bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase III Randomized Trial of Dose Intensive Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with or Without G-CSF in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Long-Term Results
Authors: Arun Banu K. , Dhinghra Kapil , Valero Vicente , Kau Shu-Wan , Broglio Kristine , Booser Daniel , Guerra Laura , Yin Guosheng , Walters Ronald , Sahin Aysegul , Ibrahim Nuhad , Buzdar Aman U. , Frye Debbie , Sneige Nour , Strom Eric , Ross Merrick , Theriault Richard L. , Vadhan-Raj Saroj , Hortobagyi Gabriel N.
Published: November 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Compare outcomes in patients treated with standard fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) and those treated with dose-intense FAC.Describe toxicity profiles in patients treated with standard fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) and those treated with dose-intense FAC.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Objective.

To compare the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) versus dose-intense FAC plus G-CSF in the neoadjuvant setting and to compare the delivered dose intensity, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) times, and toxicity between treatment arms in patients with breast cancer.

Methods.

Patients were randomized to receive preoperative FAC (5-FU, 500 mg/m2; doxorubicin, 50 mg/m2; cyclophosphamide, 500 mg/m2) every 21 days for four cycles or dose-intense FAC (5-FU, 600 mg/m2; doxorubicin, 60 mg/m2; cyclophosphamide, 1,000 mg/m2) plus G-CSF every 18 days for four cycles.

Results.

Two hundred two patients were randomly assigned. The median follow-up was 7.5 years. Patients randomized to FAC plus G-CSF had a higher pCR rate as well as clinical complete response rate; however, these differences were not statistically different from those with the FAC arm. Patients in the FAC + G-CSF arm had a higher delivered dose intensity of doxorubicin in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings than those in the standard FAC arm. DFS and OS times were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the OS and DFS rates were significantly higher for patients who achieved a pCR than for those who did not. Thrombocytopenia, febrile neutropenia, and infection rates were higher in the FAC + G-CSF arm.

Conclusions.

A higher delivered dose intensity of doxorubicin with the FAC + G-CSF regimen did not result in a statistically significant higher pCR rate. However, patients who achieved a pCR experienced longer DFS and OS times.
Clinical Development of VEGF Signaling Pathway Inhibitors in Childhood Solid Tumors
Authors: Glade Bender Julia , Yamashiro Darrell J. , Fox Elizabeth
Published: November 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify the mechanism, specificity, relative potency, dosing schedule, important pharmacokinetic characteristics, and agent-specific side effects of the VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors currently in pediatric development.Describe the different concerns between children and adults regarding the common class side effects of the VEGF pathway inhibitors.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Angiogenesis is a target shared by both adult epithelial cancers and the mesenchymal or embryonal tumors of childhood. Development of antiangiogenic agents for the pediatric population has been complicated by largely theoretical concern for toxicities specific to the growing child and prioritization among the many antiangiogenic agents being developed for adults. This review summarizes the mechanism of action and preclinical data relevant to childhood cancers and early-phase clinical trials in childhood solid tumors. Single-agent adverse event profiles in adults and children are reviewed with emphasis on cardiovascular, bone health, and endocrine side effects. In addition, pharmacological factors that may be relevant for prioritizing clinical trials of these agents in children are reviewed. Considerations for further clinical evaluation should include preclinical data, relative potency, efficacy in adults, and the current U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval status. Toxicity profiles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway inhibitors may be age dependent and ultimately, their utility in the treatment of childhood cancer will require combination with standard cytotoxic drugs or other molecularly targeted agents. In combination studies, toxicity profiles, potential drug interactions, and late effects must be considered. Studies to assess the long-term impact of VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors on cardiovascular, endocrine, and bone health in children with cancer are imperative if these agents are to be administered to growing children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancers.
New Hyolitha from the Devonian of Bolivia
Authors: Malinky John M. , Racheboeuf Patrick R.
Published: November 2011

New finds of Hyolitha in the Devonian of Bolivia consist of the hyolithidBolithes crasquinaenew genus and species, which is the first well-preserved hyolithid from strata of this age in the region. In addition, specimens of the orthothecidsBolitheca steinmanni(Knod, 1908) andNeobactrotheca pharetraMarek and Isaacson, 1992 serve to increase knowledge concerning the range of morphologic variability within those taxa. Incompletely preserved hyoliths includeHyolithessp. indet.? which would be the first definitive representative of that genus from South America. Two polyclaviculate hyolithid opercula, and an unusually large hyolithid conch are left in open nomenclature. The large conch is noteworthy because of signs of failed predation, making this only the second hyolithid on record on which the effects of predation can be recognized, and the first from the Devonian of South America.Hyolithes dorbignyiKozlowski, 1923 is transferred to‘Hyolithes’owing to poor preservation.
Phylogeny and taxonomy of the Patagonian Miocene falcon Thegornis musculosus Ameghino, 1895 (Aves: Falconidae)
Authors: Noriega Jorge I. , Areta Juan I. , Vizcaíno Sergio F. , Bargo M. Susana
Published: November 2011

