bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based selection of theories for designing behaviour change interventions: Using methods based on theoretical construct domains to understand clinicians' blood transfusion behaviour
Authors: Francis Jill J. , Stockton Charlotte , Eccles Martin P. , Johnston Marie , Cuthbertson Brian H. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Hyde Chris , Tinmouth Alan , Stanworth Simon J.
Published: January 2009

Background Many theories of behaviour are potentially relevant to predictive and intervention studies but most studies investigate a narrow range of theories. Michie et al. (2005) agreed 12 ‘theoretical domains’ from 33 theories that explain behaviour change. They developed a ‘Theoretical Domains Interview’ (TDI) for identifying relevant domains for specific clinical behaviours, but the framework has not been used for selecting theories for predictive studies. It was used here to investigate clinicians' transfusion behaviour in intensive care units (ICU). Evidence suggests that red blood cells transfusion could be reduced for some patients without reducing quality of care.

Objectives (1) To identify the domains relevant to transfusion practice in ICUs and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), using the TDI. (2) To use the identified domains to select appropriate theories for a study predicting transfusion behaviour.

Methods An adapted TDI about managing a patient with borderline haemoglobin by watching and waiting instead of transfusing red blood cells was used to conduct semi‐structured, one‐to‐one interviews with 18 intensive care consultants and neonatologists across the UK.

Results Relevant theoretical domains were: knowledge, beliefs about capabilities, beliefs about consequences, social influences, behavioural regulation. Further analysis at the construct level resulted in selection of seven theoretical approaches relevant to this context: Knowledge‐Attitude‐Behaviour Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Social Cognitive Theory, Operant Learning Theory, Control Theory, Normative Model of Work Team Effectiveness and Action Planning Approaches.

Conclusions This study illustrated, the use of the TDI to identify relevant domains in a complex area of inpatient care. This approach is potentially valuable for selecting theories relevant to predictive studies and resulted in greater breadth of potential explanations than would be achieved if a single theoretical model had been adopted.
Recklessness—The Continuing Search for a Definition
Authors: Crosby Cath
Published: January 2009

This article examines the different approaches to determining recklessness in the criminal law and the advantages and disadvantages of each will be explored in relation to issues of moral culpability. Whilst a subjective definition of recklessness might seem attractive it fails to catch all those who are morally blameworthy. In contrast, a purely objective interpretation can lead to injustice in circumstances where the defendant lacked the capacity to foresee the risk of harm. It will be argued that recklessness based upon conscious advertence produces too narrow a definition and culpable inadvertence should be encompassed by examining why no thought was given to the risk.
Histology does not influence prognosis in differentiated thyroid carcinoma when accounting for age, tumour diameter, invasive growth and metastases
Authors: Verburg Frederik A , Mäder Uwe , Luster Markus , Reiners Christoph
Published: January 2009

Objective

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) show considerable differences in disease stage at initial presentation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in tumour-specific survival if initial staging is accounted for.

Design

Retrospective chart review study.

Patients

The study sample comprised 875 PTC and 350 FTC patients (856 females, 369 males, mean age 47.8 years) treated in our hospital from 1978 to 2002. All patients received total thyroidectomy with subsequent I-131 ablation except for those patients with an isolated papillary microcarcinoma.

Methods

Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox-regression analyses were performed to assess the influence of histology on thyroid cancer-specific survival.

Results

FTC patients were on average older, more likely to be male, presented with a larger tumour and more frequently had multifocal carcinoma and distant metastases than PTC patients, whereas they presented less frequently with extrathyroidal invasion or lymph node metastases. Twenty-year tumour-specific survival in PTC was 90.6% and in FTC 73.7% (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis the presence of distant metastases (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), tumour size (P=0.001) and the presence of extrathyroidal invasion (P=0.007), but not histology (P=0.26), were independent determinant variables for tumour-specific survival.

Conclusion

There is no difference in tumour-specific survival between PTC and FTC when accounting for the presence of metastases, age, tumour size and the presence of extrathyroidal invasion.
Cervix remodeling and parturition in the rat: lack of a role for hypogastric innervation
Authors: Boyd Jonathan W , Lechuga Thomas J , Ebner Charlotte A , Kirby Michael A , Yellon Steven M
Published: January 2009

The hypogastric nerve is a major pathway innervating the uterine cervix, yet its contribution to the processes of cervical ripening and parturition is not known. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of hypogastric nerve transection on remodeling of the cervix and timing of birth. As an initial goal, processes associated with remodeling of the peripartum cervix were studied. The cervix was obtained from time-dated pregnant rats on days 15, 19, 21, and 21.5 of pregnancy, andpost partumon the day of birth (day 22). The cervix was excised, post-fixed overnight, and sections stained to evaluate collagen content and structure or processed by immunohistochemistry to identify macrophages or nerve fibers. The census of macrophages and density of nerve fibers in the cervix peaked on day 21, the day before birth, and then declinedpost partum. These results replicate in time course and magnitude previous studies in mice. To address the main objective, the hypogastric nerve was bilaterally transected on day 15 post-breeding; sham-operated rats served as controls. Pups were born in both groups at normal term. Transection of the hypogastric nerves did not affect remodeling of collagen or the census of macrophages or the density of nerve fibers in the cervix. These findings support the contention that enhanced innervation and immigration of immune cells are associated with remodeling of the cervix and parturition, but that a neural pathway other than the hypogastric nerve may participate in the process of cervical ripening.
Home parenteral nutrition. May it be performed in Hungary, too?
Authors: Futó Judit , Harsányi László , Sahin Péter , Dárdai Ernő , Aradán Attiláné , Darvas Katalin
Published: January 2009

