bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD36 mRNA and Protein Expression Levels Are Significantly Increased in the Heart and Testis of apoE Deficient Mice in Comparison to Wild Type (C57BL/6)
Authors: Zibara Kazem , Malaud Eric , McGregor John L.
Published: September 2002

CD36, an 88kd‐adhesion molecule, plays a major role as a scavenging receptor implicated in cellular lipid metabolism. Secretory mammary epithelium, microvasculature endothelium, adipocytes, smooth muscle cells, and platelets express CD36. In addition, CD36 expression is significantly enhanced in macrophages differentiating into foam cells. The effect of pathological levels of cholesterol, as observed in apoE−/−, on vascular CD36 expression is, at this stage, not known. In this study, a quantitative analysis of CD36 transcription and protein expression levels, present in tissues of male C57BL/6 and apolipoprotein‐E (apoE) deficient mice was carried out by Northern and Western blots. Four‐week‐old animals were fed a chow diet over different periods of time (0, 6, 16, or 20 weeks). Immunohistochemistry was used to localize CD36 protein expression in the heart and testis. Results indicate that CD36 transcription is increased in hearts of apoE deficient animals (100% higher at 6 weeks, and 30% higher at 16 and 20 weeks) in comparison to wild type. This was confirmed at the protein level, which showed an increase of at least 100% at 6 weeks, and between 40% to 50% increase at 16 and 20 weeks of apoE−/− mice compared to controls. In addition, CD36 transcription levels were significantly increased in testis of apoE animals (at least 100% at 6, 16, and 20 weeks) compared to C57BL/6 wild type. Such an increase was also confirmed at the protein level (65% increase at 16 weeks in apoE mice compared to control). Finally, localization of CD36 protein expression by immunohistochemistry showed that it was expressed in the capillaries of heart and testis endothelial cells and also at the head of spermatozoid during spermatogenesis. These results indicate that high circulating cholesterol levels, in apoE deficient mice, significantly enhance the expression of CD36 in the heart and testis. Such enhanced CD36 expression might lead to organ remodeling and/or dysfunction.
Diversity of the Brain Dystrophin‐Glycoprotein Complex
Authors: Culligan Kevin , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: September 2002

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common inherited
neuromuscular disorder, is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. One third of Duchenne patients suffer a moderate to severe, nonprogressive form of mental retardation. Mutations in the DMD gene are thought to be responsible, with the
shorter isoforms of dystrophin implicated in its molecular brain pathogenesis. It is becoming clear that region‐specific variations in dystrophin isoforms delegate the composition of the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex in brain, and hence, the function
of the specific membrane assembly. Here we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of brain dystrophin, dystrophin‐related proteins and dystrophin‐associated proteins.
Antitumorigenic Evaluation of Thalidomide Alone and in Combination with Cisplatin in DBA2/J Mice
Authors: Ruddy Jean Marie B. , Majumdar Shyamal K.
Published: September 2002

Thalidomide′s reported ability to inhibit angiogenesis has led to clinical trials determining its effectiveness in combating various types of cancer. This study explored thalidomide′s antitumorigenic potential when administered alone and in combination with cisplatin to DBA2/J mice whose tumors were induced by murine erythroleukemic cells. Thalidomide treatment alone produced no significant inhibitory
effect on tumor development and metastasis. Mice that received both drugs had significantly lower incidences of both primary and secondary tumors as compared to the untreated control group. Cisplatin, administered alone or in combination with thalidomide, led to a significant delay in tumor formation and a longer life span than was recorded in untreated mice. However, the combination treatment results were not significantly different from those of cisplatin treatment used as a single agent. In in vitro cell multiplication studies using murine erythroleukemic and murine endothelial cells,
thalidomide failed to inhibit cell proliferation. However, cisplatin treatment with or without thalidomide, significantly inhibited the multiplication of both cell lines in a dose dependent manner. Thalidomide does not appear to be a beneficial adjuvant to cisplatin treatment.
K
ATP
Channel Gene Expression Is Induced by Urocortin and Mediates Its Cardioprotective Effect
Authors: Lawrence K.M. , Chanalaris A. , Scarabelli T. , Hubank M. , Pasini E. , Townsend P.A. , Comini L. , Ferrari R. , Tinker A. , Stephanou A. , Knight R.A. , Latchman D.S.
Published: September 2002

Background—

Urocortin is a novel cardioprotective agent that can protect cardiac myocytes from the damaging effects of ischemia/reperfusion both in culture and in the intact heart and is effective when given at reperfusion.

Methods and Results—

We have analyzed global changes in gene expression in cardiac myocytes after urocortin treatment using gene chip technology. We report that urocortin specifically induces enhanced expression of the Kir 6.1 cardiac potassium channel subunit. On the basis of this finding, we showed that the cardioprotective effect of urocortin both in isolated cardiac cells and in the intact heart is specifically blocked by both generalized and mitochondrial-specific K
ATP
channel blockers, whereas the cardioprotective effect of cardiotrophin-1 is unaffected. Conversely, inhibiting the Kir 6.1 channel subunit greatly enhances cardiac cell death after ischemia.

