bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arte na enfermagem: iniciando um diálogo reflexivo
Authors: Silva Luzia Wilma Santana da , Nazário Nazaré Otília , Silva Danuzia Santana da , Martins Cleusa Rios
Published: January 2010

Este artigo tem a intenção de iniciar um diálogo reflexivo sobre a enfermagem como ciência e como arte, contidas nas atividades dos enfermeiros, sejam elas de assistência, pesquisa e ensino. Baseado na ética e arte como forma de exercício do cuidar de enfermagem para a ação humana, este tem como objetivo contribuir para uma reflexão do "saber fazer" profissional de modo contextualizado, integralizado e atual.
Questões éticas na pesquisa de enfermagem subsidiadas pelo método audiovisual
Authors: Berardinelli Lina Márcia M. , Santos Mauro Leonardo S. Caldeira dos
Published: January 2010

O artigo trata da articulação de questões éticas com o método audiovisual na pesquisa de Enfermagem, com o propósito de analisar as dimensões éticas e legais da pesquisa sobre os gestos no cuidado de enfermagem, envolvendo imagens visuais dos sujeitos envolvidos e destacando os aspectos da privacidade, a proteção da imagem, o sigilo e o anonimato.
Aplicação do nursing activities score em pacientes de alta dependência de enfermagem
Authors: Lima Marian Keiko Frossard , Tsukamoto Rosângela , Fugulin Fernanda Maria Togeiro
Published: January 2010

Este estudo, do tipo exploratório-descritivo, teve por objetivos avaliar a aplicabilidade do Nursing Activities Score como instrumento de medida da carga de trabalho na assistência aos pacientes da categoria de cuidados alta dependência de enfermagem e relacionar a pontuação média obtida com os tempos médios de assistência preconizados pelo Conselho Federal de Enfermagem. A coleta de dados para a determinação da pontuação do Nursing Activities Score ocorreu no período de 13 de julho a 01 de agosto de 2007, por meio de consulta aos prontuários dos pacientes internados na enfermaria de alta dependência de uma Unidade de Clínica Médica. A análise dos dados foi realizada mediante estatística descritiva e medida de variabilidade. O instrumento demonstrou ser aplicável a esses pacientes, sendo necessário o estabelecimento de diretrizes para a sua aplicação. Concluiu-se que o paciente classificado como alta dependência de enfermagem necessita, em média, de 12,3 horas de assistência nas 24 horas.
Ser portador de hepatite C: sentimentos e expectativas
Authors: Sousa Valdeth Vieira de , Cruvinel Karla Prado de Souza
Published: January 2010

A hepatite C é uma doença infecciosa, com elevado potencial de evolução para cirrose e/ou carcinoma hepatocelular, que cursa silenciosamente, implicando ao seu portador um prognóstico obscuro em que o indivíduo é um ser doente sem nada sentir. Objetivou-se descrever a vivência de pessoas portadoras do vírus da hepatite C relacionada à infecção e suas conseqüências. Desenvolveu-se um estudo qualitativo em uma instituição hospitalar pública de Goiânia-GO, especializada em doenças infecto-contagiosas. Foram entrevistados oito sujeitos no mês de agosto de 2007, e os dados analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo temático. A partir da análise, emergiram três categorias: sofrimento e impotência frente à infecção; luta e dificuldades enfrentadas; e fé como força motivadora. Nota-se que o sofrimento desses indivíduos está relacionado à patologia de base e aos efeitos colaterais do tratamento que levam a mudanças de vida, contudo, buscam na fé uma força motivadora.
Histórias de vida: mãe e filho soropositivo para o HIV
Authors: Vieira Mariana , Padilha Maria Itayra , Santos Evanguelia Kotzias Atherino dos
Published: January 2010

O objetivo foi identificar nas histórias de vida das mães, as estratégias desenvolvidas para conviver com o HIV e com a criança soropositivo para o HIV. Utilizou abordagem qualitativa e teve como método de coleta a História de Vida. Os sujeitos foram três mães HIV positivo no contexto de um Hospital-dia em Florianópolis-SC. A partir da análise temática de Bardin emergiram três categorias: memórias da infância; adolescência e maturidade. Os resultados enfocam estratégias desenvolvidas pelas mães para conviver com HIV, dentre estas, apoio familiar, religioso, prevenção, assim como, as estratégias das mesmas no convívio com a criança também com HIV, das quais temos, tratamento medicamentoso; revelação do diagnóstico à criança; cuidados diários, entre outros. Concluímos que tais estratégias desenvolvidas/adaptadas pelas mães no convívio com o HIV em si e na criança foram influenciadas pela sua cultura e experiências ao longo da sua história de vida.
Construção do conhecimento necessário ao desenvolvimento de um manual didático-instrucional na prevenção do linfedema pós-mastectomia
Authors: Panobianco Marislei Sanches , Souza Valéria Pedro de , Prado Maria Antonieta Spinoso , Gozzo Thaís de Oliveira , Magalhães Paola Alexandria Pinto de , Almeida Ana Maria de
Published: January 2010

