AN INHERITED B/C TRANSLOCATION IN A DYSPLASTIC GIRL WITH PARTIAL C TRISOMY

A new case of partial C trisomy with many signs encountered in other chromosomal syndromes is reported. The dermatoglyphic findings on the finger tips are discussed.     

REPORT OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT HARVEY,W.A., ON 10th DECEMBER, 1938, at 2.30 p.m.

This paper deals with some of the more important aspects of initial survival of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) in northern N.S.W. The results of establishment trials undertaken from. 1950 to 1954 are tabulated and discussed.

Extensive areas of P. elliottii have been established in northern N.S.W., near the coast between Coff's Harbour and Casino. The climate of this region is characterized by heavy, late summer rains, followed by winter and early spring drought. Soil moisture conditions are frequently critical for planting from June to September.

Little investigation of the problem of initial establishment was made prior to 1950. Early techniques involved drilling or prepitting. Careful pit planting was considered essential. Planting commenced after mid May and was interrupted frequently by dry weather. High losses were attributed to such factors as poor technique, bent roots, minor mechanical damage, and dry winds following planting.

Experimental results suggest that major establishment losses followed drying out of roots between lifting in the nursery and planting. Planting in April and May is preferable to late winter. The planting tool can be chosen on the basis of efficiency. Bent roots and deep planting have no effect on survival. Dominant seedlings of good form, 9 months old, are suitable, while oversized and malformed stock is to be avoided. Ground treatment before planting can be limited to the minimum necessary to remove grass competition.

Satisfactory establishment of open-root nursery stock of P. elliottii can be assured by the use of healthy stock lifted from saturated nursery soil, avoiding root exposure to sun or wind, and planting in moist soil so that all roots are completely covered.     

A Survey of Siricid Attack on Radiata Pine in Europe

A survey was made of the older plantations of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) in Spain, Italy, France. Portugal and England in the period May to August 1966 to determine the extent of attack by siricids.

Of the stands that were considered to contain susceptible host material (non-vigorous trees under full canopy) 78 per cent showed some signs of siricid attack, and 54 per cent yielded insects, mainly larvae. Adult Sirex noctilio, S. cyaneus, S. juvencus and Urocerus gigas were obtained.

The infestations were generally at low levels, apart from one windbreak at Sabaudia (Italy) and they were not important economically. The low levels were presumably due to natural biological control which appears adequate provided the stands are thinned regularly.

The siricids appeared to be attracted most to the occasional trees that had lost their crowns through wind or other mechanical damage.     

Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of 'Ecstasy' users and their experiences with the drug

‘Ecstasy’ (3,4-methylenedioxymethampketamine or MDMA) is a recreational drug that is gaining popularity world wide. There is a paucity of research regarding the ways in which Ecstasy is used and the nature of its effects. A ‘snowball’ peer network technique was used to recruit 100 users who completed anonymous questionnaires. The research revealed that Ecstasy is primarily used by infrequent recreational drug users for ‘fun’ at dance parties and social gatherings. The primary reported effects of Ecstasy were a ‘positive mood state’ and feelings of intimacy and closeness to others. The secondary effects of Ecstasy were the stimulant effects of energy and activation, and the psychedelic effects of insight and perceptual and sensual enhancement. Ecstasy was reported to share the properties of both amphetamines and hallucinogens in the nature of its side effects and residual effects which were no more severe than those of the latter two classes of drug. It appeared Ecstasy was not conducive to regular and frequent use, because tolerance was reported to develop to the positive effects of Ecstasy, while negative effects increased with use. Although few problems associated with the recreational use of Ecstasy have surfaced to date, animal research has shown it to be neurotoxic to serotonergic nerve terminals. Caution must be observed until further research can determine the level of hazard in humans.