bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrays of Si cones prepared by ion beams: growth mechanisms
Authors: Shang N. G. , Ma X. L. , Liu C. P. , Bello I. , Lee S. T.
Published: October 2009

Arrays of uniformly distributed Si cones with controlled orientations are fabricated on Si substrates by an ion beam technique. The axes of produced Si cones are well aligned with the direction of ion beams. Each cone essentially consists of a metal containing tip and a single crystalline Si base with the crystallographic orientation identical to the Si substrate. TEM studies show tapered pit interface between the tip and the base, visualizing the ion impinging process. The tip comprises tetragonal MoSi2, domains of Mo‐modulated Si ordered superstructures and a few Mo nanoparticles. Experimental evidence indicates that the cone formation follows the left‐standing model. Since the cones progressively are sharpened with the elapsed time of their formation, they might develop into whiskers if the ion bombardment and supply of sputtered metal clusters are prolonged.
Quantum pumps formed of double walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zólyomi V. , Oroszlány L. , Lambert C. J.
Published: October 2009

Using the Brouwer formula, we employ Green's function technique to study charge pumping in shuttle geometry double walled carbon nanotubes. We find strong chirality dependence, and that there is virtually no pumping if the chiral angle of the two walls is the same. We discuss which are the optimal chiralities that can be used for such quantum pumps. Furthermore, we argue that charge pumping with double walled tubes can be used to probe the strength of the inter‐layer coupling between the inner and outer nanotube.
13C NMR investigation of fullerene–cubane C60·C8H8 cocrystals
Authors: Matus Péter , Bokor Mónika , Kriza György , Kováts Éva , Pekker Sándor , Domján Attila , Durkó Gábor , Jalsovszky István
Published: October 2009

The rotor–stator molecular cocrystal C60·C8H8 (fullerene–cubane) has been investigated by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The room‐temperature spectrum obtained using 1H–13C cross‐polarization technique shows two lines with chemical shifts identical with the shifts of the original molecular constituents demonstrating the lack of a strong electronic interaction between C60 and C8H8. The temperature dependence of the spin‐lattice relaxation time of the fullerene component confirms the existence of a first‐order orientational ordering transition around 145 K. The activation energies of large‐angle C60 reorientations above and below the ordering transitions are 260 K and 570 K, respectively. The transition temperature and the activation energies are significantly lower than in other C60 compounds. The 13C spectrum remains narrow down to 115 K indicating that similarly to pristine C60, the molecular reorientational motion is still fast in the ordered phase on the NMR time scale.
A missing composite covariate in survival analysis: A case study of the Chinese Longitudinal Health and Longevity Survey
Authors: Lagona Francesco , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2009

We estimate a Cox proportional hazards model where one of the covariates measures the level of a subject's cognitive functioning by grading the total score obtained by the subject on the items of a questionnaire. A case study is presented where the sample includes partial respondents, who did not answer some questionnaire items. The total score takes, hence, the form of an interval‐censored variable and, as a result, the level of cognitive functioning is missing on some subjects. We handle the partial respondents by taking a likelihood‐based approach where survival time is jointly modelled with the censored total score and the size of the censoring interval. Estimates are obtained by an E‐M‐type algorithm that reduces to the iterative maximization of three complete log‐likelihood functions derived from two augmented data sets with case weights, alternated with weights updating. This methodology is exploited to assess the Mini‐Mental State Examination index as a prognostic factor of survival in a sample of Chinese older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro Inhibition of Fungal Activity by Macrophage‐Mediated Sequestration and Release of Encapsulated Amphotericin B Nanosupension in Red Blood Cells
Authors: Staedtke V. , Brähler M. , Müller A. , Georgieva R. , Bauer S. , Sternberg N. , Voigt A. , Lemke A. , Keck C. , Möschwitzer J. , Bäumler H.
Published: October 2009

The efficacy of antifungal treatment has been diminished by the biodistribution limitations of amphotericin B (AmB) due to its pharmacological profile, as well as the severe side effects it causes. A cellular drug‐delivery system, which incorporates human erythrocytes (RBCs) loaded with an AmB nanosuspension (AmB‐NS), is developed in order to improve antifungal treatment. AmB‐NS encapsulation in RBCs is achieved by using hypotonic hemolysis, leading to intracellular AmB amounts of 3.81 ± 0.47 pg RBC−1 and an entrapment efficacy of 15–18%. Upon phagocytosis of AmB‐NS–RBCs, leukocytes show a slow AmB release over ten days, and no alteration in cell viability. This results in an immediate, permanent inhibition of intra‐ and extracellular fungal activity. AmB‐NS–RBC‐leukocyte‐mediated delivery of AmB is efficient in amounts 1000 times lower than the toxic dose. This drug‐delivery method is effective for the transport of water‐insoluble substances, such as AmB, and this warrants consideration for further testing.
A domain‐specific approach to adolescent reporting of parental control
Authors: Arım Rübab G. , Marshall Sheila K. , Shapka Jennifer D.
Published: October 2009

