bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attraction of Drosophila Huzzatii and D. Aldrichi to Species of Yeasts Isolated From their·Natural Environment. 11. Field Experiments
Authors: Barker JSF , Toll GL , East PD , Widders PR
Published: July 2016

In three experiments done in one natural population over an 18-month period, D. buzzatii showed differential attraction to five yeast strains isolated from rotting Opuntia inermis, but the relative attractiveness of the yeasts was not the same in all experiments. There were indi~tions that these changes in attractiveness could be related to the relative frequencies of the yeasts in natural rots at the time of each experiment.
Polyethylene glycol-induced Attachment of Human Spermatozoa to Zona-free Rat Ova in vitro
Authors: Quinn P
Published: July 2016

When human spermatozoa are incubated with zona-free ova in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), the spermatozoa attach to the ova. Although the binding occurs when bovine serum albumin (BSA) is omitted from the incubation medium, the spermatozoa are better maintained and bind in higher numbers in the presence of both PEG and BSA. No spermatozoa bind to zona-intact ova or to zona-free ova in the absence of PEG. The number of spermatozoa bound to ova is dependent on the concentration of PEG (optimum between 10 and 15 % wjv), time of incubation (increases linearly) and concentration of spermatozoa (increases linearly).
Effects of Induction of Parturition in Ewes with Dexamethasone or Oestrogen on Concentrations of Immunoglobulins in Colostrum, and Absorption of Immunoglobulins by Lambs
Authors: Dawe ST , Husband AJ , Langford CM
Published: July 2016

Immunoglobulins were measured in colostral whey from untreated ewes or ewes treated on days 142-145 of gestation with 15 mg oestradiol benzoate (ODB) or 10, 17�5 or 25 mg dexamethasone m-sulfobenzoate (DEX) to induce parturition. DEX at all levels reduced the concentrations of immunoglobulins in colostrum, but ODB had no effect. In a second experiment, similar treatments of ODB and DEX were applied on day 143 of gestation. Lambs were removed from their dams at birth and fed a standard volume of pooled colostrum taken from untreated ewes. They were injected with an antigen (Brucella abortus) at 12 hand 4 weeks of age .. Concentrations of immunoglobulins in blood plasma at 24 h after birth of lambs from DEX-treated ewes were lower than for lambs from untreated ewes or from those treated with ODB. Response to the antigen, monitored to 12 weeks of age, was unaffected by either drug. The impairment of transfer of immunoglobulins from ewe to lamb offers a possible explanation for the higher mortality among older lambs found previously after treatment of ewes with DEX.
Oxine, Ferric Oxine and Copper Oxine as Inhibitors of Growth and Differentiation of Allomyces macrogynus
Authors: Youatt Jean
Published: July 2016

Oxine is an inhibitor of growth and differentiation in A. macrogynus. Growth was inhibited by as little as 4 Jlg/ml and the first effect observed was inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, followed by inhibition of protein synthesis. Consistent inhibition by oxine of the development of zoosporangia in starving plants required a concentration of 60 Jlg/m!. The degradation of RNA, always observed in starving plants, continued in the presence of oxine, showing that this is an independent phenomenon. When glucose was available, oxine increased the synthesis of trehalose without a comparable effect on glycogen synthesis. Cycloheximide increased trehalose synthesis to an even greater extent. The inhibition of glucose metabolism by oxine was concentration- and time-dependent. Oxine inhibition was reversible on transfer to nutrient solutions.
Some Effects of Dexamethasone on Nucleic Acid Metabolism in Skin of Merino Sheep
Authors: Panaretto BA , Leish Z , Donnelly JB
Published: July 2016

The effects .of 8-day intraven.ous infusi.ons .of dexamethas.one .on de.oxyrib.onucleic and rib.onucleic acid metab.olism have been examined in the skin .of the Merin.o sheep.
The Importance of Glucose Supply at the Initiation of Artificial Lactation in the Ewe
Authors: Leenanuruksa D , McDowell GH
Published: July 2016

Ewes induced to lactate artificially were given continuous intravenous infusions of either saline or glucose in saline during the first 5 days of lactation. Glucose-infused ewes secreted significantly greater (P < 0�05) amounts of milk than control ewes during the first 10 days of lactation. On the tenth day of lactation glucose-infused ewes secreted approximately twice as much milk as control ewes (c. 320 v. 160 g/day). Plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin were significantly higher (P < O� 05) on the first 2 days of lactation for glucose-infused than control ewes.
Investigation of Some Amino Acid Analogues and Metabolites as Inhibitors of Wool and Hair Growth
Authors: Reis PJ , Tunks DA , Rigby RDG , Morton TC , Munro SG
Published: July 2016

