bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Putrescine Increases Floral Retention, Pod Set and Seed Yield in Cold Stressed Chickpea
Authors: Nayyar H. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is sensitive to cold stress (<8 °C) at its reproductive phase that results in flower abortion, poor pod set and thus reduced yield. Early maturing genotypes are especially more sensitive. In this crop, the metabolic causes underlying cold injury that are imperative to induce cold tolerance are not known. In the present study, the endogenous levels of putrescine (diamine), spermidine (triamine) and spermine (tetramine) were examined in early maturing chickpea genotype ICCV 96029, subjected to chilling temperatures of field (12–15/4–6 °C; average maximum and minimum temperature respectively), at flowering or early podding stage. These were compared with controls growing in warmer conditions (28/12 °C) of the glasshouse. The polyamine levels increased six to nine times because of stress. Relatively, putrescine (PUT) elevation was the highest but short‐lived and its decrease appeared to match with the onset of flower and pod abscission in stressed plants. Compared with controls, chilling injury, observed as electrolyte leakage (EL), increased by 60 % while cellular respiration declined by 68 % in stressed plants. Exogenous application of 10 mm PUT to stressed plants reduced the EL by 29 % and elevated the cellular respiration by 40 %. PUT application at flowering stage resulted in increase of 30, 31, 23 and 25 % in floral retention, pod set, pod retention and fertile pods respectively. At the early podding stage, PUT treatment increased the seed yield per plant, seed number per 100 pods and individual seed weight by 50, 17 and 19 % respectively. The number of single‐seeded pods per plant increased from 4.4 in stressed plants to 12.2 in PUT‐treated plants while the number of double‐seeded pods reduced from 6.2 to 4.3. The number of infertile pods declined from 8.2 in stressed plants to 3.1 in PUT‐treated plants.
Enhancing Seed Germination Rate of Four Turfgrass Genera by Acid Treatments
Authors: Salehi H. , Khosh‐Khui M. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTurfgrasses are commonly propagated by seeds. In some genera of turfgrasses, the presence of low germination percentage (GP) or rate is the main problem in seed propagation. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the best concentration and duration of sulphuric acid treatment for seeds of the following turfgrass genera: Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.; Festuca rubra L. var. rubra‘Shadow’; Lolium perenne L. ‘Barball’ and Poa pratensis L. ‘Merion’. In the first experiment, sulphuric acid was used with concentrations of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 % for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min. In the second experiment, effects of light/dark (16/8) or dark conditions on germination rates of different mentioned genera were investigated using the best specific acid treatments. Each treatment was replicated four times with 100 seeds per replicate kept in plastic Petri dishes. The results indicated that in Cynodon, using 50 % acid for 20–25 min had highest GP and mean daily germination (MDG) in light/dark; in Festuca, using 25 % acid for 15 min had highest GP and MDG in light/dark; in Lolium using 50 % acid for 10 min had highest MDG in dark and in Poa, using 50 % acid for 15–25 min had highest MDG in dark. Both Cynodon and Poa had the highest and Festuca had the lowest GPs. Cynodon and Festuca had the highest and lowest MDGs, respectively. This simple procedure, with considerable results, may be replaced to time‐consuming and expensive methods such as seed priming.
Effect of N Fertilization Rate on Sugar Yield and Non‐Sugar Impurities of Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris) Grown Under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Tsialtas J. T. , Maslaris N. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractFor three successive growing seasons (1999–2001), a completely randomized block design experiment was established at the surrounding area of each of four sugar beet processing plants of Hellenic Sugar Industry SA, Greece (a total of 12 experiments). Nitrogen was applied at five rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha−1) and six replications per rate. Nitrogen fertilization had site‐specific effects on quantitative (fresh root and sugar yields) and qualitative (sucrose content, K, Na, α‐amino N) traits. When data were combined over years and sites, fresh root and sugar yields were maximized at high N rates (330.75 and 295 kg N ha−1 respectively), as derived from quadratic functions fitted to data. In three trials, increased N rates had negative effects on root and sugar yield. These sites were characterized by high yield in control plots, light soil texture (sand > 50 %) and low CEC values. When data were converted into relative values (the ratio of the trait values to the control mean of each experiment), root and sugar yield was found to be maximized at higher N rates (350 and 316 kg N ha−1, respectively). Sucrose content was strongly and linearly reduced by the increased N rates when data were combined but a significant reduction with increasing N rates was found in only two sites. Non‐sugar impurities (K, Na, α‐amino N) were positively related to the increased N rates when data were combined. Sodium and α‐amino N showed to be most affected by N fertilization as positive relationships were found in six and eight of 12 locations, respectively. Increased N supply resulted in higher soil NO3‐N concentrations (0–90 cm depth) at harvest which were related with amino N contents in sugar beet roots (in 1999 and 2001).
