and this could be consequence of individual differences to pain sensitivity that may be related to genetic factors. Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) is one of the enzymes that metabolize catecholamine neurotransmitters. Differences in the activity of COMT influence the functions of these neurotransmitters. A single nucleotide polymorphism (Val158Met) of COMT leads to a three to four fold reduction in the activity of the enzyme and has been associated to modifications in the response to a pain stressor. Neuropathic pain is a progressive nervous system disease due to an alteration of the peripheral or central nervous system. To elucidate the possible role of COMT polymorphism in the susceptibility to neuropathic pain, we have performed a case‐control study in a Spanish population. Analysis of the (Val158Met) COMT polymorphism was performed by PCR amplification and DNA digestion with restriction enzymes. Our study concludes that functional Val158Met polymorphism of COMT gene is not associated to increased susceptibility to neuropathic pain.
Identification of somatic and anxiety symptoms which contribute to the detection of depression in primary health care
Authors: Barkow Katrin , Heun Reinhard , Bedirhan Üstün T. , Berger Mathias , Bermejo Isaac , Gaebel Wolfgang , Härter Martin , Schneider Frank , Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter , Maier Wolfgang
Published: August 2004

Somatic symptoms and anxiety symptoms are often disregarded in the detection of depression in primary care. The present investigation examined to what extent somatic and anxiety symptoms recorded with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview—Primary Health Care Version (CIDI—PHC) can improve the detection of depression as compared to the General Health Questionnaire—12-item version alone. Data from the World Health Organization study on Psychological Problems in General Health Care were used. The study sample consisted of primary care attenders from 15 centres from all over the world who underwent a psychiatric examination with the CIDI—PHC. Medically unexplained somatic symptoms (back pain, feelings of heaviness/lightness in parts of the body, periods of bodily weakness, seizures/convulsions, permanent tiredness, exhaustion after a minimum of effort) and—to a smaller extent—diverse anxiety symptoms (e.g. feelings of anxiousness/nervousness, feelings of tension, difficulties relaxing) significantly contributed to the detection of depression in a logistic regression analysis. The results confirm the observation that in primary care somatic symptoms play an important role in the manifestation of depressive disorders. The items investigated herein could prove beneficial for future depression screening instruments to improve the detection of depressive disorders in primary care.
Social adjustment in generalised anxiety disorder: a long-term placebo-controlled study of venlafaxine extended release
Authors: Boyer Patrice , Mahé Vincent , Hackett David
Published: August 2004

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the short- (8 weeks) and long-term (24 weeks) efficacy of three fixed doses of venlafaxine extended release (ER) and placebo on the social adjustment of patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). We analysed data from 544 outpatients who participated in a 24-week, double-blind, multicentre, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study conducted at 55 centres in five countries. All patients meet the DSM-IV criteria for GAD and were randomly assigned to receive venlafaxine ER 37.5, 75, and 150 mg or matched placebo administered orally once daily. Social adjustment was measured using the Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report, which explores social adaptation in the areas of work, social and leisure, extended family, primary relationship (marital), parental, and family unit. At baseline, the GAD patients had a high level of social dysfunction. Venlafaxine ER showed a dose-related improvement in social impairment during short-term treatment and in sustaining this improvement over the long-term. In the most severely socially impaired subgroup, placebo remission rates on the HAM-A were low, and the magnitude of the venlafaxine-placebo difference on the mean HAM-A total score was high, reaching more than 7 points. The benefits of venlafaxine ER treatment of GAD extend beyond that of improvement of anxiety symptoms to a significant improvement in the impairment of functioning that is associated with the illness.
Carbamazepine may trigger new-onset epileptic seizures in an individual with autism spectrum disorders: a case report
Authors: Monji Akira , Maekawa Toshihiko , Yanagimoto Kazuyuki , Yoshida Ichiro , Hashioka Sadayuki
Published: August 2004

We herein report a case of new-onset epileptic seizures induced by carbamazepine in an individual with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We clinicians should bear in mind the possibility that epileptic seizures may possibly be either precipitated or exacerbated by carbamazepine especially in individuals with ASD.
“Bread madness” revisited: screening for specific celiac antibodies among schizophrenia patients
Authors: Peleg Roni , Itzhak Ben-Zion Z. , Peleg Aya , Gheber Larisa , Kotler Moshe , Weizman Zvi , Shiber Asher , Fich Alex , Horowitz Yael , Shvartzman Pesach
Published: August 2004

Purpose

A possible association between gluten consumption and schizophrenia has been reported. The objective was to compare patients with chronic schizophrenia and matched controls for sociodemographic variables, prevalence of celiac-specific anti-endomysial antibodies and disease-related variables.

Subjects and methods

The study group was comprised of 50 consecutive patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, 18 years of age and older attending the out-patient clinic of the Mental Health Center in Beer-Sheva, Israel. The control group was comprised of mentally normal volunteers who came to primary care clinics for blood tests unrelated to gastrointestinal tract complaints and who were not diagnosed with celiac disease. Known celiac patients and those who refused to participate, did non-speak Hebrew or were incoherent were excluded from the study. All participants in both groups underwent a blood test for anti-endomysial IgA antibody and completed a questionnaire.

