bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of male differentiated germ cells from various types of stem cells
Authors: Hou Jingmei , Yang Shi , Yang Hao , Liu Yang , Liu Yun , Hai Yanan , Chen Zheng , Guo Ying , Gong Yuehua , Gao Wei-Qiang , Li Zheng , He Zuping
Published: February 2014

Infertility is a major and largely incurable disease caused by disruption and loss of germ cells. It affects 10–15% of couples, and male factor accounts for half of the cases. To obtain human male germ cells ‘especially functional spermatids’ is essential for treating male infertility. Currently, much progress has been made on generating male germ cells, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, from various types of stem cells. These germ cells can also be used in investigation of the pathology of male infertility. In this review, we focused on advances on obtaining male differentiated germ cells from different kinds of stem cells, with an emphasis on the embryonic stem (ES) cells, the induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). We illustrated the generation of male differentiated germ cells from ES cells, iPS cells and SSCs, and we summarized the phenotype for these stem cells, spermatocytes and spermatids. Moreover, we address the differentiation potentials of ES cells, iPS cells and SSCs. We also highlight the advantages, disadvantages and concerns on derivation of the differentiated male germ cells from several types of stem cells. The ability of generating mature and functional male gametes from stem cells could enable us to understand the precise etiology of male infertility and offer an invaluable source of autologous male gametes for treating male infertility of azoospermia patients.
Vitrification alters rabbit foetal placenta at transcriptomic and proteomic level
Authors: Saenz-de-Juano M D , Marco-Jimenez F , Schmaltz-Panneau B , Jimenez-Trigos E , Viudes-de-Castro M P , Peñaranda D S , Jouneau L , Lecardonnel J , Lavara R , Naturil-Alfonso C , Duranthon V , Vicente J S
Published: February 2014

Although numerous studies have demonstrated that cryopreservation alters gene expression, less is known about those embryos that implanted successfully and continued in gestation. To raise the question of the neutrality of this technique, we examine the effects of vitrification through gestation in rabbit before and after the implantation. We monitored the distribution of losses of 569 vitrified morulae, observing that embryos which reach the last pre-implantatory stage are able to implant. However, we found that not all implanted embryos had the ability to continue with their gestation. The results reveal that vitrification decreased foetus and maternal placenta weights at mid-gestation, but led to a higher offspring birth weight. A novel finding is that while no differences in gene expression were detected in pre-implantatory embryos at day 6, vitrification affects a gene and protein expression in the placenta at day 14. Our results for first time reveal strong evidence of modifications in implanted embryos subjected to vitrification, suggesting that the crucial step that vitrified embryos must overcome is the placenta formation. On the basis of these findings, our work leaves the question open as to whether the effects we observed that cause vitrification during foetal development could give rise to some type of physiological or metabolic alteration in adulthood.
Horizontal Transfer and Gene Conversion as an Important Driving Force in Shaping the Landscape of Mitochondrial Introns
Authors: Wu Baojun , Hao Weilong
Published: February 2014

Group I introns are highly dynamic and mobile, featuring extensive presence-absence variation and widespread horizontal transfer. Group I introns can invade intron-lacking alleles via intron homing powered by their own encoded homing endonuclease gene (HEG) after horizontal transfer or via reverse splicing through an RNA intermediate. After successful invasion, the intron and HEG are subject to degeneration and sequential loss. It remains unclear whether these mechanisms can fully address the high dynamics and mobility of group I introns. Here, we found that HEGs undergo a fast gain-and-loss turnover comparable with introns in the yeast mitochondrial 21S-rRNA gene, which is unexpected, as the intron and HEG are generally believed to move together as a unit. We further observed extensively mosaic sequences in both the introns and HEGs, and evidence of gene conversion between HEG-containing and HEG-lacking introns. Our findings suggest horizontal transfer and gene conversion can accelerate HEG/intron degeneration and loss, or rescue and propagate HEG/introns, and ultimately result in high HEG/intron turnover rate. Given that up to 25% of the yeast mitochondrial genome is composed of introns and most mitochondrial introns are group I introns, horizontal transfer and gene conversion could have served as an important mechanism in introducing mitochondrial intron diversity, promoting intron mobility and consequently shaping mitochondrial genome architecture.
Sequencing, Assembling, and Correcting Draft Genomes Using Recombinant Populations
Authors: Hahn Matthew W , Zhang Simo V , Moyle Leonie C
Published: February 2014