A bélelégtelenségben szenvedő betegek az 1960-as évek vége óta részesülhetnek tartós otthoni parenteralis táplálásban a világ számos országában. Hazánkban a jelenleg is érvényben lévő jogi szabályozás és finanszírozási rendszer a bélelégtelenségben szenvedő, de családi körben élni tudó, sőt megfelelő körülmények között akár munkaképes betegeknek ez az ellátása kizárólag fekvőbeteg-ellátási körben lehetséges. A rendszer ezért rendkívül gazdaságtalan, szükségtelenül foglal le kórházi ágyakat, és ellentétes az európai gyakorlattal. Az elmúlt évek publikációi alapján a szerzők áttekintik a tartós otthoni parenteralis táplálásban részesülő betegek várható élettartamát, életminőségét, a parenteralis tápláláshoz kapcsolódó szövődményeket, illetve a világszerte alkalmazott rendszereket. A tartós táplálás költségeit a nemzetközi adatok alapján magyar viszonyokra vetítve becsülik meg. Az otthoni parenteralis tápláláshoz szükséges szaktudás Magyarországon is maradéktalanul rendelkezésre áll; a szükséges készítmények, technikai felszerelések a magyar piacon is hozzáférhetők. A táplálásterápia iránt elkötelezett hazai szakemberek ezért hivatalos szakmaközi együttműködést kezdeményeztek a tartós otthoni parenteralis táplálás eddig mostohán kezelt kérdésének rendezése érdekében, a rutinszerű otthoni parenteralis táplálás rendszerének kialakítására.
Role of angiotensin II-induced rapid response genes in the regulation of enzymes needed for aldosterone synthesis
Authors: Nogueira Edson F , Xing Yewei , Morris Claudia A V , Rainey William E
Published: January 2009

Aldosterone is principally synthesized in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal by a series of enzymatic reactions leading to the conversion of cholesterol to aldosterone. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the major physiological regulator of aldosterone production acting acutely to stimulate aldosterone biosynthesis and chronically to increase the capacity of the adrenals to produce aldosterone. We previously defined eight transcription factors that are rapidly induced following Ang II treatment using three in vitro adrenocortical cell models. Herein, we investigated the function of these transcription factors in the regulation of the enzymes needed for aldosterone production. H295R adrenal cells were co-transfected with expression vectors for each transcription factor and promoter/reporter constructs prepared for genes encoding the enzymes needed for aldosterone production. NGFI-B family members induced promoter activity of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD3B2), 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2), and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). The importance of NGFI-B in the regulation of CYP11B2 was also demonstrated by reduced CYP11B2 transcription in the presence of a dominant-negative-NGFI-B. A pharmacological approach was used to characterize the Ang II pathways regulating transcription of NGFI-B family genes. Transcription of NGFI-B members were decreased following inhibition of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), protein kinase C (PKC), calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMK), and Src tyrosine kinase (SRC). Taken together, these results suggest that Ang II binding to the AT1R increases activity of PKC, CaMK, and SRC, which act to increase expression of the family of NGFI-B genes as well as CYP11B2. Ang II induction of the NGFI-B family members represents an important pathway to increase the capacity of adrenal cells to produce aldosterone.
Early Carboniferous age of the Versoyen ophiolites and consequences: non-existence of a “Valais ocean” (Lower Penninic, western Alps)
Authors: Masson Henri , Bussy François , Eichenberger Marc , Giroud Niels , Meilhac Caroline , Presniakov Sergei
Published: January 2009

Ophiolites occur at several places in the Lower Penninic of the W and Central Alps. They are generally ascribed to oceanic crust of a so-called “Valais ocean” of Cretaceous age which plays a fundamental role in many models of Alpine paleogeography and geodynamics. The type locality and only observational base for the definition of a “Valais ocean” in the W Alps is the Versoyen ophiolitic complex, on the French-Italian boundary W of the Petit St-Bernard col. The idea of a “Valais ocean” is based on two propositions that are since 40 years the basis for most reconstructions of the Lower Penninic: (1) The Versoyen forms the (overturned) stratigraphic base of the Cretaceous-Tertiary Valais-Tarentaise series; and (2) it has a Cretaceous age. We present new field and isotopic data that severely challenge both propositions.

(1) The base of the Versoyen ophiolite is a thrust. It overlies a wildflysch with blocks of Versoyen rocks, named the Méchandeur Formation. This “supra-Tarentaise” wildflysch has been confused with an (overturned) stratigraphic transition from the Versoyen to the Valais-Tarentaise series. Thus the contact Versoyen/Tarentaise is not stratigraphic but tectonic, and the Versoyen ophiolite has no link with the Valais basin. This thrust corresponds to an inverse metamorphic discontinuity and to an abrupt change in tectonic style.