Results

Each group was comprised of 50 participants. There were no significant differences between the groups in gender, BMI or country of birth. The mean age of the study group was significantly higher than the controls. All tests for anti-endomysial antibody in both groups were negative.

Discussion and conclusions

In contrast to previous reports, we found no evidence for celiac disease in patients with chronic schizophrenia as manifested by the presence of serum IgA anti-endomysial antibodies. It is unlikely that there is an association between gluten sensitivity and schizophrenia.
Correlations between genomic GC levels and optimal growth temperatures in prokaryotes
Authors: Musto Héctor , Naya Hugo , Zavala Alejandro , Romero Héctor , Alvarez-Valı́n Fernando , Bernardi Giorgio
Published: August 2004

In prokaryotes, GC levels range from 25% to 75%, and T
opt from ≈0 °C to >100 °C. When all species are considered together, no correlation is found between the two variables. Correlations are found, however, when Families of prokaryotes are analysed. Indeed, when Families comprising at least 10 species were studied (a set of 20 Families), positive correlations are found for 15 of them. Furthermore, a comparative analysis by independent contrasts made within the Families in order to control for phylogenetic non‐independence showed qualitatively equivalent results. We conclude that T
opt is one of the factors that influences genomic GC in prokaryotes.
The ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase from Escherichia coli comprises two tightly bound distinct domains
Authors: Bejar Clarisa M. , Ballicora Miguel A. , Gómez-Casati Diego F. , Iglesias Alberto A. , Preiss Jack
Published: August 2004

Computational analysis of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylases predicts a fold with two domains. Co‐expression of two polypeptides comprising residues 1–323 and 328–431 from the Escherichia coli ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase yielded an enzyme form as active as the wild type. The only difference from the wild type was a slightly modified affinity for allosteric effectors. The two polypeptides could not be separated by chromatographic procedures. Separate expression of these polypeptides produced inactive unstable forms. All these results indicated that the ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase comprises two domains with a strong interaction between them. That interaction is important for allosteric properties and structural stability.
Corticosterone controls the developmental emergence of fear and amygdala function to predator odors in infant rat pups
Authors: Moriceau Stephanie , Roth Tania L. , Okotoghaide Terri , Sullivan Regina M.
Published: August 2004

In many altricial species, fear responses such as freezing do not emerge until sometime later in development. In infant rats, fear to natural predator odors emerges around postnatal day (PN) 10 when infant rats begin walking. The behavioral emergence of fear is correlated with two physiological events: functional emergence of the amygdala and increasing corticosterone (CORT) levels. Here, we hypothesize that increasing corticosterone levels influence amygdala activity to permit the emergence of fear expression. We assessed the relationship between fear expression (immobility similar to freezing), amygdala function (c‐fos) and the level of corticosterone in pups in response to presentation of novel male odor (predator), littermate odor and no odor. CORT levels were increased in PN8 pups (no fear, normally low CORT) by exogenous CORT (3 mg/kg) and decreased in PN12 pups (express fear, CORT levels higher) through adrenalectomy and CORT replacement. Results showed that PN8 expression of fear to a predator odor and basolateral/lateral amygdala activity could be prematurely evoked with exogenous CORT, while adrenalectomy in PN12 pups prevented both fear expression and amygdala activation. These results suggest that low neonatal CORT level serves to protect pups from responding to fear inducing stimuli and attenuate amygdala activation. This suggests that alteration of the neonatal CORT system by environmental insults such as alcohol, stress and illegal drugs, may also alter the neonatal fear system and its underlying neural control.
BMP binding peptide: A BMP‐2 enhancing factor deduced from the sequence of native bovine bone morphogenetic protein/non‐collagenous protein
Authors: Behnam Keyvan , Phillips Martin L. , Silva Jose Denison Prado , Brochmann Elsa J. , Duarte Maria Eugenia Leite , Murray Samuel S.
Published: August 2004

Forty years ago, Marshall Urist described a partially purified extract of demineralized bone matrix which induced the formation of ectopic bone. This substance, bone morphogenetic protein/non‐collagenous protein (BMP/NCP), was never purified to homogeneity but other investigators used similar starting materials to clone a number of recombinant BMPs. Urist recognized that his material probably contained the BMPs which had been cloned by others but always contended that it contained another, more potent, bone inducing material which differed significantly in its physical and chemical properties from the known BMPs. We have used Urist's protocol to isolate a protein that has the chemical and physical properties of Urist's “BMP”. It is an 18.5 kD fragment of the bone matrix protein, SPP‐24. This fragment contains the cystatin‐like domain of SPP‐24. We have located a 19 amino acid region which is similar to the TGF‐β/BMP‐binding region of fetuin, a member of the cystatin family of protease inhibitors. A cyclic peptide, which we call BMP binding peptide (BBP) was generated using this sequence. The peptide avidly bound rhBMP‐2 with a KD of 3 × 10−5 M. When implanted alone in mouse muscle, the peptide frequently induced dystrophic calcification. When implanted with rhBMP‐2, the peptide enhanced the osteogenic activity of the recombinant molecule. We hypothesize that Urist's “BMP” was a fragment of SPP‐24 which influenced bone induction by binding to bone morphogenetic proteins. BBP may be clinically useful because of its effects on other bone‐inducing substances. Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Viscoelastic properties of the human medial collateral ligament under longitudinal, transverse and shear loading
Authors: Bonifasi‐Lista Carlos , Lakez Spencer P. , Small Michael S. , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2004

