bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Frontal White Matter and Executive Functioning in Cocaine-Exposed Children
Authors: Warner Tamara Duckworth , Behnke Marylou , Eyler Fonda Davis , Padgett Kyle , Leonard Christiana , Hou Wei , Garvan Cynthia Wilson , Schmalfuss Ilona M. , Blackband Stephen J.
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND. Although animal studies have demonstrated frontal white matter and behavioral changes resulting from prenatal cocaine exposure, no human studies have associated neuropsychological deficits in attention and inhibition with brain structure. We used diffusion tensor imaging to investigate frontal white matter integrity and executive functioning in cocaine-exposed children.

METHODS. Six direction diffusion tensor images were acquired using a Siemens 3T scanner with a spin-echo echo-planar imaging pulse sequence on right-handed cocaine-exposed (n = 28) and sociodemographically similar non-exposed children (n = 25; mean age: 10.6 years) drawn from a prospective, longitudinal study. Average diffusion and fractional anisotropy were measured in the left and right frontal callosal and frontal projection fibers. Executive functioning was assessed using two well-validated neuropsychological tests (Stroop color-word test and Trail Making Test).

RESULTS. Cocaine-exposed children showed significantly higher average diffusion in the left frontal callosal and right frontal projection fibers. Cocaine-exposed children were also significantly slower on a visual-motor set-shifting task with a trend toward lower scores on a verbal inhibition task. Controlling for gender and intelligence, average diffusion in the left frontal callosal fibers was related to prenatal exposure to alcohol and marijuana and an interaction between cocaine and marijuana exposure. Performance on the visual-motor set-shifting task was related to prenatal cocaine exposure and an interaction between cocaine and tobacco exposure. Significant correlations were found between test performance and fractional anisotropy in areas of the frontal white matter.

CONCLUSIONS. Prenatal cocaine exposure, alone and in combination with exposure to other drugs, is associated with slightly poorer executive functioning and subtle microstructural changes suggesting less mature development of frontal white matter pathways. The relative contribution of postnatal environmental factors, including characteristics of the caregiving environment and stressors associated with poverty and out-of-home placement, on brain development and behavioral functioning in polydrug-exposed children awaits further research.
Implementation and Case-Study Results of Potentially Better Practices to Improve Pain Management of Neonates
Authors: Dunbar Alston E. , Sharek Paul J. , Mickas Nick A. , Coker Kara L. , Duncan Jill , McLendon Debra , Pagano Claire , Puthoff Teresa D. , Reynolds Natalie L. , Powers Richard J. , Johnston C. Celeste
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE. Collaborative quality improvement techniques were used to facilitate local quality improvement in the management of pain in infants. Several case studies are presented to highlight this process.

METHODS. Twelve NICUs in the Neonatal Intensive Care Quality Improvement Collaborative 2002 focused on improving neonatal pain management and sedation practices. These centers developed and implemented evidence-based potentially better practices for pain management and sedation in neonates. The group introduced changes through plan-do-study-act cycles and tracked performance measures throughout the process.

RESULTS. Strategies for implementing potentially better practices varied between centers on the basis of local characteristics. Individual centers identified barriers to implementation, developed tools for improvement, and shared their experience with the collaborative. Baseline data from the 12 sites revealed substantial opportunities for improved pain management, and local potentially better practice implementation resulted in measurable improvements in pain management at participating centers.

CONCLUSIONS. The use of collaborative quality improvement techniques enhanced local quality improvement efforts and resulted in effective implementation of potentially better practices at participating centers.
Sorption and Transport of 17β‐Estradiol and Testosterone in Undisturbed Soil Columns
Authors: Sangsupan H. A. , Radcliffe D. E. , Hartel P. G. , Jenkins M. B. , Vencill W. K. , Cabrera M. L.
Published: October 2006

Land‐applied domestic animal wastes contain appreciable amounts of 17β‐estradiol (henceforth, estradiol) and testosterone. These sex hormones may be transported through soil to groundwater and streams, where they may adversely affect the environment. Previous column transport studies with these hormones used repacked soil and did not consider preferential flow. We, therefore, determined the sorption and transport characteristics of estradiol and testosterone in undisturbed soil columns (15‐cm i.d. by 32‐cm height). In the sorption experiment, isotherms for estradiol and testosterone were nonlinear with Freundlich exponents (n) less than one. Sorption of both hormones decreased with soil depth, and estradiol sorbed more strongly than testosterone. Average estradiol Freundlich sorption coefficients (Kf) values were 36.9 μg1 − n mLn g−1 for the 0‐ to 10‐cm soil depth and 25.7 μg1 − n mLn g−1 for the 20‐ to 30‐cm soil depth. Average testosterone Kf values were 26.7 μg1 − n mLn g−1 for the 0‐ to 10‐cm soil depth and 14.0 μg1 − n mLn g−1 for the 20‐ to 30‐cm soil depth. In the transport experiment, 27% of the estradiol and 42% of the testosterone leached through the soil columns. Approximately 50% of the remaining soil‐bound hormones were sorbed in the top 10 cm of soil. In almost all instances, breakthrough concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, and a chloride tracer peaked simultaneously. Simultaneous breakthrough and HYDRUS‐1D transport parameters indicated both chemical and physical nonequilibrium processes affected hormone transport. This suggests hormones placed on soil surfaces may contaminate groundwater under conditions of preferential flow.
Sewage Sludge Effects on Mesofauna and Cork Oak (Quercus suberL.) Leaves Decomposition in a Mediterranean Forest Firebreak
Authors: Pernin Céline , me Cortet Jér o ˆ , Joffre Richard , Le Petit Jean , Torre Franck
Published: October 2006

