bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Within‐Field Variability in Soil Hydraulic Properties on Transpiration Fluxes and Crop Yields: A Numerical Study
Authors: Hupet F. , van Dam J. C. , Vanclooster M.
Published: July 2010

By means of numerical modeling we investigate the impact of within‐field variability in the soil hydraulic properties on actual transpiration and dry matter yield for three different climate scenarios. We first show that the sensitivity of the simulated actual transpiration and dry matter yield to soil hydraulic parameters increases with the dryness of the climate. The numerical simulations with soil independent stress factors further demonstrate that the impact of the within‐field variability in soil hydraulic properties on the simulated transpiration and dry matter yield can be very large. The generated spatial variability in transpiration and dry matter yield increases systematically with the dryness of the climate, with coefficients of variation increasing from 7 to 14.6% for actual transpiration and from 6.7 to 16% for dry matter yield. In a subsequent analysis, all agrohydrological simulations are rerun considering that the water stress parameters are spatially variable and soil dependent. While the results obtained with the adjusted water stress parameters are quite different, the spatial variability in simulated transpiration and dry matter yield still increases for drier conditions. The different results obtained, although not validated experimentally, illustrate that the use of an agrohydrological simulation model in a stochastic mode requires accurate estimates of the water stress parameters, which should be soil dependent. Finally, we show that simultaneous estimation of water stress and soil hydraulic parameters cannot be robustly performed using measurements of transpiration or dry matter yield alone. Consequently, the use of an agro‐hydrological model in a stochastic mode for a vegetated surface requires alternative strategies for specifying reliable water stress parameters. Adjustment of water stress parameters from reference unsaturated hydraulic conductivity values seems attractive, but needs more research.
Comparison of Capacitance‐Based Soil Water Probes in Coastal Plain Soils
Authors: Bosch David D.
Published: July 2010

Soil water influences infiltration and runoff and consequently water quality. In situ measurements of soil water are critical for understanding hydrologic and water quality processes. Many advances have recently been made in soil water measurement techniques. In particular, instruments for estimating volumetric water content from measurements of soil electrical properties have become common. While the instruments have been shown to be good indicators of relative changes in soil water, questions remain regarding their ability to yield quantitative estimates. Most of these techniques rely on a limited set of calibration equations obtained through laboratory analysis of homogeneous soil materials (i.e., sand, silt, and clay). The accuracy of two capacitance‐based soil water probes was assessed for a range of Coastal Plain soils. The probes measure capacitive and conductive soil properties and relate these to water content through calibration. Calibration curves for three different Coastal Plain soils were developed. Laboratory tests indicate that the probes yield estimates of volumetric water content within ±0.05 cm3 cm−3 of the observed values for these soils. Greater variability was observed in comparisons with field observations. Results indicate that improved equations can be developed through soil‐specific laboratory calibration. The capacitance probes should prove to be useful tools for estimating volumetric water content in these soils. Additional work is required to quantify probe differences and the effects of soil conductivity on the measurements.
A Film Depositional Model of Permeability for Mineral Reactions in Unsaturated Media
Authors: Freedman Vicky L. , Bacon Diana H. , Saripalli K. Prasad , Meyer Philip D.
Published: July 2010

A film depositional modeling approach is developed for modeling changes in permeability due to mineral precipitation and dissolution reactions in unsaturated porous media. Such a model is needed for describing glass dissolution and secondary mineral precipitation in a low‐level waste facility. The model is based on the assumption that the mineral precipitate is deposited on the pore walls as a continuous film, which may cause a reduction in permeability. Previous work in saturated media has used continuous pore‐size distributions to represent the pore space. In this study, the film depositional model is developed for a discrete pore‐size distribution, which is determined using the unsaturated hydraulic properties of the porous medium. This facilitates the process of dynamically updating the unsaturated hydraulic parameters used to describe fluid flow through the media. Single mineral test simulations have been conducted to test both the Mualem and Childs and Collis‐George permeability models. Results from simulation of the simultaneous dissolution of low‐level glassified waste and secondary mineral precipitation show that the film depositional models yield physically reasonable predictions of permeability changes due to solid–aqueous phase reactions.
Comparison of Models for Indirect Estimation of Water Retention and Available Water in Surface Soils
Authors: Schaap Marcel G. , Nemes Attila , van Genuchten Martinus Th.
Published: July 2010