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a newly developed adolescent‐reported domain‐specific measure of parental behavioral control. In addition, this study examined the relationships between domains of perceived behavioral control and adolescent problem behaviors and tested whether psychological control played a mediating role in these associations. Participants were 267 students, ranging in age from 9 to 16 years. Both high maternal and paternal use of behavioral control in the friendship domain were positively associated with externalizing behaviors. Low paternal use of control in the prudential and multifaceted domains was also positively associated with externalizing behaviors. Psychological control mediated the association between behavioral control in the friendship domain and externalizing behaviors, suggesting a potential overlap between perceptions of parental behavioral and psychological control. These findings highlight the need to study adolescents' perceptions of parental control in specific domains to fully understand its relationship with adolescent outcomes.
Use of oral ketamine in chronic pain management: A review
Authors: Blonk Maren I. , Koder Brigitte G. , van den Bemt Patricia M.L.A. , Huygen Frank J.P.M.
Published: October 2009

The analgesic effect of ketamine is primarily based on the antagonism of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Activation of NMDA receptors may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Little formal research has been performed on the efficacy and safety of ketamine in chronic pain, especially concerning long‐term oral administration. This review provides an overview of the available clinical data on the use of oral ketamine in chronic pain management. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, resulting in 22 relevant articles. Because most retrieved articles were of a descriptive nature (e.g. case reports and case series) a quantitative analysis was not possible. There was no consistent dose–response relation. A recommended starting dosage in ketamine‐naive patients is 0.5 mg/kg racemic ketamine or 0.25 mg/kg S‐ketamine as a single oral dose. The dosage is increased by the same amount if required. For a continuous analgesic effect it is usually given 3–4 times daily. The injection fluid can be taken orally. When parenteral ketamine is switched to oral administration the daily dosage can be kept equal and, depending on clinical effect and/or adverse effects, is slowly increased. The pharmacologically active metabolite norketamine is believed to contribute to the analgesic effect of oral ketamine. Lack of evidence regarding efficacy, and the poor safety profile, do not support routine use of oral ketamine in chronic pain management. Oral ketamine may have a limited place as add‐on therapy in complex chronic pain patients if other therapeutic options have failed.
Systems analysis of cellular networks under uncertainty
Authors: Kaltenbach Hans-Michael , Dimopoulos Sotiris , Stelling Jörg
Published: October 2009

Besides the often‐quoted complexity of cellular networks, the prevalence of uncertainties about components, interactions, and their quantitative features provides a largely underestimated hallmark of current systems biology. This uncertainty impedes the development of mechanistic mathematical models to achieve a true systems‐level understanding. However, there is increasing evidence that theoretical approaches from diverse scientific domains can extract relevant biological knowledge efficiently, even from poorly characterized biological systems. As a common denominator, the methods focus on structural, rather than more detailed, kinetic network properties. A deeper understanding, better scaling, and the ability to combine the approaches pose formidable challenges for future theory developments.
Mitotic inheritance of the Golgi complex
Authors: Persico Angela , Cervigni Romina Ines , Barretta Maria Luisa , Colanzi Antonino
Published: October 2009

In mammals, the Golgi complex is structured in the form of a continuous membranous system composed of stacks connected by tubular bridges, the “Golgi ribbon”. At the onset of mitosis, the Golgi complex undergoes a multi‐step fragmentation process that is required for its correct partition into the dividing cells. Regulation of Golgi fragmentation and cell cycle progression appear to be precisely coordinated. Here, we review recent studies that are revealing the fundamental mechanisms, the molecular players and the biological significance of the mitotic inheritance of the Golgi complex in mammalian cells.
Pregnancy Complicated by Obesity: Midwifery Management
Authors: Jevitt Cecilia
Published: October 2009

Obesity‐related comorbidities such as gestational diabetes and hypertension have the potential to affect at least 25% of women in the United States. Midwives have been caring for and collaboratively managing these conditions in nonobese women for decades. Prenatal weight gain advice should be based on pregravid body mass index and aim for the lower end of the 1990 Institute of Medicine prenatal weight gain ranges. Obese women may require extra ultrasound and blood glucose testing during pregnancy. Pregnancy complicated by obesity may limit the place and style of birth. Midwives can integrate management techniques into the perinatal care of women whose body mass indices exceed 29 to reduce risk and future disease for mothers and newborns.
Contemporary Childbirth Education Models
Authors: Walker Deborah S. , Visger Joan M. , Rossie Debra
Published: October 2009