(2) The contact of the Versoyen complex with the overlying Triassic-Jurassic Petit St-Bernard (PSB) series is stratigraphic (and not tectonic as admitted by all authors since 50 years). Several types of sedimentary structures polarize it and show that the PSB series is younger than the Versoyen. Consequently the Versoyen ophiolitic complex is Paleozoic and forms the basement of the PSB Mesozoic sediments. They both belong to a single tectonic unit, named the Versoyen-Petit St-Bernard nappe.

(3) Ion microprobe U-Pb isotopic data on zircons from the main gabbroic intrusion in the Versoyen complex give a crystallization age of 337.0 ± 4.1 Ma (Visean, Early Carboniferous). These zircons show typical oscillatory zoning and no overgrowth or corrosion, and are interpreted to date the Versoyen magmatism.

These U-Pb data are in excellent agreement with our field observations and confirm the Paleozoic age of the Versoyen ophiolite. The existence of a “Valais ocean” of Cretaceous age in the W Alps becomes very improbable. The eclogite facies metamorphism of the Versoyen-Petit St-Bernard nappe results from an Alpine intra-continental subduction, guided by a Paleozoic oceanic suture. This is an example of the long term influence of inherited deep-seated structures on a much younger orogeny. This might well be a major cause of the inherent complexity of the Alps.
The tholeiites of the Valaisan domain (Versoyen, western Alps): a Carboniferous magma emplaced in a small oceanic basin
Authors: Mugnier Jean-Louis , Cannic Sebastien , Lapierre Henriette
Published: January 2009

The mafic-ultramafic assemblages of the Versoyen complex exposed in the Valaisan domain is close to the boundary between the Internal and the External domains of the western Alps. Zircons extracted from the Versoyen complex suggest an emplacement during Paleozoic times, and probably during the Visean (~337 Ma). The base of the Versoyen complex is formed of laccoliths and sills associated with black shales, while pillow basalts and tuffs predominate at the uppermost levels. Locally, basaltic dikelets intruded leucocratic gneiss. Ultramafic-mafic cumulates form the bottom of the thickest intrusions while diabases are present along the chilled margins. All these rocks have been affected by a polyphased metamorphism under eclogitic to blueschist and greenschist facies conditions. Magmatic textures have been destroyed and the igneous mineralogy is seldom preserved. The mafic rocks of the Versoyen complex show tholeiitic to alkali-transitional affinities. The pillow basalts and the sill cores have flat REE patterns characteristic of N-MORB and T-MORB. Their εNd (assuming an age of 337 Ma) ratios range from + 5.7 to + 9 which suggest a mixing of N-MORB and OIB sources. The sill margins show Th, U and LREE-enrichments and negative εNd ratios. These features are likely related to contamination when hot mafic magmas intruded unconsolidated sediments rich in water. The high Th, U, LREE abundances and low εNd ratio of the basaltic dikelet are probably related to crustal contamination occurring during magma ascent. The geochemical characteristics of the Versoyen rocks are compatible with a tholeiitic magma emplaced into a small oceanic basin in the vicinity of a continent. The importance of pre-Mesozoic crustal thinning evidenced in one segment of the boundary between the Internal and External zones of the Alps suggests that the Pennine Front is an Alpine mega-thrust inherited from a Variscan suture.
Variscan lamprophyres in the Lower Penninic domain (Central Alps): age and tectonic significance
Authors: Bussien Denise , Bussy François , Masson Henri , Magna Tomas , Rodionov Nickolay
Published: January 2009

Lamprophyre dykes have been recently discovered in blocks of gneiss embedded in a calcschist formation of wildflysch type that forms the top of the Mesozoic-Tertiary metasedimentary cover of the Antigorio nappe (the Teggiolo zone) in the Val Bavona (Lower Penninic, NW Ticino, Switzerland). The presence of the lamprophyres gives a clue to the possible source of these blocks. Similar dykes occur in the N part of the Maggia nappe where they are intruded into the Matorello granite and the surrounding gneisses.

We studied these lamprophyres at two localities in the Teggiolo zone (Tamierpass and Lago del Zött) and at one locality in the Maggia nappe (Laghetti). Detailed mineralogical and geochemical investigations confirm their great similarity, particularly between the Tamier and Laghetti dykes. They all recrystallized during Alpine metamorphism under amphibolite facies conditions and lost their primary mineral assemblages and textures. The chemistry reveals a calc-alkaline affinity, a limited differentiation range, features of mineral accumulation and intense remobilization in some cases. The lamprophyres are characterized by a high mg# and relatively low contents in REE and other incompatible elements. In situ SHRIMP and LA-ICPMS U-Pb zircon dating yielded ages of 284.8 ± 1.7 Ma (Tamier), 290.0 ± 1.3 Ma (Zött) and 290.5 ± 3.7 Ma (Laghetti). These ages are compatible with the general late- to post-Variscan magmatic evolution of the Helvetic and Lower Penninic domains. The lamprophyres are considered as melts derived from the lithospheric Variscan mantle, variously hybridized and differentiated at the contact with crustal material during late- to post-orogenic extension. These lamprophyres are chemically distinct from earlier lamprophyres of Visean age, emplaced together with their associated granites in transcurrent fault zones during the Variscan orogenic compression.