O objetivo deste estudo foi a construção do conhecimento científico e empírico, necessários para o desenvolvimento de um manual didático-instrucional, destinado às mulheres mastectomizadas, para capacitá-las à prevenção do linfedema de braço. Fundamentou-se na teoria pedagógica de Paulo Freire da educação problematizadora. Os sujeitos do estudo foram 33 mulheres mastectomizadas que frequentavam um núcleo de reabilitação e 16 membros da equipe multiprofissional deste serviço. Foram realizados círculos de discussão para coleta de dados, separadamente, para mulheres e profissionais. A análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin foi utilizada para analisar os dados. Na visão dos profissionais o manual deve contemplar a caracterização do sistema linfático e linfedema; ações de detecção e controle; fatores de risco; terapias e suas repercussões; explicitar o porquê de cada orientação usando linguagem acessível. Para as mulheres mastectomizadas é importante constar a fisiopatologia do linfedema; dados sobre cirurgia e tratamentos; fatores predisponentes ao linfedema e importância do autocuidado.
Centro rural universaitário e ação comunitária: um resgate histórico 1975-1986
Authors: Leite Maria da Trindade Ferreira , Nunes Benevina Maria Vilar Teixeira
Published: January 2010

O estudo tem com objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento do estágio rural ocorrido na Universidade Federal do Piauí de 1975 a 1986 e discutir a trajetória do Centro Rural Universitário de Treinamento e Ação Comunitária. A metodologia é qualitativa, com abordagem sócio-histórica, utilizando a história oral temática. As fontes primárias foram depoimentos de 16 sujeitos, documentos escritos e, fontes secundárias como livros e artigos que abordam a temática. Os resultados evidenciam a história da extensão universitária vivida pelos discentes e docentes da Universidade Federal do Piauí, no interior do estado nas décadas de 1970 e 1980, nos moldes da Reforma Universitária. O treinamento dos alunos nas ações comunitárias revelou aspectos da realidade nacional e do contexto local na visão dos sujeitos que vivenciaram esse processo. Os professores consolidaram o projeto atenuando a força do assistencialismo vigente. A política de extensão perdeu significado no final da década de 1970 e o estágio rural foi extinto.
A pulsão de morte e a gênese da angústia
Authors: Lourenço Lara Cristina d'Avila
Published: January 2010

Com base na tese sobre a angústia somática, a qual assume que o substrato da angústia é a tensão sexual excessiva e desligada, apresenta-se a hipótese de que a ação da pulsão de morte sobre a pulsão de vida produz uma forma primordial de angústia. Essa angústia ainda não se caracterizaria como sensação, mas como pura quantidade que, com o desenvolvimento do aparelho psíquico, seria utilizada pelo ego para defesa. Portanto, a prontidão angustiada (Angstbereitschaft), descrita em Além do princípio do prazer, teria como fundamento tal forma de angústia.
Immunotherapy of Cancer: Key Findings and Commentary on the Third Tegernsee Conference
Authors: Rüttinger Dominik , Winter Hauke , van den Engel Natasja K. , Hatz Rudolf , Jauch Karl-Walter , Fox Bernard A. , Weber Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2010

Cancer immunotherapy broadly includes active immunization, as in the use of cancer vaccines, passive immunization, such as the use of adoptive cell therapy and antibodies that modulate tumor function, and immunostimulation, using antibodies and small molecules to treat malignancy by activating or unleashing an endogenous immune response against tumor cells. Currently, >100 different monoclonal antibodies are in use or under evaluation for use as therapeutic agents in various malignancies. Active stimulation of the host's immune system holds promise for achieving durable remission of malignant disease and represents a nontoxic method of therapy if tumor-specific effector cells can be selectively targeted. However, no active-specific treatment strategy (i.e., a therapeutic cancer vaccine) has yet found its way into the clinical armamentarium, although several promising recent reports suggest that, for follicular lymphoma, prostate cancer, and melanoma, clinical benefit was shown for the first time in randomized trials with a vaccine approach. Here, we report on the key findings of the Third Tegernsee Conference on Immunotherapy of Cancer (Feldafing, Germany, July 2–4, 2009) and provide short commentaries on data presented at this meeting regarding the future role of cancer vaccines, recent developments in adoptive cellular therapy, ways to improve immunotherapeutic treatment modalities (e.g., by manipulating the tumor microenvironment), and some novel targeted therapies that are well advanced in clinical testing, all of which have implications for future oncology practice.
FDA Drug Approval Summary: Bevacizumab plus Interferon for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Summers Jeff , Cohen Martin H. , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard
Published: January 2010

On July 31, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the use of bevacizumab (Avastin®; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) in combination with interferon (IFN)-α2a for the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The approval was primarily based on results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The primary efficacy endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was assessed by investigators and by an independent review committee (IRC) blinded to treatment assignment.

In total, 649 patients (bevacizumab plus IFN, 327; placebo plus IFN, 322) were enrolled. The median PFS times, by investigator determination, were 10.2 months for the bevacizumab plus IFN arm and 5.4 months for the placebo plus IFN arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49–0.72; p < .0001). The IRC analysis of 569 patients with available radiographs yielded similar results (median PFS time, 10.4 months versus 5.5 months; HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.45–0.72; p < .0001). There was no survival advantage (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72–1.04; p = .13).

Support for the above results was provided by summarized results of a North American cooperative group study of bevacizumab plus IFN-α2b versus IFN-α2b alone. The median PFS times were 8.4 months versus 4.9 months in favor of the bevacizumab combination. There was no survival advantage.