Quantitative knowledge of the unsaturated soil hydraulic properties is required in most studies involving water flow and solute transport in the vadose zone. Unfortunately, direct measurement of such properties is often difficult, expensive and time‐consuming. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) offer a means to estimate soil hydraulic properties based on predictors like texture, bulk density, and other soil variables. In this study, we focus on PTFs for water retention and show that systematic errors in five existing PTFs can be reduced by using water content–based objective functions, instead of parameter value–based objective functions. The alternative analysis was accomplished by establishing offset and slope coefficients for each estimated hydraulic parameter. Subsequently we evaluated these and six other PTFs for estimating water retention parameters using the NRCS soils database. A total of 47435 records containing 113970 observed water contents were used to test the PTFs for mean errors and root mean square errors. No overall superior model was found. Models with many calibration parameters or more input variables were not necessarily better than more simple models. All models underestimated water contents, with values ranging from −0.0086 to −0.0279 cm3cm−3Average root mean square errors ranged from 0.0687 cm3cm−3for a PTF that provided textural class average parameters to 0.0315 cm3cm−3for a model that also used two water retention points as predictors. Available soil water content for vegetation was estimated with errors ranging from 0.058 to 0.080 cm3cm−3, depending on the model and the definition of available water.
Soil Hydraulic Parameter Upscaling for Steady‐State Flow with Root Water Uptake
Authors: Zhu Jianting , Mohanty Binayak P.
Published: July 2010

In this study we investigate effective soil hydraulic parameter averaging schemes for steady‐state flow with plant root water uptake in heterogeneous soils. “Effective” soil hydraulic parameters of a heterogeneous soil formation are obtained by conceptualizing the soil as an equivalent homogeneous medium. The “effective” homogeneous medium is only required to discharge the same ensemble‐mean flux across the soil surface. One‐dimensional flow at the local scale has been used as an approximation for various simplified problems under investigation (e.g., a shallow subsurface dominated by vertical flows). The domain is assumed to be composed of homogeneous one‐dimensional soil columns without mutual interactions. Using Gardner's unsaturated hydraulic conductivity model, we derive the effective value for the parameter α. While root water uptake influences the overall water budget, its impact on the effective hydraulic parameter averaging scheme was found to be secondary. Results show that the arithmetic mean of Gardner's α is usually too large to serve as an effective parameter. Deviations of the effective parameter from the arithmetic mean become larger as the surface suction increases; that is, the flow scenario switches from infiltration to evaporation. The results consistently show a smaller effective parameter for evaporation scenarios than for infiltration scenarios. The effective parameter αeff decreases with an increase in the mean value of α. Spatial variability in α also decreases the effective value of αeff Alternative root water uptake distributions do not produce significant differences in both the water budget and the averaging scheme as long as total water loss to the plant roots remains the same.
The Relative Connectivity–Tortuosity Tensor for Conduction of Water in Anisotropic Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Raats Peter A. C. , Zhang Z. Fred , Ward Andy L. , Gee Glendon W.
Published: July 2010

The hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated anisotropic soils has recently been described with a tensorial connectivity–tortuosity (TCT) concept. We present a mathematical formalization of the connectivity–tortuosity tensor, assuming that its principal axes coincide with those of the hydraulic conductivity tensor at saturation. The hydraulic conductivity tensor of such unsaturated anisotropic soils is given as the product of a scalar variable, the symmetric connectivity–tortuosity tensor, and the hydraulic conductivity tensor at saturation. The influence of the degree of saturation on hydraulic conductivity is illustrated for four well‐defined synthetic soils through radial plots of the hydraulic conductivity scalar and of the reciprocal hydraulic resistivity scalar, both as a function of saturation. The resulting curves are ellipses. The eccentricity of these ellipses is a measure of the degree of anisotropy of the soil at a given saturation.
Impacts of Juniper Vegetation and Karst Geology on Subsurface Flow Processes in the Edwards Plateau, Texas
Authors: Dasgupta Surajit , Mohanty Binayak P. , Köhne J. Maximilian
Published: July 2010

Impacts of Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei J. Buchholz) and karst geology on the regional water cycle in the Edwards plateau region of Texas are complex and not well understood. The objective of our study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface flow processes occurring at a juniper woodland site on the Edwards Plateau near Honey Creek State Natural Area. A 2.3‐m‐deep, 7‐m‐long trench was excavated at the downslope end of a 7 by 14 m experimental plot, and time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes were installed at various locations within the trench face to measure volumetric water contents. A multi‐port telescopic boom type rainfall simulator was used to provide artificial rainfall on the plot. Six rainfall simulations and two dye‐tracer tests were conducted on the plot during a 7‐mo period. Subsurface flow was visually inspected at various locations on the trench face during artificial rainfall experiments and water content was monitored near slow and fast flow regions using TDR probes. The total volume of subsurface flow was also recorded after each rainfall simulation event. Results demonstrated that subsurface flow occurred in a bimodal manner, consisting of preferential/macropore flow around juniper root channels and planar fractures in the limestone, and pseudo‐matrix flow through the soil matrix (water flowing primarily through the intermediate layers and lenses of soil between the rock layers). Preferential/macropore flow at the trench face depended on imposed boundary conditions and was independent of antecedent moisture content in the soil matrix. Pseudo‐matrix flow response time decreased with high rainfall. During large rainfall events (>200 mm), water exchange was observed between the fractures and soil matrix. No apparent water exchange occurred between fractures and the soil matrix during small rainfall events. The dye studies indicated that fractures and juniper root channels are primary pathways for preferential/macropore flow occurring within the plot.
A Field Application of the Scaled‐Predictive Method for Unsaturated Soil
Authors: Thomasson M. J. , Wierenga P. J. , Ferré T. P. A.
Published: July 2010

Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is important to many vadose zone processes. However, there is uncertainty regarding how laboratory‐ and field‐measured hydraulic property measurements can be combined with soil textural data to improve the description of the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function at the field scale. In this investigation, we examine a scaled‐predictive method for defining the hydraulic conductivity function. This approach uses field‐measured data to adjust the hydraulic conductivity relationship developed using either laboratory measurements or soil textural data. In addition, both hydraulic property models were scaled using field‐measured data collected during a controlled infiltration experiment. Data from a second controlled infiltration experiment were used to evaluate the hydraulic property models based on accuracy of prediction of the arrival time of a wetting front and the water content distribution with time. The unadjusted laboratory‐derived parameters provide the best first approximation for predicting the wetting front arrival. Both hydraulic property models gave more accurate predictions of the wetting front arrival after adjustment with field‐measured data. Both scaled models predicted the water content distributions poorly. These predictions were improved, especially for the pedotransfer model, if the scaling was applied to only the lower portion of the soil profile.
Bimodal Probability Law Model for Unified Description of Water Retention, Air and Water Permeability, and Gas Diffusivity in Variably Saturated Soil
Authors: Poulsen Tjalfe G. , Moldrup Per , Yoshikawa Seiko , Komatsu Toshiko
Published: July 2010

Air and water permeabilities and gas diffusivity as functions of soil fluid phase (air or water) contents are governing chemical transport and fate processes in the vadose zone, and have frequently been identified as the three main transport parameters determining time and efficiency during soil vapor extraction (soil venting) at polluted soil sites. A mathematically flexible function that can accurately describe data for both soil water retention and all three transport parameters as functions of fluid phase contents in undisturbed soil with bi‐ or multimodal pore structure is required for numerical simulation studies. In this study, a bimodal probability law (BPL) model with a total of six fitting parameters is compared with new and literature data for soil water retention and the three transport parameters measured on undisturbed soils. Saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K) at six matric potentials (pF) were measured on four volcanic ash soils (Andisols) where data for soil water retention, air permeability (ka), and relative gas diffusivity (Dp/D0) were already available. The BPL model accurately described data for soil water retention and the three transport parameters (K, ka, Dp/D0) for the four Andisols and other soils with bimodal porosity behavior. BPL model parameters did not correlate well between transport processes, however, an existing model for relating saturated hydraulic conductivity to air permeability at −100 cm H2O matric potential performed well for 10 bimodal Andisols. Results indicate that relations between fluid phase transport parameters at given matric potentials may be valid across soil types and useful in the BPL model.
Split Decisions in Antidumping Cases
Authors: Crowley Meredith A.
Published: July 2010

This paper provides a rationale for split decisions in antidumping cases. A split decision occurs when the U.S. government simultaneously investigates multiple countries for dumping the same product but imposes antidumping duties on only a subset of these countries. In the U.S., 76% of antidumping petitions filed between 1980 and 2004 involved two or more countries accused of dumping the same product. Among these multi-country investigations, roughly 30% concluded with a split decision in the final stage of an investigation. The model in this paper shows that selectively applying antidumping duties against foreign countries that are selling increased quantities of imports at a price below long run average total cost improves the importing country's welfare. Imperfectly competitive firms in different countries face stochastic demand and are subject to capacity constraints. As a result, foreign firms dump when they face weak demand in their own markets. In response to the shift in a foreign country's export supply, the importing country's optimal rent-shifting tariff against the foreign country with weak demand increases while its optimal tariff against other countries falls. This paper suggests an economic rationale behind the differential treatment afforded to different countries accused of dumping.
Beyond Conflict of Interest: Lessons from the Cape Town Convention
Authors: Sato Ikumi , Zasu Yoshinobu
Published: July 2010

This paper focuses on several unique devices of the Cape Town Convention 2001. The Convention aims to establish a stable international legal framework for the protection of secured creditors in case of a debtor's default in relation to asset-based financing and leasing of mobile equipment, that is essential to facilitate aircraft financing in an efficient manner. In the drafting process of the Convention, the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), an intergovernmental organization that took charge of drafting the Convention, was on the horns of a dilemma as to what the prospective Convention should be. In order to realize cost-effective asset-based aircraft financing, it is indispensable to establish an international legal order that excludes the discretion of state authorities upon airline's default, and thereby to ensure the smooth enforcement of security interest on aircrafts even in countries fraught with political risk. However, pursuing this commercial ideal excessively may lead to a situation where such a convention is not acceptable to numerous countries. The reason for this is that institutional differences in the legal field are so wide among jurisdictions and some countries may hesitate to ratify that convention. In order to resolve this dilemma, various unique devices were incorporated into the Convention.
Economic Crisis, Felony, and Criminal Policy: The Case of Korea, 1997-2007
Authors: Kim Duol , Kim Jee Eun
Published: July 2010