Effects of sewage sludge on litter mesofauna communities (Collembola and Acari) and cork oak (Quercus suberL.) leaf litter decomposition have been studied during 18 mo using litterbags in an in situ experimental forest firebreak in southeastern France. The sludge (2.74 t DM ha−1yr−1) was applied to fertilize and maintain a pasture created on the firebreak. Litterbag colonization had similar dynamics on both the control and fertilized plots and followed a typical Mediterranean pattern showing a greater abundance in spring and autumn and a lower abundance in summer. After 9 mo of litter colonization, Collembola and Acari, but mainly Oribatida, were more abundant on the sludge‐fertilized plot. Leaf litter decomposition showed a similar pattern on both plots, but it was faster on the control plot. Furthermore, leaves from the fertilized plot were characterized by greater nitrogen content. Both chemical composition of leaves and sludges and the decomposition state of leaves have significantly affected the mesofauna community composition from each plot.
Persistence of the Sulfonylurea Herbicides Thifensulfuron‐Methyl, Ethametsulfuron‐Methyl, and Metsulfuron‐Methyl in Farm Dugouts (Ponds)
Authors: Cessna Allan J. , Donald David B. , Bailey Jonathan , Waiser Marley , Headley J. V.
Published: October 2006

Sulfonylurea herbicides are applied at relatively low rates (3 to 40 g ha−1) to control weeds in a variety of crops across the Canadian prairies. Because of their high phytotoxicity and the likelihood of their transport in surface runoff, there is concern about their possible impact to aquatic ecosystems. Little is known, however, about their persistence and behavior in aquatic ecosystems. To assess persistence in aquatic ecosystems, three prairie farm dugouts (ponds) were fortified with either thifensulfuron‐methyl {methyl 3‐[[[[(4‐methoxy‐6‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]‐2‐thiophenecarboxylate}, ethametsulfuron‐methyl {methyl 2‐[[[[[4‐ethoxy‐6‐(methylamino)‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl]amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate} or metsulfuron‐methyl {methyl 2‐[[[[(4‐methoxy‐6‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triazinyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate}. The decreasing order of persistence of environmentally relevant concentrations (1 to 4.6 μg L−1) of these herbicides in dugout water over the June to October period was metsulfuron‐methyl>ethametsulfuron‐methyl>thifensulfuron‐methyl. The corresponding dissipation half‐lives (DT50) of 84, 30, and 16 d, respectively, are in the same relative order as the recropping intervals for these herbicides. Thifensulfuron‐methyl showed a biphasic dissipation with slower dissipation during the winter months. In contrast, the dissipation of metsulfuron‐methyl, the sulfonylurea herbicide with the longest DT50, was somewhat enhanced under winter conditions. One of the major routes of sulfonylurea herbicide dissipation was removal from the water column when dugout water was lost during hydrological discharge. The relatively long persistence of these herbicides in water indicates that partitioning into sediments was minimal, the sulfonylurea and methyl ester linkages in these compounds were resistant to hydrolysis in weakly alkaline waters, and that microbial and photolytic degradation in dugout waters were slow.
Sources, Sinks, and Exposure Pathways of Lead in Urban Garden Soil
Authors: Clark Heather F. , Brabander Daniel J. , Erdil Rachel M.
Published: October 2006

The chemistry of Pb in urban soil must be understood in order to limit human exposure to Pb in soil and produce and to implement remediation schemes. In inner‐city gardens where Pb contamination is prevalent and financial resources are limited, it is critical to identify the variables that control Pb bioavailability. Field‐portable X‐ray fluorescence was used to measure Pb in 103 urban gardens in Roxbury and Dorchester, MA, and 88% were found to contain Pb above the USEPA reportable limit of 400 μg g−1Phosphorus, iron, loss on ignition, and pH data were collected, Pb‐bearing phases were identified by X‐ray diffraction, and Pb isotopes were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Four test crops were grown both in situ and in Roxbury soil in a greenhouse, and plant tissue was analyzed for Pb uptake by polarized energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. Variation at the neighborhood scale in soil mineralogical and chemical characteristics suggests that the bioavailable fraction of Pb in gardens is site specific. Based on Pb isotope analysis, two historical Pb sources appear to dominate the inventory of Pb in Roxbury gardens: leaded gasoline (207Pb/206Pb = 0.827) and Pb‐based paint (207Pb/206Pb = 0.867). Nearly 70% of the samples analyzed can be isotopically described by mixing these two end members, with Pb‐based paint contributing 40 to 80% of the mass balance. A simplified urban human exposure model suggests that the consumption of produce from urban gardens is equivalent to approximately 10 to 25% of children's daily exposure from tap water. Furthermore, analysis of over 60 samples of plant tissue from the four test species suggests that in these urban gardens unamended phytoremediation is an inadequate tool for decreasing soil Pb.
Tillage System, Application Rate, and Extreme Event Effects on Herbicide Losses in Surface Runoff
Authors: Shipitalo Martin J. , Owens Lloyd B.
Published: October 2006