Conclusions—

This is, to our knowledge, the first report of the altered expression of a K
ATP
channel subunit induced by a cardioprotective agent and demonstrates that K
ATP
channel opening is essential for the effect of this novel cardioprotective agent.
Stimulation of Arteriogenesis in Skeletal Muscle by Microbubble Destruction With Ultrasound
Authors: Song Ji , Qi Ming , Kaul Sanjiv , Price Richard J.
Published: September 2002

Background—

The application of ultrasound to microbubbles in skeletal muscle creates capillary ruptures. We tested the hypothesis that this bioeffect could be used to stimulate the growth and remodeling of new arterioles via natural repair processes, resulting in an increase in skeletal muscle nutrient blood flow.

Methods and Results—

Pulsed ultrasound (1 MHz) was applied to exposed rat gracilis muscle after intravenous microbubble injection. Capillary rupturing was visually verified by the presence of red blood cells in the muscle, and animals were allowed to recover. Ultrasound-microbubble–treated and contralateral sham-treated muscles were harvested 3, 7, 14, and 28 days later. Arterioles were assessed by smooth muscle α-actin staining, and skeletal muscle blood flow was measured with 15-μm fluorescent microspheres. An ≈65% increase in arterioles per muscle fiber was noted in treated muscles compared with paired sham-treated control muscles at 7 and 14 days after treatment. This increase in arterioles occurred across all studied diameter ranges at both 7 and 14 days after treatment. Arterioles per muscle fiber in sham-treated and untreated control muscles were comparable, indicating that the surgical intervention itself had no significant effect. Hyperemia nutrient blood flow in treated muscles was increased 57% over that in paired sham-treated control muscles.

Conclusions—

Capillary rupturing via microbubble destruction with ultrasound enhances arterioles per muscle fiber, arteriole diameters, and maximum nutrient blood flow in skeletal muscle. This method has the potential to become a clinical tool for stimulating blood flow to organs affected by occlusive vascular disease.
Sirolimus-Eluting Stents for the Treatment of Obstructive Superficial Femoral Artery Disease
Authors: Duda Stephan H. , Pusich Benjamin , Richter Goetz , Landwehr Peter , Oliva Vincent L. , Tielbeek Alexander , Wiesinger Benjamin , Hak Jan Bart , Tielemans Hans , Ziemer Gerhard , Cristea Ecatarina , Lansky Alexandra , Bérégi Jean P.
Published: September 2002

Background—

Stent implantation for obstructive femoropopliteal artery disease has been associated with poor long-term outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of shape memory alloy recoverable technology (SMART) nitinol self-expanding stents coated with a polymer impregnated with sirolimus (rapamycin) versus uncoated SMART stents in superficial femoral artery obstructions.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-six patients were recruited for this double-blind, randomized, prospective trial. All patients had chronic limb ischemia and femoral artery occlusions (57%) or stenoses (average lesion length, 85±57 mm). Patients were eligible for randomization after successful guidewire passage across the lesion. Eighteen patients received sirolimus-eluting SMART stents and 18 patients received uncoated SMART stents. The primary end point of the study was the in-stent mean percent diameter stenosis, as measured by quantitative angiography at 6 months. The in-stent mean percent diameter stenosis was 22.6% in the sirolimus-eluting stent group versus 30.9% in the uncoated stent group (
P
=0.294). The in-stent mean lumen diameter was significantly larger in the sirolimus-eluting stent group (4.95 mm versus 4.31 mm in the uncoated stent group;
P
=0.047). No serious adverse events (death or prolonged hospitalization) were reported.

Conclusions—

The use of sirolimus-eluting SMART stents for superficial femoral artery occlusion is feasible, with a trend toward reducing late loss compared with uncoated stents. The coated stent also proved to be safe and was not associated with any serious adverse events.
Sex-Selective QT Prolongation During Rapid Eye Movement Sleep
Authors: Lanfranchi Paola A. , Shamsuzzaman Abu S.M. , Ackerman Michael J. , Kara Tomas , Jurak Pavel , Wolk Robert , Somers Virend K.
Published: September 2002

Background—

We examined the effects of the various sleep stages on RR and QT intervals in healthy subjects and tested the hypothesis that there is a differential effect of sleep stage on QT interval in women compared with men.

Methods and Results—

Eighteen healthy subjects (9 women, age 22 to 45 years) underwent polysomnography and simultaneous recording of ECG, blood pressure, and respiration. RR interval, RR variability, and QT values were measured in stable conditions (no abrupt changes of heart rate or blood pressure, stable breathing pattern) during inactive wakefulness during stages 2 and 3 to 4 of non-REM sleep and during REM sleep. The absolute QT interval was normalized for variations of RR (QTc). In men, RR interval and RR variability increased through all sleep stages. The QTc remained stable from wakefulness through all sleep stages. In women, however, RR interval increased only during non-REM and was virtually identical in wakefulness and in REM. RR variability remained very stable from wakefulness through all stages of sleep. Also, during REM in women, both absolute QT interval and QTc, regardless of the correction maneuver used, increased compared with wakefulness.