Ligament viscoelasticity controls viscous dissipation of energy and thus the potential for injury or catastrophic failure. Viscoelasticity under different loading conditions is likely related to the organization and anisotropy of the tissue. The objective of this study was to quantify the strain‐ and frequency‐dependent viscoelastic behavior of the human medial collateral ligament (MCL) in tension along its longitudinal and transverse directions, and under shear along the fiber direction. The overall hypothesis was that human MCL would exhibit direction‐dependent viscoelastic behavior, reflecting the composite structural organization of the tissue. Incremental stress relaxation testing was performed, followed by the application of small sinusoidal strain oscillations at three different equilibrium strain levels. The peak and equilibrium stress–strain curves for the longitudinal, transverse and shear tests demonstrate that the instantaneous and long‐time stress–strain response of the tissue differs significantly between loading conditions of along‐fiber stretch, cross‐fiber stretch and along‐fiber shear. The reduced relaxation curves demonstrated at least two relaxation times for all three test modes. Relaxation resulted in stresses that were 60–80% of the initial stress after 1000 s. Incremental stress relaxation proceeded faster at the lowest strain level for all three test configurations. Dynamic stiffness varied greatly with test mode and equilibrium strain level, and showed a modest but significant increase with frequency of applied strain oscillations for longitudinal and shear tests. Phase angle was unaffected by strain level (with exception of lowest strain level for longitudinal samples) but showed a significant increase with increasing strain oscillation frequency. There was no effect of test type on the phase angle. The increase in phase and thus energy dissipation at higher frequencies may protect the tissue from injury at faster loading rates. Results suggest that the long‐time relaxation behavior and the short‐time dynamic energy dissipation of ligament may be governed by different viscoelastic mechanisms, yet these mechanisms may affect tissue viscoelasticity similarly under different loading configurations. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The post-communist left and the European Union: The Czech Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) and the German Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS)
Authors: Hough Dan , Handl Vladimír
Published: August 2004

This article traces the development of two post-communist parties—the Czech KSČM and the German PDS—illustrating how they may continue to shape hard left policy in an expanded European Union (EU). It analyses three policy areas in detail (security and defense policy, employment policy and policies towards the institutional reform of the EU) and argues that, providing the parties avoid internal ideological conflict, they may come to play significant roles in influencing hard left policy in future years. The PDS is likely to act as a bridge for other hard left groups with more conservative agendas while the much larger KSČM may attempt to shift the ideological balance back towards more structurally conservative anti-capitalist policies.
Changes in the thickness distribution of Arctic sea ice between 1958–1970 and 1993–1997
Authors: Yu Y. , Maykut G. A. , Rothrock D. A.
Published: August 2004

Submarine sonar data collected in the central Arctic Basin during middle and late summer were used to examine differences in the sea ice thickness distribution function g(h) between the periods 1958–1970 and 1993–1997. Cruises during the former period were made in July and August, whereas the 1993–1997 cruises were made in September and October. Seasonal correction was applied to adjust for the differences in thickness. While ice drafts were from only seven submarine cruises and somewhat spatially limited, results indicate that the fractional area covered by open water and first‐year ice increased from 0.19 to 0.30 during the time interval. This was balanced by an 11% reduction of level‐multiyear and ridged ice. Substantial losses occurred in ice thicker than 2 m, with an increase in the amount of 1–2 m ice. The volume of ice less than 4 m thick remained nearly the same and the total volume decreased about 32%. Losses in the volume of thicker ice increased with increasing thickness. Part of the change in g(h) is likely caused by increased ice area export through Fram Strait in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Because decadal variations in the North Atlantic Oscillation and Arctic Oscillation indices correlate with ice export anomalies, export‐induced changes in g(h) probably tend to be cyclical in nature. However, a substantial shift in the peak of g(h) suggests that changes in thermal forcing were also a major factor in the observed thinning.
Ordovician back arc foreland and Ocloyic thrust belt development on the western Gondwana margin as a response to Precordillera terrane accretion
Authors: Astini Ricardo A. , Dávila Federico M.
Published: August 2004