The fossil record of the family Falconidae is poor and fragmentary. Extinct representatives from South America include the late early Miocene (Santacrucian) Thegornis musculosus and Thegornis debilis. Both species were originally described as Falconidae and afterwards moved to Accipitridae Circinae or Buteoninae. The analysis of a very well preserved and complete specimen of T. musculosus with similar stratigraphic and geographic provenances of the type material (lower levels of Santa Cruz Formation, coast of Patagonia, Argentina) corroborates the validity of the genus and its falconid affinities. The skull and postcranial morphology exhibit strong resemblances with the open-savannah inhabiting Herpetotheres and the forest-dwelling Micrastur (Herpetotherinae) but differ substantially from Falconinae (Falconini plus Caracarini). Detailed comparisons with a broad arrange of falconiform taxa in a cladistic framework, confirm its phylogenetic placement within the Herpetotherinae and sister to H. cachinnans. The ecotonal margins produced by the vanishing of humid forests that developed during changes in Patagonian plant communities throughout early Neogene times are hypothesized as a plausible scenario to understand the evolution of this basal clade of falcons.
Middle Devonian Crinoids from the Parnaiba Basin (Pimenteira Formation, Tocantins State, Brazil)
Authors: Scheffler Sandro Marcelo , Dias-Da-Silva Sérgio , Júnior José Mendes Gama , Da Fonseca Vera Maria Medina , Fernandes Antonio Carlos Sequeira
Published: November 2011

This contribution presents the first description of crinoids from western margin of Parnaíba Basin. It also presents their first description in the Pimenteira Formation (Devonian of the Parnaíba Basin, state of Tocantins, Brazil). The material is represented by hundreds of columnals, pluricolumnals, as well as isolated calyx plates. Columnal and pluricolumnal morphology allowed the identification of Laudonomphalus aff. L. tuberosus, and Exaesiodiscus dimerocrinosus n. sp. Based upon calyx plate morphology a new Rhodocrinitidae species was erected, Monstrocrinus incognitus n. sp. The genera Exaesiodiscus, Laudonomphalus, and Monstrocrinus were previously described from the Devonian of Amazonas Basin. Exaesiodiscus dimerocrinosus is also identified from the northwest margin of Paraná Basin. The Monstrocrinus occurrence is rare in the Middle Devonian, until now known in Germany, Spain, and Algeria Lower Devonian (upper Emsian) and only in northern Brazil in the Middle Devonian (Eifelian.) These facts provide valuable arguments for paleogeographic interpretations regarding the pattern of distribution of invertebrates in this region of Gondwana and suggest potential migration routes in northern Gondwana during the Devonian.
Species-level phylogenetic analysis of pterocephaliids (Trilobita, Cambrian) from the Great Basin, western USA
Authors: Hopkins Melanie J.
Published: November 2011

Considerable systematic work devoted to late Cambrian trilobites includes very little species-level phylogenetic analysis. This paper presents the phylogenetic analysis of 36 species representing eight genera assigned to the Family Pterocephaliidae that occur in the Great Basin of the western United States during the Steptoean stage (Furongian). Continuous characters are treated in four different ways: discretization using finite mixture coding, discretization using gap-weighting, “as such” using ranges of values as implemented in the phylogeny program TNT, and exclusion altogether. Results indicate that even the inclusion of only a few continuous characters dramatically increases the resolution of nodes. Despite the different treatments of continuous characters, major features of the trees are shared across all results. The subfamily Pterocephaliinae is restricted to genera which possess a concave anterior border. Relative stratigraphic placement was estimated using a composite section built in CONOP and used to scale the tree topologies and to assess stratigraphic consistency. Although previously hypothesized multispecies evolutionary series are not supported by the results, tree topology, stratigraphic distribution, and optimized character state transformation support the interpretation of several sister taxa as direct ancestor-descendent pairs.
Robertschochia, a new name for the Paleocene mammal Schochia Lucas and Williamson, 1993
Authors: Lucas Spencer G.
Published: November 2011

IN 1993, Lucas and Williamson coined the name Schochia for a Paleocene mammal (taeniodont) from New Mexico. Michael Oliver has informed me recently that the name Schochia Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1895, is the name of an extant South American grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Therefore, in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, to resolve this homonymy, Robertschochia (type species Schochia sullivani Lucas and Williamson, 1993) is here proposed as a replacement name for Schochia. Robertschochia is named for taeniodont expert Robert Schoch.
A nest ofProtoceratops andrewsi(Dinosauria, Ornithischia)
Authors: Fastovsky D. E. , Weishampel D. B. , Watabe M. , Barsbold R. , Tsogtbaatar Kh. , Narmandakh P.
Published: November 2011

A remarkable specimen of the small neoceratopsian dinosaurProtoceratops andrewsi(Late Cretaceous, Mongolia) reveals the first nest of this genus, complete with fifteen juveniles. The relatively large size of the individuals and their advanced state of development suggests the possibility thatProtoceratopsjuveniles remained and grew in their nests during at least the early stages of postnatal development. The nest further implies that parental care and sociality are phylogenetically basal behaviors in Ceratopsia. Finally, it reaffirms the conclusion thatProtoceratopslived (and died) in the sandy aeolian dune fields of the central Asian craton.
A new asteroid (Echinodermata) faunule from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) of Morocco
Authors: Blake Daniel B. , Reboul Roland
Published: November 2011