Current de novo whole-genome sequencing approaches often are inadequate for organisms lacking substantial preexisting genetic data. Problems with these methods are manifest as: large numbers of scaffolds that are not ordered within chromosomes or assigned to individual chromosomes, misassembly of allelic sequences as separate loci when the individual(s) being sequenced are heterozygous, and the collapse of recently duplicated sequences into a single locus, regardless of levels of heterozygosity. Here we propose a new approach for producing de novo whole-genome sequences—which we call recombinant population genome construction—that solves many of the problems encountered in standard genome assembly and that can be applied in model and nonmodel organisms. Our approach takes advantage of next-generation sequencing technologies to simultaneously barcode and sequence a large number of individuals from a recombinant population. The sequences of all recombinants can be combined to create an initial de novo assembly, followed by the use of individual recombinant genotypes to correct assembly splitting/collapsing and to order and orient scaffolds within linkage groups. Recombinant population genome construction can rapidly accelerate the transformation of nonmodel species into genome-enabled systems by simultaneously producing a high-quality genome assembly and providing genomic tools (e.g., high-confidence single-nucleotide polymorphisms) for immediate applications. In populations segregating for important functional traits, this approach also enables simultaneous mapping of quantitative trait loci. We demonstrate our method using simulated Illumina data from a recombinant population of Caenorhabditis elegans and show that the method can produce a high-fidelity, high-quality genome assembly for both parents of the cross.
The Effect of Age on the Relationships between Work‐related Factors and Heavy Drinking
Authors: Morikawa Yuko , Nakamura Koshi , Sakurai Masaru , Nagasawa Shin‐Ya , Ishizaki Masao , Nakashima Motoko , Kido Teruhiko , Naruse Yuchi , Nakagawa Hideaki
Published: February 2014

The Effect of Age on the Relationships between Work‐related Factors and Heavy Drinking: Yuko MORIKAWA, et al. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University—Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate age‐related differences in the relationship between Work‐related factors and heavy drinking.

Methods

This study in 3,398 male workers at a factory in Japan examined data on heavy drinking, defined as an alcohol consumption >40 g/day, and work‐related factors including occupation, shift work, and job stress evaluated using the Japanese version of the Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). In the present cross‐sectional study, alcohol consumption was assessed using a self‐administered diet history questionnaire (DHQ).

Results

The prevalence of heavy drinkers in the study population was 15.5% and rose with increasing age. An increase in the odds ratio (OR) for heavy drinking was observed consistently in blue‐collar workers compared with white‐collar workers in all age groups. In subjects aged 20−29 years, shift work had also increased the OR for heavy drinking. In subjects aged 40−49 years, the two groups with a lower decision latitude had an increased OR compared with the highest group. In subjects aged 20−29 years, the age adjusted OR for individuals who Received the lowest level of social support in the workplace was increased significantly compared with the highest group (4.22 [95%CI, 1.07−16.62]). On the other hand, social support showed a positive association with heavy drinking in subjects aged 40−49 and 50−59 years. Job demand was not related to heavy drinking in any of the age groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that occupation and work schedule are related to alcohol use more apparently in a younger age group and that psychosocial factors are related to enhancement or prevention of alcohol use.
Ophthalmic Outcomes of Congenital Toxoplasmosis Followed Until Adolescence
Authors: Wallon Martine , Garweg Justus G. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Cornu Catherine , Vinault Sandrine , Quantin Catherine , Bonithon-Kopp Claire , Picot Stéphane , Peyron François , Binquet Christine
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND:

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) can elicit severe damage to several organs, especially the eye, and may be manifested at birth or later. We assessed the long-term ocular prognosis in a cohort of congenitally infected children treated according to a standardized protocol and monitored for up to 22 years.

METHODS:

This prospective study included confirmed cases of CT, which were identified by obligatory antenatal screening at the Lyon (France) reference center between 1987 and 2008. Data obtained through ocular examinations were recorded on a standardized form and confirmed by an independent external committee. Risk factors for retinochoroiditis were identified by using a multivariable Cox model and a flexible model that accounted for changes in the factor effects during follow-up.

RESULTS:

A total of 477 of 485 infected live-born children were followed for a median of 10.5 years (75th percentile: 15.0 years). During the follow-up, 142 patients (29.8%) manifested at least 1 ocular lesion. Lesions were unilateral in 98 individuals (69.0%) and caused no vision loss in 80.6%. Lesions were first manifested at a median age of 3.1 (0.0–20.7) years. In 48 (33.8%) of the children, recurrences or new ocular lesions occurred up to 12 years after the appearance of the first lesion. Early maternal infection and confirmation of CT in children, prematurity, and nonocular CT lesions at baseline were associated with a higher risk of retinochoroiditis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the consequences of CT are rarely severe in treated children, regular postnatal monitoring is nevertheless justified because of the lifelong persisting risk of new ocular manifestations.
Effectiveness of Nebulized Beclomethasone in Preventing Viral Wheezing: An RCT
Authors: Clavenna Antonio , Sequi Marco , Cartabia Massimo , Fortinguerra Filomena , Borghi Marta , Bonati Maurizio
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nebulized beclomethasone in preventing the recurrence of viral wheezing.

METHODS:

The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Outpatient children aged 1 to 5 years with at least 1 episode of viral wheezing in the last 12 months, presenting to any of 40 Italian pediatricians for an upper respiratory tract infection, were randomly allocated to receive beclomethasone 400 μg or placebo twice daily for 10 days. Medications were administered through a nebulizer. A clinical evaluation was performed by the pediatrician at the start and end of the treatment period. A subjective evaluation of symptoms and efficacy of treatment was performed by the parents. The primary endpoint was the incidence of viral wheezing diagnosed by the pediatricians during the 10-day treatment period.