The Famatina belt, southern central Andes, records a circa 470 m.y. shortening episode (Ocloyic orogeny) affecting the peri‐Gondwanan back arc basin in response to the accretion of the Precordillera terrane. Collision created distinct features across and along the margin, some of which persisted into the present Andean structure. From east to west, the Ocloyic deformation is recorded across the telescoped region of Famatina, represented by (1) an east vergent fold‐thrust belt (EVFTB) involving a major angular unconformity between Early and Middle Ordovician rocks, (2) a highly deformed volcano‐sedimentary belt, and (3) an east vergent ductile shear zone affecting Famatinian granites. Axis attitudes of Ordovician refolded anticlines in the EVFTB show west‐east tectonic transport, in agreement with kinematics of Ocloyic high‐strain belts, indicating shortening orthogonal to the present Pacific margin. Eastward displacement of the Ordovician volcanic arc at ∼27°S latitude together with a documented sinistral slip zone across the proto‐Andean margin suggests tectonic indentation.
The influence of piedmont deposition on the time scale of mountain‐belt denudation
Authors: Pelletier Jon D.
Published: August 2004

The linear correlation between modern sediment yields and mean drainage‐basin elevation suggests that mountain‐belt topography is denuded exponentially with a time scale of approximately 50 Myr following the cessation of active uplift. Some Paleozoic orogens, however, still exist as high‐elevation terrain. Here I explore this paradox within the broader question of what variables control the denudational time scales of mountain belts. Using a two‐dimensional model that couples the stream‐power law for bedrock channel erosion with the diffusion equation for alluvial piedmonts, I determined the time scale of mountain‐belt denudation using numerical and analytic techniques. The piedmont plays an important role in mountain‐belt denudation because it sets the base level for bedrock erosion, substantially reducing bedrock relief in mountain belts with broad or steep piedmonts. The persistence of the Appalachian and Ural Mountains may be understood within the model framework as largely the result of resistant bedrock and a broad piedmont, respectively.
The effect of surface heterogeneity on cloud absorption estimates
Authors: Chiu J.‐Y. C. , Marshak A. , Wiscombe W. J.
Published: August 2004

This study presents a systematic and quantitative analysis of the effect of inhomogeneous surface albedo on shortwave cloud absorption estimates. We used 3D radiative transfer modeling over a checkerboard surface albedo to calculate cloud absorption. We have found that accounting for surface heterogeneity enhances cloud absorption. However, the enhancement is not sufficient to explain the reported difference between measured and modeled cloud absorption.
Universality in snowflake aggregation
Authors: Westbrook C. D. , Ball R. C. , Field P. R. , Heymsfield A. J.
Published: August 2004

Aggregation of ice crystals is a key process governing precipitation. Individual ice crystals exhibit considerable diversity of shape, and a wide range of physical processes could influence their aggregation; despite this we show that a simple computer model captures key features of aggregate shape and size distribution reported recently from cirrus clouds. The results prompt a new way to plot the experimental size distributions leading to remarkably good dynamical scaling. That scaling independently confirms that there is a single dominant aggregation mechanism at play, albeit our model (based on undeflected trajectories to contact) does not capture its form exactly.
Field leaching and degradation of atrazine in a gradationally textured alkaline soil
Authors: Stork P. R.
Published: August 2004

The leaching and degradation of atrazine to 40 cm was monitored over a 1-year
period, following a spray application in May 1991, at a field site on a highly
alkaline sandy loam cropping soil with a soil pH ≥8·5. To account
for gradational changes in soil texture and pH with depth, separate dose
response curves of an oat bioassay for each 10-cm soil-sampling interval were
used, to quantify the soil concentrations of the herbicide.
Throughout the trial the movement of atrazine was not observed to exceed
beyond 40 cm with total rainfall of 386 mm. The only significant leaching of
the herbicide was detected in late winter 1991, when approximately
30·5% of the applied amount leached from the 0–10 cm to
10–20 cm soil layer, with trace amounts detected at greater depths. This
leaching occurred during a period of rainfall of 50 mm when soil water
contents in the 0–10 cm to 10–20 cm soil layers were at an
optimum, and it was deduced that the extent of the leaching, when evaluated
with other studies, was influenced by the pH of the soil.
Atrazine recovery decreased exponentially with sampling time. The data fitted
a first-order exponential function
(R2 = 0·99), with a
half-life time for degradation of 62 days. The good fit of the data to this
function also indicated that the rate of degradation was apparently
independent of seasonal changes in water content and soil temperature. From
this, it was inferred that any lowering to the rate of degradation, owing to
decreasing soil water contents in spring–summer, was offset with
compensating rises in soil temperature. Edaphic conditions in this
spring–summer period approximate those in other studies where chemical
hydrolysis was an important process of breakdown of atrazine. The degradation
of the herbicide was almost complete by the end of the trial in late May 1992.
An applied amount of 2·7% remained in the 10–20 cm soil
layer, which corresponded to a residue level of 0·02 µg
atrazine/g soil. This residue level is well below the recorded phytotoxic
threshold of select cultivars of wheat, barley, and lucerne.
Investigation of genotype × production environment interaction for weaning weight in the Santa Gertrudis breed in Australia
Authors: Bradfield M. J. , Graser H-U. , Johnston D. J.
Published: August 2004