An asteroid (Echinodermata) faunule of four taxa representing three surviving families and a probable fourth is described from the Barremian (Early Cretaceous) of Morocco, northwest Africa. The four together suggest limited morphologic evolution since the Cretaceous but biogeographic and depth patterns have changed.Marocaster coronatusn. gen. n. sp. (Valvatida, Goniasteridae) combines apparent derived features of the dorsal disk and superomarginal shape with more stemward expressions of the abactinal ossicles.Betelgeusia orientalisn. sp. is a fourth Mesozoic occurrence of the Radiasteridae (Paxillosida), the new species similar to earlier occurrences from the Middle Jurassic of India, the Early Cretaceous of Texas, and the Late Cretaceous of Europe. Reported modern occurrences of the family are few, widely scattered, and limited to deeper water; the extinct species together testify to a once-broader familial distribution.Dipsacaster africanusn. sp., a member of the Astropectinidae (Paxillosida), is remarkably similar to extant congeners.Dipsacastertoday is widely distributed in the Pacific Ocean but occurrences in the Atlantic are few. Because of preservation, a single small specimen of the Zoroasteridae? (Forcipulatida) cannot be identified with certainty. Extant zoroasterids are deep-water in distribution, although shallow-water Eocene representatives are known.
Peptide hydrogels: mimicking the extracellular matrix
Authors: Gough Julie E. , Saiani Alberto , Miller Aline F.
Published: November 2011

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic three-dimensional (3D) environment consisting largely of a variety of collagenous and non-collagenous fibres, non-fibrous proteins and proteoglycans. Other components often overlooked include various growth factors and other signalling molecules which can diffuse through and bind to various components. The fibrous components of the ECM have a nanoscale architecture to which cells embedded in the ECM, and other biomolecules can attach. Many strategies are being explored to create ECM mimics for tissue engineering applications and as 3D cell-culture environments. These range from fibrous scaffolds composed of synthetic polymers or biopolymers, to fibrous and non-fibrous hydrogel systems. This review will focus on the field of self-assembled nanofibrous hydrogels as ECM mimics and their application to cell and tissue engineering.
ICE launches online competency framework to help members with CPD
Authors: Bower Denise
Published: November 2011

The Institution of Civil Engineers has launched an online competency framework this month to help its members with their continuing professional development. Capacity building panel chair Denise Bower explains the background to the tool and how it works.
Network resilience: a new way to target maintenance spending
Authors: Mason Christopher , Strankalis Eddie
Published: November 2011

A innovative approach has been developed to identify the vulnerability of infrastructure networks to natural and man-made hazards, ranging from terrorist attacks to climate change. Christopher Mason and Eddie Strankalis of Hyder Consulting explain how it could lead to improved targeting of maintenance spending.
ICE’s research and development enabling fund: getting ideas off the ground
Authors: Steedman Scott
Published: November 2011

The Institution of Civil Engineers’ research and development enabling fund has provided over £500 000 in grants to a wide range of innovative initiatives during the past 15 years. Chairman Scott Steedman explains what the fund does and highlights some of its successfully completed projects.
New deepwater quay unlocks future for UK’s premier fish port
Authors: Martin Peter , Glenton Roy
Published: November 2011

An innovative all-weather, deepwater quay in Peterhead harbour in Scotland has reinforced its position as the UK’s premier fishing port. Extensive modelling was carried out to optimise the layout of the quay and ensure no adverse wave effects would arise at other berths in the harbour. As described in this paper, this led to a novel structural arrangement in which the quay deck is suspended over a rock revetment. With no intermediate support piling within the revetment, the installation of the front row of piles and construction of the revetment could be carried out separately, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Tricky truss: design and construction of bridge GE19, London
Authors: Collings David , Chiodi Lucio
Published: November 2011

This paper describes the design and construction of bridge ‘GE 19’, an 84 m span steel Warren truss railway bridge recently constructed in central London on the East London line project. Its design was heavily influenced by the way it was to be launched over the busy East Anglia main line in the middle of a congested urban area, with limited room to deliver and assemble materials. This paper explains the development of the design concept and the influences of proposed construction methods. The chosen construction sequence and major temporary works are then described, and the resulting successes, failures and lessons learned are discussed.
Understanding the behaviour of energy geo-structures
Authors: Laloui Lyesse , Di Donna Alice
Published: November 2011

The heating and cooling of buildings represents a big chunk of global energy needs and a significant cause of carbon dioxide emissions. There is thus growing use worldwide of so-called ‘energy geo-structures’ – particularly piles – which take advantage of the relatively constant temperature of the underlying ground to reduce building energy requirements. Fluid circulating in pipes in such structures can extract heat from the ground to help heat a building in winter and can expel excess heat from air conditioning in summer. However, this introduces potentially serious additional stresses and strains which need to be considered during design – though they seldom are. This paper describes recent research into the thermo-mechanical behaviour of energy piles to help ensure they are properly designed.
Analysis of series and shunt resistance in silicon solar cells using single and double exponential models
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Ravindra Nuggehalli M.
Published: November 2011

