bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IKKβ and the anti-adipogenic effect of platelet-derived growth factor in human abdominal subcutaneous preadipocytes
Authors: Gagnon AnneMarie , Landry Anne , Sorisky Alexander
Published: January 2009

To clarify how anti-adipogenic factors act on preadipocytes to inhibit their differentiation, we compared preadipocyte signaling responses generated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF; anti-adipogenic) versus insulin (pro-adipogenic). PDGF, but not insulin, stimulated the phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB kinase β (IKKβ) in a time-dependent manner. This PDGF-dependent phosphorylation event was inhibited by 60% (P<0.05) when the cells were pretreated with wortmannin, indicating a requirement for the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase/AKT pathway. IKKβ phosphorylation by PDGF was neither accompanied by IκBα degradation nor NF-κB activation. PDGF inhibited human adipocyte differentiation, assessed by triacylglycerol accumulation (75% reduction; P<0.01) and by fatty acid synthase protein expression (60% reduction; P<0.05); these responses were no longer apparent in the presence of sc-514, a selective inhibitor of IKKβ. Our data describe a novel PDGF response in human preadipocytes that involves the pro-inflammatory kinase IKKβ and demonstrate that it is required for the inhibition of adipogenesis.
Copper accumulation and toxicity in isolated cells from gills and hepatopancreas of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Authors: Paganini Christianne L. , Bianchini Adalto
Published: January 2009

In the present study, we used fresh preparations of mixed-cell populations to evaluate accumulation and toxicity of dissolved copper (1–100 μM) in isolated cells from posterior gills and hepatopancreas of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). For both gill and hepatopancreatic cells, significant increases in copper accumulation were observed after exposure to 50 or 100 μM copper. In gill cells, a linear increase in copper accumulation was observed over time. In hepatopancreatic cells, a maximum level of copper accumulation was achieved after 1 h of exposure, remaining unchanged up to 6 h. After 6 h of exposure, copper content in gill cells was 6.6-fold higher than that in hepatopancreatic cells. In both cell types, copper accumulation always followed a linear relationship with copper concentration in the incubation medium. Significant decreases in cell viability were observed after exposure to either 10 μM copper (gill cells) or 100 μM copper (gill and hepatopancreatic cells). Furthermore, an exponential rise to maximum-type relationship was observed between copper accumulation and toxicity in gill cells. Altogether, these findings indicate that the premise behind the biotic ligand model (BLM) approach is verified in isolated cells from posterior gills of the blue crab (i.e., toxicity is driven by copper accumulation in the biotic ligand, the gill cell). Therefore, these cells can be used as a model for the development of an in vitro BLM version for marine conditions. Isolated cells from the hepatopancreas, however, could be used as a model to better understand the mechanism of copper tolerance at a cellular level in crustaceans.
Titanium as an Indicator of Residual Soil on Arid‐Land Plants
Authors: Cook Lawrence L. , McGonigle Terence P. , Inouye Richard S.
Published: January 2009

Titanium (Ti) has been suggested as a soil contamination indicator for plant samples slated for trace element analysis because it is abundant in soil but not in plants. Based on results from our survey of regional soils and plants for cesium (Cs), we sought to confirm Ti as a valid soil contamination indicator reasoning that there are three sources of Ti associated with plant samples: (i) contamination during laboratory processing, (ii) vascular uptake via roots, and (iii) field soil residue on shoot surfaces. Our experiments showed that: (i) milling increased Ti by 4 mg·kg−1, and Ti in reagents and on labware added another 5 to 6 mg·kg−1; (ii) Ti in Crepis acuminata seedling shoots attributable to root uptake averaged 5 mg·kg−1; (iii) soil‐dusted seedlings showed elevenfold and eightfold increases in Ti and Cs, respectively. Further, investigation of shoot washing methods determined that (iv) none of seven washing agents removed all soil from any of two to seven plant species, and (v) Artemisia tridentata and Phlox hoodii specimens washed with water retained particles and displayed elemental signatures consistent with adhering soil. We conclude that Ti is a valid soil contamination indicator for arid‐land plant samples, and that trace, soil‐borne analytes measured in samples where Ti values are high and, hence, soil contaminated, should be described as plant associated. Furthermore, we give guidance on minimizing Ti contamination of samples during laboratory processing and on use of Ti together with washing to minimize yet gauge soil contamination during trace element analysis.
Modeling Phosphorus in the Lake Allatoona Watershed Using SWAT: II. Effect of Land Use Change
Authors: Lin Z. , Radcliffe D. E. , Risse L. M. , Romeis J. J. , Jackson C. R.
Published: January 2009

Lake Allatoona is a large reservoir northeast of metropolitan Atlanta, GA, threatened by excessive algal growth. We used the calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models developed in our companion paper to estimate the annual P load to Lake Allatoona in 1992 and in 2001 after significant changes occurred in land use. Land use data in 1992 and 2001 from the Multi‐Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium showed that forest land use decreased during this period by about 20%, urban land use increased by about 225%, and pasture land uses increased by about 50%. Simulation results showed that the P load to Lake Allatoona increased from 176.5 to 207.3 Mg, which were 87.8% and 103.1%, respectively, of the total P (TP) annual cap (201 Mg) set by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) for discharge into Lake Allatoona. In the early 1990s, the greatest sources of the TP load to Lake Allatoona (and their percentages of the total load) were pasture (33.6%), forest (27.5%), and point sources (25.0%). Urban land uses contributed about 6.0% and row‐crop agriculture contributed about 6.8%. A decade later, the greatest two TP sources were pasture (52.7%) and urban (20.9%) land uses. Point‐source P loads decreased significantly to 11.6%. Permit limits on poultry processing plants reduced the point‐source P loads, but increasing urban and pasture land uses increased nonpoint sources of P. To achieve further reductions in the P load to Lake Allatoona, contributions from pasture and urban nonpoint sources will need to be addressed.
Removal of Organic Wastewater Contaminants in Septic Systems Using Advanced Treatment Technologies
Authors: Wilcox Jeffrey D. , Bahr Jean M. , Hedman Curtis J. , Hemming Jocelyn D. C. , Barman Miel A. E. , Bradbury Kenneth R.
Published: January 2009