Weaning weight records of 12 563 Santa Gertrudis calves were used to estimate
(co)variance components using a bivariate restricted maximum likelihood
analysis. The analysis considered measurements on animals born in favourable
production environments as Trait 1 and animals born in unfavourable production
environments as Trait 2. Estimates of variance components for weaning weight
across production environments were similar in magnitude. An additive genetic
correlation of 0·64 between production environments was significantly
different from unity, suggesting that there was a genotype production
environment interaction. However, when a sire contemporary group interaction
effect was included in the model, the genetic correlation between Trait 1 and
Trait 2 was not significantly different from unity. These results suggest that
the ranking of Santa Gertrudis sires across production environments was caused
by changes in ranking from one contemporary group to the next rather than
changes in ranking across production environments.
Response to indirect selection in ratoon of sugarcane seedlings
Authors: Ram Bakshi , Chaudhary B. S. , Singh S.
Published: August 2004

Effectiveness of indirect selection criteria for brix yield based on 4 primary
characters (number of millable canes per stool, NMC), cane diameter, cane
height, and hand refractometer brix (HR Brix) was studied. A general index
involving these traits was studied in 3 populations of ratoon seedlings.
Selection based on number of millable canes was best, followed by selection
based on selection index and cane height in ratoon crop. The differences in
mean performance in ratoon crop disappeared at the evaluation stage in the
clonal nursery under normal and restricted irrigated conditions. In general,
all selection criteria, except selection based on HR Brix, gave similar
responses for brix yield. Low repeatability of traits, insignificant
regression coecients, and low proportion of clones outyielding the best
standard variety CoH 35 at selection and evaluation stages indicated the
ineffectiveness of selection at the single-stool ratoon seedlings stage. The
reasons for ineffectiveness of selection based on the selection index are
discussed.
Effect of waterlogging and soil pH on the micro-distribution of naturalised annual legumes
Authors: Gibberd M. R. , Cocks P. S.
Published: August 2004

Variation in the size and composition of the soil seed bank of 3 naturalised
legumes, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum
L.), woolly clover (T. tomentosum L.), and cluster
clover (T. glomeratum L.), was related to soil
characteristics on a transect that ascended from a winter waterlogged area in
a wheatbelt pasture. Growth of the 3 species was compared with other species
from section Vesicaria
(T. resupinatum and T. clusii) in
waterlogged and freely drained pots for 34 days.
Of the 3 naturalised legumes present in the transect, cluster clover was rare,
and woolly and subterranean clovers were separated on the basis of their
response to soil pH and the likelihood of winter waterlogging. Subterranean
clover was absent from soil with pH > 7·0; these areas were
dominated by woolly clover. Areas with pH < 7·0 were dominated by
subterranean clover, except where winter waterlogging was likely, in which
case they were once again dominated by woolly clover. The waterlogging
tolerance of woolly clover, together with that of other species in section
Vesicaria, was confirmed in the pot experiment. After 34
days, shoot dry weight of the waterlogged Vesicaria
species was an average of 39% greater than the freely drained controls.
Root length continued to increase for the duration of the waterlogging
treatment with much of the new root growth as laterals. Conversely, shoot and
root growth in subterranean and cluster clovers was severely reduced by
waterlogging.
The patchy distribution of woolly clover in many wheatbelt pastures can be
explained by its response to high pH and winter waterlogging compared with
subterranean clover.
Studies on seed transmission of subterranean clover mottle virus and its detection in clover seed by ELISA and RT-PCR
Authors: Njeru R. , Ferris D. G. , Jones R. A. C. , Jones M. G. K.
Published: August 2004

Plants of 5 naturalised annual clover species that occur within subterranean
clover (Trifolium subterraneum) pastures were infected
with 3 isolates of subterranean clover mottle virus (SCMoV), their seed
harvested and sown, and the seedlings tested for SCMoV presence by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seed transmission was detected in 3
species, but always occurred at low levels
(0·1–0·5%). With T. cernuum,
seed transmission was obtained with 3 isolates, but with
T. campestre and T. tomentosum, it
was detected only with one. Seed transmission rates in 3 subterranean clover
cultivars were similar (0·1–0·4%). Together with
subterranean clover, T. campestre,
T. cernuum, and T. tomentosum
probably play a role in persistence of the virus in annual pastures through
the dry summer period via infection of dormant seed.
ELISA was used to test both subterranean clover leaf samples and seed samples
from SCMoV-infected swards for the virus. When leaf samples and whole seeds
were tested, SCMoV was detected at dilutions up to 1/512 in leaf sap and
1/64 in seed extracts. When seeds were separated into seed coat and
cotyledons/embryo components, the virus was detected in both. However,
pre-treatment of seeds with trisodium phosphate before separation into the 2
components eliminated assayable SCMoV from the cotyledons/embryos, whilst
the virus was then only detectable in extracts of seed coats if left
undiluted. This suggests that most of the SCMoV in seeds is associated with
the seed coat and is destroyed by pre-treatment with trisodium phosphate.
Part of the genome of SCMoV was cloned and sequenced to develop primers
specific for SCMoV for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay
(RT-PCR). Detection of 2 SCMoV isolates by the RT-PCR assay was confirmed by
restriction analysis of the specific 596 base pair RT-PCR product. RT-PCR
detected SCMoV at higher dilutions than ELISA in both leaf and whole seed
extracts. The RT-PCR assay developed is suitable for sensitive routine testing
of bulked seed samples of subterranean clover for presence of seed-borne
SCMoV.
Occurrence of tomato spotted wilt tospovirus in native flora, weeds, and horticultural crops
Authors: Latham L. J. , Jones R. A. C.
Published: August 2004