Series and shunt resistances in solar cells are parasitic parameters, which affect the illuminated current–voltage (I–V) characteristics and efficiency of cells. Very high values of series resistance (Rs) and very low values of shunt resistance (Rsh) reduce short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc), respectively. In this study, the analysis of Rs and Rsh for silicon solar cells using single and double exponential models are described. Rs and Rsh for solar cells are determined from its illuminated I–V curves. The pre-exponential constants and ideality factors, Io and n in single and Io1, Io2 and n1, n2 in double exponential models are determined. Shunt resistance is nearly the same for both single and double exponential models. However, the series-resistance values are lower when calculated with double exponential model as compared with single exponential model.
Ichnology and sedimentology of the “Argiles de Saïda” formation (Callovo-Oxfordian) of the Djebel Brame (Tiaret, Algeria)
Authors: Bendella Mohamed , Benyoucef Madani , Cherif Amine , Benhamou Miloud
Published: November 2011

The focus of this note is an ichnological study of the “Argiles de Saïda” formation (Callovo-Oxfordian) in the Djebel Brame, a region representing the eastern extremity of the Tlemcenian domain and marked by rhythmic clay-sandstone sedimentation. From a lithostratigraphic viewpoint, the formation is composed of two units with a distinct sequential organization and trace fossil content. These deposits are characterized by weak to moderate bioturbation, eleven ichnogenera were found: Bergaueria, Chondrites, Diplichnites, Megagrapton, Neonereites, Nereites, Ophiomorpha, Palaeophycus, Rhizocorallium, Taenidium and Thalassinoides.

The basal unit is mainly characterized by fine sediments organized into small turbiditic sequences. Most of the beds are around one centimeter thick except for the conglomerate layer, channelized by the debris flow. This layer is heterometric and polygenic.

The soles of the beds are generally marked by flute and groove casts, proof of their erosion by the currents. Most of these siliciclastic beds are organized around a repetitive model, with a massive base and flat, parallel and/or wavy laminae at the summit. Occasionally there are also beds of complex ripple marks, fluid escape structures and convoluted laminae. This sedimentation was deposited in an offshore environment, below the storm action influence threshold.

Most of ichnogenera are associated with episodic silica-clastic deposits. The disappearance of Bergaueria and Diplichnites ichnogenera corresponds to the period when the basal conglomerate layer was established, and constituted stressful conditions for the organisms responsible for the two traces. Conversely, above this level, the appearance of Taenidium and Thalassinoides seems to correspond to a colonization by opportunistic endobenthic organisms.

The weak hydrodynamism of the depositional environment, as well as the associated trace fossils content, point to the distal part of the Cruziana ichnofacies.

The other, coarser, unit is an alternation of greenish clays, carbonate rocks and occasionally slumped sandstone. It is dominated by storm sequences. The more proximal summit shows shoreface deposits marked by phases of emersion. As well as episodes of storms and oolitic deposition, there are, at the top of this unit, deposits from a reefal environment (“Subreefal Layer”). These are indicative of shallow depths. Observable trace fossil content points to the most proximal part of the Cruziana ichnofacies. The trace fossil distribution and sedimentology both reveal hitherto undisclosed bathymetric fluctuations. A major fluctuation, most likely due to tectonic instability, was recorded before the second sequence was established. These results call for the biostratigraphic and structural study of the “Argiles de Saïda” formation in the Tlemcenian domain.
Genesis of celestite – bearing cap rock formation from the Ain Allega ore deposit (northern Tunisia): contributions from microthermometric studies
Authors: Abidi Riadh , Slim-Shimi Najet , Gasquet Dominique , Hatira Nouri , Somarin Alireza
Published: November 2011

The Ain Allega ore deposit represents one of the most significant Pb-Zn Sr-Ba deposits of the flysch zone in northern Tunisia. The total quantity of sulphide produced is 22,700 metric tons, with 13,300 t of galena and 9,400 t of sphalerite. It is located on the eastern edge of the Triassic diapir of the Jebel Hamra. The main ore minerals include sphalerite, galena, pyrite and marcasite, and gangue minerals including dolomite, calcite, celestite, quartz and barite. The mineralization hosted by carbonate rocks, shows some evidence of dissolution and brecciation characteristic of cap-rock formation.

The fluid inclusion study from the celestite suggests that the primary and secondary monophase liquid (L) inclusions are most abundant compared to the other types. The microthermometric analyses of two-phase primary inclusions display homogenization temperatures ranging from 136 to 208°C (average of 180°C) and salinities ranging from 11.34 to 24.38 equivalent weight % NaCl (average of 16.4). The calculated density, pressure and depth are 0.965 g/cm3, 18 bars and 80 m, respectively. The hydrothermal fluid resulted from mixing of basinal brines and magmatic-meteoric solutions. Geological, mineralogical and thermometric data indicate that the Ain Allega ore deposit results of a mixing of basinal fluids (Mississippi valley type deposit) and hydrothermal fluids related to a shallow intrusion.
Tectonic control of the Meteora conglomeratic formations (Mesohellenic basin, Greece)
Authors: Ferriere Jacky , Chanier Frank , Reynaud Jean-Yves , Pavlopoulos Andreas , Ditbanjong Pitaksit , Migiros Giorgos , Coutand Isabelle , Stais Antonios , Bailleul Julien
Published: November 2011