Since the 1960s, childbirth education advocates have attempted to persuade pregnant women that educational preparation for labor and birth is an essential component of the transition to motherhood. Initially, pregnant women who were seeking unmedicated births as a refuge from the inhumane childbirth treatments of the mid‐20th century embraced this view. However, with the changing childbirth climate, including a growing preference for medicated birth, scheduled inductions, and cesarean sections, attendance has diminished and childbirth education finds itself at a crossroads. Commonly used childbirth education models/organizations and several new emerging models along with the available research literature and recommendations for clinical practice and research are presented.
Politics, justice and the new Russian strike
Authors: Greene Samuel A. , Robertson Graeme B.
Published: October 2009

After almost a decade of passivity, Russian workers are once again striking. For the first time since the 1990s, labor unrest has spread across the country, affecting foreign and domestic investors, well-to-do industrial and natural-resource enterprises and infrastructural installations. But unlike in the 1990s, these strikes have accompanied an economic boom, suggesting that patterns of Russian labor unrest are beginning to resemble those in other countries. Analysis of several recent strikes, meanwhile, suggests the early emergence of a new labor proto-movement, characterized by feelings of entitlement and injustice that stem in part from government rhetoric, while pushed into opposition by the state’s refusal to accommodate genuine labor mobilization.
Fostering Health Equity: Clinical and Research Training Strategies from Nursing Education
Authors: Deatrick Janet A. , Lipman Terri H. , Gennaro Susan , Sommers Marilyn , de Leon Siantz Mary Lou , Mooney‐Doyle Kim , Hollis Genevieve , Jemmott Loretta S.
Published: October 2009

Racism, ethnocentrism, segregation, stereotyping, and classism are tightly linked to health equity and social determinants of health. They lead to lack of power, money, resources, and education which may result in poor health care access and outcomes. Health profession faculties must address the complex relationships that exist between individual, interpersonal, institutional, social and political factors that influence health outcomes in both clinical and research training. Thus, the purposes of this paper are to provide examples of training strategies from nursing education that foster cultural sensitivity. First, assumptions about health equity, culture, ethnicity and race are explored. Second, clinical training within an undergraduate and graduate context are explored, including an undergraduate cancer case study and in a graduate pediatric nursing program are described to demonstrate how cultural models can be used to integrate the biomedical and psychosocial content in a course. Third, research training for summer scholars and doctoral and post doctoral fellows (short and long term) is described to demonstrate how to increase the number and quality of scholars prepared to conduct research with vulnerable populations. Research training strategies include a summer research institute, policy fellowship, and a scholars “pipeline” program. A unique perspective is presented through collaboration between a nursing school and a center for health disparities research.
Historical Context for the Growth of Medical Professionalism and Curriculum Reform in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Chiung‐Hsuan , Arrigo Linda Gail , Tsai Duujian
Published: October 2009

Medical school curricular reform to address humanism is now a prominent issue in Taiwan. Taiwan's community of medical professionals have for the last 100 years played a leading role in the nation's modernization and democratization. With the democratic opening of 1990, they took up the cause of humanistic reform of medical education. Although the reform has not sufficiently specified the depth and breadth of professionalism to be achieved through the medical school curriculum, it points at least to the most desired professionalism goals. Collaboration with the international community, particularly with Taiwanese‐American medical educators and researchers who bring their experience back to Taiwan, has been a potent force for the advancement of the humanities and professionalism in medical education. This paper presents the definition of professionalism and the history of the medical profession from the perspective of medical education in Taiwan, and discusses recent transitions.
A methodology for the analysis of the relationships between farms and their physical environment
Authors: RIVEIRO J. A. , MAREY-PÉREZ M. F. , DÍAZ-VARELA E. R. , ÁLVAREZ C. J.
Published: October 2009

Agricultural activity involves direct interaction with the physical environment factors in the environmental context in which the activity is developed. Galicia, northwest Spain, is an environmentally heterogeneous region that encompasses territorial spaces with different levels of suitability for each agricultural activity. In barely 30 years, the production systems of the region have evolved from self-sufficiency to commercial production; however, the requirements of production for each differ greatly. During such a transformation, many farms have disappeared while other farms have conformed to the requirements of the current production systems without changing location. Decision-making in rural planning requires knowing the spatial distribution of farms, the evolution of farm distribution and the relationship between the spatial location of farms (associated with some specific environmental characteristics) and the production systems used.