Germplasm Variability and Environmental Effects on Stem Cellulose and Lignin Concentrations in Alfalfa*
Authors: Schwab P. M. , Lamb J. F. S. , Sheaffer C. C. , Barnes D. K. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractStem cellulose and lignin concentrations are major determining factors of alfalfa (Medicago sativa ssp. sativa L.) forage quality. Only limited information is available on the genetic variability and the influence of environmental effects on these two stem‐quality traits. Our objectives were to: evaluate the variability for stem cellulose and lignin concentrations in modern alfalfa germplasms across several harvests; observe the environmental stability of these two quality traits in 32 alfalfa clones selected high or low for either stem cellulose or lignin concentration; and examine the relationships between these two stem‐quality traits and leaf and stem crude protein (CP). Fifty alfalfa entries (cultivars and experimental populations) were established May 1993, and sampled for stem acid‐detergent lignin (ADL), stem acid‐detergent cellulose (ADC), and stem CP on Sep 1993, June and Aug 1994. Clones were vegetatively propagated from individual plants selected for extremes in stem ADL and ADC and transplanted into blocks at two locations in May 1994 and sampled for quality analysis in September 1994. For all samples, leaves were hand‐separated from stems and stem ADL, ADC, CP and leaf CP concentration were determined using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Entry differences for stem ADL and ADC were detected only at the June 1994 harvest date in the cultivar study. Spearman's ranked correlations over years in the clonal study demonstrated greater environmental stability for stem ADC (r = 0.70, P ≥ 0.01) than for stem ADL (r = 0.54, P # 0.05). Environmental effects had an impact on both traits, but stem ADC showed greater potential for improving forage quality. Simple correlations showed that decreasing stem ADL or ADC would have minimal effect on leaf CP and may increase stem CP.
Competition and Productivity in Mixture of Oats and Wheat
Authors: Sobkowicz P. , Tendziagolska E. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe research assesses the productivity of mixture of oats (Avena sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), and compares two different approaches used in plant competition studies: replacement (substitutive) designs and additive designs. The experiment was carried out on sandy loam soil at the Experimental Station of Agricultural University of Wrocław (Poland). Oats and wheat were grown for grain as sole crops and in 1 : 1 replacement mixtures at three rates of seeding: 150, 300 and 600 viable seeds m−2. These designs allowed mixtures seeded at a rate of 300 and 600 seeds m−2 to be analysed according to either a replacement or an additive approach. In 1999, pure stand wheat and oats–wheat mixture yielded significantly more grain than oats grown alone but in 2000 there was no difference in yield. Wheat outcompeted oats in mixture but the relative competitive ability of the two species changed little with increasing seeding density. Relative yield total (RYT) for grain was significantly >1.0 (RYT = 1.07) in 1999 for the lowest seeding density, showing partial complementarity in use of limiting resources by the species in mixture. Based on grain yields, the results obtained from substitutive and additive mixtures were similar with respect to the relative yields and relative competitive ability of the two species concerned.
Can Leaf Chlorophyll Measures at Differing Growth Stages be used as an Indicator of Winter Wheat and Spring Barley Nitrogen Requirements in Eastern Canada?