Sheep were given intravenous infusions of ethionine together with cycloleucine or reduced glutathione, in attempts to prevent the inhibition of wool growth by ethionine. Other sheep were given cycloleucine alone to measure effects on wool growth. Twenty-two compounds related to cystine, methionine, ethionine, lysine, phenylalanine and tyrosine were given as intravenous infusions to sheep to investigate their potential as depilatory agents. Nineteen of these compounds were also tested in mice during their first cycle of hair growth. The concurrent administration of cycloleucine with ethionine prevented the weakening of wool fibres caused by ethionine, but reduced glutathione was ineffective. Cycloleucine weakened wool fibres, as judged subjectively, and caused a small reduction in fibre diameter. Selenocystine and selenomethionine caused some hair loss in mice but selenocystine was also toxic. Both seleno-amino acids were toxic for sheep; selenocystine was lethal at 0�025 mmol kg- o.75 and selenomethionine at 0�09 mmol kg- O. 75 ? Doses that permitted survival of sheep did not have depilatory effects. However, the presence of autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm of follicle bulb cells of sheep indicated that a toxic dose of selenocystine had potential depilatory activity. Other compounds investigated did not induce loss of wool or hair. Some compounds, notably 3-methylthiopropionic acid and S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine, were toxic to mice but not sheep. The methionine analogue, methoxinine (O-methyl-DL-homoserine), caused a substantial reduction in the strength of wool fibres and a prolonged alteration of the crimp pattern. It is suggested tentatively that cycloleucine inhibits methionine adenosyltransferase and thereby reduces or prevents the formation of S-adenosylethionine. The failure of various compounds related to methionine and ethionine to have any depilatory activity in sheep supports the view that ethionine influences wool growth via the formation of S-adenosylethionine.
Corrigendum
Authors: E Wastney M
Published: July 2016

The equation at the foot of page 383 should read:
Ovarian Follicles of New-born Merino Lambs from Genetic Lines which Differ in Fecundity
Authors: J Tassell Robin , Kennedy JP , Bindon M , Piper LR
Published: July 2016

Ovaries were obtained from 78 new-born lambs (12 singletons, 25 twins, 28 triplets, 10 quadruplets and 3 quintuplets) from flocks selected for (T902, T903 and Booroola) or against (0) multiple births. Sections of the ovaries were examined with a projection microscope and the numbers of all types of follicles were estimated. There were no differences between genetic lines in the number of primordial follicles, after adjustment for litter size and sire; however, there were significantly more of these follicles in single-born lambs than in lambs born in litters of two or more within genetic lines. The number of vesicular follicles was lower in Booroola than in 0 lambs.
Formation of O-Ethylhomoserine during the Controlled Production of Resistant Sporangia in Allomyces macrogynus
Authors: Youatt Jean
Published: July 2016

Evidence is presented that O-ethylhomoserine which accumulates in the amino acid pools of A. macrogynus before the development of resistant sporangia is synthesized from homoserine and ethanol, the enzyme being produced in response to methionine deficiency. A requirement for suboptimal aeration in the development of the sporangia is accounted for by a need to produce ethanol from glucose. A. macrogynus has a limited ability to synthesize methionine and it is suggested that accumulation of O-ethylhomoserine inhibits this synthesis.
Different Acute Effects of the Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitors a-Methyl-p-Tyrosine and 3-Iodo-L-Tyrosine on Hypothalamic Noradrenaline Activity and Adrenocorticotrophin Release in the Rat
Authors: Smythe GA , Bradshaw JE
Published: July 2016

Computerized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques using selected ion monitoring and deuterated internal standards were used to assay simultaneously the medial basal hypothalamic concentrations of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) and their major metabolites in individual rats 30 min after the administration of two different inhibitors of tyrosine hydroxylase, a-methyl-ptyrosine (a-MT) and 3-iodo-L-tyrosine (MIT). Consistent with inhibition of DA synthesis, administration of both a-MT and MIT resulted in marked reductions (P<O� 005) in the hypothalamic concentrations of DA and its metabolite homovanillic acid as well as in highly significant increases in prolactin secretion. a-MT administration, but not MIT, resulted in a highly significant decrease in NA concentration and a highly significant increase in the concentration of the NA metabolite 3,4- dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DHPG). The hypothalamic ratio DHPG/NA was thus markedly increased (P<O� 005) by a-MT indicating increased NA neuronal activity. a-MT administration also resulted in increased ACTH secretion (P<O� 0005), an effect not observed following MIT
Isolation of a New Arbovirus from the Tick Argas robertsi from a Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis coromandus) Colony in Australia
Authors: D St George T , Cybinski DH , JMain A , McKilligan N , Kemp DH
Published: July 2016

A new arbovirus was isolated from ticks of the species A. robertsi collected on 3 January 1980 from trees in which B. ibis coromandus was breeding. The breeding site is located in a swamp at latitude 27�S.,longitude 152"E. in south-east Queensland. Larvae, nymphs and adults of A. robertsi were observed to feed on egrets. The serum of 29 out of 37 egrets from the same colony contained neutralizing antibodies to the virus. No information is available on the pathogenicity of this virus for cattle egrets, or other species of bird. Lake Clarendon virus is suggested as the name for this new virus.
Sex-chromosome Mosaicism in the Lemur-like Possum Hemibelideus lemuroides (Marsupialia: Petauridae)
Authors: McKay GM , McQuade LR , Murray JD , von Sturmer SR
Published: July 2016

A regular system of sex chromosome mosaicism in a somatic tissue is reported in H. lemuroides. Spermatogonial mitosis and cultured fibroblast cells are 2n = 20, while most bone marrow cells from both males and females are 2n = 19. In males the Y chromosome is lost and in females one of the X chromosomes.
Reproductive Biology of the Booroola Merino Sheep
Authors: Bindon BM
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the genetic and physiological characteristics of the Booroola Merino, one of the four most prolific sheep breeds in the world, and which was acquired by CSIRO in 1958 from a commercial sheep property, 'Booroola', Cooma, N.S.W. The exceptional prolificacy of this genotypee. g. mean flock ovulation rate in 1982 of 4�2 (range 1-10) and mean litter size of 2� 5 (range 1-7)is largely attributable to a single gene (F) of uncertain origin which increases ovulation rate. Crosses of the Booroola with other Merinos produce progeny which have a 47-87% increase in ovulation rate, a 45-56% increase in litter size at birth, and a 1-33% reduction in lamb survival relative to control Merinos. This represents a 16-37% increase in the number of lambs weaned per ewe joined in favour of the Booroola crosses.
Erythemal Response of Biologically Denuded Sheep to Sunlight and the Effects on Skin Structure and Wool Growth
Authors: Chapman RE , Bennett JW , B Carter N
Published: July 2016