The similarity of these different dykes suggests that the front of the Maggia nappe is a likely source of the gneissic blocks embedded in the calcschists at the top of the Teggiolo zone. They would have been provided by the advancing Maggia nappe during its thrusting over the Antigorio nappe and simultaneous closure of the Teggiolo sedimentary basin.
The alkaline intraplate volcanism of the Antalya nappes (Turkey): a Late Triassic remnant of the Neotethys
Authors: Maury René C. , Lapierre Henriette , Bosch Delphine , Marcoux Jean , Krystyn Leopold , Cotten Joseph , Bussy François , Brunet Pierre , Senebier François
Published: January 2009

Late Triassic submarine alkali basalts and hawaiites were collected from two superimposed tectonic slices belonging to the Kara Dere – Sayrun unit of the Middle Antalya nappes, southwestern Turkey. New determinations on conodont faunas allow to date this sequence to the Lower Carnian (Julian). The volcanic rocks show rather homogeneous compositions, with high TiO2 and relatively low MgO and Ni contents which suggest olivine fractionation. Their primitive mantle-normalised multi-elements plots show Nb and Ta enrichments relative to La, Pb negative anomalies and heavy rare earth element and Y depletions typical of intraplate ocean island basalts. These characteristics are consistent with the major and trace element compositions of their primary clinopyroxene phenocrysts, which do not show any feature ascribable to crustal contamination. The studied lavas display a restricted range of εNd (+4.6 to +5.2) which falls within the range of ocean island basalts. Their initial (143Nd/144Nd)i ratios are too low to be explained by a simple mixing line between depleted MORB mantle (DMM) and HIMU components. Their Pb and Nd isotopic compositions plot along a mixing line between HIMU component and an enriched mantle, the composition of which could be the result of the addition of about 5 to 8% of an EM2 component (recycled marine sediments) to DMM. The lack of evidence for any continental crustal component in their genesis could be consistent with their emplacement in an intra-oceanic setting.
Modeling of Sea‐Level Rise and Deforestation in Submerging Coastal Ultisols of Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Hussein A. H.
Published: January 2009

Global warming and the predicted adverse environmental implications in coastal areas have prompted the use of a quantitative pedological approach to model the history of relative sea‐level rise and the subsequent lateral migration of marshes (deforestation) during the pedogenic transformation of Ultisols (forest soils) to Histosols (marsh soils). The modeling was based on the transgressing soil‐landscape concept and data collected from sampling units along two marsh transects in Dorchester County, Maryland. In low‐relief submerging environments, coastal marshes accrete vertically and migrate laterally over adjacent Ultisols to keep pace with sea‐level rise. The marsh substrate is organic in nature overlying what once were upland forest soils. The history of relative sea‐level rise was a two‐step linear function illustrating acceleration in the last two centuries. During the last150 yr, the 210Pb‐based rate of relative sea‐level rise averaged 2.4 ± 0.7 mm yr −1 Before the last few hundred years, the long‐term 14C‐based rate of relative sea‐level rise was 0.82 ± 0.15 mm yr −1 The rate of lateral migration of coastal marshes (deforestation) showed similar acceleration following the history of relative sea‐level rise. During the last 150 yr, the average rate of lateral migration of marshes (deforestation) ranged from 3.51 ± 2.0 to 6.78 ± 7.4 m yr−1 Before the last150 yr, the average long‐term rate of lateral migration of marshes (deforestation) ranged between 0.18 ± 0.07 and 1.27 ± 1.2 m yr−1 Within a given region where sea‐level rise and tidal range remain constant, the rate of lateral migration of marshes is a function of site characteristics and the slope of the adjacent uplands. The predicted rate of lateral migration of marshes in the next century ranges from 3.2 to 33 m yr−1, averaging 14 ± 11 m yr−1 Assuming that the present rate of relative sea‐level rise remains constant, the time needed to complete the pedogenic transformation of Ultisols to Histosols is 180 ± 35 yr. The most conservative future scenario of sea‐level rise has reduced this time by 63%. The projected sequestration of C, total N, and pyrite in the newly formed coastal marshes during the next 100 yr average 231 ± 124, 11.7 ± 6.30, and 6.63 ± 3.57 Mg ha−1, respectively. These projections are half the nutrient sequestration potential of existing coastal marshes.
Reducing Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Sandy Soils with Polyacrylamide
Authors: Young Michael H. , Moran Ernesto A. , Yu Zhongbo , Zhu Jianting , Smith Del M.
Published: January 2009