Conclusions—

The influence of sleep on RR, RR variability, and QTc is sex-dependent. We speculate that these differential sex effects on cardiac rate and repolarization may have important implications for sleep-selected cardiac arrhythmias in women.
Demonstration That C-Reactive Protein Decreases eNOS Expression and Bioactivity in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Venugopal Senthil Kumar , Devaraj Sridevi , Yuhanna Ivan , Shaul Philip , Jialal Ishwarlal
Published: September 2002

Background—

C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototypic marker of inflammation, has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) deficiency is a pivotal event in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results—

We tested the effect of CRP on eNOS expression and bioactivity in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). CRP decreased eNOS mRNA, protein abundance, and enzyme activity in HAECs. Furthermore, eNOS bioactivity assayed by cyclic GMP levels was significantly reduced by CRP. Preincubation of cells with CRP also significantly increased the adhesion of monocytes to HAECs.

Conclusion—

CRP causes a direct reduction in eNOS expression and bioactivity in HAECs, further supporting its role in atherogenesis.
Scaling of Central England temperature fluctuations?
Authors: Syroka Joanna , Toumi Ralf
Published: September 2002

Central England temperature fluctuations are found to be monoscaling with long‐range dependence. Monoscaling can be explained in terms of the dominance of Gaussian temperature advection. Simulations of the UK Meteorological Office Hadley Centre general circulation model do not capture many of these features. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
SLOW INDUCTION OF GELATINASE B mRNA BY ACIDIC CULTURE CONDITIONS IN MOUSE METASTATIC MELANOMA CELLS
Authors: KATO YASUMASA , OZONO SATORU , SHUIN TARO , MIYAZAKI KAORU
Published: September 2002

Gelatinase B has been thought to be a key enzyme for degradation of extracellular matrix in tumour invasion and metastasis. In this study, we examined the effect of acidic culture medium (pH5.9) on the expression of gelatinase B mRNA in mouse metastatic melanoma cell line (B16‐F10). Using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis, we found that gelatinase B was induced by the acidic culture medium at 24h, and then gradually diminished to 72h. By gelatin zymographic analysis, gelatinase B was first detected at 24h, continued to increase and then reached a plateau at around 48h. These results suggest that the induction of gelatinase B secretion by acidic culture medium occurs as a result of the gene expression.
DECREASE IN ELASTIN GENE EXPRESSION AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN FIBROBLASTS DERIVED FROM CARDINAL LIGAMENTS OF PATIENTS WITH PROLAPSUS UTERI
Authors: YAMAMOTO KIYOTAKA , YAMAMOTO MARI , AKAZAWA KENJI , TAJIMA SHINGO , WAKIMOTO HIROAKI , AOYAGI MASARU
Published: September 2002

Abnormal connective tissues may be a key factor in the development of pelvic supportive disorders. Elastin gene transcripts and elastin synthesis in cultured fibroblasts derived from cardinal ligaments of patients with prolapsus uteri and compared them with those in fibroblasts from age‐matched control patients were examined. Elastin mRNA steady‐state levels and elastin synthesis were significantly down‐regulated in quiescent fibroblasts from prolapsus uteri patients compared with quiescent control fibroblasts. Although transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) promoted elastin mRNA and protein levels in fibroblasts from both prolapsus uteri and control patients, the maximum levels of elastin gene transcripts and elastin synthesis in response to exogenous TGF‐β1 were significantly lower in prolapsus uteri fibroblasts than control fibro‐blasts. These results suggest that the marked reduction in elastin gene transcripts and elastin production in fibroblasts cultured from elderly women with prolapsus uteri could lead to a paucity of ligament elastic fibres and thus may contribute to the loss of supportive function in uterine connective tissues.
In situ localization of heat‐shock and histone proteins in honey‐bee (apis mellifera l.) larvae infected with paenibacillus larvae
Authors: Gregorc Aleš , Bowen Ivor D.
Published: September 2002

The immunohistochemical localization of the heat shock proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp90) and histone protein in healthy and Paenibacillus larvae infected honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) larvae has been studied. Hsp70 was found in the nuclei and the cytoplasm of infected midgut, salivary gland cells and haemocytes, but not in uninfected larvae. Hsp90 was localized in both infected and uninfected cells. Exposed histone proteins were localized in the nuclei of dying uninfected cells undergoing programmed cell death. The distribution of histone protein in uninfected cells of midgut, salivary gland, and other tissues was nuclear and indicative of normal programmed cell death at levels between 1 and 5%.

After applying histone protein antibodies to P. larvae infected honeybee larvae, the DAB based reaction product was located in the nuclei or immediate surroundings of all larval cells. The Hsp70, Hsp90 and histone protein distribution patterns are discussed in relation to the morphological, cytochemical and immunocytochemical characteristics of programmed cell death and pathological necrosis. Results produced by methyl green‐pyronin staining confirm an elevation of RNA levels in normal programmed cell death and a reduced staining for RNA in necrotic infected cells.
INCREASED SURVIVAL OF MESOTHELIAL CELLS FROM THE PERITONEUM IN PERITONEAL DIALYSIS FLUID
Authors: Lai Kar Neng , Ho Stephen K. N. , Leung Jack , Tang Sydney C. W. , Chan Tak Mao , Li Fu Keung
Published: September 2002