Minimal erythema was produced in the skin of three Merino sheep, which had been denuded with cyclophosphamide, with I . I sunburn units of solar erythemal ultraviolet radiation, as measured by a magnesium tungstate detector. The pigmented skin of two Suffolk sheep required 1�7-4�2 sunburn units, depending on the degree of pigmentation. A single dose of 5 sunburn units induced encrustation of the skin 4 days later in both the Merinos and Suffolks.
Oncogenes
Authors: M Adams Jerry
Published: July 2016

A barrage of information is now emerging about one of the thorniest and most significant problems in biology: the nature of the genetic events that trigger neoplasia. While the notion that cancer reflects somatic mutations is several decades old, only in the last few years could the relevant 'oncogenes' be identified and put to molecular dissection. The concept of oncogenes first solidified when the ability of tumourigenic viruses to induce experimental tumours in animals proved to reside in only one or two viral genes. Over the last five years, increasing evidence has accumulated that spontaneous tumours, including those of man, also reflect the action of only a few genes but, remarkably, these constitute part of the normal genome: the 'cellular oncogenes' [see Land et af. (1983) for a short review and Bishop (1983) for a longer one]. A cellular oncogene represents, in current dogma, a gene that can promote neoplasia if expressed inappropriately; that is, at the wrong level, in the wrong cell lineage, at the wrong stage of differentiation, or in altered form. Thus somatic mutations, or more rarely germline alterations, that change the regulation or structure of an oncogene may be conducive to the cancerous state, presumably because the gene product alters the normal growth control of the cell. The number of genes with oncogenic potential is not known, but 30-100 would be a plausible estimate.
Constituents of Platypus and Echidna Milk, with Particular Reference to the Fatty Acid Complement of the Triglycerides
Authors: Grijfiths Mervyn , Green Brian , MC Leckie R , Messer MichaeI , Newgrain KW
Published: July 2016

The mature milk of platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) exhibit 39� 1 gf 1 00 g solids, of which crude lipid accounts for 22�2% crude protein 8�2%, hexose 3�3% and sialic acid 0�43%; iron is in high concentration, 21�1 mgfl. Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) milk is more concentrated, containing 48�9% solids, with lipid. protein, hexose and sialic acid accounting for 31 �0, 12�4, 1� 6 and O� 70% respectively; it is even richer in iron, 33�3 mgfl
Isolation of Arboviruses from Insects Collected at Beatrice Hill, Northern Territory of Australia, 1974?1976
Authors: StandJast HA , Dyce AL , D St George T , JMuller M , Doherty RL , Carley JG , Filippich CheryI
Published: July 2016

Between October 1974 and May 1976, 57596 mosquitoes, 169957 Culicoides, 5923 Lasiohelea and 1043 phlebotomines were collected for virus isolation at Beatrice Hill (lat. 12�39'S.,long. 131�20'E.) in the Northern Territory of Australia. A total of 94 viruses belonging to 22 different serological groupings was isolated. The following species of insect yielded viruses which were identified and those viruses marked with an asterisk represent a new record of insect host:
Partitioning of Nutrients in Merino Ewes. I. Contribution of Skeletal Muscle, the Pregnant Uterus and the Lactating Mammary Gland to total Energy Expenditure
Authors: H Oddy V , Gooden JM , Annison EF
Published: July 2016

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Comparative Profiles of the Hexose Monophosphate Dehydrogenases in Rat Tissues over the Lactation Cycle
Authors: N Martins Ralph , E Hartmann Peter , B Stokes Gilbert
Published: July 2016

The mammary gland tissue hexose monophosphate dehydrogenase activities were low in virgin, pregnant and weaned rats, but increased at the onset of lactation. The muscle and liver giucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity peaked at early and late lactation respectively. The liver 6-phosphogiuconate dehydrogenase peaked in late pregnancy and remained elevated through lactation. The muscle 6- phosphogiuconate dehydrogenase peaked at the onset of lactation. The adipose tissue hexose monophosphate dehydrogenases exhibited small changes during pregnancy and lactation. The spleen hexose monophosphate dehydrogenases did not respond to lactation An overshoot in both the liver and the adipose tissue hexose monophosphate dehydrogenases was observed on weaning. Serum glucose levels remained unchanged throughout pregnancy, lactation and weaning. Only liver glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity correlated with plasma insulin, which also correlated positively with food consumption. The results demonstrate that tissue-specific control of the hexose monophosphate dehydrogenases occurs in the female rat during its complete lactation cycle.
Influence of Environmental Factors on the Metabolism of Glucose by Preimplantation Mouse Embryos in vitro
Authors: Edirisinghe WR , Wales RG
Published: July 2016