The detection of pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) in ground water and surface‐water bodies has raised concerns about the possible ecological impacts of these compounds on nontarget organisms. On‐site wastewater treatment systems represent a potentially significant route of entry for organic contaminants to the environment. In this study, effluent samples were collected and analyzed from conventional septic systems and from systems using advanced treatment technologies. Six of 13 target compounds were detected in effluent from at least one septic system. Caffeine, paraxanthine, and acetaminophen were the most frequently detected compounds, and estrogenic activity was detected in 14 of 15 systems. The OWC concentrations were significantly lower in effluent after sand filtration (p < 0.01) or aerobic treatment (p < 0.05) as compared with effluent that had not undergone advanced treatment. In general, concentrations in conventional systems were comparable to those measured in previous studies of municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent, and concentrations in systems after advanced treatment were comparable to previously measured concentrations in WWTP effluent. These data indicate that septic systems using advanced treatment can reduce OWCs in treated effluent to similar concentrations as municipal WWTPs.
Soil Carbon Sequestration Resulting from Long‐Term Application of Biosolids for Land Reclamation
Authors: Tian G. , Granato T. C. , Cox A. E. , Pietz R. I. , Carlson C. R. , Abedin Z.
Published: January 2009

Investigations on the impact of application of biosolids for land reclamation on C sequestration in soil were conducted at Fulton County, Illinois, where 41 fields (3.6–66 ha) received biosolids at a cumulative loading rate from 455 to 1654 dry Mg ha−1 for 8 to 23 yr in rotation from 1972 to 2004. The fields were cropped with corn, wheat, and sorghum and also with soybean and grass or fallowed. Soil organic carbon (SOC) increased rapidly with the application of biosolids, whereas it fluctuated slightly in fertilizer controls. The peak SOC in the 0‐ to 15‐cm depth of biosolids‐amended fields ranged from 4 to 7% and was greater at higher rates of biosolids. In fields where biosolids application ceased for 22 yr, SOC was still much higher than the initial levels. Over the 34‐yr reclamation, the mean net soil C sequestration was 1.73 (0.54–3.05) Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in biosolids‐amended fields as compared with −0.07 to 0.17 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in fertilizer controls, demonstrating a high potential of soil C sequestration by the land application of biosolids. Soil C sequestration was significantly correlated with the biosolids application rate, and the equation can be expressed as y = 0.064x – 0.11, in which y is the annual net soil C sequestration (Mg C ha−1 yr−1), and x is annual biosolids application in dry weight (Mg ha−1 yr−1). Our results indicate that biosolids applications can turn Midwest Corn Belt soils from current C‐neutral to C‐sink. A method for calculating SOC stock under conditions in which surface soil layer depth and mass changes is also described.
Phosphorus Composition in Sediments from Seven Different Trophic Lakes, China: A Phosphorus‐31 NMR Study
Authors: Zhang Runyu , Wu Fengchang , He Zhongqi , Zheng Jian , Song Baoan , Jin Linhong
Published: January 2009

Information on the chemical composition of sediment phosphorus (P) is fundamental to understanding P dynamics and eutrophication in lake ecosystems. In this study, the surface (10 cm) sediments were collected from seven lakes representing two contrasting ecological areas in China: the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River region and the Southwestern China Plateau. Phosphorus in these sediments was extracted by NaOH‐EDTA and characterized by solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results show that P in the extracts was dominated by inorganic orthophosphate (76.7–97.4% of the extracted P) and orthophosphate monoesters (1.8–14.3%), with smaller amounts of orthophosphate diesters (0.4–8.9%), pyrophosphate (0.1–0.7%), and phosphonates (0.1–0.2%). The relative abundance of orthophosphate was higher in hypertrophic and shallow lake sediments than in eutrophic and mesotrophic and deep lake sediments, whereas the relative abundance of orthophosphate monoesters was the opposite. These observations suggested that the relative abundance of the two types of P forms in sediments might be related to the degree of lake eutrophication.
Sorption and Resistant Desorption of Atrazine in Typical Chinese Soils
Authors: Yang Weichun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Chengdong , Zhu Lingyan , Chen Wei
Published: January 2009