Peritonitis remains the most important factor in patient morbidity and technical failure associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). In vitro examination of bacterial infection of cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) is an attractive approach to the study of peritonitis in CAPD, yet there are few reports on this subject. Previous studies have shown two limitations: (i) cell cultures of HPMC lasted for days only when incubated in culture medium and (ii) short‐term studies of <30min were done in HPMC when incubated with peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF). Human peritoneal mesothelial cells, maintained in a conventional single chamber culture system with PDF alone, were unable to survive more than 40min. The present study was designed to prolong the viability of HPMC cultured in PDF, with the object of using cells under different conditions, such as that of simulating CAPD. HPMC were cultured using plastic microtiter plates, where they were grown to confluence and growth was arrested. PDF containing different concentrations of NaHCO3and human serum albumin was added. Cell viability after exposure for up to 24h was measured by trypan blue, Cell Death Detection ELISA and Annex‐V flow cytometry. The data confirmed the ‘toxic’ effect of PDF, with cell viability being <40% after 2h incubation in 4.25% glucose in PDF. However, the survival time of HPMC increased significantly in 4.25% glucose PDF at a physiological pH and even further after the addition of human albumin. These experimental conditions simulating CAPD may allow future in vitro studies of mesothelial physiology and peritonitis related to CAPD treatment.
Functional characterization and biomarker identification in the Brown Norway model of allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Underwood Stephen L , Haddad El‐Bdaoui , Birrell Mark A , McCluskie Kerryn , Pecoraro Michaela , Dabrowski Dominika , Webber Stephen E , Foster Martyn L , Belvisi Maria G
Published: September 2002

The antigen‐induced inflammatory response in the Brown Norway rat is a model commonly used to assess the impact of novel compounds on airway eosinophilia. A detailed functional, cellular and molecular characterization of this model has not yet been performed within a single study. This information together with the temporal changes in this phenomenon should be known before this model can be used, with confidence, to elucidate the mechanisms of action of novel anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Antigen challenge caused an accumulation of eosinophils in lung tissue 24 h after challenge. Accumulation of CD2+ T cells was not apparent until after 72 h.

Interestingly, mRNA for the Th2 type cytokines interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 and eotaxin were elevated in lung tissue after challenge and the expression of IL‐13 and eotaxin protein increased at around 8–12 h. The temporal changes in both the biomarker production and the functional responses are important factors to consider in protocol design prior to initiating a compound screening program.

A neutralising antibody (R73) against αβ‐TCR caused a significant reduction in T cell numbers accompanied by a significant suppression of eosinophil accumulation.

Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) was not apparent in this specific Brown Norway model in sensitized animals after a single or multiple challenges although eosinophil influx was seen in the same animals.

In conclusion, this is a convenient pre‐clinical model (incorporating the measurement of biomarkers and functional responses) for screening novel small molecule inhibitors and/or biotherapeutics targeted against T cell/eosinophil infiltration/activation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 137, 263–275. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704865
NCX 4016, a nitric oxide‐releasing aspirin, modulates adrenergic vasoconstriction in the perfused rat tail artery
Authors: Rossoni Giuseppe , Manfredi Barbara , Soldato Piero Del , Berti Ferruccio
Published: September 2002

The ability of the nitric oxide (NO)‐releasing aspirin, NCX 4016, to control vasoconstrictor responses induced by electrical field stimulation (TNS) or by exogenous norepinephrine (NE) was investigated in perfused rat tail artery with intact endothelium.

NCX 4016 (25, 50 and 100 μM) dose‐dependently antagonized the vasoconstriction caused by TNS (from 0.5 to 64 Hz) and by NE (from 0.01 to 10 μM). The vasorelaxant activity of NCX 4016 (100 μM) in NE‐precontracted arteries was concomitant with a marked increase of tissue cyclic GMP (4.9 fold, P<0.001) and was significantly antagonized by the inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase, methylene blue and 1H‐[1,2,4]Oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one.

The effect of NCX 4016 was endothelium NO‐independent since, in preparations perfused with NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (10 μM), this compound prevented the rise in basal perfusion pressure and reversed the accentuation of vasoconstrictor responses caused by NO synthase inhibition.

Aspirin‐moiety released by NCX 4016 inhibited the 6‐keto‐PGF1α formation without interfering with the vasorelaxant activity of NCX 4016, while aspirin (100 μM) was devoid of any activity against vasoconstriction induced by both TNS and NE in perfused rat tail artery.

NCX 4016 moderated adrenergic vasoconstriction in perfused rat tail arteries by a direct donation of NO without involving the relaxant factors such as PGI2 and NO from endothelial cells.

The results obtained with NCX 4016 in perfused rat tail artery bears some therapeutical potential in conditions associated with vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity to adrenergic stimulation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 137, 229–236. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704869
Deriving empirical models of evaporation from soil beneath crops in a Mediterranean climate using microlysimetry
Authors: Eastham J. , Gregory P. J.
Published: September 2002

Microlysimeters were used to measure
evaporation from bare soil and from soil under wheat and lupin canopies. The
data were used to develop empirical relationships between evaporation,
potential evaporation, soil water content, and leaf area index to allow
estimation of evaporation losses in seasons when evaporation was not measured
directly. Canopy cover was found to decrease evaporation losses from soil in
both Stage 1 and 2 evaporation. This finding has significance to applications
of the Ritchie model (1972) in Mediterranean climates since the model assumes
Stage 2 evaporation to be independent of canopy cover. The empirical models
derived during one season were successful in predicting evaporation from soil
beneath crops during a second season. The model parameters were derived over
the complete range in water content, leaf area index, and potential
evaporation expected for crops at the site, suggesting that the models may be
reliably applied to predict evaporation from soil at the site for other
seasons. The technique may be useful for general application in estimating
evaporation fromsoil beneath crops in field studies, although the model
parameters may be site and/or soil specific. Further research into the
generality of the relationships is warranted.
Variation in the ability of melatonin implants inserted at two different times after the winter solstice to restore reproductive activity in reduced seasonality ewes
Authors: Forcada F. , Abecia J. A. , Zúñiga O. , Lozano J. M.
Published: September 2002