The Meteora are a famous sightseeing area of northern Greece, namely for the monasteries culminating at the strange pinnacles surrounded by impressive cliffs made of a stack of conglomeratic fan deltas from the Lower Miocene. This paper analyzes the imprint on their stratigraphy of regional deformation related to the subduction of the external zones beneath the Mesohellenic basin (MHB). The onset of deposition of the Meteora series corresponds to a major change in depositional regime (from marls to conglomerates) that can be followed throughout the MHB. The tectonic control on that change is supported by both sedimentological and structural characteristics, such as the progressive tilting of topset dip within the fan-deltas, the input of large volumes of pebbles derived from areas of rapidly renewed reliefs to the east of the Meteora (Pelagonian indentor), and the partitioning of two successive Meteora depocentres apart from a large faulted anticline (Theopetra-Theotokos structure). Most of the recorded deformation corresponds to vertical movements, with the local development of early Miocene synsedimentary normal faults.
Abiotic Stress Effects on Plant Growth and Yield Components of 1‐MCP Treated Cotton Plants
Authors: da Costa Vladimir A. , Cothren J. Tom , Bynum Josh B.
Published: November 2011

Boll abortion is increased when cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) experiences various stresses during its reproductive development that can consequently reduce lint yield. Before abscission, an increase in ethylene is observed which may be assumed to be the signal necessary to initiate abscission of that particular structure. It is desirable to prevent fruit loss that may be induced by the peak in ethylene before abscission. One potential option to cope with the loss of cotton reproductive structures is the use of ethylene inhibitors. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to determine the impact of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on growth and yield components of cotton plants treated with ethephon (ethylene synthetic hormone) under field conditions. Field studies were conducted as a randomized complete block design with four replications in 2007 and 2008. Treatments were three rates of 1‐MCP in combination with a surfactant applied at mid‐bloom. One day later, ethephon was applied as a source of abiotic stress. At harvest, the fruit set in the upper portion of the canopy was influenced by 1‐MCP. It had a greater number of full size, yet immature bolls, which potentially could have had a positive influence in the lint yield. However, ethephon caused the highest lint yield since ethephon‐treated plants had more open as well as total bolls in the lower canopy at harvest. In conclusion, 1‐MCP improved growth and yield components mainly in the upper portion of plants canopy at harvest, but such an improvement was not converted into lint yield.
Agronomic Characteristics and Grain Yield of 30 Spring Wheat Genotypes under Drought Stress and Nonstress Conditions
Authors: Li Ping , Chen Jianli , Wu Pute
Published: November 2011

Drought is an important environmental stress limiting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity in water limited regions. Our aim was to understand the relationships between target agronomic traits and grain yield (GY) responses to drought, and to prioritize genotypes for high yield under different water conditions. Thirty spring wheat genotypes were evaluated over 2009 and 2010 for GY and agronomic traits under T1 (non‐irrigated), T2 (50% evapotranspiration [ET] irrigated), and T3 (100% ET irrigated) irrigation regimes. Drought stress caused noticeable fewer days to physiological maturity (PMD), shorter plant height (HT) and exposed peduncle length (EPL), smaller grain volume weight (GVW), higher grain protein content (GPC), smaller kernel weight (KW) and kernel diameter (KD), and less GY. All target traits were significantly correlated with GY except for days to heading (HD) in 2010. Selected traits for 2009 (PMD, HT, GVW) and 2010 (PMD, HT, GPC) together explained 82 and 93% of the total phenotypic variation of GY, respectively. Selected genotypes were classified into four types based on their agronomic and yield performance across three irrigation regimes. High‐yield (HY) genotypes IDO599, Alturas, and IDO702 had better agronomic performance and produced high GY across different water conditions; drought‐resistance (DR) genotypes Agawam, McNeal, and Alpowa exhibited drought resistance in target traits and produced higher GY than other genotypes under drought. Preliminary results indicate that GY could be estimated on the basis of agronomic performance including PMD, HT, GVW, and GPC, and selecting HY and DR genotypes for water limited environments may be important for improving yield productivity.
Soybean Yield and Heterodera Glycines Response to Rotation, Tillage, and Genetic Resistance
Authors: Conley S. P. , Gaska J. M. , Pedersen P. , Esker P.
Published: November 2011

Heterodera glycines continues to be the number one yield limiting factor in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] across the Midwest. Several genetic and agronomic practices are available to assist growers in maximizing yield in a H. glycines environment. The objectives of this research were to (i) measure yield response to rotation and tillage systems and evaluate whether presence of H. glycines and reaction of cultivars to H. glycines modified this response, and (ii) determine if H. glycines population dynamics were related to source of resistance to H. glycines, rotation, or tillage systems. Field research trials were conducted during 3 yr (2006–2008) near Arlington, WI and Ames, IA. Main plots were no‐tillage and conventional tillage systems. Subplots consisted of 10 rotation sequences involving corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean. Sub‐subplots were three sources of H. glycines resistance. Crop rotation and source of genetic resistance were the most important factors to consider in maximizing seed yield and managing H. glycines across locations, whereas tillage was the least valuable tool in H. glycines management. Extended rotations decreased H. glycines populations, however this benefit was overcome by first or second year soybean. Results also show that continued reliance on one source of genetic resistance can lead to reproduction of H. glycines, regardless of source. Our results suggest that an integrated approach to H. glycines management that considers rotation, tillage, knowledge of H. glycines (HG)‐type, and source of genetic resistance is needed to maximize seed yield and decrease H. glycines populations.
Arrested Ear Development in Corn Caused by a Component of Certain Surfactants
Authors: Schmitz Gary L. , Fassler Nicholas T. , Fellows Gary M. , Shirley Amber M. , Chamblee Rick W. , Finch Charles W. , Storr Mark A. , Vassalotti Paul M. , Klingaman Troy D. , Thomas Walter E. , Rathmann Duane P.
Published: November 2011