RESULTS:

A total of 525 children were enrolled in the study, 521 of whom were visited at the end of the treatment period. Wheezing was diagnosed by the pediatricians in 47 children (9.0% [95% confidence interval: 6.7 to 11.3]), with no statistically significant differences between treatment groups (beclomethasone versus placebo relative risk: 0.61 [95% confidence interval: 0.35 to 1.08]).The treatment was considered helpful by 63% of parents (64% in the beclomethasone group vs 61% in the placebo group). In all, 46% of children still had infection symptoms at the end of the treatment period, with no differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings from this study confirm that inhaled steroids are not effective in preventing recurrence of viral wheezing. Moreover, no benefits were found in reducing symptoms of respiratory tract infections.
Long-term Motor and Cognitive Outcome of Acute Encephalitis
Authors: Michaeli Orli , Kassis Imad , Shachor-Meyouhas Yael , Shahar Eli , Ravid Sarit
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the long-term motor and neurocognitive outcome of children with acute encephalitis and to look at possible prognostic factors.

METHODS:

Children who were treated for acute encephalitis in 2000–2010 were reevaluated. All children and their parents were interviewed by using structured questionnaires, and the children underwent full neurologic examinations, along with comprehensive neurocognitive, attention, and behavioral assessments.

RESULTS:

Of the 47 children enrolled, 1 died and 29 had neurologic sequelae, including motor impairment, mental retardation, epilepsy, and attention and learning disorders. Children with encephalitis had a significantly higher prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (50%) and learning disabilities (20%) compared with the reported rate (5%–10%) in the general population of Israel (P < .05) and lower IQ scores. Lower intelligence scores and significantly impaired attention and learning were found even in children who were considered fully recovered at the time of discharge. Risk factors for long-term severe neurologic sequelae were focal signs in the neurologic examination and abnormal neuroimaging on admission, confirmed infectious cause, and long hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS:

Encephalitis in children may be associated with significant long-term neurologic sequelae. Significant cognitive impairment, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities are common, and even children who were considered fully recovered at discharge may be significantly affected. Neuropsychological testing should be recommended for survivors of childhood encephalitis.
Peer Victimization in Fifth Grade and Health in Tenth Grade
Authors: Bogart Laura M. , Elliott Marc N. , Klein David J. , Tortolero Susan R. , Mrug Sylvie , Peskin Melissa F. , Davies Susan L. , Schink Elizabeth T. , Schuster Mark A.
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Children who experience bullying, a type of peer victimization, show worse mental and physical health cross-sectionally. Few studies have assessed these relationships longitudinally. We examined longitudinal associations of bullying with mental and physical health from elementary to high school, comparing effects of different bullying histories.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from 4297 children surveyed at 3 time points (fifth, seventh, and tenth grades) in 3 cities. We used multivariable regressions to test longitudinal associations of bullying with mental and physical health by comparing youth who experienced bullying in both the past and present, experienced bullying in the present only, experienced bullying in the past only, or did not experience bullying.

RESULTS:

Bullying was associated with worse mental and physical health, greater depression symptoms, and lower self-worth over time. Health was significantly worse for children with both past and present bullying experiences, followed by children with present-only experiences, children with past-only experiences, and children with no experiences. For example, 44.6% of children bullied in both the past and present were at the lowest decile of psychosocial health, compared with 30.7% of those bullied in the present only (P = .005), 12.1% of those bullied in the past only (P < .001), and 6.5% of those who had not been bullied (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both chronic and current bullying are associated with substantially worse health. Clinicians who recognize bullying when it first starts could intervene to reverse the downward health trajectory experienced by youth who are repeated targets.
Novel TEM sample preparation using XeF2 selective Etching
Authors: Ambrosini Stefano Filo , Bowen Leon , Mendis Budhika , Cirlin George , Bouravleuv Alexey , Gallant Andrew , Petty Michael , Dubrovskii Vladimir , Zeze Dagou
Published: February 2014

We present a new approach to prepare Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) nanowire (NW) samples that addresses the core drawbacks of conventional techniques, which are based on mechanical polishing. The proposed method is time efficient and uses XeF2 isotropic and selective dry etching of Si to remove the host substrate from the NWs, after their embedding into a poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data suggest that NWs were grown through the gaps between the parasitic layer islands and that the stems are in direct contact with the Si substrate. This technique does not adversely affect the NWs and offers a convenient means of transferring the GaAs NWs onto other surfaces for post-process TEM analysis. It also offers excellent potential to facilitate their integration into device fabrication via a bottom-up approach, using the PMMA layer as a transfer medium.
GaSb on Si: Structural Defects and Their Effect on Surface Morphology and Electrical Properties
Authors: Madisetti Shailesh Kumar , Tokranov Vadim , Greene Andrew , Novak Steven , Yakimov Michael , Oktyabrsky Serge , Bentley Steven , Jacob Ajey P.
Published: February 2014