In the reviewed trial, serious adverse events and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥3 adverse events were reported more frequently in bevacizumab-treated patients (31% versus 19% and 63% versus 47%, respectively). The most common bevacizumab-related toxicities were bleeding/hemorrhage, hypertension, proteinuria, and venous or arterial thromboembolic events.
Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) stem-bark extract corrects glycaemia in diabetic rats and acts on β-cells by enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
Authors: Makom Ndifossap Ivonne Gisèle , Frigerio Francesca , Casimir Marina , Ngueguim Tsofack Florence , Dongo Etienne , Kamtchouing Pierre , Dimo Théophile , Maechler Pierre
Published: January 2010

Sclerocarya birrea is a plant widely used as traditional medication for the treatment of diabetes in sub-Saharan regions. However, the mechanism of action is unknown and only hypoglycaemic effects of S. birrea extract (SBE) in diabetic rats have been reported to date. Here, we tested aqueous extracts of S. birrea on insulin-secreting INS-1E cells and isolated rat islets. Following 24 h of treatment at 5 μg/ml, the extract markedly potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Neither basal insulin release nor non-nutrient stimulation was affected. The potentiation of the secretory response at stimulatory glucose appeared after 12 h of treatment. No acute effects were observed and, at the effective concentration, SBE was safe regarding cell integrity and differentiation. The mechanism of action of the SBE was related to glucose metabolism as both ATP generation and glucose oxidation were enhanced following the 24-h treatment. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, SBE administration corrected glycaemia and restored plasma insulin levels after 2 weeks of treatment. These data show direct action of S. birrea on insulin-secreting cells and favour further delineation for use of the plant in the management of diabetes.
Expression of TAU in insulin-secreting cells and its interaction with the calcium-binding protein secretagogin
Authors: Maj Magdalena , Gartner Wolfgang , Ilhan Aysegul , Neziri Dashurie , Attems Johannes , Wagner Ludwig
Published: January 2010

Tauopathies have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), which frequently manifests together with diabetes mellitus type 2. Calcium-binding proteins such as the recently identified secretagogin (SCGN) might exert protective effects. As pancreatic β-cells and neurons share common electrophysiological properties, we investigated the appearance of TAU (listed as MAPT in the HUGO and MGI Databases) protein at the islets of Langerhans and β-cell-derived cell lines which highly express the neuroendocrine-specific protein SCGN. Six predominant TAU isoforms could be identified by immunoblotting, which formed TAU deposits detectable by immunofluorescence and sarkosyl-insoluble pellets. Using GST–SCGN pull-down assays, a calcium-dependent SCGN–TAU interaction was found. In this line, sucrose density gradient fractionation and differential ultracentrifugation studies of TAU and SCGN revealed co-appearance of both proteins. Co-localization of TAU and SCGN within insulinoma cells and islets of Langerhans mainly restricted to insulin-positive β-cells was demonstrated by confocal microscopy. Motivated by these findings, we looked if SCGN overexpression could exert protective function on Rin-5F cells, which showed differences in TAU levels. Testing the vulnerability of Rin-5F clones by MTT assay, we revealed that high TAU levels going along with highest TAU aggregates could not be antagonized by high levels of SCGN protein. Our findings demonstrated for the first time the association of TAU and the calcium-binding protein SCGN and support earlier results implicating that β-cells might represent an extra cerebral site of tauopathy.
Erythropoietin treatment leads to reduced blood glucose levels and body mass: insights from murine models
Authors: Katz Odelia , Stuible Matthew , Golishevski Nathalia , Lifshitz Lilach , Tremblay Michel L , Gassmann Max , Mittelman Moshe , Neumann Drorit
Published: January 2010

Erythropoietin (EPO) regulates proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursor cells into erythrocytes. The last decade has revealed non-renal sites of EPO production and extrahematopoietic expression of the EPO receptor, thus suggesting that EPO has pleiotropic functions. Here, we addressed the interplay between EPO/glucose metabolism/body weight by employing a panel of relevant experimental murine models. The models focused on situations of increased EPO levels, including EPO-injected C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, as well as transgenic mice (tg6) constitutively overexpressing human EPO, thus exposed to constantly high EPO serum levels. As experimental models for diabetes and obesity, we employed protein Tyr phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) knockout mice associated with resistance to diabetes (PTP1B−/−), and ob/ob mice susceptible to diabetes and obesity. The data presented herein demonstrate EPO-mediated decrease in blood glucose levels in all mice models tested. Moreover, in the ob/ob mice, we observed EPO-mediated attenuation of body weight gain and reduction of hemoglobin A1c. Taken together, our data bear significant clinical implications of EPO treatment in the management of a wide range of metabolic diseases, thus adding an important novel therapeutic potential to this pleiotropic hormone.
In Vitro Killing Activity of Crevicular Concentrations of Tinidazole Plus Common Oral Antibiotics Against High‐Density Mixed Inocula of Periodontal Pathogens in Strict Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Alou L. , Giménez M.J. , Manso F. , Sevillano D. , Cafini F. , Torrico M. , González N. , Prieto J. , Alió J.J. , Aguilar L.
Published: January 2010

Background: Odontogenic infections are polymicrobial. This study explores the in vitro killing activity by concentrations similar to those found in crevicular fluid of tinidazole in combination with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, clindamycin and levofloxacin against four groups of high‐density mixed inocula of anaerobes (Prevotella buccae, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Veillonella spp.) and facultative (Capnocytophaga spp. and Streptococcus spp.) isolates of periodontal pathogens.

Methods: Killing curves were assessed under strict anaerobic conditions with antibiotics alone and in combination with tinidazole at concentrations similar to those achieved in crevicular fluid against ∼107 colony forming units (CFU)/ml inoculum (1:1:1:1:1 proportion of the five bacterial isolates) of the four bacterial groups. Group 1 did not include β‐lactamase–producing strains; groups 2, 3, and 4 included one, two, and three β‐lactamase–producing strains, respectively.