A phenomenon was noted in 2007 in the U.S. corn (Zea mays L.)–producing regions where ears failed to properly develop after postemergence pyraclostrobin {carbamic acid, [2‐[[[1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3 yl]methyl]phenyl]methoxy‐, methyl ester} applications. Field experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the effect of pyraclostrobin, non‐ionic surfactant (NIS), alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE), and crop stage on arrested ear (AE) development. Results indicated that pyraclostrobin did not promote AE development and the cause of these malformed corn ears was APE, a common component of NIS which is routinely added to pyraclostrobin applications in corn. Alkylphenol ethoxylate or APE‐containing NIS at 0.5% v/v applied to corn at V12 (12 leaf collar stage) and again at V16 (16 leaf collar stage) caused 36 and 21% AE development, respectively, compared to no AE development in the untreated control or when three different pyraclostrobin formulations were applied without additives. In five application timing experiments, pyraclostrobin plus APE‐containing NIS caused maximum AE development (10–62%) when applied at the V10 (10 leaf collar) to V14 (14 leaf collar) growth stage. Pyraclostrobin applied alone at any corn growth stage or pyraclostrobin plus NIS applied at V8 (eight leaf collar stage), V18 (18 leaf collar stage), VT (tasseling stage), R1 (silking stage), or R2 (blister stage) did not cause AE development. The risk of AE development under field conditions can be alleviated by removal of APE‐containing NIS when pyraclostrobin is applied to corn at growth stages after V8 and before V18.
Resistance of Tomato Subsamples to Bemisia tabaci Biotype B (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Elisa de Sena Fernandes Maria , Henriques da Silva Derly José , Picanço Marcelo Coutinho , Fernandes Flávio Lemes , Jham Gulab Newandran , Souza Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio
Published: November 2011

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) causes damage to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and is controlled by insecticides harmful to man and the environment. Development of resistant cultivars is ideal for whitefly management, with alternate genetic sources being indispensable. Germplasm banks are potentially good sources of resistant cultivars. Agronomic characteristics of the tomato subsamples from the Horticultural Germplasm Bank (HGB) at Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) have been typified but little is known about their insect resistance. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the resistance of 103 HGB‐UFV tomato subsamples to B. tabaci as well evaluate the resistance mechanism. The characteristics of the subsamples evaluated were the number of nymphs and eggs per plant and the resistance index compared with the susceptible cultivar Santa Clara, arbitrarily chosen as the susceptible standard. The trichome number per 0.04 cm2 of the leaf blades and 15 leaf hydrocarbon concentrations were also determined. Resistant subsamples were submitted to antibiosis test and the mortality (%) and life cycle of the B. tabaci were evaluated. The difference in the number of eggs per plant, nymphs per plant, and nymph/egg ratio in the tomato subsamples was evaluated. A positive correlation was observed between the hydrocarbons undecane and tridecane with B. tabaci nymphs. Significant and positive differences in the trichome per 0.04‐cm2 density were found between the trichome density and the number of eggs per plant. The subsamples HGB‐225, ‐327, ‐630, ‐813, ‐985, ‐2029, ‐2030, ‐2055, ‐2057, ‐2060, ‐2062, and ‐2068 were resistant to B. tabaci biotype B through antixenosis and antibiosis resistance mechanisms.
Do Interactions between Residue Management and Direct Seeding System Affect Wheat Stem Sawfly and Grain Yield?
Authors: Beres Brian L. , Cárcamo Héctor A. , Dosdall Lloyd M. , Yang Rong‐Cai , Evenden Maya L. , Spaner Dean M.
Published: November 2011

Most semiarid regions of the northern Great Plains are prone to wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae, Cephus cinctus Norton) attack. As an alternative to the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow system, our objective was to determine if continuous cropping infested wheat stubble would inhibit wheat stem sawfly (WSS) emergence. Adult sawfly emergence from undisturbed stubble was compared to stubble harrowed with heavy tine or rotary drum harrows before recropping. Adult emergence from a control of “no recropping” was compared to direct seeding infested stubble with (i) air drills configured with knife‐type openers spaced 23 or 30 cm apart, (ii) an air drill configured with high disturbance shovel‐type sweep openers, and (iii) a low disturbance air drill equipped with disc openers. Pre‐seed heavy tine harrowing reduced adult sawfly emergence but usually required a high tension setting. No‐till planting into infested spring wheat stubble also lowered WSS emergence compared to leaving the field fallow. A system of heavy tine harrows and an air drill equipped with knife openers spaced 30 cm apart reduced WSS adult emergence in spring by 50 to 70%. Grain yield was optimized in spring wheat with air drills equipped with narrow knife openers; in winter wheat optimal yield was obtained with the low disturbance disc drill configurations. Our results indicate incremental benefits from continuous cropping rather than fallowing fields infested with WSS, which is a sustainable alternative to conventional tillage. A systems approach is recommended that integrates these practices with diversified nonhost crop phases and resistant cultivars.
Common Bean Seed Complements Molybdenum Uptake by Plants from Soil
Authors: Vieira R. F. , Paula T. J. , Pires A. A. , Carneiro J. E. S. , da Rocha G. S.
Published: November 2011