Conservation tillage can reduce soil loss; however, the residual herbicides normally used to control weeds are often detected in surface runoff at high levels, particularly if runoff‐producing storms occur shortly after application. Therefore, we measured losses of alachlor, atrazine, linuron, and metribuzin from seven small (0.45–0.79‐ha) watersheds for 9 yr (1993–2001) to investigate whether a reduced‐input system for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production with light disking, cultivation, and half‐rate herbicide applications could reduce losses compared with chisel and no‐till. As a percentage of application, annual losses were highest for all herbicides for no‐till and similar for chisel and reduced‐input. Atrazine was the most frequently detected herbicide and yearly flow‐weighted concentrations exceeded the drinking water standard of 3 μg L−1 in 20 out of 27 watershed years that it was applied. Averaged for 9 corn yr, yearly flow‐weighted atrazine concentrations were 26.3, 9.6, and 8.3 μg L−1 for no‐till, chisel, and reduced‐input, respectively. Similarly, flow‐weighted concentrations of alachlor exceeded the drinking water standard of 2 μg L−1 in 23 out of 54 application years and in all treatments. Thus, while banding and half‐rate applications as part of a reduced‐input management practice reduced herbicide loss, concentrations of some herbicides may still be a concern. For all watersheds, 60 to 99% of herbicide loss was due to the five largest transport events during the 9‐yr period. Thus, regardless of tillage practice, a small number of runoff events, usually shortly after herbicide application, dominated herbicide transport.
Influence of Irrigation Methods and an Adjuvant on the Persistence of Carbaryl on Pakchoi
Authors: Marutani Mari , Edirveerasingam Veronica
Published: October 2006

Influence of irrigation methods and use of an adjuvant on the persistence of the carbaryl (1‐naphthyl N‐methylcarbamate) on pakchoi [Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (Rupr.) Olsson] was studied using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. After applying carbaryl at a.i. 10.6 g L−1 with or without an adjuvant (Latron B‐1956) to leaves, plants were provided water daily by either overhead or basal application. Pesticide residue on leaf tissues was examined immediately after pesticide application and on 2, 4, 6, and 8 d after pesticide application. Use of the adjuvant did not affect the initial deposit of the pesticide, however pesticide persistence was improved with the adjuvant regardless of irrigation. Overhead irrigation contributed to rapid loss of the pesticide by washing carbaryl from the leaf surface. The longest half‐life of carbaryl (6.5 d) was detected on plants receiving basal irrigation plus the adjuvant while the shortest half‐life (2 d) was observed when plants were treated with overhead irrigation and no adjuvant.
The Role of Lipids on Sorption Characteristics of Freshwater‐ and Wastewater‐Irrigated Soils
Authors: Drori Yaron , Lam Buuan , Simpson Andre , Aizenshtat Zeev , Chefetz Benny
Published: October 2006

The soil lipid fraction can play an important role in the sorption of organic compounds. In this study, the impact of the lipid fraction of freshwater‐ and wastewater‐irrigated soils on the sorption of non‐ and relatively polar compounds was assessed. Lipid analyses revealed a clear difference between the two lipid fractions. The lipid extract from the wastewater‐irrigated soil was consistent with mainly straight paraffinic chain materials; the lipid extract from freshwater‐irrigated soil, on the other hand, exhibited stronger signals of aromatics, double bonds, ester, ether, and methyl, in addition to a smaller contribution from methylene protons. Our data suggest that lipid removal induced a stronger increase in the soil's sorption affinity for solutes capable of polar interactions such as atrazine (2‐chloro‐4‐ethylamino‐6‐isopropylamino‐1,3,5‐triazine) and chlorotoluron (N′‐(3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenyl)‐N,N‐dimethylurea) as compared to phenanthrene. Moreover, the level of increase in sorption affinities due to lipid removal was much higher for the freshwater‐irrigated soil than for its wastewater‐irrigated counterpart, even though the level of lipids in the freshwater‐irrigated soil was half that in the wastewater‐irrigated one (6 vs. 11% of the total organic C). The higher level of polar functionalities, such as ether and ester moieties, in the lipid fraction from the freshwater‐irrigated soil suggests that these extractable compounds compete successfully with the polar solutes (atrazine and chlorotoluron) for specific binding sites in the soil organic matter (SOM). It appears that the composition of the lipid fraction may be a key consideration in unraveling the sorption of organic molecules in soils.
Estimating Source Coefficients for Phosphorus Site Indices
Authors: Elliott H. A. , Brandt R. C. , Kleinman P. J. A. , Sharpley A. N. , Beegle D. B.
Published: October 2006

Phosphorus release to runoff varies widely for different land‐applied organic P sources even when spread at equivalent total P rates. To address this variability, some P site indices include tabulated P source coefficients (PSCs) for differential weighting of applied P materials based on their runoff enrichment potential. Because runoff P can vary widely even within source categories depending on composition, storage, and treatment differences, this study explored a method for estimating PSCs based on the water‐extractable P (WEP) content of the applied amendment. Using seven published rainfall‐runoff studies that followed National Phosphorus Research Project protocols, runoff dissolved P (RDP) was correlated (r2 = 0.80) with WEP for multiple surface‐applied manures and biosolids. Assuming amendments with WEP ≥ 10 g kg−1 behave as highly soluble P sources and have a maximum PSC of 1.0, an empirical equation was developed for computing source‐specific PSCs from laboratory‐determined WEP values [PSC = 0.102 × WEP0.99]. For two independent runoff experiments, correlations between RDP loss and P source loading rate were improved when loading rates were multiplied by the computed (r2 = 0.73–0.86) versus generic (r2 = 0.45–0.48) PSCs. Source‐specific PSCs should enhance the ability of assessment tools to identify vulnerable sites and P loss management alternatives, although the exact inclusion process depends on index scaling and conceptual framework.
Nitrate and Sediment Fluxes from a California Rangeland Watershed
Authors: Lewis David J. , Singer Michael J. , Dahlgren Randy A. , Tate Kenneth W.
Published: October 2006