Polyacrylamide (PAM) is being suggested as a new technology to reduce seepage losses in unlined canals. The goals of this research were to quantify the interactions of PAM and suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) that reduced the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of three sandy‐textured soils to the greatest degree, and to better understand the mechanisms contributing to reductions in Ksat Testing was conducted using a constant‐head method in soil columns. Suspended sediment was continuously added to a constant‐head water reservoir, into which PAM was added and mixed with an agitator. An unbalanced multifactorial design was used with soil type (fine [no. 70 mesh] sand, coarse [ASTM C33] sand, and loamy sand), PAM treatment level (0, 5.6, 11.2, 22.4, and 44.8 kg ha−1), and SSC (0, 150, and 300 mg L−1). Results showed that PAM treatment reduced Ksat 40 to 98% in the sands but reductions were much less in the loamy sand (0–56%). Combining suspended sediment and PAM in a 0.005 mol L−1 CaSO4 test solution reduced Ksat from 8 to 11 times more than adding PAM without suspended sediment. Mechanisms that reduced Ksat included higher viscosity from dissolved PAM and the plugging of larger soil pores near the soil surface. The latter mechanism dominated when the PAM treatment exceeded 5.6 kg ha−1 and when SSC was 150 mg L−1 or higher. Significant Ksat reductions were observed when tests were run on filter material (i.e., column experiments without soil), indicating that the creation of a thin soil seal, composed of PAM flocculates, could partially explain the observed Ksat reduction in soil.
Potentially Toxic Effects of Phosphogypsum on Palexerults in Western Spain
Authors: Mariscal-Sancho I. , Espejo R. , Peregrina F.
Published: January 2009

We studied effects of phosphogypsum (PG) rates ranging from 1.4 to 84.2 Mg ha−1 applied to the Ap horizon of a plinthic Palexerult on the ionic composition of the soil solution, as well as their impact on biomass production in wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.), cv. Jabato]. Similar soil samples were treated with highly pure gypsum (G) or the industrial byproduct red gypsum (RG) at rates equivalent to PG applications of 4.2 and 33.7 Mg ha−1 for comparison with the action of PG. All treatments increased the Ca, Mg, K, Na, and SO4 concentrations to the same extent; however, RG at high rates (30.6 Mg ha−1) raised the Na and Mg concentrations more markedly than did the other two amendments. Phosphogypsum provided the greatest increases in F, Al, and Si, the last two as a result of the corrosive effects of F on soil silicates; the increases were all proportional to the applied PG rate, and as a result, the higher PG rates increased the activities of all Al ionic species relative to G, RG, and the control. Application of G and RG at rates equivalent to PG applications of 4.2 and 33.7 Mg ha−1 increased biomass production compared with the control. Phosphogypsum increased biomass production at lower rates (0–16.8 Mg.ha−1), but biomass was virtually zero at rates above 67.3 Mg ha−1 The highest PG rates increased plant Al and F contents, the last reaching toxic levels for cattle.
Rapid Clay Weathering in the Rhizosphere of Norway Spruce and Oak in an Acid Forest Ecosystem
Authors: Calvaruso Christophe , Mareschal Louis , Turpault Marie-Pierre , Leclerc Elisabeth
Published: January 2009

The mineralogy of bulk and rhizosphere soils was compared to assess the effect of roots on mineral weathering in a Typic Dystrochrept supporting Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) and oak (Quercus sessiliflora Smith). In an experimental forest site (Breuil‐Chenue, France), systematic soil sampling was performed in forty pits. The soil adhering to the roots was considered as rhizosphere soil. The remaining material was regarded as bulk soil. The mineralogy of the clay‐sized particles of both fractions was determined by x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Amorphous solid phases were estimated by extracting Fe and Al with hot Na‐citrate and dithionite‐citrate‐bicarbonate. Total chemical analyzes were performed on the clay‐sized particles via BaCl2–saturation and an iso‐zirconium weathering balance was calculated. The XRD demonstrated an increase of illite‐like minerals in the rhizosphere of both species and the selective extractions revealed a decrease in the amorphous phases. The total chemical analyzes showed that the rhizosphere clay‐sized fraction contained significantly more Si and K (for oak only) and less Fe and Al than the bulk soil. By way of the iso‐zirconium weathering balance, these losses of Fe and Al in the rhizosphere were estimated at several tens of kilograms by hectare for the surface horizon (0–3 cm). This study demonstrates that, despite the short duration of the contact between the active part of a root and the solid mineral phase, the intensity of the processes occurring in the rhizosphere significantly increases mineral weathering.
Phosphorus Speciation and Sorption‐Desorption Characteristics in Heavily Manured Soils
Authors: Dou Zhengxia , Ramberg C. F. , Toth J. D. , Wang Y. , Sharpley A. N. , Boyd S. E. , Chen C. R. , Williams D. , Xu Z. H.
Published: January 2009

Managing heavily manured soils for decreased P loss to waters requires improved understanding of the chemical and sorption–desorption characteristics of P in these soils. We used soils from agricultural fields receiving ≥8 yr of dairy, poultry, swine manure or spent mushroom compost for the determination of P functional groups in NaOH‐EDTA extracts by solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, degree of P saturation (DPS), and P sorption–desorption isotherms. The 31P NMR results show that inorganic orthophosphate was the primary form of P in manure treated (79–93% of total extract P) and untreated soils (33–71%). Pyrophosphate and phosphate monoesters were identified in all soils, whereas phosphate diesters were present in small proportions (<3%) in only a few soils. Polyphosphate, a more condensed form of inorganic P, was present in seven out of nine manured soils (9–47 mg P kg−1, <2%) but absent in untreated soils. Concentrations of inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP), mostly myo‐IHP plus some scyllo‐IHP, were similar in manured soils (52–116 mg P kg−1, 2–8%) and untreated soils (43–137 mg P kg−1, 6–22%), suggesting a lack of IHP accumulation despite long‐term manure applications, including poultry manures that are typically rich in IHP. Most of the treated soils had DPS ≈ 80 to 90% compared with 11 to 33% for the untreated samples. Results from P sorption isotherms showed that potential P release was 3 to 30 times greater from treated than untreated soils. The lack of IHP accumulation in soils receiving long‐term manure applications implies that manure‐derived IHP may not be biologically and environmentally benign.
Iron(III) Bioreduction in Soil in the Presence of Added Humic Substances
Authors: Rakshit Sudipta , Uchimiya Minori , Sposito Garrison
Published: January 2009