The current paper describes a methodology for analysing the spatial distribution of farms and for determining the relationships between the spatial location of farms and the values of the physical environment factors that are characteristic of each spatial location. The methodology has been developed by using Agricultural Census data and is exemplified through the analysis of two crops (wheat and potato) and one farming activity (dairy farming). Results show the location of farms and the production systems used, and reveal different degrees of fit to the physical environment factors considered.
Investigation on effect of medium temperature upon SBS and SBS optical limiting
Authors: Hasi W.L.J. , Guo X.Y. , Lu H.H. , Fu M.L. , Gong S. , Geng X.Z. , Lu Z.W. , Lin D.Y. , He W.M.
Published: October 2009

The effect of medium temperature upon characteristic of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and SBS optical limiting is investigated. The physical mechanism behind is analyzed theoretically and experimentally verified in Continuum's Nd: YAG Q-switched laser system using FC-72 as the SBS medium. The temperature affects the electrostrictive coefficient, refractive index, density and acoustic velocity of the medium weakly. In contrast, the kinematic viscosity, which is inversely proportional to the temperature, is related to gain coefficient and phonon lifetime and thus greatly affects the SBS characteristics. Therefore, in the low temperature, the kinematic viscosity is usually high, which can lead to a small gain coefficient and a short phonon lifetime. Therefore, the SBS characteristic can be changed by controlling the temperature to a great extent.
Determining that a label is kind-referring: factors that influence children's and adults' novel word extensions
Authors: TARE MEDHA , GELMAN SUSAN A.
Published: October 2009

The present studies examined factors that influence children's and adults' interpretation of a novel word. Four factors are hypothesized to emphasize that a label refers to a richly structured category (also known as a ‘kind’): generic language, internal property attributions, familiar kind labels and absence of a target photograph. In Study 1, for college students (N=125), internal property attributions resulted in more taxonomic and fewer shape responses. In Study 2, for four-year-olds (N=126), the presence of generic language and familiar kind labels resulted in more taxonomic choices. Further, the presence of familiar kind labels resulted in fewer shape choices. The results suggest that, when learning new words, children and adults are sensitive to factors that imply kind reference.
Agricultural chemicals in ground water: Extent and implications
Authors: Hallberg George R.
Published: October 2009

The accelerated use of agricultural chemicals over the past 20–30 years has increased production and generally has been profitable, but it has also had an adverse impact on ground water quality in many major agricultural areas. The contamination of ground water, related to nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides, from widespread, routine land application, as well as from point sources has become a serious concern. Ground water contamination also impairs surface water quality. Research, world-wide, has shown increases in NO3-N in ground water concurrent with major increases in N-fertilization. Many shallow ground water supplies now exceed recommended NO3-N drinking water standards. While many sources contribute N into the environment, synthetic fertilizers have become the major component. There are clear economic incentives to improve management; harvested crops often account for less than 50 percent of the purchased fertilizer inputs. Pesticides are appearing in ground water with unanticipated frequency, and while their concentrations are generally below acute toxic levels, many are of concern for possible chronic effects. Such widespread contamination is of real concern because of the potential for long-term and widespread exposure of the public through drinking water. Surveys of farmers indicate a desire to improve management practices and reduce chemical inputs. Promoting the principles of alternative, sustainable agriculture is a necessary element in the resolution of these problems.
Ground water research, information, and policy needs: Strategies and priorities for extension
Authors: Francis Charles A.
Published: October 2009

The Cooperative Extension Services in many states have concentrated on educational publications and programs which describe the complexities of the hydrologic cycle and where pollutants can enter the system. Recognizing that farming is a prime source of nonpoint source pollution in some areas, extension programs have focused on alternative agricultural practices which can reduce that pollution. Both national and state extension services have published recommendations on increasing public awareness, developed linkages with research, and provided leadership in education about pollution problems and how to solve them. The current national task forces on extension priorities include “water quality” as one of eight key areas for future extension emphasis. Alternative farming practices which can help reduce the pollution levels from agriculture include careful soil sampling, interpretation of analyses, setting yield goals, and matching nutrient applications to crop needs. Modified methods of nutrient application can also help. Reduced tillage, crop rotations, increased use of legumes, and keeping cover on the land through a greater part of the year can all help. Reduced applications of pesticides and use of alternative pest control measures have potential to improve ground water quality. There are economic as well as environmental reasons to reduce chemical and fertilizer applications in agriculture. This is a critical time for producers and researchers to examine alternative practices which can help improve ground water quality for future generations.
An agronomic and economic comparison of a conventional and a low-input cropping system in the Palouse
Authors: Goldstein Walter A. , Young Douglas L.
Published: October 2009