Atrazine is one of the most commonly used herbicides and is produced and used in large quantity worldwide. In the present study, the sorption and desorption of atrazine in five typical Chinese soils were examined. The sorption of atrazine followed the conventional linear isotherm reasonably well, indicating that sorption was driven largely by hydrophobic partitioning into soil organic matter. However, strong resistant desorption (desorption hysteresis) was observed for all five soils. The desorption data could be well modeled with several biphasic sorption/desorption isotherms that include a quasi‐Langmuir or a Freundlich term to account for the nonlinear sorptive property associated with the desorption‐resistant fraction. Experimental observations in the present study are consistent with studies reported in the literature and with our previous work with other hydrophobic organic compounds and different sorbents. These observations suggest that physical entrapment within porous soil matrix was likely the predominant mechanism controlling the observed desorption resistance. The unique characteristics associated with the resistant‐desorption fraction have important implications for risk assessment of atrazine‐contaminated soil/sediment and should be taken into account in the regulation, management, and remediation of atrazine‐contaminated sites.
Factors Influencing the Spatial Distribution of Organochlorine Pesticides in Soils surrounding Chemical Industrial Parks
Authors: Wang Guang , Lu Yonglong , Wang Tieyu , Zhang Xiang , Han Jingyi , Luo Wei , Shi Yajuan , Li Jing , Jiao Wentao
Published: January 2009

Topsoil samples (n = 105) were collected to study the distribution of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) residues in the vicinity of chemical industrial parks in Tianjin, China. The occurrence and distribution of target organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were mapped to identify the spatial variation using Geographical Information System (GIS). In general, the concentrations of OCPs were higher in soils near the industrial parks, even some hotspots showed very high OCP contaminations which could cause ecological risk. The relationships between contaminant concentrations and other factors (land use and soil properties) were discussed. Significant correlations (P < 0.01) between TOC contents and the concentrations of DDTs, α‐HCH, and β‐HCH indicated the effect of organic carbon on OCP distribution. Soil pH levels had no obvious effect on the OCP distributions. Except for the effects of the industrial parks, the capacities of biodegradation and dissipation of soils under different land uses were the important factors that affected the HCH distribution, but the distribution of DDTs was mainly influenced by the TOC levels. The results of this study can provide some evidences and data on the long term effects of industrial activities in the environment even after the cease of operations for a long time.
Recovery of Salmonella from Bermudagrass Exposed to Simulated Wastewater
Authors: McLaughlin Michael R. , Brooks John P.
Published: January 2009

Most confined swine (Sus scrofa) feeding operations in the southeastern United States hold manure in lagoons and apply effluent on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] as fertilizer. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ex Kauffman and Edwards) Le Minor and Popoff, has been reported in Mississippi lagoons, but levels and potential for contamination of bermudagrass were unknown. A laboratory method was developed to examine Salmonella contamination of bermudagrass and levels of Salmonella were determined in lagoons. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) worst case water was used to simulate effluent in exposing bermudagrass to Salmonella Exposed leaves were washed and bacteria enumerated. Contamination of leaves exposed to 106 cfu mL−1 varied from 0 to 104 cfu per leaf within and among eight bermudagrass cultivars and five Salmonella isolates. No differences (P < 0.05) occurred between cultivars (n = 20) or isolates (n = 10). Data fitted (R2 = 0.93) to a contamination equation (y = 5 × 10−6x6.623) described the relationship between levels (Log10 cfu mL−1) of exposure (x) and contamination (y). In fall 2007 Salmonella levels from six lagoons ranged from 1.9 to 2.8 log10 MPN 100 mL−1 and were below the threshold for contamination predicted by the equation. These preliminary results must be tested with effluents in the field, but considered alongside work of others, which report lagoon Salmonella levels to be highest in fall, suggest that Salmonella levels in effluents from these lagoons may be too low to produce measurable contamination on bermudagrass.
Rainfall Simulation in Greenhouse Microcosms to Assess Bacterial‐Associated Runoff from Land‐Applied Poultry Litter
Authors: Brooks John P. , Adeli Ardeshir , Read John J. , McLaughlin Michael R.
Published: January 2009

Runoff water following a rain event is one possible source of environmental contamination after a manure application. This greenhouse study used a rainfall simulator to determine bacterial‐associated runoff from troughs of common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] that were treated with P‐based, N‐based, and N plus lime rates of poultry (Gallus gallus) litter, recommended inorganic fertilizer, and control. Total heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria, total and thermotolerant coliforms, enterococci, staphylococci, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, as well as antibiotic resistance profiles for the staphylococci and enterococci isolates were all monitored in runoff waters. Analysis following five rainfall events indicated that staphylococci, enterococci, and clostridia levels were related to manure application rate. Runoff release of staphylococci, enterococci, and C. perfringens were approximately 3 to 6 log10 greater in litter vs. control treatment. In addition, traditional indicators such as thermotolerant and total coliforms performed poorly as fecal indicators. Some isolated enterococci demonstrated increased antibiotic resistance to polymixin b and/or select aminoglyocosides, while many staphylococci were susceptible to most antimicrobials tested. Results indicated poultry litter application can lead to microbial runoff following simulated rain events. Future studies should focus on the use of staphylococci, enterococci, and C. perfringens as indicators.
Effect of N‐(n‐butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide and 3,4 Dimethylpyrazole Phosphate on Gaseous Emissions from Grasslands under Different Soil Water Contents
Authors: Menéndez S. , Merino P. , Pinto M. , González‐Murua C. , Estavillo J. M.
Published: January 2009