Since the 1997 financial crisis in Korea, the incidence of felonies such as murder, robbery, arson, and rape has doubled. We found that the Korean government has not taken adequate countermeasures against the crime-inducing environments, which contributed to the growth of felonies. Resource input in the policing has been virtually stagnant since 1997. The court has not raised the punishment level for compensating the lower investment in the policing. Despite the emphasis on rehabilitation in the correction, repeat offenders have led the growth of felonies. In order to prevent further aggravation of social safety, it is crucial to invest more resources into criminal policies and to enhance policy effectiveness.
Overall Diet History and Reversibility of the Metabolic Syndrome Over 5 Years
Authors: Akbaraly Tasnime N. , Singh-Manoux Archana , Tabak Adam G. , Jokela Markus , Virtanen Marianna , Ferrie Jane E. , Marmot Michael G. , Shipley Martin J. , Kivimaki Mika
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

We examined the impact of adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), a set of dietary guidelines targeting major chronic diseases, on metabolic syndrome (MetS) reversion in a middle-aged population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Analyses were carried out on the 339 participants (28% women, mean age 56.4 years) from the Whitehall II study with MetS as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Reversion was defined as not having MetS after 5 years of follow-up (158 case subjects).

RESULTS

After controlling for potential confounders, adherence to AHEI was associated with MetS reversion (odds ratio 1.88 [95% CI 1.04–3.41]), predominantly in participants with central obesity and in those with high triglyceride.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the benefit of adherence to AHEI dietary guidelines for individuals with MetS, especially those with central obesity or high triglyceride levels.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) and the risk of birth and developmental defects - facts and fictions
Authors: Dolinska Barbara
Published: July 2010

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and the risk of birth and developmental defects - facts and fictions

Poland is being swept by a wave of discussions on various aspects of IVF application. Scientists of various disciplines are getting involved in these discussions as opponents to this form of procreation. Referring to research carried out all over the world, they demonstrate that children born thanks to the in vitro procedure are significantly more susceptible to all sorts of disease. The author, surveying available research data, shows that, in reality, the worse health of in vitro-conceived children deals with a narrow number of well-identified disorders and in most cases is of correlative, not causative nature. The main reason for the weaker health of these children is often connected with the advanced age of the parents who choose IVF and their health condition (mothers' in particular), as compared to those who become parents in a natural way.
Type D personality in Poland: Validity and application of the Polish DS14
Authors: Ogińska-Bulik Nina , Juczyński Zygfryd
Published: July 2010

Type D personality in Poland: Validity and application of the Polish DS14

Type D personality (increased negative emotions paired with emotional non-expression) is an emerging risk indicator in cardiovascular disease (CVD), associated with poor patient-centered outcomes, mortality and morbidity. Little is known about the cross-cultural utility of the construct, as it has primarily been used in the Western European setting. We applied the Type D Scale to a large sample of healthy and CVD patients to validate the DS14 in Poland. DS14 was used in the sample comprised 1154 persons, healthy and CVD. The internal consistency of the Polish version of the DS14 was good with Cronbach's alpha of 0.86 for negative affectivity (NA) and 0.84 for social inhibition (SI). The 2-factor structure of the DS14 was confirmed both with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Both of the DS14 subscales were internally consistent and stable over time. Using the standardized cut-off ≥10 for both NA and SI to identify those with a Type D personality, the prevalence was 72.1% in CVD patients and 34.8% in healthy. The Type D personality construct, as assessed with the DS14, seems to be applicable to the Polish setting, as the Polish DS14 was shown to be a psychometrically sound instrument.
Adolescent substance dependency in relation to parental substance (ab)use
Authors: Rus-Makovec Maja , Sernec Karin , Rus Velko , Čebašek-Travnik Zdenka , Tomori Martina , Ziherl Slavko
Published: July 2010

Adolescent substance dependency in relation to parental substance (ab)use

Problem: Relations between adolescents' substance dependency status (yes-no) as independent and adolescent self and family evaluations and parental indicators of substance dependency as dependent variables were studied.

Methods: All together 197 families were included (father, mother, adolescent - mean age of adolescent was 17.2 years). Rosenberg self - esteem scale, originally constructed semantic differential perceived family climate, Zung depression scale and SASSI-3 (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory) instrument were applied. Multivariate and univariate approach were applied to verify hypotheses about differences in dependent variables regarding the independent one also with estimated mothers' and fathers' dependency as two covariates.

Results: Level of depression was significantly higher, but level of self-esteem and family climate evaluation were significantly lower in dependent adolescents. Fathers of non-dependent adolescents and mothers of dependent adolescents were found more substance dependency vulnerable. Adolescent dependence status differed more frequently in fathers' than in mothers' SASSI-3 sub scores.