Molybdenum (Mo) reserve in large seeds can complement Mo uptake by plants from soil, but the content of Mo in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed for this purpose is unknown. We hypothesized that 3.639 ± 0.751 μg Mo seed−1 would be sufficient to complement Mo uptake by irrigated common bean plants from a Mo‐poor soil. Three field experiments were performed in a clayey Ultisol naturally infested by native strains of Rhizobium in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Treatments were arranged as 4 × 2 factorial combination of Mo contents in seeds [small (0.007 ± 0.007 or 0.248 ± 0.057 μg Mo seed−1) or large (3.639 ± 0.751 or 6.961 ± 1.844 μg Mo seed−1)] and Mo spraying treatments (90 g ha−1 or unsprayed) with six replications. Phosphorus, N (25 kg ha−1), and K were applied together in the furrow during planting time. No topdressing N was applied. Final plant population and seed yield were evaluated in two experiments. Molybdenum contents in the seeds did not affect plant population. On average, unsprayed plants from seeds with small Mo contents yielded 1785 kg ha−1, while those from seeds with large Mo content yielded 2109 kg ha−1. Foliar application of Mo increased plant N status, plant growth, and yield in plants originated from seeds with small Mo content, but not in plants grown from seeds with large Mo content. We conclude that 3.639 ± 0.751 μg Mo seed−1 sufficiently complement the Mo uptake by common bean plants from soil.
Deficit Irrigation of Seashore Paspalum and Bermudagrass
Authors: Bañuelos Jaime B. , Walworth James L. , Brown Paul W. , Kopec David M.
Published: November 2011

We compared the responses of 16 mm tall ‘Tifsport’, ‘Tifway 419’, ‘Tifgreen 328’, and ‘MidIron’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Davy], and ‘SeaSpray’, ‘SeaDwarf’, and ‘Sea Isle 1’ seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) to variable rates of irrigation applied using a linear gradient irrigation system in the semiarid Southwest. Target irrigation levels were 100, 80, 60, and 40% (2009) and 100, 80, 70, 60, and 40% (2010) of standardized reference evapotranspiration (ETos). Actual water applied (including rainfall) was 100, 83, 66, and 49% of ETos in 2009 and 100, 83, 75, 66, and 49% in 2010. Canopy temperatures increased as much as 15°C, quality (rated on a scale of 1–9) decreased from values of 6 or greater in turf irrigated with 100% ETos to 1.25 to 4.35 in turf irrigated with 40% ETos in July and August 2010, while dry matter production declined between 1.3 and 15.8 g m−2 d−1. Water application rates required to maximize turfgrass quality ratings across all turfgrasses ranged from 75 to 83% of ETos. Lower application rates were required for acceptable quality turfgrass (with quality ratings ≥6.0) and ranged from 66 to 75% of ETos for bermudagrass, and 75 to 80% of ETos for seashore paspalum. Spring green‐up was delayed by deficit irrigation, approximately 2 wk with 80% ETos, 4 wk with 70% ETos, and 6 wk with 60% ETos. Bermudagrass, particularly MidIron, maintained higher quality ratings than seashore paspalum under accumulated water stress conditions.
Challenges and Opportunities for Organic Hop Production in the United States
Authors: Turner Samuel F. , Benedict Chris A. , Darby Heather , Hoagland Lori A. , Simonson Peter , Sirrine J. Robert , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: November 2011

Hop cones grown on the female plant of the perennial crop (Humulus lupulus L.) are an integral component of the brewing process and provide flavor, bitterness, aroma, and antimicrobial properties to beer. Demand for organically grown hops from consumers via the brewing industry is on the rise; however, due to high N requirements and severe disease, weed, and arthropod pressures, hops are an extremely difficult crop to grow organically. Currently, the majority of the world's organic hops are grown in New Zealand, while other countries, including China, are beginning to increase organic hop production. Land under organic hop production in Washington State, where 75% of the hops in the United States are grown, increased from 1.6 ha to more than 26 ha from 2004 to 2010, and other hop‐producing states demonstrate a similar trend. Removing hops from the USDA Organic Exemption list in January 2013 is expected to greatly increase organic hop demand and will require corresponding increases in organic hop hectarage. Current challenges, including weed management, fertility and irrigation management, insect and disease pressures, and novel practices that address these issues will be presented. Here, we discuss current and future research that will potentially impact organic hop production in the United States.
Soybean Phenology Simulation in the North‐Central United States
Authors: Torrion Jessica , Setiyono Tri Deri , Cassman Kenneth , Specht James
Published: November 2011

