bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in testicular cancer incidence and mortality in 22 European countries: Continuing increases in incidence and declines in mortality
Authors: Bray Freddie , Richiardi Lorenzo , Ekbom Anders , Pukkala Eero , Cuninkova Martina , Møller Henrik
Published: January 2006

This study profiles testicular cancer incidence and mortality across Europe, and the effects of age, period and generational influences, using age‐period‐cohort modeling. Despite a 5‐fold variation in incidence rates, there were consistent mean increases in incidence in each of the 12 European countries studied, ranging from around 6% per annum (Spain and Slovenia) to 1–2% (Norway). In contrast, declines in testicular cancer mortality of 3–6% per annum were observed in the 1980s and 1990s for the majority of the 22 countries studied, particularly in Northern and Western Europe. The mortality trends in several European countries were rather stable (Romania and Bulgaria) or increasing (Portugal and Croatia). Short‐term attenuations in increasing cohort‐specific risk of incidence were indicated among men born between 1940 and 1945 in 7 European countries. In Switzerland, successive generations born from the mid 1960s may have experienced a steadily declining risk of disease occurrence. While the underlying risk factors responsible remain elusive, the temporal and geographical variability in incidence may point to an epidemic in different phases in different countries—the result of country‐specific differences in the prevalence of one or several ubiquitous and highly prevalent environmental determinants of the disease. Advances in treatment have led to major declines in mortality in many European countries from the mid 1970s, which has translated to cohorts of men at successively lower risk of death from the disease. Slower progress in the delivery of optimal care is however evident from the mortality trends in several lower‐resource countries in Southern and Eastern Europe. The first beneficiaries of therapy in these populations may be those men born—rather than diagnosed—in the era of major breakthrough in testicular cancer care. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycemic load, glycemic index and carbohydrate intake in relation to risk of stomach cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Larsson Susanna C , Bergkvist Leif , Wolk Alicja
Published: January 2006

The glycemic effects of diets high in refined grains and starchy foods might increase stomach cancer risk by affecting circulating glucose, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I levels. No prospective data on the role of high glycemic load and glycemic index diets on stomach cancer risk have been reported. We therefore prospectively investigated dietary glycemic load, overall glycemic index and carbohydrate intake in relation to the incidence of stomach cancer among 61,433 women in the population‐based Swedish Mammography Cohort. Diet was assessed at baseline (1987–1990) and again in 1997. During 903,586 person‐years of follow‐up, a total of 156 incident cases of stomach cancer were ascertained. We observed no material associations of dietary glycemic load, overall glycemic index and total carbohydrate intake with the risk of stomach cancer. The multivariate hazard ratios for the highest versus the lowest quintile were 0.76 (95% CI = 0.46–1.25) for glycemic load, 0.77 (95% CI = 0.46–1.30) for overall glycemic index and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.50–1.43) for carbohydrate intake. The associations did not vary according to body mass index. Lack of information on Helicobacter pylori infection status did not allow stratification by this potential effect modifier. Findings from this population‐based prospective cohort of middle‐aged and elderly women did not provide evidence of a positive association between glycemic load, glycemic index and carbohydrate intake with risk of stomach cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adverse effects of neuromuscular blocking agents based on yellow card reporting in the U.K.: are there differences between males and females?
Authors: Light Karen Patricia , Lovell Anthony Timothy , Butt Hisham , Fauvel Nicholas John , Holdcroft Anita
Published: January 2006

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are known to occur during anaesthesia; in the U.K. such ADRs may be reported through the Yellow Card Scheme (YCS). Our aim was to determine the demographics of ADRs to neuromuscular blocking drugs without formal causality assessment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of ADRs to seven neuromuscular blocking drugs reported via the YCS during a greater than 30‐year period was performed. Sex and age were analysed in order to identify at risk groups.

Results

Of 998 reports, 969 included gender. Non‐allergic suspected reactions occurred with almost the same frequency as those with an allergic component. The majority occurred in females 676 (70%), and significant sex differences were measured between drugs. Males were more likely to have suffered an ADR to atracurium (p = 0.01) whilst females experienced more ADRs to suxamethonium (p = 0.01). ADRs proved fatal in 81 (9%) of the 950 reports for single drugs. Mortality following suxamethonium was significantly higher in males at 22% compared with 9% females (p < 0.001). More women than men were reported to have allergic reactions, 73% (362/499) compared with 27% (137/499) respectively. The female:male ratio for ADRs was reversed for subjects < 10 years compared with peak ADR reports during the decade from 31–40 years.

Conclusions

Sex differences in mortality exist in this analysis. The unexpected high frequency of non‐allergic ADRs suggests that morbidity and mortality from reactions to established drugs is twice that expected from allergic reactions alone. Standards and guidance for the reporting of ADRs warrant urgent development. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diamond light emitting diode activated with Xe optical centers
Authors: Zaitsev A. M. , Bergman A. A. , Gorokhovsky A. A. , Huang Mengbing
Published: January 2006

A diamond light emitting diode (LED) activated with Xe‐related optical centres is reported. The device was made on a high quality single crystal CVD diamond substrate using B+ and Li+ ion implantation, subsequent implantation by Xe+ ions and vacuum annealing to 1400 °C. A diode behaviour with the rectification ratio of 105 at 100 V was achieved. The electroluminescence (EL) of the device was found to concentrate at the B+ ion doped p‐type area likely as a result of dominating injection of holes. The room temperature EL spectrum in the range 450 to 850 nm was presented by a narrow band emission of the zero phonon lines 812.5 nm and 794 nm of the Xe centre on a low emission background of the 575 nm nitrogen‐related centre. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Proms 2005 (2)
Authors: Lister Rodney
Published: January 2006