Results: In single‐drug experiments, at 48 hours, tinidazole alone did not show significant killing of the entire bacterial population, whereas reductions in the initial inocula ≥2.09 log10 CFU/ml with clindamycin, ≥3.26 log10 CFU/ml with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and ≥3.83 log10 CFU/ml with levofloxacin were obtained. When combined with tinidazole, reductions were significantly higher for all antibiotics: ≥5.28 log10 CFU/ml with clindamycin, ≥4.78 log10 CFU/ml with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and ≥6.17 log10 CFU/ml with levofloxacin.

Conclusion: In addition to its high activity against anaerobic periodontal pathogens, tinidazole offered synergism with other antibiotics against the large strict anaerobic subpopulation and the small facultative subpopulation of a high‐density mixed inocula of odontogenic pathogens under strict anaerobic conditions, similar to those of odontogenic infections.
On‐Farm Assessment of the Amount and Timing of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Ammonia Volatilization
Authors: Ma B. L. , Wu T. Y. , Tremblay N. , Deen W. , McLaughlin N. B. , Morrison M. J. , Stewart G.
Published: January 2010

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization is one of the main pathways through which applied N enters the environment undesirably. A seven site‐year on‐farm field experiment was performed for 3 yr at Ottawa, ON, and 2 yr at Guelph, ON, and Saint‐Valentin, QC, Canada. Our objectives were to (i) quantify the flux and the amount of NH3 volatilization as affected by the rate and time of N fertilizer; (ii) assess the impact of rainfall and soil temperatures on NH3 volatilization; and (iii) determine the threshold level of N fertilizer at which large NH3 volatilization losses occur. Using the static chamber method, NH3 volatilization was monitored after preplant or sidedress N application. Rate of NH3 volatilization peaked at 3 to 7 d and then dropped sharply within next 7 d before leveling off in the following weeks. The amount of NH3 volatilization increased with increasing N levels applied preplant or sidedress at all site‐years. Peak NH3 volatilization ranged from 40 to 8000 g N ha−1 d−1 after preplant fertilization and from about 100 to 2100 g N ha−1 d−1 after sidedress, resulting in NH3 losses of 0.1 to 47 kg N ha−1 and 0.6 to 20 kg N ha−1, respectively, equivalent to 0.1 to 38% and 0.3 to 13% of fertilizer‐induced emission (FIE) within 28 d after preplant or sidedress N fertilization. Our data clearly indicate that sidedress applications enable reduction in N fertilizer for economic crop yields, and may reduce losses simply due to lower total N rates.
Skip‐Row and Plant Population Effects on Sorghum Grain Yield
Authors: Abunyewa Akwasi A. , Ferguson Richard B. , Wortmann Charles S. , Lyon Drew J. , Mason Stephen C. , Klein Robert N.
Published: January 2010

In environments with limited rainfall, skip‐row configuration (planting one or a group of rows alternated with rows not planted) under rainfed conditions may increase yield of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] due to conservation of soil water between widely‐spaced crop rows that is not accessed until late in the growing season. A field study was conducted over 10 site‐years in Nebraska from 2005 through 2007 to evaluate effects of row configuration and plant population on grain yield and yield stability. Three row configurations including all rows planted with a 76‐cm row spacing (s0), alternate rows planted (s1), and two rows planted alternated with two rows skipped (s2) were evaluated with two plant populations. At the site with the greatest precipitation of 496 mm skip‐row configuration reduced grain yield by 20 to 30% compared with s0. At low precipitation sites of 319 mm with larger soil water deficits, grain yield increased 5 and 123% with s1 and s2 compared to s0. The s0 treatment outperformed skip‐row configurations when mean yield was above 4.5 Mg ha−1 Skip‐row configurations also had greater yield stability than conventional planting. Skip‐row configuration will be advantageous to a producer if the total in‐season available water (initial total profile water + growing season precipitation) is <675 mm.
Relationship between Subsoil Nitrogen Availability and Sugarbeet Processing Quality
Authors: Stevanato Piergiorgio , Zavalloni Costanza , Marchetti Rosa , Bertaggia Marco , Saccomani Massimo , McGrath J. Mitchell , Panella Leonard W. , Biancardi Enrico
Published: January 2010

The loss of sugar content and processing quality during the harvest period happens frequently in sugarbeet (Beta vulgarisL. ssp.vulgaris) grown in the Po Valley of Italy. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences on sugar content and quality of excess mineral N in the deep soil explored by the roots. Soil mineral N concentration and other chemical properties to a 3‐m depth were correlated with sugar content and processing quality of sugarbeet in 27 sites sampled in 2000–2003. At each site, 12 soil samples with 0.25‐m depth increments were collected and analyzed separately. Organic matter as high as 10% and mineral N as much as 100 mg kg−1frequently were found between 2 and 3 m, corresponding to the maximum depth of the sugarbeet root system. Significant negative relationships were observed between mineral N at the 2.5‐ to 3‐m depth and sugar content (r= −0.63) and quality (r= −0.72). This study indicates both the utility of soil sampling to the depth reached by the roots, and the need of more complete analyses of mineral N, which should include not only nitrate N, but also ammonium N and organic matter. To reduce the losses of sugar content and quality, the presence of organic layers in the rooting zone should be avoided, or adequately considered in the fertilizer management of the crop.
De‐Inking Paper Sludge Amendment Affects Weeds in the Presence or Absence of Herbicide in a Soybean‐Corn Rotation
Authors: Machrafi Younes , Wamegni Josué , Beauchamp Chantal J. , Tremblay Gilles , Chalifour François‐P.
Published: January 2010

