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Oats
Selected AbstractsEx vivo magnetic resonance microscopy of an osteochondral transfer,JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 5 2003Erik F. Petersen BS Abstract A 49-year-old woman with right knee pain and a chondral defect on the medial femoral condyle underwent an osteochondral transfer. The patient initially had pain relief, but then sustained a twisting injury and had progressive chondromalacia and pain on the affected side. She subsequently underwent a total knee replacement, and the tissue from the osteochondral transfer (OATS) site was harvested for analysis. In vitro MR microimaging of the excised joint segment revealed undamaged, full-thickness cartilage on the OATS plug, intact cartilage on the posterior condyle, and severely thinned and damaged cartilage on the anterior condyle. Alcian blue-stained sections revealed that proteoglycans were present throughout the OATS core but were nearly absent in the native cartilage. Quantitative T1 data acquired after equilibration with Gd-DTPA indicated a distribution of matrix fixed charge in the OATS plug and anterior tissue that agreed well with histology and literature observations, while the posterior native cartilage appeared to have fixed charge similar to that of the OATS tissue. Histology revealed poor graft integration between OATS and native cartilage, with a distinct layer of fibrous tissue at the posterior interface. MRI images, by comparison, showed a hypointense feature at the posterior interface but uniform intensity across the anterior interface. Quantitative T2, magnetization transfer and T1 data acquired with and without gadolinium contrast showed dependences on depth, location, and pathology that were consistent with measurements reported in the literature for articular cartilage. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;17:603,608. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ORF6 from the clavulanic acid gene cluster of Streptomyces clavuligerus has ornithine acetyltransferase activityFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 8 2002Nadia J. Kershaw The clinically used beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces clavuligerus. The orf6 gene of the clavulanic acid biosynthetic gene cluster in S. clavuligerus encodes a protein that shows sequence homology to ornithine acetyltransferase (OAT), the fifth enzyme of the arginine biosynthetic pathway. Orf6 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli (at ,,15% of total soluble protein by SDS/PAGE analysis) indicating it was not toxic to the host cells. The recombinant protein was purified (to >,95% purity) by a one-step technique. Like other OATs it was synthesized as a precursor protein which underwent autocatalytic internal cleavage in E. coli to generate , and , subunits. Cleavage was shown to occur between the alanine and threonine residues in a KGXGMXXPX--(M/L)AT (M/L)L motif conserved within all identified OAT sequences. Gel filtration and native electrophoresis analyses implied that the ORF6 protein was an ,2,2 heterotetramer and direct evidence for this came from mass spectrometric analyses. Although anomalous migration of the , subunit was observed by standard SDS/PAGE analysis, which indicated the presence of two bands (as previously observed for other OATs), mass spectrometric analyses did not reveal any evidence for post-translational modification of the , subunit. Extended denaturation with SDS before PAGE resulted in observation of a single major , subunit band. Purified ORF6 was able to catalyse the reversible transfer of an acetyl group from N -acetylornithine to glutamate, but not the formation of N -acetylglutamate from glutamate and acetyl-coenzyme A, nor (detectably) the hydrolysis of N -acetylornithine. Mass spectrometry also revealed the reaction proceeds via acetylation of the , subunit. [source] Towards an understanding of organic anion transporters: Structure,function relationshipsMEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 6 2004Guofeng You Abstract Organic anion transporters (OAT) play essential roles in the body disposition of clinically important anionic drugs, including anti-viral drugs, anti-tumor drugs, antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, and anti-inflammatories. The activities of OATs are directly linked to drug toxicity and drug,drug interactions. So far, four members of the OAT family have been identified: OAT1, OAT2, OAT3, and OAT4. These transporters share several common structural features including 12 transmembrane domains, multiple glycosylation sites localized in the first extracellular loop between transmembrane domains 1 and 2, and multiple phosphorylation sites present in the intracellular loop between transmembrane domains 6 and 7, and in the carboxyl terminus. The impact of these structural features on the function of these transporters has just begun to be explored. In the present review, the author will summarize recent progress made from her laboratory as well as from others, on the molecular characterization of the structure,function relationships of OATs, including particular amino acid residues/regions of the transporter protein ("molecular domains") that potentially determine transport characteristics. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 24, No. 6, 762,774, 2004 [source] Structure, function, and regulation of renal organic anion transportersMEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 6 2002Guofeng You Abstract Renal elimination of anionic drugs, xenobiotics, and toxins is necessary for the survival of mammalian species. This process is mediated by vectorial transport from blood to urine through the cooperative functions of specific transporters in the basolateral and apical membranes of the proximal tubule epithelium. The first step of this process is the extraction of organic anions from the peritubular blood plasma into proximal tubule cells largely through the organic anion transporter (OAT) pathway. Therefore, the OAT pathway is one of the major sites for body drug clearance/detoxification. As a result, it is also the site for drug,drug interaction and drug-induced nephrotoxicity. To maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize toxicity, the structure-function relationships of OATs and their regulation must be defined. The recent cloning and identification of OATs have paved the way for such investigations. This review summarizes the available data on the general properties of OATs, focusing in particular on the recent progress made from the author's laboratory as well as from other's, on the molecular characterization of the structure-function relationships of OATs and their regulatory mechanisms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 22, No. 6, 602,616, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10019 [source] Organic