The metabolism of glucose by late pre implantation mouse embryos was studied in a variety of media whose composition had been changed to reflect the environmental conditions in the uterus more closely than do standard culture media. The effects of combinations of energy substrates, the presence or absence of amino acids and the level of potassium in the medium were investigated.
Quantitative Studies of Compensatory Testicular Hypertrophy Following Unilateral Castration in the Boar
Authors: H Putra DK , Blackshaw AW
Published: July 2016

Unilateral castration of Large White x Landrace boars at monthly intervals up to 5 months of age, with the remaining testis being removed 2 months later, resulted in compensatory hypertrophy of the testis which decreased with age. In pigs 3 and 4 months old there was significant hypertrophy of the testis but at 5 and 7 months of age testicular weight of the hemicastrates did not differ significantly from control values. The increase in the testicular weight of unilaterally castrated pigs was correlated with an increase in the number of Sertoli and germ cells at 3 months of age and germ cells at 4 months of age occupying the seminiferous epithelium. This was correlated with increased total seminiferous tubule length and larger cross-sectional area of the tubule. Sertoli cell occupancy did not differ significantly between unilaterally castrated and intact boars.
Autoradiographical Localization of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Receptors on Rat Testicular Intertubular Cells Fractionated on Percoll Density Gradients
Authors: Hedger MP , Risbridger OP , de Kretser DM
Published: July 2016

The specific binding of 125I-1abelled [D-Ser(tBu)6,des-GlyNH21OJ LHRH ethylamide (LHRH-A) to testicular intertubular cells fractionated on Percoll density gradients was investigated. The greatest binding per cell occurred in the density region which contained the largest proportion of Leydig cells (sp. gr. 1�0820-1�0585). Autoradiographs of the cells from this region confirmed that silver stains were predominantly located over the Leydig cell, significantly (P < 0�01) more grains were observed over this cell type in the total binding fractions than in the non-specific binding fractions. However, 5�9% of cells other than Leydig cells (testicular macrophages and indeterminate connective tissue cells) from this region also displayed significant disp1aceable binding (P < 0�01). The location of HRH-A binding to cells in other density regions, which did not contain identifiable Leydig cells, could not be established by autoradiography. These results confirm that the Leydig cell possesses LHRH receptors, but also indicate that other testicular cells have specific, highaffinity binding sites for LHRH-A, and may either be responsive to direct stimulation by LHRH, or may partially mediate the effects of LHRH and its agonists on Leydig cell function.
Effect of Selection on Oviposition Site Preference in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ruiz Dubreuil Gladys , deI Solar Eduardo
Published: July 2016

A divergent selection program for gregarious oviposition behaviour was carried out for 112 generations on cage population of D. melanogaster. Gregarious oviposition was measured using five different indices: number of occupied tubes, percentage of eggs in the preferred tube, mean variance ratio, Charlier coefficient of disturbance and k parameter of the negative binomial distribution. All these statistics showed similar tendencies, but k seemed to be the most sensitive indicator of intensity of aggregation. The high aggregation line showed a rapid initial response but little change later. In contrast, the low aggregation line showed a steady but slow response to selection. The realized heritability for the low line in generations 67-73 was 0�11 � 0�04.
Effects of Methoxinine, an Analogue of Methionine, on the Growth and Morphology of Wool Fibres
Authors: Reis PJ , Tunks DA , Rigby RDG , Munro SG , Edols RW
Published: July 2016

Methoxinine (O-methyl-DL-homoserine) was given to 18 Merino sheep by intravenous infusion or injection in amounts of 52-100 mg/kg body weight. Effects on strength, morphology and growth rate of wool fibres were studied.
Production of Steroids and Release of Prostaglandins by Spherical Pig Blastocysts in vitro
Authors: Stone BA , Seamark RF , Kelly RW , Deam S
Published: July 2016

Levels of pregnenolone and progesterone in spherical pig blastocysts (near 4 and 15 /lM respectively) exceeded respective levels in histotroph by about 400-fold. When blastocysts were cultured for 5 days in a synthetic medium containing pregnenolone sulfate (l /lM), daily rates of release of pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, oestrone and oestradiol were determined to be near 320, 45, 2.6, 27, O' 8 and 9� 2 fmol per blastocyst respectively. Daily outputs of progesterone and testosterone (fmol per blastocyst) diminished (P < O' 05) to l' 3 and undetectable levels � 2) respectively in the presence of Trilostane (94 /lM). Increasing the content of pregnenolone sulfate in the culture medium (to 4�5 /lM) resulted in higher daily rates of release of pregnenolone and progesterone (to near 1740 and 380 fmol per blastocyst respectively), verifying activity of 3i1-hydroxy-Ll5-steroid dehydrogenase, and of arylsulfatase, in tissues of intact spherical pig blastocysts. Prostaglandin E2 was the predominant prostaglandin (PG) released by cultured blastocysts (about 1 fmol per blastocyst per hour), hourly rates of release of PGH2 (derived) and PGF2" being near 0�1 and <0�06 fmol per blastocyst respectively.
Time Required for Spermatozoa to Remain in the Vagina of the Ewe to Ensure Conception
Authors: Tilbrook AJ , Pearce DT
Published: July 2016