The application of de‐inking paper sludge (DPS), a C‐rich but N‐poor soil amendment, can sometimes decrease plant growth. This property needs to be investigated to develop the knowledge and management methods necessary for potential weed control. Today, there is no information on the effectiveness of using DPS to control weeds within a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]‐corn (Zea mays L.) rotation. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 0, 25, or 50 Mg/ha DPS applied yearly, combined with the absence or the presence of herbicides, on weed abundance and biomass. The experimental sites were St. Augustin de Desmaures for a 4‐yr rotation sequence (soybean‐corn‐soybean‐corn) and St. Hyacinthe for a 3‐yr rotation sequence (soybean‐corn‐soybean) in northeastern Canada. Without herbicide and averaged across years, when DPS was applied at 50 Mg/ha DPS, the abundance of annual broadleaf weeds decreased by 78 to 96%, and biomass by 82 to 93%, whereas with herbicide, the abundance decreased by 66 to 100%, and biomass by 80 to 100%, at St. Augustin and St. Hyacinthe, respectively, compared with the 0 Mg/ha DPS treatment. At St. Augustin, DPS applied at 50 Mg/ha without herbicide usually decreased the annual grass weed abundance and biomass. DPS had no obvious effect on the abundance and biomass of perennial weeds. DPS amendment alone or with herbicides suppressed mainly the annual broadleaf weeds, and, to a lower extent, the annual grass weeds.
Evaluation of NASA Satellite‐ and Model‐Derived Weather Data for Simulation of Maize Yield Potential in China
Authors: Bai Jinshun , Chen Xinping , Dobermann Achim , Yang Haishun , Cassman Kenneth G. , Zhang Fusuo
Published: January 2010

Use of crop models is frequently constrained by lack of the required weather data. This paper evaluates satellite‐based solar radiation and model‐derived air temperature (maximum temperature, Tmax; minimum temperature, Tmin) from NASA and their utility for simulating maize (Zea mays L.) yield potential at 39 locations in China's major maize‐producing regions. The reference data in this evaluation were the corresponding ground‐observed weather data and simulated yield using these data. NASA weather data were closely correlated with data from ground weather stations with an r2 > 0.8, but a systematic underestimation of air temperature was found (Tmax of −2.8°C; Tmin of −1.4°C). As a result, use of NASA data alone for yield simulation gave poor agreement with simulated yields using ground weather data (r2 = 0.2). The simulations of yield potential using satellite‐derived solar radiation, coupled with temperature data from ground stations, agreed well with simulated results using complete ground weather data in three of the five regions (r2 > 0.9). The agreement in the other two regions was relatively poor (r2 = 0.62 and 0.64). Across all 710 site‐years evaluated, the agreement was shown with a mean error (ME) = 0.2 t ha−1, a root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.6 t ha−1, and r2 = 0.9. Our results indicate that combining NASA solar radiation with ground‐station temperature data provides an option for filling geospatial gaps in weather data for estimating maize yield potential in China.
Evaluation of Nitrogen Sources and Application Methods for Nitrogen‐Rich Reference Plot Establishment in Corn
Authors: Yu Huan , Tremblay Nicolas , Wang Zhijie , Bélec Carl , Yang Gaihe , Grant Cynthia
Published: January 2010

Five different N sources were compared with null N treatment to evaluate their performance for N‐rich reference plot establishment in corn (Zea mays L.). The sources, including calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), polymer‐coated urea (PCU) and environmentally smart nitrogen (ESN) in 2007 and 2008, and urea (URE), were broadcast or in‐soil banded at the rate of 225 kg N ha−1 A greenhouse trial was also conducted with N applied as CAN, URE, and ESN. Net photosynthesis rate (PN) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm or Fv′/Fm′) were measured to assess N sources effects on corn photosynthesis. Relative photosynthetic capacity (RPC) and relative chlorophyll fluorescence capacity (RCFC) were calculated to evaluate the performance of N sources in N‐rich reference plot establishment. There were no differences in the release pattern of N from different sources that could lead to differences in RPC and RCFC during the period when N status diagnosis is normally performed. Hence, all sources were equally effective to establish N‐rich reference plots in our experimental conditions. It was also found that growers have the flexibility to either broadcast N at sowing or to band N along the rows at a later time after corn emergence.
Ground‐Based Canopy Reflectance Sensing for Variable‐Rate Nitrogen Corn Fertilization
Authors: Kitchen Newell R. , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Drummond Scott T. , Scharf Peter C. , Palm Harlan L. , Roberts Darrin F. , Vories Earl D.
Published: January 2010