The paper reports on the growth of group III-Sb’s on silicon, substrate preparation, optimization of AlGaSb metamorphic buffer, formation of defects (threading dislocations, microtwins and anti-phase boundaries) and their effect on the surface morphology and electrical properties of these high hole mobility materials for future III-V CMOS technology. Defect density was found to be 2-3x higher than in similar structures grown on GaAs, resulting in 2x higher roughness. Defects also result in background p-type doping well above 1017 cm-3 causing inversion of polarity from n-type to p-type in thin n-type doped GaSb. MOS Capacitors fabricated on these buffers demonstrate similar characteristics to higher quality GaSb-on-GaAs. The highest hole mobility obtained in a strained InGaSb QW MOS channel grown on silicon is ∼630 cm2/V-s which is ∼30% lower than similar channels grown on GaAs substrates.
Pain and nurses' emotion work in a paediatric clinic: Treatment procedures and nurse-child alignments
Authors: Rindstedt Camilla
Published: February 2014

In the treatment of cancer in children, treatment procedures have been reported to be one of the most feared elements, as more painful than the illness as such. This study draws on a video ethnography of routine needle procedure events, as part of fieldwork at a paediatric oncology clinic documenting everyday treatment negotiations between nurses and young children. On the basis of detailed transcriptions of verbal and nonverbal staff–child interaction, the analyses focus on ways in which pain and anxiety can be seen as phenomena that are partly contingent on nurses’ emotion work. The school-age children did not display fear. In the preschool group, though, pain and fear seemed to be phenomena that were greatly reduced through nurses’ emotion work. This study focuses on three preschoolers facing potentially painful treatment, showing how the nurses engaged in massive emotion work with the children, through online commentaries, interactive formats (delegation of tasks, consent sequences, collaborative ‘we’-formats), as well as solidarity-oriented moves (such as praise and endearment terms). Even a young toddler would handle the distress of needle procedures, when interacting with an inventive nurse who mobilized child participation through skilful emotion work.
Titling and authorship practices in medical case reports: a diachronic study
Authors: Salager-Meyer Françoise Elisabeth , Ariza María Ángeles Alcaraz , Briceño Marianela Luzardo
Published: February 2014

This paper is a diachronic analysis of a corpus of 180 titles drawn from CRs published in the BMJ and the BMJ Case Reports between 1840 and 2009. The corpus was divided into three Blocks, and the frequency of occurrence of 69 text-internal variables was recorded in each title. Between-Block comparisons were carried out, and Student's t-tests were applied to the quantitative results. Our findings show that CR titles have evolved over the 160-year period studied in the sense that they have increased in length, syntactic complexity, semantic richness and title type diversity. Authorship patterns and collaboration practices have changed too. Although internationalization of case reporting has increased over time, today's preferred practice is still local collaboration. The only variable that has remained constant over the years is the nominal nature of CR titles. We put forth several social and scientific factors that could account for the various shifts observed. We claim that non-informativeness of CR titles that persisted over time can be explained by the fact that CR authors are reluctant to give a generalization flavor to their findings.
Os desafios da integralidade em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial e a produção de projetos terapêuticos
Authors: Mororó Martha Emanuela Martins Lutti , Colvero Luciana de Almeida , Machado Ana Lúcia
Published: February 2014

Este estudo tem por objeto a produção dos projetos terapêuticos realizados pela equipe de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial - CAPS III. Considera o processo de criação e expansão do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS e da Reforma Psiquiátrica do país. Nesse contexto, os trabalhadores têm o desafio de produzir um cuidado a partir de um projeto terapêutico individual que considere as necessidades das pessoas e seu contexto de vida real. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar e descrever as potencialidades e dificuldades da equipe na construção dos projetos terapêuticos tendo como base o método cartográfico e a técnica do grupo focal, do qual participaram trabalhadores de um CAPS III do município de Diadema - SP. Na análise realizada a partir dos dados provenientes das discussões nos grupos focais, identificamos, sobretudo, a cisão entre a equipe noturna e a diurna e a falta de espaços sistemáticos de conversa para elaboração e discussão dos projetos terapêuticos.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management of Infusion-Related Reactions in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Trastuzumab
Authors: Thompson Lisa M. , Eckmann Karen , Boster Bonnie L. , Hess Kenneth R. , Michaud Laura B. , Esteva Francisco J. , Hortobágyi Gabriel N. , Barnett Chad M.
Published: February 2014

Learning Objectives

Identify risk factors associated with trastuzumab-associated infusion-related reactions. Describe the impact of premedications on the incidence and/or severity of trastuzumab-associated infusion-related reactions.

Background.

Trastuzumab has become a mainstay of therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 overexpressed breast cancer in nearly all stages of the disease. Like many monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab is associated with infusion-related reactions (IRRs) that are not well described, and incidence varies widely between reports (0.7%–40% of patients).

Materials and Methods.

A retrospective chart review of breast cancer patients who received trastuzumab was conducted. The primary objective was to describe the incidence, risk factors, and management of IRRs during the first 12 weeks of trastuzumab therapy in a general population of breast cancer patients.

Results.

A total of 197 patients who received trastuzumab (1,788 doses) were evaluated. Thirty-three IRRs were identified in 32 patients, resulting in an incidence of 16.2% of patients and 1.8% of doses. All IRRs were mild or moderate in severity and were successfully managed with supportive medications and/or by temporarily stopping the infusion. All patients received subsequent cycles of trastuzumab, with only one patient experiencing a subsequent reaction. Body mass index, stage of disease, and use of premedications were significantly associated with IRRs by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion.