The intensification of grassland systems is leading to serious environmental risks due to the large input of nitrogen (N) in fertilizers and the subsequent gaseous losses. Addition of nitrification inhibitors (NI) or urease activity inhibitors to fertilizers could reduce these losses to the atmosphere. In the present study, the effects of the nitrification inhibitor 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and the urease activity inhibitor N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) were evaluated on NH3, N2O, NO, and CO2 emissions. Ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN), urea and cattle slurry were applied at a rate of 70 kg N ha−1 to a mixed clover‐ryegrass sward in the Basque Country (northern Spain) under different soil water contents. NH3 and NO emissions were determined by photoacoustic and chemiluminescence respectively using an open chamber technique while N2O and CO2 emissions were measured by photoacoustic using a closed chamber technique. When the water filled pore space (WFPS) was under 60%, the application of NBPT reduced NO emissions a 34% on urea and an 18% on slurry, and the application of DMPP reduced them a 2% on ASN and a 4% on slurry. No significant effect was observed on NH3 losses. When WFPS was over 60%, no effect could be observed on NO and N2O emissions after the application of both inhibitors, but NH3 losses were reduced a 31% by NBPT when applied with the slurry. Carbon dioxide emissions were unaffected by the use of DMPP or NBPT at any soil water content. Neither grassland yield nor herbage N concentration were influenced by the application of both inhibitors.
Soil Water Content and Soil Disaggregation by Disking Affects PM10 Emissions
Authors: Madden Nicholaus M. , Southard Randal J. , Mitchell Jeff P.
Published: January 2009

Row crop agriculture in California's San Joaquin Valley is a major contributor of particulate matter <10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10). The California Air Resources Board uses fixed PM10 emission values for various tillage operations to monitor and design attainment strategies. However, fixed emission values do not reflect emissions produced by a single implement operating under different soil conditions. This 2‐yr study evaluated how PM10 mass concentrations (μg L−1) from disking change as a function of gravimetric soil water content (GWC), number of sequential diskings (D1, D2, D3), and the soil's weighted mean ped diameter (WMPD). Results showed PM10 increased logarithmically as the soil dried from a GWC of 14 to 4%. Average PM10 values at the lower GWCs were six to eight times greater than at the higher GWCs. Number of diskings also increased PM10, especially in drier soil. Below a GWC of 7%, PM10 for D3 was about twice that for D1. Despite strong correlations between more disking and lower WMPD, a lower WMPD did not always result in an increase in PM10 This underscored the role soil water plays in reducing PM10 at high GWCs despite low WMPDs from multiple diskings. Three‐way interactions between GWC, disking, and PM10 showed, on average, that the magnitude of PM10 produced by D1 was 1.3 to 1.6 times lower than by D3, despite having insignificantly different GWC. Therefore, a disking operation can yield two different PM10 values under similar GWCs if the amount of soil disaggregation is different. Our results show that inclusion of soil parameters in PM10 emission estimates is essential to describing agriculture's role in air quality violations and to assess the value of proposed mitigation measures, such as conservation tillage.
S-100β Protein in Patients with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Vučeljić Marina , Šurbatović Maja , Vujanić Svetlana
Published: January 2009

S-100β Protein in Patients with Severe Sepsis

The effects of sepsis on the brain are not fully elucidated. This study investigated the serum levels of S100β protein in severe sepsis, as a biomarker of brain damage. The aim was to determine whether the levels of S100β are increased early, at the onset of sepsis, and if this protein is a good early predictor of outcome. We studied 30 patients with severe sepsis, divided into the survivors (n=8) and norsurvivors (n=22). Blood was sampled within the first 24h after the onset of symptoms. The concentrations of S100β were measured using an electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay (Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics). Also, we measured the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) using the immunonephelometric assay. Out of 30 patients, 74.4% had increased levels of S100β, while 25.6% had values within the reference range. A total of 30 patients had increased levels of CRP. The mean values of S100β and CRP did not differ significantly between the survivors and nonsurvivors (0.390±0.515 vs. 0.415±0.508 μg/L; 98.76±69.94 vs. 161.68±118.38 mg/L). Correlation between S100β and outcome was not found. The increased levels of S100β indicate possible occult diffuse brain injury, that can be reversible. Moreover, the study showed S100β protein not to be a good early predictor of outcome in severe sepsis.
The Influence of Chronic Helicobacter Pylori Infection on some Serum Lipid Profile Parameters, Apolipoproteins A-I and B and Lp(a) Lipoprotein
Authors: Kojić-Damjanov Sunčica , Đerić Mirjana , Eremić Nevena , Čabarkapa Velibor
Published: January 2009

The Influence of Chronic Helicobacter Pylori Infection on some Serum Lipid Profile Parameters, Apolipoproteins A-I and B and Lp(a) Lipoprotein

Data on proatherogenic lipid profile alterations due to chronic Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection are contradictory. Aim of this study was to examine the differences in some lipid parameters between 55 subjects of both gender with a chronic HP infection (IgG>50 U/mL and IgA <20 U/mL) and 55 gender matched HP seronegative subjects (IgG and IgA <20 U/mL). Total cholesterol (TC) (p<0.001), triglycerides (TG) (p<0.05), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) (p<0.02), non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo) B (p<0.001), Lp(a) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) serum levels were higher in HP seropositive than in seronegative subjects, while there were almost no differences in apo A-I. In HP seropositive subjects, the frequency of pathological TC (p<0.001), TG (p<0.05), LDL-C (p<0.01), non-HDL-C (p<0.01), apo B (p<0.02) and Lp(a) serum levels was higher compared to seronegative. Serum HP IgG titers correlated negatively with TC, LDL-C (p<0.05), non-HDL-C, apo B and Lp(a) levels, and positively with TG, HDL-C and apo A-I levels. Results are similar for both genders. Our results confirm the hypothesis that a chronic HP infection could modify the lipid profile in a proatherogenic way.
Registration of Soybean Germplasm SS93‐6012 and SS93‐6181 Resistant to Phomopsis Seed Decay
Authors: Pathan M. S. , Clark K. M. , Wrather J. A. , Sciumbato G. L. , Shannon J. G. , Nguyen H. T. , Sleper D. A.
Published: January 2009