Nitrogen available to support corn (Zea mays L.) production can be highly variable within fields. Canopy reflectance sensing for assessing crop N health has been proposed as a technology to base side‐dress variable‐rate N application. Objectives of this research were to evaluate the use of active‐light crop‐canopy reflectance sensors for assessing corn N need, and derive the N fertilizer rate that would return the maximum profit relative to a single producer‐selected N application rate. A total of 16 field‐scale experiments were conducted over four seasons (2004–2007) in three major soil areas. Multiple blocks of randomized N rate response plots traversed the length of the field. Each block consisted of eight treatments from 0 to 235 kg N ha−1 on 34 kg N ha−1 increments, side‐dressed between the V7–V11 vegetative growth stages. Canopy sensor measurements were obtained from these blocks and adjacent N‐rich reference strips at the time of side‐dressing. Within fields, the range of optimal N rate varied by >100 kg N ha−1 in 13 of 16 fields. A sufficiency index (SI) calculated from the sensor readings correlated with optimal N rate, but only in 50% of the fields. As fertilizer cost increased relative to grain price, so did the value of using canopy sensors. While soil type, fertilizer cost, and corn price all affected our analysis, a modest ($25 to $50 ha−1) profit using canopy sensing was found. These results affirm that, for many fields, crop‐canopy reflectance sensing has potential for improving N management over conventional single‐rate applications.
Will Variable‐Rate Nitrogen Fertilization Using Corn Canopy Reflectance Sensing Deliver Environmental Benefits?
Authors: Roberts Darrin F. , Kitchen Newell R. , Scharf Peter C. , Sudduth Kenneth A.
Published: January 2010

Within‐field variability of corn (Zea mays L.) N need calls for development of precision fertilizer application strategies. One approach many are investigating is in‐season canopy reflectance sensing. Justification for this strategy partly rests with the premise it will improve N use and reduce N loss from fields. The objective of this study was to determine the potential environmental benefits using corn canopy reflectance sensing for N fertilization. On 16 field‐scale sites, multiple blocks of randomized N rate plots (0–235 kg N ha−1) traversing fields were side‐dressed between the V7 and V11 growth stages. Sensor measurements were obtained from these and adjacent N‐rich reference strips at side‐dressing. Environmental indicators were examined at the determined optimal nitrogen rate (Noptimal) and the nitrogen rate the producer used (Nproducer). A partial nitrogen mass balance (PNB) on response blocks within fields highlighted how variable Noptimal likely resulted in multiple and different N loss pathways. For many fields, Noptimal was less than Nproducer, and the observed trends were as expected: higher yield efficiency (YE), higher nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency (NFRE), lower unaccounted for N, and less postharvest inorganic N. For a measurement examining canopy sensor‐based N applications, N savings of 10 to 50 kg N ha−1 would be expected, but savings varied by reflectance readings, soil type, and fertilizer and grain prices. In some situations sensor‐based N would be greater than Nproducer. Given that sensor information can be processed into an N rate that approximates Noptimal, the results support sensor‐based N applications have potential for environmental benefits.
Potential Phosphorus, Potassium, and Magnesium Surpluses in an Irrigated Maize Monoculture Fertilized with Pig Slurry
Authors: Cela S. , Berenguer P. , Santiveri F. , Lloveras J.
Published: January 2010

Pig slurry (PS) is extensively applied to irrigated maize in nitrate‐vulnerable zones of the Ebro Valley, Northeast Spain. Farmers base PS rates on the European Union (EU) Nitrates Directive (up to 170 kg N ha−1 derived from organic sources) or on maize‐N requirements (about 300 kg N ha−1). The aim of the study was to assess whether these PS rates would lead to P, K, and Mg surpluses in excess of maize requirements. An irrigated‐maize monoculture was fertilized with PS over 6 yr. Pig slurry treatments comprised a control without PS (PS0), 29 m3 PS ha−1 (PS29, based on the EU Nitrates Directive), and 51 m3 ha−1 (PS51, based on maize‐N uptake). Mineral P and K fertilizers were added to all plots. On average, 199 kg N ha−1, 45 kg P ha−1, 128 kg K ha−1, and 25 kg Mg ha−1 were annually added to the soil with PS29, and 354 kg N ha−1 yr−1, 79 kg P ha−1, 232 kg K ha−1, and 43 kg Mg ha−1 were annually added with PS51. Maize exported 47 kg P ha−1, 202 kg K ha−1, and 33 kg Mg ha−1 in harvested grain and stover without differences between PS rates. The sum of mineral fertilizers plus PS produced P and K surpluses, which led to soil P and K accumulation at the end of the experiment. If mineral P and K fertilization was not considered, PS29 would have sustained soil P status or reduced soil K and Mg content. Fertilization of irrigated maize with PS rates based on the EU Nitrates Directive would not lead to soil P, K, and Mg accumulation if stover is removed. However, there would be a risk of P, K, and Mg surpluses without stover removal.
Study of Genotype × Environment Interaction for Chickpea Yield in Iran
Authors: Dehghani Hamid , Sabaghpour Sayyed Hossain , Ebadi Asghar
Published: January 2010

Plant breeders aim to select genotypes with stable phenotypes across environments. Multienvironment trials (METs) including 3 yr and six locations for 17 genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were performed in Iran. Bartlett's test of homogeneity of variances was not significant and so the combined analysis was done. This analysis indicated that the environment (E), genotype (G), and the genotype by environment (GE) interaction were significant. Thus, stability analysis was necessary, and so additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) stability parameters and some regression methods were used for a stability analysis. According to regression method, the high‐yielding genotype, G8, was more responsive (bi > 1) to improved environmental conditions than the other genotypes. Stability parameters of Tai indicated that genotypes G3 and G17 and stability statistics of AMMI analyses showed that G2 and G3 were the most stable genotypes. The first and the second factors (F1 and F2) of factor analysis explained 73.84% total variance of stability parameters, and F1 separated the Di2 and αi from the other parameters. The F2 separated static and dynamic concepts of stability, in which the mean yield, regression coefficient, EVF, SIPCF, and AMGEF parameters had a dynamic concept of stability, and the other remaining parameters had static concept of stability. Finally, according to all stability statistics and regarding the high mean yield, genotype G8 (Flip 93‐93) was recommended for national release in Iran, as it adequately demonstrated wide adaptation across environments.
A Partial Budget Analysis for Phosphorus‐Based Nutrient Management Plans for Connecticut Dairy Farms
Authors: Tao Haiying , Morris Thomas F. , Bravo‐Ureta Boris , Meinert Richard , Zanger Kelly , Neafsey Joseph
Published: January 2010