Overall, these results support that the vast majority of IRRs occur with the first infusion, are mild in severity, and are easily managed. In addition, risk factors were identified that may help to identify a population of patients at increased risk of IRRs who may benefit from premedication.
Hollow polysiloxane nanostructures based on pressure-induced film expansion
Authors: Korhonen Juuso T. , Huhtamäki Tommi , Verho Tuukka , Ras Robin H. A.
Published: February 2014

Superhydrophobicity has gained extensive interest in academia and industry. One of the most facile ways of creating superhydrophobic surfaces is the surface-initiated synthesis of 1D polysiloxane nanostructures known as silicone nanofilaments. However, physicochemical details of their synthesis process remain a puzzle, and studies so far have fallen short in explaining the ways in which the 3D film growth transforms into 1D objects. From the observation of hollow cylindrical polysiloxane nanostructures, this study proposes a growth model based on pressure-induced uniaxial elongation of a partially cross-linked polysiloxane film. The pressure build-up is caused by gaseous by-products of hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The presented model aims to promote the understanding of the growth processes, and could thus facilitate the design of robust superhydrophobic coatings onto various surfaces. Furthermore, it is envisioned that novel applications utilizing the tubular nature of the nanostructures could emerge. This article contains supporting information that is available online.
The Things that Do Not Change
Authors: Lewis-Hunstiger Marty
Published: February 2014

This issue of Creative Nursing introduces our 2014 theme of Timeless Wisdom, cites each author's contribution to expanding our understanding of Ways of Knowing, and invites article submissions from all walks of nursing life.
Heritability and Genetic Variance Estimates for Resistance to Downy Mildew in Cucumber Accession Ames 2354
Authors: Kozik Elzbieta U. , Klosińska Urszula , Call Adam D. , Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2014

Downy mildew (DM) of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating disease of cucurbits. Resistance is available but is not sufficient to eliminate the need for fungicides to control the disease. Previously, the USDA Plant Introduction collection of cucumber germplasm was screened in Poland and North Carolina, and Ames 2354 was identified as highly resistant. The objectives of this study were to develop an effective method for measuring resistance to DM and to determine the type of gene action controlling resistance in Ames 2354. Plant Introduction 175695 was used as the susceptible parent in crosses with Ames 2354 to make seven generations for study: P1, P2, F1, F1 reciprocal, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2. Additive effects were more important than dominant effects in our study with resistance attributed to a few major loci. Greenhouse testing methods were identified that can be used in selecting for improved resistance. Selection using the best test methods could lead to a gain of at least 2.5 points (on a 10 point scale) per generation even under the lower selection intensities (i.e., 20%) typically used in recurrent selection programs.
Effects of Increasing Rumen‐Undegradable Protein Supplementation Levels on Early Weaned Calves Grazing Stargrass
Authors: Vendramini J. M. B. , Arthington J. D. , Sollenberger L. E.
Published: February 2014

Early weaned beef calves (Bos spp.) grazing warm‐season grasses may benefit from increasing levels of rumen‐undegradable protein (RUP) supplementation due to the limited RUP supplied by the forage and their high nutrient requirements. The objective of this study was to test the effects of increasing levels of RUP supplementation on performance of early weaned calves grazing stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) pastures. The experiment was conducted in Ona, FL, from May to August 2007 and 2008. Treatments were 1.5 g kg−1 body weight (BW) of three levels of supplemental RUP from soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal (SBM) (350 g kg−1 RUP), Soyplus (SP) (600 g kg−1 RUP) (a modified expeller SBM) (West Central, Ralston, IA), or a 50:50 mixture of SBM and Soyplus (SBMSP) (475 g kg−1 RUP). Pasture size was 0.51 ha and four early weaned calves were assigned to each pasture. There was no effect of the treatments on mean herbage mass (HM; 2.7 Mg ha−1), forage crude protein (CP) (171 g kg−1), in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) concentration (640 g kg−1), or calf average daily gain (0.56 kg d−1). Increased RUP supplementation did not affect forage dry matter intake (mean = 2.0% BW); however, there was a linear decrease in apparent dry matter digestibility from 640 to 600 g kg−1. Increasing levels of RUP supplementation may not increase performance of early weaned calves grazing stargrass pastures when forage CP is not limiting.
Aggregate‐Mean Diameter and Wind‐Erodible Soil Predictions Using Dry Aggregate‐Size Distributions
Authors: Zobeck T. M. , Popham T. W. , Skidmore E. L. , Lamb J. A. , Merrill S. D. , Lindstrom M. J. , Mokma D. L. , Yoder R. E.
Published: February 2014