Proms 2005 (2): Unsuk Chin, Sorensen, Hayes, Salonen
Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Authors: Venn Edward
Published: January 2006

Manchester, Bridgewater Hall: John Casken’s Rest-Ringing (and CD releases)
Satellite ocean color assessment of air‐sea fluxes of CO2 in a river‐dominated coastal margin
Authors: Lohrenz Steven E. , Cai Wei‐Jun
Published: January 2006

Quantification of the contributions of river‐influenced margins to regional CO2 fluxes is difficult due to the high degree of spatial and temporal variability in these regions. We describe an algorithm for assessment of surface water partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) from MODIS imagery in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Principal component analysis and multiple regression were used to relate surface pCO2 to environmental variables (T, S, chlorophyll). Subsequent retrieval of corresponding products from MODIS‐Aqua L1B data permitted the assessment of regional distributions of pCO2. An area of low pCO2 was evident in the vicinity of the Mississippi River delta, consistent with field observations. Regional surface air to sea fluxes of CO2 were estimated as 2.0–4.2 mmol C m−2 d−1.
Plume‐lithosphere interaction beneath a fast moving plate
Authors: Thoraval Catherine , Tommasi Andréa , Doin Marie‐Pierre
Published: January 2006

Two‐dimensional numerical simulations of mantle convection with temperature and pressure dependent viscosity are used to study plume–lithosphere interaction beneath a fast moving plate. Plumes behavior and, hence, their erosional and melting potential, depend on the Rayleigh number and plume buoyancy flux. Analysis of the balance between large‐scale and plume‐induced flow and of the ability of the plume to melt allows to put bounds on the upper mantle viscosity (1020, 1021 Pas), on the plumes diameter (<200 km) and temperature anomaly (200–400°C). Within this range of parameters, strongly time‐dependent small‐scale instabilities form in the plume‐lithosphere boundary layer. They lead to thermal rejuvenation of the lithosphere downstream from the plume. The 1200°C isotherm is raised by up to 30km, but the 800°C isotherm is hardly moved, leading to a steep transient geotherm at the base of the plate.
On the origin of aurorae on Mars
Authors: Brain D. A. , Halekas J. S. , Peticolas L. M. , Lin R. P. , Luhmann J. G. , Mitchell D. L. , Delory G. T. , Bougher S. W. , Acuña M. H. , Rème H.
Published: January 2006

We report observations by Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) of thousands of peaked electron energy spectra similar to terrestrial auroral electrons. They are observed on the Martian nightside, near strong crustal magnetic sources. The spectra have peak energies ranging from 100 eV – 2.5 keV, and fluxes near the peak are 10–10000 times higher than typical nightside spectra. They occur on magnetic field lines that connect the shocked solar wind to crustal magnetic fields, and on adjacent closed field lines. Their detection is directly controlled by the solar wind, suggesting that magnetic reconnection is required for their observation. We calculate that the most energetic distributions could produce atmospheric emission with intensity comparable to that recently reported from the Mars Express (MEX) spacecraft. Half of the most energetic examples occur during the passage of space weather events past Mars, suggesting that a disturbed plasma environment is favorable for electron acceleration along magnetic field lines.
Primate Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neuronal Progenitors Transplanted into Ischemic Brain
Authors: Hayashi Junya , Takagi Yasushi , Fukuda Hitoshi , Imazato Takayuki , Nishimura Masaki , Fujimoto Motoaki , Takahashi Jun , Hashimoto Nobuo , Nozaki Kazuhiko
Published: January 2006

Transplantation of stem cells has the possibility of restoring neural functions after stroke damage. Therefore, we transplanted neuronal progenitors generated from monkey embryonic stem (ES) cells into the ischemic mouse brain to test this possibility. Monkey ES cells were caused to differentiate into neuronal progenitors by the stromal cell-derived inducing activity method. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by occluding the middle cerebral artery by the intraluminal filament technique. The donor cells were transplanted into the ischemic lateral striatum at 24 h after the start of reperfusion. The cells transplanted into the ischemic brain became located widely around the ischemic area, and, moreover, the transplanted cells differentiated into various types of neurons and glial cells. Furthermore, at 28 days after the transplantation, over 10 times more cells in the graft were labeled with Fluorogold (FG) by stereotactic focal injection of FG into the anterior thalamus and substantia nigra on the grafted side when compared with the number at 14 days. From these results we confirmed the survival and differentiation of, as well as network formation by, monkey ES-cell-derived neuronal progenitors transplanted into the ischemic mouse brain.
Fuelling Cerebral Activity in Exercising Man
Authors: Dalsgaard Mads K
Published: January 2006