anion transporters: discovery, pharmacology, regulation and roles in pathophysiologyBIOPHARMACEUTICS AND DRUG DISPOSITION, Issue 1 2010Adam L. VanWert Abstract Our understanding of the mechanisms behind inter- and intra-patient variability in drug response is inadequate. Advances in the cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing enzyme field have been remarkable, but those in the drug transporter field have trailed behind. Currently, however, interest in carrier-mediated disposition of pharmacotherapeutics is on a substantial uprise. This is exemplified by the 2006 FDA guidance statement directed to the pharmaceutical industry. The guidance recommended that industry ascertain whether novel drug entities interact with transporters. This suggestion likely stems from the observation that several novel cloned transporters contribute significantly to the disposition of various approved drugs. Many drugs bear anionic functional groups, and thus interact with organic anion transporters (OATs). Collectively, these transporters are nearly ubiquitously expressed in barrier epithelia. Moreover, several reports indicate that OATs are subject to diverse forms of regulation, much like drug metabolizing enzymes and receptors. Thus, critical to furthering our understanding of patient- and condition-specific responses to pharmacotherapy is the complete characterization of OAT interactions with drugs and regulatory factors. This review provides the reader with a comprehensive account of the function and substrate profile of cloned OATs. In addition, a major focus of this review is on the regulation of OATs including the impact of transcriptional and epigenetic factors, phosphorylation, hormones and gender. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spring Cereals for Forage and Grain Production in a Cool Maritime ClimateJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003A. G. Todd Abstract Newfoundland's climate is marginal for agricultural production. The availability of locally grown cereal grain and high-quality forage are major limitations to successful animal agriculture in this region. Here, our overall objective was to compare several spring cereal species for both annual forage and grain production in Newfoundland's cool Maritime climate. Several varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), wheat (Triticum aesitivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.),cereal mixtures for forage yield and quality, as well as grain yield and maturity, were compared in field trials on the east and west coasts in both 1999 and 2000. Barley headed earliest, yielded greatest forage dry matter, had lowest forage protein and acid detergent fibre (ADF) percentages, and had neutral detergent fibre (NDF) mean values greater than those of pea,cereal mixtures, but less than those of oats and wheat. Forage harvested from pea,cereal mixtures was similar to that of barley for yield, ADF and NDF, while P and protein percentage were much greater. Barley matured 10,15 days earlier than both wheat and oats. In general terms, all three spring cereals exhibited similar grain yield potential. Oats tillered less, but compensated by producing more kernels spike,1. Days to maturity for cereal grains in western Newfoundland were roughly similar to those reported for the Maritime provinces of Canada. Yield and maturity results for both forage and grain production suggest that eastern Newfoundland is a unique agro-ecoregion in North America, and agronomic recommendations specific to other regions may not be applicable in this region. [source] Effects of hay intake and feeding sequence on variables in faeces and faecal water (dry matter, pH value, organic acids, ammonia, buffering capacity) of horsesJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1-2 2004A. Zeyner Summary To investigate effects of hay intake and feeding sequence on indicators of the microbial activity within the hindgut, six horses were fed 1.00 kg oats plus 0.50, 0.67, 0.83 or 1.00 kg hay/100 kg body weight (BW) × day, each for 14 days. Oats was offered either 30 min prior to hay (OA) or in the reversed sequence (HA) in a 2 × 8-week crossover design. Because typically exercised horses should be subjected to the study, faeces was used as substrate. Faecal dry matter (DM), the faecal waters' short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, in mmol/l) and molar percentages (mol%) of propionate and iso-butyrate were highest with OA (p < 0.01). Acetate mol%, acetate,propionate quotient (A/P) and buffering capacities 1 and 2 (BC1: current pH to pH 6; BC2: pH 6 to 5) of the faecal water were highest with HA (p < 0.01). While the hay intake rose, faecal pH, acetate mol%, A/P, BC1 and BC2 (the latter with HA only) increased (p < 0.05), but DM, SCFA and propionate mol% declined (p < 0.05). The hay-induced rise in A/P and BC1 was much higher with HA than with OA. l -Lactate and ammonia were unaffected by the feeding sequence and hay intake. In conclusion, hay intake and feeding sequence influence the microbial activity within the hindgut, although the concentrate level remains consistent. In horse rations with 1.00 kg oats/100 kg BW × day amounts of at least 0.83 kg hay/100 kg BW × day and offering the hay first seem to have the potency to protect the hindgut content from acidification. Behavioural abnormality was not observed any longer first with 1.00 kg hay/100 kg BW × day. [source] Oats in the treatment of childhood coeliac disease: a 2-year controlled trial and a long-term clinical follow-up studyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 10 2006K. HOLM Summary Background The exclusion of oats from the diet in coeliac disease is controversial. Aim To study the long-term safety of oats in the treatment of children with coeliac disease. Methods Altogether 32 children with coeliac disease were enrolled in a 2-year controlled trial. Twenty-three children in remission were randomized either to oats or gluten challenge; when small bowel histological relapse was evident after gluten challenge, a gluten-free diet including oats was started. Furthermore, nine newly detected coeliac patients adopted an oat-containing gluten-free diet. Small bowel mucosal morphology, CD3+, ,,+ and ,,+ intraepithelial lymphocytes, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DR expression and coeliac serology were determined. After the trial, the children were allowed to eat oats freely; follow-up was extended up to 7 years. Results In coeliac children in remission, oats had no detrimental effect on intestinal histology or serology during the 2-year trial. In contrast, the gluten-challenge group relapsed after 3,12 months. Complete recovery from the disease was accomplished in all relapsed and newly detected patients on an oat-containing gluten-free diet. After the trial, 86% of the children preferred to consume oats and they