Temporal estimates of surface soil dry aggregate‐size distributions (DASD) are needed to evaluate soil management systems and estimate wind erosion. This study was conducted to determine the most accurate and precise DASD to estimate aggregate‐mean diameter and amount of wind‐erodible soil. Over 5400 surface samples of soil dry aggregates were collected at various times throughout the year for 2 to 4 yr at 24 locations in six states. The soils represented a wide range of management systems and intrinsic soil properties, including mineral and organic soils. We evaluated four DASDs: the log‐normal determined by two methods, fractal and Weibull distributions, and compared estimates of the aggregate‐mean diameter and amount of wind‐erodible soil derived from the distributions. We evaluated log‐normal distributions expressed as amount oversize (LNO) and undersize (LNU) and tested the effect of using different smallest and largest sieve openings sizes. The Weibull distribution is the most accurate because the ranges of error of the Weibull were generally smaller than all other distributions over the full range of sieve sizes tested, rarely exceeding 0.15. The Weibull distribution is the most precise because only the Weibull had an error mode of ±0.05 in all sieve‐size classes tested. Using substantially different sizes for the smallest sieve‐size openings had a great effect on estimates of aggregate‐mean diameter and wind‐erodible soil, but only when using LNO. Using substantially different sizes for the largest sieve size openings had a great effect on estimates of aggregate‐mean diameter but little effect on estimates of wind‐erodible soil.
Effect of Water Flux on Solute Velocity and Dispersion
Authors: Shukla M. K. , Ellsworth T. R. , Hudson R. J. , Nielsen D. R.
Published: February 2014

A systematic analysis of the effect of displacement length, soil texture, and steady state water flux (q) on solute transport was performed on saturated repacked loam and sandy loam soil columns to identify the simplest possible description that was consistent with the observations across all of the breakthrough curves (BTCs) for each data set. All 39 BTCs obtained from loam and 21 from sandy loam soils, with column lengths of 10, 20, and 30 cm, and a two‐order magnitude variation in measured pore water velocity (vm), were fitted simultaneously and global estimates of parameters [dispersivity (λ) and molecular diffusion coefficient (D0)] were obtained. We showed that a two‐parameter global dispersion relationship (D = λvm + D0, where D is the apparent diffusion coefficient) accurately represents the spreading process for all 39 loam soil BTCs (r2 > 0.99), whereas a single global parameter (D = λvm) was all that was required for the sandy soil (r2 > 0.98). The globally fitted λ was independent of displacement length and vm D remained independent of vm in the lower velocity ranges; however, a linear relationship between vm and fitted D was obtained for vm > 0.1 cm h−1 The results of this study illustrated the importance of molecular diffusion. In addition, we identified a nonlinear relationship between vm and average solute velocity (vs), which suggested that the anion exclusion volume decreased with increasing vm
Intermediate‐Scale Tests of the Gas‐Phase Partitioning Tracer Method for Measuring Soil‐Water Content
Authors: Carlson T. D. , Costanza-Robinson M. S. , Keller J. , Wierenga P. J. , Brusseau M. L.
Published: February 2014

Experiments were conducted in a well‐instrumented weighing lysimeter (2.5 by 4 m) to evaluate the efficacy of the gas‐phase‐partitioning tracer method for measuring soil‐water content. The method is based on the use of conservative (nonpartitioning) and water‐partitioning tracers, wherein the partitioning tracer transfers into the water, which retards its movement with respect to that of the nonpartitioning tracer. This retardation is a function of the soil‐water content. The volumetric soil‐water contents estimated from comparative moment analysis of the measured breakthrough curves were compared with values obtained using traditional methods, including gravimetric core analysis, neutron thermalization, time domain reflectometry, and conversion of soil tension. The values obtained from the tracer tests compare favorably with the independently determined values. For the lower soil‐water contents (6–7%), the tracer‐estimated values were ≅98% of the measured values. For the higher soil‐water content (15%), the tracer estimated values were ≅77% of the measured values. These results indicate that the gas‐phase partitioning tracer method can provide representative estimates of soil‐water content under the relatively ideal conditions employed herein.
The electrical conductivity response of a profiling time‐domain reflectometry probe
Authors: Ferré T. P. A. , Rudolph D. L. , Kachanoski R. G.
Published: February 2014

Direct measurements of changes in the electrical conductivity (EC) are made using the profiling time domain reflectometry (TDR) probe described in a previous work. This is the first demonstration of the ability of a TDR probe to measure EC through coatings or access tubes. Based on the ability of this probe to profile the water content, this suggests that a single instrument may be able to profile changes in water content and electrolytic solute concentration during transient flow through the unsaturated zone.
Changes in Soil Test Phosphorus Concentration After Application of Manure or Fertilizer
Authors: Laboski Carrie A. M. , Lamb John A.
Published: February 2014

The availability of P from injected manure application has received limited study. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of time on P availability in soils amended with manure or fertilizer, evaluate the relative availability of manure P compared with fertilizer P, and determine the impact of previous manure history on P availability. Liquid swine manure or fertilizer was applied to Minnesota soils, from seven different mapping units with various manure histories. The application rates were equivalent to the amount of total P applied in undisturbed manure injection zones. Soils were analyzed for available P after incubation periods of 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 mo. As the duration of incubation increased, fertilizer P became less available in six of the seven soil series, while soil test P concentrations in manured soils were unchanged. Phosphorus from liquid swine manure was more available than fertilizer P from 1 through 9 mo of incubation. It is postulated that the decomposition of manure resulted in concentrations of organic acids that effectively reduced P sorption to the soil and increased P availability. Prior manure history had a mixed impact on the availability of P from subsequent applications of manure or fertilizer. Further studies need to be conducted to determine if similar results can be found in a field setting.
Mobility and Availability to Plants of Two Zinc Sources Applied to a Calcareous Soil
Authors: Obrador A. , Novillo J. , Alvarez J. M.
Published: February 2014