This study estimated changes in costs of manure handling, costs of the fertilizer replacement value of manure, and expected changes in net revenues associated with the implementation of manure nutrient management plans (NMPs) based on the agronomic critical concentration for P using a partial budget analysis. The net revenue from manure management practices traditionally used by farmers in a baseline year was compared with the expected net revenue from practices recommended in NMPs for four dairy farms over 4 or 5 yr in Connecticut. Yields were not measured across the 2862 field‐years. Compared with the baseline year, the average annual estimated change in net revenue associated with manure applications based on the NMPs was a negative $2,900 for one large farm and a positive $17,600 for the other large farm, while the net revenue change was a positive $200 and $1,400 for the two medium‐sized farms. In years after the baseline the average annual estimated change in net revenue for manure management practices for the NMPs compared with the practices reported by farmers was a negative $2,200 for one large farm and a positive $19,300 for the other large farm; the net revenue change was a positive $2,500 and $1,300 for the medium‐sized farms. The net revenue changes from the NMPs were determined largely by the existing soil test P and K values. The complexity of implementing the NMPs made it difficult to obtain the expected net revenue changes.
Carbon Sequestration by Tillage, Rotation, and Nitrogen Fertilization in a Mediterranean Vertisol
Authors: López‐Bellido Rafael J. , Fontán José M. , López‐Bellido Francisco J. , López‐Bellido Luis
Published: January 2010

Our objective was to determine the effect of tillage system, crop rotation, and N fertilization on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in the 0‐ to 90‐cm profile in a long‐term (20‐yr) experiment established in 1986 on a rainfed Mediterranean Vertisol in southern Spain. The treatments studied were: conventional tillage (CT) vs. no‐tillage (NT); five crop rotations: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (WC), wheat–sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) (WS), wheat–bare fallow (WF), wheat–faba‐bean (Vicia faba L.) (WFB), and continuous wheat (WW); and N fertilizer applied at four rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1). The SOC content of soil samples was determined in 1995, 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006 for four different soil layers (0–15, 15–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm). The application of N fertilizer did not influence SOC sequestration. The other treatments showed a gradual increase of total SOC content over time, although there were no differences between some consecutive years. The SOC accumulation was higher for 30‐ to 60‐ and 60‐ to 90‐cm depths than other depths due to characteristic cracks of Vertisol. Over the 20 yr of the study, WW and WFB sequestered 21 and 15 Mg C ha−1 more under NT than under CT, respectively. The other crop rotations did not show any difference in C sequestration between NT and CT. Under CT, WS sequestered more SOC than other rotations, while under NT, WW and WFB sequestered more SOC. In general, the crop rotation intensification and NT had a positive effect over time on SOC sequestration in this rainfed Mediterranean Vertisol.
Plant Density Effect on Reduced Linolenic Acid Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Butler Jeff A. , De Bruin Jason Lee , Pedersen Palle
Published: January 2010

Demand for soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] with modified oil composition has led to the development of new soybean cultivars with reduced levels of linolenic acid. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant density on linolenic acid of soybean bred to have reduced linolenic acid concentration (≤30 g kg−1, low‐linolenic) and of traditional soybean cultivars (≈70 g kg−1, high‐linolenic). Low‐linolenic and high‐linolenic soybean cultivars were planted at four seeding rates of 185,300; 308,900; 432,400; and 556,000 seeds ha−1at two Iowa locations in 2007 and 2008. Seeding rates did not influence linolenic acid concentration. No yield difference was observed between high‐linolenic and low‐linolenic cultivars. A 155 kg ha−1yield loss was observed for both low‐linolenic and high‐linolenic cultivars at the 185,300 seeds ha−1seeding rate. Across cultivars, seed mass of mainstem seed was greater than seed mass of branch seed at all seeding rates except the 185,300 seeds ha−1rate. Regardless of cultivars, increasing plant density had the effect of increasing mainstem seed protein and decreasing mainstem seed oil. Linolenic acid concentration was greater for branch seeds compared with mainstem seeds and the effect was similar between cultivars and seeding rates. Greater linolenic acid concentration for branch seeds was not sufficient to modify the linolenic concentration of the entire seed pool because branch seeds contribute a smaller portion of the total seed mass. These data suggest that low‐linolenic and high‐linolenic cultivars respond similarly to changing seeding rates both in yield and linolenic acid concentration.
Long‐Term Fertilizer Experiment Network in China: Crop Yields and Soil Nutrient Trends
Authors: Zhao Bing‐qiang , Li Xiu‐ying , Li Xiao‐ping , Shi Xiao‐jun , Huang Shao‐min , Wang Bo‐ren , Zhu Ping , Yang Xue‐yun , Liu Hua , Chen Yi , Poulton Paul , Powlson David , Todd Alan , Payne Roger
Published: January 2010