Authors: Spaner D. , Todd A. G. , Navabi A. , McKenzie D. B. , Goonewardene L. A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPlant need‐based N management approaches may increase the efficiency of N fertilizer application in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The leaf chlorophyll concentration estimated through the SPAD‐502 meter gives a relative assessment of N status in crop. Field trials were conducted near St John's, Newfoundland, between 1997 and 2000 to describe the relationship between winter wheat and spring barley grain yield, protein content, protein yield and SPAD measurements, as affected by differential stage of crop growth, seeding rate and topdress N fertilizer. Grain yield, protein content, and protein yield of winter wheat and spring barley exhibited linear responses to increasing N topdress application rate. SPAD‐502 values were moderately to highly positively correlated with grain yield, protein content, and protein yield as a result of increasing topdress N fertilization, and moderately negatively correlated as a result of increasing seeding rate. It may be difficult to make an N‐application rate recommendation based on SPAD measurements, as a critical SPAD value may vary among years, locations, cultivars and soil characters.
Zum Einsatz von Luzernesilage bei Kühen mit hoher Milchleistung
Authors: Bulang M. , Kluth H. , Engelhard T. , Spilke J. , Rodehutscord M. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryStudies on the use of lucerne silage as a forage source for high‐yielding dairy cowsIt was the main objective of this study to investigate effects of lucerne silage inclusion in maize silage‐based rations on dry matter intake, milk yield and metabolic parameters of high yielding dairy cows. Three total mixed rations (TMR) were used. They contained as the main forage source on a dry matter basis 41.5% maize silage and 12% grass silage (ration maize) or 18% maize silage and 29% of either grass silage (ration grass) or lucerne silage (ration lucerne). Organic matter digestibility, determined with wether sheep, was 77 and 65% for the grass and the lucerne silage, respectively. Each TMR was fed to 4 wether sheep to determine crude nutrient digestibilities. The content of net energy for lactation (NEL), as calculated from digestible crude nutrients, was (MJ/kg dry matter (DM)): 7.1 (maize), 7.2 (grass) and 6.8 (lucerne). Based on the results of a chemical fractionation of crude protein it was calculated that the content of utilisable crude protein (nXP) was not below 167 g/kg DM and that the N balance in the rumen was not negative for all 3 TMR. The TMR were fed for 169 days to at least 28 dairy cows per treatment which were in their first half of lactation. Feed intake, milk performance data and physiological indicators were measured for each individual cow. The DM intake was significantly higher in treatment lucerne (23.2 kg/d) than in treatments grass (21.2 kg/d) and maize (22.6 kg/d). Daily intakes of NEL and nXP were significantly lower in treatment grass than in the other two treatments. Milk yield was significantly higher in treatment maize (41.7 kg/d) than in treatments grass (37.3 kg/d) and lucerne (38.5 kg/d). This was associated with a significantly lower milk fat content in treatment maize (3.5%) in comparison with the other two treatments (3.9% each). Milk protein content was unaffected by treatment (3.4% on average). Similarly, the acetone content of milk was not significantly different between treatments. The β‐hydroxybutyrate content of the deproteinized blood was significantly higher in treatment lucerne at start of lactation, but this difference disappeared in subsequent parts of the experimental period. Measurements of back fat thickness indicated mobilisation and retention of energy by cows during the experimental period to be similar in all treatments. It is concluded that lucerne silage is a suitable forage source for high yielding dairy cows in spite of its low digestibility.
Degradation of transgenic Cry1Ab DNA and protein in Bt‐176 maize during the ensiling process
Authors: Lutz B. , Wiedemann S. , Albrecht C. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryMaize silage is commonly used as feed for farm animals. The aim of this study was to monitor the time‐dependent degradation of non‐recombinant chloroplast DNA (exemplified by the rubisco gene) in comparison with the recombinant cry1Ab gene in the course of the ensiling process. In parallel, the Cry1Ab protein content and fragment sizes were determined. Fragments of the rubisco (173, 896, 1197, 1753 and 2521 bp) and of the cry1Ab gene (211, 420, 727 and 1423 bp) were selected to investigate the DNA degradation process. The detection of the Cry1Ab protein was performed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. Rubisco gene fragments of 173 bp were still detectable after 61 days, while fragments of 1197 and 2521 bp were detectable up to 30 days and on the first day only respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses revealed that fragments of the cry1Ab gene with sizes of 211 and 420 bp were detectable up to 61 days, fragments with sizes of 727 and 1423 bp, 30 and 6 days respectively. The ELISA showed a decrease of the Cry1Ab protein in maize silage during the ensiling process. No marked degradation was observed during the first 43 h. Thereafter, a sharp decrease was measured. After 61 days, 23.6 ± 0.9% of the initial Cry1Ab protein was still detectable. Immunoblotting confirmed the results of the ELISA showing a positive signal of approximately 60 kDa size for 8 days of ensiling; no further immunoactive fragments were detectable by immunoblotting. In conclusion, the ensiling process markedly decreases the presence of long functional cry1Ab gene fragments and full size Cry1Ab protein.