all remained in remission. Conclusion In most children with coeliac disease, long-term consumption of oats is well tolerated, and it does not result in small bowel mucosal deterioration or immune activation. [source] Forty-nine new host plant species for Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Alvin M. SIMMONS Abstract The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a worldwide pest of numerous agricultural and ornamental crops. In addition to directly feeding on plants, it also acts as a vector of plant viruses of cultivated and uncultivated host plant species. Moreover, host plants can affect the population dynamics of whiteflies. An open-choice screening experiment was conducted with B-biotype B. tabaci on a diverse collection of crops, weeds, and other indigenous plant species. Five of the plant species were further evaluated in choice or no-choice tests in the laboratory. The results reveal 49 new reproductive host plant species for B. tabaci. This includes 11 new genera of host plants (Arenaria, Avena, Carduus, Dichondra, Glechoma, Gnaphalium, Molugo, Panicum, Parthenocissus, Trianthema, and Triticum) for this whitefly. All species that served as hosts were acceptable for feeding, oviposition, and development to the adult stage by B. tabaci. The new hosts include three cultivated crops [oats (Avena sativa L.), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)], weeds and other wild species, including 32 Ipomoea species, which are relatives of sweetpotato [I. batatas (L.) Lam.)]. Yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L., did not serve as a host for B. tabaci in either open-choice or no-choice tests. The results presented herein have implications for whitefly ecology and the numerous viruses that B. tabaci spreads to and among cultivated plants. [source] Composition of organic matter in a subtropical Acrisol as influenced by land use, cropping and N fertilization, assessed by CPMAS 13C NMR spectroscopyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2005J. Dieckow Summary We know much about the influence of management on stocks of organic matter in subtropical soils, yet little about the influence on the chemical composition. We therefore studied by CPMAS 13C NMR spectroscopy the composition of the above-ground plant tissue, of the organic matter of the whole soil and of silt- and clay-size fractions of the topsoil and subsoil of a subtropical Acrisol under grass and arable crops. Soil samples were collected from three no-till cropping systems (bare soil; oats,maize; pigeon pea + maize), each receiving 0 and 180 kg N ha,1 year,1, in a long-term field experiment. Soil under the original native grass was also sampled. The kind of arable crops and grass affected the composition of the particulate organic matter. There were no differences in the composition of the organic matter in silt- and clay-size fractions, or of the whole soil, among the arable systems. Changes were observed between land use: the soil of the grassland had larger alkyl and smaller aromatic C contents than did the arable soil. The small size fractions contain microbial products, and we think that the compositional difference in silt- and clay-size fractions between grassland and the arable land was induced by changes in the soil's microbial community and therefore in the quality of its biochemical products. The application of N did not affect the composition of the above-ground plant tissue nor of the particulate organic matter and silt-size fractions, but it did increase the alkyl C content in the clay-size fraction. In the subsoil, the silt-size fraction of all treatments contained large contents of aromatic C. Microscopic investigation confirmed that this derived from particles of charred material. The composition of organic matter in this soil is affected by land use, but not by variations in the arable crops grown. [source] Spring Cereals for Forage and Grain Production in a Cool Maritime ClimateJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003A. G. Todd Abstract Newfoundland's climate is marginal for agricultural production. The availability of locally grown cereal grain and high-quality forage are major limitations to successful animal agriculture in this region. Here, our overall objective was to compare several spring cereal species for both annual forage and grain production in Newfoundland's cool Maritime climate. Several varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), wheat (Triticum aesitivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.),cereal mixtures for forage yield and quality, as well as grain yield and maturity, were compared in field trials on the east and west coasts in both 1999 and 2000. Barley headed earliest, yielded greatest forage dry matter, had lowest forage protein and acid detergent fibre (ADF) percentages, and had neutral detergent fibre (NDF) mean values greater than those of pea,cereal mixtures, but less than those of oats and wheat. Forage harvested from pea,cereal mixtures was similar to that of barley for yield, ADF and NDF, while P and protein percentage were much greater. Barley matured 10,15 days earlier than both wheat and oats. In general terms, all three spring cereals exhibited similar grain yield potential. Oats tillered less, but compensated by producing more kernels spike,1. Days to maturity for cereal grains in western Newfoundland were roughly similar to those reported for the Maritime provinces of Canada. Yield and maturity results for both forage and grain production suggest that eastern Newfoundland is a unique agro-ecoregion in North America, and agronomic recommendations specific to other regions may not be applicable in this region. [source] Sensitivity of Crops to Increased Ultraviolet Radiation in Northern Growing ConditionsJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002K. Hakala Crops growing at high latitudes are adapted to low intensities of solar ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B). As a result of destruction of stratospheric ozone layer especially at the Polar Regions of the globe, the intensity of UV-B is projected to increase at high latitudes. In order to find out the consequences of increased UV-B on crops, the sensitivity of different varieties of barley, wheat, oats, clover, timothy, meadow fescue, tall fescue and potato was tested in Jokioinen, Finland. The experiment was conducted in the field, under natural light, with a continuous 30 % increase in UV-B. Both increased UV-B and the control with slightly increased UV-A radiation affected the number of lateral shoots in cereals, and the specific leaf area and the content of phenolic substances in grasses. The effects varied according to plant variety and time of growing season. However, no visible damage, nor changes in biomass and yield production were found in any of the crops. Long-term effects on, e.g. genetic stability