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm SS93‐6012 (Reg. No. GP‐362, PI 652442) and SS93‐6181 (Reg. No. GP‐363, PI 652443) were developed and released by the University of Missouri–Columbia in January 2006 as resistant to Phomopsis seed decay (PSD), caused by Phomopsis spp. Both lines were developed from a cross between MO/PSD‐0259 (PI562694) (PSD‐resistant MGIV germplasm) and ‘Asgrow 3834’ (PSD‐susceptible MGIII cultivar) made in 1990 at the Bradford Research and Extension Center of the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. The lines were composited in the F5 generation and evaluated for yield and Phomopsis seed decay infection. These lines are highly resistant to Phomopsis spp. SS93‐6012 has a relative maturity of 4.2, purple flowers, gray pubescence, an indeterminate growth habit, tan pods at maturity, yellow color seeds, buff hila, and seed weight of ∼14 g per 100 seeds. SS93‐6181 has a relative maturity of 4.0, purple flowers, tawny pubescence, an indeterminate growth habit, tan pods at maturity, yellow color seeds, imperfect black hila, and seed weight of ∼16 g per 100 seeds. So far, PSD‐resistant commercial soybean cultivars are not available, and these two lines may be used for development of PSD‐resistant high‐yielding soybean cultivars.
Development of Genetically Broad‐based Inbred Lines of Maize for Early‐Maturing (70–80RM) Hybrids
Authors: Carena M. J. , Wanner D. W.
Published: January 2009

ND2005 (Reg. No. PL‐354, PI 650885) and ND2006 (Reg. No. PL‐355, PI 650886) are two new maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines developed for use as parents for 70‐80 relative maturity (RM) hybrids by the North Dakota State University maize breeding program and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in February 2007. ND2005 originated from the improved breeding population NDSM(M)C5 through a modification of pedigree selection including six years of early and late generation testing across 64 environments. ND2006 derived from the improved breeding population NDSBF(LM)C7(HGR)C4 through pedigree selection including five years of early and late generation testing across 31 environments. On the basis of their grain moisture at harvest, ND2005 and ND2006 were released as parents for development of very early maturing hybrids (<80RM). In addition to early maturity, ND2005 produced hybrids with above‐average test weight and lodging resistance. ND2006 produced hybrids with above‐average grain protein content. ND2005 and ND2006 combined best with Iodent and LH82 derived testers. ND2005 also combined well with early B14 types across eastern and western North Dakota.
‘Hycrest II’, a New Crested Wheatgrass Cultivar with Improved Seedling Establishment
Authors: Jensen K. B. , Larson S. R. , Waldron B. L. , Robins J. G.
Published: January 2009

‘Hycrest II’ crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L.) (Reg. No. CV‐31, PI 653685) was released by the USDA‐ARS and the Utah State Agricultural Experiment Station and was developed for reseeding disturbed rangelands dominated by annual weeds as a result of severe disturbance, frequent wild fires, and soil erosion. Hycrest II is one of the original parents to the cultivar Hycrest and originated by intercrossing 10 induced tetraploid plants of ‘Fairway’ crested wheatgrass. Selection emphasis in Hycrest II was on seedling establishment on disturbed rangelands. When planted at a rate of 1 pure live seed cm−1, Hycrest II had more seedlings per unit area during the establishment year than Hycrest at Blue Creek, UT, Green Canyon, UT, Mandan, ND, Miles City, MT, Dugway, UT, and Stone, ID. At Dugway, UT, Hycrest II had more seedlings per unit area than ‘CD II’ crested wheatgrass. Foundation seed of Hycrest II is available through the Utah Crop Improvement Association.
Registration of Five Exotic Germplasm Lines of Cotton Derived from Multiple Crosses among Gossypium Tetraploid Species
Authors: Zeng L. , Meredith W.R.
Published: January 2009

Species polycross (SP) cotton germplasm was developed from multiple crosses among Gossypium tetraploid species. SP156 (Reg. No. GP‐903, PI 654087), SP177 (Reg. No. GP‐904, PI 654088), SP179 (Reg. No. GP‐905, PI 654089), SP205 (Reg. No. GP‐906, PI 654090), and SP225 (Reg. No. GP‐907, PI 654091) were released by the USDA‐ARS for their highly desirable combinations of yield, yield components, and fiber properties. The SP lines were tested for yield and fiber quality in 2005, 2006, and 2007 at six year‐locations. SP179 and SP225 averaged 1221 and 1348 kg ha−1, respectively, for yield in three years' trials compared with 1359 kg ha−1 for ‘Deltapine 555BR’. Fiber bundle strength of these two lines is 233 and 228 kN m kg−1, respectively, compared with 227 kN m kg−1 for ‘FiberMax 960B2R’ (FM960B2R). Yields of SP156, SP177, and SP205 are at least 7% higher than the average, 965 kg ha−1, of FM960B2R and ‘Phytogen 72’ (PHY72). Strength of SP156, SP177, and SP205 is 241, 238, and 236 kN m kg−1, respectively, compared with 241 kN m kg−1, the average of FM960B2R and PHY72. Span length and short fiber content in these lines are also comparable to FM960B2R and PHY72.
Registration of ‘Mace’ Hard Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Graybosch R. A. , Peterson C. J. , Baenziger P. S. , Baltensperger D. D. , Nelson L. A. , Jin Y. , Kolmer J. , Seabourn B. , French R. , Hein G. , Martin T. J. , Beecher B. , Schwarzacher T. , Heslop-Harrison P.
Published: January 2009