The metabolic response to brain activation in exercise might be expressed as the cerebral metabolic ratio (MR; uptake O2/glucose + 1/2 lactate). At rest, brain energy is provided by a balanced oxidation of glucose as MR is close to 6, but activation provokes a ‘surplus’ uptake of glucose relative to that of O2. Whereas MR remains stable during light exercise, it is reduced by 30% to 40% when exercise becomes demanding. The MR integrates metabolism in brain areas stimulated by sensory input from skeletal muscle, the mental effort to exercise and control of exercising limbs. The MR decreases during prolonged exhaustive exercise where blood lactate remains low, but when vigorous exercise raises blood lactate, the brain takes up lactate in an amount similar to that of glucose. This lactate taken up by the brain is oxidised as it does not accumulate within the brain and such pronounced brain uptake of substrate occurs independently of plasma hormones. The ‘surplus’ of glucose equivalents taken up by the activated brain may reach ~ 10 mmol, that is, an amount compatible with the global glycogen level. It is suggested that a low MR predicts shortage of energy that ultimately limits motor activation and reflects a biologic background for ‘central fatigue’.
Cerebral Hemodynamics after Contralateral Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Carotid Occlusion: A 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Baracchini Claudio , Meneghetti Giorgio , Manara Renzo , Ermani Mario , Ballotta Enzo
Published: January 2006

We sought to investigate whether carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can achieve long-term cerebral hemodynamic improvement and reduce recurrence of cerebral ischemic events in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with severe (> 70%) carotid artery stenosis contralateral to carotid occlusion (CO). Thirty-nine patients with severe carotid lesion contralateral to CO were studied before (1 day) and after CEA (at 7 days, 1, 3 and 6 months, and then yearly thereafter). Collateral flow and cerebral vasomotor reactivity (VMR) were assessed by transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). A total of 32 unoperated patients with severe carotid lesion contralateral to CO, who were comparable with respect to age and sex, served as a control group. The average period of TCD follow-up was 10 years and was obtained in all patients; during this period, major clinical events (stroke, acute myocardial infarction and death) were also recorded. The proportion of patients with collateral flow via the anterior communicating artery increased significantly from 61.5% before to 89.7% after CEA ( P = 0.01). Cerebral VMR ipsilateral to CO improved in 85.7% of patients (30 of 35) within 30 days of CEA, and in all patients within 90 days. No significant spontaneous VMR recovery was recorded in the control group. After the initial recovery, no significant change in VMR was observed in the surgical group or the control group during the follow-up. In conclusion, in patients with severe carotid stenosis, CEA contralateral to symptomatic and asymptomatic CO determines a durable cerebral hemodynamic improvement not only on the side of the CEA but also on the contralateral side, with no difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
Diffusivity, excess entropy, and the potential-energy landscape of monatomic liquids
Authors: Chakraborty Somendra Nath , Chakravarty Charusita
Published: January 2006

The connection between thermodynamic, transport, and potential-energy landscape features is studied for liquids with Lennard-Jones-type pair interactions using both microcanonical molecular-dynamics and isothermal-isobaric ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. Instantaneous normal-mode and saddle-point analyses of two variants of the monatomic Lennard-Jones liquid have been performed. The diffusivity is shown to depend linearly on several key properties of instantaneous and saddle configurations—the energy, the fraction of negative curvature directions, and the mean, maximum, and minimum eigenvalues of the Hessian. Since the Dzugutov scaling relationship also holds for such systems [Nature (London) 381, 137 (1996)], the exponential of the excess entropy, within the two-particle approximation, displays the same linear dependence on energy landscape properties as the diffusivity.
Quantum control of molecular vibrational and rotational excitations in a homonuclear diatomic molecule: A full three-dimensional treatment with polarization forces
Authors: Ren Qinghua , Balint-Kurti Gabriel G. , Manby Frederick R. , Artamonov Maxim , Ho Tak-San , Rabitz Herschel
Published: January 2006

The optimal control of the vibrational excitation of the hydrogen molecule [Balint-Kurti et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122, 084110 (2005)] utilizing polarization forces is extended to three dimensions. The polarizability of the molecule, to first and higher orders, is accounted for using explicit ab initio calculations of the molecular electronic energy in the presence of an electric field. Optimal control theory is then used to design infrared laser pulses that selectively excite the molecule to preselected vibrational-rotational states. The amplitude of the electric field of the optimized pulses is restricted so that there is no significant ionization during the process, and a new frequency sifting method is used to simplify the frequency spectrum of the pulse. The frequency spectra of the optimized laser pulses for processes involving rotational excitation are more complex than those relating to processes involving only vibrational excitation.
Finite basis representations with nondirect product basis functions having structure similar to that of spherical harmonics
Authors: Czakó Gábor , Szalay Viktor , Császár Attila G.
Published: January 2006