Despite the broad consensus that humic substances (HS) can act as electron shuttles in bioreduction processes occurring in aquatic and terrestrial environments, no published studies have presented direct evidence that electron shuttling by HS plays a role in the mechanisms of Fe(III) bioreduction in soils. We conducted experiments in which two HS with very different chemical properties, a soil humic acid and a mixture of peat humic acid with aquatic organic matter, were added to an Ultisol and incubated under anoxic conditions to evaluate their effect on Fe(III) bioreduction by the indigenous microorganisms in the soil. Our experiments were designed to have the same initial reducing capacity available from the added HS but to have very different initial total carboxyl concentrations to examine the role of Fe(II) complexation by HS in the bioreduction process. The addition of HS significantly increased soluble Fe(II) production relative to that observed in control experiments without added HS. Moreover, after an initial period of incubation, soluble Fe(II) production was accelerated by the presence of a higher initial carboxyl content. These trends support the hypothesis that, at the initial stages of in Fe(III) bioreduction, electron shuttling dominates, whereas later Fe(II) complexation dominates. Our results apparently are the first to demonstrate directly that added HS can indeed enhance the bioreduction of Fe(III) minerals in soil by at least two different mechanisms.
Gross Nitrogen Transformations and Related Nitrous Oxide Emissions in an Intensively Used Calcareous Soil
Authors: Wan Yunjing , Ju Xiaotang , Ingwersen Joachim , Schwarz Ulrich , Stange Claus Florian , Zhang Fusuo , Streck Thilo
Published: January 2009

A better understanding of the internal N cycle in agriculturally used soils is crucial for developing sustainable and environmentally friendly N fertilizer management and to propose effective N2O mitigation strategies. The present laboratory study quantifies gross nitrogen transformations in an intensively used agricultural soil of the North China Plain (NCP). It also elucidates the role of nitrification and denitrification in the emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O. In the lab, soil samples adjusted to a water‐filled pore space (WFPS) of 40 or 60% were spiked with 15NH4NO3, NH415NO3, or 15NH415NO3 and incubated at 20°C for 10 d. One subset of the samples was amended with glucose. The size and 15N enrichment of the mineral N pools and N2O fluxes were determined at intervals of 0 to 10 d. The studied calcareous soil showed a very rapid nitrification of the applied NH4+, which disappeared during the first 3 d. Glucose enhanced mineralization of native soil organic matter (SOM), stimulated dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and promoted the immobilization–remineralization cycle. Throughout the incubation, nitrification, and denitrification occurred simultaneously. Nitrification was the dominant N2O‐producing process and contributed 83.0 to 95.4% to the totally emitted N2O in the non‐glucose soils. In contrast, the N2O emitted from 15NO3− pool increased after adding glucose, indicating that denitrification was C‐limited in the studied soil.
Modeling Salt Accumulation with Subsurface Drip Irrigation Using HYDRUS‐2D
Authors: Roberts Trenton , Lazarovitch N. , Warrick A. W. , Thompson T. L.
Published: January 2009

Salts that accumulate near the soil surface with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) can hinder the establishment of succeeding direct‐seeded crops. To prevent crop loss or yield reduction, producers rely on sprinklers for germination, which is often expensive and requires added capital inputs. Predicting salt movement and accumulation with SDI will allow producers to anticipate the need for sprinkler irrigation for salt control. The HYDRUS‐2D model was used to model salt accumulation from an SDI system on successive crops of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. ssp. melo var. cantalupensis Naudin) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) with two tape depths (18 and 25 cm), different germination practices (germination with SDI and with sprinklers), and water salinity (1.5 and 2.6 dS m−1). Predicted saturated‐paste electrical conductivity (ECe) values from HYDRUS‐2D were significantly correlated with actual ECe data obtained from field experiments (r2 = 0.08–0.93). After Season 1, the correlation coefficients were highly variable, with the majority of model ECe values being higher than field data. Season 2 results indicated a much stronger relationship, with R2 values as high as 0.93. Model predictions for Season 2 showed underprediction of ECe when compared with actual ECe. Relationships between model‐predicted ECe and actual ECe resulted in a slope of nearly 1.0 for all treatments and a y intercept close to −1 dS m−1 A better understanding of the processes that occur at the field scale, such as root growth, root distribution, and plant water uptake, is essential for modeling water and solute transport with SDI. A better characterization of evapotranspiration from SDI is required to accurately model salt accumulation.
Correction of Bulk Density and Sampling Method Biases Using Soil Mass per Unit Area
Authors: Wuest Stewart B.
Published: January 2009