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects on reproductive
activity of melatonin implants inserted immediately after the winter solstice
compared with the classical implantation around the spring equinox. The
experiment was conducted at latitude 41˚ N in the absence of rams.
Twenty-one ovariectomised, oestradioltreated Rasa Aragonesa ewes received (M1,
n = 7, 15 January; M2, n
= 7, 15 March) or not (C, n = 7) a single
implant containing 18 mg melatonin. Blood samples were collected twice weekly
from 15 January (M1) and from 15 March (M2, C), and assayed for luteinizing
hormone. Six M1 ewes resumed their reproductive activity by 20 April, 95 days
after implant insertion, although the reproductive season induced only lasted
for 45 days. Melatonin implants inserted on 15 March did not induce a
resumption of reproductive activity (0 ewes; P <
0.05). It is concluded that, in the absence of males, the response of
Mediterranean ewes to melatonin implants is better when implantation takes
place immediately after the winter solstice than around the spring equinox.
Two subsequent field experiments with the same breed and year were carried
out. Animals were implanted (M) or not (C) with melatonin on 29 December (M,
n = 156; C, n = 159)
and on 20 March (M, n = 150; C,
n = 128). Results confirmed the efficacy of the
treatment with melatonin immediately after the winter solstice in ewes with a
short seasonal anoestrous period. Implants induced a mean productivity
increase of 0.30 (December) and 0.36 (March) lambs per treated ewe compared
with those in the control groups.
Simulation of growth and development of diverse legume species in APSIM
Authors: Robertson M. J. , Carberry P. S. , Huth N. I. , Turpin J. E. , Probert M. E. , Poulton P. L. , Bell M. , Wright G. C. , Yeates S. J. , Brinsmead R. B.
Published: September 2002

This paper describes the physiological basis and validation of a generic
legume model as it applies to 4 species: chickpea
(Cicer arietinum L.), mungbean
(Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), peanut
(Arachis hypogaeaL.), and lucerne
(Medicago sativa L.). For each species, the key
physiological parameters were derived from the literature and our own
experimentation. The model was tested on an independent set of experiments,
predominantly from the tropics and subtropics of Australia, varying in
cultivar, sowing date, water regime (irrigated or dryland), row spacing, and
plant population density. The model is an attempt to simulate crop growth and
development with satisfactory comprehensiveness, without the necessity of
defining a large number of parameters. A generic approach was adopted in
recognition of the common underlying physiology and simulation approaches for
many legume species. Simulation of grain yield explained 77, 81, and
70% of the variance (RMSD = 31, 98, and 46
g/m2) for mungbean (n =
40, observed mean = 123 g/m2), peanut
(n = 30, 421 g/m2), and
chickpea (n = 31, 196
g/m2), respectively. Biomass at maturity was
simulated less accurately, explaining 64, 76, and 71% of the variance
(RMSD = 134, 236, and 125 g/m2) for mungbean,
peanut, and chickpea, respectively. RMSD for biomass in lucerne
(n = 24) was 85 g/m2
with an R2 of 0.55. Simulation
accuracy is similar to that achieved by single-crop models and suggests that
the generic approach offers promise for simulating diverse legume species
without loss of accuracy or physiological rigour.
Susceptibility of mungbean varieties to the bruchid species Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), C. phaseoli (Gyll.), C. chinensis (L.), and Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say.) (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Lambrides C. J. , Imrie B. C.
Published: September 2002

Twenty-six mungbean varieties and accessions were screened for resistance to 4
bruchid species (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae). On the basis of the percentage
of seeds damaged all Australian commercial mungbean varieties tested here were
highly susceptible to strains of
Callosobruchus maculatus and
C. chinensis, the 2 species that cause most damage
worldwide to mungbean in storage. In addition, 3 accessions of wild mungbean
appeared to have bruchid resistance. The texture layer present on the seed
coat of some mungbean varieties and small seed size may act as oviposition
deterrents. Consequently, these assays for determining resistance to bruchid
infestation may not be suitable for identifying biochemical resistance of some
mungbean genotypes.
Effect of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) density on seed yield and regeneration of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)
Authors: Dear B. S. , Cocks P. S. , Swan A. D. , Wolfe E. C. , Ayre L. M.
Published: September 2002