The variable costs and net returns for a conventionally managed rotation and for a low-input, legume-based rotation were compared under 1986 economic conditions in the Palouse region of Washington. The conventional system was a four-year wheat/barley/wheat/pea rotation with fertilizers and pesticide inputs each year. The low-input system was a three-year pea-medic/medic/wheat rotation with pesticide inputs used only on peas. As the biennial medic was allowed to set and drop seed and revolunteer in subsequent stands of spring peas, the system was called the “perpetuating-alternativelegume-system” or “PALS”. Identical wheat yields were assumed between the two systems as field trials showed that wheat which followed medic without fertilizer produced similar yields to wheat after cereals with fertilizer. Pea yields were assumed to be lower under PALS due to competition from the medic. Medic was neither harvested nor grazed. For PALS, herbicides on wheat were replaced by harrowing because trials showed that wheat after medic competed better with weeds than wheat after cereals. Variable costs for PALS were only 44 percent of those for the conventional system ($56.82 versus $129.40/acre/year). Fertilizers, pesticides, and application accounted for 56 percent of the costs for the conventional system, but only 26 percent for PALS. The conventional system generated higher gross returns because a crop was harvested every year. Because of its lower production costs, PALS generated higher net returns when crops were sold for market prices. The conventional system was more profitable than PALS only when wheat and barley were valued at current government target prices. Under high and low yielding conditions PALS was more profitable than the conventional system when wheat prices were lower than $3.50 and $5.36/bushel, respectively. Government target and local market wheat prices in 1986 were $4.38 and $2.40/bushel, respectively. If world market competition and domestic policy pressures reduce crop price supports and grain prices in the future, low-input systems would become more profitable than conventional practices. PALS is promising but requires further agronomic evaluation before recommendations can be made.
Self identified research needs of New York organic farmers
Authors: Baker Brian P. , Smith Douglas B.
Published: October 2009

A survey of organic farmers in New York State identified problems in need of university research. Weed management was the most frequently mentioned problem by far, identified as significant by two-thirds of the organic farmers. Only a few other problems were listed as significant, including insufficient time for farm work, lack of markets, low prices, and lack of appropriate tools. These were cited by more than a third of the farmers. Drought, insect management, and a lack of a dependable supply of labor were cited by about one-third of the respondents. The survey also examined organic farmers' information sources. They do not use conventional sources of agricultural information, such as the extension service and conventional agricultural media, as much as books, magazines, and newsletters on organic f arming, other organic f armers, and on-farm experiments. Many respondents noted that local extension agents did not know very much about non-chemical solutions to organic production problems. They considered University Extension to be accessible, but not very useful in solving problems specific to organic farming, and had many suggestions to improve Land Grant research in organic agriculture.
Agricultural chemicals in ground water: Preventing contamination by removing barriers against low-input farm management
Authors: Fleming Malcolm H.
Published: October 2009

Agricultural pesticides and fertilizers have contaminated ground water in areas throughout the U.S. This contamination may adversely affect more than 50 million people. The cost of monitoring to determine the extent of ground water contamination in vulnerable areas is likely to exceed one billion dollars. To reduce the possibility of contamination farmers can adopt “low-input” production methods. Unfortunately, several factors inhibit farmers from adopting low-input methods. These factors include the tendency of farmers to ignore the external costs of agrichemical use, especially environmental damage, the lack of up-to-date information describing low-input farming techniques, and government support programs that indirectly discourage farmers from adopting low-input methods. The federal government can take several steps to eliminate these obstacles. Farm support programs can be changed to eliminate incentives that encourage heavy agrichemical use and to require more stringent environmental compliance to be eligible for program benefits. Taxes can be imposed on agrichemicals to offset their external costs and to provide new funds for research on alternatives. Finally, current agricultural research priorities can be shifted to emphasize low-input production methods.
Factors influencing the economic potential for alternative farming systems: Case analyses in South Dakota
Authors: Dobbs Thomas L. , Leddy Mark G. , Smolik James D.
Published: October 2009