Oestrous ewes (N = 202) were inseminated with O� I ml of semen containing 500 X 106 motile spermatozoa and the spermatozoa were flushed from their vaginae either immediately or 0'25, 0'5, I, 2, 4 and 8 h after insemination. Pregnancy was determined by returns to service and laparoscopy. Some ewes became pregnant (l0' 71 %) after spermatozoa had been flushed from the vagina only seconds after insemination and about 40% of ewes became pregnant after spermatozoa had been in the vagina for 15 min. Maximum conception (55%) was achieved when spermatozoa had been in the vagina for at least 2 h. It was concluded that the losses of spermatozoa that occur from the vagina will not influence the chance of a ewe conceiving because sufficient spermatozoa to ensure a normal conception move up the reproductive tract before large losses from the vagina take effect.
Bacteria Associated with some Dacus Species (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their Host Fruit in Queensland
Authors: Lloyd AC , Drew RAI , Teakle DS , Hayward AC
Published: July 2016

Over a period of 18 months the bacteria associated with approximately 70 adult flies of four Dacus species were isolated and identified. The flies were D. tryoni (Froggatt) and D. neohumeralis Hardy from guava (Psidium guajava L.), mulberry (Morus nigra L.) and peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], D. cacuminatus (Hering) from wild tobacco (Solanum mauritianum Scop.), and D. musae (Tryon) from banana (Musa paradisiaca L.), and were collected in the field when these host plants were fruiting. All flies examined were surface-sterilized prior to aseptic dissection in which crop and mid-gut (stomach) or oesophageal bulbs were removed for culturing. Bacteria were also isolated from faeces of field-collected flies, as well as from host fruit surfaces, oviposition sites and larvae-infested tissue in host fruit. The predominant bacteria found in the alimentary tract of flies and in associated fruit specimens were members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Klebsiella oxytoca, Erwinia herbicola and Enterobacter cloacae were the most frequently isolated species, with Serratia spp., Citrobacter jreundii, Proteus spp., Providencia rettgeri and Escherichia coli, being found less frequently. No one bacterial species was found to be consistently associated with anyone fly species. The bacterial species found most frequently in the alimentary tract were also found in large numbers on the surfaces of host fruit and in stung fruit.
Inhibition of Fructolytic Enzymes in Boar Spermatozoa by (S)-a-Chlorohydrin and l-Chloro-3-hydroxypropanone
Authors: RJones A , Bubb WA , Murdoch SR , Stevenson DA
Published: July 2016

When boar spermatozoa were incubated with the (S)-isomer of the male antifertility agent a-chlorohydrin the activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was inhibited. The (R)-isomer had no significant effect on the activity of this enzyme whereas (R,S)-3-chlorolactaldehyde caused an inhibition of its activity and also in that of lactate dehydrogenase. The in vitro production of (S)-3-chlorolactaldehyde, the active metabolite of (S)-a-chlorohydrin, was attempted by incubating boar spermatozoa with l-chloro-3- hydroxypropanone. Preliminary results lead us to propose that this compound is converted into (S)-3- chlorolactaldehyde as well as to another metabolite which is an inhibitor of other enzymes within the fructolytic pathway.
Prolactin Response in Border-Leicester X Merino Ewes to Administration of Melatonin, Melatonin Analogues, a Melatonin Metabolite and 6-Methoxybenzoxazolinone
Authors: Kennaway DJ , Royles P , A Dunstan E , Hugel HM
Published: July 2016

The effect of structural modifications of the melatonin molecule on plasma half-life of the analogues and basal prolactin secretion was studied in Border-Leicester x Merino ewes. Halogenation at position 6 and/or unsaturation of the 2,3-double bond of the melatonin molecule slightly lengthened the halflife of the analogues. Melatonin, 6-chloromelatonin, 2,3-dihydromelatonin and 6-chloro-2,3-dihydromelatonin decreased plasma prolactin to 31, 45, 54 and 48% of control levels respectively when administered daily (100 p.g at 1600 h) for 21 days. The brain metabolite of melatonin, N-acetyl-N'-formyl- 5-methoxykynurenamine, and the putative natural melatonin analogue, 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone, failed to affect prolactin levels when administered in a similar manner. These results indicate that certain structural modifications to the melatonin molecule can be tolerated biologically; however, the modifications reported here still did not prevent rapid clearance from the circulation.
Preliminary Studies of the Complement Fixation Test to Confirm the Diagnosis of Bovine Ephemeral Fever
Authors: Wenbin Bai , Fenglan Tian , Chun Wang , Chunling Jiang , Zhigang Zhang
Published: July 2016

A strain of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) virus isolated in China in 1976 was adapted to growth in tissue cultures. A baby hamster kidney complement fixing (CF) antigen, stable at - 20cC for at least 120 days, was prepared from the BEF virus grown in tissue culture and used to test bovine sera for antibodies to that virus. CF antibodies were detected in all of 31 cattle after convalescence from experimental infection with BEF virus, in 208 (98%) of 213 cattle observed to have shown clinical ephemeral fever in an epidemic, in 96 cattle in these herds which did not show clinical signs of ephemeral fever and 16 cattle from herds in northern China outside the epidemic area. The CF antibodies to BEF virus were found to persist in 34 (89%) of 38 cattle which were bled 6 years after natural exposure to ephemeral fever. The CF antigen is economical to prepare and is suitable to differentiate ephemeral fever from other viral infections with which it could possibly be confused on clinical appearance.
Influence of Ocular Morphology on Mating Speed and Duration of Copulation in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: de Juana Concepción , Dolores Ochando M
Published: July 2016