Surveys to determine the incidence of tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) in
native plants, weeds, vegetables, and flowering ornamentals were done within
or near horticultural properties in the Perth metropolitan area. Leaf or petal
samples were tested for TSWV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Samples from native plants and flowering ornamentals were also tested for
impatiens necrotic spot tospovirus (INSV). Forty-two species of native plants
were sampled from 17 sites. Of the 1590 plants sampled, only 1 plant of
Calectasia cyanea (blue tinsel lily) was found to be
infected. Weeds were sampled from 24 sites, and samples from 5543 plants in 45
species were tested. TSWV was found in 59 samples belonging to 16 different
species from 8 sites. Among these, the highest virus infection levels at
individual locations were in Arctotheca calendula
(capeweed; 15%) and Sonchus asper (sowthistle;
32%). Vegetables were sampled from 28 sites, and samples from 3864
plants in 9 species were tested. TSWV was found in 309 samples from 22 sites.
Those found to be infected were broad bean, capsicum, celery, chilli,
eggplant, globe artichoke, lettuce, paprika, potato, and tomato. At individual
locations, capsicum and tomato crops were sometimes 100% infected.
Flowering ornamentals were sampled from 6 sites, and samples from 2698 plants
in 16 species were tested. TSWV was found in 296 samples from 3 sites. Those
found to be infected with TSWV were alstroemeria, calendula, Chinese aster,
chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, delphinium, gladiolus, snapdragon, statice, and
zinnia. Highest incidences were in alstroemeria (32%), asters
(81%), calendula (65%), chrysanthemum (30%), dahlia
(28%), and statice (57%). No INSV was detected. In an infected
calendula crop, TSWV infection declined sharply with distance from an aster
infection source. Eight isolates of TSWV obtained from different weeds,
vegetables, and flowering ornamentals differed widely in the severity of
symptoms they induced in Nicotiana glutinosa, capsicum,
and tomato.
High incidences of TSWV were commonly associated with the presence of
Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips).
Reservoirs of TSWV infection identified during the survey included infected
planting stock and volunteer plants of vegetatively propagated flowering
ornamentals, seedlings of vegetables previously infected in nurseries, old
infected vegetable and flowering ornamental crops growing next to subsequently
planted crops, and weeds. A control strategy involving the removal or
avoidance of TSWV sources and vigilance to limit introduction of INSV on
imported flowering ornamentals is discussed.
The sense and antisense coat protein gene of alfalfa mosaic virus strain N20 confers protection in transgenic tobacco plants
Authors: Jayasena K. W. , Ingham B. J. , Hajimorad M. R. , Randles J. W.
Published: August 2004

The coat protein gene of a South Australian strain of alfalfa mosaic virus
(AMV-N20 [NcS]) has been cloned, sequenced, and transferred into
Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Xanthi via
Agrobacterium tumefaciens under the control of the CaMV
35S promoter. A number of lines (T0 generation) were
selected with the coat protein gene either in sense orientation (CP+) or
in antisense orientation (CP–). The T0 plants were
tested for their gene expression and susceptibility to the homologous AMV
strain. A significant delay in the onset of symptoms and a reduction in virus
accumulation was observed in CP+ plants mechanically inoculated with AMV.
CP– plants were also significantly protected but less so than the
CP+ plants. Plants transformed with the expression vector only (CP0)
showed a minor resistance to local infection on inoculated leaves compared
with untransformed plants. The strategy of coat protein mediated protection
(CPMP) using the CP gene in either messenger sense or antisense would
therefore be appropriate for testing on economically important pasture
legumes.
An in vitro cultured rumen inoculum improves nitrogen digestion in mulga-fed sheep
Authors: Miller S. M. , Klieve A. V. , Plumb J. J. , Aisthorpe R. , Blackall L. L.
Published: August 2004