Long‐term water quality records for assessing natural variability, impact of management, and that guide regulatory processes to safeguard water resources are rare for California oak woodland rangelands. This study presents a 20‐yr record (1981–2000) of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3–N) and suspended sediment export from a typical, grazed oak woodland watershed (103 ha) in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills of California. Mean annual precipitation over the 20‐yr period was 734 mm yr−1 (range 366–1205 mm yr−1). Mean annual stream flow was 353 mm y−1 (range 87–848 mm yr−1). Average annual stream flow was 48.1 ± 16% of precipitation. Mean annual NO3–N export was 1.6 kg ha−1 yr−1 (range 0.18–3.6 kg ha−1 yr−1). Annual NO3–N export significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing annual stream flow and precipitation. Mean daily NO3–N export was 0.004 kg ha−1 d−1 (range 10−5 to 0.55 kg ha−1 d−1). Mean annual suspended sediment export was 198 kg ha−1 yr−1 (range 23–479 kg ha−1 yr−1). There was a positive relationship (P < 0.05) between annual suspended sediment export, annual stream flow and precipitation. Mean daily suspended sediment export was 0.54 kg ha−1 d−1 (range 10−4 to 155 kg ha−1 d−1). Virtually no sediment was exported during the dry season. The large variation in daily and annual fluxes highlights the necessity of using long‐term records to establish quantitative water quality targets for rangelands and demonstrates the difficulty of designing a water quality monitoring program for these ecosystems.
A Solid‐Phase Microextraction Chamber Method for Analysis of Manure Volatiles
Authors: Miller Daniel N. , Woodbury Bryan L.
Published: October 2006

Odors from livestock operations are a complex mixture of volatile carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen compounds. Currently, detailed volatiles analysis is both time consuming and requires specialized equipment and methods. This work describes a new method that utilizes a dynamic flux chamber, solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) to describe and compare the odorous compounds emitted from cattle and swine feces. Evaluation of method parameters produced a protocol for comparing relative emissions based on fixed sample temperature (20°C) and exposed surface area (approximately 523 cm2), air flow rates (1 L min−1 or 16 cm s−1), SPME exposure time (5 min), and chamber cleaning procedures (70% ethanol rinse and drying for 30 min at 105°C) to minimize cross‐contamination between samples. A variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including alcohols, volatile fatty acids, aromatic ring compounds, ketones, esters, and sulfides were routinely detected and the relative emissions from fresh and incubated (37°C overnight) swine and cattle feces were compared as a measure of potential to produce odorants during manure storage. Differences in the types and relative quantities of volatiles emitted were detected when animal species (cattle or swine), diet, fecal incubation, or sample storage conditions (20, 4, or −20°C) were varied.
Occurrence and Rates of Terminal Electron‐Accepting Processes and Recharge Processes in Petroleum Hydrocarbon‐Contaminated Subsurface
Authors: Salminen Jani M. , Hänninen Pekka J. , Leveinen Jussi , Lintinen Petri T. J. , J⊘rgensen Kirsten S.
Published: October 2006

The occurrence and rates of terminal electron acceptor processes, and recharge processes in the unsaturated zone of a boreal site contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons in the range C10 to C40 were examined. Soil microcosms were used to determine the rates of denitrification, iron (Fe) reduction, sulfate (SO4) reduction, and methanogenesis in two vertical soil profiles contaminated with oil, and in a noncontaminated reference sample. Furthermore, the abundances of the 16S rRNA genes belonging to Geobacteracaea in the samples were determined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Analyses of ground water chemistry and soil gas composition were also performed together with continuous in situ monitoring of soil water and ground water chemistry. Several lines of evidence were obtained to demonstrate that both Fe reduction and methanogenesis played significant roles in the vertical profiles: Fe reduction rates up to 3.7 nmol h−1 g−1 were recorded and they correlated with the abundances of the Geobacteracaea 16S rRNA genes (range: 2.3 × 105 to 4.9 × 107 copies g−1). In the ground water, ferrous iron (Fe2+) concentration up to 55 mg L−1 was measured. Methane production rates up to 2.5 nmol h−1 g−1 were obtained together with methane content up to 15% (vol/vol) in the soil gas. The continuous monitoring of soil water and ground water chemistry, microcosm experiments, and soil gas monitoring together demonstrated that the high microbial activity in the unsaturated zone resulted in rapid removal of oxygen from the infiltrating recharge thus leaving the anaerobic microbial processes dominant below 1.5 m depth both in the unsaturated and the saturated zones of the subsurface.
Use of Magnesia for Boron Removal from Irrigation Water
Authors: Dionisiou Nina , Matsi Theodora , Misopolinos Nikolaos D.
Published: October 2006