Conclusions: Results indicate that in group of substance dependent adolescent families with healthier and more engaged fathers participated in the study. Support for mothers' vulnerability and need for fathers' involvement in treatment of dependent adolescent is underlined.
Can We Explain Heterogeneity Among Randomized Clinical Trials of Exercise for Chronic Back Pain? A Meta-Regression Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ferreira Manuela L. , Smeets Rob J.E.M. , Kamper Steven J. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Machado Luciana A.C.
Published: July 2010

Background

Exercise programs may vary in terms of duration, frequency, and dosage; whether they are supervised; and whether they include a home-based program. Uncritical pooling of heterogeneous exercise trials may result in misleading conclusions regarding the effects of exercise on chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of exercise on pain and disability in patients with CLBP, with a major aim of explaining between-trial heterogeneity.

Data Sources

Six databases were searched up to August 2008 using a computerized search strategy.

Study Selection

Eligible studies needed to be randomized clinical trials evaluating the effects of exercise for nonspecific CLBP. Outcomes of interest were pain and disability measured on a continuous scale.

Data Extraction

Baseline demographic data, exercise features, and outcome data were extracted from all included trials.

Data Synthesis

Univariate meta-regressions were conducted to assess the associations between exercise effect sizes and 8 study-level variables: baseline severity of symptoms, number of exercise hours and sessions, supervision, individual tailoring, cognitive-behavioral component, intention-to-treat analysis, and concealment of allocation.

Limitations

Only study-level characteristics were included in the meta-regression analyses. Therefore, the implications of the findings should not be used to differentiate the likelihood of the effect of exercise based on patient characteristics.

Conclusions

The results show that, in general, when all types of exercise are analyzed, small but significant reductions in pain and disability are observed compared with minimal care or no treatment. Despite many possible sources of heterogeneity in exercise trials, only dosage was found to be significantly associated with effect sizes.
Motor Control Exercises, Sling Exercises, and General Exercises for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 1-Year Follow-up
Authors: Unsgaard-Tøndel Monica , Fladmark Anne Margrethe , Salvesen Øyvind , Vasseljen Ottar
Published: July 2010

Background

Exercise benefits patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain; however, the most effective type of exercise remains unknown.

Objective

This study compared outcomes after motor control exercises, sling exercises, and general exercises for low back pain.

Design

This was a randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up.

Setting

The study was conducted in a primary care setting in Norway.

Patients

The participants were patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (n=109).

Interventions

The interventions in this study were low-load motor control exercises, high-load sling exercises, or general exercises, all delivered by experienced physical therapists, once a week for 8 weeks.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was pain reported on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale after treatment and at a 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were self-reported activity limitation (assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index), clinically examined function (assessed with the Fingertip-to-Floor Test), and fear-avoidance beliefs after intervention.

Results

The postintervention assessment showed no significant differences among groups with respect to pain (overall group difference) or any of the outcome measures. Mean (95% confidence interval) group differences for pain reduction after treatment and after 1 year were 0.3 (−0.7 to 1.3) and 0.4 (−0.7 to 1.4) for motor control exercises versus sling exercises, 0.7 (−0.6 to 2.0) and 0.3 (−0.8 to 1.4) for sling exercises versus general exercises, and 1.0 (−0.1 to 2.0) and 0.7 (−0.3 to 1.7) for motor control exercises versus general exercises.

Limitations

The nature of the interventions made blinding impossible.

Conclusions

This study gave no evidence that 8 treatments with individually instructed motor control exercises or sling exercises were superior to general exercises for chronic low back pain.
Accuracy of ultrasound‐guided injections of thoracolumbar articular process joints in horses: A cadaveric study
Authors: FUGLBJERG V. , NIELSEN J. V. , THOMSEN P. D. , BERG L. C.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study: Arthrosis of the articular process joints (APJs) in the caudal thoracolumbar region of horses may cause back pain and subsequent reduced performance or lameness. Ultrasound‐guided injections of the APJs of the equine back have been described only briefly in the literature.

Objectives: To evaluate factors affecting the accuracy of intra‐articular injections of the APJs in the caudal thoracolumbar region.

Methods: One‐hundred‐and‐fifty‐four injections with blue dye were performed on APJs including the T14–L6 region in 12 horses subjected to euthanasia for reasons unrelated to back problems. The backs were subsequently dissected to verify the location of the injectate in relation to the APJs.

Results: Twenty‐seven percent of the injections were found to be intra‐articular and a total of 77% found to be within 2 mm of the joint capsule including the intra‐articular deposits. Application of a medial approach and 18 gauge needle were significantly associated with an intra‐articular injection or deposition close to the joint capsule. Operator, APJ (location) and back number (chronological) did not significantly affect the accuracy of injection.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Injection of the vertebral APJ in the thoracolumbar region using ultrasound guidance is a reliable method, as most of the injections were either in or within 2 mm of the joint. Based on the findings of this cadaver study, the medial approach is expected to be the most accurate in live horses. Further investigations are required to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of this method in clinical practice.
Finite element analysis of wall stress in the equine pulmonary artery
Authors: TEETER M. G. , ARROYO L. G. , BAKKER J. D. , HAYES M. A. , VIEL L. , RUNCIMAN R. J.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study: Arterial calcification is found frequently in the pulmonary artery of racehorses, but the aetiology is unknown. Calcification might be associated with increased wall stress due to arterial geometry (shape) and exercise‐induced hypertension.