‘Mace’ (Reg. No. CV‐1027, PI 651043) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the USDA‐ARS and the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and released in December 2007. Mace was selected from the cross Yuma//PI 372129/3/CO850034/4/4*Yuma/5/(KS91H184/Arlin S//KS91HW29/3/NE89526). Mace primarily was released for its resistance to Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and adaptation to rainfed and irrigated wheat production systems in Nebraska and adjacent areas in the northern Great Plains. Mace was derived from a head selection made from a heterogeneous, in terms of field resistance to WSMV, F5 line. Resistance to WSMV is conditioned by the Wsm‐1 gene, located on an introgressed chromosome arm from Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey [Agropyron intermedium (Horst.) Beauv.] present as a 4DL.4AgS chromosomal translocation. Mace was tested under the experimental designation N02Y5117.
Registration of ‘Desperado’ Six‐Row Barley
Authors: Therrien M. C.
Published: January 2009

‘Desperado’ six‐row barley [Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.] (Reg. No. CV‐340; PI 654069) was developed and released by Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Brandon Research Centre as a dual‐purpose forage and feed cultivar in April 2008. It was derived from a complex cross with the Brandon composite cross BR CC 053 as base parent and evaluated in 20 field tests in western Canada. Desperado is adapted to the Parkland region of western Canada with high grain and dry matter yield potential and good grain test weight. Desperado has 6% higher dry matter yield than ‘AC Ranger’ and similar grain yield and test weight to AC Ranger. Desperado is resistant to several important barley diseases including stem rust (Rpg1 resistance gene) and the surface‐borne smuts, as well as moderate resistance to spot blotch (Cochliobolus spp.) and common root rot [caused by Cochliobolus sativus (Ito and Kuribayashi,) Dreschs. ex Dastur.].
Registration of Striga‐Resistant and Drought‐Tolerant Tropical Early Maize Populations TZE‐W Pop DT STR C4 and TZE‐Y Pop DT STR C4
Authors: Badu-Apraku B. , Yallou C. G.
Published: January 2009

Two maize (Zea mays L.) populations, TZE‐W Pop DT STR C4 (Reg. No. GP‐574, PI 654407), white‐ grained, flint/dent, and TZE‐Y Pop DT STR C4 (Reg. No. GP‐575, PI 654408), yellow‐grained, flint/dent with drought tolerance and moderate levels of resistance to the flowering parasitic witchweed, Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth, were developed at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The two breeding populations were released to national maize programs in west and central Africa as source germplasm in 2004 for the development of Striga‐resistant synthetic varieties, parental inbred lines, and hybrids. The populations were released for their superior grain yield under Striga‐infested and noninfested conditions. They also have good levels of resistance to maize streak virus, tropical lowland rust (incited by Puccinia polysora Underw.), and blight [caused by Bipolaris maydis (Nisikado & Miyake) Shoemaker]. In multilocation trials in Benin Republic and Nigeria, 2006 and 2007, TZE‐W Pop STR C4 outyielded the Striga‐susceptible check TZE Comp. 4 by 44% under Striga infestation and 12% when noninfested. Under the same conditions, the increased yield for TZE‐Y Pop DT STR C4 was 42% (Striga infested) and 16% (noninfested). The check variety TZE Comp. 4 suffered the highest Striga damage and supported the highest number of emerged Striga plants when Striga infested.
Registration of Nine Maize Populations Resistant to Tropical Diseases
Authors: Brewbaker James L.
Published: January 2009

Nine open‐pollinated populations of maize (Zea mays L.), ‘HIC1’ (Reg. No. CV‐2, PI 652866), ‘HIC2’ (Reg. No. CV‐3, PI 652867), ‘HIC3’ (Reg. No. CV‐4, PI 652868), ‘HIS1’ (Reg. No. CV‐5, PI 652869), ‘HIS2’ (Reg. No. CV‐6, PI 652870), ‘HIS3’ (Reg. No. CV‐7, PI 652871), ‘HIS4’ (Reg. No. CV‐8, PI 652872), ‘HIS5’ (Reg. No. CV‐9, PI 652873), and ‘HIS6’ (Reg. No. CV‐10, PI 652874), were released by Hawaii Foundation Seeds of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources of the University of Hawaii. Six are inbred‐based synthetic populations (HIS1–HIS6) selected for resistance to specific diseases, and three are composites (HIC1–HIC3) derived from open‐pollinated predecessors. The populations are largely tropically adapted flints that involve from 10 to 25% temperate parentage. They represent a total of 92 cycles of recurrent selection, and all are resistant to Maize mosaic virus
Productivity assessment and its improvement strategies for small metal workshops
Authors: Khan MMA , Islam MA , Salahuddin AFM , Iqbal M
Published: January 2009