Results of calculations on the economic potential for alternative (low input, sustainable) farming systems in a small grain-row crop region of the Northern Plains are reported. Two sets of alternative farming systems, in which no chemical fertilizers or herbicides are used, are compared with various conventional and reduced till systems. In Farming Systems Study I (FSS1), an alternative rotation consisting of oats, alfalfa, soybeans, and corn is compared with conventional and ridge till rotation systems composed of corn, soybeans, and spring wheat. In Farming Systems Study II (FSS2), three systems with an emphasis on small grains are compared. An alternative system rotation consisting of oats, sweet clover, soybeans, and spring wheat is compared with conventional and minimum till rotation systems comprised of soybeans, spring wheat, and barley. Results of baseline economic analyses show that alternative farming systems can be competitive with more conventional systems in at least some situations. The alternative systems entail markedly lower direct costs, and the alternative system in FSS2 has approximately the same net returns as the comparable conventional and minimum till systems. The FSS1 alternative system has positive but somewhat lower net returns than the comparable conventional and ridge till systems. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with alternative system crop yields, chemical fertilizer and herbicide prices, and varying assumptions about future Federal farm program support levels and acreage set aside requirements. The yield sensitivity analyses show that one alternative farming system requires yields about 5–10 percent above those of the comparable conventional system to produce the same net returns. However, the other alternative system is competitive with a conventional system even with yields 5 percent lower. Analyses varying chemical fertilizer and herbicide prices reveal that the alternative farming system in FSS1 becomes competitive with more conventional systems when fertilizer and herbicide prices rise by 50 percent. The alternative farming system in FSS2 is already competitive at current fertilizer and herbicide prices. In some cases, sensitivity analyses with Federal farm program provisions indicate that reductions in farm program benefits increase the economic competitiveness of alternative farming systems. However, important exceptions occur. Results indicate that not only the level of future farm program benefits, but also the form of program provisions and compliance requirements, will affect the relative competitiveness of alternative farming systems.
Biologically based methods of pest control: Contributions to a sustainable agriculture
Authors: Youngberg Garth , Ridgway Richard
Published: October 2009

Concern continues to rise over the adverse effects of the excessive use of chemically based agricultural pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and fungicides. Important members of the U.S. agricultural scientific, producer, and policy communities have added their voices to those in the environmental, consumer, and public health arenas in pointing to the need for more benign and cost effective methods and systems of pest management and control. Indeed, the urgent need to further enhance the efficacy and use of such varied, yet interrelated, approaches to pest control as pathogens, predators, and parasites (traditional biological control), and such biologically based techniques as host plant resistance, natural plant products, semiochemicals, and autocidal methods, is now widely recognized in most agricultural circles.
CASST™ herbicide(Alternaria cassiae);A case history of a mycoherbicide
Authors: Bannon James S.
Published: October 2009

CASST™ herbicide (Alternaria cassiae,) has been shown to be an effective biological control agent for sicklepod ("Cassia obtusifolia LJ, coffee senna ("Cassia occidentalis L.) and showy crotalaria ("Crotalaria spectabilis Roth). Current research has shown the potential of this mycoherbicide for use both alone and integrated with other herbicides as an effective commercial control measure for these troublesome weeds.
Use of biological control measures in the intensive management of insect pests in New Jersey
Authors: Lashomb James H. , Metterhouse William , Chianese Robert
Published: October 2009

The U.S. public is expressing strong preference for the use of biological control methods in the management of U.S. agricultural, forest, and rangeland insect pests. This follows from a widespread understanding among citizens that synthetic insecticides have potentially harmful side effects on humans and that they are spreading increasingly as pollutants in the environment. Major recent increases in the number of pesticide-resistant insect species also put pressure on the agricultural community toward adoption of alternative non-agchemical plant and animal protection strategies. Movement in the direction of such alternatives has been facilitated by the fact that in the last two decades much progress has been made in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through an improved understanding of the interactions of pests with their hosts. In that time period, many advances have been made in describing and predicting insect movement, seasonal cycles, and the effects of secondary plant compounds on insect reproduction. Simultaneously, much has been learned about the behavior, physiology, and population dynamics of insect parasitoids, i.e. parasites on insect pests. In the 1990's and subsequently, Biological Control Intensive Pest Management (BCIPM) will require continuing research to attain needed advancement in knowledge of growth and development of host plants, population dynamics of pests and parasitoids, and ecology of secondary pests that may interfere with implementation of BCIPM programs. Extension and research personnel will then be increasingly able to devise useful control methods for pests within selected cropping systems. We describe here examples to illustrate present and potential future use of BCIPM in different practical plant systems in New Jersey.
Pheromones: Their potential role in control of agricultural insect pests
Authors: Kirsch Philipp
Published: October 2009

Serious side effects from the conventional use of traditional chemical pesticides for routine arthropod pest management have prompted the investigation and development of alternate strategies for the minimization of pest damage. Insect sex pheromones have been proposed as a potential group of alternative control agents for over twenty years. The possible uses of these substances for insect control are discussed and factors influencing their development for pest management are presented. The scientific research and commercial development of oriental fruit moth mating disruption is presented as a case study for the commercialization of this approach. Advantages and limitations of pheromone-based control tactics are presented. Mating disruption technology is starting to find its place in a number of diverse cropping situations. The use of pheromones for pest control promises to be an important component of the ongoing challenge to develop alternatives that may help to solve major environmental and human health problems associated with chemical pesticide use in agriculture.
Implementation of biological control
Authors: van Lenteren Joop C.
Published: October 2009