and germination of crop seed remain to be studied. Empfindlichkeit von Kulturpflanzenbeständen gegenüber einer Erhöhung der ultravioletten Einstrahlung unter nördlichen Wachstumsbedingungen Kulturpflanzenbestände, die unter hohen Breitengraden wachsen, sind an geringe Intensitäten der solaren ultravioletten B Einstrahlung (UV-B) angepasst. Aufgrund der Destruktion der Stratosphäre, insbesondere der Ozonschicht, im Bereich der polaren Gebiete der Erde, ist eine zunehmende Intensität der UV-B Strahlung in hohen Breitengraden festzustellen. Um die Konsequenzen einer Erhöhung von UV-B auf Kulturpflanzenbestände zu bestimmen, wurde die Empfindlichkeit unterschiedlicher Arten wie Gerste, Weizen, Hafer, Klee, Wiesenlieschgras, Wiesenschwingel, Rohrschwingel und Kartoffel in Jokioinen, Finnland, untersucht. Das Experiment wurde im Felde durchgeführt unter natürlichen Lichtbedingungen mit einer kontinuierlichen Zunahme von 30 % für UV-B. Sowohl eine Erhöhung der UV-B als auch die Kontrolle mit leicht erhöhten UV-B Strahlungen beeinflussten die Anzahl der Nebenwurzeln bei den Getreidepflanzen und die spezifische Blattfläche sowie den Gehalt an phenolischen Substanzen bei den Gräsern. Die Wirkungen variierten entsprechend der Pflanzenvarietät und der Anbauzeit. Allerdings wurden keine erkennbare Schädigungen noch Änderungen in der Biomasse und in der Ertragsproduktion bei einer der untersuchten Pflanzenbestände gefunden. Langzeitwirkungen auf die genetische bedingte Stabilität und Keimung der Kulturpflanzen sollte weiterhin untersucht werden. [source] Effects of hay intake and feeding sequence on variables in faeces and faecal water (dry matter, pH value, organic acids, ammonia, buffering capacity) of horsesJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1-2 2004A. Zeyner Summary To investigate effects of hay intake and feeding sequence on indicators of the microbial activity within the hindgut, six horses were fed 1.00 kg oats plus 0.50, 0.67, 0.83 or 1.00 kg hay/100 kg body weight (BW) × day, each for 14 days. Oats was offered either 30 min prior to hay (OA) or in the reversed sequence (HA) in a 2 × 8-week crossover design. Because typically exercised horses should be subjected to the study, faeces was used as substrate. Faecal dry matter (DM), the faecal waters' short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, in mmol/l) and molar percentages (mol%) of propionate and iso-butyrate were highest with OA (p < 0.01). Acetate mol%, acetate,propionate quotient (A/P) and buffering capacities 1 and 2 (BC1: current pH to pH 6; BC2: pH 6 to 5) of the faecal water were highest with HA (p < 0.01). While the hay intake rose, faecal pH, acetate mol%, A/P, BC1 and BC2 (the latter with HA only) increased (p < 0.05), but DM, SCFA and propionate mol% declined (p < 0.05). The hay-induced rise in A/P and BC1 was much higher with HA than with OA. l -Lactate and ammonia were unaffected by the feeding sequence and hay intake. In conclusion, hay intake and feeding sequence influence the microbial activity within the hindgut, although the concentrate level remains consistent. In horse rations with 1.00 kg oats/100 kg BW × day amounts of at least 0.83 kg hay/100 kg BW × day and offering the hay first seem to have the potency to protect the hindgut content from acidification. Behavioural abnormality was not observed any longer first with 1.00 kg hay/100 kg BW × day. [source] Effects of oat processing on the glycaemic and insulin responses in horsesJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-4 2003I. Vervuert Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different oat processing techniques on the plasma glucose and insulin response in horses. In a cross-over design, six horses (ages 4,15 years, mean body weight ± SD: 450 ± 37 kg) were fed in random order: untreated oats, finely ground, steam-flaked and popped oats. The total oat intake varied between 1.05,1.5 kg/day, and the amount of diet was adjusted to a starch content of 630 g starch per day and horse (1.2,1.5 g starch/kg BW/day). During the stabilization period of 10 days, horses additionally received 6 kg grass hay. Following this adaptation period, plasma glucose and insulin responses to the respective dietary treatments were tested. Horses were fed their test diet (exclusively oats), and blood samples were collected at defined times to determine glycaemic and insulin response. Oat feeding resulted in a significant increase in mean plasma glucose and insulin concentration. However, glucose and insulin peaks as well as their respective areas under the curves were not clearly influenced by oat processing. The glycaemic index varied between 94.7 ± 11.2% (steam-flaked oats) and 102.6 ± 14.5% (finely ground oats, n.s.), the insulin index ranged between 93.8 ± 18.9% (popped oats) and 150.0 ± 77.6% (finely ground oats, n.s.). The insulin reaction to oat feeding showed a high variability between the horses. The results of this study indicate that the glucose and insulin responses are not clearly altered by the different types of oat processing. However, the glucose and insulin responses tended to be lower in thermally treated oats when compared with untreated or finely ground oats. [source] In situ rumen degradation and in vitro gas production of some selected grains from TurkeyJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 9-10 2002H. D. Umucalilar Summary An investigation of the dry matter degradability (DMD) and effective dry matter degradability (EDDM) was performed for barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oat samples, using the Nylon-bag technique. Gas production (GP), metabolizable energy (ME) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were also studied by using Hohenheim gas test. The DM from barley, wheat, rye and triticale was digested rapidly in the rumen, and, at the 48 h of incubation, degradability was found to be approximately about 80%. The higher degradability observed for these grains than for oats and corn was attributable to the structure of these grains. In contrast, DM of corn and oats was degraded very slowly and reached 66.7 and 66.5 at 48 h, respectively. Effective degradability values of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were determined to be 61.4, 69.0, 64.0, 41.7, 66.7 and 58.6% in 5% rumen outflow rate, respectively. At the end of the 48 h incubation, total gas productions in barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 83.6, 87.2, 87.5, 83.5, 85.8 and 63.9 ml/200 mg DM, respectively. The mean ME values of these grains calculated from cumulative gas amount at 24 h incubation were 11.8, 12.1, 12.3, 10.9, 12.4 and 10.2 MJ/kg DM, respectively. In vitro digestible organic matter of barley, wheat, rye, corn, triticale and oats were estimated to be 85.0, 87.3, 88.2, 79.5, 89.0 and 72.6%. Percentage overall EDDM (k=5%) of barley, wheat, rye, triticale and oats was