A mixture of 3 subterranean clover
(Trifolium subterraneum L.) cultivars (cvv. Goulburn,
Seaton Park, and Dalkeith) was grown with 5–40
plants/m2 of phalaris
(Phalaris aquatica L.) or lucerne
(Medicago sativa L.) for 3 years at Wagga Wagga, NSW
(147°21´E, 35°03´S). Clover seed yield was assessed each
year, the number of regenerating clover seedlings was counted, herbage yield
of clover and the perennials was measured, and the change in perennial density
recorded. The influence of perennials on water availability in spring and
light during clover seed set was also examined. The impact of perennial
density on clover was assessed using regression analyses.
In each of the 3 years, subterranean clover seed yield was negatively related
to perennial density, but phalaris suppressed clover seed yield more than
equivalent densities of lucerne in 2 of the years. Clover seed yield was
positively related (R2 =
0.30–0.85) to clover biomass in spring in all 3 years (except for
subterranean clover in phalaris in 1994) and to the proportion of total
photosynthetically active radiation reaching the clover canopy beneath the
perennial (R2 =
0.33–0.83) in 2 of the 3 years. There was a positive relationship
between clover seedling regeneration in autumn and size of the summer seed
bank in both years in lucerne (R2
= 0.40–0.76) and in 1 year in phalaris
(R2 = 0.76) and a negative
association between perennial density and clover seedling regeneration.
The rate at which the surface profile (0–37 cm) dried in spring was
independent of phalaris and lucerne density over the 3 years and did not
differ from that of pure clover.
The late season clover cultivar, Goulburn, constituted between 57% and
79% of the seed bank following seed set, substantially more than the
earlier flowering cultivars, Seaton Park and Dalkeith. Neither perennial
density nor species changed the relative competitiveness of the 3 cultivars.
The high seed yield of Goulburn and the lack of a perennial-induced change in
surface soil water in spring suggest that growing perennials in association
with subterranean clover does not increase the level of moisture stress during
clover seed set. The good performance of Goulburn is attributed to superior
competitive ability for light in late spring.
The basal area occupied by lucerne and phalaris increased with perennial
density in each of the first 2 years. However, in the third year, phalaris
basal area was similar at all densities. The findings suggest that sowing low
densities of lucerne should assist in promoting seed yield and regeneration of
subterranean clover. Management of phalaris, which has the capacity to
substantially increase plant size at low densities, may require additional
strategies such as more frequent grazing in spring.
Competition among seedlings of perennial grasses, subterranean clover, white clover, and annual ryegrass in replacement series mixtures
Authors: Lodge G. M.
Published: September 2002

Seedlings of 3 perennial grasses, Danthonia linkii Kunthcv. Bunderra, D. richardsonii Cashmore cv. Taranna(wallaby grasses), and Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa,were each grown in replacement series mixtures with seedlings ofTrifolium repens L. (white clover),Trifolium subterraneum L. var. brachycalycinum (Katzn.et Morley) Zorahy & Heller cv. Clare (subterraneanclover), and Lolium rigidum L. (annual ryegrass). Plantswere sown 5 cm apart in boxes (45 by 29 by 20 cm) at a density of 307plants/m2. Maximum likelihood estimates were usedto derive parameters of a non-linear competition model using the dry matterweights of perennial grasses and competitors at 3 harvests, approximately 168,216, and 271 days after sowing. Intra-plant competition was examined inmonocultures of each species, grown at plant spacings of 2, 5, and 8 cm apartwith plants harvested at the above times.Competition occurred in all perennial grass–competitor mixtures, exceptin those of each perennial grass with white clover and thephalaris–subterranean clover mixture (Harvest 1) and those withD. richardsonii and phalaris grown with white clover(Harvest 2). For D. richardsonii (Harvests 1 and 2) andD. linkii (Harvest 1 only) grown with white clover andthe phalaris–subterranean clover (Harvest 1), the two species in themixture were not competing. In the phalaris–white clover mixture, eachspecies was equally competitive (Harvests 1 and 2). These differences incompetition and aggressiveness reflected differences in individual plantweights in monocultures where there was an effect (P < 0.05) of species ondry matter weight per box, but no significant effect of plant spacing.These data indicated that for successful establishment,D. richardsonii and D. linkiishould not be sown in swards with either subterranean clover or white clover,or where populations of annual ryegrass seedlings are likely to be high.Phalaris was more compatible with both white clover and subterranean clover,but aggressively competed with by annual ryegrass.
The high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit composition of Japanese hexaploid wheat landraces
Authors: Nakamura H.
Published: September 2002

The endosperm storage proteins of 174 Japanese wheat
(Triticum aestivum) landraces were fractionated by
sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine their
high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunit composition. These are alleles
for complex gene loci, Glu-A1,
Glu-B1, and Glu-D1, that are
present in Japanese hexaploid wheat landraces. These were identified by
comparison with the subunit mobility previously found in hexaploid wheat.
Twenty-four different, major glutenin HMW subunits were identified. Each
landrace contained 3–5 subunits, and 17 different glutenin subunit
patterns were observed for 13 alleles in Japanese landraces. Japanese
landraces showed specific allelic variation in glutenin HMW subunits,
different from those in non-Japanese hexaploid wheats.
Hybrid origin of Athrotaxis laxifolia (Taxodiaceae) confirmed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis
Authors: Isoda Keiya , Brodribb Tim , Shiraishi Susumu
Published: September 2002