The risk of B phytotoxicity due to high levels of B in irrigation water can be avoided by removing B from the water, before its use, through adsorption on certain adsorbents, such as magnesia (industrial MgO), if the latter can be proven to be an effective and easy to handle means for B removal. In addition, if such a material is applied as a fertilizer after its use and the adsorbed B is easily released into the soil solution, B phytotoxicity could constitute a potential hazard. The objectives of this work were to: (a) establish the optimum working conditions (equilibration time, solution to adsorbent ratio, and particle size of the adsorbent) for B adsorption, (b) assess the magnitude of B adsorption by magnesia, both in capacity and intensity terms, as well as the influence of temperature, (c) study B desorbability from magnesia, spiked with B at two rates, 5 and 0.5 mg g−1, and (d) compare the results from b and c to those obtained using reagent grade MgO. The results showed that the time to achieve equilibrium depended on the B concentration of the external solution and ranged from 6 h (for B ≤ 10 mg L−1) to 48 h (for B ≥ 50 mg L−1). The percentage of B adsorbed decreased as the volume of external solution to adsorbent increased and a working ratio of 50:1 was selected. For magnesia, B adsorption was particle size dependent with the smallest fraction (<0.1 mm) sorbing more B than the other three fractions studied (0.1–1.0, 1.1–2.0, 2.1–4.0 mm). Boron adsorption was conducted under strongly alkaline pH (10.3 ± 0.2 and 10.4 ± 0.1 for the reagent and magnesia, respectively) and increased with temperature. Both adsorbents exhibited a high B adsorption capacity (Langmuir maximum values were 5.85 ± 0.39 and 4.45 ± 1.31 mg B g−1 for the reagent and magnesia, respectively) comparable to other metal oxides. However, the reagent grade MgO seemed to be superior to magnesia in terms of capacity and strength of B retention. This superiority of the reagent was attributed to its greater surface area (34.7 compared with 5.8 m2 g−1 for magnesia) and to its conversion to Mg(OH)2 during the adsorption process, whereas magnesia remained unaltered, as was evident from X‐ray diffractograms. Based on this data, magnesia seems to be an effective means for removing excess B from irrigation water, particularly if a material of fine particle size is used. Boron desorbability after 240 h of desorption time was more pronounced for magnesia reaching up to 55 and 60% of the amount of B added, at the spiked rates of 5 and 0.5 mg g−1, respectively. Although these figures indicate that approximately half of the amount of B added remained adsorbed, they cannot be easily extrapolated to field conditions, and if B‐laden magnesia is applied to soils, the possibility of B phytotoxicity cannot be excluded.
Repeated Compost Application Effects on Phosphorus Runoff in the Virginia Piedmont
Authors: Spargo John T. , Evanylo Gregory K. , Alley Marcus M.
Published: October 2006

Increasing amounts of animal and municipal wastes are being composted before land application to improve handling and spreading characteristics, and to reduce odor and disease incidence. Repeated applications of composted biosolids and manure to cropland may increase the risk for P enrichment of agricultural runoff. We conducted field research in 2003 and 2004 on a Fauquier silty clay loam (Ultic Hapludalfs) to compare the effects of annual (since 1999) applications of composted and uncomposted organic residuals on P runoff characteristics. Biosolids compost (BSC), poultry litter‐yard waste compost (PLC), and uncomposted poultry litter (PL) were applied based on estimated plant‐available N. A commercial fertilizer treatment (CF) and an unamended control treatment (CTL) were also included. Corn (Zea mays L.) and a cereal rye (Secale cereal L.) cover crop were planted each year. We applied simulated rainfall in fall 2004 and analyzed runoff for dissolved reactive P (DRP), total dissolved P (TDP), total P (TP), total organic C (TOC), and total suspended solids (TSS). End of season soil samples were analyzed for Mehlich‐3 P (M3P), EPA 3050 P (3050P), water soluble P (WSP), degree of P saturation (DPS), soil C, and bulk density. Compost treatments significantly increased soil C, decreased bulk density, and increased M3P, 3050P, WSP, and DPS. The concentration of DRP, TDP, and TP in runoff was highest in compost treatments, but the mass of DRP and TDP was not different among treatments because infiltration was higher and runoff lower in compost‐amended soil. Improved soil physical properties associated with poultry litter‐yard waste compost application decreased loss of TP and TSS.
Particulate Matter Concentration and Air Quality Affected by Windblown Dust in the Columbia Plateau
Authors: Sharratt B. S. , Lauer D.
Published: October 2006

The USEPA has proposed to regulate PMcoarse (particulate matter 2.5 to 10 μm in diameter). Exceedance of the proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for PMcoarse is expected within the Columbia Plateau of the Pacific Northwest United States based on the high frequency of dust storms and the large contribution of crustal material to fugitive dust in the region. The objective of this study was to explore the implication of the proposed NAAQS for PMcoarse on air quality. Concurrent observations of both PM10 (particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter) and PMfine (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter) were made at Kennewick, WA from 1999 through 2005. Daily PMcoarse concentration was determined as the difference between PM10 and PMfine concentrations. The number of exceedances of the proposed USEPA NAAQS for PMcoarse was determined for various levels of the standard (the proposed daily level is 70 μg m−3). Over the 7 yr of this study, the PM10 standard was exceeded on 16 d with PMfine constituting 4 to 7% of PM10. The proposed PMcoarse standard would have been exceeded on 35 d and represents a 120% increase in the number of exceedances over the current PM10 standard. Changing the level of the proposed PMcoarse standard to that of the current PM10 standard (150 μg m−3) would result in a 20% decrease in the number of exceedances of the PM standard. The results of this study suggest that the proposed NAAQS for PMfine and PMcoarse will be exceeded more frequently than the current PMfine and PM10 standard in a region subject to seasonal dust storms.
Topdressing Turf with Composted Manure Improves Soil Quality and Protects Water Quality
Authors: Johnson G. A. , Davis J. G. , Qian Y. L. , Doesken K. C.
Published: October 2006

Compost can improve soil properties when incorporated into soil; however, little information is available regarding impacts of compost topdressing. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects that topdressing composted dairy manure onto Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) has on: (i) soil physical properties, (ii) soil chemical properties, (iii) soil nitrate (NO3–N) and P concentrations below the rootzone, (iv) total runoff and sediment losses, and (v) N and P concentrations in runoff. Plots were topdressed with compost at 0, 33, 66, and 99 m3 ha−1 Saturated hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, water retention, and soil nutrient levels were measured. A rainfall simulation was conducted, and runoff was collected and analyzed for total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3–N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4–N), total phosphorus (TP), total dissolved P (TDP), and ortho‐phosphate (OP). Compost application of 99 m3 ha−1 reduced bulk density, and increased water retention and P, K, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the surface soil. Compost applications of 66 m3 ha−1 or greater raised soil electrical conductivity (EC); however, this increase in soil EC did not negatively impact turf quality. Rates of runoff and erosion and concentrations of TN, NO3–N, TP, TDP, and OP in runoff were not different among treatments. However, all compost treatments did increase NH4–N concentrations in runoff. There were no differences in soil NO3–N or available P levels below the root zone. Topdressing composted manure onto established turf improved soil physical properties and nutrient concentrations without increasing nutrient runoff, with the exception of increased NH4–N levels in runoff.
Resin Adsorption of Carbon and Nitrogen as Influenced by Season and Time Since Fire
Authors: MacKenzie M. D. , DeLuca T. H.
Published: October 2006