positively correlated with in vitro GP at 6 h, cumulative GP at 24 h and total GP at 48 h (p<0.05). As a result, in situ dry matter degradation of grains showed great differences depending on the chemical compositions. In situ EDDM of grains may be predicted from in vitro gas production parameters. [source] Testing for market power in the Australian grains and oilseeds industriesAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007Christopher J. O'Donnell We formally assess competitive buying and selling behavior in the Australian grains and oilseeds industries using a more realistic empirical model and a less aggregated data set than previously available. We specify a duality model of profit maximization that allows for imperfect competition in both input and output markets and for variable-proportions technologies. Aggregate input-output data are used to define the structure of the relevant industries, and time series data are then used to implement the model for 13 grains and oilseeds products handled by seven groups of agents. The model is estimated in a Bayesian econometrics framework. We find evidence of flour and cereal food product manufacturers exerting market power when purchasing wheat, barley, oats and triticale; beer and malt manufacturers exerting market power when purchasing wheat and barley; and other food product manufacturers exerting market power when purchasing wheat, barley, oats and triticale. [EconLit citations: C11, L66, Q11]. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 349,376, 2007. [source] PUFFING AND JET COOKING AFFECT SOLUBILITY AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF BARLEY ,-GLUCANS,JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 6 2004A.P. KLAMCZYNSKI ABSTRACT Foods containing barley or oats are often marketed as healthy because of the dietary fiber (1,3) (1,4)-,-D-glucan. Processing conditions can affect the molecular structure of these dietary fibers, which in turn affect quality and properties of the products. In this study, the effect of puffing and jet cooking conditions on changes in the solubility and molecular weight of barley ,-glucans was investigated. Barley flour was processed in a pasta extruder to produce particles similar in size and shape to rice. These particles were puffed at 230, 250 and 270C for 6, 8 and 10 s in a rice cake machine. Solubility and molecular weight of barley ,-glucans were determined by using water extracts (25 or 65C). The amount of ,-glucan extracted in water at 25C increased from 41.1% in cakes puffed at 230C/6 s to 69.7% in cakes puffed at 270C/10 s. The amount of ,-glucan extracted in water at 65C increased from 63.6% in samples puffed at 230C/6 s to 99.1% in samples puffed at 270C/10 s. The molecular weight of ,-glucans in barley was reduced by puffing and jet cooking treatments. [source] REDUCED/OXIDIZED GLUTATHIONE INDEX AS A TOOL FOR FOOD MONITORITY OXIDATIVE STRESS DURING EXTRUSION COOKINGJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 3 2001H. ZIELINSKI Reduced and oxidized glutathione was assayed in wheat, barley, rye, oats and buckwheat before and after extrusion cooking. The results obtained indicate that GSH/GSSG ratio was decreased from 1.91 and 10.72 for raw oat and buckwheat grains to the 1.13, 1.01, 1.10 and 4.72, 3.89, 3.89 for extruded material, respectively, in temperature used of 120, 160 and 200C. These results indicate that the oxidative stress is least developed during extrusion cooking of oat and buckwheat grains. Wheat and barley grains were more prone to oxidative damage, and the observed decrease of the ratio ranged from 6.84 and 4.89 (wheat cv. Almari and barley cv. Mobek, raw material) to the 1.89 and 2.07 (after extrusion cooking at 200C, respectively). No significance differences were found between two cultivars of wheat and barley being used in the experiment. The most decreased ratio up to five times was found in rye grain extrudates. The extrusion performed under barrel temperature profile of 80,100,120,120,120C caused significant decrease in GSH content when compared to raw material. The next higher barrel temperature profiles of 100,130,160,160,120C and 120,160,200,200,120C led to further GSH decrease in extruded wheat grains. In contrast, the two high temperature profiles did not [source] The Green Oat Story: Possible Mechanisms of Green Color Formation in Oat Products during CookingJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2009D.C. Doehlert ABSTRACT:, Consumers occasionally report greenish colors generated in their oat products when cooking in tap water. Here we have investigated pH and ferrous (Fe2+) ion as possible mechanisms for this color change. Steel-cut oat groats can turn brown-green color when cooked in alkaline conditions (pHs 9 to 12). Extraction of this color with methanol, and high-pressure liquid chromatography indicated a direct association of this color with the phenolic acid or avenanthramide content of the oat. The presence of 50 mM NaHCO3 in water will cause oat/water mixtures to turn alkaline when cooked as CO2 is driven off, generating OH, ion. Although tap water rarely, if ever, contains so much bicarbonate, bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent in baking applications. Industrial interests using baking soda or alkaline conditions during oat processing should be aware of possible off color generation. We have also found that as little as 10 ppm Fe2+ will turn oat products gray-green when cooked. The aleurone stained darker than the starchy endosperm. Other divalent cations, such as Ca2+ or Mg2+ had no effect on cooked oat color. As much as 50 ppm Fe2+ may be found in freshly pumped well water, but Fe2+ reacts quickly with oxygen and precipitates as Fe(OH)3. Thus, some freshly pumped well water may turn oats green when cooked, but if the water is left under atmospheric conditions for several hours, no discoloration will appear in the cooked oats. [source] Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis for Economically Important Food CropsJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2007Halima Hassan Salem Abstract The objective of this review is to summarize numerous studies on the use of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique on rice, corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, rye, and oats to examine its feasibility and validity for assessment of genetic variation, population genetics, mapping, linkage and marker assisted selection, phylogenetic analysis, and the detection of somaclonal variation. Also we discuss the advantages and limitations of RAPD. Molecular markers have entered the scene of genetic improvement in different fields of agricultural research. The simplicity of the RAPD technique made it ideal for genetic mapping, plant and animal breeding programs, and DNA fingerprinting, with particular utility in the field of population genetics. [source] Glycosidases