The possible effects on the sexual behaviour of D. melanogaster of mutants in which sensory organs needed for mating are affected were studied. Four ocular mutants were used and two parameters of sexual behaviour were measured: mating speed and duration of copulation. A clear influence of the mutants was observed on mating speed but not on duration of copulation. The influence on mating speed was greater for the mutants with more severe morphological phenotypes.
Evolution of Mammalian X-chromosome Inactivation: Sex Chromatin in Monotremes and Marsupials
Authors: M McKay Lynette , M Wrigley Jaclyn , A MarshalI Graves Jennifer
Published: July 2016

The inactive mammalian X-chromosome is always late-replicating, and in eutherian mammals it is heterochromatic and hypermethylated. We propose that this multistep system has evolved from a more primitive system, remnants of which may be found in marsupials and monotremes.
Adrenaline Stimulation of Phospholipid Metabolism in Adipocyte Ghosts
Authors: Mann David , M Bersten Audrey
Published: July 2016

The incorporation of long-chain fatty acids into phospholipids has been detected in adipocyte ghosts that were incubated with [1_14 C] stearic, [1_14 C] linoleic or [l_14C] arachidonic acid. Adrenaline and adenosine activated this incorporation within 15 s of exposure of the ghosts to the hormones and the response was dose dependent. Maximum incorporation of labelled linoleic acid occurred at 10-5 M adrenaline and 10-7 M adenosine. The a-agonist phenylephrine and the ~-agonist isoproterenol were also shown to stimulate the incorporation of fatty acid in a dose dependent manner. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol were each labelled preferentially with linoleic or arachidonic acid. p-Bromophenacylbromide, quinacrine and centrophenoxine inhibited the adrenaline-stimulated incorporation of fatty acids into ghost membrane phospholipids, and p-bromophenacylbromide also reduced the activation of adenylate cyclase by adrenaline. NaF, an activator of adenylate cyclase, like adrenaline, stimulated the incorporation of linoleic acid into ghost membrane phospholipids.
Growth Performance and Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones and Growth Hormone in Plasma of Broilers at High Temperatures
Authors: P Sinurat A , Balnave D , McDowell GH
Published: July 2016

Responses of broiler chickens to a high ambient temperature (35�C) were measured in two experiments. In one experiment temperatures were increased abruptly from 21�C to a daily range of 21-35�C whereas, in the other, temperatures were increased more gradually over 6 days. The high temperatures were maintained for 5 h/day. In' both experiments, birds exposed to the high temperatures ate less food and gained less liveweight than birds maintained at 21�C. Efficiency of food conversion to liveweight gain and body composition were not affected by high temperature but there was a tendency for thyroid weight to decrease. Overall, the plasma concentration of triiodothyronine (T 3) decreased and the plasma concentration of thyroxine (T4) increased, resulting in a decreased T/T4 molar ratio, during exposure to high temperature. The concentration of plasma growth hormone, but not plasma reverse T 3' was increased by high temperature. The initial responses to increased temperature were variable, with birds exposed more gradually adjusting relatively well until the maximum temperature was increased to 35�C. All heated birds readjusted quickly to the daily reduction in temperature to 21�C.
Release of Cuticle from Wool by Agitation in Solutions of Detergents
Authors: F Ley Kevin , Crewther WGordon , F Flanagan George , N Jones Leslie , C Marshall Robert
Published: July 2016

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the progressive disruption of Merino wool during the vigorous agitation of the fibres in aqueous 10J0 (w Iv) solutions of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). In contrast to the general disruption observed when wool was vigorously agitated in formic acid, the cuticle was slowly stripped from the fibre with virtually no release of cortical material unless prolonged periods of agitation were used. A similar type of disruption took place in aqueous 10J0 (w Iv) solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CETAB) and Triton X-lOO. After the agitation in 10J0 (w/v) SDS solution, the released cuticle fragments and the remaining fibres were examined. Only a minority of the cell portions constituting the cuticle fragments had been cleaved within the endocuticle. Often, the fragments included portions from more than one cuticle cell, with the cell junctions still intact. An understanding of the disruptive process was facilitated by the frequent observation, on residual fibres, of low ridges on exposed underlying cuticle cells. These low ridges corresponded with the distal edges of the originally overlying cuticle cells. Amino-acid analysis and scanning electron microscopy performed on preparations of cuticle obtained in solutions of the above detergents and in formic acid indicated close similarities between all of the cuticle preparations.
Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Wool Growth in Merino Sheep
Authors: Wynn PC , Wallace ALC , Kirby AC , Annison EF
Published: July 2016

The effects of daily administration of 10 mg of highly purified ovine growth hormone (GH) for a period of 4 weeks on wool growth have been measured in 12 Merino ewes fed either a calculated maintenance energy intake or 1�6 times this amount (six on each ration). Concentrations of hormones, glucose, urea, a-amino N and amino acids in the blood were monitored and faeces and urine collected for measurement of nitrogen balance.
Short-term Effects of Exogenous Growth Hormone: Effects on Milk Production and Utilization of Nutrients in Muscle and Mammary Tissues of Lactating Ewes
Authors: McDowell GH , Leenanuruksa D , Niumsup P , Gooden JM , van der Walt JG , Smithard R
Published: July 2016

Exogenous bovine growth hormone at a dose of 0�1 mg kg-1liveweight increased yields of milk and milk constituents and milk fat content when injected over 5 days into ewes in mid-lactation. These changes in milk production were associated with changes in the supply to, and utilization of, nutrients by leg muscle and mammary tissues.
Temperature and Humidity of Expired Air of Sheep
Authors: Johnson KG , Callahan SM , Strack R
Published: July 2016