The number of species of insect pests, estimated to be maximally 10,000 worldwide, forms only a small part of the millions of species of plant-eating insects. Chemical pest control is becoming increasingly difficult and objectionable in terms of environmental contamination so that other methods of pest control need to be developed. One of the best alternatives is biological control. Natural and inoculative biological control has already proven successful against a variety of pests over large areas. One is inclined to forget, however, how successful a biological control program has been as soon as the pest problem has been solved. Other types of biological control involving the regular introduction or augmentation of natural enemies are better known, although these have been applied on a much smaller scale; a survey of the present-day application of these latter types of biological control is presented here. Phases in the implementation of biological control are illustrated and needed future developments in research are discussed. The main limitation on the development of biological control is not the research, since natural enemies are easier found and with a much lower investment than new chemical pesticides, but rather the attitudes held by growers and disinterest on the part of industry, policy-makers, and politicians. The first priority for those concerned with the development and application of safer pest control should, therefore, be to change the perceptions that these other groups have of biological control.
Cultural practices for enhanced growth of young peach trees
Authors: Glenn D. M. , Welker W. V.
Published: October 2009

A review of orchard soil management effects on tree growth and soil parameters is presented. It shows the gap between present common practices and results achievable in other systems. An alternative soil management system for newly planted peach trees, termed “killed-sod”, is described. This system has improved soil structure and rainfall infiltration and greatly increased early tree growth and yield. A fertilization study has demonstrated that the addition of a complete fertilizer in four different soil management systems could not account for the increased growth resulting from the improved soil environment in the killed-sod system.
Comparative local economic benefits of conventional and alternative cropping systems
Authors: Lockeretz William
Published: October 2009

I reexamined five previously published studies that compared the economics of high input conventional crop production systems in various regions to the economics of lower input alternatives that use green manures, cover crops, and more diversified rotations, but no inorganic fertilizers and little or no synthetic pesticides. The original analyses were extended to include estimates of each production system's contribution to the local economy, both directly through farmers' payments for labor and interest, and indirectly through the payrolls and profits of enterprises serving farmers. A similar comparison was also made for high input irrigated and lower input nonirrigated corn production. On a per acre basis, the high input systems' local economic benefits were equal to or greater than those of the lower input systems. However, they were lower as a fraction of total value of production in all but one case, since production was always higher for the higher input systems. Correspondingly, with all but one of the higher input systems, a greater portion of the value of production left the local economy to pay for purchased inputs. This becomes significant if the production system is not sustainable, so that the total productive potential of the area's agricultural resources is finite when integrated over their entire economic life. In such circumstances, the results imply that under the conventional system the local economy will capture a smaller share of the total productive value of those resources.
Implications of low-input farming systems for the U.S. position in world agriculture
Authors: Lee John E. , Baum Kenneth
Published: October 2009

The adoption of sustainable farming system practices by U.S. producers could affect the international competitive position of many agricultural commodities, including livestock. The adoption of such practices over the next several decades will depend on commodity policy legislation, environmental regulation, commodity price and acreage diversion incentives, and the success of ongoing GATT negotiations and trade liberalization. However, the extent and magnitude of these effects are dependent on the internalization and recognition of social costs of agricultural production by farmers and explicit tradeoffs between environmental degradation and agricultural profitability. Environmental externalities include soil loss, surface and ground water contamination by agricultural residuals, loss of wildlife habitat, and diminished aesthetic amenities. In effect, both public and private concerns about the marginal social environmental costs associated with production, when present, will influence the shape and location of commodity supply curves and the U.S. export capability. In turn, these supply curves, which define the production capacity of the U.S. to meet domestic and export demand, will determine our comparative competitive positions for different commodities in world markets.
Energy, water, and economic savings of improved production systems on the Texas High Plains
Authors: Masud Sharif M. , Lacewell Ronald D.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this paper was to quantify economic and energy use implications of new improved irrigation and limited tillage production systems for the Texas High Plains. Per hectare uses of natural gas and electricity under alternative irrigation distribution systems for corn, sorghum, wheat, cotton, and soybeans were utilized to estimate total amounts of natural gas and electricity used in the production of these crops on the High Plains of Texas. The amount of diesel fuel used was estimated for conventional and limited tillage systems under dryland and irrigation production. Total amounts of water used for the five crops under the improved and conventional irrigation systems were also estimated for the High Plains. Results indicated improved irrigation and limited tillage systems reduced energy and water use on the High Plains. Total natural gas and electricity were estimated to decline over 20 percent, diesel fuel declined 32 percent, and water use for irrigation declined about 23 percent. Use of the improved irrigation and limited tillage production systems was also shown to significantly increase annual net returns to farmers ($40.0 million or 13.3 percent).
Farm program impacts on incentives for green manure rotations
Authors: Young Douglas L. , Painter Kathleen M.
Published: October 2009