Mixed cultures of anaerobic micro-organisms were derived from feral goat rumen
fluid (FGRF) using a laboratory fermentor to selectively culture microbes
actively degrading mulga, and were evaluated as rumen inocula in digestion and
liveweight studies with mulga-fed sheep. When placed in the rumen of sheep,
FGRF enhances mulga digestion; however, limited supplies of feral goats, the
labour involved in locating and mustering goats, and likely variations in the
microbial composition of FGRF between animals and localities make the
production of an in vitro cultured inoculum a desirable alternative to enable
widespread adoption. The cultured inoculum significantly
(P < 0·05) improved nitrogen digestion and
retention in mulga-fed sheep by 16 and 76%, respectively. Inocula
consisting of simplified mixtures of bacteria isolated from sheep, feral
goats, and native marsupials did not affect mulga digestion. In the first of 2
liveweight studies, sheep inoculated with the fermentor inoculum lost
significantly less weight than uninoculated sheep for the first 57 days
(0·3 v. 4·6 kg); however, after 83 days
the difference in the rate of liveweight loss between the fermentor inoculum
group and the uninoculated sheep was not significant (53
v. 95 g/day). In the second study, liveweight loss
was not significantly reduced by the fermentor inoculum. An inoculum based on
FGRF, and produced in vitro using a fermentor, is
potentially valuable to grazing enterprises reliant on mulga-fed sheep.
However, problems in generating a consistent inoculum need to be addressed
before such an inoculum can be generally considered.
Purpose, selection, and application of descriptors for sugarcane germplasm
Authors: Gallacher D. J. , Berding N.
Published: August 2004

Purpose, requirements, and application of morphological descriptors for use in
a sugarcane germplasm collection are reviewed. Such descriptors could be used
to verify the identity of cultivars, and as a measure of genetic distance.
Verification of cultivar identity is essential in routine plant breeding and
associated research. Genetic distance estimation would enable a better usage
of available genetic resources. Morphological characters are perhaps more
reflective of agronomic performance and they provide a broader sampling of the
genome than molecular techniques. Statistical evaluation of characters for
adoption as descriptors differs from most taxonomic studies because the
population is hybrid and open, with accelerated genetic drift. The various
discriminant analyses provide the optimal character selection technique.
Variance components of individual characters should also be analysed to enable
character improvement. Different ways of incorporating descriptor usage into
the plant breeding program are discussed.
Optimised descriptors recommended for Australian sugarcane germplasm (Saccharum spp. hybrid)
Authors: Gallacher D. J.
Published: August 2004

No internationally accepted system of describing sugarcane cultivars has ever
emerged, despite repeated attempts. An internationally adopted descriptor set
would enable cultivar label maintenance both within and among research
stations, and enable an international measure of genetic distance. An optimum
morphological descriptor set was formulated after an exhaustive study of
characters. Characters were selected using both a monothetic and a polythetic
discriminant analysis, and from a study of character variance components.
Twenty-nine vegetative characters are recommended for adoption and general
use. A further 22 reproductive characters are recommended for secondary use.
The latter are descriptive, but less practical as flowering rate is often low.
These morphological characters are compared with molecular marker studies in
the crop.
On the extent of genetic variation for transpiration efficiency in sorghum
Authors: Hammer Graeme L. , Farquhar Graham D. , Broad Ian J.
Published: August 2004

A glasshouse study examined 49 diverse sorghum lines for variation in
transpiration efficiency. Three of the 49 lines grown were
Sorghum spp. native to Australia; one was the major weed
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), and the remaining 45
lines were cultivars of Sorghum bicolor. All plants were
grown under non-limiting water and nutrient conditions using a semi-automatic
pot watering system designed to facilitate accurate measurement of water use.
Plants were harvested 56–58 days after sowing and dry weights of plant
parts were determined. Transpiration efficiency differed signficantly among
cultivars. The 3 Australian native sorghums had much lower transpiration
efficiency than the other 46 cultivars, which ranged from 7·7 to
6·0 g/kg. For the 46 diverse cultivars, the ratio of range in
transpiration efficiency to its l.s.d. was 2·0, which was similar to
that found among more adapted cultivars in a previous study. This is a
significant finding as it suggests that there is likely to be little pay-off
from pursuing screening of unadapted material for increased variation in
transpiration efficiency. It is necessary, however, also to examine absolute
levels of transpiration efficiency to determine whether increased levels have
been found. The cultivar with greatest transpiration efficiency in this study
(IS9710) had a value 9% greater (P <
0·05) than the accepted standard for adapted sorghum cultivars. The
potential impact of such an increase in transpiration efficiency warrants
continued effort to capture it. Transpiration efficiency has been related
theoretically and experimentally to the degree of carbon isotope
discrimination in leaf tissue in sorghum, which thus offers a relatively
simple selection index. In this study, the variation in transpiration
efficiency was not related simply to carbon isotope discrimination.
Significant associations of transpiration efficiency with ash content and
indices of photosynthetic capacity were found. However, the associations were
not strong. These results suggest that a simple screening technique could not
be based on any of the measures or indices analysed in this study. A better
understanding of the physiological basis of the observed genetic differences
in transpiration efficiency may assist in developing reliable selection
indices. It was concluded that the potential value of the improvement in
transpiration efficiency over the accepted standard and the degree of genetic
variation found warrant further study on this subject. It was suggested that
screening for genetic variation under water-limiting conditions may provide
useful insights and should be pursued.
No-time dough baking performance and mixing properties of Canadian Red Spring wheat cultivars using Canadian and Australian test procedures
Authors: Preston K. R. , Quail K. J. , Zounis S. , Gras P. W.
Published: August 2004