This study compared linear depth from the soil surface vs. equivalent sample mass for interpreting soil water content and concentration data. Our first experiment sampled soils that differed only in surface bulk density. A second experiment compared different soil sampling tools. In both cases, analysis by mass instead of depth corrected water content discrepancies caused by bulk density or sample compaction differences. In a third experiment, samples collected from an on‐farm test resulted in many significant differences in soil moisture between tillage practices for linear depth data that did not exist when analyzed using equivalent sample mass. When it is important to avoid confounding bulk density, depth from the surface, or sampling method with quantitative measurements, sampling by mass instead of volume is more accurate and precise than many quantitative methods currently in use, and represents an important advance in our ability to make comparative measurements across time, treatments, locations, and equipment.
Predicting Regional‐Scale Soil Variability using a Single Calibrated Apparent Soil Electrical Conductivity Model
Authors: Harvey Omar R. , Morgan Cristine L. S.
Published: January 2009

Multi‐field/multi‐season approaches used to calibrate apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) models for predicting soil spatial variability across large landscapes are time‐consuming. In this study an alternative calibration approach was evaluated. The study was conducted on an agricultural watershed in Texas with the objectives of (i) assessing the contribution of different soil properties to ECa variability; and (ii) evaluating the feasibility of using a single calibration approach to predict soil variability across different fields. Of the soil properties measured, clay content contributed the greatest to ECa variability. The single calibration approach was used to calibrate an ECa–clay model using data from a designated calibration area (CA). When the calibrated model was used to predict clay content in four validation fields, prediction accuracies were between 2 and 4% clay. Accuracies were comparable with other methods indicating that the single‐calibration approach was a suitable alternative to multi‐field/multi‐season calibration approaches.
Water Vapor Diffusion through Wheat Straw Residue
Authors: Flury Markus , Mathison Jon B. , Wu Joan Q. , Schillinger William F. , Stöckle Claudio O.
Published: January 2009

Accurate prediction of evaporative water loss from dryland agricultural soils requires knowledge of diffusive resistance. Our objective was to experimentally determine the effective vapor diffusion coefficients and the diffusive resistances for water vapor through wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue layers. A laboratory diffusion chamber was designed to investigate the effects of wheat residue type (straw vs. chaff), residue amount (2, 4, 8, and 12 Mg ha−1), and residue orientation (horizontal vs. vertical straw) on vapor diffusion. The diffusion chamber consisted of two well‐stirred chambers separated by a residue layer. In one chamber, a constant saturated water vapor pressure was maintained, while in the other chamber, vapor pressure increased with time due to the diffusion of vapor through the residue layer. Vapor pressure was measured with a humidity sensor. The diffusion equation was used to obtain the effective diffusion coefficient from the measured data by inverse modeling. Results showed that for both straw and chaff residue, increasing the quantity of residue did not necessarily decrease the effective diffusion coefficient but did increase the diffusive resistance. For the same quantity of residue, chaff had a lower effective diffusion coefficient than straw, but the diffusive resistances were similar. The diffusive resistances were in the order of 800 to 3700 s m−1 for 2 to 12 Mg ha−1 residue treatments. The factor affecting the diffusive resistance the most was the thickness of the residue layer: the thicker the residue layer, the larger the diffusive resistance.
CS616 Calibration: Field versus Laboratory
Authors: Logsdon S. D.
Published: January 2009

Recently developed permittivity probes operate at lower frequencies (MHz range). Soils with large amounts of high‐charge clays (superactive) often have higher measured permittivity values for a given water content than do factory calibrations of the newer probes. The purpose of this study was to determine site‐specific field and laboratory calibrations of CS616's (water content reflectometers) for soils with “superactive” mineralogy. Field calibration of CS616 (readings converted to square root of apparent permittivity or εa1/2) was determined as a function of neutron‐probe water content data, θ. Laboratory calibrations used undisturbed columns taken from the same depths where the CS616 probes had been in the field. Another laboratory study compared data for two packed columns, one with wet and dry soil zones and the other with homogeneous water content. The laboratory calibration was linear with εa1/2 The field calibration was nonlinear, and the εa1/2 values were even higher than the laboratory values, emphasized more in the intermediate θ range. The column with wet and dry soil had higher εa1/2 than the homogeneous column, probably due to the electromagnetic field (EMF) preferentially responding to the wet zones. Heterogeneous field soil water content could have contributed to the higher εa1/2 than for laboratory calibration, and the nonlinear εa1/2(θ) relation for field data.
Freshman Orientation, Persistence, and Achievement: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Burgette John E. , Magun-Jackson Susan
Published: January 2009

This longitudinal study (2001–2005) considers the impact of a freshman orientation course on the persistence of black and white students at a mid-southern university, as well its relationship with college achievement (GPA). Controlling for gender, race, high school GPA, and decided on major, logistic regression was used to assess persistence; multiple regression for evaluating college GPA. Though the orientation course had a positive impact on persistence to the second year and first year GPA (particularly for black students), it failed to have impact beyond the second year. Topical gaps in the course's content are considered as a possible influence in the lack of long-term persistence. Possible future research is discussed.
The Effects of Part-Time Faculty on First Semester Freshmen Retention: A Predictive Model Using Logistic Regression
Authors: Jaeger Audrey J. , Hinz Derik
Published: January 2009