Hypothesis: High wall stress levels are found in the regions associated with calcified lesion formation, exacerbated as transluminal pressure increases to levels associated with exercise.

Methods: The pulmonary arteries of 5 horses, unaffected by calcification, were dissected and pressurised to resting and exercising physiological transluminal pressures and scanned with MRI. Arterial geometries were reconstructed to form 3D computer models and finite element analyses performed. Wall stress levels were measured in 4 regions of interest: the arterial trunk and bifurcation, the wall ipsilateral and contralateral to the bifurcation. Measurements were made for arterial transluminal pressures of 25, 50 and 100 mmHg.

Results: High wall stress levels were consistently found at the pulmonary artery bifurcation and wall ipsilateral to the bifurcation, where calcified lesions typically form. Lower wall stress levels were found along the trunk and the wall contralateral to the bifurcation where lesions are less frequently found. Wall stress levels increased 5‐fold over a 4‐fold increase in pressure. The wall stress levels ranged 10 kPa in the wall of the branch contralateral to the bifurcation at 25 mmHg to 400 kPa in the bifurcation at 100 mmHg.

Conclusions: Wall stress from arterial geometry and increased pulmonary artery transluminal pressure are factors that may be associated with calcification of the equine pulmonary artery.

Potential relevance: Arterial calcification may increase the risk of arterial wall failure in racing horses.
A survey on two years of medication regulation in horse races in Iran
Authors: LOTFOLLAHZADEH S. , MOKHBER‐DEZFOULI M. R. , TAJIK P. , BOKAIE S. , WATSON D. G.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study: The present survey evaluated the use of prohibited substances cases in the first 2 years of medication regulation in horseracing in Iran so that the impact of these regulations on the level of positive cases over the period could be assessed.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of positive tests for prohibited substances in horse races during 2 years of a drugs testing programme in Iran.

Methods: A total of 656 horses that were winners or second in races were tested during the 2 year study. In the first year 354 horses (209 males and 145 females) and in the second year 302 horses (155 males and 147 females) were tested. In the 2 years, 306 were found to be positive. Urine samples were taken from candidate horses and sent to the Central Doping Laboratory. Blood samples were taken from those horses where a urine sample could not be taken within one hour. Detection and measurement of prohibited substances were carried out by ELISA, GC and HPLC using standard methods.

Results: Thirty‐two percent of males were positive for prohibited substances, which was not significantly different from the percentage of females (25.5%). In the second year, of the 302 horses tested for prohibited substances, 33.5% of males were positive, again similar to females (33.3%). Almost 83% of horses tested positive for prohibited substances once in the first year, 15% tested positive twice and 2% tested positive 3 times. In the second year 78% tested positive once, 15% tested positive twice and 7% tested positive 3 times. Morphine was the most used prohibited substance and was detected 42 times during the survey, followed by caffeine and phenylbutazone. Morphine was also the most used drug in combination with other drugs in both years.

Conclusions: Morphine and caffeine were the most popular prohibited substances found in the measurements. As these substances were found in the environment and food stuffs, their presence in the samples may be due to unintentional feeding of contaminated materials (bread, hay and chocolate).
Evaluation of current equine welfare issues in Ireland: Causes, desirability, feasibility and means of raising standards
Authors: COLLINS J. A. , HANLON A. , MORE S. J. , WALL P. G. , KENNEDY J. , DUGGAN V.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study: Significant potential threats to the health and welfare of horses exist in Ireland when supply exceeds demand and the identification system for horses is not yet robust.

Objectives: To secure engagement with stakeholder groups and determine their perception of equine welfare in Ireland and encourage the development of inclusive, rather than imposed, policy solutions.

Methods: A 3 round, web‐based Policy Delphi incorporating novel vignette methodology was conducted from November 2007–March 2008 to canvass opinion (in both quantitative and qualitative forms) on the perceived most significant equine welfare issues. Vignettes (narratives depicting potential compromise to equine welfare) were employed. Quantitative data were collected in the form of scoring on a 9 point Likert scale with labelled end‐points, qualitative information as text subsequently analysed for themes.

Results: All 44 respondents completed all rounds. Major equine welfare issues were identified as welfare of horses during the disposal process and at unregulated gatherings. Assessed quantitatively on a 9 point Likert scale (0 = minimal; 8 = maximal), respondents scored the desirability and feasibility of improving standards, median 8 and 6, respectively, for both issues identified. Basic themes identified in respondents' quotes as reasons to raise equine welfare standards were ideological, protection of animal welfare, safe‐guarding the reputation of the equine industry and safety (of people, horses and environment). Themes for reasons for low standards were societal norms, fiscal pressures, indolence, indifference and ignorance. Themes underpinning potential means for achieving meaningful change (solutions) were legislation, enforcement, education/training, fiscal remedies, increasing awareness and a combination of these.