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and single-strand conformation
polymorphism (SSCP) analyses were employed for investigating genetic
relationships of three Athrotaxis D.Don species.
Twenty-nine RAPD primers produced 103 polymorphic bands. Principal component
analysis revealed the genomic differentiation among three
Athrotaxis species. Mean genetic distance (mean
d) between A. selaginoides D.Don
and A. cupressoides D.Don was 0.89. Mean
d values were reduced to 0.42/0.54 between
A. laxifolia Hook. and
A. selaginoides/A. cupressoides,
respectively. Intraspecific mean d of
A. selaginoides and
A. cupressoides were, respectively, 0.03 and 0.11. These
values indicated that A. laxifolia, which is regarded as
a hybrid between A. selaginoides and
A. cupressoides, is genetically intermediate between
A. selaginoides and
A. cupressoides. This genetic characteristic and
previously reported morphological characteristics suggest the hybrid origins
of A. laxifolia. The genomic composition of
A. laxifolia was estimated by the number of bands
specific to A. selaginoides or
A. cupressoides in order to determine the genomic
contribution of these two species to its proposed hybrid,
A. laxifolia. All of the five individuals investigated
herein possessed genomes derived almost evenly from
A. selaginoides and
A. cupressoides. Furthermore, the pollen donor of
A. laxifolia was determined by SSCP analysis of the
atpA gene on chloroplast DNA. Because all of the five
A. laxifolia possessed the
A. selaginoides-type chloroplast genome,
A. laxifolia would be a hybrid of
A. selaginoides as a paternal parent and
A. cupressoides as a maternal parent.
Eucalypts forming a canopy functional type in dry sclerophyll forests respond differentially to environment
Authors: Anderson Jay E. , Kriedemann Paul E. , Austin Michael P. , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: September 2002

Eucalyptus dives Schauer,E. mannifera Mudie, and E. rossiiR.Baker & H.G. Smith are sympatric trees that form a canopy functionaltype in dry sclerophyll forests of south-eastern Australia. Although theirranges broadly overlap, distributions of the three species differ subtlywithin an abstract environmental space defined by mean annual temperature andprecipitation. We used a combination of common environment and field studiesto assess the extent to which these eucalypts might respond differentially toenvironmental conditions and to determine whether distributional differencesare related to physiological or morphological attributes of leaves. In threeglasshouse experiments, gas exchange characteristics ofE. dives and E. rossii seedlingswere remarkably similar. However, data indicated thatE. rossii makes more efficient use of nutrients and,under some conditions, has higher water-use efficiency than the other species.In five natural stands, there were significant differences among sites andamong species for leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content, carbon isotopediscrimination, and specific leaf area. Significant site × leaf-variableinteractions showed that the species responded differentially to unique siteconditions. At four of the five sites, 13Cdiscrimination was significantly higher in E. manniferathan in the other two species, and it was significantly higher inE. mannifera than in E. rossii atall five sites. Lower water-use efficiency may restrictE. mannifera to sites on the higher end of theprecipitation gradient, whereas higher water-use efficiency may giveE. rossii an advantage on arid sites. Variation inspecific leaf area across sites was greater inE. mannifera and E. rossii than inE. dives; in contrast, E. diveswas more variable in 13C discrimination. Greaterphysiological plasticity could explain why E. divesoccupies a broader range of habitats than the other two species. Contrary toexpectations, no leaf variable was strongly correlated with the amount ofrainfall received at the sites, but 13C discriminationwas negatively related to mean annual radiation received, which may be abetter index of water availability. Despite similarities in gas exchangephysiology, members of this putative functional type clearly responddifferentially to varying environmental conditions, implying that accurateprediction of responses to environmental change would require knowledge ofattributes of each species. However, differential responses might contributeto functional stability on a site subjected to environmental variability.
Factors affecting nitrogen fixation by dryland lucerne in central-western New South Wales
Authors: Bowman A. M. , Peoples M. B. , Smith W. , Brockwell J.
Published: September 2002

Eight stands of dryland lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) cv. Trifecta were grown on a red-brown earth at Trangie, New South Wales. The stands were of varying age and plant density. Their biomass production and capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen were measured on 15 occasions over a 5-year period (1995-99). Biomass production (shoot dry matter) ranged from 0.22 to 4.87 t/ha.year and nitrogen fixed from 1.8 to 78.6 kg/ha.year. Whereas biomass production was highest in summer periods, most nitrogen fixation took place in winter and autumn. Irrespective of stand age, greatest productivity occurred in the early years of the experiment and declined thereafter. Plant density varied from 6 to 21 plants/m2 at the commencement of the study and decreased over time. We conclude that the productive life of dryland lucerne stands in this environment is probably limited by frequent periods of moisture stress and high soil temperatures in summer. Stands with a lucerne density of 8 plants/m2 or better produced twice as much shoot biomass and fixed nearly double the amount of shoot N as did stands with densities of 7 plants/m2 or less. There was no relationship between the age of lucerne stands per se and biomass production or nitrogen fixation. The practical implication of this work for farmers in the dryland cropping zone of central-western New South Wales who wish to maximise nitrogen fixation from the lucerne phase of their cropping rotations is to establish and maintain dryland lucerne at 8 plants/m2 or better.
Management practices to minimise pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination in Australian peanuts
Authors: Rachaputi N. , Krosch S. , Wright G. C.
Published: September 2002