Natural disturbance, such as fire, represents a long‐term displacement of ecosystem dynamics, while seasonal changes, such as spring thaw and summer drought, represent a short‐term perturbation superimposed on the longer disturbance cycle. In spite of the importance in determining forest ecosystem function of these two forms of perturbation, no previous studies have simultaneously investigated the effects of season and fire exclusion on soil C and N dynamics in the inland Northwest. Fire exclusion has resulted in decreased N mineralization due to changes in stand structure and decreased litter quality. However, C and N dynamics are also affected by seasonal fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture. We used ionic and non‐ionic resin capsules to quantify indices of labile C and N including ninhydrin reactive N (NR‐N–amino N), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), anthrone reactive C (AR‐C–hexose sugars), and phenols (low molecular weight aromatics). Repeated measures ANOVA showed that most soil biochemical properties varied significantly with time, season, and their interaction. However, only a few of the variables displayed linear trends with increasing time since fire (TSF), including NR‐N, NH4+–N, and NO3−–N for winter and spring measurements, and AR‐C for the spring measurement, all of which exhibited decreasing levels. Scatter plots showed that NR‐N and AR‐C were sequentially higher with each season, but decreased with TSF and that inorganic N was sequentially lower for each season and also decreased by TSF, except for spring NO3− levels on recently burned sites. None of the variables exhibited a significant difference during the summer measurement, likely as a result of seasonal drought, which emphasizes the importance of sampling time.
Relationships among Coefficient of Linear Extensibility and Clay Fractions in Expansive, Stoney Soils
Authors: Vaught R. , Brye Kristofor R. , Miller D. M.
Published: October 2006

An expansive soil is any soil that has a potential for shrinking and swelling under changing moisture conditions. Structural damage to homes (i.e., walls and foundations) due to expansive soils is costly to repair and may be somewhat avoidable if soil properties, such as clay content and the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), are investigated. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationships among COLE, clay fractions, and coarse‐fragment content and determine the usefulness of COLE as an indicator of structural damage in expansive and stoney soils. Sixteen individual homeowner sites were selected for sampling in the Fayetteville area of Washington County, Arkansas based on a homeowner questionnaire and visual inspection. COLE was determined based on the rod method from the length change of a moist and oven‐dry soil‐paste rod (COLErod). Measured COLErod values were adjusted for coarse‐fragment content (COLEadj) by multiplying COLErod by the volume fraction of fine‐earth plus pores, yielding a 0.003 unit reduction (P < 0.001) in COLErod, but no change in hazard‐class rating. COLErod was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with total (r = 0.88), coarse (r = 0.55), and medium plus fine (r = 0.79) clay fractions. However, COLErod adjustments for coarse‐fragment content did not improve linear relationships between COLErod and clay fractions. The summation of soil profile COLErod values for a site was a reasonable predictor, while the average COLErod value for a site and COLEadj were poor predictors of home structural damage. Results demonstrate that COLErod is a reasonably reliable predictor of potential home structural damage.
Assessment of IgE binding to native and hydrolyzed soy protein in serum obtained from dogs with experimentally induced soy protein hypersensitivity
Authors: Serra Montserrat , Brazís Pilar , Fondati Alessandra , Puigdemont Anna
Published: November 2006

Objective—To assess binding of IgE to native, whole hydrolyzed, and separated hydrolyzed fractions of soy protein in serum obtained from dogs with experimentally induced soy protein hypersensitivity.

Animals—8 naïve Beagles (6 experimentally sensitized to native soy protein and 2 control dogs).

Procedures—6 dogs were sensitized against soy protein by administration of allergens during a 90-day period. After the sensitization protocol was completed, serum concentrations of soy-specific IgE were measured and intradermal skin tests were performed in all 6 dogs to confirm that the dogs were sensitized against soy protein. Serum samples from each sensitized and control dog underwent western blot analysis to assess the molecular mass band pattern of the different allergenic soy fractions and evaluate reactivities to native and hydrolyzed soy protein.

Results—In sera from sensitized dogs, a characteristic band pattern with 2 major bands (approx 75 and 50 kd) and 2 minor bands (approx 31 and 20 kd) was detected, whereas only a diffuse band pattern associated with whole hydrolyzed soy protein was detected in the most reactive dog. Reactivity was evident only for the higher molecular mass peptide fraction. In control dogs, no IgE reaction to native or hydrolyzed soy protein was detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggest that the binding of soy-specific IgE to the hydrolyzed soy protein used in the study was significantly reduced, compared with binding of soy-specific IgE to the native soy protein, in dogs with experimentally induced soy hypersensitivity.
Honey, I shrunk the DNA: DNA length as a probe for nucleic‐acid enzyme activity
Authors: van Oijen Antoine M.
Published: November 2006

The replication, recombination, and repair of DNA are processes essential for the maintenance of genomic information and require the activity of numerous enzymes that catalyze the polymerization or digestion of DNA. This review will discuss how differences in elastic properties between single‐ and double‐stranded DNA can be used as a probe to study the dynamics of these enzymes at the single‐molecule level. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 144–153, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Simple determination of huperzine A in human plasma by liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric method
Authors: Li Yun‐Xia , Jiang Xue‐Hua , Lan Ke , Wang Ling
Published: November 2006