Conclusions: Mechanisms aimed at raising standards must be based on an understanding of motivational drivers for currently low standards.

Potential relevance: The challenge is to translate the findings and this heightened awareness into meaningful change to the benefit of horses and those who care for them.
A rapid molecular method for diagnosing epidemic dermatophytosis in a racehorse facility
Authors: CHUNG T‐H. , PARK G‐B. , LIM C‐Y. , PARK H‐M. , CHOI G‐C. , YOUN H‐Y. , CHAE J‐S. , HWANG C‐Y.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study: Identification of the species and strain of dermatophyte can play an effective role in control of disease outbreaks by establishing the source of infection. Current methods of identification are based on cultural and microscopic methods, often involving weeks before a positive identification are made. A rapid molecular diagnostic method would therefore be an important laboratory technique, but requires confirmation in equine clinical practice.

Objectives: To test the sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostic methods applied to a racehorse herd from the Korean Racehorse Authority (KRA).

Methods: A total of 57 DNA samples were collected from hairs and crusts of skin lesions in KRA racehorses with histories and clinical signs suggestive of dermatophytosis, which was confirmed by dermatophyte‐specific PCR amplification analysis using the primer pair for the chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene.

Results: Thirty‐eight racehorses were definitively diagnosed with dermatophytosis using molecular and traditional diagnostic methods. PCR fingerprinting profiles using simple repetitive (GACA)4 primers showed that all diagnosed horses had the same pattern profile. Oligonucleotide sequencing of CHS1 gene PCR products confirmed Trichophyton mentagrophytes as the infectious agent.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the PCR‐based molecular diagnostic method is sensitive and specific and offers fast precise diagnosis of dermatophytosis in horses.
In vitroeffects of lidocaine on the contractility of equine jejunal smooth muscle challenged by ischaemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: GUSCHLBAUER M. , HOPPE S. , GEBUREK F. , FEIGE K. , HUBER K.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study:Post operative ileus (POI) in horses is a severe complication after colic surgery. A commonly used prokinetic drug is lidocaine, which has been shown to have stimulatory effects on intestinal motility. The cellular mechanisms through which lidocaine affects smooth muscle activity are not yet known.

Objectives:To examine the effects of lidocaine on smooth musclein vitroand identify mechanisms by which it may affect the contractility of intestinal smooth muscle.

Hypothesis:Ischaemia and reperfusion associated with intestinal strangulation can cause smooth muscle injury. Consequently, muscle cell functionality and contractile performance is decreased. Lidocaine can improve basic cell functions and thereby muscle cell contractility especially in ischaemia‐reperfusion‐challenged smooth muscle.

Methods:To examine the effects of lidocaine on smooth muscle function directly, isometric force performance was measuredin vitroin noninjured andin vivoischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle tissues. Dose‐dependent response of lidocaine was measured in both samples. To assess membrane permeability as a marker of basic cell function, release of creatine kinase (CK) was measured byin vitroincubations.

Results:Lidocaine‐stimulated contractility of ischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle was more pronounced than that of noninjured smooth muscle. A 3‐phasic dose‐dependency was observed with an initial recovery of contractility especially in ischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle followed by a plateau phase where contractility was maintained over a broad concentration range. CK release was decreased by lidocaine.

Conclusion:Lidocaine may improve smooth muscle contractility and basic cell function by cellular repair mechanisms which are still unknown. Improving contractility of smooth muscle after ischaemia‐reperfusion injury is essential in recovery of propulsive intestinal motility.

Potential relevance:Characterisation of the cellular mechanisms of effects of lidocaine, especially on ischaemia‐reperfusion injured smooth muscle, may lead to improved treatment strategies for horses with POI.
Repeatability of subjective evaluation of lameness in horses
Authors: KEEGAN K. G. , DENT E. V. , WILSON D. A. , JANICEK J. , KRAMER J. , LACARRUBBA A. , WALSH D. M. , CASSELLS M. W. , ESTHER T. M. , SCHILTZ P. , FREES K. E. , WILHITE C. L. , CLARK J. M. , POLLITT C. C. , SHAW R. , NORRIS T.
Published: July 2010

Reasons for performing study:Previous studies have suggested that agreement between equine veterinarians subjectively evaluating lameness in horses is low. These studies were limited to small numbers of horses, evaluating movement on the treadmill or to evaluating previously‐recorded videotape.

Objectives:To estimate agreement between equine practitioners performing lameness evaluations in horses in the live, over ground setting.

Methods:131 mature horses were evaluated for lameness by 2–5 clinicians (mean 3.2) with a weighted‐average of 18.7 years of experience. Clinicians graded each limb using the AAEP lameness scale by first watching the horse trot in a straight line only and then after full lameness evaluation. Agreement was estimated by calculation of Fleiss' (κ). Evaluators agreed if they picked the same limb as lame or not lame regardless of the severity of perceived lameness.