in soils as affected by cropping systemsJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2005Daniel E. Dodor Abstract Glycosidases are a group of soil enzymes that play a major role in degradation of carbohydrates. This study was conducted to assess the impact of crop rotation and N fertilization on the activities of ,- and ,-glucosidases and ,- and ,-galactosidases in plots of two long-term field experiments at the Clarion-Webster Research Center (CWRC) and Northeast Research Center (NERC) in Iowa. Surface-soil (0,15 cm) samples were taken in 1996 and 1997 in corn (Zeamays L.), soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merr.), oats (Avenasativa L.), or meadow (alfalfa) (Medicago sativa L.) plots that received 0 or 180,kg N ha,1, applied as urea before corn, and an annual application of 20,kg P ha,1 and 56,kg K ha,1. Activities of the four glycosidases were significantly affected by crop rotations in both years at the two sites but not by nitrogen application. In general, higher activities were observed in plots under meadow or oat and the lowest in continuous corn (CWRC) and soybean (NERC). Four-year rotation showed the highest activity, followed by 2-year rotation and monocropping systems. Linear-regression analyses indicated that, in general, the activities of the glycosidases were significantly correlated with microbial-biomass C (r > 0.302, p , 0.05) and microbial-biomass N (r > 0.321, p , 0.05), organic-C (r > 0.332, p , 0.05) and organic-N (r > 0.399, p , 0.01) contents of the soils. Results of this work suggest that multicropping stimulated the activities of the glycosidases. The specific activities of the glycosidases in soils of the two sites studied, expressed as g p -nitrophenol released per,kg of organic C, differed among the four enzymes. The lowest values were obtained for ,-galactosidase and ,-glucosidase, followed by ,-galactosidase and ,-glucosidase. Glycosidasen in Böden unter dem Einfluss von Bewirtschaftungssystemen Glycosidasen stellen eine Gruppe von Bodenenzymen dar, welche eine entscheidende Rolle im Abbau von Kohlenhydraten spielen. Ziel dieser Untersuchungen war die Erfassung des Einflusses von Fruchtfolge und N-Düngung auf die Aktivitäten von ,- und ,-Glucosidasen und ,- und ,-Galactosidasen in zwei Langzeitfeldversuchen, dem Clarion-Webster-Versuchsfeld (CWRC) und dem Northeast-Versuchsfeld (NERC) in Iowa. In den Jahren 1996 und 1997 wurden Oberbodenproben (0,15 cm) von Parzellen unter Mais (Zeamays L.), Sojabohne (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), Hafer (Avena sativa L.) oder Luzerne (Medicago sativa L.) entnommen, welche vor Mais 0 oder 180,kg N ha,1 in Form von Harnstoff sowie jährliche Düngergaben in Höhe von 20,kg P ha,1 und 56,kg K ha,1 erhielten. Über zwei Jahre wurden die Aktivitäten der vier Glycosidasen in beiden Feldversuchen signifikant von der Bewirtschaftung beeinflusst, jedoch nicht von der N-Düngung. Im allgemeinen wurden höhere Enzymaktivitäten in Parzellen unter Luzerne oder Hafer festgestellt und die geringsten unter Maismonokultur (CWRC) bzw. Sojabohne (NERC). Vierjährige Fruchtfolgen zeigten die höchsten Aktivitäten, gefolgt von zweijährigen Fruchtfolgen und Monokulturen. Analysen mittels linearer Regression weisen auf eine Korrelation zwischen Glycosidaseaktivitäten und C (r > 0.332, p , 0.05) und N der mikrobiellen Biomasse (r > 0.321, p , 0.05) sowie den Gehalten an org. C (r > 0.332, p , 0.05) und N (r > 0.399, p , 0.01) hin. Die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen deuten darauf hin, dass die Aktivitäten von Glycosidasen durch mehrjährige Fruchtfolgen stimuliert wurden. Die spezifischen Glycosidaseaktivitäten in den Böden der zwei Feldversuche, berechnet als freigesetztes p -Nitrophenol (g (kg org. C),1), variierten zwischen den vier Enzymen. Die geringsten Werte wurden für ,-Galactosidase und ,-Glucosidase festgestellt, gefolgt von ,-Galactosidase und ,-Glucosidase. [source] Effect of cropping systems on phosphatases in soilsJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003Daniel E. Dodor Abstract Phosphatases are widely distributed in nature and play a major role in phosphorus nutrition of plants. The effects of crop rotations and nitrogen fertilization on the activities of phosphatases (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphodiesterase) were studied in soils from two long-term cropping systems at the Northeast Research Center (NERC) in Nashua and the Clarion Webster Research Center (CWRC) in Kanawha, Iowa, USA. Surface soils (0,15 cm) were taken in 1996 and 1997 from replicated field plots in corn, soybeans, oats, or meadow (alfalfa) that received 0 or 180 kg N ha,1 before corn. Because of differences in organic C contents among soils of the two sites, the soils from the CWRC sites contained greater enzyme activity values than those from the NERC site. Plots under oats or meadow showed the greatest activity values, whereas those under continuous corn at the CWRC site and soybean at the NERC site showed the least activities. Analysis of variance indicated that the activities of the phosphatases were significantly affected by crop rotation (P < 0.001) in both years at the NERC site but not at the CWRC site. Nitrogen fertilization affected the activity of acid phosphatase in soils from the CWRC site in both years and alkaline phosphatase only in 1997; but it did not affect the activities of the phosphatases in the soils from the NERC site. With the exception of alkaline phosphatase (CWRC) and phosphodiesterase (NERC) in soils sampled in 1997, activities of alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase were significantly correlated with microbial biomass C (C mic) in soils from both sites and years, with r values ranging from 0.366* to 0.599***. Cropping systems and N fertilization affected the specific activities of phosphomonoesterases, especially acid phosphatase, but not of phosphodiesterase. Regression analysis showed that activities of phosphatases were significantly correlated with organic C contents of soils from the NERC site but not from the CWRC site. Einfluss von Managementsystemen auf Phosphatasen in Böden Phosphatasen sind weit verbreitet in der Natur und spielen eine entscheidende Rolle in der Phosphorversorgung von Pflanzen. Die Auswirkungen von Managementsystemen und Stickstoffdüngung auf Phosphataseaktivitäten in Böden (saure und alkalische Phosphatase, Phosphodiesterase) wurden in zwei langjährigen Feldversuchen am Northeast-Research Center (NERC) in Nashua und am Clarion-Webster Research Center (CWRC) in Kanawha, Iowa, USA untersucht. In den Jahren 1996 und 1997 wurden Oberbodenproben (0,15cm) von Parzellen unter Mais, Sojabohne, Hafer und Luzerne entnommen, welche in jeweils drei Wiederholungen angelegt waren. Die Parzellen erhielten zusätzlich Düngergaben von 0 bzw. 180 kg N ha,1 , die vor Mais appliziert wurden. Infolge der