Aflatoxin contamination in peanut kernels is a serious food safety issue throughout the world. Stringent implementation of the international regulatory limits for aflatoxin contamination has become a major factor affecting the economic viability of dryland peanut growers in regional Queensland. In this study, the effect of time of harvesting (digging) and threshing on kernel yield, seed grades, aflatoxin contamination and gross returns were examined with peanut (cv. Streeton), grown in large-scale on-farm trials in the Burnett District of Queensland, during the 1997-98 and 1999-2000 seasons. Aflatoxin contamination was widespread during the 1997-98 season because of a severe and prolonged end-of-season drought and associated elevated soil temperatures. During the 1999-2000 season, aflatoxin risk was low at 2 sites because of well-distributed rainfall and lower soil temperatures, in contrast to the other 2 sites where the risk was higher. In both seasons, early harvest and threshing under high aflatoxin risk conditions resulted in consistently lower aflatoxin concentrations and higher gross returns (up to 27%) than in delayed harvesting treatments. However, under low aflatoxin risk conditions crops could be left longer to realise higher potential yield and better seed grades. Indeed, early harvest under low aflatoxin risk resulted in lower gross returns because of lower yields and poorer seed grades. The current study highlighted the importance of assessing aflatoxin risk on a site-by-site basis in order to make appropriate decisions on timing of harvest so as to minimise aflatoxin contamination and maximise gross returns from dryland peanuts.
Effect of calcium on the growth and virulence of Phytophthora clandestina
Authors: Simpfendorfer S. , Harden T. J.
Published: September 2002

Calcium was found to significantly stimulate
both the mycelial growth and virulence of
Phytophthora clandestina, the major soilborne fungal
pathogen of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum
L.). On average, the addition of calcium as either CaCO3
or CaCl2 to 3 artificial media increased the
in vitro growth of 15 isolates from 20 to 135%.
Calcium was also shown to increase the severity of root disease caused by 6
isolates of P. clandestina by up to 100% in a
glasshouse experiment. The addition of Ca2+ as
CaCl2 had a greater stimulatory effect on the virulence
of P. clandestina towards cv. Woogenellup seedlings (up
to 57% reduction in seedling biomass) than supplementing with
CaCO3 (maximum 36% decrease).
The virulence of 6 isolates from 3 different pathogenic races of
P. clandestina were examined in the glasshouse
experiment. Differences in the virulence of
P. clandestina towards cv. Woogenellup seedlings was
shown to be dependent on the individual isolate rather than the pathogenic
race to which it is assigned.
Research note: Can decreased transpiration limit plant nitrogen acquisition in elevated CO2?
Authors: McDonald Evan P. , Erickson John E. , Kruger Eric L.
Published: September 2002

N acquisition often lags behind accelerated C gain in plants exposed to CO2-enriched atmospheres. To help resolve the causes of this lag, we considered its possible link with stomatal closure, a common first-order response to elevated CO2 that can decrease transpiration. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that declines in transpiration, and hence mass flow of soil solution, can decrease delivery of mobile N to the root and thereby limit plant N acquisition. We altered transpiration by manipulating relative humidity (RH) and atmospheric [CO2]. During a 7-d period, we grew potted cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) trees in humidified (76% RH) and non-humidified (43% RH) glasshouses ventilated with either CO2-enriched or non-enriched air (~1000 vs ~380�μmol mol–1). We monitored effects of elevated humidity and/or CO2 on stomatal conductance, whole-plant transpiration, plant biomass gain, and N accumulation. To facilitate the latter, NO3– enriched in 15N (5 atom%) was added to all pots at the outset of the experiment. Transpiration and 15N accumulation decreased when either CO2 or humidity were elevated. The disparity between N accumulation and accelerated C gain in elevated CO2 led to a 19% decrease in shoot N concentration relative to ambient CO2. Across all treatments, 15N gain was positively correlated with root mass (P<0.0001), and a significant portion of the remaining variation (44%) was positively related to transpiration per unit root mass. At a given humidity, transpiration per unit leaf area was positively related to stomatal conductance. Thus, declines in plant N concentration and/or content under CO2 enrichment may be attributable in part to associated decreases in stomatal conductance and transpiration.
Orsonwelles, a new genus of giant linyphiid spiders (Araneae) from the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Hormiga G.
Published: September 2002

The Hawaiian spider genus Orsonwelles, gen. nov. (Araneae : Linyphiidae) is described. All Orsonwelles species are single island endemics: Kauai harbours six species; Oahu has three; Molokai has two; and Maui and Hawaii have one species each. The thirteen species included in Orsonwelles are described and illustrated: O. torosus (Simon), comb. nov., O. malus, sp. nov., O. calx, sp. nov., O. ventus, sp. nov., O. bellum, sp. nov. and O. iudicium, sp. nov. from Kauai; O. polites, sp. nov. (the type species), O. ambersonorum, sp. nov. and O. arcanus, sp. nov. from Oahu; O. othello, sp. nov. and O. macbeth, sp. nov. from Molokai; O. falstaffius, sp. nov. from Maui; and O. graphicus (Simon), comb. nov. from Hawaii. A total of 55 morphological characters (plus one behavioural character) were scored for twelve taxa (four Orsonwelles species plus eight linyphiid outgroups) to test the monophyly of the genus using cladistic methods. The most parsimonious cladograms provide robust character support for the monophyly of Orsonwelles. A single colonisation of the Hawaiian archipelago is hypothesised to explain the presence of these species in the Hawaiian Islands. This genus represents a case of insular gigantism (these are the largest linyphiids described), although the close relatives of Orsonwelles remain unknown. Their web architecture is also described and illustrated.