Results:After only evaluating the horse trot in a straight line clinicians agreed whether a limb was lame or not 76.6% of the time (κ= 0.44). After full lameness evaluation clinicians agreed whether a limb was lame or not 72.9% of the time (κ= 0.45). Agreement on forelimb lameness was slightly higher than on hindlimb lameness. When the mean AAEP lameness score was >1.5 clinicians agreed whether or not a limb was lame 93.1% of the time (κ= 0.86), but when the mean score was ≤1.5 they agreed 61.9% (κ= 0.23) of the time. When given the task of picking whether or not the horse was lame and picking the worst limb after full lameness evaluation, clinicians agreed 51.6% (κ= 0.37) of the time.

Conclusions:For horses with mild lameness subjective evaluation of lameness is not very reliable.

Potential relevance:A search for and the development of more objective and reliable methods of lameness evaluation is justified and should be encouraged and supported.
Detection and genetic characterisation of vanA‐containing Enterococcus strains in healthy Lusitano horses
Authors: MOURA I. , RADHOUANI H. , TORRES C. , POETA P. , IGREJAS G.
Published: July 2010

Lusitano horses were investigated in order to detect the presence of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci. vanA isolates showed high level vancomycin (Minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC ≥128 mg/l) and teicoplanin resistance (MIC 64 mg/l), as well as resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and tetracycline. The tet(L) and erm(B) genes, associated with tetracycline and erythromycin resistance, respectively, were found in all vanA isolates. The intestinal tract of Lusitano horses can be a potential reservoir for vanA‐containing enterococci.
A review of tendon injury: Why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk?
Authors: THORPE C. T. , CLEGG P. D. , BIRCH H. L.
Published: July 2010

Tendon injury is one of the most common causes of wastage in the performance horse; the majority of tendon injuries occur to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) whereas few occur to the common digital extensor tendon. This review outlines the epidemiology and aetiology of equine tendon injury, reviews the different functions of the tendons in the equine forelimb and suggests possible reasons for the high rate of failure of the SDFT. An understanding of the mechanisms leading to matrix degeneration and subsequent tendon gross failure is the key to developing appropriate treatment and preventative measures.
Solid State Fermentation of Aspergillus oryzae for Glucoamylase Production on Agro residues
Authors: Zambare Vasudeo
Published: July 2010

Glucoamylase is a well recognized amylolytic enzyme used in food industry, which is generally produced by Aspergillus genus under solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study presents production of glucoamylase by Aspergillus oryzae on the solid surface of rice husk, wheat bran, rice bran, cotton seed powder, corn steep solids, bagasse powder, coconut oil cake, and groundnut oil cake as substrates. Optimization of the SSF media and parameters resulted in a 24% increase in the glucoamylase activity. Optimum glucoamylase production (1986 μmoles of glucose produced per minute per gram of dry fermented substrate) was observed on wheat bran supplemented with 1%, (w/w) starch, 0.25%, (w/w) urea at pH 6, 100%, (v/w) initial moisture and 30°C after incubation 120 hrs. Therefore, A. oryzae can be useful in bioprocessing application for saccharification of agro-residues. Keywords: Glucoamylase, Aspergillus oryzae, solid state fermentation, agro residues DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v4i0.2892 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.4 2010 pp.16-25
Redescription of Genera of Family Eimeriidae Minchin, 1903
Authors: Ghimire Tirth Raj
Published: July 2010

Taxonomy includes collection, identification, naming and ordering of specimens into a system of words consistent with any kind of relationships among them, the study of literatures and analysis of variations shown by the specimens and finally the publication of data. Practical reasons for the degree of stability-even for a relatively short period of time are: for teaching purposes at advanced levels and for the benefit of many non-protozoolists. The eimeriid coccidia are one of the more controversial groups of protozoa. The problems of describing different species within family Eimeriidae Minchin, 1903 are due to their abnormal phenotypic and phylogenetic characters, occurrence in abnormal hosts with different lifecycle patterns. The basis of classification of the genera under this family includes the Phenotypic and Phylogenetic characters and the lifecycle of parasites and data of their hosts. I have updated the information of classification system given by the Society of Protozoologists (Lee JJ, Hutner SH, Bovee EC and Upton J, 2001. The Illustrated Guide to the Protozoa, 2nd Edition. Allen Press, Lawrence, KS) and online materials by Duszynski DW, Couch L and Upton SJ, Supported by NSF-PEET DEB 9521687. In this review, I have focused on seventeen true species and seven pseudospecies with the information of their synonyms, oocyst formula, generic characters, and total number of named species, type species and type host. Keywords: Eimeriidae; Genera; Phenotypic; phylogenetic; pseudoparasitism; Redescription. DOI: 10.3126/ijls.v4i0.3285International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.4 2010 pp.26-47