The currently most efficient finite basis representation (FBR) method [Corey et al., in Numerical Grid Methods and Their Applications to Schrödinger Equation, NATO ASI Series C, edited by C. Cerjan (Kluwer Academic, New York, 1993), Vol. 412, p. 1; Bramley et al., J. Chem. Phys. 100, 6175 (1994)] designed specifically to deal with nondirect product bases of structures ϕnl(s)fl(u), χml(t)ϕnl(s)fl(u), etc., employs very special l-independent grids and results in a symmetric FBR. While highly efficient, this method is not general enough. For instance, it cannot deal with nondirect product bases of the above structure efficiently if the functions ϕnl(s) [and/or χml(t)] are discrete variable representation (DVR) functions of the infinite type. The optimal-generalized FBR(DVR) method [V. Szalay, J. Chem. Phys. 105, 6940 (1996)] is designed to deal with general, i.e., direct and/or nondirect product, bases and grids. This robust method, however, is too general, and its direct application can result in inefficient computer codes [Czakó et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122, 024101 (2005)]. It is shown here how the optimal-generalized FBR method can be simplified in the case of nondirect product bases of structures ϕnl(s)fl(u), χml(t)ϕnl(s)fl(u), etc. As a result the commonly used symmetric FBR is recovered and simplified nonsymmetric FBRs utilizing very special l-dependent grids are obtained. The nonsymmetric FBRs are more general than the symmetric FBR in that they can be employed efficiently even when the functions ϕnl(s) [and/or χml(t)] are DVR functions of the infinite type. Arithmetic operation counts and a simple numerical example presented show unambiguously that setting up the Hamiltonian matrix requires significantly less computer time when using one of the proposed nonsymmetric FBRs than that in the symmetric FBR. Therefore, application of this nonsymmetric FBR is more efficient than that of the symmetric FBR when one wants to diagonalize the Hamiltonian matrix either by a direct or via a basis-set contraction method. Enormous decrease of computer time can be achieved, with respect to a direct application of the optimal-generalized FBR, by employing one of the simplified nonsymmetric FBRs as is demonstrated in noniterative calculations of the low-lying vibrational energy levels of the H3+ molecular ion. The arithmetic operation counts of the Hamiltonian matrix vector products and the properties of a recently developed diagonalization method [Andreozzi et al., J. Phys. A Math. Gen. 35, L61 (2002)] suggest that the nonsymmetric FBR applied along with this particular diagonalization method is suitable to large scale iterative calculations. Whether or not the nonsymmetric FBR is competitive with the symmetric FBR in large-scale iterative calculations still has to be investigated numerically.
Investigation of point-defect cavity formed in two-dimensional photonic crystal slab with one-sided dielectric cladding
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinori , Asano Takashi , Hatsuta Ranko , Noda Susumu
Published: January 2006

Three-missing-hole point-defect cavities formed in a two-dimensional photonic crystal slab with a silicon-on-insulator structure are investigated. It is theoretically revealed that radiation loss to the SiO2-cladding side is four times higher than that to the air-cladding side due to the smaller refractive index contrast. In addition, in-plane radiation due to transverse electric-transverse magnetic (TE-TM) coupling occurs due to the vertical structural asymmetry. The amount of TE-TM coupling loss is comparable with that of radiation loss to the SiO2 cladding. Experimental results agreed well with theoretical predictions. This treatment can be applied to point-defect cavities in one-sided dielectric cladding structures and in three-dimensional configurations.
Realization of conductive InAs nanotubes based on lattice-mismatched InP∕InAs core-shell nanowires
Authors: Mohan Premila , Motohisa Junichi , Fukui Takashi
Published: January 2006

We report the realization of ordered arrays of single-crystalline InAs nanotubes by a simple pure-eptiaxial approach. The process involved the fabrication of lattice-mismatched InP∕InAs core-shell nanowires using selective area metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on InP (111)A substrates. The subsequent removal of the InP core resulted in vertically aligned InAs nanotubes which were highly uniform with well-defined features and controllable dimensions. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that the nanotubes were single-crystalline with wurtzite crystal structure and temperature-dependent transport measurements revealed that they were conductive without any intentional doping. The realization of such conductive InAs nanotubes opens up new possibilities for both fundamental studies and future device applications.
Sterilization effects of atmospheric cold plasma brush
Authors: Yu Q. S. , Huang C. , Hsieh F.-H. , Huff H. , Duan Yixiang
Published: January 2006

This study investigated the sterilization effects of a brush-shaped plasma created at one atmospheric pressure. A population of 1.0×104–1.0×105 Escherichia coli or Micrococcus luteus bacteria was seeded in filter paper media and then subjected to Ar and/or Ar+O2 plasmas. A complete kill of the Micrococcus luteus required about 3 min argon plasma exposures. With oxygen addition into the argon plasma gas streams, a complete kill of the bacteria needed only less than 1 min plasma exposure for Micrococcus luteus and about 2 min exposure for Escherichia coli. The plasma treatment effects on the different bacteria cell structures were examined using scanning electron microscopy.
Legume seed flavonoids and nitrogenous metabolites as signals and protectants in early seedling development
Authors: Ndakidemi Patrick A. , Dakora Felix D.
Published: January 2006

Flavonoids and nitrogenous metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, peptides and amino acids are major components of plant seeds. Conjugated forms of these compounds are soluble in water, and therefore, are easily released as chemical signals following imbibition. Once in the soil, these metabolites are first in line to serve as eco-sensing signals for suitable rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal partners required for the establishment of symbiotic mutualisms. They may also serve as defence molecules against pathogens and insect pests, as well as playing a role in the control of parasitic members of the family Scrophulariaceae, especially Striga, a major plant pest of cereal crops in Africa. Seed metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, peptides and amino acids define seedling growth and, ultimately, crop yields. Thus, an improvement in our understanding of seed chemistry would permit manipulation of these molecules for effective control of pathogens, insect pests, Striga and destructive weeds, as well as for enhanced acquisition of N and P via symbioses with soil rhizobia and AM fungi.
Revision of Lophophysema (Porifera: Hexactinellida: Hyalonematidae)
Authors: Tabachnick K. R. , Levi Claude
Published: January 2006