Farm programs influence the profitability of a crop rotation through five effects: (1) a deficiency payment (DP) effect, (2) an acreage reduction (ARP) effect, (3) a base effect, (4) a crop price effect, and (5) a risk reduction effect. This study initially examines ARP and DP effects of the 1985 Farm Bill on the relative profitability of a low-input rotation and a grain-intensive conventional rotation in Washington state over 1986–1990. In years of low deficiency payments or high foregone returns from ARP land, the low-input green manure rotation was competitive with the conventional rotation but lost its advantage in years of low ARP costs or high deficiency payments. Long-runincentives to maintain wheat base introduced a consistent bias against the low-input green manure rotation. Planting flexibility options proposed during the 1990 Farm Bill debate could reduce farm program barriers to green manure and other low-input rotations. The Bush Administration's Normal Crop Acreage (NCA) proposal, which was not accepted in the 1990 legislation, would have largely eliminated base erosion for the green manure rotation in this study. More importantly, non-ARP green manure acreage would have qualified for deficiency payments under the NCA, thereby sharply increasing the low-input rotation's relative profitability. Proposals like the NCA might receive further attention in the future due to environmental concerns, fiscal pressures, or possible trade agreements requiring multilateral phaseout of agricultural subsidies coupled to commodities.
Organic viticulture in West Germany
Authors: Dabbert Stephan , Oberhofer Jürgen
Published: October 2009

We present results from a survey of organic grape operations in the three most important grape-producing areas in West Germany. Data on expenses for fertilizers, pesticides, machinery and buildings, on labor requirements, on the quantity and quality of yields, and on marketing channels and price premiums are compared to data on conventional grape operations from statistical sources. Based on these data, multi-period linear programming models were constructed to assess the economic implications of a transition to organic grape growing for different types of operations. Model results indicate that the grape production quota implemented in West Germany in 1989-90 favors organic methods. However, with direct marketing of wine, the effect of the quota depends on the effect that the expected rise in the price of conventional wine has on the price of organic wine. Premium prices for organically produced wine currently can be achieved only by farms that sell their wine directly to the consumer, which means that direct marketing is necessary for a profitable organic grape operation under current market conditions.
Participatory research: A farmer's perspective
Authors: Watkins Gordon
Published: October 2009

U.S. land grant institutions currently follow? “top-down” model of research and extension in which farmers are the passive recipients of research results based on perceived needs which have been identified, prioritized, and investigated by scientists with little input from the end users. This exclusionary approach was designed to meet the needs of large scale, mono-cultural farming systems. However small scale, diversified, integrated systems are better served by a more participatory approach to research and extension in which farmers are actively involved as peers of researchers and extensionists in identifying research needs, designing and implementing experimental protocols, and delivering research results. This paper provides a brief outline of an alternative to the top-down approach termed “Farmers-First-and-Last”, developed and tested by Robert Chambers of the Institute of Developmental Studies, which has been effective in working with diversified farmers in developing countries.
The on-farm research program of Practical Farmers of Iowa
Authors: Richard  , Thompson Sharon
Published: October 2009

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a grassroots organization whose members conduct research on profitable, environmentally sound alternative production methods on their own farms. The experimental design uses randomized, replicated side-by-side machine-harvested strips running the length of the field. Production techniques investigated include ridge tillage with and without herbicides, ridge tillage and conventional tillage without herbicides, with cover crops, and with late spring soil nitrate tests to determine efficient N application rates. This work has led to effective cooperation among farmers, extension personnel, and university researchers, and has inspired similar activities in other states.
Raised field agriculture in Tlaxcala, Mexico: An ecosystem perspective on maintenance of soil fertility
Authors: Crews Timothy E. , Gliessman Stephen R.
Published: October 2009

Raised field agriculture in southwest Tlaxcala, Mexico, is a sophisticated, intensive traditional system of wetland cultivation that dates back to as early as 300 B. C. It provides an exceptional example of how farming practices can fit into and even take advantage of ecosystem processes. The raised fields appear to be largely self-reliant in energy and nutrients. Tlaxcalan farmers use canals, aquatic plants, polycultures, alder(Alnus firmifolia)and other trees to intensify the nutrient input into their fields and minimize nutrient losses through leaching and runoff Although the raised field system is an impressive, functioning example of a historically sustainable farming system, it is endangered by modern pressures to increase production through higher use of inputs and alteration of agroecosystem design.