A case study research was conducted with a view to assess the impact of five factors such as man, machine, material, money, and safety on productivity. The scope of this study was limited only to small metal workshops, which produces customized independent products. 18 case studies were performed based on selected workshops of different categories (welding shops, repair shops, sheet metal shops). Total Productivity Model (TPM) has been used as the theoretical base of the research model. It has been identified that insufficiency of skilled workers, improper utilization of materials, inefficient inventory control, ineffective safety package etc., are the most critical obstacles to productivity improvement in terms of product and material and hence to the overall productivity improvement of the organization as a whole. Some productivity improvement strategies made on the basis of the observations and analysis are also included in this paper. Keywords: Assessment, Productivity, Total Productivity Model (TPM), and Small Metal Workshops. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i1.1827 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. ME39, No. 1, June 2008 8-12
Design, construction and performance study of a cascade impactor for reducing diesel particulate emission
Authors: Akhter Md Shamim , Hoque SM Najmul , Nabi Md Nurun
Published: January 2009

In this paper, the design and construction of a cascade impactor for reducing particulate emission from a diesel engine exhaust has been presented and experiments have been carried out to determine its collection efficiency. The cascade impactor designed in this work consists of four stages having successive decreasing nozzle diameter so as to capture successive smaller diameter particles in the stages. The successive nozzle diameters (D) were selected 2.1cm, 1.7cm, 1.3cm and 0.9cm. Also the distances between nozzle and impaction plate (S) were taken as 2.1cm, 1.4cm, 0.9cm and 0.45cm respectively so that S/D for succeeding stages becomes 1, 0.82, 0.7 and 0.5 respectively. In this investigation, collection efficiency of the cascade impactor based on different engine operating conditions has been determined. Effect of fitting the cascade impactor to engine exhaust on different engine parameters and engine emissions were also found out. At a constant speed of 1000 rpm, a maximum collection efficiency of about 85% of the impactor was obtained at a load of 6kg. A slight decrease in brake thermal efficiency of the engine with the cascade impactor was also noticed. However, by fitting the cascade impactor to the engine, CO and NOx emissions were found to decrease. Keywords: Real impactor, cascade impactor, Reynolds number, Stokes number, collection efficiency. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i1.1830 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. ME39, No. 1, June 2008 26-29
Natural convection in tilted square cavities with triangular shaped top cold wall
Authors: Sultana Tamanna , Saha Sumon , Saha Goutam , Islam Md Quamrul
Published: January 2009

A numerical study of natural convection in a tilted square cavity with heated horizontal base and cold upper wall is presented. The present study is based in such a configuration where the top triangular wall of two different shapes is maintained at a constant low temperature. A constant heat flux source whose length is 20% of the total length of the cavity is discretely embedded at the left corner of the bottom wall. The remaining part of the bottom wall and the two sidewalls are considered to be adiabatic. The study includes computations for inclination angles of the cavity from 0Â° to 45Â°, where the Grashof number, Gr varies from 103 to 106. The Penalty finite element method has been used to see the effects of inclination angles and Grashof number on heat transfer process in the cavity. Results are presented in the form of streamline and isotherm plots as well as the variation of the average Nusselt number. Observation shows the significant effect of different triangular top surface on the heat transfer characteristics at the higher Grashof number and inclination angle. Keywords: Natural convection, Penalty finite element, Nusselt number, Isoflux heating. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i1.1831 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. ME39, No. 1, June 2008 30-39 Â
Biodiesel production from linseed oil and performance study of a diesel engine with diesel bio-diesel
Authors: Nabi Md Nurun , Hoque SM Najmul
Published: January 2009

The use of biodiesel is rapidly expanding around the world, making it imperative to fully understand the impacts of biodiesel on the diesel engine combustion process and pollutant formation. Biodiesel is known as "the mono alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable lipid feedstock, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, for use in compression ignition (diesel) engines." Biodiesel was made by transesterification from linseed oil. In aspect of Bangladesh linseed can play an important role in the production of alternative diesel fuel. The climatic and soil condition of our country is convenient for the production of linseed (Linum Usitatissimum) crop. In the first phase of this work optimization of different parameters for biodiesel production were investigated. In the second phase the performance study of a diesel engine with diesel biodiesel blends were carried out. The results showed that with the variation of catalyst, methanol and reaction time; variation of biodiesel production was realized. About 88% biodiesel production was experienced with 20% methanol, 0.5% NaOH catalyst and at 550C. The results also showed that when compared with neat diesel fuel, biodiesel gives almost similar thermal efficiency, lower carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) while slightly higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission was experienced.Â  Keywords: Biodiesel, linseed oil, catalyst, alcohol and diesel emissions. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i1.1832 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. ME39, No. 1, June 2008 40-44
Relaxation and breakup of a cylindrical liquid column
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Umemura Akira
Published: January 2009