Results are summarized for the first 15 yr of an eight‐site, long‐term experimental network in China designed to assess the sustainability of cropping systems in environments representing 70% of Chinese cropland. Systems were wheat–maize double cropping (two crops per year) at four sites, wheat–rice double cropping, rice‐based triple cropping, and wheat or maize single cropping. Without fertilizers, wheat yields were mainly ≤1 t ha−1, and maize yields were ≥2 t ha−1With NPK fertilizer (rates averaging 154, 33, and 54 kg ha−1per crop of N, P, and K, respectively), wheat yields mainly ranged from 5 to 7 t ha−1, and maize yields ranged from 6 to 9 t ha−1Without P fertilizer, yields declined (up to 4 t ha−1less than with NPK), and Olsen‐P values in soil declined, although rates differed between sites. Decreasing yields from withholding K usually emerged more slowly. The results emphasize the value of long‐term experiments to reveal trends in soil fertility not apparent within a few years and the need for research in these environments to define “critical concentrations” of plant‐available P and K in soil for maintaining maximum crop yields. Results with manures show the risk of overfertilization and water pollution with N and P if inorganic fertilizer applications are not decreased to take account of nutrients from manure. At two sites, there was evidence of significant N and P inputs from irrigation water. At one site, the addition of N fertilizer gradually caused soil acidification; this caused inefficient utilization of nutrients and led to crop failure.
Hairy Vetch Management for No‐Till Organic Corn Production
Authors: Mischler Ruth , Duiker Sjoerd W. , Curran William S. , Wilson David
Published: January 2010

Rolling‐crimping to control hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth) may make organic no‐till corn (Zea maysL.) possible. This study investigated how rolling‐crimping date and growth stage of the cover crop affected hairy vetch control and if a rolled‐crimped hairy vetch cover crop could supply weed control for no‐till corn. Hairy vetch was planted in late August and was rolled and crimped and planted to corn at four dates (“planting dates”) between late May and late June at three Pennsylvania locations. Hairy vetch biomass, measured at each planting date, varied from 2000 to 8000 kg ha−1Hairy vetch control with the roller‐crimper varied through the flowering stage and was consistent after early pod set. The hairy vetch cover crop reduced weed density by at least 50%, with annual weeds being affected more than perennials. Total weed biomass was reduced 31, 93, and 94% in different site‐years compared with no‐cover plots. As corn planting dates were delayed, greater amounts of vetch mulch and lower weed density helped reduce weed biomass. Corn yields in the organic no‐till system with a hairy vetch cover crop ranged from 1.1 Mg ha−1to 9.6 Mg ha−1Low yields were attributed to incomplete control of hairy vetch, weed competition, reduced corn plant populations, increased insect pests, and possibly inadequate N supply. This study shows that it is possible to kill hairy vetch with a roller‐crimper and provide weed control for organic corn, resulting in reasonable corn yields, but that production risk increases.
Nitrogen Contribution from Red Clover for Corn following Wheat in Western Ohio
Authors: Henry David C. , Mullen Robert W. , Dygert Clayton E. , Diedrick Keith A. , Sundermeier Alan
Published: January 2010

Inclusion of a winter legume cover crop into a crop rotation has been suggested as a method to provide a substantial portion of the N requirement of the following crop. While the benefits of winter cover crops such as reduced soil erosion, increased soil organic matter, and increased mulch cover have been well documented, the N contribution to the subsequent crop has shown to be variable. The objective of this study was to determine the N contribution from a red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) cover crop following wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to a subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) crop. The experiment was conducted at two western Ohio locations over 3 yr. At both locations, red clover was either interseeded into wheat or seeded after harvest, the red clover cover crop was eliminated with tillage or herbicide application, and corn was planted with three N rates (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1). The data revealed that for three of the four site years (when the cover crop was successfully established) there was no N contribution attributable to the presence of red clover. The one site that did show a N contribution revealed that the amount of N contributed was less than 90 kg N ha−1 However, even when no N benefit was found, yields were improved by non‐N‐related rotational effects. Significant reductions in N fertilization rates following a red clover cover crop are likely to result in lost corn yield opportunities in western Ohio.
Irrigation Frequency Effects on Growth and Ethanol Yield in Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Miller Andrew N. , Ottman Michael J.
Published: January 2010

With the increasing costs of fossil fuels, new methods of generating renewable fuels need to be researched and developed. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of irrigation frequency on crop growth and ethanol yield of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Nine combinations of pre‐ and postanthesis irrigation frequencies triggered by 35, 50, or 65% depletion of plant‐available soil water were established in Tucson, AZ. Soil type was a Gila very fine sandy loam. Water application plus precipitation ranged from 1075 to 1394 mm. Crop water use was greatest with the most frequent irrigation treatment (35% depletion all season) (1067 mm), while the 50 and 65% depletion treatments (all season) were not different (882 and 844 mm, respectively). Despite increased biomass at the V‐17 and anthesis stages, no differences due to irrigation frequency were found at harvest for yield of biomass or ethanol. The 65% and 50% depletion treatments (all season) returned more biomass per unit of water applied than the 35% depletion treatment (all season) (21.9, 21.6, and 18.8 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively). A difference in total sugar concentration was not found at harvest, implying that water stress does not increase the sugar concentration in sweet sorghum, or the stress imposed in our study (24% reduction in postanthesis water use) was not sufficient to do so. Irrigating sweet sorghum more frequently than at 50% depletion does not increase ethanol yield and reduces biomass produced per unit of water.