Huperzine A is a potent, reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. In the present work, a rapid and sensitive LC–MS–MS method for the determination of huperzine A in human plasma using codeine phosphate as internal standard has been developed and validated. The analyte and internal standard were extracted from plasma using ethyl acetate, chromatographed on a C18 column (5 µm, 150 × 4.6 mm i.d.) with a mobile phase consisting of 1% formic acid–methanol (40:60, v/v), and detected using a tandem mass spectrometer with a TurboIonSpray ionization interface. The run time was only 2 min. Good linearity was achieved in the range 0.126 ‐25.2 ng/mL and the limit of detection in plasma was 0.064 ng/mL. The average recovery for huperzine A was 83.4% from plasma. The analytical sensitivity and accuracy of this assay is adequate for characterization of huperzine A in human plasma. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Penicillin G acylase as chiral selector in CE using a pullulan‐coated capillary
Authors: Gotti Roberto , Calleri Enrica , Massolini Gabriella , Furlanetto Sandra , Cavrini Vanni
Published: November 2006

In the present study, penicillin G acylase (PGA), an enzyme belonging to the family of hydrolases, has been investigated as chiral selector in CE using the partial filling technique. Owing to the strong disposition of PGA to be adsorbed by the inner capillary wall, permanently coated capillaries were used to diminish both the protein–wall interactions and the EOF. In particular, the silica surface of the capillary was chemically coated by an antiadhesive and an hydrophilic layer of pullulan, a high‐molecular‐mass homopolysaccharide. The coating procedure consisted in the silanization with glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and the subsequent coupling of the hydroxyl groups of pullulan onto the silanized capillary. Using this approach, a significant EOF suppression was obtained within a wide pH range (pH 3.0–9.0); this result was very important in order to find the suitable conditions for the application of partial filling technique. The optimization of partial filling was carried out by considering the effects of different experimental conditions (buffer pH, PGA concentration, and loading duration), on the migration time and enantioresolution of rac‐ketoprofen. Under the selected conditions as: 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 5.5) containing 240 µM of PGA (partial filling of 120 s at a pressure of 50 mbar), a series of acidic compounds resulted to be enantioresolved in about 10 min. The long‐term stability of the proposed coating was evaluated; more than 100 injections were performed without significant loss of reproducibility.
The volatile constituents of the leaves and flowers of Kigelia africana Benth.
Authors: Asekun Olayinka Taiwo , Olusegun Ekundayo , Adebola Oyedeji
Published: November 2006

The volatile constituents of the oil from the leaves and flowers of Kigelia africana Benth. from Lagos Nigeria, isolated by hydrodistillation, were analysed by GC and GC‐MS. The leaf oil was found to contain 25 components, while the flower oil contained nine. Both oils were rich in non‐terpenoids; hexadecanoic acid (21.91%, leaf oil; 57.00%, flower oil) was the most abundant in both oils. The other major components were ethyl linoleate (21.73%) and α‐pinene (12.28%) in leaf oil and terpenolene (8.26%), myristic acid (7.95%) and linalool (6.71%) in the flower oil. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Einfluß der Düngung auf den Eiweißgehalt und auf die Aminosäurenzusammensetzung von Winterweizen in ernährungswissenschaftlich‐ökonomischer Hinsicht
Authors: Prugar J.
Published: November 2006

Ergebnisse von Düngungsversuchen mit organisch‐mineralischer Düngung bei Winterweizen wurden durch Berechnung der Selbstkosten für die Produktion einer Gewichtseinheit der Eiweißstoffe und der essentiellen Aminosäuren in ernährungswissenschaftlich‐ökonomischer Hinsicht ausgewertet.

Die Kosten je i kg Eiweißstoffe sanken mit steigender Mineraldüngung. Die markantesten Unterschiede traten bei der Variante ohne organische Düngemittel auf; ähnlich verhielt sich auch der Kornertrag.

Die Selbstkosten je i kg essentieller Aminosäuren waren in einigen Fällen bei der Kombination Mineral II (max. 160 kg N/ha) höher als die Kosten bei der Kombination Mineral I (max. 120 kg N/ha), da ihr Gehalt im Korn sank. Dies gilt vor allem für die organisch mit Stroh + N gedüngte Variante. Die geringsten Aufwände waren bei der organisch ungedüngten Variante mit höherer Mineraldüngung erforderlich.
Beständigkeit von S‐Methylmethionin in Pufferlösungen und pflanzlichen Produkten bei ihrer Gefrierkonservierung
Authors: Kovatscheva E. G.
Published: November 2006

Untersucht wurde die Beständigkeit von S‐Methylmethionin (MMS+) in Citrat‐Phosphat‐Pufferlösungen mit pH 4,0, 6,0 und 8,0 und in Pflanzensäften aus Sellerie und roten Rüben (in Ampullen) innerhalb von 12 Monaten bei +2, —13 und —18 °C. Außerdem wurde seine Beständigkeit bein Gefrieren und Aufbewahren seiner gefrorenen Pflanzenquellen (Sellerie, Blumenkohl, Himbeeren u. a.) bei —18 °C verfolgt.

Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse berechtigen uns, die Gefrierkonservierung als das geeignetste Konservierungsverfahren für die maximale Erhaltung von MMS+ in seinen Pflanzenquellen zu empfehlen.
Zur Frage der proteolytischen Spaltung von Proteinen bei gleichzeitiger Ultrafiltration der Reaktionsprodukte
Authors: Friedrich M. , Braudo E. E. , Antonova T. W. , Noack R.
Published: November 2006

Ein proteolytischer Abbau von Casein bei gleichzeitiger Ultrafiltration der Spaltungsprodukte zeigt unter den gegebenen Bedingungen keinen höheren Spaltungsgrad als eine proteolytische Spaltung ohne Ultrafiltration oder Dialyse.