Instability of capillary wave and breakup of a square cylindrical liquid column during its relaxation have been investigated numerically by simulating three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. For this investigation a computer code based on volume-of-fluid (VOF) method has been developed and validated with published experimental results. The result shows that the agreement of numerical simulation is quite well with the experimental data. The code is then used to study the capillary wave and breakup phenomena of the liquid column. The investigation shows the underlying physics during relaxation of the square cylindrical liquid column, illustrates the formation and propagation of capillary wave, and breakup processes. The breakup behavior for the present configuration of the liquid column shows some significant differences from those predicted by conventional jet atomization theories. The formation of capillary wave is initiated by the surface tension on the sharp edge of the square end of the cylinder and the propagation of the wave occurs due to the effect of surface tension force on the motion of the fluid. The propagation of capillary wave to the end of liquid column causes a disturbance in the system and makes the waves unstable which initiates the breakup of the liquid column. The characteristics of the capillary wave show that the amplitude of the swell grows faster than the neck of the wave and that of the tip wave grows much faster than the other waves. The velocity of the liquid particle is dominated by the pressure in the liquid column. Keywords: Instability; Continuum surface force; Liquid disintegration; Capillary wave; Surface tension; VOF method doi:10.3329/jme.v39i2.1847 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME39, No. 2, Dec. 2008 57-64
A numerical study of mixed convection in a square cavity with a heat conducting square cylinder at different locations
Authors: Rahman Md Mustafizur , Alim MA , Saha Sumon , Chowdhury MK
Published: January 2009

Numerical simulations are carried out for mixed convection flow in a vented cavity with a heat conducting horizontal square cylinder. A two-dimensional solution for steady laminar mixed convection flow is obtained by using the finite element scheme based on the Galerkin method of weighted residuals for different Richardson numbers varying over the range of 0.0 to 5.0. The study goes further to investigate the effect of the inner cylinder position on the fluid flow and heat transfer in the cavity. The location of the inner cylinder is changed horizontally and vertically along the centerline of the cavity. The effects of both Richardson numbers and cylinder locations on the streamlines, isotherms, average rate of heat transfer from the hot wall, the average temperature of the fluid inside the cavity and the temperature at the cylinder center inside the cavity are investigated. The results indicate that the flow field and temperature distributions inside the cavity are strongly dependent on the Richardson numbers and the position of the inner cylinder. Keywords: Finite element method, square cylinder, vented cavity, mixed convection. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i2.1850 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME39, No. 2, Dec. 2008 78-85
Aerodynamic characteristics of a stationary five bladed vertical axis vane wind turbine
Authors: Kamal Faizul Mohammad , Islam Md Quamrul
Published: January 2009

Drag and torque coefficients of a stationary five bladed vane type rotor have been investigated in this present research work by measuring the pressure distribution on the blade surfaces at various rotor angles. The experimental investigation has been performed at Reynolds number 1.65 x 105 in a uniform flow jet produced by an open circuit wind tunnel. It has been observed that the total static torque coefficient increases from 0° to 10°, and reaches its maximum value and then decreases up to 30°. From this point, the total static torque increases up to 72°. Total static torque coefficient at different rotor angles curve repeats from 72° to 144°, 144° to 216°, 216° to 288°, and 288° to 360° angle of rotation. A quasi-steady approach has been applied for the prediction of dynamic performance of the rotor using the static drag and torque coefficients. This method results in a fair agreement with the measured power coefficient. Keywords: Vertical axis wind turbine, vane type rotor, drag coefficient, torque coefficient. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i2.1852 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME39, No. 2, Dec. 2008 95-99
Influence of curve fitting techniques on hydrostatic characteristics of ship
Authors: Karim Md Mashud , Ali Md Ashim , Iqbal Kho. Sahriar
Published: January 2009

This paper presents influence of curve fitting techniques on hydrostatic characteristics of marine vessels.Â  Three vessels having lengths of 32.16m, 70.0m and 25.6m are selected for this study. The hull geometries of these vessels are represented by three curve fitting techniques such as least square, cubic spline and B-spline methods. At first, hydrostatic characteristics of the vessels are calculated using data only available in offset table and then using more data generated by curve fitting techniques. Finally, results obtained by offset table data are compared to those by fitted data. It is seen that there are some influences of curve fitting technique on the hydrostatic characteristics of ship especially at lightly loaded condition. Keywords: Curve fitting technique, ship hull form, offset table, hydrostatic characteristics, ship stability, cross curve. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i2.1853 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME39, No. 2, Dec. 2008 100-112
Protective Effects of Squid Ink Extract Towards Hemopoietic Injuries Induced by Cyclophosphamine
Authors: Zhong Jie-Ping , Wang Guang , Shang Jiang-Hua , Pan Jiang-Qiu , Li Kun , Huang Yan , Liu Hua-Zhong
Published: January 2009

To investigate the protective effects of squid ink in chemotherapy, BALB/c mice were used as animal models of injuries induced by cyclophosphamine, a well known chemotherapeutic drug. The mice were randomly divided into five groups with the same number of males and females in each group. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed to investigate organ indexes and antioxidant ability of the spleen, peripheral blood profile and quantities of bone marrow nucleated cells. Results showed that the hemopoietic function of mice was injured by cyclophosphamine, as indicated by decreases of contents of erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin and bone marrow nucleated cells (P0.05), as well as modification of organ indexes (P
An application of CSAMT to a geological investigation for railway route selection
Authors: Lei Da , Zhao Guoze , Yang Zhihong , Zhao Fugang , Li Xiaochang
Published: January 2009

The controlled‐source audio‐frequency magnetotelluric method is a frequency domain electromagnetic sounding technique using a controlled source. This method, though characterized by efficiency, high lateral resolution, weak shielding effect from resistive beds and moderate detection depth has been rarely used for near‐surface geological investigation before in China. However, in the upper 200 m geological investigation for the pre‐route selection of the Lan‐Xin railway, the method has been successfully adopted for quickly mapping hidden fracture zones and structural framework, as well as assessing geological stability, so providing a basis for the railway route selection.