Part-time faculty clearly serve a valuable purpose in higher education; however, their increased use raises concerns for administrators, faculty, and policy makers. Part-time faculty members spend a greater proportion of their overall time teaching, but the initial evidence suggests that these instructors are less available to students and are less engaged with the campus environment. Recent research attempts to connect part-time faculty utilization to student outcomes. This study explored the effects of exposure to part-time faculty instruction on student retention. Typical first-year students entering the study institution between 1999 and 2003 received over one-quarter of their total first-year instruction from part-time faculty. Furthermore, results show that as exposure to part-time faculty instruction increases, the odds of being retained decrease. Because the use of part-time faculty varies based on institutional type, additional research should focus on diverse institutional settings.
Pushing against the Margins: Indigenous Theorizing of “Success” and Retention in Higher Education
Authors: Pidgeon Michelle
Published: January 2009

What does it mean to be “successful” in higher education? For some in mainstream society, the value is placed on the financial status gained from a university education. Governments and university administration measure success through graduation rates. While the economic and social benefits of a university education are also important to Aboriginal people, successful negotiation of mainstream higher education also entails maintaining their cultural integrity (Tierney & Jun, 2001). Broadening notions of success and corresponding retention theories is important to move forward the agenda of Aboriginal higher education. The purpose of this article is to further the theoretical and practical discussions of educational success of Aboriginal students. Using social reproduction theory and a post-colonial framework, this article presents an argument that shows how/why conventional discourses on retention and student success often exclude Indigenous understandings and worldviews. To this end, it provides a counter-hegemonic on current discourses relating to retention and Aboriginal persistence in mainstream institutions. The article concludes with some thoughts on how to enrich the educational experiences of Aboriginal students from an Indigenous understanding of success and retention.
A Study of Academic Advising Satisfaction and its Relationship to Student Worldviews
Authors: Coll Jose E.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between worldview and satisfaction with advising. More specifically, this study examines the relationship among level of advising satisfaction, worldviews of students, and the student's perception on advising. The findings of this study indicate that a positive relationship exists between a holistic approach to advising and advising satisfaction. Furthermore, the results suggest that overall student characteristics are not as relevant to advising satisfaction as the style of advising used by the faculty, which may influence university retention efforts.
Dream Content in a Representative German Sample: Gender Differences and the Effects of other Socio-Demographic Variables
Authors: Schredl Michael , Keller Katharina
Published: January 2009

The present study investigated the effects of socio-demographic variables on dream content in a representative sample. The analyses of 380 most recent dreams showed that almost none of the socio-demographic variables like age, gender, marital status, education, income, nor town (or city) of residence size was significantly related to general dream characteristics like dream length, bizarreness, and intensity of dream emotions, thus indicating that dreaming is a universal phenomenon shared by all humans and is experienced in similar ways. On the other hand, dream content—in contrast to the general dream characteristics—is determined by waking-life experiences. This is clearly shown by the gender differences found in the present study: more work-related themes and physical aggression in men's dreams. In order to generalize these findings, it will be necessary to apply other dream collection methods like dream diary or laboratory awakenings in large, representative samples in order to obtain and analyze the dream reports of persons who do not often recall their dreams and who are not able to report their most recent dream to an interviewer.
Survival, Birth Characteristics, and Cause‐Specific Mortality of White‐Tailed Deer Neonates
Authors: CARSTENSEN MICHELLE , DELGIUDICE GLENN D. , SAMPSON BARRY A. , KUEHN DAVID W.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Understanding survival of and factors that may predispose newborn deer (Odocoileus spp.) to mortality contribute to improved understanding of population dynamics. We captured free‐ranging white‐tailed deer neonates (n = 66) of radiocollared females that survived severe (Winter Severity Index [WSI] = 153) and mild (WSI = 45) winters 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Mean dates of birth (26 May ± 1.7 [SE] days and 26 May ± 1.3 days) and estimated birth‐masses of 2.8 ± 0.1 kg and 3.0 ± 0.1 kg were similar between springs 2001 (n = 31) and 2002 (n = 35), respectively. Neonate survival was similar between years; pooled mortality rates of neonates were 0.14, 0.11, and 0.20 at 0–1 weeks, 2–4 weeks, and 5–12 weeks of age, respectively, and overall survival rate for neonates to 12 weeks of age was 0.47. Predation accounted for 86% of mortality; the remaining 14% of deaths were attributed to unknown causes. Black bears (Ursus americanus) were responsible for 57% and 38% of predation of neonates in springs 2001 and 2002, respectively, whereas bobcats (Felis rufus) accounted for 50% in 2002. Wolves (Canis lupus) accounted for only 5% of predator‐related deaths. Low birth‐mass, smaller body size, and elevated concentrations of serum urea nitrogen (26.1 ± 2.6 mg/dL vs 19.3 ± 0.8 mg/dL) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (82.6 ± 78.6 pg/mL vs. 2.3 ± 0.5 pg/mL) were associated with neonates that died within 1 week of birth. Even though we did not detect a direct relation between winter severity and birth or blood characteristics of neonates, evidence suggests that birth‐mass and key serum indices of neonate nutrition were associated with their early mortality. Thus, managers can make more informed predictions regarding survival and cause‐specific mortality of fawns and adjust management strategies to better control deer population goals.