unterschiedlichen Gehalte der Böden an organischem Kohlenstoff waren die Enzymaktivitäten auf den CWRC-Flächen höher als auf den NERC-Flächen. Die Parzellen unter Hafer und Luzerne wiesen die höchsten, Parzellen unter Monokulturen von Mais (CWRC) bzw. Soja (NERC) die geringsten Aktivitäten auf. Die Ergebnisse der Varianzanalyse zeigten, dass die Phosphataseaktivitäten auf den NERC-Flächen in beiden Jahren signifikant durch das Managementsystem beeinflusst wurden (P < 0, 001). Die Stickstoffdüngung hatte auf den CWRC-Flächen in beiden Jahren einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die saure Phosphataseaktivität und auf die alkalische Phosphataseaktivität im Jahr 1997. Auf den NERC-Flächen war hingegen kein Düngungseinfluss nachzuweisen. Die alkalische Phosphatase und Phosphodiesterase waren, mit Ausnahme der alkalischen Phosphatase auf den CWRC-Flächen und der Phosphodiesterase auf den NERC-Flächen, signifikant mit dem Gehalt der Böden an mikrobieller Biomasse (C mic) korreliert (r = 0, 366* bis 0, 599***). Die Management- und N-Düngungssysteme beeinflussten die spezifischen Aktivitäten von Phosphomonoesterasen, v.a. von saurer Phosphatase, jedoch nicht die spezifischen Phosphodiesteraseaktivitäten. Regressionsanalysen ergaben einen signifikanten Zusammenhang zwischen den Phosphataseaktivitäten und dem Gehalt der Böden an organischem C für die NERC-Flächen, jedoch nicht für die CWRC-Flächen. [source] Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Possible Mechanism of Alcohol-Induced Endotoxemia and Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in RatsALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2009Ece Mutlu Background:, Clinical and animal data indicate that gut-derived endotoxin and other luminal bacterial products are necessary cofactors for development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Although gut leakiness is clearly an important cause of endotoxemia in ALD, it cannot fully explain endotoxemia in all ALD subjects and thus other factors may be involved. One possible factor is a change in gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis). Thus, the aim of our study was to interrogate the gut bacterial microbiota in alcohol-fed rats to see if chronic alcohol consumption affects gut bacteria composition. Method:, Male Sprague,Dawley rats were given either alcohol or dextrose intragastrically by gavage twice daily for up to 10 weeks. A subgroup of rats was also given either a probiotic (lactobacillus GG) or a prebiotic (oats) by gavage. Ileal and colonic mucosal-attached microbiota composition were interrogated by Length Heterogeneity PCR (LH-PCR) fingerprinting. Results:, Bacterial microbiota composition in alcohol-fed rats is not different from dextrose-fed rats at weeks 4 and 6. Mucosa-associated microbiota composition in the colon is altered at 10 weeks of daily alcohol gavage. Both LGG and oats prevented alcohol-induced dysbiosis up to 10 weeks of alcohol treatment. Conclusion:, Daily alcohol consumption for 10 weeks alters colonic mucosa-associated bacterial microbiota composition in rats. Our data showed, for the first time, that daily alcohol consumption can affect colonic microbiome composition and suggest that dysbiosis may be an important mechanism of alcohol-induced endotoxemia. Further studies are needed to determine how dysbiotic microbiota contributes to development of ALD and whether therapeutic interventions targeted towards dysbiotic microbiota can prevent complications of alcoholism like ALD. [source] Phenols in spikelets and leaves of field-grown oats (Avena sativa) with different inherent resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae)JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 11 2009Lena H Dimberg Abstract BACKGROUND: Avenanthramides, health-beneficial phenols in oats, are produced in response to incompatible races of the crown rust fungus, Puccinia coronata, in seedlings of greenhouse-grown oats. This study aimed to elucidate whether avenanthramides and/or other phenolic compounds, together with the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), phenoloxidase (PO) and the avenanthramide biosynthetic enzyme hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:hydroxyanthranilate- N -hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HHT), are associated with crown rust infection in mature field-grown oats. Nine oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes with wide variation in crown rust resistance were exposed to naturally occurring fungal spores during the growth period. RESULTS: In the spikelets avenanthramides as well as HHT activities were more abundant in the crown rust resistant genotypes, whereas p -coumaric and caffeic acids were more abundant in the susceptible ones. In the leaves avenanthramides were not associated with resistance. Instead two unknown compounds correlated negatively with the rust score. Phenols released by alkaline hydrolysis and PAL and PO activities were not related to rust infection, either in spikelets or in the leaves. CONCLUSION: Because grains of crown rust-resistant oat genotypes seemed to have higher endogenous levels of health-promoting avenanthramides, use of resistant oats may contribute to a food raw material with health-beneficial effects. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Lipids and antioxidants in groats and hulls of Swedish oats (Avena sativa L)JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 6 2002Susanne Bryngelsson Abstract Concentrations and compositions of total lipids (TL), fatty acids, tocopherols and tocotrienols, avenanthramides and free hydroxycinnamic acids were determined in groats and hulls from single samples of seven Swedish oat cultivars. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl as substrate. Results were evaluated by principal component analysis. Consistent differences in value of the variables analysed in groats and hulls were found, groats having higher concentrations of all compounds analysed except free cinnamic acids. Concentrations of E-vitamers (especially tocotrienols) were high in both groat and hull samples with high TL. Avenanthramides were high in hull samples with high TL, but this was not found in groats. Free cinnamic acids did not follow TL in either groats or hulls. TAC was generally higher in groats than in hulls. The within-group variation in TAC was less pronounced than that in chemical composition, especially in groats. The results did not suggest any strong relationship between TAC and individual antioxidants. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Oats in the treatment of childhood coeliac disease: a 2-year controlled trial and a long-term clinical follow-up studyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 10 2006K. HOLM Summary Background The exclusion of oats from the diet in coeliac disease is controversial. Aim To study the long-term safety of oats in the treatment of children with coeliac disease. Methods Altogether 32 children with coeliac disease were enrolled in a 2-year controlled trial. Twenty-three children in remission were randomized either to oats or gluten challenge; when small bowel histological relapse was evident after gluten challenge, a gluten-free diet including oats was started. Furthermore, nine newly detected coeliac patients adopted an oat-containing gluten-free diet. Small bowel mucosal morphology, CD3+, ,,+ and ,,+ intraepithelial lymphocytes, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DR expression and coeliac serology were determined. After the trial, the children were allowed to eat oats freely; follow-up was extended up to 7 years. Results In coeliac children in remission, oats had no detrimental effect on intestinal histology or serology during the 2-year trial. In contrast, the gluten-challenge group relapsed after 3,12 months. Complete recovery from the disease was accomplished in all relapsed and newly detected patients on an oat-containing gluten-free diet. After the trial, 86% of the children preferred to consume oats and they all remained in remission. Conclusion In most children with coeliac disease, long-term consumption of oats is well tolerated, and it does not result in small bowel mucosal deterioration or immune activation. [source] Prediction of crop yield in Sweden based on mesoscale meteorological analysisMETEOROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 4 2000Valentin L Foltescu This paper presents a prediction system for regional crop growth in Sweden, recently set up at SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute). The system includes a state-of-the-art crop growth model, WOFOST (WOrld FOod STudies) and inputs from meteorological mesoscale analysis. The simulated crops are spring barley, spring rape, oats and winter wheat, and the period of investigation is 1985,98. The simulated water-limited grain yield is used as a predictor in the yield prediction procedure. The technological time trend describing the yearly increase of the production level is accounted for as well. Yield prediction based on crop growth modelling is justified since the ability to forecast the yield is higher compared to that using the technological time trend alone. The prediction errors are of the order of 8 to 16%, with the lowest errors for winter wheat and spring barley. Copyright © 2000 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Sorption of sulfuryl fluoride by food commoditiesPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 8 2008Venkata-rao Sriranjini Abstract BACKGROUND: The use of sulfuryl fluoride, a structural fumigant for termite and woodborer control, has recently been expanded to treating stored food commodities and food facilities. There is, however, a lack of data on the sorption of sulfuryl fluoride by food commodities. Knowledge about sorption is important in the context of effective treatment and residues. RESULTS: When sulfuryl fluoride was applied at a dose of 50 g m,3 to various food commodities (total 68) with 300 g per replicate in 0.75 L gas wash bottles (fumigation chambers) at 25 ± 1 °C, in most cases (81%) the gas concentrations in the free space of the commodities exceeded 50 g m,3 (range 51,80 g m,3) at the end of 24 h exposure. In chambers without the substrate, an average concentration of 49.7 g m,3 was recorded. About 54% of the commodities showed low-level ( , 25%) sorption of sulfuryl fluoride, 34% showed medium-level (26,50%) sorption and only 12% were highly sorptive (>50%). The latter include white oats (terminal gas concentration 17.8 g m,3), some of the decorticated split pulses (24.0,29.3 g m,3), chickpea flour (26.3 g m,3), dried ginger (29.0 g m,3), refined wheat flour (30.3 g m,3) and coriander powder (40.5 g m,3). In unfumigated control commodities, owing to interfering volatiles, Fumiscope® readings in the range 0,13 were noted. CONCLUSION: Sulfuryl fluoride has the advantage of a low or moderate level of sorption with the majority of the food commodities. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Rodenticide grain bait ingredient acceptance by Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) and pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae)PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2006Terrell P Salmon Abstract Vertebrate pest control in California is often accomplished through the use of rodenticide grain baits. These grain baits are composed of steam-rolled oats (SRO), a toxicant, an indicator dye and an oil combination. A series of tests were performed to determine the effects of various dye and oil formulations on acceptance of grain bait by Norway rats [Rattus norvegicus (Berk)], California ground squirrels [Spermophilus beecheyi (Richardson)] and pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae Eyd & Gerv). Seven different dyes, four oil formulations and clean (untreated) oats were tested for acceptance. The addition of the selected oils and dyes to grain resulted in no significant differences in consumption. This indicates that there is a wide variety of dyes that could be used in the formulation of rodenticides. These alternatives could aid in proper pesticide use, the deterrence of bait consumption by birds and possibly in ingredient adhesion to the finished bait. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Use of chlorophyll fluorescence to evaluate the cold acclimation and freezing tolerance of winter and spring oatsPLANT BREEDING, Issue 5 2001F. Rizza Abstract The efficiency of the excitation capture by open Photosystem II (PSII) reaction centres was measured by the Fv/Fm ratios in a collection of winter and spring oats in order to assess the effects of hardening and freezing on the functionality of PSII and also the suitability of a chlorophyll fluorescence-based method to screen oat cultivars for frost tolerance. A significant reversible decrease in Fv/Fm was found in all genotypes during acclimation to low, non-freezing temperatures. Fv/Fm analysis appears to be an attractive test for the evaluation of frost tolerance in oats, being rapid, non-invasive and capable of monitoring a trait related to a crucial stage in the acquisition of frost tolerance. It is more sensitive and precise than other standard methods and highly correlated with field-evaluated frost damage. The measurements made during recovery 1 or 2 days after stress when the visual symptoms are not yet expressed, were especially advantageous because of the large variability in genotype response. The r-values (close to 0.8) were reduced due to the non-standard behaviour of the winter cultivar ,Aintree'. The cold acclimation response of this genotype has been analysed in detail and the limits of artificial freezing tests are discussed. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||