Homer 1a enhances spike‐induced calcium influx via L‐type calcium channels in neocortex pyramidal cells
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji , Sakagami Yu , Sugiura Shigeki , Inokuchi Kaoru , Shimohama Shun , Kato Nobuo 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe scaffold protein family Homer/Vesl serves to couple surface receptors or channels with endoplasmic calcium release channels. Homer 1a/Vesl‐1S is regarded as regulating such coupling in an activity‐dependent manner. The present calcium photometry and electrophysiological measurement revealed that Homer 1a up‐regulates voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), depending on inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3Rs). In rat neocortex pyramidal cells, intracellular injection by diffusion from the patch pipette (referred to as ‘infusion’) of Homer 1a protein enhanced spike‐induced calcium increase, depending on both the protein concentration and spike frequency. Induction of this enhancement was disrupted by blockers of key molecules of the mGluR–IP3 signalling pathway, including metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), phospholipase C and IP3Rs. However, infusion of IP3 failed to mimic the effect of Homer 1a, suggesting requirement for a second Homer 1a‐mediated signalling as well as the mGluR–IP3 signalling. In contrast to the induction, maintenance of this enhancement was independent of the mGluR–IP3 signalling, taking the form of augmented calcium influx via L‐type VDCCs. Presumably due to the VDCC up‐regulation, threshold currents for calcium spikes were reduced. Given that Homer 1a induction is thought to down‐regulate neural excitability and hence somatic spike firing, this facilitation of calcium spikes concomitant with such attenuated firing may well have a critical impact on bi‐directional synaptic plasticity.
Abnormal neurodevelopment, neurosignaling and behaviour in Npas3‐deficient mice
Authors: Brunskill Eric W. , Ehrman Lisa A. , Williams Michael T. , Klanke Justin , Hammer Daniel , Schaefer Tori L. , Sah Renu , Il Gerald W. Dorn , Potter S. Steven , Vorhees Charles V. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract Npas3 is a member of the bHLH‐PAS superfamily of transcription factors that is expressed broadly in the developing neuroepithelium. To study the function of this gene, mice deficient in Npas3 were generated and characterized. Npas3–/– mice were growth‐retarded and exhibited developmental brain abnormalities that included a reduction in size of the anterior hippocampus, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and enlargement of the ventricles. A number of behavioural abnormalities were identified in Npas3–/– mice including locomotor hyperactivity, subtle gait defects, impairment of prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, deficit in recognition memory and altered anxiety‐related responses. Characterization of neurosignaling pathways using several pharmacological agents revealed dysfunctional glutamate, dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter signaling. Consistent with these findings, we identified a significant alteration in cortical PSD‐95 expression, a PDZ‐containing protein that has been shown to be involved in postsynaptic signal transduction. Together, our observations indicate an important role for Npas3 in controlling normal brain development and neurosignaling pathways.
Cortical efferents of the entorhinal cortex and the adjacent parahippocampal region in the monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Muñoz Mónica , Insausti Ricardo 
Published: September 2005

AbstractEntorhinal cortex (EC) relays information from the hippocampus to the cerebral cortex. The origin of this entorhino‐cortical pathway was studied semiquantitatively and topographically with the use of 23 retrograde tracer injections in cortical areas of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes of the monkey. To assess possible alternative, parallel pathways, the parahippocampal region, comprised of temporal pole (TP), perirhinal (PRC), and posterior parahippocampal cortices (PPH), was included in the study. The majority of the cortical areas receive convergent projections from EC and the parahippocampal region. Strong EC layer V output is directed to temporal pole, medial frontal and orbitofrontal cortices, and the rostral part of the polysensory area of the superior temporal sulcus (sts). Moderate EC output is directed to the caudal superior temporal gyrus, area TE, and parietal cortex, and little to none to the lateral frontal cortex. With the exception of the projection to the medial frontal cortex, output from TP, PRC, and PPH surpassed that from EC, although with regional differences. TP layers II–III, V–VI project strongly to all areas injected except parietal cortex and caudal superior temporal gyrus, while PRC layers III/V–VI send strong projections to rostral parts of area TE and sts. PPH layers III/V–VI project heavily to parietal cortex and caudal superior temporal gyrus. These results suggest that the medial temporal output is primarily organized hierarchically, but at the same time, it has multiple exits of information. These parallel, alternative routes may influence local circuitry in the cerebral cortex and participate in the consolidation of declarative memory.