The temperature and humidity of expired air from three adult Merino sheep were measured at air temperatures of 20, 30 and 40�C before and after the animals were shorn. Expired air was apparently always saturated with water vapour. At the higher air temperatures the temperature of expired air was close to deep body temperature; at lower air temperatures, expired air had been significantly cooled, e.g. to 32� 3�C in shorn sheep at 20�C air temperature. Expired air was cooler from shorn than from unshorn animals at 20 and 30�C air temperature, possibly due to thermally induced vasomotor changes in the upper respiratory tract. Cooling of expired air would be expected to lead to recovery of some of the water evaporated during inspiration; at 20�C air temperature, this fraction was estimated to be 25% in unshorn sheep and 36% in shorn sheep.
Effect of Short-term and Long-term Lithium Treatment on Uptake and Retention of 10dine-131 in Rat Thyroid
Authors: Dhawan D , Sharma RR , Sharma R , Dash RJ
Published: July 2016

No significant change occurred in the uptake by the thyroid of male Wistar rats of a standard dose of carrier-free 1311 administered intraperitoneally and its retention by the thyroid, as measured by biological and effective half-life, after feeding these rats a powdered pelleted diet containing lithium carbonate (I . I g per kg of diet) for 7 days. However, continuing this diet for 10 days inhibited thyroid uptake and increased the retention of 131 I. Uptake remained suppressed for up to 4 months after lithium treatment and continuing this treatment for 6 months did not result in any significant change in 1311 uptake by the thryoid. Lithium treatment for 10 days increased the biological and effective half-life of 13l I in the thyroid and this increase continued for the 6 months treatment period. The dose of 13l I delivered to the thyroid was significantly lower after 10 days and I month of lithium treatment but there was no change in this dose after 2 and 4 months of treatment. However, there was a significant increase after 6 months.
Effect of Vitamin C Administration on Serum and Egg-yolk Cholesterol Level of the Chicken
Authors: Al-Janabi AS , AI-Kattib SR , D Taha Z
Published: July 2016

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was given to 144-days-old layer chickens mixed with their ration at three concentrations: 30, 60 and 90 p.p.m. for 6 months. Cholesterol levels in blood serum (CS) and egg yolk (CE) were measured every 6 weeks (four periods); there was a marked decrease in CS in most treated birds, especially those receiving the highest concentration of vitamin C. There was also a slight decrease in CE in most treated birds. Thyroidal weight showed a significant increase in most treated groups, especially those receiving the highest concentration of vitamin C.
Nitrogenase Activity in the Queensland Fruit Fly, Dacus tryoni
Authors: Murphy KM , Mac Rae IC , Teakle DS
Published: July 2016

When 5-day-old laboratory-raised Queensland fruit flies (Dacus tryoni) were fed a dinitrogen-fixing bacterial strain of Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from the crop of a wild fly, acetylene reduction (nitrogenase) activity associated with the flies was detected after 2 to 3 days and persisted for at least 22 days. Flies not fed the dinitrogen-fixing strain were negative for acetylene reduction until 21 days after emergence. Presumably such dinitrogen-fixing bacteria are able to supply some Queensland fruit flies with a small part of their nitrogen requirements, but its importance is unknown.
Insulin Affects Glucose Uptake by Muscle and Mammary Tissues of Lactating Ewes
Authors: Leenanuruksa D , Niumsup P , McDowell GH
Published: July 2016

Effects of insulin on exchanges of glucose across skeletal muscle and mammary tissue were measured in short-term studies in lactating ewes. Insulin secretion was suppressed by a primed/continuous infusion of somatostatin, then insulin was administered by continuous intravenous infusion of doses that were increased, in a step-wise manner, from 0 to 2 U h -I. Plasma glucose was maintained essentially constant by frequent monitoring and intravenous administration of exogenous glucose.
Immunofluorescent and Immunogold Localization of Glutamate Dehydrogenase in the Nodules of Soybean
Authors: Wang MC , R Kennedy I
Published: July 2016

Soybean nodules have been examined for localization of glutamate dehydrogenase, using a monospecific antiserum to the plant enzyme prepared from lupin nodules. By immunofluorescence techniques, glutamate dehydrogenase was located in the cytoplasm at the periphery of infected cells adjacent to air spaces. A more precise localization within soybean-nodule mitochondria was shown by immuno-electron microscopy using protein A-gold labelling of thin sections.
Inheritance of Tail Colour and White-spotting in Conilurus penicillatus (Muridae)
Authors: M Kemper Catherine , H Schmitt Lincoln
Published: July 2016

In the wild, Coni/urus penicillatus has two tail colour morphs, one entirely black and the other with a white distal brush of variable length. These colour morphs have been used in the past for taxonomic purposes. A small proportion (4'6%) of laboratory-reared animals have a white interstitial section. Pedigree data were collected from a laboratory colony (n = 173) established using seven wild-caught animals from the north Kimberley region, Western Australia. The hypothesis tested was that black tail is inherited as a Mendelian character recessive to white tip. Matings between black-tailed individuals always gave black offspring. Crosses between other colour morphs also supported this hypothesis.
Group-specific and Type-specific Gel Diffusion Precipitin Tests for Bluetongue Virus Serotype 20 and Related Viruses
Authors: Sharp JM , R Littlejohns I , D St George T
Published: July 2016