Forecast simulation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] vegetative stem node (Vn) and reproductive (Rn) phases can be used to improve timing of agronomic practices to optimize input use efficiency. A soybean model (SoySim) was used to predict soybean phenological stages in researcher and producer fields and to evaluate sources of variance. Evaluation of SoySim phenology simulation involved 21 and 22 Nebraska soybean producers in 2009 and 2010, respectively, with cultivars of various maturity groups (MGs 2.5–3.8) and planting dates (21 April–11 June). SoySim evaluation in research fields was conducted in Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana with cultivar MGs 0.8 to 4.2 planted 27 April to 17 June. The combined root mean square error (RMSE) in research fields for V1 (first‐node), R3.5 (mid‐pod), R5 (beginning seed), and R7 (beginning maturity) was 3.6 d. In producer fields, Vn and Rn stages RMSE was 5.5 and 5.7 d, respectively. With few exceptions, the simulated and observed Vn or Rn stage data clusters in the research and producer fields did not differ (α = 0.05). Aside from subjectivity in most Rn calls that required quantifying pod and seed sizes, and pod maturity, variance in simulated and observed Vn or Rn in producer fields was related to the reliability of VE (emergence) calls, or the use of planting dates instead of VE dates in some producer fields. For no‐till to minimum‐till fields, the accuracy and precision of SoySim forecast simulation requires a reliable VE date call for scheduling soybean growth‐stage dependent critical farming decisions.
No‐Till and Strip‐Till Soybean Production with Surface and Subsurface Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization
Authors: Farmaha Bhupinder S. , Fernández Fabián G. , Nafziger Emerson D.
Published: November 2011

Compared to no‐till, strip‐till can offer improved seedbed conditions and deep banding of fertilizer. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of rate and placement of P and K in no‐till and strip‐till systems on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed yield. A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted near Urbana, IL, on Flanagan silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Aquic Argiudolls) and Drummer silty clay loam (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquolls) soils, with soybean planted following corn (Zea mays L.). Tillage/fertilizer placement was the main plot with no‐till/broadcast (NTBC); no‐till/deep band (NTDB); and strip‐till/deep band (STDB); deep band placement was 15 cm beneath the planted row. Phosphorus–fertilizer rate (0, 12, 24, and 36 kg P ha−1 yr−1) was the subplot, and K‐fertilizer rate (0, 42, 84, and 168 kg K ha−1 yr−1) was the sub‐subplot. Soil water, soil and trifoliate P and K, and seed yield were measured. Overall, STDB produced 3.1 Mg seed ha−1, 10, and 7% more yield than NTBC and NTDB, respectively. Seed yield, number of pods plant−1, and trifoliate P concentration and accumulation increased with P fertilization uniformly across tillage/fertilizer placement indicating that fertilization cannot be reduced with deep band applications relative to broadcast applications without a reduction in seed yield, but deep banding increased subsurface soil test levels. Potassium fertilization decreased seed yield in both no‐till systems but not in the STDB system. While P and K placement produced no differences, improved soybean yield and nutrient accumulation resulted from a tillage effect with STDB relative to the no‐till systems.
Calibration and Testing of the FAO AquaCrop Model for Canola
Authors: Zeleke Ketema Tilahun , Luckett David , Cowley Raymond
Published: November 2011

Water being a major limiting factor in crop production, prediction of the growth and yield response of crop to water is important. Field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 at Wagga Wagga (Australia) to calibrate and validate a water productivity model AquaCrop for canola (Brassica napus L.). The calibrated model was able to accurately simulate evolution of canopy cover, biomass accumulation, and grain yield, with low values of root mean‐square error and model efficiency, and Willmot's d statistics values close to unity. However, the model overestimated biomass and yield of canola grown in 2009 under a high moisture stress condition. Measured and simulated biomass of Skipton variety grown in 2010 to validate AquaCrop were 21.1 and 19.1 t ha−1, respectively. The grain yield was 3.18 and 3.11 t ha−1, respectively. In the drought year of 2009, measured and simulated biomass were 8.13 and 9.56 t ha−1, respectively, for the Bln3343‐Co0401 variety used for validation. The grain yield was 1.75 and 1.96 t ha−1, respectively. Although AquaCrop was able to capture the trend, it tended to slightly overestimate soil water content during the season. To standardize the conservative parameters developed in this study, further tests are recommended under different environmental and management conditions.
Relationships between Nitrogen Utilization and Grain Technological Quality in Durum Wheat: II. Grain Yield and Qualities
Authors: Giuliani M. M. , Giuzio L. , De Caro A. , Flagella Z.
Published: November 2011

The relationships between grain quality and N utilization in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) have not been very thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N fertilizer rate and water regime on grain yield and quality under Mediterranean conditions in relation to N utilization. Four durum wheat cultivars (Appio, Creso, Ofanto, and Simeto) were grown in field trials under two water regimes (irrigated and rainfed) at three N levels (0, 60, and 120 kg ha−1) in southern Italy during two cropping seasons. At harvest, grain yield and its main components, protein and gluten content, gluten index, sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation test, rheological indices dough strength alveograph index (W) and tenacity/extensibility ratio (P/L), and grain yellow index were determined. For the rainfed treatment in the first (drier) year, a decrease in grain yield consistent with an increase in protein content, gluten index, and W and P/L indices was observed. With increasing N level, protein content increased in both growing seasons but a significant improvement in technological parameters was observed only in the first year, mainly under rainfed conditions. Among the investigated cultivars, only Simeto always showed both good yield and quality performance. The positive correlation between plant N content at anthesis and protein content indicated a significant contribution of pre‐anthesis assimilation. The high correlations found for both N translocation and N harvest index with technological indices suggest that lately remobilized N might increase the protein polymerization degree, with a consequent improvement in grain quality.