The objective of this study was to compare the migration, availability, and relative effectiveness of Zn from liquid Zn‐amino acids (Zn‐AA) and Zn‐DTPA‐HEDTA‐EDTA (Zn‐CH: DTPA, diethylenetriaminepentaacetate; HEDTA, N‐2‐hydroxyethyl‐ethylenedinitrilotriacetate; EDTA, ethylenedinitrilotetraacetate) sources by applying different Zn levels to a calcareous soil in incubation, column, and greenhouse experiments. Zinc soil behavior was evaluated by sequential fractionation, and DTPA and Mehlich‐3 extractions. The results of the incubation study showed that amounts of Zn in the most labile fraction (water soluble plus exchangeable) were detected only when Zn‐CH fertilizer was applied. A large portion of Zn applied to soil occurred in the amorphous Fe oxide bound fraction in all fertilization treatments. The results of the column study showed that addition of Zn‐CH resulted in greatly increased mobility of Zn through the column as compared with the control and the Zn‐AA source, and 49% of Zn applied as Zn‐CH was leached from the column. The results of the greenhouse study showed in the absence of leaching that the application of two Zn sources significantly increased maize (Zea mays L.) dry matter yield compared with the control treatment although the increase in the Zn dosage did not increase dry matter further. The fertilizer treatments also significantly increased Zn concentration in plants, except the lowest dosage of Zn‐AA. Zn‐CH was more effective than Zn‐AA. The differences in plant Zn uptake in the greenhouse experiment between two Zn sources was correlated with the water soluble plus exchangeable fraction and DTPA extractable Zn in the incubation experiment.
Extractable Iron and Aluminum Effects on Phosphate Sorption in a Savanna Alfisol
Authors: Agbenin John O.
Published: February 2014

Phosphate management problems in weathered tropical soils are mostly associated with the abundance of free Fe and Al oxides. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable Fe and Al on P sorption in a savanna Alfisol. Twelve pedons from four cultivated fields and three pedons from an uncultivated natural site were examined for profile distribution of dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable Fe and Al. Sixty samples, consisting of surface and subsurface samples, were chosen from the pedons to determine P sorption. Dithionite‐extractable Fe and Al (Fedand Ald) and oxalate‐extractable Al (Alo) increased with soil depth except for soils from one field, while oxalate‐extractable Fe (Feo) decreased from the surface up to 20 cm depth, and thereafter remained constant with depth. The soils had low P sorption capacity. Phosphate sorbed ranged from 103 mg kg−1in the surface soils to 460 mg kg−1in the subsurface soils representing between 6 and 29% of applied P. Phosphate sorbed was linearly related to Fed(r2= 0.71), Ald(r2= 0.69) and Alo(r2= 0.52),and was unrelated to FeoStepwise regression indicated that 73% of the variability of P sorbed by the soils was explained by Fedand AldThe coefficients of the multiple regression model indicated that a unit change in Aldconcentration changed P sorbed by 74 mg kg−1as compared with 21 mg kg−1by FedSince Aldis Al3+substituted isomorphically for Fe3+in crystalline Fe oxides in soils, the degree of this substitution appeared to have a profound effect on P sorption and fertility of savanna Alfisols.
Iron (Hydr)Oxide Crystallinity Effects on Soil Aggregation
Authors: Duiker Sjoerd W. , Rhoton Fred E. , Torrent José , Smeck Neil E. , Lal Rattan
Published: February 2014

Differences in crystallinity may explain why total Fe (hydr)oxide content has a variable effect on aggregate stability. Therefore, surface soil samples with a range of poorly crystalline Fe (hydr)oxide contents were characterized for water‐stable aggregates >0.25 mm (WSA), mean‐weighted diameter (MWD), soil organic C (OC), particle‐size distribution, pH, exchangeable cations, citrate/bicarbonate/dithionite (subscript d), and acid ammonium oxalate (subscript o) extractable Fe, Al, and Si. The WSA and MWD range from 23 to 95%, and 0.3 to 5.1 mm, respectively. The effects of Feo(1.1–6.8 g kg−1), Fed(3.2–19.6 g kg−1), OC (2.4–24.0 g kg−1) and clay (141–467 g kg−1) contents on WSA and MWD of both A and B horizons of these soils was studied using linear regression. The poorly crystalline Fe (hydr)oxide (Feo) and OC contents are significantly correlated with WSA in the A horizons (r2= 0.95,n= 6,p= 0.001, andr2= 0.93,n= 6,p= 0.002, respectively) and in the B horizons (r2= 0.73,n= 6,p= 0.029, andr2= 0.76,n= 6,p= 0.024, respectively). When regressed against MWD, Feohas anr2of 0.89 (n= 6,p= 0.004) in the A, and 0.97 (n= 6,p= 0.000) in the B horizons. The coefficient of determination of MWD vs. OC contents is 0.98 (n= 6,p= 0.000) in the A and 0.79 (n= 6,p= 0.018) in the B horizons. Clay and Fedcontents are not significantly correlated to WSA or MWD. Apparently, the Feocomponent (poorly crystalline) is more effective than Fedat stabilizing soil aggregates, even though it is present in lower concentrations. The Feocomponent appears more important than OC in terms of WSA and MWD for soils with relatively low soil organic matter contents.
Genesis of Bisequal Soils on Acidic Drift in the Upper Great Lakes Region, USA
Authors: Bockheim J. G.
Published: February 2014