Eighteen specimens of the poorly known genus
Lophophysema (Hyalonematidae : Hexactinellida :
Porifera) are reported from Indonesia, from the western and eastern coasts of
Australia, and from South Africa. Two new species,
Lophophysema australicum and
Lophophysema gilchristi, are described. The variability
of Lophophysema inflatum Schulze, 1900 is also reported.
The taxonomy of Tarsotomus Berlese and Paratarsotomus Kuznetsov (Acarina : Anystidae : Erythracarinae) with observations on the natural history of Tarsotomus
Authors: Otto J. C.
Published: January 2006

The genera Tarsotomus and
Paratarsotomus are revised and keys to species of both
genera and to instars of Tarsotomus are provided.
Absoloniana, Anandia,
Parabsolonia and Paranandia are
made new junior synonyms of Tarsotomus and 17 new
species of Tarsotomus are described:
T. abruptus, T. aiolos,
T. aleantis, T. ambitus,
T. anubis, T. argillus,
T. colossus, T. comosus,
T. desertorus, T. dianellus,
T. dioxis, T. heliophilus,
T. primitivus, T. pusillus,
T. pygmaeus, T. solatus, and
T. velopes. All of these new species except
T. primitivus belong to the new abruptus group which has
been found only in Australia. The type species of
Tarsotomus, T. hercules, is
redescribed from type material and from newly collected specimens and is
recorded from France, Iran and the Ukraine for the first time.
Absoloniana diversipes is found to be a new junior
synonym of T. hercules and records of this species from
Switzerland and Greece are shown to be based on misidentifications. The
species T. behningii, T. callunae,
T. macropalpis and T. sabulosus
are assigned to Paratarsotomus.
Tarsotomus rackae is found to be a new junior synonym of
Paratarsotomus sabulosus which is recorded from Germany
and the Ukraine for the first time. Observations on reproductive behaviour
were made for five Tarsotomus species. All of these
produce stalked spermatophores, which are often deposited on top of one
another. The prelarvae of two species of Tarsotomus were
studied and for both were found to be motile. Warm, dry and sparsely covered
habitats are found to be typical for Tarsotomus many
species of which are active on hot surfaces but lie inactively on their dorsum
at room temperature.
The genera of Australian Membracidae (Hemiptera : Auchenorrhyncha)
Authors: Day M. F.
Published: January 2006

The genera of Australian Membracidae (Hemiptera) are revised. Thirty seven
genera are recognised. A key to the genera and illustrations of
representatives of most genera provide aids to identification. All known
genera are described using morphological characters, some of which have not
been employed previously for the Membracidae. The following genera and species
are described as new: Bunyella, gen. nov.,
Matumuia, gen. nov.,
Matumuia laura, sp. nov.,
Neocanthuchus, gen. nov.,
Neocanthuchus barringtonensis, sp. nov.,
Neocanthuchus tropicus, sp. nov.,
Neosextius, gen. nov.,
Neosextius longinotum, sp. nov.,
Neosextius yanda, sp. nov.,
Protinotus, gen. nov., Rentzia,
gen. nov., Rentzia gabana, sp. nov.,
Rentzia yarla, sp. nov., Rigula,
gen. nov., Rigula calperum, sp. nov.,
Rigula naumanni, sp. nov.,
Rigula yalkula, sp. nov.,
Strzeleckia, gen. nov.,
Strzeleckia montanus, sp. nov.,
Undarella, gen. nov.,
Undarella pulleni, sp. nov.,
Undarella storeyi, sp. nov. and
Yangupia, gen. nov. The previously described species
Centrotypus occidentalis Goding is transferred to
Yangupia, gen. nov.;
Acanthuchus dromedarius Kirkaldy is transferred to
Bunyella, gen. nov.;
Otinotus doddi Distant is transferred to
Protinotus, gen. nov. Evidence is now strong that the
single species of the following genera: Xiphistes
Stål, Centrotypus Stål,
Ibiceps Buckton, and Leptocentrus
Stål, reported to have come from Australia, were, in fact, collected in
countries overseas. These genera should no longer be included in the
Australian fauna. The origins, biology and distribution of the indigenous
membracids are briefly discussed in the light of the current understanding of
the group.
Taxonomy and distribution of the inornata species-group of the Papuan genus Idiocnemis Selys (Odonata:Zygoptera:Platycnemididae)
Authors: Gassmann Dirk
Published: January 2006

The inornata species-group, a presumed monophyletic
assemblage of species of the Papuan damselfly genus
Idiocnemis Selys, 1878, is revised with special regard
to phylogenetically relevant morphological characters and the distribution of
its species. Diagnoses of all nine previously described species are presented
together with the description of two new species,
I. adelbertensis, sp. nov. from northeast New Guinea and
I. australis, sp. nov. from southern central New Guinea.
Keys to males and females are provided. The male ligulae of all species were
examined by using scanning electron microscopy. A diagnosis of the genus and a
nomenclatural note on the family-group name Calicnemiinae Fraser, 1957 is
included.
The coral treaders, Hermatobates Carpenter (Hemiptera : Hermatobatidae), of Australia and New Caledonia with notes on biology and ecology
Authors: Andersen Nils Møller , Weir Tom A.
Published: January 2006

Semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera, infraorder
Gerromorpha) are distributed worldwide with approximately 1,600 described
species. Most species live in various types of freshwater habitats, but a
little more than 10% have colonised the marine environment. The
Australian fauna constitutes a significantly higher percentage of marine
species (about 25%) than in any other continent. Among these are the
coral treaders, Hermatobates Carpenter, belonging to the
Hermatobatidae, one of very few insect families that only include marine
species. In this paper the two species of Hermatobates
previously known from Australia are redescribed and
H. armatus, sp. nov. from the Chesterfield Islands in
the Coral Sea is added. The distribution of species known from Australia and
New Caledonia is mapped, and a revised key to the eight species currently
recognised in the genus is presented. Finally, the available knowledge about
the biology and ecology of coral treaders is reviewed and discussed.
Differential 18O enrichment of leaf cellulose in C3 versus C4 grasses
Authors: Helliker Brent R. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: January 2006

We show that differences in the oxygen isotope ratio of leaf water between
C3 and C4 grasses (five species of
each photosynthetic type) become less distinct as relative humidity increases,
and that 18O leaf water differences translate directly
to the oxygen isotope ratio of leaf cellulose. A conceptual model is presented
that is based on grass blade growth characteristics and observed patterns of
progressive enrichment in grasses. The Barbour and Farquhar (2000) model was
capable of explaining the oxygen isotope ratio of bulk leaf cellulose of
C3 and C4 grasses grown under a
variety of growth conditions.
Variability in the Interactions between Arabidopsis thaliana Ecotypes and Oilseed Rape Mosaic Tobamovirus
Authors: Martín A. Martín , Martínez-Herrera D. , Poch H. L. Cabrera y , Ponz F.
Published: January 2006

The responses of 116 ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana
(L.) Heynh. were evaluated after inoculation with oilseed rape mosaic
tobamovirus. Symptoms observed within each of the ecotypes were similar,
allowing us to classify the ecotypes into five symptom groups based on
stunting, abnormal flower or seed formation, and plant death. A relation
between the severity of symptoms and ecotype flowering time was observed:
late-flowering ecotypes developed more severe symptoms than early-flowering
ones. All the symptomless ecotypes were studied under controlled environmental
conditions. Two ecotypes, Wc-1 and An-1, showed resistance to ORMV infection
in the form of absence of long-distance viral movement that was inoculum
concentration-dependent.
UV-B Irradiation Induces Differential Leaf Damage, Ultrastructural Changes and Accumulation of Specific Phenolic Compounds in Rice Cultivars
Authors: Caasi-Lit Merdelyn , Whitecross Malcolm I. , Nayudu Murali , Tanner Gregory J.
Published: January 2006

Enhanced UV-B exposure of rice, Oryza sativa L., induced
ultrastructural changes and visible symptoms including the formation of
necrotic spots, accumulation of dark pigments, and finally desiccation of
damaged leaves. Thirty-four genetically diverse cultivars were classified as
either tolerant, intermediate or susceptible to UV-B irradiation on the basis
of the observed damage symptoms. The development of visible symptoms was
significantly reduced and delayed in highly tolerant cultivars. Highly
susceptible cultivars were severely damaged by UV-B irradiation in a shorter
period of time. Light and electron microscopy of these cultivars revealed
intracellular and cell wall disruption in UV-B treated leaves. However, the
level of disruption was significantly less in tolerant cultivars. There were
significant differences in the relative levels of phenolic compounds produced
in extracts of rice after UV-B exposure of the plants. Tolerant cultivars
accumulated relatively higher levels of phenolics. Two prominent HPLC peaks
(peak I and peak II) accumulated in response to an applied UV-B stress. There
was a significant relationship between the UV-B tolerance category and the
relative mean level of phenolics, and the mean area of HPLC peaks I and II.
Random Insertional Mutagenesis Used in the Generation of Mutants of the Marine Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC7002 With an Impaired CO2 Concentrating Mechanism
Authors: Sültemeyer Dieter , Klughammer Barbara , Ludwig Martha , Badger Murray R. , Price G. Dean
Published: January 2006

Random insertional mutagenesis (gene tagging) has been used to generate ten
kanamycin resistant mutants of the marine cyanobacterium,
Synechococcus sp. strain PCC7002, defective in
components of the CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM).
Three mutants had physiological characteristics consistent with defects in
carboxysome functioning such as the ability to over-accumulate inorganic
carbon (Ci) but make little use of this pool for photosynthesis. Another group
of mutants could not survive at 20 mL CO2
L-1 (low Ci) even though they were able to induce
high-affinity CO2 and
HCO3- transport systems within 6 h
of acclimation to low Ci, albeit at reduced maximum rates compared to wild
type (WT) cells. A third class of mutant grew more slowly at 20 mL
CO2 L-1 (pH 8.2) than WT cells and
failed to grow at pH 7.0 under the same CO2 conditions.
Besides inhibition of Ci transport rates in low-Ci cells and small internal Ci
pools, these mutants had only partly developed a high-affinity
HCO3- uptake system and had
completely failed to induce a high-affinity CO2
transport system. Physiological characteristics of these mutants are discussed
along with prospects for isolating the genes affected in these mutants.
Effect of salt stress on antioxidant defence system in soybean root nodules
Authors: Comba María E. , Benavides María P. , Tomaro María L.
Published: January 2006