Die Ultrafiltration wurde mit DIAFLO‐Membranen verschiedener Porengröße durchgeführt. Die Spaltung wurde sowohl durch E280 des trichloressigsäurelöslichen Überstandes als auch durch Bestimmung des Zuwachses an α‐Aminostickstoff durch 2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzolsulfonsäure ermittelt.
Identification of fish species by testing the minced‐meat tissue
Authors: Podeszewski Z. , Zarzycki B.
Published: November 2006

The detection is based on the fact that the sarcoplasmatic protein fractions of fish meat behave differently when subjected to starch‐gel electrophoresis. This makes it possible to demonstrate the presence of another fish species in minced fish meat stated to contain but one fish species. In case of fish stuffings consisting of two fish species, fish identification is simple. Under favourable circumstances, it is also possible to detect and identify foreign additions in a mixture of more than two fish species.
Studies on the conditions of growth of baker's yeast, grown in solution of molasses or debis
Authors: Al‐Mudhaffar S.
Published: November 2006

Molasses and debis (slurry of dates) can be used as a medium for the growth of yeast. Optimum conditions for the growth of baker's yeast, grown in a medium of molasses and debis have been examined. A temperature of 25 °C, a pH of 4.5, a concentration of 5% (W/V) solution of molasses or debis and culture shaking are the optimum conditions for the growth of yeast.
Eiweißangebot in der Nahrung und Dejodierung in der Leber
Authors: Voss Ch. R. , Hartmann N.
Published: November 2006

Bei männlichen Wistarratten wird der Einfluß von 66 oder 2 gegenüber 18 Gew.% Eiweiß enthaltenden Diäten auf die Dejodierung von L‐Thyroxin in Homogenatüberständen der Leber geprüft.

Nach Eiweißarmer Diät zeigt das untersuchte Lebereiweiß höhere, nach Eiweißreicher Diät geringere Dejodaseaktivität; die Unterschiede sind statistisch signifikant.

Das Dejodierungsvermögen der Gesamtleber unter Berücksichtigung des Körpergewichtes der Tiere ist nach Eiweißarmer Diät signifikant, nach Eiweißreicher Diät nicht signifikant erniedrigt. Demnach ist der Bezugswert für die Berechnung der Dejodierungsgröße mit von entscheidender Bedeutung für die Aussage.
Zur Alkalibehandlung von Proteinen. 2. Mitt. Enzymatische Hydrolyse von alkalibehandeltem ß‐Casein und Säurecasein
Authors: Freimuth U. , Krause W. , Döss A.
Published: November 2006

Zum Nachweis der durch Alkalibehandlung ausgelösten Proteinveränderungen wurde die Proteolyse einer verdünnten wäßrigen Lösung von ß‐Casein und Säurecasein durch Trypsin verwendet. Nach einer Alkalibehandlung der Proteine bei pH 12,0, Reaktionstemperaturen zwischen 30 und 90 °C und Einwirkungszeiten zwischen 15 und 360 min sind der Hydrolysegrad der tryptischen Spaltung und die molaren Spaltungszahlen maximal um 25% erniedrigt. Weiterhin ist eine deutliche Verminderung der scheinbaren Reaktionsgeschwindigkeitskonstanten für die Hydrolyse durch Trypsin zu beobachten.

Aus den ermittelten Werten für die Partialhydrolyse der Proteine und denen für die durchschnittliche Racemisierung der Aminosäuren im Protein infolge Alkalieinwirkung ist zu folgern, daß zwischen der Abnahme des Hydrolysegrades sowie der Hydrolysekonstanten und der Racemisierung von Aminosäuren ein Zusammenhang besteht.
Fettsäuren einiger Waldpilze
Authors: Aho L. , Kurkela R.
Published: November 2006

Der Gesamtlipidgehalt und der Anteil der freien Fettsäuren von neun Waldpilzarten wurde bestimmt. Der Gesamtlipidgehalt schwankte zwischen 9 und 16% der Trockensubstanz. Bei den Gesamtlipiden variierte der Anteil an freien Fettsäuren von 15,9 bis 46,5%. Die Zusammensetzung der freien Fettsäuren von sechs Pilzarten wurde analysiert. Linolsäure bildete die Hauptkomponente der freien Säuren, und die Gesamtlipide wiesen einen Linolsäuregehalt von 30,3 bis 60,7% auf.
Beitrag zur Prüfung und Beurteilung von Elasten unter milchwirtschaftlichen Aspekten
Authors: Konrad H. , Gabrio T.
Published: November 2006

Die Migration von Fremdstoffen aus Bedarfsgegenständen in Lebensmittel wurde am Beispiel des Übergangs von Phenyl‐ß‐naphtylamin (PBN), N‐Dimethylbutyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylen‐diamin (MBPPD) und Äthylenthioharnstoff (ETU) aus Gummi in die Milch studiert. Für die semiquantitative Bestimmung wurden dünnschicht‐ (DC) bzw. gaschromatographische (GC) Methoden eingesetzt; die Nachweisempfindlichkeit lag für PBN bei 0,05 (DC), für ETU bei 0,5 (DC) bzw. 0,05 (GC) und für MBPPD bei 0,01 mg/kg (DC). Die bei Modellversuchen in die Milch migrierten Mengen werden unter lebensmittelrechtlichen und milchwirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten diskutiert.