The mixing properties and baking performance of 17 Canada Western Red Spring
wheat varieties and advanced breadwheat lines grown under the same
environmental conditions have been assessed using Canadian and Australian test
bake procedures with emphasis on no-time dough processes. Mixing times with
the Australian rapid dough process (RDP) were considerably shorter than those
obtained with the Canadian short process (CSP). However, a very high
correlation was obtained for mixing time with the RDP and the CSP, indicating
a similar ability to rank cultivar bake mixing requirements. Dough development
times obtained from normal and high speed (180 rpm) farinograms and
micro-mixograms were found to be poor predictors of CSP and RDP mixing time.
Cultivars generally showed good to excellent baking performance with the 2
no-time procedures (RDP and CSP) and the Australian fermented dough procedure
(FDP). High correlations and similar cultivar rankings were obtained for loaf
volume and bread score with the CSP and FDP. However, no significant
correlations and different cultivar rankings were obtained between RDP and CSP
(or FDP), indicating that different quality properties may determine relative
cultivar baking performance. These results also suggest that both no-time
dough procedures may be required in breeder selection and quality monitoring
programs to ensure superior breadwheat performance in domestic and export
markets.
Triticale and barley for grain and for dual-purpose (forage+grain) in a Mediterranean-type environment. II. Yield, yield components, and quality
Authors: Royo C. , Tribó F.
Published: August 2004

Four field experiments were conducted over 2 years and at 2 sites under
irrigation and with high soil fertility in north-eastern Spain. Two 6-rowed
barley varieties, 3 spring triticales, and 2 winter triticales were evaluated
for grain yield and for forage and grain production in the same cropping
season. Forage was cut at the first node detectable stage and grain was
harvested at ripening in both cut and uncut plots.
Forage and grain yields did not differ significantly between species. Forage
yield was positively and strongly related to the time between sowing and
cutting.
Forage quality and grain protein content were similar in barley, spring
triticale, and winter triticale. Forage crude protein averaged
25·3%, digestible crude protein 19·4%, and acid
detergent fibre 21·9%. Grain protein content averaged
15·4%.
The reduction in grain yield caused by clipping ranged from 7 to 70% in
barley, 10 to 21% in spring triticale, and 8 to 24% in winter
triticale. Grain yield after cutting decreased drastically when the thermal
time between cutting and physiological maturity was lower than 1000 growing
degree-days (GDD), being independent of this duration for values >1100 GDD.
Reductions in grain yield after forage removal were caused mainly by
reductions in grain weight.
A strong relationship appeared between grain yield in the uncut treatment and
grain yield after forage removal, suggesting that breeding for dual purpose
could take advantage of the efforts made to increase grain yield potential.
Transformation in soil and turnover to wheat of nitrogen from components of grazed pasture in the south of Western Australia
Authors: Thompson R. B. , Fillery I. R. P.
Published: August 2004

Nitrogen (N) mineralisation from mature subterranean clover
(Trifolium subterraneum L.) shoots and roots and from
sheep urine and faeces, and N uptake by wheat from the shoots, urine, and
faeces, were determined with 15 N in a field study in the Western Australian
wheatbelt. Treatments were applied to the soil surface of confined micro-plots
in autumn and incorporated into soil immediately before wheat was sown in
winter. Mature subterranean clover shoots containing 18 kg N/ha were
applied to the soil surface, and root material containing 17 kg N/ha was
mixed into soil. 15N-labelled urine and faeces were
obtained from housed sheep fed 15N-labelled wheat straw
and grain. Urine was applied at the rates of 151 and 301 kg N/ha, and
faeces was added at the rate of 47 kg N/ha. There was a loss of 14%
of shoot 15N in the 2 months this residue was on the
soil surface, although very little mineralisation occurred. On the assumption
that wind-blow caused the initial loss of 15N,
28% of shoot N mineralised in 6 months following incorporation of shoot
residues into soil, and crop recovery was 11% of the
15N applied. N mineralisation from the mature roots was
26% in 6 months. NH3 volatilisation from urine,
estimated by difference, was 25% for high urine (0·517
mL/cm2) and 33% for low urine (0·258
mL/cm2) application rates, the loss occurring in
the first 2 weeks. Wheat uptake was 23% of the high urine
15N and 22% of the low urine
15N. Leaching losses from unplanted micro-plots were
approximately 25-30% of urine 15N. In contrast,
leaching losses from planted micro-plots were estimated to be approximately
10% of urine 15N. Approximately 30% of
faecal N was mineralised and recovery of faeces N by wheat was 1% of
applied 15N. The relative contributions of these
components to N turnover in the ley pasture wheat rotation are discussed. It
is concluded that assessments of the potential turnover of N in pastures to
cropping phases need to consider the low rates of N mineralisation of
above-ground herbage, the potential for supply of N from the total root
system, the effect of grazing on NH3volatilisation, and
consequent loss of N fixed by legumes.