The antioxidant defence systems of soybean (Glycine max
(L.) Merr) nodules responded differently to 50 and 200 mM NaCl. At 50 mM NaCl,
leghaemoglobin content and nitrogenase activity remained unaltered but there
was an overall increase in the antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase,
catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) and in reduced
glutathione. After returning the salinised nodules to a non-saline environment
(recovery), the enzymatic activities returned to the initial values but
reduced glutathione remained high with respect to the controls measured at the
end of the experiment (final controls). Severe salt treatment reduced the
leghaemoglobin content and nitrogenase activity by 31% and 50%,
respectively. Ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase
activities decreased between 30 and 100% while superoxide dismutase and
reduced glutathione increased over the controls by 19% and 30%
respectively. After recovery, glutathione reductase increased over the final
controls and reduced glutathione remained as under 50 mM NaCl. Malondialdehyde
content and total protein remained unchanged in nodules treated with the two
salt concentrations. These results suggest that under mild saline stress, the
elevated levels of the antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione protect
nodules against the activated oxygen species thus avoiding lipid and protein
peroxidation, and leghaemoglobin breakdown. However, severe saline treatment
produced an irreversible decay in the leghaemoglobin content and nitrogenase
activity despite the high reduced glutathione level and glutathione reductase
activity.
Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding an ACC oxidase from Cicer arietinum and its expression during embryogenesis and seed germination
Authors: Gómez-Jiménez M.C. , Matilla A.J. , Garrido D.
Published: January 2006

A full length cDNA (caaco1) encoding a putative ACC-oxidase (ACCO) was
isolated and sequenced from embryonic axes of chick-pea
(Cicer arietinum L.) seeds, which depend on ethylene
synthesis for germination. The deduced protein for caaco1 has a molecular
weight of 36 kDa, a high homology with other ACCOs and is apparently found in
the cytosolic fraction of the cell. Heterologous expression of this cDNA
confirmed that the protein product exhibits ACCO activity and a molecular
weight close to 38 kDa. Southern blot analysis shows that there are at least
two genes encoding ACCO in the chick-pea genome. The caaco1 mRNA levels in
seeds remained constant during the initial stages of embryogenesis decreasing
in the latest stages. During germination, caaco1 mRNA levels increase,
reaching a maximum at 24 h, coinciding with the maximum percentage of
germination (when all seeds are germinated), ACCO activity and ethylene
production. It is interesting that there is a shift in the tissue source of
the caaco1 mRNA during embryogenesis and germination. While the bulk of the
expression was detected in cotyledons during embryogenesis, it was the
embryonic axis that provided most of the expression detected during
germination. Our data suggest that during embryogenesis ACCO is regulated at
the translational level, but during germination at the transcriptional level.
Role of Changes in Cell Size in the Evolution of Wheat
Authors: Dunstone RL , Evans LT
Published: January 2006

The objective of the present work was to examine to what extent increase in cell size has contributed to the parallel increases in leaf and grain size in the course of evolution in wheat. Eighteen lines were chosen to represent wild and cultivated wheats at the diploid and tetraploid levels, cultivated hexaploid wheats, and the two Aegilops species likely to have contributed the B and D genomes. All plants were grown at 21/16�C under natural light. The penultimate leaves and the basal grains from central spikelets were selected for comparison. The projected area of separated mesophyll cells from leaves was 1.5–2 times larger in the cultivated tetraploid and hexaploid wheats than in the diploids, and correlated positively but weakly with leaf blade area (r = 0.50), and negatively with photosynthetic rate in Triticum species (r = -0.66). Cell size in the endosperm bore no relation to cell size in the aleurone layer or mesophyll, or to grain volume. Aleurone cell size, however, correlated positively with both grain volume (r = 0.82) and mesophyll cell size (r = 0.79). Increase in grain weight during evolution has not involved increase in either specific gravity of the mature grain or endosperm cell size. Presumably increase in endosperm cell number has been the major factor. With increase in grain size during evolution there has been a fall in percentage nitrogen in the grain.
Productivity of Vegetable Crops in a Region of High Solar Input. III. Carbon Balance of Potato Crops
Authors: Sale PJM
Published: January 2006

The carbon balance of potato crops has been studied by measuring canopy net photosynthesis and dark respiration losses with a field assimilation chamber and semi-closed gas analysis system. Results are given for the latter part of growth in both a spring-planted and a summer-planted crop. Net CO2 uptake increased with solar input to reach 35–40mg dm-2 (ground area) h-1 at 400–450 W m-2, but light saturation then occurred and little or no further uptake resulted from increases in solar input up to 1000 W m-2. This supports the previous conclusion that net photosynthesis in the potato is determined by the size of the 'sink' provided by the developing tubers. The imposed experimental variables of reduced solar input (21 and 34% shade) and soil moisture were found not to affect the relation between solar input and CO2 uptake, and the effect of chamber temperature was also very small. Dark respiration rates of the canopy were markedly sensitive to temperature, and also to the solar input prior to measurement. Respiration from the below-ground plant parts accounted for a considerable part of the total plant respiration. In all, 15–20 % of the net assimilation during daylight hours was lost by night respiration. There was little variation in CO2 efflux from uncropped soil during the experiments. Dry weight changes calculated from the gasometric measurements were in accordance with those found from previous growth analysis. * Part II, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 1973, 24, 751–62.
Effect of Water Deficit on Translocation of Carbohydrate in Solanum tuberosum
Authors: Munns R , Pearson CJ
Published: January 2006