Seventeen bisequal pedons were characterized on drift primarily from the Greatlakean advance [ca. 12 000 yr before present (BP)] in northern Wisconsin and the upper Michigan. The pedons, Alfic Haplorthods and Alfic Oxyaquic Fragiorthods, contain an Orthod sequum over an Udalf sequum and are derived primarily from coarse‐loamy or coarse‐silty materials overlying stratified sand and gravel or coarse‐loamy materials. The upper sequum contains abundant roots and is very strongly acidic (pH 4.8), low in clay (<4.8%) and base cations (<20% base saturation), and high in exchangeable acidity (13 cmolc kg−1) and exchangeable Al (60% saturation). The lower sequum contains few roots, is strongly acidic (pH 5.4), is more enriched in clay (8.0%) and base cations (45% base saturation), and has lower exchangeable acidity and Al than the upper sequum. The occurrence and position of argillic and fragic horizons in the profile are favored by a lithologic discontinuity. The two horizons may form exclusive of one another. On the basis of soil solution chemistry data and mass‐balance studies, the argillic horizon has formed from neoformation of clays with some clay migration. The fragic materials are of pedogenic origin and are forming in the upper part of a degrading argillic horizon. The soils have undergone environmental changes during the past 12 000 yr, but they appear to have originated from processes that are occurring today that result from extensive leaching during melting of the spring snowpack and solute movement in two‐storied parent materials. The soils are strongly developed in view of the short snow‐free season.
Formation characteristics of haloacetic acids from phenols in drinking water chlorination
Authors: Ge Fei , Tang Fei , Xu Yin , Xiao Yao
Published: February 2014

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are typical chlorination disinfection by-products in drinking water. Apart from natural organic matter, synthetic organic compounds in raw water contribute to HAAs due to their high frequency of detection in raw water and high reactive activities with chlorine. Formation characteristics of HAAs from synthetic organic compounds were investigated using seven phenols as models in the chlorination process. Two HAAs, trihaloacetic acid (TCAA) and dihaloacetic acid (DCAA), were generated and TCAA was the main product. The molar yields of HAAs varied between 0.087 mol/(mol phenol) from resorcinol to 0.251 mol/(mol phenol) from 2,4,6-trichlorophenol at pH 7.0. Phenols having para- or ortho-substituent groups were found to have higher reactive activities than those having meta-substituent groups in forming HAAs. HAA formation potential (HAAFP) of raw water was significantly enhanced with spiked phenols. These results indicate that synthetic organic compounds in raw water have high activities in yielding HAAs, and more research should be focused on their behaviors in drinking water disinfection.
Use of cisterns during antiquity in the Mediterranean region for water resources sustainability
Authors: Mays Larry W.
Published: February 2014

From the early civilizations people in arid and semi-arid regions have relied on collecting or ‘harvesting’ surface water from rainfall and storing the water in human-made reservoirs or ‘cisterns.’ The storage of rainwater runoff has been constructed in the entire region around the Mediterranean and the Near East since the 3rd millennium bc. Not only were cisterns used to store rainfall runoff they were also used to store aqueduct water to allow for seasonal variations in the supply. Cisterns during ancient times ranged from the construction of irregular shaped holes (tanks) dug out of sand and loose rock, and then lined with plaster (stucco) water proofing, to the construction of rather sophisticated structures such as those built by the Romans and Byzantines. The primary objective herein is to provide a review of the use of cisterns by ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region, and to relate the use of these cisterns to water resources sustainability of the past and the present, outlining the lessons learned.
A comparative study of greywater from domestic and public buildings
Authors: Santos C. , Matos C. , Taveira-Pinto F.
Published: February 2014

Greywater (GW) can be an important resource for urban water consumption, replacing potable water for purposes that do not require drinking water quality. If applied on a large scale, this practice will reduce the potable water demand and the wastewater produced in urban areas, minimizing the negative impacts and costs of water extraction and wastewater treatment. A correct characterization of GW is important to assess its potential for a direct reuse or, if not possible, to make a correct definition of a feasible and cost-effective treatment system. This article aims to contribute to the characterization of GW produced in washbasins and showers in domestic and public buildings. A compilation of several works on GW collection and sampling produced by the authors is presented. Samples were taken from GW produced in showers and washbasins in households, changing rooms and in a restaurant. Results are compared with values presented in similar studies and compared with standards and guidelines published in different countries.