Using antigens prepared from cell cultures infected by bluetongue (BLU) virus type 20 (BLU-20), and sera from cattle which had recovered from experimental infection by that virus, two distinct precipitin reactions were demonstrated by immunodiffusion. Two distinct gel diffusion precipitin tests were developed based on these reactions. The antigen of one was common to BLU-20 and two other Australian BLU isolates, CSIRO 154 (BLU-21) and CSIRO 156 (BLU-l). It was therefore concluded to be a group-specific test. The antigen of the second appeared to be unique to BLU-20. The test based on this antigen correlated well with the virus neutralization test for BLU-20 and it was therefore concluded to be type-specific.
Effects of Scopolamine Hydrobromide on the Development of the Chick and Rabbit Embryo
Authors: McBride WG , Vardy PH , French J
Published: July 2016

The Journal wishes to bring the following to the attention of readers.
Thiols of flagellar proteins are essential for progressive motility in human spermatozoa
Authors: Cabrillana María Eugenia , Monclus María de los Ángeles , Lancellotti Tania Estefania Sáez , Boarelli Paola Vanina , Vincenti Amanda Edith , Fornés Miguel Matias , Sanabria Eduardo Alfredo , Fornés Miguel Walter
Published: July 2016

Male infertility is a disorder of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The presence of low-motile or immotile spermatozoa is one of many causes of infertility; however, this observation provides little or no information regarding the pathogenesis of the malfunction. Good sperm motility depends on correct assembly of the sperm tail in the testis and efficient maturation during epididymal transit. Thiols of flagellar proteins, such as outer dense fibre protein 1 (ODF1), are oxidised to form disulfides during epididymal transit and the spermatozoa become motile. This study was designed to determine how oxidative changes in protein thiol status affect progressive motility in human spermatozoa. Monobromobimane (mBBr) was used as a specific thiol marker and disruptor of sperm progressive motility. When mBBr was blocked by dithiothreitol it did not promote motility changes. The analysis of mBBr-treated spermatozoa revealed a reduction of progressive motility and an increased number of spermatozoa with non-progressive motility without affecting ATP production. Laser confocal microscopy and western blot analysis showed that one of the mBBr-positive proteins reacted with an antibody to ODF1. Monobromobimane fluorescence intensity of the sperm tail was lower in normozoospermic than asthenozoospermic men, suggesting that thiol oxidation in spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic men is incomplete. Our findings indicate that mBBr affects the thiol status of ODF1 in human spermatozoa and interferes with progressive motility.
Question constructions, argument mapping, and vocabulary development in English L2 by Japanese speakers
Authors: Kawaguchi Satomi
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the relationship between vocabulary size (Nation and Beglar 2007) and syntactic learning in English as a second language (ESL) using the framework of Processability Theory (PT, Pienemann 1998, Pienemann et al. 2005). In particular, the study focuses on the syntactic development of question sentences and argument mapping in conjunction with the learner’s current vocabulary size. Nine adult Japanese L1-English L2 speakers in Australia were selected out of a total sample of 22 who sat for the vocabulary size test, three each from Top, Middle and Low vocabulary sizes, to perform two language production tasks: (1) a ‘spot the differences’ task, used for speech profiling and (2) a translation task involving a range of verb categories including unaccusative verbs, psych verbs, as well as passive and causative constructions. The linguistic production of each informant was analysed against PT syntactic stages (Bettoni & Di Biase, 2015) in question sentences and argument mapping. Results suggest that vocabulary and syntactic development progress hand-in-hand. However Low and Mid vocabulary size ESL learners have problems in specific areas of syntax. High vocabulary learners, on the other hand, were able to cope with the whole range of verbs and syntactic constructions investigated in this study. Question sentences and argument mapping were found to be key indicators of ESL learners’ syntactic development. The broad goal of this investigation is to promote intermediate-advanced learners in ESL.
Diagnosing L2-English in the communicative EFL Classroom
Authors: Keßler Jörg-U. , Liebner Mathias
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we outline a solution to the problem that teachers for students in heterogeneous EFL classrooms need to provide lessons that enable language acquisition at different levels (here: stages of the PT Hierarchy). Therefore, we describe a learner- and learning-centred application of Processability Theory (henceforth PT; Pienemann 1998 and 2005) which covers a teaching unit that combines a communicative teaching approach with Second Language Acquisition diagnosis in order to foster L2 acquisition of individual learners in heterogeneous EFL classrooms. The focus here will be on how teachers can cope with heterogeneity in the classroom by offering suitable teaching units. We show how a combination of Task-based Language Teaching (e.g. Ellis 2003; Eckerth & Siepmann 2008) and PT provide the necessary theoretical framework for this teaching unit. Furthermore, Rapid Profile and the Diagnostic Task Cycle (Keßler 2008) are used within this overall framework for the teaching unit presented in this paper. This diagnostic approach should be seen as conceptual since it can be applied to various classroom settings. In the example presented here, students read a novel suitable for teenagers and produce Podcasts and thereby record natural communication in the classroom. This learner output delivers precise knowledge about second language development of each learner in a classroom. On this basis, the teacher can offer developmentally moderated treatment (e.g. Keßler 2008) and developmentally moderated focus on form (Di Biase 2008) to individual learners in heterogeneous EFL classrooms.