The effect of drought on the fixation and translocation of labelled carbon in the potato (S. tuberosum) was examined. Low leaf water potentials resulted in a decrease in translocation which was proportional to the decline in net photosynthesis, irrespective of whether tubers were absent or present. The ratio of 14C entering polysaccharides to that in ethanol-soluble compounds markedly decreased in droughted leaves. These data suggest that the decrease in growth of tubers under conditions of water deficit can be ascribed to direct effects on tuber growth and photosynthesis but not to interference with vein loading or velocity of transport of photosynthate.
Influence of Partial Defoliation on Photosynthesis, Photorespiration and Transpiration by Lucerne Leaves of Different Ages
Authors: Hodgkinson KC
Published: January 2006

A study was made of the short- and long-term effects of partial defoliation (cutting at 15 cm above the crown) of lucerne plants (Medicago sativa L. cv. Hunter River) on the net photosynthesis, transpiration, photorespiration and CO2 transfer resistances of remaining leaves. The response in gas-exchange properties of leaves of different ages to partial defoliation of the plant was also investigated.
Partial defoliation always induced rejuvenation in photosynthetic rate of remaining leaves. Young and middle-aged leaves rejuvenated to rates comparable to those of recently expanded leaves but old leaves only partially rejuvenated. Time after defoliation to attain peak rates increased as leaves aged; values were 5, 9 and 12 days for plants partially defoliated on days 16, 30 and 65 of regrowth respectively. Peak rates were maintained for only 3 or 4 days before declining. Rates of photorespiration and photosynthesis were closely coupled. Transpiration rates varied over time in a similar but more erratic pattern to net photosynthetic rates.
Changes in net photosynthetic rates associated with senescence, defoliation treatments and irradiance levels were largely attributable to changes in intracellular resistance to CO2 transfer. Intracellular resistances ranged from 2.6 to 30 s cm-1, constituting 67-95 % of the total resistance to photosynthesis. Stomatal resistance to CO2 diffusion remained low, 0.2 - 1.0 s cm-1, for all but very old leaves.
Partial defoliation followed by continual removal of new crown and stubble shoots induced very high net photosynthetic rates, c. 15 days later. Highest net photosynthetic rate was 238 ng CO2 cm-2 s-1.
Possible mechanisms responsible for photosynthetic rejuvenation following partial defoliation are discussed, together with ecological implications of this phenomenon.
Variability in the Proportion and Type of Subunits in Lupin Storage Globulins
Authors: Gillespie JM , Blagrove RJ
Published: January 2006

The seeds of 12 species of lupin were examined and were found to contain two major globulins, conglutins α and β, while some contained a third minor globulin, conglutin �. There were considerable differences between species in the electrophoretic mobility and proportions of conglutins α and β, and in their subunit composition in terms of the number of components, their molecular weights and the importance of disulphide bonding between them. However, the electrophoretic behaviour and subunit composition of conglutins α and β did appear to be species-specific. Conglutin γ, on the other hand, did not seem to vary in molecular size or electrophoretic mobility within this genus. The 18 cultivars of Lupinus angustifolius examined appeared to be more closely related in terms of the number and size of subunits, although variations were apparent in the relative proportion of these subunits, especially with wild types. It is suggested that this variability in the protein structure of lupin globulins may provide evidence that substantial changes can be induced by genetic selection in the composition of these proteins without upsetting their structure-function relations.
Effects of Girdling and Defoliation on Root Activity and Survival of Eucalyptus regnans and E. viminalis Seedlings
Authors: Wilson BF , Bachelard EP
Published: January 2006

Fast-growing seedlings of E. regnans F.Muell. survive when bark-girdled, but die when defoliated or detopped or when the stem at a bark girdle is steam-killed. These differences are due to photosynthate passing bark birdles in large quantities, probably in internal primary phloem. Following defoliation or detopping, root elongation stops within 4 days, the root sap turns brown within 8-13 days, and the plant dies in 12-30 days. Total sugars and amino acids in the root sap changed only slightly following girdling or up to 8 days after detopping, but both increased tenfold 8-13 days after detopping. This increase is accompanied by qualitative changes in both sugars and amino acids, and by the appearance of inhibitor(s). Gibberellin and cytokinin activities in the sap are not affected by girdling or detopping. In contrast, fast-growing seedlings of E. viminalis Labill. survive detopping and, although root growth stops by 4 days, root sap stays colourless and without inhibitors.
Photosynthesis in Relation to Growth and Distribution of Fruit in Peach Trees
Authors: Chalmers DJ , Canterford RL , Jerie PH , Jones TR , Ugalde TD
Published: January 2006

The rate of photosynthesis and the total daily photosynthesis of a peach tree [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] were found to be closely related to changes in carbon requirements caused by changes in the stage of fruit growth and by fruit removal at harvest.
Although the light regime was superior in the topmost zone of leaves, the rate of photosynthesis was lower than in intermediate zones during the period of most rapid fruit growth. In contrast, the rate of photosynthesis in the horizontal zones of the tree was closely related to the weight of fruit per unit of leaf area in each zone. This coupling between supply and demand was also demonstrated by assimilate build up in the leaf when fruit were removed, i.e. 14C turnover was substantially reduced.
During the final stage of rapid fruit growth (DW III) the growth of fruit was stimulated above and inhibited below a cincture through the phloem of the main branches, which indicated that the level of assimilate available for fruit growth was lower in the bottom of the tree. This conclusion was supported by the observation that the mean leaf density (mg dry weight/cm�) increased with increasing height in the canopy.
It was concluded that the data were good evidence of a strong coupling between the supply of assimilates by the leaves and the growth requirements of the tree.