A slowly developing dysfunction of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons induced by long‐term paraquat administration in rats: an animal model of preclinical stages of Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Ossowska K. , Wardas J. , Śmiałowska M. , Kuter K. , Lenda T. , Wierońska J. M. , Zięba B. , Nowak P. , Dąbrowska J. , Bortel A. , Kwieciński A. , Wolfarth S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to examine the influence of the long‐term paraquat administration on the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in rats. Paraquat was injected at a dose of 10 mg/kg i.p. for 4–24 weeks. We found that this pesticide reduced the number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive neurons of the substantia nigra; after the 4‐week treatment the reduction (17%, nonsignificant) was confined to the rostrocentral region of this structure but, after 24 weeks, had spread along its whole length and was ≈ 37%. Moreover, it induced a biphasic effect on dopaminergic transmission. First, levels of dopamine, its metabolites and turnover were elevated (4–8 weeks) in the caudate–putamen, then all these parameters returned to control values (12 weeks) and dropped by 25–30% after 24 weeks. The binding of [3H]GBR 12,935 to dopamine transporter in the caudate–putamen was decreased after 4–8 weeks, then returned to control values after 12 weeks but was again decreased after 24 weeks. Twenty‐four‐week paraquat administration also decreased the level of tyrosine hydroxylase (Western blot) in the caudate–putamen. In addition, paraquat activated serotonin and noradrenaline transmission during the first 12 weeks of treatment but no decreases in levels of these neurotransmitters were observed after 24 weeks. The above results seem to suggest that long‐term paraquat administration produces a slowly progressing degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons, leading to delayed deficits in dopaminergic transmission, which may resemble early, presymptomatic, stages of Parkinson's disease.
Unilateral pallidotomy in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated common marmosets exhibiting levodopa‐induced dyskinesia
Authors: Iravani Mahmoud M. , Costa Sergio , Al‐Bargouthy Ghassan , Jackson Michael J. , Zeng Bai‐Yun , Kuoppamäki Mikko , Obeso Jose A. , Jenner Peter 
Published: September 2005

AbstractPallidotomy paradoxically reduces the intensity of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia without worsening motor symptoms. The reasons for this are not clear and no experimental study has investigated this phenomenon. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of unilateral pallidotomy on locomotor activity, motor disability and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated levodopa‐primed common marmosets. Animals were primed to exhibit dyskinesia by daily administration of levodopa until stable dyskinesia was evoked by each dose. Locomotor activity, motor disability and dyskinesia were assessed weekly at baseline and following an acute levodopa challenge. Prior to pallidotomies, two distinct groups of animals emerged: poor responders to levodopa with mild dyskinesia (Group 1) and those exhibiting a marked increase in motor activity and pronounced dyskinesia (Group 2). Electrolytic lesions were placed in the left internal segment of the globus pallidus. Pallidotomy had no effect on basal or levodopa‐induced motor activity in either group but significantly improved basal motor disability in Group 2. Following pallidotomy, the ability of levodopa to reduce motor disability was significantly increased in both groups. Pallidotomy improved dyskinesia in both Groups 1 and 2 but it was more effective in reducing dystonia compared with chorea. The effect of pallidotomy on dyskinesia in Group 2 was transient, with the intensity of involuntary movements reverting to presurgery levels 4 weeks later. This study shows that in levodopa‐primed, parkinsonian marmosets, placement of discrete globus pallidus lesions can ameliorate levodopa‐induced dyskinesia but not akinesia. This model allows the evaluation of pallidotomy‐induced biochemical changes in dyskinetic primates.